Ace stood silent staring at the seven ponies before him, ‘So the purple unicorn is Twilight and this must be the sister of Nightmare Moon.’ Ace mulled over his next action while taking a good look at the group in front of him, the pink one watched him intently with a smile on her face and waved at him when they made eye contact. The orange pony and blue pegasus stood alert and eyed him with suspicion. The white unicorn and yellow pegasus both eyed him with fear, the former less so than the latter as she hid behind the unicorn when his gaze shifted towards them. Twilight and Celestia both seemed lost in thought staring in his general direction, Twilight with an inquizitive look in her eyes while Celestia’s held sadness.
Twilight snapped herself out of her thoughts and steeled her resolve, with as even a face she could hold she walked up to the creature. “I’d like to thank you for your help with Nightmare Moon, and if you don’t mind I have some questions I’d like to ask you.” Foregoing speaking at the moment the creature simply nodded and gestured for her to continue. “Right,” she started with a smile, “First off, what are you exactly?”
Ace stared at Twilight momentarily before dropping his head with a sigh and crossed his arms. “My name is Portgas D. Ace, and I am the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. On the seas however I’m known by a different name, most refer to me as the pirate Fire Fist Ace with a bounty of 550,000,000 Beri.” ‘If Teach really did send me here then he’s got one bad sense of humor. I really hope these ponies know of a way to get me back to the Grand Line, Luffy might be in danger and I still have to catch Blackbeard.’ Twilight and two other pony’s ears fell and eyes widened at the news, while the blue pegasus scowled and took a somewhat defensive stance.
All was quiet and the air tense while the ponies processed what they were told. Ace was about to speak up when he noticed the orange pony walk up next to Twilight, take the hat from her head and hold it to her chest, “Ah’d like tah thank you Ace, for helping us against Nightmare Moon. Ah’m Applejack by the way,” she placed her hat back on her head and continued, “and with that outta the way ah’d like tah know what you plan on doin’ next. While ah am grateful, Rainbow was right, not only did’ja fight off Nightmare on your own, if what she said was right, that wasn’t even the first time that’s happened.”
Ace narrowed his eyes as he looked at all the ponies and wondered if he would get thrown into another fight right away when the pink pony walked up in front of her friends and then turned to face them. “Girls, if Ace wanted to hurt us wouldn’t he have had plenty of chances to already? I mean he didn’t have to step up when Nightmare smashed the elements in the first place, and I highly doubt he’d be wasting his time talking to us if he did have some plan to take over our world.” All the girls shared glances between themselves that shared feelings of worry, distrust, unease, and understanding.
“Just because he’s talking to us now doesn’t mean anything,” the blue pegasus replied, “He still talked to Nightmare and look how that ended.” She was met with confused stares and sighed, “You two may not have noticed but I’m sure Fluttershy did,” hearing her name called made the yellow mare lower her head and try to hide behind her mane. Rainbow turned her glare at Ace with a frown, “I saw how bad a condition Nightmare’s wings were in, now she may not be the fastest flyer in Equestria but managing to do that to a pegasus’ wings would be nearly impossible while they’re flying and Nightmare is an alicorn.”
“Maybe Pinkie’s right girls, Portgas did save us from what would have been an untimely end, even if gathering the elements was delayed slightly.” Celestia’s ears twitched at this revelation, but aside from that her face hadn’t changed. Rarity continued as she walked up and stood beside Pinkie, “Who knows what would’ve happened had he not stepped in.” Rarity turned towards Ace to introduce herself, “I’m afraid we haven’t been properly introduced, I’m Rarity Belle, Ponyville’s resident fashionista, and it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Portgas.”
Celestia lifted her head and stared at Ace contemplating something, and Ace in turn stared right back. ‘Did he truly help as much as Twilight and her friends believe he did?’ With this and countless more thoughts running through her head it took Celestia a while before she noticed Twilight looking at her expectantly. “Is something the matter my faithful student?” She asked as she put on a smile that wasn’t completely sincere.
Twilight sighed, “I was just wondering what was going to happen to Ace. My friends can’t make up their minds and both sides have excellent points for why they feel how they feel.” Twilight said in a slightly dejected tone.
“Princess Celestia was it?” Ace’s voice carried over the conversation the ponies in front of him were having, all Ace received was a nod in response. “I just wanted one of my questions answered,” Ace said, “Why does your sister want eternal night?” As Ace finished asking his question all the ponies looked at him in confusion while all Celestia did was hang her head.
“That is very perceptive of you Portgas D. Ace, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you piece together that little bit of information?” Celestia asked as she raised her head with a sad smile and ponies gasped in surprise.
“The first room I entered when I reached the ruins was a throne room with one blue throne and one gold throne side by side at the front with themed tapestries dividing the room in different color schemes. That coupled with Nightmare’s familiarity of the castle and disdain she held for her sister when we talked, it was pretty easy to put together.” Celestia’s face fell a bit once Ace had finished. “Your failure to hide your emotions was another reason.”
Celestia went on to share the tale of how Luna’s rage and jealousy transformed her into Nightmare Moon and how she had used the elements to banish her to the moon when her own power wasn’t enough to fight back against Nightmare. “So there she stayed, imprisoned in the moon for one thousand years. I had hoped that Twilight would be able to make friends that embodied the spirits of the elements, and it seems she has,” Celestia looked towards her student and her friends with a small smile, “But alas, Nightmare Moon got away before they could use the elements.”
“Excuse me Princess? But what exactly would’ve happened if we had used the Elements of Harmony on Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked with peaked curiosity.
“The elements have the power to sense deep within a being’s soul and judge how righteous or evil they are and depending on what they sense they will either cleanse the being or encase them in stone. Considering Nightmare Moon was only born of jealousy and rage I had hoped that the elements would be able to return to me what little family I have left.” Celestia finished her explanation on a blue note.
“Sorry to interrupt Princess but we’re getting off topic.” Ace let out a sigh as he heard the voice of Rainbow. “What are we gonna do about him?” she asked as she pointed a hoof at him. “He’s dangerous, that much I know for a fact. We can’t leave him free to roam, who knows what he’ll do.”
Rainbow let out a grunt of pain as Applejack bopped her on the head with her hoof. “An’ who knows what he might do if you keep runnin’ your mouth like that Rainbow. Princess, if the elements really do work the way you say they do, could we use them on Ace to see if he poses a threat to us?” She turned to the princess as she asked her question. ‘Not really sure that being a statue would help me get back to looking for Teach.’ Ace silently mused.
“If Ace truly doesn’t mean a threat to us then I see no harm in it, but considering he has helped you six I don’t feel it would be right to do this without his say in the matter.” Celestia said.
“Are you crazy Princess?! Why would he willingly let himself be turned into a statue?” Rainbow retorted instantly, “Why should we ask for permission?!”
“Yeah, sure. Go ahead, I have nothing to worry about.” Ace replied after a moment of silence.
“Are you sure Ace?” Twilight asked with a hint of worry in her voice. “What if you get turned into a statue?” All Twilight got in response was a nod. “Well if you’re sure,” Twilight said with worry still in her voice as she eyed the pirate, “Alright girls, form up.” With that the rest of the bearers stood beside Twilight. They all closed their eyes and magic slowly began to envelope them one by one until they all floated in the air. Twilight opened her eyes completely white and filled with magical might as a rainbow shot into the air above them and angled itself to strike Ace.
Ace braced himself as the rainbow beam hit him, to his surprise though it felt like it was rejuvenating him. After a few seconds of this passed Ace felt something within him falter, and with that the beam ended and the bearers fell to the ground. ‘Well I’m not a statue but…’
The bearers of the Elements of Harmony slowly worked their way up to their hooves. Shaking their heads and talking amongst each other before they turned to Ace. Twilight and Applejack both held looks of relief and let out a sigh as they saw Ace seemingly unharmed by the elements. Rainbow’s scowl shrunk and she turned her head away with a ‘tch’. The pink pony and white unicorn both had smiles on their faces, while Fluttershy still only stared at the ground.
“Well that’s that then.” Applejack said, “What say we all head on home? Ah know Ah sure could use some sleep after tonight.” Most of her friends replied in positive tones except for Rainbow and Fluttershy who decided to remain quiet, albeit for very different reasons.
“Before we do, Ace?” Twilight asked, “Do you have anywhere to stay?” When he shook his head he swore he saw Twilight’s eyes light up. “Well if you’d like you can stay with me for the time being. I still have a lot of questions I’d like to ask you.” After a few seconds of thought Ace shrugged his shoulders and let his hands fall to his sides. With that decided the group began their march back to Ponyville until Twilight noticed Princess Celestia had stayed behind, still as a statue lost in thought. “Is something wrong Princess?” Twilight asked.
Celestia broke out of her stupor and turned to Twilight with a small smile on her face. “It’s nothing Twilight, you just head on back home. It’s been a long night; I should return to the castle before my advisors start making a mess of things.” With that said she flared her wings and took to the skies to clear her mind. ‘Just hold on a little longer Luna, I swear I will bring you back.’
As Twilight watched her mentor fly off towards Canterlot all her thoughts rested on the sadness she held in her voice. ‘The princess was really counting on us, and we failed. It’s up to us find Nightmare Moon and get her back to normal. I hope Ace will be willing to help us again.’ Settling on making a plan to find Nightmare, Twilight regrouped with her friends as they continued their trek back to Ponyville. “Ace? I was wondering if you’d be willing to help us track down Nightmare Moon once you’ve gotten settled in Ponyville. I’ve never seen or heard Princess Celestia that sad before, if the elements really can bring back her sister than its up to me and my friends to find and subdue her. You said yourself how important family was. Will you help us reunite the Princess with her sister?” Twilight looked at Ace as she finished her question.
Celestia flew over the land slowly making her way back to the castle as she went over the events that had just taken place. ‘So that’s who that was. I wonder if he knows why he’s here? I can only hope that he decides to help us in the rough times to come. If what I’ve sensed does come to pass, then the bearers will need all the help they can get in defending Equestria. I just wonder how long it’ll be before he asks for help getting back.’ Celestia’s thoughts left Ace and floated towards Nightmare Moon. ‘Where could you have gone sister? Has Nightmare’s hold truly not waned even after all these years?’
The group of seven slowly dwindled once they reached the town of Ponyville, the first to leave was Applejack. “Well, Ah can hoof it back to Sweet Apple Acres from here girls. It was an interestin’ turn of events that caused us to meet Ace, but Ah hope we can all get along. Come by the acre if yah ever find yourself in need of work.” AJ waved at the group with a smile as she turned and walked off on her own. Fluttershy was the next to leave but chose to wave at the group with a smile before she started walking towards a cottage in the distance.
“I should probably get going to.” Pinkie said, “Parties don’t plan themselves yanno.” Pinkie started hopping away from the group humming a cheerful tune as she went.
Rainbow was next to leave, “I’m gonna get going too,” she said as she looked at the two of her friends before adding in a glare at Ace as she said, “But be sure to tell me if he starts wreaking havoc around town. I’d be glad to deal with him.” Rainbow flew off after a few seconds of glaring at Ace.
The group of three walked a little longer until Rarity decided to speak up, “Portgas dear, I mean nothing bad by it when I say this but if you want I could make you a shirt to wear, and I could also use your help to possibly design clothing for minotaurs. While you may not be as… bulky as a minotaur you would still be far easier to work with.” Before Ace could reply Rarity muttered, “Oh, it seems we’ve arrived at your destination.” She said as she laid eyes on Twilight’s library tree house. “Well you be sure to get back to me on that proposal Ace.” When Ace nodded in reply she smiled as she began to walk off. “I must get going now though, I really hope Sweetie Belle didn’t get into too much trouble while we were gone.”
“Here we are Ace. Until we can find someplace better accustomed for you you’ll be staying here with me.” Twilight opened the door with her magic as she walked in followed by Ace. “The first floor is a library, so if you ever feel like reading anything feel free to choose whatever you like. The couch should be big enough for you to lay down on, I’ll go grab some blankets and a pillow for you.” Twilight said as she started to head up the stairs. With a moment to himself Ace decided to retreat into his thoughts once more, ‘I should really bring up finding a way to get back home. I don’t belong here, if the World Government found this place they’d wreak havoc all over this land.’ The sound of hoofsteps coming from the stairs took Ace’s attention as her turned and saw Twilight levitating a pillow and blanket his way.
“Thank you Twilight, but I have to ask, why are you so willing to not only trust a stranger so easily but let them into your house for the night?” Ace asked as he stared off into space.
“Well, it’s a number of reasons really. First, because you helped us fight back against Nightmare Moon and I feel the need to repay you. Second, the Elements of Harmony didn’t turn you to stone, so even they sensed that you weren’t somepony with bad intentions.” Twilight hesitated a bit before her face fell slightly. “I would like an answer to my question though, ever since I asked you for help with Nightmare you’ve seemed more lost in your thoughts.”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking about as a matter of fact. I will help you, but only on the condition that you help me. I’d rather not go into details right now but I’ll need help later on with something that went wrong.” ‘If any of these ponies can help me it’d be the princess’ student, and if not her than I can go straight to the Princess.’
“I see.” Twilight silently mulled it over for a few seconds before she stuck her hoof out towards Ace with a smile. “Portgas D. Ace, you have yourself a deal.” Ace grabbed her hoof and shook it. “Well if you don’t mind, I’d recommend getting some rest. Tomorrow we start thinking of a way to track down Nightmare Moon, and I still have more questions about you I’d like to ask. I’d also expect the town to be in quite a buzz after everything that happened.” Twilight went back towards the stairs and made her way towards her room where she got in bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow.
Ace laid on the couch in silence as he stared up at the ceiling, ‘If I ever do make it back to The Grand Line I’ll have one hell of a story to share, and this only feels like the beginning.’ His thoughts slowly shifting towards his family and his crew. Ace closed his eyes as he began to feel the wear of the day catch up to him. One of the final thoughts to flow through his head as he began to fall deeper into his slumber was that he knew someone like him didn’t belong here, someone with the blood of a demon flowing through him. He would try to help the inhabitants of this land to the best of his ability and hope he didn’t just make things worse as a result of his presence. With these thoughts in mind he felt his conscience slip from him as he fell asleep.