It’s been a couple of hours, and Ally has returned to her quarters for the night, now safe from the view of the changelings. She thought she’d use this time to investigate what her pendant’s problem was- Something happened hours ago and she could not take her mind off of it.
She gave the crystal a tap.
“Rafisol?”
What?
“Good, you’re there. Thanks for not putting me in trouble.”
Ugh, you’re lucky I’m not in the mood to.
Rafisol’s voice seemed to be coming from the pendant, and only Ally could hear her since she’s the one wearing the pendant.
“Sounds like you still haven’t gotten over the fact I put you in the pendant,” Ally said.
Well... Kind of. I kinda deserved it, after all, for harming you.
Ally sat on her bed.
“I never wanted you to be trapped in the pendant, to be honest.”
You seem to be happy about it...
“I only did it for you to learn what love really is, so you don’t have to take my powers to exist. But deep down... I didn’t want to come to that.”
Rafisol was silent.
“How did you even get to me in the first place?” Ally asked.
Simple, Your Powers are being weakened. My powers now rival yours, and perhaps once I overpower it, I can set myself free once more. For now, I’ll be able to talk to you. Don’t expect me to, though.
“Why not?”
Because... Well, come on. I hate you, you know that’s how counterparts work.
“So what...? I don’t hate you, Rafisol.”
They both went silent.
“It’s been a few months since that adventure when we faced off against each other. But... I did not mean to harm you in any way, I would never do something like that. *sigh* I just want you to understand love... Can’t we just get along? Please, Rafisol?”
Ugh, Fine...
“Phew, Great. I mean, we both don’t have anything to do, why don’t we try and... You know, start over and chat together? At least, before I go to sleep tonight?”
I’m not really going to like this, but you have a point, I really don’t have anything better to do.
**The following day.**
“Why do I have to deal with the one place invaded by changelings beforehand again?”
“Please, darling, it can’t be that bad.”
Amitie, Schezo, and Rarity were on their way to the big city of Manehattan- The other of the two places of their list that has already fallen into the hooves of the changelings. Because of this and since Manehattan is such a big place, Amitie knew she needed a third person to help, and they decided Schezo was the perfect person for the job if they need to get out a tough situation.
As soon as they got there, Schezo quickly checked outside for any threats. To his absolute surprise, there wasn’t anyone- Nopony was out, for whatever reason.
“We’re clear,” He said.
Rarity and Amitie exited the train.
“Any plans?” Amitie was awaiting directions. “Rarity, you know this place well, where do you think she’d be hiding in?”
“Since she’s on the run, she might not be hiding in just one specific place. Changelings could discover her if she’s not careful, so she could be anywhere.”
“With such a big place, it’s hard to know where to start,” Schezo said, “Since we have our devices, let’s split up and look for her.”
For the next hour, they were looking around the streets for any trace of their next ally member. It was extremely surprising to see no one on the main streets, not even carriages- The typical things that should be happening. But rather than dwelling on that question, they decided the best explanation for that is the fact Manehattan had been occupied, and no one wanted to come out to face the horde.
This made them eager to free the city as soon as possible.
The even bigger issue on the table was the fact that Changelings could be disguised as anything, and could be watching them every second. So they all kept their guard up with their own ways to avoid being suddenly attacked, even though given the insanely quiet environment one scream would be heard throughout the region.
Amitie was spinning round and round and round just so she could get a 360-degree view of everything around her as she walked to be safe. Needless to say, she was very dizzy.
“This is so tiring~~” She muttered under her breath.
She had to stop temporarily on the pavement, near a narrow alley. Oh, what a mistake that was- Because changelings we’re ready to ambush her on the spot, unveiling from their trash can disguises. But the girl realised their presence quick enough, turned around, and shot two fireballs right into the eyes of two changelings. It was lucky that she had magic stored up.
“Phew... Any more?” She called out, trying to sound threatening. “Come out, Changelings! I-I’m not scared of you!”
Gingerly, she took a few steps forward. She cranked her focus and caution to full alert as these kinds of places are the best locations for ambushing moves. Soon, she could hear footsteps from around the corner. She took one peek behind the wall to make sure she’s safe.
“Phew, it’s just you, Schezo.”
“How did you manage to end up in these narrow passageways anyway?”
“Oh, well, I almost got ambushed by changelings just now, and I thought their presence could lead me somewhere,” She replied. “But then again, I don’t think this would be the place she’d run to.”
“No, she might be. She’s on the run- She could be anywhere trying to hide from-“ He paused, “The changelings. So, we better check everywhere to make sure.”
Amitie agreed and they continued their detailed search. However, it only took a few minutes for her to realize something was up. Schezo was reluctant to go back on the main streets to search, and he also always walked behind her- Which was very not like him as he’s always prepared for a challenge. Her instinct told her to turn right around and blast him in the face with a spell to reveal he’s a changeling, but she’s so innocent and nice, and she still wasn’t sure.
“Uhm, Schezo,” Amitie asked. “We’ve already been searching around these hallways for at least 10 minutes by now, why are we not going back to-”
**Whoosh**
**Tackle**
“KYAAAAAAAH!”
Amitie was quickly pinned down by an ambush from behind. Changelings hissed at her as she was surrounded, her body now covered in changeling goop. And then, Schezo de-transformed into a changeling. They were all set to start the love stealing process when suddenly...
”Frost!”
Frozen projectiles freeze the changelings in ice and the goop was frozen solid. Amitie used a flame spell to melt it and get out. In seconds the same person that inflicted the attack grabbed Amitie by the arm and dragged her. After running for around 20 seconds she dragged the girl into one of the buildings, or more specifically a very specific shop.
Amitie was still trying process what just happened and had her eyes closed because of fear.
“*sigh* You’re such a handful, Miss Amitie...”
“Huh? *gasp* It’s you!”
A teenage girl had her hands behind her head, and when she turned over to see Amitie, she struck the pose of a diva girl. She had long pink hair, curled into three huge bangs at the back. She wore her loose, orange and yellow attire, a white shirt underneath with a purple bow, an orange skirt, long socks with stripes matching the color of her overalls, and a pair of orange shoes.
“Raffina!”
Amitie went to hug her. Raffina rolled her eyes.
“Geez, I can hear your screams from a few blocks away. And danger is all around, too.”
“I- No, we came to get you! Give me a break!”
She playfully hit her.
“We? You and who?”
As if on cue, Rarity and Schezo just arrived right at the doorstep. Amitie, fearing they’re changelings since the timing could not have been better, bolted right up to Schezo and tried to bash him in the face.
“Whoa whoa whoa! Hold it!” He said, bringing up his Puyo Board for confirmation.
“S-Sorry...”
Rarity trotted over to the new lady in the room. “What are the odds that you just so happened to stumble by my shop here in Manehattan?”
“Oh, really?” She asked. “I have to say, this place looks great. I wanted to come over and check this place out when I heard Amitie screaming.”
Amitie chuckled. “She saved me while I was trying to find her! And also, I’m not surprised you’re here, Raffina. You’re the diva type, after all.”
She shrugged. “Not so much here.”
“Oh?”
Explain, my friend.
“I’m not the one to explain things from the top,” Raffina said, “But believe me when I say that this girl, right here, is the reason we’re all here.”
“You did this?” Rarity asked.
“Well...” Amitie scratched her head. “It’s a very long story...”
Back on the same day Arle and Carbuncle were transported to Equestria, Raffina just beat Amitie in another Puyo match.
“*pants* Sometimes I just never get how you’re so good at Puyo than me...” Amitie panted.
Raffina posed bashfully. “Oh, because I am- Ohoho!”
She gave Amitie a hand to pull her back up.
“Honestly, is that all you’ve got?” Raffina poked her friend. “I mean, I’m not saying you aren’t a worthy opponent, but still.”
“Oh, watch this!”
She brought up her Puyo board again and was ready for a rematch. Raffina, sensing a challenge, caught on and joined the battle. This round, however, she sensed something very strange with Amitie. She was moving pieces in such lightning speeds that she, too, was amazed. When the chain came- Something was very, very off. She has never seen Amitie pull off such a huge chain.
“Amitie?”
“You scared?” She cocked her head, giving a wink.
“How many more puyos do you have?”
“A lot.”
Raffina disabled her board immediately. “Wait! You’re going to-”
Too late. Amitie finished her chain of twenty, and all of a sudden she amassed unimaginable power- Enough to send her cyclone spell with possibly the force of a legitimate hurricane!
“Holy moly!” Amitie was so surprised that she can’t even stand well. “Oh no... I don’t think this is a good idea after all...”
Raffina gasped. “Amitie! Don’t-!”
Oh you bet she’s gonna go save Equestria.
The moment Raffina got close, Amitie unintentionally fired her magic into action. And in seconds, a huge storm gathered. Amitie clung onto her friend, terrified at what she caused as the two tried to hold their ground. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t help but get pulled closer and closer to the tornado. Amidst the wind was some kind of rift- a portal.
“Kyaaaaaaaah!” Amitie cried, “What is that!?”
“It looks like some kind of portal...” Raffina replied, “But to where?”
“I have no idea!!”
Please for the love of god just go in.
Suddenly, it was like the wind got stronger. They were being pulled in no matter how hard they’re resisting. Out of luck, Amitie got pulled in first, but Raffina didn’t give up. As she almost got pulled in, someone offered a hand and she grabbed on.
”That was a close one, wasn’t it?”
“Who in the world are you?”
It was a teenage boy that she did not recognize from any of her adventures with Arle and Amitie. He stood there with a sinister smile.
”Tell Princess Twilight- I’m coming.”
“Who now?”
”You shall meet her soon,” He said, inflicting a weird spell on her. ”The change will come. Just you wait.”
Raffina was absolutely confused. The second he finished speaking, he let go, leaving her to be defenseless against the storm.
Alright, now let me call the rest of the crew here.
“So Amitie was the one who got us all here in Equestria,” Schezo said.
“Correct,” Raffina clarified. “But about this person I saw... I have no idea what he was saying...”
Amitie just gave her a hug. “That doesn’t matter, you’re here and we found you, now we can go back to Ponyville and regroup!”
“I’m not really liking the locals here, though,” Raffina said bluntly, “They’re all treating me pretty badly, always trash-talking at how I look so different and weird as a human. I try to clarify my race but they didn’t seem to care- How dare they!”
“It could be that they’re changelings,” Rarity explained. “Please, darling, we would never be that cruel to visitors from a whole other world as long they are innocent.”
“What?”
“The creatures you just helped me get out of,” Amitie filled in, “A race that could shapeshift into anything and anyone they desire, even our own friends! I almost got schemed by a fake Schezo!”
“Oh my!” Raffina gasped. “So you’re saying I got baited by Changelings!”
Schezo nodded. “Seems to be it.”
Raffina was annoyed. “Oh, they are going to get their payback from yours truly, alright!”
As soon as she said that, they heard changelings from outside. Rarity motioned for them to take cover in the staff only portion of the shop just behind them. When the changeling patrols came to check and found no one suspicious in the shop, they turned back towards the door, and Raffina sprang from the back to roundhouse kick the changelings into the streets.
“What’s the plan?” She asked.
“Cover us all the way to the station!” Amitie replied.
“I’m all ready,” Raffina gave a wink and sprinted out. “Hey, Changelings! Come at me!”
She held a fighting stance. Moments later she found herself in the middle of an attack by the whole occupation force. One by one she would handle off like it was nobody’s business- Blasting away all that tried to come close to her. The crazy thing is that this was not the power of Puyo- She was handling the attackers herself with her own strength. Even upon the shapeshifting advantage, the attackers can’t touch her.
“I’ve never seen a diva who’s also this powerful!” Rarity couldn’t help but gasp.
“She’s distracting them, we need to make the run right now!” Schezo said.
They made their move and were easily spotted in 10 seconds. Raffina saw it and made a leap on the weakened changelings.
”Scorch!”
She fired a spell similar to Amitie’s flame spell, but more devastating and it spread easily. The group continued to be on the run. Schezo packed an extra punch to the forces with his own magic, firing at will as they ran along. When they finally got to the station, they saw more changelings at the entrance, blockading the only efficient way out of the city.
Raffina had a bright idea- She grabbed a changeling that was about to attack her from behind and swung it upwards like it was a tennis ball.
”Fireworks!”
She kicked it with incredible timing into the group, and boom goes the defense. She ushered the three in to hop on the train as she was ready for one last beatdown.
“How terrible you all are,” She chuckled, ”Rainbow Deluxe!”
She did a series of flips, kicked a bunch of changelings, and a huge force pushed the horde away as the projectiles hit every corner of the group that showed up.
“Who’s the weak one now?” Raffina gives a wink and proceeds to follow her friends.
Puyo Warrior Raffina has joined the Party
“And that’s basically love in a nutshell!”
Ally just finished happily explaining what love exactly is to her new companion. She spent most of the day just talking to Rafisol.
I guess it explains why I feel unusually happy whenever you feel such an emotion.
“Oh, it’s amazing!” Ally said, clapping her hands. “It’s one of those emotions that just make people feel relaxed and appreciated.”
Right... *sigh* I wish I could be loved too.
“Maybe you just haven’t realized it. I’m sure someone would love you...”
Ally put a hand to her pendant, and one to her heart, and smiled.
Would someone really like me, as a dark existence?
“Why not?”
Ally chuckled. Then the sun started going down.
“We should probably stop chatting before they find out. It’s sundown.”
That late already? Wow. Alright, go do whatever it is that you do.
“*sigh* Yeah...”
Ally was about to take off her pendant to leave the conversation.
Ally?
“Hmm?”
Perhaps we can... Talk more tomorrow?
“Oh? Sure! I’d love to!”
Rafisol seemed to like that, evident from her chuckling. Ally tried to call for her again, but she seemed to have ignored her. She shrugged and took it off, and went to write a diary entry like always.
Day 16 in Equestria.
Today, I’ve found myself a familiar companion- Rafisol! How nice of her to somehow be able and willing to talk to me for most of today. When you’re trapped in the possession of a hostile tribe as a kind of slave you can get lonely and depressed from time to time, and I’m super happy to have her with me.
We still had a lot of differences and it took a while for us to get along and catch up since she still kinda hates me. I’ve been hearing that my Puyo friends have come and the ponies seem to be very focused on rounding them up, so just maybe, I’ll be free soon!
I really hope I could get closer with Rafisol. She’s a great friend to be around, actually.
~Ally