//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Big Sisters // Story: Equestria’s White Fang // by Garnet Naturea //------------------------------// “One more time Private! Remember, left hoof forwards, hands near your chin!” I call out to one of my new recruits, Private Quick Strike, as he faced off against me, the others nearby taking mental and actual notes. It has only been four days since the creation of the White Fang, and so far, things have been pretty promising. Once we informed the current members of the guard that we would be creating the White Fang, the responce was silence, since they had no idea what the White Fang was. Once I explained it though, both the solar and lunar guards were intrigued. I went through the selections process, choosing several young and new members of the guard, the highest ranking one being one Sergeant Razor Wave, a specialist in dagger fights. Most thought I was just picking soldiers at random or by young age, but I was actually using my aura to view each of theirs and select those who have ‘aura imbalance’ as I call it. Basically they are like a Jaune before he unlocked his Selmblance. They are inexperienced, but have to the potential to grow and become far better than they already are. After selecting them, I immediately set up a workout and training regiment for them all, and joined in myself. While I was strong and deadly in my own right, I knew nopony would follow me if I made them trudge through hell while I relaxed in heaven. So came the obligatory training days, consisting of speed and strength training one day, weapons training the next, and we are currently in hand-to-hand and martial arts training. I already had a couple more days planned before I head back to Ponyville for a bit. The plan is I spend a week or two in Canterlot for training, then head back to Ponyville for another week to recharge before coming back and doing it again. I stare down my opponent as he rushes forwards, trying to punch my face, which I block easily with my arm, before spinning him and placing him in a rear headlock. “Now, how does he get out?” I question to the crowd before us, a certain rainbow maned pegasus speaking up as I slowly increase the pressure on the stallions neck. “Clear your airway first!” RD calls, Quick barely being able to nod before turning his head slightly and pulling my arm down slightly by the elbow, gaining his breath a bit. Next a certain former android spoke up. “Try and tuck your chin in the crook of his elbow! This’ll make it harder for him to try and cut off your air again!” He follows her directions and manages to get the bottom part of his muzzle into the crook of my elbow, stopping me from tightening around his neck. “Now step back, and lock your leg behind his.” Qrow says from his perch on the ceiling support beam. Quick nods and does as instructed, before finishing the move by turning and tossing me past him, tripping me up with his leg causing me to fall on my back. I smile up to the stallion as he catches he breath properly, getting to my feet. “Well done Quick.” I say with a pat on the back before turning to the group before me. “That’s enough training for today. Tomorrow we go through Grimm and their weaknesses, so be sure to bring some notepads and pay close attention. Dismissed.” The crowd parts, each soldier heading to the showers and planning to relax for the rest of the night. It was an hour before sunset, and we started an hour after sunrise, so all of us needed a shower. After each of us cleaned up, I met up with RD and Penny at the entrance to the training hall. “Another day down, eh cap?” RD says with a grin, her black and white sport shorts and blue t-shirt beneath her denim jacket looked clean. I am really glad Rarity all but forced RD to pack several changed of clothes once the girls learned what we would be doing in Canterlot. “Yeah, I knew this would be tough, and I am not disappointed.” I say with a slight wince as I stretch. “Are you ok Adam? You have been taking a bunch of hits lately.” Penny questions with worry, back in her original outfit. She has been a huge help with selecting which lessons to go through at what time, considering she can think faster than others, it seems. “Yeah I’m fine Penny. What better way for the members to learn and vent stress than fight against the one putting them through hell in the first place.” I explain as the three of us head into the castle, noting Qrow flying away, likely to one of the taverns nearby. “So, you girls got any plans for the rest of the night?” I question as we pass the library. “Not really. I was thinking of going for a flight back to Ponyville to pick up the new Daring Do book Twi is holding for me.” Rainbow answers. “Um, I was thinking of spending some time in the library to read up on more of this worlds history and maybe how their magic works.” Penny replies, a bit of shyness showing through. I can’t help the grin that crossed my face at that. Penny can be pretty shy sometimes, and super outgoing other times. Not sure why, but I found it really cute. “Well, what about you captain? Aside from those lesson plans.” Rainbow asks, hovering next to me. “Hmm, not sure. I was thinking of relaxing for the night. Tomorrow shouldn’t be too hectic since we are going over the Grimm.” I respond, idly rubbing my necklace. Before we left for Canterlot, I had Rarity make me a necklace to hold the philosopher’s stone I got from Ed, so there is no chance of me either losing it or it getting stolen. “Urg, I really wish something new would happen. I mean Grimm training is great and all, but I wanna experience something entirely new, ya know?” RD says with a mix of boredom and annoyance. Penny and I couldn’t help but nod in agreement with her though. “I know what you mean. While being a soldier is something I expected to become, going through the training as a normal human is definitely not what I was expecting.” Penny responds. “Amen to that Penny.” I say. The three of us stop, just outside my room in the guest wings. “But, it’s not like a portal will just open up and suck us through and on an adventure.” With that, I realized I just invited Murphy over for tea and cookies. I blink a couple times as I feel a small tingling in the back of my mind and hear a voice, one that sounds familiar, but I couldn’t place it. ”I call upon the Sword of Equality and the Fairy of Justice.” I look around for a second before a large portal like the one that appeared when Edward summoned me appears right infront of the door to my room. There was a beat, then Penny began to giggle quietly. “Well, it seems you are getting your wish Rainbow Dash. Adam is being summoned to another world.” She says, motioning to the portal. “And apparently I am not the only one being summoned.” I mutter, picturing the blue crystal pendant I got from Ed as well. I just shrug and turn to RD and Penny. “So, you two wanna come along?” “You know I’m in. I wonder how this world will differ from ours or Edwards.” Penny says with a smile, one I couldn’t stop returning. We turn to RD, who places a hand on her chin and thought for all of five seconds before grinning. “Let’s go.” She says simply, and the two of us chuckle at her daredevil nature. With a quick check of our equipment, the three of us walk through the portal and our visions go white for a second. **** Walking out of the portal, our visions coming back, we are greeted with the chill of winter and the sound of snow crunching under our boots and hooves in RD’s case. I quickly adjust my mask out of habit before stretching slightly. “Oh man, I wonder who summoned us this time.” I mutter aloud, enjoying the cold air passing through my lungs. “Yeah you said it dude. I wonder who would be the first to summon me.” I hear from next to me and turn. I go wide eyed as I see the group that was standing next to mine, consisting of a silver coated, black maned unicorn stallion with red eyes, a freaking purple flying cat with white wings and brighter red eyes and who I guess is the displaced of their group. She had slightly spiky blue hair with golden stripes in them, and heterochromatic eyes, one being pale yellow and the other being chocolate brown. She had a blue guarded rapier attached to her side, and was wearing a very familiar looking orange dress beneath a gold rimmed, white jacket. I lift my mask and get a better look at the woman before me, before we are interrupted by the sound of someone sniffling. The two of us turn to the source, and I am stunned stupid for a second at who I am looking at. A pink haired girl, with a pair of rose eyes that seemed full of life. She was wearing a purple long-sleeve shirt with a pair of blue cargo pants and a purple bow in her hair. But what really caught my attention, was two off-white horns protruding from her temples. Despite the difference in clothing, I knew this character as Lucy/Nyu from Elfen Lied. But I also knew someone who was dressed as her before we all got separated. So, I took a leap of faith and hope. “Nat?” I question, barely noting the woman next to me asking the same thing. The woman nods, tears beginning to form in the corner of her eyes. “Adam? Lex?” She asks, and I nod, before processing what she just asked and turn to the other girl. I look her over with widened eyes, how the heck did my squirt of a big sis grow that much in a few months? “How..? Who..?” I question intelligently, unable to comprehend what I am seeing right now. I don’t get to dwell on it for long though, before I feel something wrap around my torso and send me flying straight into the arms of my now Diclonius sister. “ADAM! LEX! You’re ok!” She yells with relief, tears flowing down her eyes as the three of us land in the snow. I shake my head and pull my big sisters close, letting them cry their eyes out on me while I admittedly struggle not to join them in shedding tears. I am not entirely sure how long the three of us were laying in the snow for before they dry their eyes and I feel something help me to my feet. Once we are up we give one another an individual hug each. “Oh man! I can’t even tell you two how happy I am to see you again!” Nat exclaimed with glee. “Same here sis. I can’t believe it. Though, in hindsight I shouldn’t be all that surprised, since the three of us sent out our tokens.” I point out with a grin, my sisters nodding with their own grins. We hear the snow crunching behind us and turn, seeing the stallion, feline and my friends walking up with wide eyes. “Adam, is that?” Penny questions. I nod with a warm smile before the three of us line up. “Penny, Rainbow. Meet my big sisters. Natali and Alexandria, or just Nat and Lex.” I introduce with a smile, my friends smiling warmly as well. “Sonbā and Echo. Say hi to my little sister and little brother, Natali and Adam.” Lex says to her friends with a grin, the duo nodding with smiles. Nat turns to the small crowd gathered behind her, consisting of Shining Armor and his family, though Cadence was missing. “Guys, meet Adam and Lex.” Nat says simply. The three of us smile as our respective groups begin to meet and greet each other. ”Hey! Don’t forget me guys!” We hear from out of nowhere. Lex and I look around in confusion, before noticing Nat’s smirk. We both raise one brow, before the other catches up as the air next to Nat seems to shimmer like it is heating up, and someone becomes visible. She looks like Nat, but her hair is covering one of her darker eyes, she is wearing different clothes and she is partially transparent. It barely took a second for me to guess who it was. “Sora?!” Lex and I exclaim in shocked confusion. My transparent little sister nods with a smirk before hovering in the air next to Nat. ”The one and only. Who did you expect? Mrs. Hyde?” she says with a smirk. Those who don’t know her look shocked at Sora, so I am glad this worlds Shining and Spike explain to them who Sora is. “How is this possible?! I mean I know you can take control over Nat’s body but how are you appearing right now?” I question somewhat frantically. I barely spare a glance to Lex and note her eyes were glowing green for some reason. “Well the first Displaced we summoned was a draconequus named Loki. He found out about Sora almost instantaneously and afterwards cast a spell on us to let either of us have an astral form for whenever the other is in control of our body.” Nat explain. I nod after a second and turn to the gathered group behind us, seeing my friends talking with Shining and Lex’s companions talking with Spike. “Ok that is cool.” I turn to Lex with a raised brow, her eyes still glowing green. “Looks like your astral form is the result of a combination of chaotic and Harmonious magic being combined properly to give you control over outside magic.” Lex explains to Nat. The three of us turn to her with questioning looks on our faces, all of us silently asking how the heck she could figure that out. “After I had to deal with something in my Equestria I found a chest that was sealed by a powerful spell. Turns out one of the versions of Master Mavis, the founder of Fairy Tail, sent out the chest that was filled with info on Fiore magic. I unlocked it and gained way more magic than I had when I arrived in Equestria. I have been practicing with my different styles of magic for the past couple months.” She explains after a second. “Yeah, Edward mentioned that you taught him Arc of Embodiment, but I was a little confused on how.” I add, idly rubbing my philosophers stone again. ”Um, can someone please introduce us?” Lex and I turn around and look around a bit as we hear that. I didn’t recognize that voice. Didn’t sound like anyone I have met back in my Equestria. “Oops, sorry Selene. I guess we got too excited.” Nat says, turning to someone behind her. I raise a brow, before my jaw gets reacquainted with the ground as she turns. In her arms was a familiar creature with a flytrap like appendage on the back of her head, on her hear sat a familiar grey and blue fox and standing next to her was another familiar lion-like animal. Lex beat me to the punch with our exclamation though. “You have Pokemon here?!” She yells in shock. Nat nods with a smile, her pokemon companions smirking at our reactions. “Guys, meet Selene, Topaz and Chance. They have been showing up in Equestria seemingly at random, and have each been great friends.” Nat introduces, the three pokemon greeting us. “Ok, those things look awesome.” RD says, hovering over to us. “Agreed. These creatures are more adorable than me, and that is no easy feat.” Says the purple Exeed, Echo I think, as she flys over as well. Nat giggles as Selene jumps into Rainbow’s arms and nuzzles up. Without any prompting, Rainbow can’t help but go ‘awww’ and coo at the little fox. It only took a second for her to realize what she just did and looks to all of us. “None of you heard that.” She says sternly. There was a moment of complete silence, before all of us burst out laughing. It took a while before all of us managed to calm down. “Don’t worry Rainbow. We’ll be quiet.” This worlds Twilight says, wiping her eyes. RD raises a brow and hovers over to Twilight, looking her over more closely. “So you’re this worlds version of Twi, huh? Weird. You look exactly like the one back home, but I feel there is something different about you.” Rainbow mutters, hovering over Twilight. The unicorn raises a brow but eventually just shakes her head. “So, any real reason for our summoning Nat?” Lex questions with a small smile. “Not really. After I got your tokens I was just planning on summoning whoever they belonged to and to offer my token before we went to the party.” Nat replies with a shrug. “What party?” Penny asks. ”Its Hearths Warming right now. We got invited to a private party by the princesses. Actually, would you guys like to come? We told Luna we might be inviting some friends.” Sora informs. Lex and I glance to our accompanying groups. Penny and Rainbow glance to one another before shrugging and nodding to me. I smile to them before turning back to Nat. “I’m in. There is no way I am leaving my sisters to go though this holiday without me.” I say with a smile, my friends walking up to me with their own smiles. “But, not all of you have some outfits that would work.” Points out the older stallion, Twilight and Shining’s father I guess? “No worries there. I can just use some of my abilities to make our outfits.” Lex states with a grin. I glance to my friends as I see Penny’s eyes light up with a smile. “Oh! If you can just get me some material, I can use my alchemy to make myself a dress.” Penny says with a smile. Now I am curious. What can Penny make in terms of fashion? “You have alchemy?” Sonbā asks in surprise. Penny nods and begins to go over how she and I met Edward. It didn’t take as long as I expected it to for our groups to get properly acquainted and for us to head into the house. The girls were changing in the living room and Twilight’s old bedroom, while Shining, Spike, Night, Sonbā and myself were changing upstairs. Sonba got lucky in that he has the same figure as Shining Armor so he could borrow one of the unicorns suits. Myself on the other hand... “So you really have nothing that would fit me?” I question, looking through the closet. “Sorry Adam, but you’re just taller and a little thinner than me or my dad.” Shining says, putting on his suit jacket. I just sigh and rub the back of my head before taking off my necklace and putting it in my pocket. “Well, do you guys have a spare tie? My outfit could work as the bare minimum of formal wear.” I point out. Night nods and digs into a drawer before tossing me a black and grey tie. I nod to him in thanks before tying it. “So, how long has Nat and Sora been in the world Spike?” I question as the drake finishes getting his clothes on. “Oh, they’ve been here since Discord got escaped, so three or four months.” He replies. “Really? Lex has been in our Equestria for almost five months already.” Sonbā says. “Hmm, looks like we each entered our Equestria’s at different times than each other. I have only been in my Equestria for a couple of months now. And it looks like each of our worlds are at different points in time, since Discord was already turned back into stone when I arrived.” I mutter. “Same with our world.” Sonbā says, double checking his suit. I place a hand on my chin. I guess the transition to each of our Equestria’s took longer for me while Lex was the fastest. Makes sense, since she is still a human just with magical powers now, while Nat, Sora and I were turned into a different species. I just shrug and shake my head before heading out the room and downstairs. I internally laugh as I see my sisters posing to one another while the other takes pictures with their phones. Nat was wearing a really nice black and red dress with a silver buckle and black heels. Lex was in a familiar purple dress with her longer hair done up in a bun with two strands on the sides of her face. It took me a second to remember where the outfit was from, it was one of Erza Scarlet’s dresses from Fairy Tail. Makes sense, considering Lex is a Fairy Tail wizard now. Rainbow was in a white dress with red cuffs and a blue collar beneath a black hooded jacket. Finally Echo was wearing a different light blue and pink dress with black shoes for herself “I should have expected you two to be taking photos of each other.” I say with a grin, the girls seeing me and the other guys walking down the stairs. I can see Nat roll her eyes at my lack of a different outfit. “And we should have expected you to barely change anything.” Lex counters. All of us chuckle at this again. We hear tapping and see as Penny’s mirrors disappear. I am pretty sure my eyes would have poped out of their sockets if there was a chaos magic user nearby as I look over my friend. Penny’s dress was grey with light green symbols around the bottom, her brown straps around her shoulders, her boots being changed as well, turning them into high heeled versions that also reach near her knee and a pair of black and green gloves on. “Um, how d-do I look?” She asks shyly. I barely register Nat grabbing her and Lex’s phone and snapping a picture of Penny. “Wow! Penny you look incredible!” Sora says, looking her over. Penny smiles before turning to me and it was almost like the world around us was turned off. While I know I wasn’t wearing anything too different, Penny’s eyes still traced over me while I did the same. Now, I will be the first to admit that Penny is pretty, but this? The only words that could be used to describe her in my opinion would be beautiful or even breathtaking. I am not sure how long Penny and I were stuck frozen, looking over one another, but we were brought back to reality by someone shaking my shoulder. “Um, Adam?” I turn and see it is Nat, who is looking to me with a very confused look on her face. I blink a couple times and shake my head before clearing my throat, trying to ignore that the temperature of my face was increasing very fast. “Um, wow Penny. You look incredible.” I say lamely, rubbing the back of my head with an embarrassed grin. Penny blushes brightly and rubs her hands together, but I could see the smile she was trying to hide. Unfortunately, I missed the glance and grin my sisters shared. “Well, all we need now if for mom and Twily to finish and we can head to the castle.” Shining says, thankfully breaking the awkward silence that had befallen us. “You won’t need to wait long.” We all turn as Twilight’s mother, Twilight Velvet, walks down in a rather nice looking pale blue dress with a sapphire necklace. I could see Twi’s dad having a smile and blush on his face as his wife walks over to him. We all turn to the stairs as we hear another set of hooves coming down, seeing Twilight walk down the stairs. Twilight was wearing a dress I think Rarity would have, and probably did, make. The lower part of the dress and the collar were dark indigo and the torso being light blue, the bottom of it having stars around the bottom and one star hair pin with her hair being in a bun. Not going to lie, Twilight looked pretty cute. Before Twi reached the bottom step, she stopped and her eyes widened. I raised a brow and followed her gaze, seeing she has her eyes locked with Nat. The duo look over each other, remaining completely silent. I tilt my head slightly and glance to the others, all of whom shrug or sigh. Eventually Sora hovers down from her spot on the ceiling and clears her throat loudly, gaining their attentions. The duo end up blushing brightly as they realize how long all of us have been waiting for them “Ahem, sorry. You look beautiful Twilight.” Nat says with a smile and blush. Twilight plays with her hair a bit before responding. “Thanks Nat. You looks great too.” She says with her own smile. The group stays silent for a bit after that before Lex let’s out a loud sigh and claps her hands. “Alright! If that is everything, can we get going?” She says and all of us nod. Nat remembers to return her pokemon to their pokeballs, then we all leave and head towards the castle. Though, we barley made it a block before lex stopped and her idea face appeared. “Hold on everypony. How about I just teleport all of us to the main hall?” She says, everyone but her friends, Nat, Sora and I looking confused. “But a teleportation spell of that magnitude would take tons of magical power.” Shining says with a little worry in his voice. “Maybe for a teleportation spell with pony magic, but I am using a type of magic called Direct Line, which is used for fast paced teleportation. I have used it before, but this will be the largest group I have ever teleported before.” She explains. It took me a second before I remembers how Direct Line works in Fairy Tail. It is very useful for short and medium ranged travel, but rather limited in very long ranged travel. Luckily I could see the castle from here, so I think it should be close enough. Nodding to Lex, I place a hand her shoulder, holding Penny’s hand with my other. Eventually everyone is connected and Nat and I nod to my sister, who takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. “Direct Line!” The imagery around us flickers before changing to what I recognized as the entrance to the main hall in the castle. I didn’t get to marvel for long though, before I felt lightheaded and had to catch myself as well as Penny. I guess the Teleportation takes a toll on everyone who uses it, even if they didn’t cast the spell, as seen by RD falling on her face. After a minute or two all of us regained our bearings and walked towards the door. Lex walked up and knocked loudly, the handles being covered by magical auras and slowly opened. Inside the grand and decorated ballroom was several ponies I knew back home. Celestia, Luna, Rarity, Fluttershy, this realms Rainbow Dash, a couple guards and, urg, Blueblood. I really do not like that guy. He is so obnoxious and prideful. Luckily he has yet to mess with me and my division, but I have heard the equivalent of horror stories about him back home. “Um, why are you all so tensed?” I am brought out of my mental rambling as Sonbā asks this. Somehow I missed how tensed up the resident ponies were, Fluttershy hiding behind Luna, the guards with their hands on their weapons and...Blueblood standing protectively in front of a batpony? After a second Celestia coughs into her fist, earning the resident ponies attentions. The guards subtly nod and release their holds on their weapons, while Fluttershy slowly come out from behind Luna. Though, this worlds Rainbow Dash, I’ll just refer to her as Dash, remained on guard, seeming ready for a fight. My worlds Rainbow noticed and chuckles. “What’s so funny?” Dash demands harshly. ‘Rainbow please don’t do something reckless....did I really just think that?’ “You know, I really should have expected you to be on guard. It is what I would do.” Rainbow says, her tone suggesting she is loving the looks on the resident ponies faces. I could see her large smirk as she reaches up and lowers her hood, revealing who she is. Dash’s jaw and butt got acquainted with the ground as she sat down in disbelief. “R-Rainbow?” Fluttershy asks quietly, in shock. Dash looks like she needs a rebooting, the others not being any better. The awkward and stunned silence was broken like a thunderclap by Rainbow bursting out laughing. “BWAHAHAHAH!! O-oh my Celestia! You g-guys should see your faces!” She yell in laughter, a couple of the group laughing as well. I just sigh and facepalm, glad I took off my mask earlier. “RD, I don’t think that was a good idea.” I say, pointing to the still stunned Dash. Rainbow looks to her before shrugging to me. “Eh, if this version is anything like me she will-“ she doesn’t get to continue before she dodges out of the way Dash rocketing towards her with a punch. “Alright copycat! Who are you?!” Rainbow shouts. I cross my arms and get ready to see the Rainbow’s fight, before some kind of green rope is launched from next to me and wrapped around the Pegasi, separating them. I glance next to me and see it is Lex using one of her magic spells. “Hey!” They both shout. Lex seems to think for a minute before speaking up. “Yeah, I am just going to stop you two before this becomes a problem. And just so we don’t end up mixing you two up...” she trails off before lifting her other hand, a different matrix appearing in it. All of us are confused and interested in what she is doing, so we all look to the two Rainbows. Suddenly the fur of my RD changes from cyan to cerulean and the order of the color in her mane reverses. The rope holding them is disperses and the newly changed pegasus looked herself over. “Huh, I always wondered how I would look if I dyed my fur.” She says to herself. I silently whistle, impressed by Lex’s magical abilities. I hear a sigh and turn, seeing Celestia looking to Nat and Twilight. The two natives look to one another and sigh to themselves. “It’s a long story.” They say together. Celestia raises a brow, before taking a seat in her throne, followed by her sister and the others in their own spots. “We have time.” Around an hour of talking later, we got everyone up to speed on what all of us were doing here and why there were two Rainbow. It went without saying, but my RD was loving every second of her counterpart being confused. Anyways, after everything was said and done we were greeted properly by the native ponies, Rarity walking up with a warm smile. “So this is Adam and Alexandria. I had hoped we could meet one day, though I did not expect it during this holiday.” She says with a slight flutter of her lashes. The three of us just look to her with deadpan expression, she immediately blushes and looks away. I hear some more hooves and see it is Blueballs, I mean Blueblood, walking up. Oddly, he had a smile I wound expect on Celestia and maybe Luna. “Well, allow me to be the first to welcome the six of you to this realm. I am Prince Blueblood, but please just call me Blue.” he says with a smile, holding his hand out to shake. ...say what now? It appeared I wasn’t the only one confused as I see Lex and her group looking slightly stunned as well. This dude is polite here? I shake my head slightly and step up, albeit awkwardly, and shake his hand, feeling he is quite strong for a unicorn. “Nice to meet you to Blue. I am Adam Taurus, leader of the White Fang squadron of the royal guard. This is my partner Penny Polendina and our realms version of Rainbow Dash.” I respond with a moments hesitation, Penny subtly nodding and doing a curtsy next to me. Lex ended up following my example and walked up after me. “I am Alexandria Justine or just Lex, Faekage of the Fairy Tail guild. This is my friend Sonbāsutā and his assistant slash little sister Echo.” Lex says just as awkwardly, Echo doing a midair curtsy. Barely a second passed when we hear a duo of sighs coming from Nat and the batpony, Scarlet I learned. “Let me guess, your guys’s Blueblood’s are total asses aren’t they?” Nat asks. I try and shake my head to not be rude, but I end up nodding anyways, along with everyone else. This world’s Blue sighs with what looks like a disappointed smile. “I see, that seems to be a bit of a trend in the multiverse according to Natali. Well, let me just say that while I can act like a total prick, please be aware that at the very least it is only an act here in this dimension.” He says with a slight bow of his head. Lex and I glance to one another but eventually nod to his with small smiles. I turn my attention to the royal sisters as I notice they are looking at Lex friend Sonbāsutā very carefully. “Excuse me sir? But, who exactly are you? You look very familiar.” Celestia asks. I raise a brow, curious as well. For some reason I get the feeling this guy is far more than who he appears, just from the magic I am sensing from him. It was darker than most, but it wasn’t evil in the slightest. I could see my eldest sister and her Exeed friend look to Sonba with worry, but he just smiles to them and walks forward with another bow. “Hello. Like Lex said, I am Sonbāsutā, and I am the former king of the Crystal Empire.” He says with a smile. It took me a bit to properly process what he said. Former ruler of the Crystal Empire, the place Cadence and Shining rule in my Equestria. Which was formerly ruled by- “King Sombra?!?!” The princesses and Nat yell in shock. My eyes shoot open wide and I extend my Ember Celica, but I don’t get into a combative stance. While I knew about Sombra from some history books I read, my instincts as a warrior were telling me not to do anything for some reason. So I just stood on the sidelines, watching Sonbā as he made a ‘sorta’ gesture with his hand and began to explain. “Yes and no. Sombra was the name I took after I became corrupted by evil magic. You see, when I was younger, I met a mare named Crystal Dust and foolishly fell in love with her. She pretended to love me in return and appeared to be a well mannered and respectable mare. But it was a lie, a cover hiding a greedy, egotistical and sadistic pony. She wanted to get close to me so I would marry her and she would all but take over my kingdom. After I learned of this, I blew up. My emotions ran rampant and because of this my magic became corrupted by my anger and sadness, turning me into the tyrant king Sombra.” I could swear I heard some glass shattering. He....he was just like Lex. After what that bastard Ray did to her, she swore off relationships beyond platonic, professional and familiar, so the fact he went through something just as bad made all those memories appear at the forefront of my mind. Before even I could finish processing it, my hand was on my sword, trembling, and I felt like my teeth are going to break at the rate I am grinding them against one another. “Nat? Adam?” Lex says cautiously. I spare a momentary glance to Nat, seeing her seething in anger as well before we both turn our attentions to my human sister. “Targets, now.” We say sternly. Lex nods and gets into what I recognize as Ice Maker stance. The matrix appears and after a second two large targets made of ice appear in front of her, which she promptly threw in the air. I hear Nat growl and barley see some distortion in the air as her Vectors are launched and shred her target to pieces. I focus on my target and funnel my magic into my sword before rushing forwards, slashing it into even ice cubes before it has a chance to hit the floor. Before it hits the ground, Nat picks them up and places them in the punch bowl as I twirl my sword in anger before sheathing it. Nat and I take a second to catch our breaths and calm down, before we each feel a hand on our shoulders. Turning, Nat and I see Sonbā with a sad yet appreciative smile on his face. “Thanks. I know about how you both helped Lex after her experience with Ray so I appreciate the reactions.” He say. Nat and I nod to him before the others come out of their stunned states. “Wow! I don’t think I have ever seen you that mad before Nat.” Dash says. My sister just shrugs and we all seperate as more guests begin to arrive. I mostly stayed near some of the guards, seeing they were watching me since they noticed my sword and gauntlets. After a bit I managed to make small talk with them, telling them stories about the Grimm and the training regiment my troops and I are going through. I actually saw them flinch as I described some of the exercises we went through. After a while of talking to the guards and some of the nobles, Shining Armor and Night Light walked up and we began to talk to one another, mostly about my fights as a huntsman. I even pulled out my scroll to show the duo what some of the Grimm I faced look like, as well as what my friends look like. “So, you duelled your version of Princess Luna, and it was a draw?” Shining asks in stunned awe. “Yup. But I know Luna was holding back quite a bit. After learning to control my powers, I could essentially see how strong someone is through their soul and aura. I have little doubt Luna could have wiped the floor with me if she started off seriously and didn’t want it to be a fair fight.” I reply with a laugh. “Heh, I wonder how she would stack up to this world’s Princess Luna?” Night questions. I just shrug to him. “Who knows? But you have to remember that my Equestria was infested with Grimm, the black creatures I mentioned, well before Nightmare Moon happened. So my worlds variants are no strangers to battle, so they would probably have the advantage.” I mention, the two stallions nodding. After talking for a bit longer they took off to the party, smiles on their faces as they thought about trying some of my training exercises. I smile to myself and grab some fruit from the buffet tables before looking around, noticing Nat and Sora walking over. “Hey Nat, Sora. Thanks for the invite to this. It is really nice here.” I say with a smile, taking a bite out of some apple slices. My sisters nod and grab their own plate for food and just stand next to me for a bit, eating. “So, anything significant happen to you in your Equestria?” Nat eventually asks, looking up to me. “You mean besides becoming the leader of my own squad of the royal guard, discovering and living with versions of the characters from RWBY and fighting my worlds Luna to a draw, not in that order? Not really. Just me being the protective me I have always been.” I reply with a small smirk, my sisters laughing at my responce. ”So you been getting along with your new friends from Remnant?” Sora asks, hovering by my head. “Sure. I mean, it was awkward to say the least, especially with this new form, but me and the others have gotten used to each other by now. Ruby and I were the most awkward around each other, but we have gotten used to each other. Honestly, I am just worried for when the rest of their teams arrive.” I reply with a very slight wince. Yeah the first few days with my housemates were rough to say the least. Like when I was trying to help Ruby with creating some flashbangs, and she didn’t trust me fully and ended up detonating one in the workshop. That hurt. Ignoring the less than great memories popping into my head, I glance around the party, spotting Lex talking to Twilight and Penny talking with this worlds Fancy and Fleur. It seemed my sisters were following my gaze as they spoke again. “What about Penny?” Nat asks. “What about her?” I reply bluntly. “I can tell you two get along really well, otherwise she wouldn’t have come along with you. From what she said, she even went with you to Ed’s world where you two got your new powers. Also about a certain comment the alchemist may have made.” I could all but hear Nat and Sora’s grin as my face heats up. Gods damn it. “C-can we not bring that up? Edward implied some embarrassing things.” I mutter and take a bite of my food, purposefully trying to change the subject. “Adam what’s the problem? Penny told us what Ed said, and judging from your reaction, you aren’t against it.” Nat says. I finish my food and allow my mind to drift slightly with a sigh. “I mean, I have thought about it after what he told me, but I am not sure if it could work between us. My realms princesses are looking for ways to get the others back to Remnant, and I am sure Penny will end up going with them. I don’t want to give her something to cling to.” I reply. And I wasn’t lying, more than once I have thought about what Ed said, about telling Penny that I like her, but it wasn’t as simple as that. She only recently started to gather her emotions and truly act like a normal person, and I didn’t want to throw a monkey wrench into that with telling her I may have a slight crush on her. Combine that with the persistent fact that Luna and Celestia are still searching for a way to open a portal to Remnant, and you have a very reluctant faunus. Besides, there was no guarantee that Penny even saw me as more than a battle partner and housemate, the same way she sees Pyrrha and Oscar. It seemed Sora heard my thoughts as she spoke up. ”A little late for that Adam. Penny cares about you, and not just as a friend or teammate. You have been with her through all her hardships since she arrived in Equestria, so she is already attached to you. The question is, if you will let it grow, or cut it off.” My younger sister states. I spare a glance at her before turning my attention to Penny as she laughs with Fleur. Just watching her laugh, that adorable smile on her face, I knew what the feeling in my stomach meant, but I still didn’t know how to go about dealing with it. “How about this?” Nat speaks up, a spark in her eyes. “I’ll talk to the band and have them play some relaxing dance music. You ask her to dance, and the two of you can talk or just think about how you feel about each other.” She must have seen the reluctance and worry on my face at that. I wasn’t the worst at formal dancing, but I only knew a few moves. Add that to the fact that plenty of other couples would likely be dancing as well, and I was having doubts with Nat’s plan. “How about this. You ask her to dance, and I will find my own partner so you aren’t the odd ones out.” I look down to her, trying to think of a different way to go about this, but I had to admit to myself that this was the best choice right now and eventually I nod to her. Nat smiles with glee and all but skips over to the band ponies. I just watch her go and sigh. ‘What am I getting myself into?’ I question as I finish my food and look over the crowd, spotting Penny talking to Fluttershy. I take deep breath and make my way over to her, being careful of those between us. ‘Alright, calm down Winger. It’s nothing big, its just a dance. It’s just a dance. It’s just a dance.’ I mentally repeat a few times as I make my way over to Penny, silently wishing I could put on my mask. Eventually I made it to her as I spot Lex and Sonbā heading to the dance floor themselves. I clear my throat slightly, earning the humans attention. “Oh, hey Adam. Did you need something?” Penny asks with her smile. I am not sure why, but that smile alone made me calm down a fraction. It didn’t stop my cheeks from heating up though. “Um, w-well I was w-wondering if-if you wanted...” I stutter, mentally slapping myself as I sound like a total dork. Hell, Jaune trying to hit on Weiss probably sounds better! Penny just seemed confused though, tilting her head to the side. “Adam, are you ok? Your face is red.” She question in concern. I shake my head slightly and take another breath, remembering something my sister Maria used to say. ‘Sometime, the direct approach is the best approach.’ With that thought in mind, I straighten up slightly, clearing my throat and hold out my hand, my eyes seeming to shine slightly. “Penny Polendina, would you like to dance?” It was blunt, but sometimes that is the best way to go. Penny’s eyes widen as her own face turns red, looking to my hand then to my eyes a couple times. I felt like time was slowing down as Penny was processing what I just asked, while I was internally trying to keep myself from backing out and pretending I was joking. After what felt like hours that was actually about a minute, Penny smiles slightly and places her hand in mine. “Of course.” She says quietly, and I release a small breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. I smile down to her and lead her to the dance floor. A passing glance showed Lex with Sonbā as her partner and, oddly, Nat with Twilight as her partner. Before long I could hear the band getting ready to start, so Penny and I take a half step back and bow to one another, along with the other couples on the floor. Been a while since I have heard a cello, but I knew Octavia would make this song great. Taking another breath, I take Penny’s hand in mine and place my free hand on her shoulder, while she follows my lead. We were slow, inexperienced compared to those around us and were clearly nervous, made obvious by the fact both our faces were as red as Big Mac’s fur. But for some reason, I couldn’t really find a way to care. Being almost a full foot taller than Penny, you would think this would be an awkward experience, but Penny seemed to follow my steps perfectly, neither of us stepping on each other’s toes or bumping into those dancing around us. I could see her reluctant shifting turning into almost confident steps as she follows my pattern. At one point she even begins to lead before differing back to my lead. I smile down to her as she manages to lift her gaze to meet mine, her own smile breaking across her face as she follows on, even allowing me to twirl her around once or twice. I am sure Penny felt it too, the world around us being drowned out and replaced by the music and our steps. I could almost see it in her eyes, and I am sure mine had the same look. At that moment, little else mattered more than our partner. I decided to take a small risk and pulled Penny closer, making it so her head rested against my chest. I could see her blush intensity, but rather than push away, she shifts her position so she can look up to me with a smile. I just smile back down to her, lowing my arms to her waist as she rests hers on my shoulders. Now closer, I could catch Penny’s unique scent, that of lilac and oranges. I guess a faunus sense of smell could come in handy during times like this. Before either of us could really register it, the music began to die down and we backed away from each other enough to look at one another properly, but we didn’t let each other go. Instead, I smiled down to her and pulled the human into a hug, one she returned instantly. We both knew how the other felt. I could tell, we didn’t need to say it. At least not yet. Before too much times passes, we let each other go and walk to the side of the dance floor, still holding each other’s hand, but neither of us really noticed until we let each other go. Glancing around for a second, I see Sonba and Lex walking over and motion to them with my head. “Well, looks like you have a few things to do when you get home, eh Adam?” Lex says with a smirk, trying not to giggle as Penny and I blush again, her meaning not lost on us. She just smiles and then turns to Penny. “Be sure to take care of him Penny. He can be a little reckless.” “Trust me I know.” She replies with a small smile, before giggling as I knew she was talking about a less than great moment of mine recently. I just huff and cross my arms. “Oh relax Adam. It isn’t like you meant to teleport yourself half a mile above the castle.” “You did what?” Sonbā, Echo and Lex question in unison, the Exeed having flown over. “Hey I was just trying to see how far my teleportation spell could take me and I forgot to set a direction is all.” I huff in annoyance. The four of them laugh at my responce and I have to stop myself from joining in. Like I said, not my best moment, but admittedly, one of my funniest. “Hey guys!” Lex and I look over to Nat and Sora as the former points towards the stage. “How about we put on a bit of a show before I send you guys home?” Lex and I grin as we get her idea, while our company are confused. I have been so busy back in my Equestria I haven’t had much of a chance to practice one of my favourite hobbies. Music. Lex and I direct our friends to where the Elements of this world are hanging out with the Royals before the three of us head to the stage, earning the attention of the band ponies. “Oh, hello Natali. And it is a pleasure to meet you two in pony. Adam and Lex, correct?” Octavia says as we walk up. Lex and I nod with polite smiles and shook her hand. “Pleasures all ours Octavia. Anyways, could we ask for a favor?” Lex asks, earning a couple of raised brows. “What is it?” Lyra asks, walking up. “Well, the three of us wanted to see if we could play a few songs before we have to head home.” I explain with a grin. “Wait, you all play?” Octavia asks in surprise. The three of us smile and raise our hands. “Piano and vocals.” Nat states with a smirk, Sora appearing with her own smirk. “Practically any strings, violins and acoustic guitars are my best.” I inform with a confident smirk. I learned to play violin from my grandma and my dad taught me how to play guitar when I was youger. “I am really just a singer.” Lex says with a sheepish grin for not being as musically diverse as Nat or I. The gathered band ponies look at the three of us in surprise before smiling and nodding, letting the three of us step up and get our instruments and everything. Lyra handed me a spare violin and I started to tune it properly and went through a couple notes to get used to the instrument again. I saw my sisters doing a couple of vocal exercises before feeling something poking inside my head. It didn’t take a genius to figure out Lex was trying to ask what song I wanted to play. With a thought, the song I wanted popped into my head and into Lex’s by extension. I saw her nod to me as the band ponies walked up. “So, what songs are you going to be playing?” Octavia asks. “Oh it isn’t just us. A couple of the songs we have in mind need more than three people to play.” Lex informs, adjusting her dress again. “But, how are we going to play with you if we have likely never heard these songs before?” The flute player questions. “Simple, I will use one of my magic styles to implant the songs into your heads so you know how to play.” Lex says before placing two finger on her head and point out with the other hand. “Telepathy Magic, Broadcast.” A small purple beam goes out of her hand and into the heads of the band ponies whos eyes all widen as they get the info from the songs we have in mind. They smile and get their instruments ready. I nod to Nat, who walks to the front of the stage where the mic is and clears her throat, earning everyone’s attention. “Hello everypony. Are you all enjoying tonight’s party?” A round of cheers was the responce. “Alright! Tonight, my siblings, Adam Taurus and Alexandria Justine and I are going to be playing three different songs before we leave to go to our homes, so I hope you all enjoy them.” Nat ends with a curtsy, the crowd cheering again as Nat heads to the piano and does a quick stretch, the mic hovering over to her. “The first song is going to be played by me. It is called, Kindness. And no Fluttershy, it doesn’t directly involve you.” I could clearly hear the pegasus squeak from here, and had to stop myself from laughing as my sister begins to play her song. I smile as Nat begins to play her song, the notes flowing seamlessly from her mind onto the instrument. I missed her music. I am not really sure how she learned to play so well, but Nat was one of the best pianists I know, and she shows it. I smile to myself and lean back against my seat, enjoying the music my sister is providing. Not sure why, but this song always reminded me of my blood sisters, and how helpful they tried to be when I was growing up. Before long Nat’s song comes to an end, the result being a loud cheer from the crowd, and her face turning red. I smile as she walks up with a bow, before walking up myself and giving her a quick pat on the back. As the crowd calms down I walk up to the mic with a serious look on my face, immediately earning the crowds attentions. “Alright. This next song is for those who...could not make it at this time. Those we have lost, and those who we will never forget.” I state, many in the crowd bowing their heads sadly. I quickly scan the room and find Penny, sending her a quick wink and a sad smile, one she caught and blushed at, but still smiles back to me. I look to my eldest sister and motion her up to the mic while I take a seat beside her. Once I am all set, I nod to my sisters to begin. “This song is called Cold, and may those who could make it, never be forgotten.” With that, Nat begins the song. As Nat begins to play her part the crowd is immediately drawn into the tone of the song. And once Lex starts singing, then the real song begins. The somber tone, the melancholy lyrics, all of it cultivating in one of the few song that made me cry when I first listened to it. Once my part came up, my violin’s sounds melded perfectly into the melody, just adding more power to the song. I closed my eyes and allow myself to focus solely on the song and the thoughts it brings rushing to the surface of my mind. Of course, this song reminded me of what Penny and Pyrrha when through back in Remnant, but it also brought to mind what Lex went through on Earth. Even if things looked sad at that moment, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. Before long the song fades out, each of us taking a small breath as the crowd erupts into tearful cheers at our performance. I lower my instrument and glance to the crowd, locking eyes with Penny again as she wipes her eyes. Penny smiles to me and places her hand on her heart, a motion I smile and mimic myself. I place my violin down and walk to my sisters, bringing them in for a quick group hug before Lex steps up to the mic again. “Alright, after an emotional song like that, I believe we have the perfect one for our last performance. This one is for those who never give up, for those who follow their heart, no matter what. An Unwavering Heart.” She says, getting ready. Nat heads to the mic and stands next to her and I get my instrument ready again, Sora appearing at the piano for this song. With a nod, we begin again. The crowd is immediately drawn in as my sisters sing together. They listen in awe as I begin to play my violin along with the other musicians, adding to the song again. I could all but see the memories of determination appearing in the heads of all the ponies present. I am not sure how, but I knew Penny we remembering the moment she revealed to Ruby she was an android. I just smile as I continue to play, the band ponies smiling as well. Before long the instrumental piece begins, the crowd in awe at the music we are creating for this party. I smile as we soon come to the end of the song, the crowd cheering louder than before. I smile and stand next to my sisters, the band ponies next to us and we all bow to the crowd before exiting, stage left. All of us smile as we walked off stage and towards our friends. Penny was the first to reach us, or more accurately me, jumping up to me with a small cheer and a laugh. I laugh along with her and spin a couple times, holding her close as she nuzzles into my chest. A quick glance showed my sisters being hugged by their dance partners, each with their own smiles. I let Penny go and we meet back up with the others. “Wow, at least I now know what is different about this realms Twi.” Rainbow says, and I just now notice just how close my sister and Twilight are. Twi and Nat blush look away from each other and before glaring at Rainbow. “Very funny Dash. I am sure your Twi would love that joke.” Nat says sternly, but with a blush on her face. I quietly laugh to myself at how flustered she is being. “Oh calm down Nat. We all know that you don’t swing that way. That we know of.” Dash says with a smirk, leaning against her double. Nat and Twilight are not amused and just glare at the chromatic Pegasi with deadpan glares, the two Rainbow’s beginning to sweat under their intense gazes before Lex steps between them. “Relax sis. We all know how Rainbow acts. It’s a multiversal constant.” She says. Nat just sighs with a nod, the princesses walking up to our group. “Well, I guess its time for you guys to go huh?” Nat says sadly. I nod with a small sigh, putting my mask back on. Lex also nods, but seemed to remember something if her grin is any indication. “But first things first. Meet you guys at Twilights! Direct Line!” After she says that she disappears, leaving us in confusion. We look to Echo and Sonbā with raised brows, only for them to shrug. Each of us sigh and put our coats on, before leaving the castle and towards Twilight’s old home. “So, any idea what Lex is up to?” I ask after a bit, pulling the slightly shivering Penny closer to me. “No idea. Though this was good timing as Lex was having some trouble deciding what magic to teach some of the guild members.” Sonbā replies. “Yeah, Edward mentioned how she taught him Arc of Embodiment, but how did she do that?” Penny asks, trying to get closer to me as we walk, Selene on her head not helping at all. “Well, like Lex said earlier, she found a chest that contained a bunch of the magic styles from Fiore. She learned the style called Archive and used that to teach me and this Edward how to use the new type of magic.” He replied. Oh, cool. I wonder if Lex could give me and my friends magic? As I wondered this, our group finally passed by the last turn to Twilights. Walking up to the door, Nat paused, eyes shifting around slightly. I wonder what she is doing. And what is up with the magical energy surging in the house? Walking in, we hear what sounds like crinkling paper, and we spot Lex panting on the couch, sweating quite a bit “Lex? Are you ok?” Nat asks, taking off her boots and coat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just took a bit more energy than I thought to get the stuff ready.” She says, getting out of her seat. I watch her leave for the kitchen, curious what she is doing. She comes back a second later with a couple of present boxes in her magic. I raise my brow them my eyes widen in excitement as Lex levitates the presents over to my group. One for me, one for Penny, and one for Rainbow. I glance to her and see her pointing to the tree where there are a few more presents for the natives of this world. “Obviously, as per the rules of Hearths Warming and Christmas, you guys are not to open your presents until tomorrow morning.” Lex says. The three of us nod with excitement and pluck our boxes out of the air, curious about what Lex made the three of us. Lex then snaps her fingers and suddenly brings up a screen with Archive. I tilt my head curiously as she creates a few screens with her magic. “Alright. Before we leave, I think we should have a group photo.” She says. All of us smile and Nat heads to the couch, sitting in front of it with Sora appearing next to me. The rest of us follow suit with Chance laying next to Nat on the floor and Topaz sitting on her lap and Selene on her head. I stand in the centre behind the couch, Penny and Rainbow coming over to my sides, Penny wrapping her arms around one of mine. I just smile down to her as the others find their spots, Twilight’s family sitting on the couch itself, Sonbāsutā and Lex at both ends of the couch, and finally Echo hovering above me in the centre. “Alright, everypony ready?” We all nod to her. “Alright, on three. One...two...three. Say cheese!” We all smile and say cheese as the screen in front of us flashed like a camera. Lex hovers the screen over to her and types in a few commands into a keypad and summons a different spell matrix. After a second, the spell matrix causes four different versions of the photo to appear in her hand. She smiles and dismisses the screen, handing a copy of the photo to Nat, Twilight and myself before dismissing the screen. The four of us get together for another group hug before we all leave. “We missed you guys.” Sora say quietly as Nat grabs some kind of screen device from her purse and tosses it to me and Lex, her creed playing in our heads. So this is her token. I nod with a smile and toss my mask to Lex, another one appearing on my face a second later. “Well, looks like we are done here. I won’t lie, this is a huge weight off my mind to know you two are ok. If either of you ever need any help against an opponent, don’t hesitate and my team and I will be there.” I state with a smile, my partners nodding with me. My sisters nod in thanks. “Same here. If you guys ever feel like popping by or need a place to stay for a bit, I can make you guys honorary members of the guild.” Lex says with a smile. We smile to her as Nat takes out our tokens. “It was great to see you two again. I love you both. Our business is finished.” After she says this, our portals appear again. Sonbā and Echo leave through theirs first and before Lex leaves she turns to my Rainbow. “Oh yeah, that spell altering your color will dissapear in a couple days just so you know.” She finishes with a smirk and jumps into her portal back home. RD goes wide eyed as she remembers her colours were changed. “Dang it! Hopefully the girls don’t freak out too much about me having a different color scheme.” She says to herself as she leaves through the portal with her present, earning a chuckle from the rest of us. Penny and I grab our things before heading to the portal, pausing before entering to wave goodbye to my sisters. I smile as the two of us walk through the portal to our version of Equestria. ‘I missed you girls. I love you three. Don’t be strangers.’