Son of Invention

by Zman537

The Mighty Gilgamesh, Esquire

After I had gotten closer to the town and killed the engine, I had stowed my motorcycle away being some debris that was near the trainstation. If my plan went accordingly, I would be able to come back here later and retrieve it after obtaining an airship and going back to the crash site. Once I was onboard the train in one of the storage cars and was headed off towards Canterlot, I had decided to get some rest.

The hustle of the train cars as they passed over a larger bump woke me up from the nap I had taken hours later. I took a glance out of the car’s door and saw that Canterlot was just ahead of where we currently were.

Standing up, I started to brush off the dust that had accumulated on my coat from sleeping on the boxes. I proceeded to do a systems check over my equipment, believing it better to have them ready if needed then to find myself vulnerable. “Boots... decent air pressure. Guns...” I paused to count the number of rounds I still had. “Still have a fair amount of ammunition. Though it would be better if fewer were for lethal attacks.” I reached into the many pockets on my coat and counted what I found. “Three flash bangs... four napalm... a single freeze blast... and a couple of antidotes.” I grimaced a bit and sighed. “Some floral powder would be handy right now. I might have been able to make those into potions.” Standing back up, I closed up my jacket. “It can’t be helped I guess. I’ll have to insure not to be injured too severely.” Never liked using the bloody things anyways.

I pulled my sword from it’s holster and looked over the blade. “Hmmmm.... only some minor chipping towards the tip of the blade trailing approximately half way down the edge. Strange, I expected there to me more damage. Perhaps Celestia’s guards are using a different kind of metal for their blades?”

My thoughts started to drift back in time as I continued to look over my sword. I remembered when Boris first asked about it, and how confused he was at my explanation.

I whistled a jaunty tune as I started to hammer some nails into the new railing for the upstairs balcony. If this didn’t get her to stop complaining about safety and falling hazards, I don’t know what wi-

“GAH!” I pulled my hand back and put my thumb in my mouth. “Stupid hammer.... I ought to throw you off a cliff for that.”

“Dad?” I blinked a bit and looked over to see Boris standing at the end of the balcony. “Why are you talking to a hammer and sucking on your thumb?”

I set the hammer down next to me and a wooden box of nails before scratching the back of my head and pulling my thumb out of my mouth. “Oh your dad’s just a dummy and hurt himself again. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Boris walked closer and looked at me in confusion. “But if you hurt yourself, how are you going to be fine?”

I laughed a bit and patted him on the head. “Just trust me on that one. It's one of those things about your Dad that makes him awesome.”

The young boy ruffled his hair back into place before looking over at my sword, still in it’s holster on my hip. “Hey dad?” I glanced over at him after stopping my hammer mid swing. “Where did you get your sword?”

I blinked a few times before setting down the hammer with a chuckle and sitting down a ways from the railing I had finished and motioning for Boris to do the same. “Well... you certainly picked an interesting tale, that’s for sure. Now let’s see if I can remember it all clearly.”

I pursed my lips for a moment before recounting what I remembered. “Well, it was about five years ago. I was going to a sort of gathering for people who liked some of the stuff that I do, called a Convention. I was going there with both of my sisters, who if they were here at the moment would be your aunts, and I was having a good time going from stand to stand, looking at what they had.” Boris’s hand shot up and I rolled my eyes. “Yes?”

“Where are my aunts?”

I deflated a bit at that. “There not anywhere near here Boris. But if they were, I’m sure they would have loved to meet you and your sister. Now where was I?” I tapped my chin a bit before snapping my fingers. “Ah, that’s right. As I was going from stand to stand, I saw someone who was selling swords and other metal work. That’s where I saw my current sword and I decided to buy it.”

Boris gasped before looking at the sword. “It’s not stolen!?”

My head fell to the side a bit as I felt a drop of sweat roll down my head. I noticed that Robin was looking out one of the houses windows, and was laughing at what Boris had yelled. Wow... way to make your old man sound like a nice guy. “I don’t steal everything Boris. Only what we can’t afford, and even then-”

“Stealing from others is wrong.” Boris finished with a smile.

I chuckled and poked his nose. “Right. That’s also where my tale of how I got this sword ends. I bought it there at the convention with hard earned money, and then I got sent here where none of that money was even remotely useful.”

Boris looked at my sword for a moment before he glanced back up at me. “Hey Dad? Could you take me and Vicky to see our aunts anytime soon?” He perked up and gave me a wide, hopeful smile. “I wouldn’t mind if it took very long! I’d even be good the whole trip, and we could bring Steve, Ed, and Robin too! Can we? Please?” I was somewhat surprised by just how eager he was to see someone he had only just heard of.

I felt my heart break a bit right then as I thought of the faces I had left behind.

A sigh escaped me before I put a hand on Boris’s head. “I’m sorry Boris. But the chances of that happening are extremely low. I’m not even sure how I’d get back on my own, let alone bring you and everyone else with me.” His smile fell slowly until it became a disappointed frown. “But remember now, I said that they would have loved to see you and your sister. From what I remember still, I’m certain of that.”

He smiled a bit at that before nodding. “Alright Dad.”

I stood up and started shooing him away playfully. “Now go ahead and run off to play you! I still need to finish fixing the balcony.”

He got that big smile again before running off. “Okay! Bye Dad!”

I chuckled to myself as I saw him run off before I started hammering nails into the balcony again. “You would have loved him too Mom...”

SMASH!

“GAH! MY THUMB!”

As I heard the train came to a stop, I chuckled to myself. “If only one could turn back time...” Opening the side door to the storage car, I peeked out and saw the ponies getting off a ways down the rails. I hopped off and started heading around the back of the station, avoiding the security guards as I went.

Once I was out of the station, I headed across the street and into the alleyways. While I’d prefer being on the rooftops, I was never one for scaling the side of a building without actual need to do so. That, and I forgot my grappling hooks back at the ship, so I could place blame for this blunder on myself. “Looks like I’m on foot.”

I headed down the alleyways for a while before finding some ladders that were discarded by some careless pony. I took the ladder to a lower roof and propped it up against the building. As I climbed up, I could see why it had been discarded. About every other step on the ladder had a crack in it, and I was forced to use the few good steps, making my accent awkward.

I pulled myself onto the room easily and looked over to the neighboring building, climbing up the slight change in elevation easily. “Now... lets get a good look around and see exactly how this city’s grown.” Walking over to the edge of the building, I got a good look around the city. There were very few pegasi, and the ones I could see were far and few between. This would make staying hidden easier, as I wouldn’t have to worry about getting seen from above. “Still a city of nobility.”

I was about to turn back and leave, when something off in the distance caught my eye. There was an airship, a rather large airship for it to be pony made, However, it wasn’t quite as large as my ship. The ship was landing at what looked like docks near a taller white building with a cross. It’s hull was painted a deep violet, and had black engravings along the sides that were accompanied by a few white ones as well. Towards the front the engravings collected together, but I couldn’t see what kind of design they made from this distance. “Interesting... I might be able to use that ship once it finishes unloading. The cargo must be a medical shipment for that hospital. If there’s excess as well once I obtain the ship, I would be able to have something incase I’m ever injured.”

I walked over to the ladder and nodded. “Let’s get a closer look first however. I’d rather not be taking a ship that has a crew I couldn’t handle on my own.”

"So, that's it?" I asked.

"Uh-huh," Boris replied. "Let's go and-"

"Not yet, need to think of the right entrance."

"'The right entrance?' What does that mean?" Victoria asked.

"Observe," I replied, getting up and retreating further into the forest before turning and sprinting full throttle at the ship before power sliding past the two robot-people, catching them off guard. I then raised both my hands into rock horns and shouted "AND THE TROGDOR COMES IN THE NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!"

The taller of the two looked over at the other and stared slack jawed. “Who... What...” A shake of his head later he looked at me. “Who are you and how did you find us!?”

Boris ran up and tackled the tall guy into the ground with a gleeful smile. “STEVE!”

"B-Boris?" he asked, completely shocked.

"Ed! Steve!" They looked over and saw Victoria running up to the ship as well.

Ed grinned and got up, spreading his arms wide. “Vicky!” she ran right past him and helped Steve up. “Every time.”

"Ouch. Harsh," I commented, getting up to a standing position.

He shrugged and turned to face me. “Eh, she’s never been a hugger.” He looked up when he took in how tall I was before blinking. “So. I’m assuming you are the one who found them?”

"Indeed, good sir! Twas I who received the call to rescue thy mechanical companions! You may thank the might and power of Gilgamesh for their safe return!" I declared with as much boisterous bravado as I could muster.

Ed just blinked a few times. “I... don't’ get why you’re posing, but thank you anyways.”

"Meh, it's just kind of a thing I do," I shrugged. "So, where's the genius himself?" I asked, looking for someone dressed like something I might see on deviantart.

Ed jumped a bit before tapping his fingers together. “Well, uh, about that. The Captain is... not here at the moment.”

"Ugh. Crap. So, when's he getting back, because there are some things I really need to talk with him about."

Boris got up and looked over at Ed in surprise. “Wait, Dad’s gone again?”

Ed nodded with a sigh. “Afraid so Boris. Captain left to find us a new airship. He didn’t think we’d have time to fix up the old girl and find the two of you within the month.”

Boris frowned and threw his arms up. “Oh come on!”

"Hm. I might be able to help with that. But first," I began before hopping on the extremely impressive airship. "YO DAWG, I HERD YOU LIKE GILGAMESH, SO I CAME HERE SO YOU CAN HAVE GILGAMESH ON YO GILGAMESH!"

They all just stared for a moment.

"Wha-?" Steve began.

"GILGACEPTION!" 

"...What?" he asked again.

Boris snickered before laughing and falling backwards. “I get it!”

"Really? Wow, I'm kinda impressed you did."

Victoria just rolled her eyes and facepalmed. “Why am I related to you...?”

"You can pick your family, and you can pick your nose, but you can't... actually, no, you can't pick your family, so that joke kinda falls flat."

Boris raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Victoria, seemingly not hearing me. “Because dad made us both, Duh. Really, I thought you were the smart one Vicky.”

I shared a glance with the girl. "Wow. He really is completely literal minded."

She just gave me an exasperated glance. “You have no idea.”

"Well, down to business," I began, hopping to the ground. "As I said before, I am Gilgamesh, warrior from another universe. Specifically another Equestria. I was summoned here by Boris as he possessed my gauntlets, the Genji Gloves, and rescued them from the Changeling Queen Chrysalis who turned out-" I stopped myself before leaning to Victoria. "Should I tell them about Robin?" I asked in a whisper.

She looked down at the ground for a moment in thought before sighing and nodding. “They deserve to know.”

"Ahem. Well, yes, as it turned out Queen Chrysalis was your old companion, Robin."

Ed and Steve both jumped in surprise. “WHAT!?”

“B-but the Captain buried her himself! She died on the ship right in front of us!”

"Or so you thought. Basically, as she explained, due to magic feedback she went into something of a coma before being reborn as the Changeling Queen, overwhelmed by the consciousnesses of those who died in the explosion you caused to stop Alex. Fear not, however, for she has returned to her old self. However, she elected not to come here as it seemed she was rather hesitant to meet with Invention for some reason. She left to seek refuge in nearby Ponyville."

Ed and Steve looked at me in shock for a while. Eventually Steve looked over at Ed. “She... she didn’t want to come back?”

Ed looked over in return with a frown. “She’s... alive?”

Boris frowned and got up, pulling on Steve’s arm. “Steve? Are you alright?”

Steve shook his head and looked over at him. “O-of course. Just... shocked right now.”

"Completely understandable. It's always a shock to meet someone you never thought you'd see again, especially one you thought was dead. But now, onto a more pressing matter, as I'm now here I'd like to act as a liaison between you, and by extension Invention, and Celestia and Luna, so you may be able to move more freely around Equestria."

Ed’s jaw dropped. “Between the Captain and Princesses?” He paused and put a hand to his chin in thought. “Well... It might not be too hard between The Captain and Luna. Celestia would prove much harder though....”

"Ugh, another dimension with a stubborn Celestia. I'm really getting tired of this. She's supposed to be kind, wise, compassionate and understanding, not a freaking zealot. Oh well, with any luck I can still get her to talk. And if she's not willing to listen I can just pummel her into the ground until she is willing to talk."

"Whoa, what?!" Ed shouted. "You're talking about fighting the Princess!? Even the Captain couldn't take her on, what makes you think you can?"

I smirked. "It wouldn't be the first time I've done it," I replied, getting a stunned reaction from him.

Steve wasn’t paying attention to me at the time, and kept thinking to himself. “He did seem to like taunting her back though, then didn’t he? Maybe Invention always had a thing for her?”

Boris’s eyes unfocused before they slowly scrunched up in disgust. “Eeeeewwwwwww.”

"Hey, don't knock it, kid. I myself am quite smitten with my own version of Luna. Don't write the possibility off just because they don't look the same."

Boris shook his head. “But kissing girls is gross!”

"Oh... so he's at that stage, huh?" I replied, giving Steve a look.

Steve sighed. “I was hoping he would have been out of it after we found out Invention got back. It has been 1500 years...”

"Well, anyway, back to business. My plan is to head to Ponyville and attract their attention so I can speak with them on the matter."

Boris did a complete one eighty and smiled while posing next to me. “And I’m going with him!”

"Well, that was the idea. Boris figured that having a kid nearby would make me seem less intimidating, but of course I won't take him without guardian permission."

Steve looked at Boris with the most unamused glare I’d ever seen. “Yeah, no. I’m following Invention’s instructions, and sending you to your room for running away.”

Boris slumped and started trudging to the ship. “Fiiiiiine....”

“You too Victoria.”

Victoria got up and followed her brother. “I guess it’s only fair. I did run after him.” She then turned to me. "And make sure to tell them about those elves stealing my dad's work!"

My brain shorted for a moment to process what she just said. "'Elves'?" I asked Steve. "This Equis has elves? And I thought it was really different already."

Steve nodded. “Of course. They used to be nomadic tribes of druids before... well you know. But apparently they’ve gotten a hold of Invention’s technology at some point and built off of it.”

I stopped for a moment. I had no idea how much these elves had in terms of technology, but there was one question I had to know the answer to.

"Did a large portion of this technology go into... Weaponry?" I asked hesitantly.

Ed and Steve looked at each other before nervously looking away. “Er... well. That uh....”

“Well you see...”

Ed sighed and sat down. “He had a whole armory of weapons he’d designed himself.”

My blood ran cold. I had no idea how much war this version of Equis had seen, but there's no way they could be responsible enough to handle the one weapon that even the human race, a species that's history was practically built on warfare, was hesitant to use.

Nukes. There's no way they could truly grasp the destruction they're capable of. And adding in magic, that could build something that could even dwarf the Czar bomb.

"Ok, look, we need to talk to the Princesses, immediately. I don't know what these elves are like but Equestria needs to warned of the threat they could pose. The destruction they could cause without even meaning to."

Steve nodded before looking at Ed. “He’s right. But who stays with the ship and makes sure those two stay grounded?” It took not but an instant before they both had their hands held in fists. “Two out of three?”

“As always.” Ed replied before they started going at each other in a game of Rock Paper Scissors. The final score landed in Steve’s favor. “Looks like you win Steve. Enjoy staying on the ship.”

Steve grinned. “Why thank yo- Hey!” He leaned towards Ed and glared. “I thought it was winner goes, loser stays!”

"Ok, hold up," I interrupted. "Which one of you is water and which one of you is air?"

Steve just blinked in confusion. “Wait, what?”

Ed rolled his eyes before pointing at Steve. “Water,” he then pointed at himself. “Air.”

"Ok then. Ed, you come. Robin told me what personality traits the elements represent, and I think you'd be best."

He smiled a bit as he walked forward. “A logical mind is more helpful during negotiations.”

"Indeed. I'm not without logic myself, but I'll admit to being a bit on the emotional side," I agreed.

He chuckled at that and we started to walk away from the ship. “Then let us be off.” He waved back at Steve who was standing confused next to the ship. “I’ll be back once our business in town is finished.”

As we both got further away, Ed still had the same smile. “Wait for it.”

“What the heck does air and water have to do with anything!?”

“There it is.”

I smirked. "Looks like you've got a bit of 'insufferable genius' in you."

“Old habit.” He smiled. “It’s good being able to mess with him again.”

"Speaking of messing with people, I need to decide how to make my entrance." I tonight for a moment before smiling. "Oh yeah, that will work perfectly."

Robin frowned as she looked up at the sign she’d come to. After Gilgamesh jumped off with Boris and Victoria, she began to travel through the forest towards the roads she recalled from her memory. When she had gotten there, she couldn’t help but note it was wider than she remembered. Then again it had been 1500 years since she’d walked it willingly, but that was a minor detail.

No, now she was focused on looking up at the sign and wincing at what she read. “Sweet Celestia, the town’s name is a pun. Whatever happened to all the surviving villages that were around here? I distinctly remember there being a village here named Panacea, not Ponyville.”

She looked at the sign for a moment longer before sighing and shaking her head. “I shouldn’t be thinking over something small like that. I need to focus. I may need to find a specific local, this... Pinkie Pie, but that doesn’t mean I need to draw the entire town’s attention.”

Silence whispered through the air before she started walking towards the town with a sigh. “This may be more difficult than I originally anticipated.”

As she walked down the road towards the town, she couldn’t help but start to think. It’s... surreal almost. I’d been locked away in my own mind and body for so long... It’s liberating to finally be in control once more. Her face contorted in worry as her thoughts drifted. But... what would happen if I were to meet Invention right now? It would be like he’d met a ghost from his past. It.... It would cause him so much pain. Robin vaguely noticed that she was almost into the town. I hope Gilgamesh is right about this mare. I wonder how long it will take to-

Her train of thought was derailed when her vision was flooded by two blue eyes surrounded by pink, the pony drawing in a gasp like she was trying to inflate herself like a balloon. Then came the assault on her ears.

"OHMYGOSHHOWAREYOUMYNAME'SPINKIEPIEANDIKNOWEVERYPONYINPONYVILLEANDIDON'TKNOWYOUSOYOUMUSTBENEWTOPONYVILLEANDI'VEJUSTGOTTOMAKEYOUA"WELCOMETOPONYVILLE"PARTYANDWHAT'SYOURNAME!?"

Robin blinked dumbly at the pony in front of her before she could respond. “I...what?”

The pink mare took in another breath. "Oh-my-gosh-how-are-you-my-name's-Pin-kie-Pie-and-I-know-ev-e-ry-po-ny-in-"

Robin raised a hoof. “Wait, you said your name is Pinkie Pie?”

"Yupperoonie!"

Robin smiled to herself. This might be easier than I thought. “I was actually looking for you. A friend of mine said that I should meet you after I told them I would be staying here in Ponyville.”

"A friend of yours? Then I better get a party for them, too! Actually, why don't you both just come to the party we're throwing for Jenny!? She's new to Ponyville, too!"

Robin froze for a moment. "Uh, actually, maybe I better just-"

"NOPE!"

And before she could process what was happening the unicorn mare found herself being pulled through the village at breakneck speeds. She stumbled slightly when they finally came to a stop next to a large sugary building. She shook her head and looked up to see a banner displaying. “Welcome to Ponyville, Jenny Eri-”

Pinkie smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, that happened to Twilight’s banner too.”

Robin wasn’t listening however. No. No not yet, it’s too soon! If I run into her now, she’ll recognise me instantly! I know she saw me in the caves, and then she’ll question why I was there and it will only go downhill from then on!

"Anyway, come on in!" Pinkie shouted before practically shoving Robin inside. Thankfully, the human girl didn't appear anywhere in sight. Robin was confused though once she realized that Jenny wasn’t anywhere to be seen and she actually looked around. This is a party? It doesn’t resemble any party I’ve been to. And that’s quite a few, most robbed.

"Something wrong?" Pinkie asked.

Robin jumped a little before smiling sheepishly at Pinkie. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’ve just never really had a party like this before.”

Pinkie scrunched her nose in an unexpectedly disgusted look. "Oh, let me guess, it was one of those snobby parties like the Grand Galloping Gala?" The pink mate blew a raspberry. "Well don't you worry, Auntie Pinkie Pie is going to show you how a real party works!"

Robin blinked a few times. Sweet Celestia, they still have that one? “Er... I wouldn't call them ‘snobby’.” Even if more than half the guests were. “an... wait. Aunty Pinkie? But we’re not even related.”

"Details. Now why don't we introduce you to- OH NO! BAD PINKIE, BAD!" She suddenly shouted banging her head with her hooves.

“I... um... what?” Robin looked over at the other ponies in the room, taking note of how none of them even seemed to give a passing glance. Is this normal?

"I never asked you what your name was! Oh wow, duh! How can I throw a 'Welcome to Ponyville [INSERT NAME HERE]' party if I don't know the name to insert in the blank spot!? So, what's your name?"

Robin just blinked in confusion before chucking. “It’s Robin.” This mare is like when I accidentally gave Invention those super sugared sweets. A small shiver ran up her spine. Never again.

"Well Robin, let Pinkie Pie be the first to welcome you to-oh hi, Jenny!"

Robin froze in place, eyes wide, before slowly looking over her shoulder and spotting Jenny in the doorway, Twilight and Spike not too far behind her. Robin gulped slightly as her ears folded back. Oh no...

"Hey Pinkie! Sorry, I was in... the... bathroom..." The human stopped as their eyes met.

Oh no, oh no, oh nononononono.

"Wait, aren't you-"

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE! WOULD YOU BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO ME! FOR A FEAST FOR YOUR EYES TO SEE! AN EXPLOSION OF CATASTROPHE! LIKE NOTHING YOU'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE! WATCH CLOSELY AS I OPEN THIS DOOR! YOUR JAWS WILL BE ON THE FLOOR! AFTER THIS YOU'LL BE BEGGING FOR MORE!"

Everyone stopped, all heads turned outside towards the booming voice.

“I know those lyrics,” Jenny muttered.

Next came a strumming of guitars as a tune began to play.

Her eyes widened as her jaw dropped. “And I know that song!” she shouted as she dashed outside.

Robin tried to move away but all the other ponies followed the human, pushing her outside with them. The site that she found was somewhat familiar, yet still strange. Ed was near the entrance of Ponyville, looking somewhat confused, as Gilgamesh began to dance into town, his movements going along with the song he was radiating from himself and actually looking quite graceful as twirled or clapped his hands and spun his body, his flowing scarf giving an extra flair to his movements.

Her only thoughts, were probably like most of the ponies around her. Just... what am I looking at?

Everypony’s eyes were on me, waiting to see what I’d do next after a put my decade’s worth of dancing practice to good use. A few of them noticed Ed, but even they were more focused on the giant guy with the spear strapped to his back instead of the smaller guy. After a graceful entrance like that, there was only one way to follow it up.

I put up my best gangsta pose and shouted “YO YO YO, WUT UP, PONYVILLE!? BIG G IN DA HIZZOUSE!”

“HOLLA!” a familiar pink pony shouted back.

Heh. Can always count on her, can’t I?

Nearby I thought I caught a glimpse of Robin before my attention was caught by an unexpected bipedal figure in front of me, smiling in a way that could only be described as childlike.

“Oh. My. God. You’re him, right? You’re really Gilgamesh?” she asked hopefully.

I chuckled. “Well, that depends on what you mean, maiden. If you ask if that is my name, then I must indeed reply that my name is-” I stopped when I noticed how she looked, something looking familiar. It took me a second with her not having the armor or sword and especially missing the eyepatch, but the hair was an almost dead giveaway. “Beatrix?” I asked.

She blinked a few times before laughing nervously. “Well... no. My name’s Jenny Eriman. I just dressed up like Beatrix a while ago and can’t get my hair straight again.” She smiled sheepishly with a squee at the end, before pointing at me. “I know this sounds weird, but can I hug you?”

I just stared for moment, genuinely surprised, before answering.

"Um... That may be the first time anyone's asked me that. Um... Yes! Go right ahead!" I said as I extended my arms outward.

Jenny squeed and glomped me, my mighty form not even so much as flinching, before I wrapped my arms around her.

Is this what it feels like to be a theme park mascot?

"I want a hug too!"

Before I could process what was happening my vision was suddenly flooded with bright pink as I felt something latch onto my head.

"... If this was anyone else this would be extremely awkward, Pinkie."

"I'm a facehugger!"

I sighed before pulling the excitable pink pony off my face and putting her on the ground just as Jenny let go herself and started giggling madly. “Oh my gosh, this is awesome!”

“Um...” Everyone looked over at Ed, sans Jenny, as he finally made a sound since arriving. “This makes absolutely no sense. What was the point in dancing into town again?”

“Simple. Giant armored warrior walks into town? Everyone gets scared. Giant armored warrior dances into town? Everyone’s too confused to be scared,” I replied simply.

“I… I can’t tell if that’s brilliant or stupid.”

“A little of both, I’m sure. Now then, let’s get down to business. TWILIGHT SPARKLE! NEED TO TALK TO YOU FOR A MINUTE!”

A moment later a recognizable lavender unicorn came into view, looking equally nervous and curious. “Um, Gilgamesh is it? How can I help you?”

“I’d like you to send a letter to the Princesses for me.”

“Um, ok. Spike could you-?”

“Got it,” the dragon replied and pulled out a quill and a scroll from seemingly nowhere. Twilight was about to ask how he had it when he answered with a smirk. “I’ve been learning from Pinkie. Scrolls and quills all over in case of emergencies.”

She chuckled before nodding to me.

“Ahem. Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” I began. “My name is Gilgamesh, and I have travelled a great distance to reach this land. Though it was not my intention I have stumbled across something very interesting you may wish to know. I also need to discuss certain matters with you about things you already know but maybe are not completely familiar with. The subjects are both related and I believe I need only one word to convey the severity of the matter.

‘Invention.’”

All of Ponyville instantly froze, looks of shock, fear, or both on their faces. Spike stopped writing for a moment before recovering and continuing to transcribe.

“I’m afraid I will say nothing more on the matter until you arrive.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

The Mighty Gilgamesh, Esquire.”

Spike finished his letter and immediately sent it away via dragonfire.

“And now, we find a way to kill time,” I thought aloud before turning to Jenny. “Ms. Eriman, may I ask how long you’ve been in this world?”

She blinked out of her stupor for a moment before scratching at her cheek. “Um... about three days? Why?”

“How many battles have you been in since you got here?”

“Uh, well, none,” she said, becoming a bit nervous.

I smirked. “Well that just won’t do.” I crouched down before launching myself into the air, sailing over the crowd as I rapidly flipped backwards and landed on my feet, my naginata already drawn. “Jenny Eriman! I, Gilgamesh, challenge thee to a duel! Retrieve thy blade and armor so we may test thy mettle!”

"Wh-What? Uh, no thanks, if you don't mind," she insisted as sweat formed on her brow.

Oh great, completely inexperienced. Probably has no training either. Maybe there's a way to get around that.

"Jenny, I'm assuming since you're here in Ponyville and no pony is fleeing from you in terror, you've managed to make some friends here?" I asked as I took a less threatening stance.

"Uh, yes?"

"And perhaps you've already learned that this place, despite its almost storybook appearance, is not quite as harmless as it seems?"

"Uh, yeah. Kinda recently, actually."

"Then tell me, Miss Eriman. If those friends you've made were in danger, would you run and hide or would you stand and protect them?"

She flinched for a moment before steeling her gaze, her fist clenching. "I'd... I'd fight."

"Good to hear. However, even with your new powers, without proper training or experience you'd be doing nothing more than throwing your life away. And then who would protect your friends then?"

She flinched again, this time seeming to lose her confidence. "So what are you saying, then?"

I smiled and pointed my spear at her. "You need practice."

Jenny looked shocked for a moment before pointing at herself. “Are... you offering to train me?”

"Sort of. Sad fact is I've got some pressing matters to attend to back in my own dimension. That being said, I couldn't just walk out on this one without trying to improve the situation a little bit. So basically, I'm going to have to cram a few days of training into one fight. I'd like to give you a more in depth session, but I'm afraid I just don't have the time."

She pouted for a moment before nodding. “Alright then! A crash course in fighting!”

Rainbow flew in about then and hovered next to Jenny. “Uh... Jen? Isn’t this the same Gilgamesh that you were talking about yesterday?”

“Yep!”

“The same one you said beat entire armies.”

“That would be correct.”

“The one you just agreed to fight.”

“Ye-” She stopped mid word and it finally sank in. “Oh.... poop.”

“In case you’re worried, I promise not to break anything!” I called. “Well, I won’t break you at least. I don’t exactly have the best record with property damage.”

Jenny blinked a bit before looking up at me and then down at her shoes in thought. “I... It would be an insult to Final Fantasy fans everywhere if I were to back down from battling Gilgamesh.” She looked up at me with a smile and offered a fist. “You’re on!”

“Great to hear!”

Her smile faltered a bit as she raised a finger. “Just.... please don’t kill me?”

“Ma’am, I consider my greatest accomplishment being able to defeat entire armies without killing or maiming anyone.”

She sighed a bit in relief. “That’s good to hear.” Looking back to Twilight, she waved a hand. “Hey, Twilight, can I get a lift back to the library?”

Twilight gave her a brief nod before lighting her horn and teleporting the two of them away.

That left me and Ed with a crowd of ponies staring at us.

Ed just scratched the back of his head as he looked around. “So.... Hello, I guess?”

A flash filled the library as Twilight and Jenny arrived. “Alright Jenny, can I talk to you for a-” Jenny sped up the stairs faster than Twilight thought possible. “-moment.”

“Keep talking, Twilight, I can hear you!” Jenny called, followed by the clatter of metal.

Twilight looked up at the stairway that Jenny had cleared in her earlier haste. “Jenny, are you sure this is a good idea? You said it yourself, he is extremely powerful, and you’ve never been in a fight before in your life!”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I really need to do this!”

The lavender mare sighed before shouting back. “My friends and I have been in more conflicts than you, so at least let us help. You could get hurt.”

“No Twilight, you need to understand. I know this might sound a bit arrogant, but… I think I’m special, like I’m here for a reason. I need to get stronger and I can’t slow the rest of you down. And here’s a chance to get experience and advice from a seasoned fighter, in a situation that sounds like I’m almost certain my life won’t be on the line. I need this opportunity.”

Twilight paused for a moment before sighing. “Alright. If you’re sure about this.”

The sound of metal boots coming down the stairs hurriedly rang through the library as Jenny hurried down the stairs. “Don’t worry Twilight. He said he’d refrain from hurting me badly. I’ll probably get a couple scrapes and bruises at most.” She walked over to the door and stopped, hand on the door. “Um... I just realized something.”

“What?”

“I have no idea where we were going to fight.”

“Um… Maybe the Whitetail Woods?” Twilight suggested.

“Wherever it would be, it’s got to have a lot of open space. I take… LARGE STEPS!”

“GAH!”

Both girls turned up to see the warrior sticking his head out of some kind of portal that had opened up in the ceiling.

“Wh-What is-!?” Twilight began.

“My naginata can cut holes in time and space. I can basically teleport,” the warrior answered.

A dazed and staggering Ed came through the portal, landing on the ground unsteadily before looking around. “What... in the name of Mike was that?”

“I just told you.”

Ed shook his head before pointing at Gilgamesh. “No, you said ‘hey check this out’ before shoving me through!”

“Details.”

Twilight stared at Ed for a moment before squinting and trying to get a closer look. “Are those.... gears?”

Ed glanced at his arm, the same one Twilight was squinting at, before nodding. “Uh, yes.” He smiled and offered a hand to the librarian. “I’m Edward, Ed for short. And you are?”

Twilight smiled at how polite he was before shaking his hand. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. The librarian for Ponyville’s Golden Oaks Public Library.”

“Oy! Introductions later when we can tell everyone everything at once! Fighty time now!” Gilgamesh interrupted.

Jenny cheered next to him. “Yeah!” She looked over at him. “So how are we getting there?”

“Well, if you want an audience I can march everyone over there. If expedience is your prefered method, I could just grab you and take you there now.”

Jenny looked at her blade for a moment before smiling. “Maaaaaaybe a small audience.”

“In that case,” he said before entering back into the portal. Before anyone could ask what was going on a voice boomed outside. “HEY! ANYPONY WHO WANTS TO SEE A FIGHT HEAD TO THE WHITETAIL WOODS!” A moment later he popped back inside via another portal. “How’s that?”

Ed sighed a bit. “I guess that works.... even though this entire debacle is delaying what needs to be done.”

Jenny just gave him a thumbs up and ignored Ed. “I approve.”

“Don’t worry Ed, the message is already sent out. Now then,” Gilgamesh began before lunging forwards and grabbing all three of the occupants and pulling them inside the portal. After a second-long psychedelic trip, they were all unceremoniously deposited in the forested area. “Welcome to Whitetail Woods! Enjoy our trees, our scenic routes, our trees, the trail for the Running of the Leaves, our trees and most unique of all, our trees!”

Ed was standing next to Twilight, both of the trying to keep their balance. “I’m glad I don’t have a stomach... I’m pretty sure this is what nausea feels like.”

Jenny was on the ground staring wide eyed up at the sky before smiling as she got up. “That was awesome.”

“Glad you like it, kid. Now get up and get ready, here comes our crowd,” Gilgamesh said as a group of ponies approached, not the whole town but a reasonable amount. Twilight had moved to the rest of the crowd, and was next to her friends, sans Fluttershy. After giving them some time to gather he took a ready stance with his weapon. “Prepare yourself, Jenny Eriman! En Garde!”

Jenny seemed nervous for a moment, but shook her head and drew her blade and held it ready in front of her the same way the real Beatrix would. “Right!”

Rarity leaned over towards Twilight. “I never thought I’d witness a duel like this.”

Twilight looked at Jenny worryingly. “I just hope that it doesn’t go too far. The last time I saw a duel was between two guards in the training center. The unicorn was so intent on winning he ended up hospitalizing his opponent.”

"This should be appropriate," the warrior said as music began to blare from him, a song Jenny recognized.

“Wait, how are you-?”

“TALK LATER, FIGHT NOW!” 

Jenny ducked under the first strike, the force making her hair billow for a moment before she pulled her sword back and clumsily swung upward. Gilgamesh easily leaned out of the way before striking at her legs, which she barely managed to block in time. She was pushed backwards as he took short, quick swings at her head, legs and torso, which she barely managed to block.

Rainbow whistled as she hovered over the others. “Wow... Jenny’s fast. I could feel the breeze off of that one.”

“Hm. Good reflexes,” the warrior complimented before disappearing in a burst of speed. After recovering from the shock Jenny rolled to the side to avoid his weapon stabbing the ground right where she just stood, the end without the blade thankfully. He quickly swung the weapon at her, picking up dirt and rock as he did and blinded her vision. She jumped backwards, flipping before springing off her hands and landing on her feet, avoiding the follow up vertical slice that came afterwards. “And good instincts, too,” he added from behind the dust cloud.

Whoa. I can’t believe I did that. I’ve never been this athletic! Jenny thought.

She took a ready position when she saw the dust clear with a swipe of his weapon. He held it behind him before extending his other arm and telling her to ‘bring it.’

Applejack whispered to herself and frowned as she looked over and saw Jenny scowl a bit. “Keep a level head girl. He’s tryin ta mess with ya.”

Jenny gripped her blade and dashed forwards, taking a horizontal slash at his chest which he stepped back just far enough to avoid. She adjusted her grip and stabbed up at his face, only for him to casually move his head to the side to avoid it. This continued for several more blows, Gilgamesh just barely stepping or weaving out of the way of her attacks.

“Your form, however, is exceptionally sloppy,” he criticized. “And is that sword the only weapon you know how to use?”

“What do you mea-?” Jenny began to ask only to be sent soaring through the air from a blow to her face. After landing hard on her back she looked up to see the warrior, his foot still extended.

“Do you know what an ‘improvised weapon’ is?” he asked as he set his foot down. “It’s something that wasn’t made to be used as a weapon but can still be used as one. If I were to ask you what the first improvised weapon was you’d probably say a stick or some other kind of object you could grip and swing like a club. You might go even further and think of rocks. But in truth the most basic of improvised weapons are the ones we’re born with.”

“‘B-Born with’?” Jenny asked as she got to her feet.

Gilgamesh extended his open hand at her. “What is a hand’s ‘purpose’? What was it made to do? The answer is ‘grab and hold objects’. It was not made to inflict damage upon other things like fangs or claws.” He then clenched his hand shut. “But now my hand is not merely a ‘hand’ anymore, it is a ‘fist’. I with it can inflict blunt trauma upon something, a technique called a ‘punch’.” He unclasped his hand and lifted his foot. “What is the purpose of a ‘foot’? To both push off and land on the ground so that a being can walk. But with a swift movement my foot can perform a ‘kick’, or a hard ‘step’ can become a ‘stomp.’” He set his foot down.

Twilight’s ears perked up a bit more as she looked at Gilgamesh. What is he getting at? He’s making humans sound rather violent.

“Once humans realized they could use their own bodies to inflict pain upon others they began to experiment with it. Techniques like ‘head-butt’, ‘elbow strikes’, ‘kneeing’, ‘gouging’ and many other were invented. This became ‘martial arts’ and though many forms have many different philosophies the core of all of them is figuring out how to turn the body into a weapon. We’ve internalized these techniques so much that we don’t even think about them anymore. Even these peaceful ponies wouldn’t think twice about bucking an enemy with their hind legs. That’s why I asked you, Ms. Eriman, ‘is that sword the only weapon you know how to use?’”

Jenny stopped for a moment to look at her hands, then the one holding her sword.

It’s so simple, and yet… I can’t believe I needed to have it explained to me like a child.

Even the crowd started to look at their hooves. Applejack looked at her own hooves and started to ponder. “Ah never thought of it like that.”

Gilgamesh stabbing his spear into the ground for a moment drew Jenny’s attention again. “Your form is sloppy, Jenny, but that’s to be expected with your lack of fighting experience or lessons. Though having both is important, if you don’t have a polished technique,” he stopped speaking before rushing at her, Jenny getting a good look at his smile as he-

Wait, ‘his smile’? Wasn’t he wearing a-?

Jenny was struck across the head, sending her tumbling. She groaned and fought through the pain before looking up and seeing his helmet held in his hand.

“then at least do something unexpected.” He finished as he placed his helmet back on his head. He spun his naginata for a moment before holding it behind him. “Get up. We’re far from done.”

Jenny glared at him for a moment as she staggered back to her feet. Gripping her sword with both hands, something sparked in her core. With a primal cry, she swung out her blade and an arc of lightning flew towards Gilgamesh. The warrior quickly unclipped the shield on his back and blocked the attack, the wave of electricity exploding against it with enough force to send the warrior sliding backwards for a few yards.

“HOLY HAY! DID YOU SEE THAT!? SHE REALLY CAN DO LIGHTNING!” Rainbow shouted excitedly.

Jenny was so surprised that she was able to cast magic that her rage fizzled out and she looked to her blade in shock, seeing some errant sparks along it before returning to normal.

Gilgamesh lowered his shield and chuckled. “Not bad, kid. Looks like you’ve got some punch. Now then,” he cocked the arm holding his shield back. “Let’s see if you can do it again!” he shouted before hurling it at her feet.

Jenny hopped over the shield, the force of impact being powerful enough to blast her higher into the air. She looked down only to find Gilgamesh missing.

“Where’re you looking, kid?”

Jenny’s blood froze as she saw the titanic figure right above her, his spear ready to stab at her.

In a split-second decision she threw her blade at him like a javelin, which he deflected upwards with a quick movement of his weapon before repositioning it to stab at her her again. She barely managed to lean out of the way of it stabbing her in the chest before grabbing the pole with both hands and in one quick motion threw herself at his head. Planting her sole on his face she jumped higher before grabbing her still airborne sword before turning and slashing at his head with a lighting powered strike. The blow connected and a blast of electricity knocked him away from. Both of them hit the ground seconds later, Jenny landing on her feet, Gilgamesh on his face.

Jenny caught her breath before chuckling. Holy cow! I can’t believe I did that! I’m awesome.

“Heh. Not bad kid.”

Jenny turned and saw Gilgamesh still on the ground.

“Looks like you learn fast. That was a nice move you did there, but you made just one mistake.” In an instant he sprung off his hands and feet and launched himself at her, his fist raised. “YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE STOPPED!” he bellowed.

Jenny barely managed to raise her sword in front of her, but it didn’t help as the enormous force of the punch ended up causing it to smack into face just before the punch connected. Jenny flew backwards fast enough to completely smash through a tree, toppling it to the ground.

“JENNY!” Twilight screamed, even as she was almost deafened by the cries of shock from the rest of the crowd.

“It’s a real shame. If only I had more time,” the warrior said as he stood up. “You’d make one hell of a student!”

Twilight and the other Elements were about rush over to her when they saw a bright golden flash come from behind the wooden debris. Jenny stood up, bruised and with some blood leaking from cuts on her body, but nothing that looked like she had just been smashed through several pounds of thick wood.The knightess wiped her mouth, removing the blood dripping from her lips, before smirking.

“Gotta say, I never thought I’d have fun with this kind of thing,” she gloated before stepping out of the debris, holding her blade in front of her in a ready stance as she did. “I know you’re going easy on me, but I’m starting to feel like I’ve got a shot at this.”

“My word! I can’t believe she can still boast after that brutish strike!” Rarity gasped. “Thank Celestia it didn’t ruin her ensemble!”

“Really, Rares?” Applejack asked with a groan. “You’re worried ‘bout how she looks?”

The unicorn huffed. “There’s no reason a lady can’t look fabulous even in a barbar-”

Suddenly, everyone could feel the atmosphere change, their blood running cold. Gilgamesh held out a hand and a green sparkling light appeared over Jenny. Her now minor wounds were reduced almost to nothing. He cast another few spells and Jenny momentarily grew a few different colors, feeling power surge through her.

“W-What? What was?”

“Protect, Shell, Haste, and Curaga. A smaller buffer to ensure you stay conscious for your last few lessons,” Gilgamesh interrupted, his tone changed from amused to almost emotionless.

“‘Buffer?’ ‘Lessons’?” Jenny asked in confusion, holding her sword in front of her, her hands starting to shake as the song changed.

“Yes,” he answered as he raised his spear, positioned to charge forwards and stab at her. “And your first one is, never underestimate your opponent,” he finished as his eyes glowed red.

Jenny suddenly found herself facing the other direction, off balance like she'd been struck. Before she could process the pain in her shoulder she registered the sound of steel on steel before she found herself falling in a new direction, only to be forced a different way as a red streak rammed into. The attacks came at blinding speeds, smacking her back forth, before a strike to her midsection sent her upward, only for the vicious assault to begin again, striking from all angles. Just as she finally began to understand what was happening she was sent back to the ground face first.

"JENNY!" Applejack cried.

"TWITCHY TAIL! TWITCHY TAIL!" Pinkie shouted.

Jenny turned her head to look up, seeing the armored warrior shooting down at her with his spear ready. She rolled to the side just in time to avoid the attack, only to be sent flying from the force. Before she could even he the ground her opponent shot at her and swung. She raised her sword and blocked it both the strength of the attack still sent her backwards through several trees.

Jenny cast cure on herself again as she pulled herself to her hands and knees, turning to face her opponent. What she saw turned her blood to ice.

A swirling mass of wind approached her, cloaking the figure inside with dirt and debris, the only thing visible were his glowing red eyes.

HOLY SHIT! I’M GONNA DIE! I’M GONNA DIE! I’M GONNA-! Jenny’s hands clenched in fear and she noticed she was still holding her sword. No, no, calm down. He’s not gonna kill me. This is a lesson. Focus. Focus. Wait for him to get close. Wait for him to get close and then strike.

Despite calming herself Jenny’s hands still shook as she waited, her target getting closer and closer.

NOW!

Jenny cried out as she shot forwards and brought her sword down as hard as she could, lightning crackling off her blade, only for Gilgamesh to jump into the air to avoid it. His cloak of wind dispersed, but his glowing eyes remained. Jenny prepared to attack as soon as he hit the ground… only to realize he wasn’t falling. After hovering in the air for a moment he floated backwards before landing on top of one of the many trees.

He can fly!?

Suddenly his eyes grew even brighter. Jenny rolled to side and barely dodged the heat beams, breaking into a sprint to avoid the continuing barrage.

“EAT THIS!” She shouted before launching a wave of lightning at him, only to gasp as backhanded it, the attack exploding on contact, but not managing to move him or even make him flinch. He then extended his hand at her before summoning a missile and firing it at her. Without time to think she unleashed another wave of lightning causing both attacks to destroy each other, clouding her vision with smoke. She held herself ready, waiting for any sign he was about to exit the cloud of smoke and attack her.

An intense feeling of dread came from behind her and she turn and swung, only to miss the armored warrior behind her. She continued her assault but he dodged every slash and stab not by weaving or stepping away but by just… moving. His body was completely motionless but he somehow moved out of the way of her attacks. She snuck a glance down at his feet and noticed they weren’t touching the ground. He was simply levitating himself out of the way.

In the brief moment of being distracted Jenny felt a sharp pain against her face and stumbled backwards. She held her sword out as she recovered and noticed by his hand’s position that he had flicked her nose. Jenny screamed in rage before attacking again, only for her barrage of sword attacks to be as useless as her last, this time her strikes being almost casually blocked by his weapon. He extended his hand to strike her in the chest only for her to leap back, feeling the force of the attack despite it not making contact.

“Weak. Very weak. It would seem that you would need to attack me with all your strength just to scratch me.” Gilgamesh said, his emotionless voice still somehow sounding like a taunt.

Jenny’s blood began to boil. “HOW’S THIS FOR ‘WEAK!?’” she shouted, gripping her blade before dashing forwards, her weapon glowing white hot. “CLIMHAZZARD!” she cried, slicing horizontally, the warrior not even trying to dodge. The attack connected and exploded in a brilliant light, only for it to almost immediately disappear. “Wh-What?” She gasped, noting the the blade was actually caught between his fingers, his hand barely burnt.

“My mistake,” he began, before planting his naginata in the ground and placing two fingers on her chest. “It seems even your best is lacking.”

Jenny felt heat coming from his fingers and released her weapon, jumping backwards just as energy exploded from his fingertips… the same kind of energy she just used. The explosion still managed to singe her body and sent her bouncing along the ground. Finally stopping, she grit through the pain and tried to sit up only to find her own blade held at her neck.

“Your next lesson. What is most important in martial arts? Is it power? Speed? Technique? No. The answer is ‘courage.’ Without it attacks are paltry, defenses shatter, and technique crumbles. Which leads to your final lesson. What is ‘courage’? Is it being afraid of nothing? No. Courage is being afraid, but acting anyway. Courage is conquering your fear and making it your own. One who has no fear has no courage.”

Everyone held quiet as Jenny panted, trying to catch her breath. Gilgamesh’s glowing eyes faded as he planted her sword into the ground next to her. He raised his hands and both his spear and his shield were summoned to them, immediately clipping both to his back.

“This was a test of your courage, Jenny Eriman,” he continued, his voice no longer threatening. “Having struck terror into your heart I can say this with absolute certainty.” He took off his helmet and held it at his side, finally letting others get a good look at his face. His skin was grey, his eyes black, and his hair a golden blonde, tied into a shoulder length ponytail and having a chin strap beard along his jawline, framing his warm smile. “You will make a fantastic knightess.” He raised his hand and cast another cure spell on her, healing most of her wounds, before leaning down and offering it to her.

Jenny looked at him in amazement for a moment before taking the offered hand and letting him pull her up. “That was the worst test I have ever had. Of all time. History lessons were nothing compared to being beaten to a pulp.”

“Sorry. It’s the cruelest lesson I can give, but also the most necessary one. Now then, I believe you have a party to get back to, and after all this you’re probably hungry.”

“I’m not-!” Jenny’s stomach answered for her, as a growl echoed across the clearing they were in. With a blush, she looked off to the side. “Okay... maybe a little.”

Gilgamesh held himself as long as he could, that is to say a few seconds, before bursting out laughing. Soon Pinkie joined and then Jenny couldn’t help but giggle as well.

“What!? How can you two just laugh this off!?” Twilight screamed.

Jenny shrugged a bit as she looked over at Twilight. “Well... I’m not entirely sure. I think I might be in shock from getting blasted through several trees. A concussion maybe?”

“No malice was meant, Twilight Sparkle. As I said before, this was a lesson. A harsh one, but a lesson all the same. Now she will be stronger, so she can protect you and those she cares about,” Gilgamesh explained.

Rainbow flew down towards Jenny and offered her a hoofbump. “That was awesome! Sure you got your flank totally handed to you, but you were throwing lightning!”

Jenny laughed a bit. “Yeah, I guess I did. I’m... still not sure how though.”

“Welcome to the multiverse of the Displaced, Ms. Eriman, where you inherit the abilities of whatever you were dressed as. Enjoy your newfound power, because more than likely you’ll be getting plenty of use out of it,” the warrior explained.

“‘Displaced’?” she asked.

“Ah, so you’re new to this. Well, we’ll talk about it later when the Princesses get here, for now let us eat, drink, and be merry!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leading her back into town. “TO SUGARCUBE CORNER, EVERYPONY! TONIGHT WE GET NO SLEEP EXCEPT FOR THE CRASH AFTER A SUGAR HIGH! AND POSSIBLY ALCOHOL, IF ANYONE’S GOT ANY!”

A mulberry mare in the crowd glanced at the others suspiciously before sneaking away with a grin. Another mare next to her glanced at the fleeing pony before doing a double take and chasing after her. “Berry, get back here!”

Applejack rolled her eyes for a moment before looking over to Pinkie. “So, since Gilgamesh just added alcohol to your party, mind if I stop by the farm and grab a few barrels of Hard Cider?”

Pinkie started bouncing to the other side of the crowd as she looked back towards the farm mare. “Yuppers! Make sure to have enough for everypony this time! I’ll get the alka-seltzer for the hangovers!” Stopping for a moment, Pinkie posed and pointed over towards Ponyville. “PARTY HARD!” Pinkie shouted.

"PARTY HARD!" Gilgamesh shouted, lifting up the pink pony and jogging back into town as he began to blare a new song.

Twilight and the gang, plus Jenny, stood watching the scene as the crowd of ponies started chasing after the two, singing along to the song. Jenny just looked over at Rainbow and shrugged before the two of them started running after the crowd as well.

Groaning as he was jostled about on Ironside's back, Highwind started to come back to the waking world. A glance up showed him that Whirlwind was flying just up ahead, and Sterling was walking next to Ironsides.

Sterling was the first to notice. “Oh, y-you’re awake.”

Ironsides chuckled as he looked over his shoulder. “Welcome back to the world of the living.”

With you numbskulls I almost wish I was dead. He thought, but kept it to himself. “What’s the situation?” he asked.

“Plenty of distance away from the city, no hostiles in sight,” Whirlwind answered, coming down enough to hover nearby. “Your orders, sir?”

Highwind looked back and saw the sun getting close to the horizon. “Celestia’s almost set the sun. We should stop and set up camp for now. Even messengers have to rest.”

“Understood, sir. Ironsides, you dig the hole, I’ll get some kindling,” Whirlwind replied as he flew off towards some trees.

Ironsides gently set Highwind down as he began to dig a small indentation. After that was done he gathered some rocks and started placing them in a ring. “Jeez, haven’t done this since the Colt Scouts.”

Highwind raised an eyebrow and looked over at him while shakily sitting up. “You were a Colt Scout?”

“Yup. Kinda how I acquired my love all culinary things. I noticed nopony made the same dish exactly the same way. It’s how I met Whirlwind, too.” He chuckled. “His mom thought he could use some time away from tail-chasing.”

Sterling walked up and picked up a few rocks. “Here, let me help.”

“I’m back,” the pegasus said with his forelegs full of dry twigs and leaves.

Sterling reached into his coat and started to fumble around. “I know I had it somewhere.... Ah!” He pulled out a small lighter and flipped it open. “Here we are.”

These guys just get more and more surprising. The level of competence among them is almost acceptable.

As Sterling started to light the campfire, Highwind looked over at Whirlwind and motioned for him to come over. When the pegasus did, he whispered. “Do you wonder just what this guy’s business in Canterlot is? I’d rather not lead anything potentially dangerous to the princesses.”

“You can’t be serious. This scaredy cat? He looks like he’d faint if a leaf fell on him.”

Highwind closed his eyes for a moment before glancing over at Sterling. “I know he looks like nothing. But I can’t help but feel something is off.” He looked back over to Whirlwind and frowned. “I’d feel better if I knew what his message was.”

“Hm. Guess you’ve got a point. Give me a sec.” He then trotted over to the elf and sat next to him. “So Sterling, what exactly is this message you need to get to the Princesses? I know there’s certain procedure for these things, but it might be better to make sure this message gets through no matter what.”

Sterling flinched a bit before looking away. “I’m sorry... but I’m not allowed to tell anyone but the princesses. Royal Orders.”

Highwind decided that dancing around the issue was just going to be a problem, so better to put him on the spot. “Tell me, Ambassador, what do you think would upset your leaders more? That you broke a Royal Order and told us the information, or that you died and the message was never delivered? There are a lot of vicious animals out here, not to mention the possibility of more changelings.”

Sterling paled and stammered. “Y-you can’t be insinuating on leaving me out here, are you!?”

“No, not at all. But accidents do happen, and it pays to be prepared.”

The ambassador shook for a moment, wrestling with his own mind. At the same time, Whirlwind was looking at Highwind in shock. “Are you mad!? We’d be kicked out of the guard if word of this got to the higher ups.”

Highwind glanced over. “Do you plan on telling them?”

“... No. I want to keep my job, thank you very much.”

Sterling’s sudden sigh drew their attention again. “Alright, I’ll divulge the message.” Highwind called for Ironsides to come over and the three of them listened to Sterling. “About five weeks ago, elves started to go missing. This wouldn’t have been a problem, but every day since our population has been dropping.

Just four days ago, the King and Queen also vanished, and it was the Prince and Princess, Prince Semidio Albero Leone and Princess Semidia Essere Leone, that sent for me to get aid from the neighboring kingdoms after taking temporary hold of the throne, starting with Equestria.” Sterling sighed as he stirred the fire. “Please, I need to get to Canterlot as fast as possible.”

The three Guardsponies just stared.

“Holy hay, this is big,” Ironsides whispered.

“Whirlwind, I want you on night watch,” Highwind began. “After that, Ironsides. I’ll be last. I want three hour rotations. Eat up, we’re double-timing it tomorrow.”

Whirlwind and Ironsides saluted Highwind. “Yes sir.”

Highwind looked over at Sterling. “Ambassador, I’m sorry for pressuring you. I’m just trying to ensure the safety of the message, as well as my squad.”

“I… I understand. I guess you were right, the message is most important. I’m just… W-Well I’m not really used to doing this sort of thing. I usually only meet at the embassies.”

Highwind smiled a bit and scoffed as he stared at the fire. “I wouldn’t expect it to be. It’s not every day a city gets attacked by changelings, or nations start to vanish. But do remember, your safety is also our top priority. Captain’s orders.”

The elf sighed in relief. “Thank you.” He then fidgeted for a moment. “Um, if I may ask a question, Lieutenant?” Highwind’s eyebrow rose back up as he looked over. “Um, I’m rather interested in how you fought. I’ve only heard of such acrobatic displays from pegasi, not unicorns.”

It was silent for a moment before he looked over and saw Whirlwind high up in the sky, overlooking the camp from a cloud, and Ironsides asleep off to the side. “Do not tell anyone this.” Highwind pulled out his spear again and held it up in his magic. “It’s the Spear.”

“‘The spear?’ You mean it’s enchanted?”

Highwind nodded. “Gravity reduction enchantment meant to be powered by ambient Pegasi magic. It can be charged for short bursts from a unicorn, but it lacks the power that it would normally have. It’s why I was so winded by using that technique.”

“That’s impressive. I’m curious as to why you were interested in something like that. I would think you’d be more interested in improving your magical abilities.”

Highwind was silent for a moment before he put the spear away. “That is a personal matter.” He turned to lay down and glanced over at Sterling. “I suggest you get some rest ambassador. Tomorrow is going to be rough.”

“I-I see. Yes, of course,” Sterling Mind replied before lying down and doing what he could to make himself comfortable.