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6 Musical Beating

‘Target: Chrysalis

Location: Unknown

Status: Alive

Wanted: Dead

Believed to be a Kishin, proceed with caution. Member of the Changeling race, may shapeshift into others. Eliminate with extreme prejudice.’

“This is our target. Be careful,” Kid said handing over the file

“This is awesome! Our first mission,” Vinyl said excitedly

“We're heading through the Everfree Forest. Princess Celestia informed me about a Changeling hive through there.”

Kid made sure to wear the boots and his usual black outfit as he didn't trust anything happening during the trip. Vinyl was waiting in the throne room in the meantime.

“Sorry, I had to get ready.”

“No problem. I was just thinking,” Vinyl replied

“Oh? What about?”

“This is the first time I get to be in a real life or death situation. I've never seen a kishin before,” she answered

“You'll be fine, Vinyl. I'm your weapon partner. I won't let anything happen to you,” Octavia said

“That's why I'm going with. If anything happens, I'll step in and take over. Before we leave; there is something I suggest you have made.”

“What's that important,” Vinyl asked

“A scabbard and back-mount for your shield. That way you don't wear yourself out during the trip there.”

“Sounds reasonable. Besides; we don't know the area we're getting into,” Octavia added

“Very well. There's a blacksmith in Ponyville that can help,” Vinyl said

The group boarded the train home and were there in half an hour. Vinyl knew the way and took Octavia there while Kid headed back home. After the crafting was done; Vinyl agreed to meet at his house before they left.

● VINYL SCRATCH ●

“Good morning Iron Blade. Would you mind making a few items for me?”

“Of course. What do you need made,” the blacksmith asked

“A scabbard and back-mount please.”

“Change into your weapon form please so I can get the proper measurements,” Iron Blade said

About an hour later; the two items were made. The mount was a simple leather and cloth frame that wrapped around its user's shoulders and back with a few non-invasive attachments for the shield to rest against comfortably. The scabbard was a simple metal tube that allowed the blade to be removed with ease and attached to the back mount with snaps.

“Thank you very much, sir.”

“You're very welcome. I wish you best of look on your mission,” he said

“You do look good with that,” Octavia added

“Thank you again for everything.”

● DEATH the KID ●

“Kid, girls! You're back,” Blair said excitedly

“Not for long. We're heading on a mission with Vinyl and Octavia,” Cloud Chaser said

“Good luck. I've been rather bored with no one here. Maybe I should just visit you at the school,” Blair suggested

“We'll see. Before heading home we'll stop by,” Flitter said

KNOCK! KNOCK!

“Kid? I'm ready,” Vinyl called

“Nice setup. Glad to see everything fits.”

“Thank you,” Vinyl replied

“Alright girls. Once we get to the forest, transform and remain in your weapon forms. There's no telling what's there.”

“Got it,” the sisters said simultaneously

“Understood,” Octavia replied

The group headed through town and stopped momentarily at the edge of the Everfree Forest to have everyone transform. Once that was done; they proceeded to their destination.

“Hold up a moment. There's something coming,” Kid said in a whisper

Using his Soul Perception; he saw a kishin was approaching their location. Looking at the appearance, he saw a black bug-like creature. Drawing out a pistol, he quietly destroyed his enemy and handed the soul to Vinyl.

“It's yours.”

“You take it. Besides, you destroyed the kishin,” she replied

“Drop down. From here forward, we crawl. Keep your blade within reach. Switch. Silencer Pistols.”

Vinyl took the other side of the path and drew the sword out. Seeing a finger from the other side; she knew a changeling was approaching. A simple slash to the body was enough to destroy an unwanted visitor as she continued. Kid motioned to her once to let Vinyl know as he withdrew a pistol and shot an approaching changeling; creating only a muffled ‘POP’.

The two took their time and eliminated any kishin in their path. Kid was surprised that he had already consumed an additional 51 souls. He knew he still needed the 2 witch souls, along with the remaining 48 kishin souls.

“That's our destination,” Kid said pointing to a black hive before brushing himself off

“Well, at least we're here. Unfortunately, there's more than just our target in there,” Vinyl said cleaning herself

“Let's just get inside the hive.”

The two hurried inside, not caring about being seen. Once there, a loud buzzing erupted to show the displeasure of having unwanted visitors.

“Who dares enter my nest,” a voice called

“Your destruction. I'll eliminate everyone here to get to you if I have to,” Kid replied coldly

“There's thousands of my changelings and only two meisters. They deserve payback for all those you killed on the way here,” the voice said with a hint of anger

“So be it. Everyone here dies. Shift. Machine Guns.”

With that, Kid released small bursts destroying groups at a time while Vinyl took out any stragglers that got too close. The entire room was eliminated, leaving almost 50 souls.

“Take these. You deserve them and it's not up for discussion.”

“Octavia, feast time,” Vinyl said releasing her partner

“Thank you for the meal I'm about to eat,” Octavia said

“You're welcome.”

“Kid; are you going to be alright? That's a lot of energy you've expended,” Vinyl asked

“I'll be okay. My soul is as strong as the princesses. Let's move on through the hive.”

“Very well. Tavi, transform,” Vinyl said

The next room had the same result as Kid eliminated the main portion of the enemies, while Vinyl assisted on stragglers. Kid took the majority of souls in that room, bringing him to just need the two witches.

“This is ridiculous. How many of them are there,” Vinyl asked after their latest room

“Too many. I'm changing tactics. Weapon Shift. Grenade Launcher.”

The pistols gained their usual glow and altered, becoming a much different weapon then what Vinyl had ever seen. Firing a single round into the next room caused everyone to be instantly destroyed, including those in the nearby vicinity.

“That helps speeding things up. We'll clean up the hive sooner,” Vinyl said cheerfully

Kid proceeded to shoot each room as necessary as the pair made their way to the throne room; leaving nothing behind. Upon entering the throne room; their leader tossed a pair of bottles to them as Kid had the weapons return to normal.

“Drink. It'll replenish what you've expended during your battles. I'm Chrysalis, by the way. This hive has nothing to do with Vladimir Neighsay or his plan to resurrect an old friend. I don't care if you know, as you're not leaving my hive alive,” Chrysalis said smugly

“If you don't mind my asking; what exactly is the drink?”

“It's a special nectar my changelings can make. And no; it's not secretions from us. That thought alone is revolting. There are certain flowers in the nearby forest that are used,” Chrysalis explained

Kid opened the bottle and proceeded to take a couple swallows as Vinyl did the same. Afterwards, the two stuck the bottles near the wall to be out of the way.

“Old friend? What's she talking about,” Vinyl asked curiously

“Someone that I'd rather you not know about. Let's just say that I'll do anything to prevent his return.”

“Very well. I'll make sure you don't suffer. Now give me your souls willingly and save yourself the trouble of a fight,” Chrysalis taunted

“Sorry, but I'm not willing to go down without a fight.”

“Same goes for me,” Vinyl added, showing false bravado

“I'll start with you, girly. How do you like fighting,” Chrysalis started “against yourself.”

Chrysalis proceeded to change into Vinyl as the real one drew her weapons in preparation of battle. Chrysalis charged and kicked Vinyl in the stomach, sending her backwards.

“Having fun? You watching boy? Once I finish with her; you're next,” Chrysalis said

Vinyl countered with a kick of her own before attempting to slash at her opponent. Chrysalis jumped back just in the nick of time as only a stray strand of hair was cut off.

Not wanting to lose her opportunity; Vinyl pressed the attack by using the shield as a battering ram and adding the sword afterwards. Chrysalis attempted to kick Vinyl, only to be met by the shield blocking the attack.

“Not bad. You actually believe you can win,” Chrysalis said

Looking over at Kid; Chrysalis decided to change into him to taunt Vinyl into attacking her companion. Chrysalis attacked with a kick to Vinyl’s legs, dropping her. The changeling decided to revert back to her opponent in order to feel humiliated that Vinyl was killed by ‘herself’.

“Playtime’s over. Say goodbye,” Chrysalis said, picking up Vinyl’s sword before instantly dropping it

“You might look like my meister, but you don't have her soul wavelength,” Octavia said through the sword

“No matter. I'll use a different blade,” she replied

Chrysalis proceeded to summon a sword, only for it to be shot out of her hands.

“I don't think so. I'll take you on now.”

Kid had decided to holster the pistols and fight unarmed. He knew she was going to be tough and had to step to protect Vinyl.

“Reaper Art. Death Stance.”

Kid proceeded to throw off the trench coat and prepared to attack. Throwing a kick to the legs caused an unprepared Chrysalis to stumble backwards. His opponent altered form again.

“Willing to fight against yourself” Chrysalis asked

“Yeah, I will.”

Chrysalis tried to attack low, only for Kid to catch her leg and rolled towards the right, causing her to be thrown off balance. Kid proceeded to follow up with a kick to the ribs.

“I'm…going…to…kill…you…for…that,” she said through breaths

“Good luck with that.”

Kid attempted another attack, only to be pushed away. Chrysalis struggled to get to her feet and changed back to her original form. Spotting the fallen blade, she grabbed it and started swinging it wildly, before having it knocked out of her hands a second time.

“Time to end this. Soul Protect Release,” Chrysalis said

“Kid; do you want me to take over,” Vinyl asked

“I have to ask you something.”

“What's that,” Vinyl whispered

“Can you preform a shield spell,” he whispered as she nodded “Do it, please.”

Vinyl let her horn glow momentarily as she proceeded to put the shield up in the room, blocking off the exit. Kid retrieved the bottle and took another swallow to help him.

“What do you hope to accomplish? Only one of us can fly,” Chrysalis demanded opening her wings

“Beelzebub.”

“Cute trick. It can't match me,” Chrysalis said

She began to fly in hopes of escaping Kid. Approaching the door, Chrysalis realized she was trapped. Kid calmly jumped on the skateboard and began firing at his opponent, with the shots either glancing off, or missing completely.

“Vinyl, cover up!”

Vinyl instinctively raised her shield above her head as she crouched down, not knowing what Kid was planning on doing.

“Scattershot.”

Vinyl couldn't see what was transpiring, but Chrysalis was on the receiving end of countless shots that managed to hit her armor and destroy her wings, sending her crashing into the ground.

“You filthy meister! Who do you think you are,” Chrysalis demanded

“The Grim Reaper. Vinyl, toss me your sword!”

“Are you sure,” she asked

“Positive.”

Kid holstered his left pistol and proceeded to use the sword in his left hand as Chrysalis picked up her fallen sword, for the third time. The two clashed as he proceeded to shoot her every time Chrysalis stalled.

“You bastard! Is this some game to you,” Chrysalis asked

“I'm ending this. Soul Resonance!”

Cloud Chaser and Flitter’s weapon forms glowed around Kid's arms as they completely morphed. Gone were the pistols and present were twin cannons that contained a huge three-pointed skull that traversed the entire barrel.

“Sound rate at 3 percent,” Chaser said

“Death Cannon. Fire!”

Two huge blasts erupted from the cannons and destroyed Chrysalis, leaving just the witch soul behind. Afterwards, Kid and Vinyl allowed their weapons to return as they finished the drink they were given.

“Kid, you deserve the honors. You did most of the work in here,” Vinyl said

“Chaser; it's all yours.”

“Our first witch soul. What's going to happen afterwards,” Chaser asked curiously

“I don't know. We'll figure it out as a team.”

Chaser swallowed the soul and proceeded to return to weapon form. While she did, both began to glow and alter form again. Seconds later, Kid was still looking at twin pistols, with an obvious difference. They no longer were .38 caliber pistols, but .42 caliber Death Eagles.

“Nice! You've changed pistol forms. Take a look.”

One by one, they transformed, allowing the other to see what they now looked like.

“Congratulations on making them your weapons,” Octavia said

“We're not completely there yet. This would make a normal weapon a Death Scythe, but I still have to collect a second witch soul to do so. Please return to your weapon forms and we'll head out.”

The girls returned to their forms, as Kid stored them inside the holsters, before casually retrieving his trench coat. Vinyl dropped the shield as they proceeded to leave.

Their return trip home though the forest was uneventful as everyone returned to Chaser and Flitter’s residence for the evening.

“How'd it go,” Blair asked curiously

“We successfully defeated our first witch,” Flitter said cheerfully

“And gained a new form at the same time,” Chaser added

Flitter proceeded to transform as her sister showed Blair, although the latter couldn't wield the pistol.

“That's amazing! Congrats to all of you! So, you've increased from .38 to .42 caliber pistols. How'd you do, Vinyl,” Blair asked

“We collected the 99 kishin souls needed, but thought Kid deserved Chrysalis’s witch soul for all the work he did,” Vinyl replied

“There will be another chance. If I do not become a Death Scythe; I am okay with that,” Octavia added

“Blair; why don't you come back with us to the academy?”

“Of course I'll come. I'd actually like to see more of Canterlot,” she replied

“We'll all head back tomorrow.”

Later that night Vinyl and Octavia headed home as they agreed to meet up at the train station around 9:30 to return to the academy. After they arrived back at the castle, Kid noticed the mood seemed different.

“Meeting. Now,” Celestia said coldly

“Go ahead and join the others. I'll see you soon.”

Kid followed Celestia directly to the throne room and proceeded to apply the usual enchantments to the room. He joined the others at the table, sitting between Giriko and Justin.

“Why did you do it,” Celestia demanded angrily

“Could you please specify the question,” Kid asked calmly

“Why did you eliminate the entire changeling hive,” she asked

“One; I didn't need any surprise attacks waiting for me along the way. Two; I never trust what a witch says. Chrysalis admitted Neighsay is planning on resurrecting Asura, and mentioned her hive has nothing to do with it. Every changeling there was a kishin; so yeah, I killed them. For all we know, had I left them alone; Neighsay destroys everyone and uses the thousands of souls for Asura. Vinyl took the 99 she needed, and allowed me to take everything else.”

“Celestia; perhaps this is a case of the wrong thing for the right reasons,” Stein suggested

“I've seen the bastard, Asura. He really is scary as hell. If Kid had to take the souls, it was for the best,” Giriko said

“I agree. The purpose of the DWMA was to prevent the creation of kishins. Kid acted to continue that purpose,” Justin added

“I did what I had to. If it means protecting Equestria; as the Grim Reaper, I will take matters into my own hands.”

“Sister, perhaps they are right. We do not know what Asura is capable of; but the others do. Let them do what has to be done,” Luna said

“Very well. Kid; as you are the Grim Reaper, you may do what you have to,” Celestia said with a sigh

“Changing the subject; you actually confirmed Neighsay to be the witch,” Stein said

“Yeah, Chrysalis admitted it. The problem is, we can't charge him as the one who told me is dead.”

“Congrats on getting your first witch. What's your weapon form look like,” Giriko asked

“They're still pistols, but the actual type altered. Instead of being .38 caliber pistols; they're now .42 caliber Death Eagles.”

“Congratulations Kid. Perhaps we should show your father the progress you've made,” Justin suggested

“I agree. Other than that; we need to let him know about our findings with Asura,” Stein added

“Alright. Allow me to bring the girls here.”

● COURTYARD ●

“Welcome back girls. How'd it go,” Twilight asked

“We collected our first witch soul,” Cloud Chaser replied

“Congratulations! I always hoped you'd make it,” Twilight said cheerfully

“What's it look like,” Rainbow Dash asked

Flitter proceeded to transform so everyone could see their form. After returning back, most of the students gave them congratulations on their progress.

“Girls, would you please follow me,” Kid called

● DEATH the KID ●

The three rejoined the princesses and were led to the library where the teachers were waiting for their arrival.

“Cloud Chaser, Flitter; congratulations on collecting your first witch soul and gaining a new appearance,” Stein said

“Thank you professor,” the girls said together

“42-42-564. Whenever you want to, knock on Death's door.”

“Hiya, hiya! What's up,” Lord Death said

“We finally had confirmation regarding our witch problem.”

“That's good news. What about,” Death asked

“A witch I battled the other day, admitted the person we informed you about; Vladimir Neighsay, was indeed planning on resurrecting Asura.”

“He was destroyed by three meisters once. DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE HIM,” Death said as his eye holes narrowed and his voice deepened

“Of course father. We will not fail on our mission. I did manage to collect the first witch soul I need.”

“Can I see what they look like,” DtK asked, interjecting himself

“Of course. Transform.”

“Amazing! That's their new form? It reminds me of when I temporarily connected the lines of Sanzu. Gain any new weapon forms,” DtK asked

“As you previously knew; they have become a sniper rifle and shotgun. Now; I've added dual machine guns and a grenade launcher to the arsenal. The sniper and grenade aren't going to be used as they require a lot of energy to expend.”

“That's still impressive you have managed to accomplish such a feat! You really are the Grim Reaper,” DtK said

“Thank you very much. When I became displaced; I hoped to become my own entity, and not just a carbon copy of the original. I'm glad to see that we share similarities, but are different in our abilities.”

“I was one of the three that originally defeated Asura and I know that was the worst fight I've ever been in. If you can find a way to block the madness; then make good use of it,” DtK said

“I found one method that could help; but I'm not sure how ethical it would be considered,” Stein replied

“If it helps, I'm in.”

“Before we do anything else; we need to have a plan,” Justin said

“Princess; do you know of another weapon that could help out?"

“I do. Cheerilee is a teacher in Ponyville and a weapon. I'll send for her as soon as I can,” Celestia replied

“Good, because we're going to need her. We'll talk to you later father.”

“See you soon. If not; I love you both, Kid,” Death said

“I love you too father.”

“Back to the plan,” Luna suggested, returning focus

“We're going to split in three groups. Cheerilee and Stein will take the students into any secret passages in the castle to escape. Next as middle guards will be Justin and Giriko. Finally, as first defenders will be myself, Celestia and Twilight and her friends. They are the most skilled meisters not to have gone on a mission, and they would probably insert themselves up front.”

“Very well. In my research, I found a book on removing the fear response from another person. The process will require a small needle prick in a specific nerve to do so,” Stein explained

“I'll gladly volunteer for it. Any advantage we gain can help.”

“I will also go through the process,” Celestia said with slight hesitation in her voice “I cannot vouch for Twilight and the others about this.”

“If you are in agreement,” Stein suggested

● NEIGHSAY ●

“None of this has worked out like I wanted! That punk eliminated Chrysalis and the kishin souls there! Now I have to resort to despite measures to do this.”

Neighsay proceeded to take the souls of the remaining members of the Education Council using a simple knife to kill them. He placed the souls in a box that contained the body of the original kishin; somehow sent to Equestria after his defeat.

“Oh great Asura, I come to you with an offering of souls. These seven souls will nourish you until you feast on the souls here in Equestria.”

The bandages around his head opened as Asura proceeded to swallow the souls he was given.

“You brought me back,” Asura asked

“I did, Lord Asura. You are now in Equestria.”

“Tell me more about this ‘Equestria’,” Asura asked

“It is run by two princesses named Celestia and Luna.”

“What about Lord Death,” Asura added

“His son is here.”

“Interesting. I get to see one of the three that originally destroyed me again,” Asura mused “Who are you?”

“I am Vladimir Neighsay, your loyal subject. I cannot say how you came here, but I will help you out.”

“Very well Vladimir Neighsay. When I am ready, I will attack the DWMA,” Asura decided

● MANE-SIX ●

Twilight and the others were enjoying dinner with Chaser, Flitter and Blair when Twilight immediately felt her head hit the table, causing panic in the others.

“Twi; what happened,” AJ asked

“The presence of an evil soul. Something we've never seen and definitely not native to Equestria. It's from the same world as professor Stein and the other instructors,” Twilight answered, lifting her head up

“That's not good. We're going to have to fight against it, aren’t we” Rarity asked

“I hope it's not what I think it is,” Blair replied

“What haven't you told us,” Dash demanded

“This presence you felt belongs to the kishin,” Blair answered

“There are quite a lot of kishins,” Twilight said “how can it be just one?”

“It's the original kishin, Asura. This isn't good at all,” Blair said

“If this is as bad as you said, we are going to fight it,” Twilight decided as the others nodded in agreement

● CANTERLOT CASTLE ●

Kid fell off his chair in shock of what he felt as Stein helped him up.

“Are you alright,” Stein asked

“What was that feeling,” Celestia asked

“He's back. Asura’s back,” a shocked Kid answered