> Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Equestria > by Boxo-pony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Rebirth (in progress of being re-written) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Thank you and goodbye my friend' were the last words Kyle heard from his partner. Kyle could only tear up as he watch Zuruna slowly vanish with a smile on her tearful face. Before he could utter a word, he was now staring at the cold ground where Zuruna once stood. Kyle broke down on the floor crying with sorrow. "Its not fair!" Wailed Kyle. He and Zuruna just defeated Primal Dialga and prevented the world paralysis and this is what happen? " Please don't leave me..." It was Zuruna that Kyle been able to become a explorer. Kyle has not always been the brave and tough type. He was a quiet little Treecko with an ambition in becoming a great explorer. He managed to become a explorer when he met Zuruna. It was her that he managed to become braver. Zuruna was quite the naive and impish type but she was willing to help anyone in any circumstances. Kyle could still remember seeing her at that beach unconscious. She had no recollection of her memories and even stated that she was a human. Despite her position, she help out a stranger in retrieving back their belonging and help them overcome their fear. Then when they became explorers together and form their team (Team Midori) they encounter many dangerous dungeons but also dungeons that fulfilled their role of an explorer and help out many fellow Pokemon along the way. Kyle eventually got back on his feet and wipe his tears off. "No I can't stay like this, Zuruna wouldn't like seeing me like this. I got to get back to Treasure Town and tell everyone." Kyle then slowly left Temporal Tower, each step felt like someone just punched him in his heart. He took one last look back before departing back to Treasure Town. *** "Uhhhh..." Groaned Zuruna as she barely opened her eyes. She found herself lying on grassy ground as she regain consciousness. Slowly her mind were putting pieces by pieces until her eyes widen and she quickly got up. "Temporal Tower...world paralysis...fading...Kyle" were the things going around her head like a storm of memory's attacking her mind all at once. She took a look around her surroundings and see that she was in a forest clearing, a rather dark and mysterious forest with a ominous feel to it. There were hardly any sunlight as the twisted looking tree branches were covering up the sky. But it was dim enough for Zuruna to make out her surroundings. "Great it feel like I'm in Dusk Forest again." Mumbled Zuruna under her breath. She noticed that her feet felt weird. She placed a hand on her forehead to check if she going lightheaded except that it wasn't a hand she felted. It felt like a harder like substance in her hand place. It was covered in fur and the fur was a vibrant orange colour. Zuruna checked her other hand and sure enough it was a bright orange coloured hoof. The bewildered Zuruna felt like going back asleep and pretend she never saw anything. She eventually snap out of her gaze at her new hoof. She looked around again and saw a tiny (convenient) puddle a few centimetres away. She quickly ran over to the puddle only to fall flat on her face. Turns out her feet are also hoofs. Trying to adjust to her new features, she took step by step closer to the puddle. Once she got to the puddle she took a glance not hoping for the worst to come. The puddle was very murky and look like something died in it. However, it was still possible to see her reflection. The moment she saw her reflection, she knows she not a Chimchar anymore. She almost look just like a Ponyta except that her hair was still in her Chimchar style which was in a fire like symbol but was also longer then usual. Her eyelids still had the bright red highlights. The Chimchar chest symbol was also still there. Zuruna noticed that she was in a Ponyta like body but still had the features of a Chimchar. But a feature she does not recognise is a red horn on her head. "Well this is new." She also had a pony like tail but it was on fire. Zuruna however is not affected by the fact her new tail is on fire. Since Chimchar is a fire type Pokemon and Zuruna still had some features of her past body, she felt that it was a part of her now. That however does not explain the red horn. She began tapping her hoof against the ground in an attempt to think. "...I got nothing." *** Zuruna sat down staring at her reflection in the dirty puddle (which is soon to evaporate) touching her old red scarf. One thing she was glad that she still have her red scarf. It was the day Kyle and Zuruna both become explorers that they been giving some items. Kyle had a green defence scarf while Zuruna had a red scarf. It was the only thing closest to home for her. It's the only possession with her right now. Being stuck in an unknown location with no idea to get home inside a new body is sure to freak somebody out. But the lone ex-Chimchar is not about to give up and cry on the floor. Instead, the ex-Chimchar took a step to the closest tree and ram her head against it. "Ouch!" Yelled the collapsed equine. "Okay this is not a dream then." Noted herself. After getting back on their hoof, Zuruna decided as a explorer to roam around this untrusting forest. Maybe finding someone will help her back home. "Surely this forest must end at somewhere, it's not like it's called the forever lasting forest or something." Thought Zuruna. Before choosing which direction to choose from, a loud ear piercing scream came from somewhere in the dense forest. Zuruna natural instinct told her to go in that direction, so she did before falling flat on her face again. "Oh right, new feet." Grumbled Zuruna. So the lone ex-Chimchar eventually began their trek to the location of that scream in the mysterious forest. It is unknown to her that it is a scream of fear,cry,help or anger. > Encounter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the midst of the Everfree forest, there were three wanderers exploring the dusky forest. "Are you sure about this Scootaloo?" asked Sweetie Bell nervously. "Well do you want to gain our Cutie Marks or not?" argued Scootaloo. "How exactly are we going to get our Cutie Marks here again?" Asked Apple Bloom. "By becoming brave adventurers of course!" Squeed Scootalo. "But in the Everfree Forest? Ya’ll know everypony tell us to stay away from it. There are a lot of dangerous critters around. Remember that time when we wanted to become chicken rescuers? We could have got done in by a Cockatrice if it wasn't for Fluttershy and her staring power..." argued Apple Bloom. "And what if we get in big trouble again?" asked Sweetie Bell "Geez! How are we going to get our Adventurers Cutie Mark then? The Everfree forest is, like, the only place to explore!" Scootalo snapped. "I reckon y’all have been reading those Daring Do books?" Apple Bloom asked cheekily. "Well yeah, but Rainbow Dash also reads them and they’re awesome! Think about it girls, we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and having something like an adventuring Cutie Mark would be so cool! Come on, you can't deny that's awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed enthusiastically. Apple Bloom sighed. "I think this idea sound too dangerous." Apple Bloom replied. "Uh girls..." started Sweetie Bell. "Well if you’re gonna be like that, why did you come?" Scootalo snapped angrily. "Girls..." murmured Sweetie Belle a bit louder. "Because I thought your idea was going to be less dangerous. You could have at least told us that we were going to the Everfree Forest in the first place!" shouted Apple Bloom. "GIRLS!" Sweetie Belle burst out. "What?" Scootalo and Apple Bloom both shouted, breathing heavily from their arguing. Sweetie Belle pointed to the faded path ahead. “If you’re done arguing, do either of you know where we are going?" she asked. Both two fillies looked at each other in confusion. Scootaloo looked around them at their surroundings and shook her head. Apple Bloom looked around as well, before the three finally realized that they were lost. Before any of them could speak, a harsh howl rang out from around them. Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened as she jerked. “What was that?” she asked, obviously unsettled. Apple Bloom noticed something moving in the corner of her eye and took a glance to see one of the mouthwatering creatures coming from behind a tree. They were already moving in on their prey. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in fear. "TIMBER WOLVES!" *** "Ouch!" mumbled Zuruna as she fell to the muddy ground again. "Stupid hooves, stupid forest, stupid hunger," she grumbled as she slowly got back on her hooves. She had been wandering around this forest to find the source of the cry but had had no luck. Not a single soul to be seen throughout the seemingly endless forest. "Well at least I'm not freaking out like that time when I first got turned into a Pokemon," chuckled Zuruna. Maybe I really did die. Perhaps I’ve been cursed to wander this forest for all eternity. Cursed in a new body and to never see my friends again, Zuruna thought to herself in a ruefully way. Zuruna’s thoughts were soon interrupted when a sudden noise of footsteps were heard in the. Despite the ground being muddy, each footstep she heard made a distinct splotch noise. Zuruna snapped out of her thoughts and quickly looked for the source of the footsteps. There was at least more than one creature judging by the noises each step made. The noise is definitely coming from behind those bushes. Whatever’s making it is headed in my direction. It's almost as if it’s walking to me - no, it's running to me! Zuruna’s thoughts were soon cut off when two small creatures ran out of the bush and pounced on her. She fell back on the ground from the impact of them running into her. "No! Help! One of the Timber Wolves got me, AppleBloom!" yelled the small creature who happened to be on top of the befuddled Zuruna. The voice sounds like a child, Zuruna thought. She took a look at her attacker, who happen to be a white sort of unicorn. It was definitely a little girl if Zuruna was judging by its looks and voice. She also appeared to have a cape on. "Wait, Sweetie Belle! That's not a Timber Wolf!" shouted the other one, who wasn’t too far away. The other one was another filly who had yellow fur, but lacked the horn her companion had. Her accent was different from the first, smaller pony’s, but Zuruna could still understand her clearly. She too also had a cape on. Upon closer examinations, Zuruna could see that both of them looked afraid, as if they were being chased down by a monster. Deciding to ask the most obvious and forward question, Zuruna asked in a friendly manner, "Who are you?" *** Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were just wandering around the Everfree forest and the next thing they knew they were running from three Timber Wolves through the dense forest, and now they had bumped into a mysterious pony. She was a unicorn who had orange and yellow fur but the weird thing is her tail was almost as if they were on fire. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stared at the mysterious pony who had just asked them a straight forward question. Sweetie Belle hopped of the pony and rejoined with her friend in utmost silence. The silence was broken when Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom cried out in shock "Your tail! It's on fire!" The mysterious pony could only stare at the shocked fillies and then chuckled with a reassuring smile. "Haha, it’s alright I'm a fire type Pokemon." She reassured with a suppressed smile. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stared with bewildered looks on their face. "Fire type?" They both asked in confusion. "You know, one of the eighteen types?" asked the pony as she slowly got back on her hooves. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked at the pony as if she was an alien from another world. After another awkward silence, Apple Bloom finally decided to try introducing herself. "I'm Apple Bloom and this here is Sweetie Belle. We sorry about bumping into you, Mrs...?" "Oh, please, call me Zuruna and not ‘Mrs.’ That makes me feel old. And don't worry about it," Zuruna kindly replied. "Zu-ru-na? What a weird name you have there!" commented Apple Bloom. Zuruna gave a smirk. "Ha ha ha. Do I, now?" ~ "The name’s Kyle. So, what's your name?" "...Zuruna" "Zuruna? That's a weird name! You're a little odd. But you don't seem like a bad Pokemon. I’ll call you Zu for short!" "Great. I’ve turned into a Chimchar with no memories of my past and now I’m talking to a talking Treeko! I must be dreaming!" "What was that?" "Nothing." ~ "Come on, Kyle." "Huh?" "Let's go get back your treasure." "Wait! You really want to help me?" "Of course! Now let's go!" ~ "Thank you for your help, Zu! Say, do you want to become explorers together?" "Explorers?" "It is my dream to be able to become an explorer and discover the very mysteries of this world. I wouldn't have been able to get my treasure back without you Zu. I think we make a great team! So what do you say?" "Well since I can't remember why I'm a Chimchar, then I guess I team up with you. After all, you’ll probably never make past the first floor of a dungeon without me." "Hey wait a second..." ~ Zuruna had a heartfelt smile as remembered the awkwardness of her first encounter with Kyle. Zuruna quickly focused away from those memories and to the two little fillies in front of her. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and they say I have a weird name. Zuruna quickly noted in thoughts. "So what made you girls run? It looked like you were being chased. Also, what's a Timber Wolf? I heard you shout something about it when you landed on m-" Zuruna asked the two fillies but was interrupted when Sweetie Belle broke in. "Scootaloo! Where's Scootaloo?" blurted Sweetie Belle as she was looking around. "Zu-runa you’ve got to help us! We don't know who else can!" added Apple Bloom. "A bunch of Timber Wolves attacked us and now we’re separated from our friend." wailed Sweetie Belle. "Which direction did you just come from?" asked Zuruna. Apple Bloom pointed with her hoof in one direction past the bush and into a thicker part of the forest. "What are you going to do?" Sweetie Belle asked Zuruna. "I’m going to help your friend." Zuruna told her gently. The two fillies stared at the taller pony as she started making her way. "Let's go." Zuruna called back at them before tripping over a branch. *** The trio wasted no time as they dashed through the forest. All Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom could do was follow the determined mare and hope that Scootaloo was still okay. "So how are you going to deal with the Timber Wolves?" panted Apple Bloom as she caught up to Zuruna. That's right. How am I'm going to deal with any type of enemies right now? These Timber Wolves sound dangerous. Can I even use any of my Chimchar attacks still? Guess I'm going to have to wait and find out. Zuruna grimaced. "Wait, stop!" Sweetie Belle yelled suddenly. Zuruna skidded across the ground only to fall on her side. ...And how am I'm going to deal with these legs… Zuruna sighed. "What is it Sweetie Belle?" asked Apple Bloom. "Look," whispered Sweetie Belle with a worried expression in her eyes as she hold up a torn Cutie Mark Crusader cape. "No..." breathed Apple Bloom. "She can't be...If I hadn't argued with her in the first place, then maybe we would have all gotten away together...It’s my fault!" Apple Bloom started crying as her guilt crashed down around her. "Or maybe she got away and her cape simply fell off," suggested Zuruna, who was slowly walking to the doubtful duo. "Even so, how are we gonna find the Timber Wolves who are chasing Scootaloo?" sniffed Sweetie Belle. Zuruna looked at the ground. The ground was stamped with footprints on the muddy ground everywhere. Each footprint seemed to lead a different direction to the forest. An idea struck Zuruna. "Give me the cape,” she said. Sweetie Belle gave the cape to Zuruna, wondering if she gonna sniff it and find Scootalo scent. Zuruna concentrated and touched the cape with her rather muddy hooves. She muttered something that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle couldn’t make out. "Dimensional Scream..." The two confused fillies looked at Zuruna who was just standing there with her eyes shut. "Umm are you okay?" asked Apple Bloom. Zuruna didn't replied. "Okay this is a little weir-" Apple Bloom continued before being cut off when Zuruna suddenly collapsed on the ground. "Oh my gosh, are you okay?" exclaimed Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as they both went over to the collapsed mare. They heard Zuruna groaned as she got back up "Well I didn't remember using it to be that tiring and painful." "What just happened?" asked Sweetie Belle, her eyes wide. "That doesn't matter; I know where we can find your friend now." Zuruna looked off in the direction that her vision had shown her. "What? How?" Sweetie Belle asked doubtfully. "No time! C'mon!" Zuruna insisted as she began a full gallop to her vision. Let’s hope that was a future vision, thought Zuruna wryly. *** Scootaloo was running for her life. Timber Wolves were just behind her. She tried to outrun the Timber Wolves but they wouldn't stop until they got their prey. a lurking pack of shadows were hiding behind the twisted trees and were following the lost trio. One of them might be weak, but a pack of them make them a deadly force not to be messed with. A hungry pack of them make them piranhas on land, not stopping their hunt until they get their prey. Eventually she was going to run out of energy. Any Pegasus would fly away from this kind of situation, but unfortunately for Scootaloo, she still couldn't use her wings fully. Scootaloo finally gave in to fatigue and she collapsed on the ground that could very well end up as her deathbed. But she wasn't going to go down without a fight. The Timber Wolves easily caught up to Scootaloo now that she was on the ground. They circled around the tired filly so she couldn’t get away. One of the Timber Wolves licked its wooden rough yet sharp tooth. Scootaloo stared at the Timber Wolves. They’re so much bigger than me, she thought fearfully. No, she wasn't the scared type nor the wimpy type. She braced herself for a fight. The world seemed to move in slow motion for Scootaloo as a Timber Wolf lunged at her. They say that when you’re about to die, your entire life flashes before your eyes. This was certainly true for Scootaloo as hundreds of thoughts went flying through her mind. Is this the end? ...Rainbow Dash... Sweetie Belle... Apple Bloom... Scootaloo suddenly heard a faint shout in the distance and blinked as the Timber Wolf lunging at her was blown back in a blaze of fury. The Timber Wolf flew across the ground before shattering into tiny pieces of wood. Scootaloo just sat there with her mouth wide open, astonished at what she saw. Another shout quickly rang out and Scootaloo perked her ears up. This time, she heard it clearly. "EMBER!" Scootaloo blinked in confusion. She looked at the Timber Wolves and watched as another ball of flame came hurtling from a clearing in the bushes. A Timber Wolf turned around only to be hit by the fireball and shatter into more tiny pieces. The last Timber Wolf remained in its position before lunging at the bewildered Scootaloo. Its attempt was soon thwarted when a mare jumped right over the filly and proceeded to beat the Timber Wolf with her hooves and an uppercut that sent the agitated Wolf flying into a nearby tree, where it shattered into pieces of wood. Scootaloo had closed her eyes when the last Timber Wolf lunge at her. When she opened them again, she saw a mare in front of her with her back turned to Scootaloo. Scootaloo was suddenly tackled to the ground. She turned to her attacker to see two familiar faces. "Sweetie Belle! And Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo exclaimed gleefully. The two fillies wrapped their friend in a loving embrace. "Scootaloo!" sobbed the two fillies with tears in their eyes. Scootaloo wasn't the emotional type but she was relieved to see her friends. "I'm sorry for getting you all in this mess." Apologized Scootaloo. "It's not your fault Scootaloo. It's my fault." Apple Bloom sniffed. "Girls, it doesn’t matter who fault it is. At least we’re all together again." Sweetie Belle said optimistically as she wiped tears from her eyes. "You can all get on with your little reunion after we get out of here,” Zuruna cut in, still on edge. "Who's she?" Scootaloo asked. "We tell you later Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom replied after a slight pause. Behind them, the Timber Wolves were slowly forming into something much more frightening. When all the pieces were formed, all except Zuruna could see it. "Zuruna! Watch out!" yelled Apple Bloom. "What?" asked Zuruna with a raised eyebrow. Before Zuruna could react to Apple Bloom’s outcry, she was greeted with a much bigger Timber Wolf with some new features on its body charging right at her. She was ready doge the incoming attack but her new legs failed her and she slipped. The next thing she knew before cursing her new legs was that she was slammed by the massive body of the wooden creature against a nearby tree. The Cutie Mark Crusaders stared at seeing their friend being crushed by the King Timber Wolf. Despite the fear they feel, they knew what to do. They weren't going to cower in fear. "CUTIE MARK CRUSARDERS! MOVE OUT!" yelled Scootaloo with all her might. The trio all ran in different direction towards the King Timber Wolf. The ravage wooden beast turned its attention to the three little fillies charging right at it. It laughed at their attempt before lifting a wooden paw to smack them away like flies. However, every smack only served to fuel the Crusaders’ aggression. They learned from its patters, evading its attacks. Now annoyed, the beast roared where all living things in the Everfree Forest can hear it. "What do we do now?" shouted Apple Bloom. "Surely we can’t take that down!" panted Sweetie Belle. "Well let’s try to keep it distracted until..." muttered Scootaloo as she looked at the tree where the orange mare was laying. A huge pillar of flame burst from the spot where Zuruna was. The injured mare was getting up with flares rising from her tail and mane. "Hey...I'm not done with you yet..." she whispered to the oblivious Timber Wolf. Zuruna jumped in the air and lunged toward the creature. When the King Timber Wolf turned to the mare, it saw a massive heap of flames shaped as a ball heading right for it. "Flame wheel." The impact of the fiery blast was enough to blow away the King Timber Wolf in the opposite direction to the group of ponies. The body of the King Timber Wolf began to break down as it crashed through a row of trees until the once mighty King Timber Wolf was reduced to a single twig. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were astonished as they watched the battle unfold before their eyes. With the Timber Wolfs gone (for now), the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked over to Zuruna who was engulfed in smoke from the fire blast. Finally, Scootalo managed to say out loud in either amazement or fear "Who are you?" Zuruna took this moment as she emerged out the misty smoke cloud and shouted in triumph while striking a pose. "I am Zuruna! Explorer of Team Midori!" Zuruna felt that if Kyle was there to see Zuruna like this, he probably face palm, or face claw in his case. She looked at the three fillies to see them staring at her in admiration with big sparkling eyes. "No way! You're an explorer! You mean just like an adventurer!?" squeed Scootalo as she bounced around Zuruna despite the lack of energy she had felt earlier. "You also took a King Timber Wolf down with some amazing fire magic! How is that possible?" asked Sweetie Belle. "Well it was a little obvious. Fire type Pokemon beat Grass type Pokemon!" replied Zuruna to see the three fillies tilt their head in confusion. "Also, I have to thank you. You mustered up the courage and distracted the grass type creature away from me." continued Zuruna. The trio looked at each other with silly grins plastered on their face. "Well, we better get out of here in case the Timber Wolves come back." Apple Bloom looked at the other fillies, who nodded. "Yeah but how are we going to get out of here?" We're lost!" replied Scootalo. "It’s also getting dark. Judging the time we’ve already spent here, it’s almost midnight. How are we going to even see our way? Everypony must be worried about us..." added Sweetie Belle. "Wait," suddenly Scootalo blurted out. The two fillies walked over to Scootaloo. "Girls, I think we need to talk in private," whispered Scootaloo. Zuruna nodded and let them go whisper to each other in a little group huddle. I won't be surprised if they don't trust me still, thought Zuruna to herself. "Are you sure Apple Bloom?" whispered Scootaloo. "Well who else can we turn to?" answered Apple Bloom. "Even so, you know everypony tell us not to talk to strangers," whispered Sweetie Belle sadly. "Well this Zuruna, seems to know what she’s doing. It’ll be best to follow her because she seems capable of dealing with any monsters in the Everfree forest. She also did just save us from the Timber Wolves," replied Apple Bloom. "Yeah but that amount of power, it also almost makes her a little bit of a monster..." whispered Sweetie Belle. Zuruna was still watching the trio in a little group huddle whispering to each other. She waited until one of them, Scootaloo she believed, came up to her. "We want to say thank you for helping us, but would it be okay if you helped us get out of this forest?" asked Scootaloo with concern in her voice. "No worries. I’ll help you all get out of here. After all, being an explorer requires you to be a rescuer as well," Zuruna assured as her tail began to lighten up. "Cool~" Said all three of them as they stared at Zuruna lighten tail. "Ugh." Zuruna suddenly groaned as she leaned herself against a tree. "Are you okay?" Apple Bloom quickly asked. "Yeah, just my body acting a little weak then it usually is. Could be the Timber Wolf slam attack or my hunger," reassured Zuruna. "Hey when we get out of here, let’s head over to Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom’s family grows the best apples!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed suddenly. "That sound nice," said Zuruna with a smile. The group began to walk through the unforgiving forest. The darkness of the forest threatened to engulf them, but Zuruna’s tail warded it away and acted as a guiding candle. "I got a question Zuruna,” Apple Bloom stated suddenly. "What is it?" asked Zuruna with a hint of tiredness in her voice. "How did you exactly find out where Scootaloo was? You just closed your eyes and then suddenly you knew what to do. Are you psychic?" wondered Apple Bloom. "No. I’ll explain that later. It's a long story." Zuruna stifled a laugh at the look of awe on the small filly’s face. "I have another question, if that's okay." Zuruna just nodded. "What's a Pokemon?" she asked simply. Zuruna fell to the ground once again. > Clearing a forest dungeon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "SWEETIE BELLE!" Cried Rarity into the darkness of the Everfree Forest. "Rarity..." Fluttershy said with a quiet and concerned voice. "Sweetie Belle! Where are you?" Croaked Rarity as her throat began to clenched up and tears well up in her eyes. "We will find her Rarity. As well as Scootaloo and... Apple Bloom." Said Applejack trying to calm down the panicked Rarity but was too worried as she chocked on her last sentence. "Applejack is right. We will find them," Twilight implied as her horn began to glow up in a purple, luminous light. The mane six were standing right outside the Everfree forest in hope of finding three missing fillies. It was already past midnight and the three fillies were gone since the morning. "Any luck Rainbowdash?" Asked Twilight as Rainbowdash flew back from her quick scouting. "No luck. Can't see anything but countless trees blocking my view of the ground," Replied Rainbowdash with a exhausted look on her face. "Are you sure they went into the Everfree forest Fluttershy?" Asked Applejack. Fluttershy gave a nod, "I saw them heading to the outskirts of the forest so I decided to tell you all. But it's my fault for not going up to them personally," whimpered Fluttershy as she cowered behind her hair. "It's not 'ya fault Fluttershy," Replied Applejack trying to comfort the distraught Fluttershy. "Well lets not stand around then! The faster we find them, the better we get out of here. After all, it's not like this is the first time we entered here," asserted Rainbowdash. "Your right Rainbowdash. Now lets al- wait!" Twilight stopped speaking so calmly when sudden realisation hit her. Rarity, Rainbowdash, Applejack and Fluttershy all looked at her in confusion. "Where's Pinkie Pie?" *** In the midst of the darkness of the Everfree forest, are four figures trotting their way to escape the wrath of the eerie forest. A small area of light from a orange pony's horn stand out in the shadowy realm. "So let me get this straight." Asked a curious Scootaloo as she walked up to Zuruna. "Are you a pony?" "Nope," "Are you from here?" "Nope," "Are you psychic?" "Nop-" exclaimed Zuruna before hitting into a tree. "Ah, I don't think she a psychic since she couldn't see that tree there," giggled Apple bloom. The rest of the Cutie Crusaders giggled along with Apple bloom. "How long must this forest dungeon go on..." Muttered Zuruna as she lowered her head. "Are ya okay Zu-runa?" Asked Apple Bloom as she walked over to Zuruna. "Yeah, no worri-" Replied Zuruna before stopping in mid sentence. "Uh, Zuruna?" Said Apple Bloom as a concerned look flashed on her face. "Someone's here!" Exclaimed Zuruna. The three fillies all looked at each and then stared at Zuruna. "Who's here?" Asked Sweetie Belle. "I don't know." Zuruna said plainly with a frowned face. The Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to listen in and look for the source. They couldn't hear nor see anything in the ghostly dead forest. Zuruna then heard a ghostly voice come out of the shadows. "Zu," It ushered. "Wha-" Yelped Zuruna as she turned to the source of the mysterious voice. "Kyle!" Yelped Zuruna again but with a much cheerful tone in her voice. Zuruna ran (without tripping) towards her friend but went straight through Kyle. "Agh!" Yelled Zuruna as she rammed her head against the tree behind the believed Kyle. "Silly Zu, you know you can't go through a tree." Snickered Kyle. The dazed mare turned her head towards Kyle and saw him in his full form, that if you don't include the faint imagery of Kyle body and his glowing pure white eyes. "Kyle, wait what?" Asked the confused mare with a raised eyebrow. Zuruna felt like hugging her friend in relief despite the eerie atmosphere around him, but she know that she might run straight through him again into another tree. "See I learn," Noted Zuruna. "Zu..." Said Kyle. "Kyle..." Said Zuruna. "I have something to say," continued Kyle. "What is it?" Asked Zuruna. "I'm a figment of your imagination~" Singed Kyle. Zuruna just stared at Kyle before he vanished into the midst of the forest. Before she could think this over, her hunger consumed her and the next thing she knew, she fainted. *** "Can't we just leave this crazy pony already?" Suggested Sweetie Belle. "For the last time no!" Argued Apple Bloom. "Well how do you expect us to carry her? She bigger then all of us!" Exclaimed Scootaloo. "Gosh, darn it then!" Snapped Apple Bloom in frustration. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were standing over the unconscious body of Zuruna in the murky forest. The three fillies were trying to decide what to do in their current state. So far, their current state is not so good. "How you think she's doing?" Asked Scootaloo. "Don't know. It look like though that she out of energy." Replied Apple Bloom. "Didn't you girls see that though? She started seeing things and started running into trees and talking into thin air. It aren't normal for a normal pony to do that!" Stated Sweetie Belle. "Geez, Sweetie Belle, we do own her our life's since she saved us." Said Scootaloo back with a bitter tone. "Sorry, but you saw that she is talking nonsense!" Retorted Sweetie Belle. The trio sat in silence as they hope help come soon or their 'explorer' would wake up. "Man, I'm hungry," muttered Scootaloo. "Me too," replied Apple Bloom. "Same," said Sweetie Belle. "I'm hungry too~" Called out another voice. "I remember this one time, that Fluttershy showed me some edible berries around the outskirts of the Everfree forest once." Suggested Apple Bloom. "Berries sound nice, but I prefer berries on a delicious cupcake~" Contuined a voice. "Yknow, we can't make a cupcake out here in the woods, Sweetie Belle." Groaned Apple Bloom. "I didn't say anything." Said Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom paused. She looked over to Scootaloo who just looked at her confused as well. Apple Bloom then looked over at Zuruna who was still asleep. "Silly girls, can't you tell the differences in my tone of voice~" The voice said. The trio all turned to the source of the voice and then their frowns turned upside down. "Pinkie Pie!" Gasped the trio all at once. "Well who else? Now who want cupcakes?" Pinkie Pie bounced up and down. *** The Cutie Mark Crusaders are all huddled around each other while Pinkie Pie is still bouncing back and forth. They explained their short lived adventure and the mysterious pony named Zuruna. "So how did you find us Pinkie Pie?" Asked Sweetie Belle whilst eating a cupcake. "My Pinkie senses told me to go a certain direction so I followed," Replied Pinkie Pie also eating a cupcake. "So are the others going to be here soon?" Asked Apple Bloom. "I'm sure of it! I even left a trail of cupcake crumbs to help them get here~" Cheered Pinkie Pie. "Are we y'all in trouble?" Apple Bloom asked again. "I'm sure you girls would get big hugs instead! Everypony is worried sick," replied Pinkie Pie. The three fillies all look down at the ground in shame that they made their friends and relatives worried. "Don't fret about it girls. Say, how long till you think this Zu-ru-na wake up? I can't wait to be friends with her!" Chuckled Pinkie Pie. "Yeah, she really kind," exclaimed Apple Bloom. "She also powerful!" Scootaloo broke in. "But she also a bit scary," Sweetie Belle added. "No matter! I can't wait to give her a pink frosted cupcake!" Pinkie Pie excitedly said. "Quick question, how did 'ya make cupcakes instantly in the forest?" Questioned Apple Bloom. "It's a Pinkie secret~" Giggled Pinkie Pie. The fillies giggled along with Pinkie Pie. *** Zuruna felt her head spinning. She could only see darkness. She was in her mind, trapped thinking about her current situation. It didn't take long for Zuruna to miss her friend and partner (to the point she imagining her partner). Now she in a place where colourful Ponyta's with weird names that have no idea what a Pokemon is. Not to mention she transformed into some sort of Ponyta as well. "Oh sweet Arceus, what did I do to deserve this?" thought Zuruna. Zuruna felt her stomach grumble even more since she did not eat a single apple since the Temporal Tower incident. Her body finally commanded that she get up to find some food. "Ugh my head." Grumbled Zuruna as she awoke from her slumber. "Hi there!" A pink face greeted Zuruna right up her face as she stood up. "Waahh!" Yelled Zuruna as she fell back down again. "The name Pinkie Pie! What's yours? Oh wait, it's Zu-ru-na. Silly me~" Pinkie Pie singed. Zuruna just stared at the cheerful pink equine in utter confusion. She was bigger and older then the three younglings she encountered before. "Zu!" Called out Apple Bloom. "Oh hey Apple Bloom, Who's this by the way?" Asked Zuruna trying to keep a straight face. "I already said, it's Pinkie Pie~" said Pinkie Pie. "What's with this happy energy I feel around her?" Quickly thought Zuruana. "She's a friend of ours," assured Apple Bloom. "Try my cupcake! You look hungry." Happily asked Pinkie Pie holding a cupcake on her hoof. Zuruna looked over to the trio who just nodded happily at Zuruna back. "Well thanks." Zuruna happily replied and accepted the pink flavoured cupcake by grabbing it by the mouth. "Yay! When you're done, let's be friends and then I can host a party for you~" Grinned Pinkie Pie as she bouncing up and down. "Wow! I never seen anyone with that much happiness and carefreeness, she put Sunflora to shame," thought Zuruna. Zuruna stood there with the cupcake in her mouth and thought, "What a weird shape for a poffin." "Don't worry, it's not gonna poison you." Pinkie Pie insisted. Zuruna took a bite of the cupcake whilst holding onto it with one of her hoof to insure it won't fall out of her mouth. Soon the cupcake was gone and only the crumbs and sprinkles existed around Zuruna mouth. "Well?" Pinkie Pie awaited for a reply. "That...was...amazing!" Blurted Zuruna with a satisfied grin on her face. "Yay! I knew you love it!" Happily said Pinkie Pie. "How do you feel now Zu?" Asked Apple Bloom. "Much better, that really satisfied my hunger." Said Zuruna. "So now what?" Asked Scootaloo. "We head off that direction!" Suddenly, Pinkie Pie announced with a hoof pointing to a direction. "Wait, didn't you say we wait here for the others?" Questioned Sweetie Belle. "My Pinkie senses are telling me otherwise now." Stated Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie senses?" Asked Zuruna. "We tell you later." Chuckled Apple Bloom. *** "...So what is it like being a explorer?" "What's with your tail and mane?" "Can you really blow fireballs?" "Are you not really from around here?" Babbled Pinkie Pie as she is asking Zuruna multiple questions whilst bouncing up and down. "This is like being with the Cutie Mark Crusaders a few hours ago, but this Pinkie Pie is not giving me a break with the questions." thought Zuruna with a tired expression. Zuruna, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Pinkie Pie are making their way in the grim forest to a direction that Pinkie Pie claim that will let them meet up with the others. The Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to fill Zuruna in on who's the mane six are and more about Ponyville while Zuruna try's to fill in Pinkie Pie about herself. "Ooo is your tail a glow in the dark?" Enquired Pinkie Pie. "No. I wouldn't touch it if I were you." Warned Zuruna. Zuruna then rembered a time where Kyle gave her a hug to cheer her up when they were stuck in the dark future. Since Kyle a grass type, it lit Kyle up and it took ages to put him out. A sweat bead formed on Zuruna head as she rembered that moment. As the small group moved on, they entered into a open area. The hard muddy ground was suddenly replaced with a marshy soft surface. "Ooo so did you ever find any treasures in your exploring?" Asked a curious Pinkie Pie. "Yes we did actually. Quite a few in fact!" Replied with a rather smug look since she like to show her achievments. "We?" Wondered Scootaloo as she listened into the conversation. "Oh, well I do have a partner that explores with me." Filled in Zuruna to Scootaloo. "Oh what is he or she like? Is she or he the same as you?" Bumped in Apple Bloom with a question. "Well he's a he and he's a different poke-" Zuruna answered but was interrupted when Sweetie Belle shouted out, "HYDRA! Run!" Yelled the fillie. Soon Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Pinkie Pie began to run off in the opposite direction. Before Zuruna got the chance to react, she felt a presence looming over her. Zuruna looked behind her in hope that this 'Hydra' was a small creature. Zuruna stood in astonishment and slight panic as the creature stared down at her. It was a pokèmon Zuruna have not seen before. It had a long snake-like neck and a large orange body of dragon scales. What was unique about it though was that it had four heads. "Oh boy, I hope you're friendly," wished Zuruna. Zuruna wish was cut short when the Hydra took one swoop with one of its head at Zuruna in an attempt to eat her. Zuruna dodged the attack but failed to dodge another head swooping down from her side. (Critical hit) "Gah!" Zuruna shouted in pain as the blow pushed her back against the wet ground. "What I do for an Oran berry right about now..." Grumbled Zuruna. Zuruna tried to crawl away, but one of the Hydra heads was approaching closer to Zuruna body with its mouth wide open. "Hey over here! Come get us you four headed creature!" Shouted the Cutie Mark Crusaders in an attempt to lure the creature away from Zuruna. Scootaloo attempted to throw some tiny rocks at the creature while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle taunt it. Slowly, the agitated Hydra turned its attention to the three fillies. "Lets dash!" Shouted Scootaloo while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle tries to not groan at the 'dash' joke at a time like this. "Hey where's Pinkie Pie?" Questioned Sweetie Belle before making the dash. *** It burns. It burns a lot. Those were the thoughts crawling in Zuruna head as she laid on the ground. Zuruna remembered a time where a criminal named Drowzee tricked a child called Azurill. Zuruna didn't know why at the time, but when she saw Azurill at the point of tears with Drowzee threatening Azurill, she lost it. Her body began to burn which was ironic since she is a fire type but, this was different. It could be the sight at someone or more specifically a child in trouble that fuels her up with flames. It burns. It burns a lot. When Zuruna calmed down, the next thing she know, Drowzee was severely burned with the entire dungeon layered in burnt marks. Kyle tried to explain to Zuruna that she went all out on Drowzee, but being the naive type, Zuruna didn't really take real notice at first but in did happen more then once in her explorations. Unfortunately for Kyle, he's usually get caught in the crossfire of Zuruna flames. Zuruna snapped back to reality to see the Hydra moving further and further away from her. But she wasn't going to let that happen. "What a weird world I'm in, right Kyle?" Merely sighed Zuruna as she got on her feet. "At least you won't get caught in my flames," Chuckled Zuruna. "HEY! Four head! Weren't you going to finish me off?" yelled Zuruna at the Hydra to get its attention. "Hey! Hey! Bet you can't eat me you four headed lizard!" Zuruna tormented the Hydra. The four Hydra heads turned around towards Zuruna direction. "Fire spin!" Zuruna shouted as her body began to cloak in flames. Despite eating one of Pinkie Pie cupcakes, her health was still low. But this will help activate her Blaze ability. Zuruna mane and tail started to flow upwards with her eyes turning a bright yellow colour. Zuruna looked for the girls but they seem to vanish into the forest bushes. Hopefully they are with Pinkie Pie away from the area. "Lets hope this work in this form, legs don't fail me now," Hoped Zuruna. Zuruna began charging at the Hydra beast. The Hydra merely stared at the incoming pony before raising a leg to stomp on her. Zuruna dodged the stomp attack. She used the Hydra leg as an advantage as she began to run up on the Hydra leg. Zuruna kept running until she reached to the Hydra head level, she began to focus on a head whilst staying in midair. Within a few seconds, Zuruna performed a Fire Punch on one of the Hydras head with her hoof. That head of the Hydra have fainted from the impact. "Heh still works," Zuruna grinned. Zuruna fell back down on the ground on her four hoofs preparing for a second attack. But before charging again, Zuruna notice something slightly different about her new body... "Hey, this hoofs aren't so bad!" Cheered Zuruna as she pranced around enjoying her useful hoofs. Agitated, all three of the Hydra heads strike the naive Zuruna with their razor sharp teethes. Zuruna quickly turned her head to see the Hydra heads charging at her. Zuruna stared directly at the charging heads before unleashing a fiery blast of her Flamethrower attack. The flamethrower engulfed the Hydra heads to tail. The intense heat and flames soar through out the night sky for all of Equestria to see. All left of the mighty Hydra is a fainted and defeated beast burnt to the crisp. Zuruna took deep breathes as she stood by the burnt Hydra. "Man that took waaay too much energy," Zuruna tiredly muttered. "At least I didn't burn the entire forest down." Zuruna assured herself. The tired flaming orange pony looked up at the sky to see the night sky. Flames were still flickering throughout the air almost contrasting with the moon. "Pretty." Zuruna simply thought. Zuruna then walk over to the Cutie Mark Crusaders direction but instead was greeted by a blast of a purple beam. "Yikes!" Gasped Zuruna as she narrowly dodged the attack by tripping over. "Was that a Psybeam?" Zuruna mentally asked herself as she regained her step. "Take this!" Shouted an unknown voice in the distant. Zuruna was suddenly, greeted with a hoof smack right in her face. She fell all the way back on her back against the crumbly dry ground. She managed to take a glance at her attacker and saw a flash of blue and rainbow flying around the sky. "Agh! My hoof! That burns!" Shouted the voice again. Zuruna noticed the blue blur landing down among a group of other creatures. "Woah there nelly, that's awfully burnt there." Said another voice with a heavier accent compared to the other. "Stay back everypony, we don't know what we dealing with here." Another voice called out. Zuruna slowly got back on her feet to see the attackers, but one of her eyes been badly bruised so now half of her vision been cut. "Woah, it's up again. Be careful everypony." Warned one of the voices again. Zuruna stared at the darkness ahead of her but managed to squint her left eye to see four creatures. One was blue, another was purple, one was orange and another was white. They all had the same physical structure and shape of Pinkie Pie but with some differences among one another. "Oh boy, more Ponyta's." Zuruna tiredly thought. Zuruna began charging up a Ember attack, preparing a counter attack. "Applejack now!" Shouted the purple one. Zuruna legs was suddenly constricted by a rope. The rope though was instantly burnt to a crisp. "Wait! Twlight, try enchanting this one." Said the orange one while swinging another rope. "Are they trying the same thing again?" Zuruna wondered. A rope was suddenly entangled around Zuruna legs but this time didn't burn to a crisp. "What th-" Babbled Zuruna as she fell on her side. Zuruna fiery mane and tail were slowly put out. Soon enough, Zuruna fiery form was replaced with her regular form once again. "Take that! No pony hurt and scare three fillies and get away with it! Oh my loyalty means nothing!" Mocked the blue equine. "Nice enchanting Twilight." Complimented the white equine. "Will that hold it?" Asked the blue equine to the orange equine. "Toughest rope in the family, not to mention the anti-fire spell Twilight put on it." Replied the orange equine. The four colourful creatures then trotted their way to the tied up Zuruna. This time, Zuruna got a clearer view of them. Each one of them had unique traits such as a rainbow mane and cowboy hat. Very weird but Zuruna didn't have time to analyse them, she need to get out of this situation. "Fire sp-" Zuruna concentrated before getting cut off by a familiar shout. "Wait stop!" Yelled Apple Bloom emerging from the shadows along with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "Apple Bloom, I told ya to stay with Fluttershy and Pinkie!" Shouted the cowboy hat wearer. "But sister, she's a good pony," Apple Bloom explained. "It's true~" Singed Pinkie Pie as she hopped out of the shadows with another equine trailing behind her. This one had a pink mane and yellow fur. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both nodded to agree. "Can some pony explain what the hay is going on?" Asked the rainbow mane equine. "Oh oh pick me! Pick me!" Excitedly said Pinkie Pie while wavering her hoof in the air. "Yes Pinkie?" Muttered the purpled mane equine. "Well it all started when I woke up this morning to bake me some delicious cupcakes. Then I hopped around town a few dozens times. Then I we-" Pinkie Pie explained but was abruptly stopped when the purple mane unicorn sighed. "Pinkie, I mean what happen in the forest right now?" Contuined the purple mane unicorn. "We can explain but it's a long story, first though can you just release Zu?" Apple Bloom spoke up. "Zu?" Asked Applejack. "That's her," Scootaloo replied whilst pointing a hoof towards the tied up Zuruna. Zuruna was trying to bite the rope off while unaware of her certain situation. She struggled and struggled but no luck. Eventually, she became aware that everyone were looking at her. "What?" Zuruna simply asked. *** ~Five minutes ago~ "Scootaloo? Apple Bloom? Sweetie Belle? Where are you?" Shouted the mane six as they explored the Everfree Forest in hopes to find three missing fillies. The only source of light provided is from Rarity and Twilight horn that give off a white and purple glow. "Shouldn't we be aware of the Everfree creatures Twlight?" Asked a nervous Fluttershy. "Well if we don't hurry up, then it won't be us that be in great danger as well." Replied Twlight with a concern face. As soon as Twilight finished her reply, a massive light appeared above the Everfree trees in a distance. The light illuminated the night sky. The light appeared almost in a spiral like form which appears to be flame like. "What in the Equestria is that?" Asked Applejack as she and the rest of the group stared at the area where the blinding light was before dispersing into nothing only leaving for the darkness to whelm the forest once more. The five mares still stared before Rainbow Dash suddenly popped up a question. "By the way, where in the Equestria did Pinkie go?" Wondered Rainbow Dash. "Perhaps the dear went to ge-" Assured Rairty before a familiar pink blur appeared in front of her. "Hi~" Pinkie Pie happily said. "Ahh! Pinkie!? Where you been?" Shrieked Rarity as she moved back from Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie expression suddenly changed from a cheerful grin to a concern worried face. "No time! I found the girls, they in trouble!" Urged Pinkie Pie as she began to bounce off in a direction. "What!?" All said the girls in shock. "Quickly! They in danger!" Shouted Pinkie Pie from afar. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy didn't question Pinkie motive as they ran after her into the dense forest. The mane six ran as fast as their hoofs can take them with Pinkie Pie leading the group. It's clear to the mares that the flashing light came from an area that Pinkie Pie is taking them right now, they could only hope for the fillies safety. After a few minutes of running in a straight line, Pinkie Pie came to stop resulting in all of the mares to run into each other. "What is it Pinkie?" Asked Rainbow Dash who was right behind Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie simply pointed with her hoof for all of the girls to see is three little fillies in front of Pinkie. Each side all had wide eyes staring at each other until, "Apple Bloom!" Blurted Applejack as she ran up to the filly in a tight embrace. The same can be said for Rarity and her reaction to Sweetie Belle. Rainbow Dash even gave Scootaloo a hug and Scootaloo embraced it as well. The rest of the mane six just watched with a genuine smile on their face. No words were said as the group just accepted that the girls are safe and sound. The reunion though was cut short when another flash of light occurred around the corner of every pony eyes. It was much smaller then the previous flash but it was in close range of the group which cause all ponies a stir. Twlight quickly conjured up a barrier shield magic that engulfed all of them as tiny flames start flickering in the sky. "Girls! I don't think that's no normal flash of light," Addressed Twilight as she analysised the tiny flames flickering in the sky. "Wait here everypony, I go see what this is." Contuined Twlight as she began to trot her way to the source of the flash. "Hang on there Twlight, I'm going as well." Said Applejack. "Indeed, You don't know what's out there. Perhaps it's another dangerous creature from Tartarus." Rarity put in. "Eep!" Squeaked Fluttershy. "Fluttershy and Pinkie, you two stay here with the girls and keep them safe in this barrier shield while me and the others go and see whats the source of the flash is. We can't just ignore this." Twlight stated. "Um actually that flash is fro-" Sputtered Apple Bloom but before finishing her sentence, the girls all dashed into a direction further into the forest bushes and trees. All left in the violet barrier shield was the three fillies, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. As much as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were pleased to be in safe hoofs, they knew it weren't over. The Cutie Mark Crusders were just running away from the Hydra beast to get it away from Zuruna. The hydra beast must have stopped chasing them but what became of Zuruna they all thought. When they encountered the mane six, they must have their feelings overwhelming that they didn't get a chance to speak up. The flashes of light and heat in the air must mean something happened. All three of the Cutie Mark Crusders looked at each other with determinate eyes and began to chase after Twlight and the rest. "Now hang on girls, I know you must have had a scary experience but the girls be back." Assured Fluttershy who stopped them in their tracks. "We don't have time! Zu is in danger and we haven't explained who she is yet!" Scootaloo talked back. "Zu?" Questioned Flutteshy. "Exactly!" Answered Scootaloo. "Oh yeah, where is Zu? I almost forgot about that silly pony, wait is she a pony again?" Asked Pinkie Pie who came up behind Flutteshy. "We don't know, she must have kept fighting that Hydra." Replied Sweetie Belle. "Then come on! Lets move!" Cheered Pinkie Pie. "Sorry but can somepony explain to me what's going on?" Asked Fluttershy with a nervous look. "Wait till you meet Zu, Fluttershy, I introduce you to her when we all together again." Answered Pinkie Pie. Soon all ponies made off with a confused Fluttershy tagging along with them. After a few minutes of fast trotting, they finally caught up with the group. But they were surprise to see the open area almost covered in burnt marks, ashes and some flames still flickering. Apple Bloom noticed Zuruna who almost seem to be coated in flames tied up on the ground. Without thinking, she shouted out "Wait stop!". Applejack noticed her little sister and shouted "Apple Bloom, I told ya to stay with Fluttershy and Pinkie!". "But sister, she's a good pony," Apple Bloom explained. Soon the whole scene played out with every pony in the end looking at the rope biting fire mare. Flutteshy then noticed a burnt looking Hydra laying on the ground in a distant, she fainted from the sight of the poor thing. > Awaken by multicoloured Ponyta's > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What a beautiful view, don't you agree Zu?" "Why of course! It's wonderful~" The two figures stood in amazement as they witness the true beauty of Fogbound Lake. Volbeats and Illumise illuminated the night sky as well as leaving a dazzling reflection across the lake. "To think we have defeated Groudon. You know the legendary of all ground types!" "That was a illusion created by Mespirit Kyle..." "I know I know but still, to have fought our way and stood our ground was something. As well as to see this place is something as well!" "Heh yeah..." Even with the spectacular view as a form of treasure to the guild, there was another greater treasure among them. Something so powerful that even the most hardened criminal won't dare mess with it. The one that keep control the flow of time, a Time Gear. The Time Gears that could alter the flow of time itself and lead to cause the world paralysis. The Time Gears that can even turn the legendary controller of time, Dialga to chaos and ruin. The Time Gears tha- ~~~ With that last image imbedded into her mind, Zuruna woke up from her slumber. With wide eyes scanning the room she lay, her mind was occupied with the flashback dream back at Fogbound Lake and the Time Gears. She was laying on a stash of hay in what look like the inside of a farm house. "Oww my head!" Groaned Zuruna as she held her 'hooves' against her head. "What's that smell? (Sniff) Smell like Wigglytuff perfect apple," quietly said Zuruna as she sniffed aroma in the air. "Where in the world am I?" Questioned Zuruna before staying silent to recall her past experience in a thinking pose. "Okay, I was in a forest, there was three little Ponyta's, there were wood type wolf's, a three headed beast and..." Muttered Zuruna in thoughts before being interrupted by a certain pink pony. "And moi?" Excitedly said the pink pony. "Yeah and you too!" "And that you in a unknown world to you called 'Equestria'?" "Yeah that was it!" "And that you promised me that I can hold you a party?" "Yeah!" "Annnnd that you will become my loyal cupcake assistant for a week?" "Yea- wait what?" Slowly replied Zuruna as sudden realisation hit her. Zuruna looked eye to eye at a Pinkie Pie next to her with a cheeky grin plastered on her goofy face. "Pinkie Pie?" Questioned Zuruna, eyebrow raised. "Ding ding ding you got the answer! You win a cupcake!" Congrats Pinkie Pie. "Not to mention there's a hyper active Ponyta by the name Pinkie Pie," thought Zuruna as a sweat bead formed around her head. Suddenly, the door in the room busts open revealing three little fillies. "Zuruna!" They all said in unison as they charged right up to Zuruna. "Oof!" Gasped Zuruna as they landed on her. "Ah sorry Zu, we just got excited to see ye'r awake and well." Apologised Apple Bloom as she and the two other girls jumped off her. "Where am I once again?" Zuruna tiredly asked almost as if she's tired of waking up in unknown places to her. "Well after your quick spar with our friends, you fell unconscious, probably from your wounds so we carried you here i-" "In Sweet Apple Acres!" Scootaloo answered with Sweetie Belle finishing her sentence off. "Wounds?" Zuruna wondered as she look at her body. Both of her front hoof's were bandaged up with bruises covering her body. She also noticed her fiery tail was rather dimmer then it usually is. "Pfft, I had worse," bragged Zuruna ignoring the pain she felt from moving her hooves. The girls looked at her in disbelief. "An explorer doesn't fear 'pain' or 'death', not when there's undiscovered land and treasure to be discovered!" Continued Zuruna with a prideful look on her face. "Beside, when you face experiences in a dark future where you are hunted till the death, then you can have worse painful times," a side of Zuruna thought to remember those dark painful days. "Anyway, I must ask, who were this 'friends' of yours you speak off?" Zuruna asked, shrugging off her quick flash back. "Do you mean us perhaps?" Said a feminine like voice. Standing by the doorway were five more Ponyta's, each of a variety of colours. "You!" Snarled Zuruna as she get into a defensive crouch position. "Whoa there partner, we mean you no harm." Assured the orange coloured one. "Give us a chance of explaining ourselves." Suggested the purple coloured one. Zuruna stared at the lot before giving a nod of approval. "I believe we may have got off the wrong hoof, hi my name Twilight Sparkle," Twilight explained. "Wrong hoof? Really?" Quickly thought Zuruna. "Howdy, I'm Applejack," greeted Applejack. "Rarity the name dear," introduced Rarity. "Hi, I'm I'm Flutt- Fluttershy," stuttered Fluttershy. "Rainbow Dash and you better remember that name," bragged Rainbow Dash. "And I'm Pinkie Pie! In case you didn't know that still~" cheered Pinkie Pie. "We apologise for attacking you out of the blue, but we got worried for the girls so we got a little over protected," apologised Twilight. "It's not like you see a pon- I mean a poke-e-mon around here." Said Rainbow Dash. "I guess the Cutie Mark Crusaders told you about me then?" Asked Zuruna. "Just the basics." Answered Applejack. Zuruna smiled and hovered a friendly hoof. "Zuruna," happily said the orange equine as well as accepting the Mane Six apologise. Twilight happily shook Zuruna hoof in return. "Thank you for helping the girls back at the Everfree forest." Each of the mane six went and shook their new guest hoofs except for two ponies. "Hi..." Meekly said Fluttershy who look like she trying to avoid Zuruna presence. Zuruna decided to ignore the strange behaviour and move on. "Sorry, I only do bro hoofs," explained Rainbow Dash whilst declining Zuruna hoof. "A Bro what no- yahh!" questioned Zuruna until yelling when she felt pain on her right hoof. "This is a bro hoof." Smirked Rainbow Dash as she landed a hoof directly on Zuruna injured hoof. "Whoops sorry, forgot about the injured hoof." Nervously apologised Rainbow Dash. "Don't worry about it," cringed Zuruna with a light smile on her face. Suddenly a rumbling noise occurred into the room. "Heh heh, sorry, guess I'm a little hungry..." Zuruna embarrassly said as well as giving a nervous laugh. "Now don't you worry about that," chuckled Applejack as she opened one of the barn doors revealing a table full of a array of luxurious looking food. Apple like food to be more precise. Zuruna with wide eyes stared at the food arrangements with her mouth wide open. "If only Wigglytuff was here." Thought Zuruna as one of her eye twitch in excitement. Zuruna looked at the orange cowboy pony and asked "Are you sure?" Applejack smiled, "Why go on right ahead, we have apple pie, apple cake, apple cider, apple soup, candy apples, apple flavoured cookie, appl- hey where she go?" Applejack looked across the table to see the fire typed pony already helping her self to the meal. "Mph tamks!" Muffled Zuruna with apples already stuffed in her mouth. Zuruna wanted to try to act formal but the temptation of food was too much for her. Well she tried. Every pony giggled as they saw the famished pony devour the food around her. "Well lets dig in every pony!" Announced Twilight. Soon enough every pony in the room helped them self to the apple theme banquet. The Cutie Mark Crusuders moved right next to Zuruna with Pinkie Pie on the other side of her. "So what do you think of the food?" Eagerly asked Apple Bloom. "Gweat!" Muffled Zuruna with an attempt of giving a thumbs up, forgetting she has hooves now. Applejack overheard this and smiled in triumph as her family apple recipes can even please somep- or something from a different world. The mane six tried to start a casual conversation to Zuruna from time to time but it end with Zuruna using motion to speak or just her speaking with her mouth full. "So according to Apple Bloom, you came from a world where there are creatures called Poke-mon? Not that you're a creature! I'm saying that is ther- oh boy..." Nervously asked Twilight. "Mph!" Zuruna answered with no distinction if that's a yes or no. "Soh howh lonh wes (gulp) I asleep for?" Asked Zuruna as she finished a apple cake. "About a entire day, it's morning now," answered Twilight. Zuruna just stared at her empty plate. "A day? I don't have time to good off around here, I need to find a way back home..." "Want some more sugar cube?" Asked Applejack as she offered a plate of candy apples. "Huh, oh no thank you." Replied Zuruna as her thoughts were interrupted. Zuruna stared up at the ceiling as she imagined herself back at the guild. She still pictured it clearly, at the end of adventure filled day, she and Kyle would head to the guild with the rest of the members to fill up their empty stomachs. Wigglytuff, Chatot, Sunflora, Corphish, Loudred, Dugtrio, Diglett, Croagunk, Chimecho, Bidoof and Kyle would all be round a table telling jokes or about their day. "Would they be worried or sad that I'm gone? How is Kyle holding up? Is the world safe?" Many thoughts were occurring through Zuruna head but as she were unaware of her surroundings, a certain pony noticed Zuruna distraught look. *** It wasn't long till everypony had their fill and the table was cleared completely. "Ah~" Sighed Zuruna in a happy tone as she pat her belly ignoring her worries. Zuruna concluded that she see how things go and not rush her actions just yet. She is still a long way from home. "So how about going out for some adventures now?" Asked a eager Apple Bloom as she scoot closer to Zuruna. "Huh?" "Yeah let's go for some more adventures!" Encouraged Scootaloo. "Um..." "Lets go find if our Cutie marks involve treasure finding!" Also encouraged Sweetie Belle. "But-" "Don't forget I have to throw you a party yet!" Added Pinkie Pie as she hopped around the room. "Girls, I'm sure Zuruna had enough for today." Informed Twilight. "Awwwwwww," Said the fillies and Pinkie Pie in unison. "Then again, I would be intrigued into knowing more about your world Zuruna. It would make a fascinating report!" Continued Twilight. "Huh?" Zuruna looked in confusion as the lavender unicorn magically spawned a quil and a scroll on her hoofs. "Now Twi, don't get carried away. Peharps later we can fill in with each other." Applejack assured. "Yeah you're right." Agreed Twilight as the quil and scroll disappeared. Whilst the mane six began discussing with one another, Zuruna zoned out. "This really is a weird world, but that just make me more eager to explore i- no no! My task is to find a way back home. Zuruna deep thoughts told her. "Huh?" As Zuruna touched her neck she felt if something was missing. "My scarf!" Gasped Zuruna. "What is it Zu?" Asked Apple Bloom. "Where's my scarf?" Replied Zuruna as her tone of voice got tense. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shrug their shoulders. "Oh Arceus where did I leave it?" Muttered Zuruna as she began to look up and down. Twilight noticed Zuruna strange behaviour and approached her with concern, "Hmm is something the matter Zuruna?" "Scarf scarf scarf scarf scarf scarf..." Muttered Zuruna as she was scouting around the barn. "Ok then..." Quietly replied Twilight as she took a step back. "Gah! Surely it can't be harder to find then to find a needle in a haystack!" Complained Zuruna as she was looking through some hay. "Oh perhaps you looking for this dear~" Calmly said Rarity as she approached Zuruna with a red scarf. Zuruna gasped in joy as she took the scarf to place it around her neck. The orange mare noticed that the scarf looked clean and undamaged then it previously did before. "I noticed your scarf seemed a little worn over time so I patched it up till its good and new again~" Answered Rarity as she read through Zuruna expression. "Thank you. You're just too generous umm Ramity?" Smiled Zuruna but couldn't remember the pony name. "Rarity the name and oh you wouldn't believe it." Smirked Rarity. "That scarf seems pretty precious to ye'r," Commented Applejack. "Yeah it is... It was my first gear since I became a explorer with my trusty partner back at the guild." Recalled Zuruna which left most ponies in the room baffled. "Don't worry, we can fill in with each other like you say Applemack." Assured Zuruna. "It's Applejack." Stated Applejack. "Hey, it's not like I can remember everybody name in a instant!" Chuckled Zuruna. "Everybody? You mean everypony?" Corrected Twilight. "What is this alien language!?" Zuruna thought sarcastically. "Say how about we go show Zu around Ponyville?" Suggested Apple Bloom. "Wish I could but I simply must get back to working on my commissions back at Carousel Boutique." Rarity said with disappointment. "Same here cause I need to help out the family because its Applebuck season." Applejack too said with disappointment. "Oh me too! I need t- uh um help somepony with something..." Nervously said Pinkie Pie as if she's hiding something before whizzing off towards a random direction. "Then I guess the Cutie Mark Crusaders must guide her around Ponyville then!" Answered Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo with pride. "Oh no, you three aren't going to miss Ponyville Schoolhouse today. I will be taking you there right away now." Claimed Applejack. "Awwwwwwww!" Replied the trio with discouragement. "I suppose me, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will take you around Ponyville then." Concluded Twilight. "We are?" Questioned Rainbow Dash before taking a look at Twilight glare. "Oh yes we are!" Continued off Rainbow Dash. "Oh dear..." Quietly whispered Fluttershy that no pony can hear what she said. As Zuruna stared at her multicoloured guides, her thoughts were "How did I even get into this situation?" *** As Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were taking Zuruna to Ponyville, the ex Chimchar was thinking of her current situation. "Hmm I wonder if this village be just like Treasure Town?" Thought Zuruna. Zuruna took a quick glance at the yellow mare with the pink hair named Fluttershy only to have her look away. "The look on that shy mare face looks like fear?" Zuruna thoughts questioned. "But yet, I don't expect these ponies to all trust me since its normal to be afraid of something strange." Her thoughts continued. "Can I ask you three something?" Asked Zuruna. "Sure what is it?" Replied Twlight. "Why do you and everybod- I mean everypony don't look at me in fear? I can see that we come from two completely different worlds, yet for me it is normal since there's different types of Pokemon where I come from. I may look like a pony now but I am a mix hybrid of my previous form. A pony with a fiery mane and tail." Explained Zuruna. "Well to be honest Zu, at first we saw you as a kind of a fiery monster back at the Everfree forest." Twilight admitted. "Like you were something from Tartarus, no offence." Said Rainbow Dash. "None taken (whats a Tartarus?)." Replied Zuruna. "But we dealt with this kind of situation before. One time, a zebra called Zecora came into Ponyville and everypony reaction were that she was a witch. No pony saw her kind before and we jumped to the wrong conclusion, like judging a book by its cover. But now she's our friend who help us if we don't know the knowledge to something. She is very wise." Twilight told to Zuruna. "Where is she now?" Asked Zuruna. "Oh she now living in a hut in the middle of the Everfree Forest. " Answered Twilight. "Hmmm perhaps I should visit this Zecora later on." Thought Zuruna. "Besides, you did after all help Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo back at the Everfree forest. You didn't know them, but you still and defended them from the creatures at the Everfree forest." Cheerfully said Twilight. "Oh shucks, don't mention it. I do what I well do!" Zuruna replied with glee. "Can I ask a question um Zuruna?" Spoke out Fluttershy which caught Zuruna off guard. "Sure!" Happily said Zuruna who still surprised to hear the yellow timid speak to her. "Can you harm a living creature without hesitation?" Those words definitely surprised Zuruna. "What do you mean?" Questioned Zuruna with a eyebrow raised. It looked like that Twilight were going to say something but Rainbow Dash stopped her. "Back at the Everfree forest, did you intentionally harm the Hydra?" "I- uh um-" Stuttered Zuruna. "Not only that, do intend to kill a living thing?" It was almost as if each word spoke, Fluttershy eyes got wider and wider with her eyebrow lowered. Zuruna felt as if her body was paralysed by a powerful presence but she can still move her mouth. "I- I only attacked the creatures to defend me and the fillies. But I do not kill! An explorer is not a killer, we can fight till both sides have fainted but not kill!" Bursted out Zuruna. Twilight and Rainbow Dash who were both speechless watched as their timid friend talk quite aggressively back at their new fiery friend. It was surprising to see Fluttershy get slightly mad over something, but in her case, they understand. "Ah I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me..." Suddenly said Flutteshy as her mane covered half her face again. Zuruna remained silent. "It- it was when I saw that Hydra all burnt up. It may have tried to eat you but it's natural for them to be a predator. All living creatures shouldn't be harmed when we can find a much more peaceful solution." Continued Fluttershy. Zuruna still remained silent. "You see, Fluttershy personality trait is kindness. She is very caring and she loves all living creatures. We don't know what world you live in but please understand." Twilight approached Zuruna and informed her. "Oh I understand." Zuruna simply said as she approached Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash look like she was going to interfere but Twilight stopped her. "Hey, I don't intend to cause harm to anyone in this world. By anyone, that doesn't just include ponies, it's every one. Back in my world, when chaos break loose and Pokemon goes evil, we sometimes just need to slap them back to their senses!" Zuruna expressed with the thought of the Pokemon back in the many dungeons. "Heh, I'm not good with this kind of talk bu-" Zuruna continued before being stopping when a hoof reached out to her. "I'm sorry for my rude behaviour Zuruna. Can we start again please?" Fluttershy said with a smile on her face. No words were needed. Zuruna happily accepted the gesture. "Well now that we got that sorted, shall we proceed to Ponyville?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "Yeah!" Yelled Zuruna with her hoof raised up. Everypony stared at the sudden energetic mare. "Oh what? I thought everyone was going to do that?" Nervously said Zuruna. Everypony giggled with Zuruna from her attitude. As the group made their way to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash walked up to Zuruna. "Hey, at least Fluttershy didn't use the stare on you!" "The what now?" *** "...And so that's the story how each of us got our Element of Harmony." Twilight informed Zuruna. Zuruna been very keen and intrigued on listening and learning more of this equine world. Elements of Harmony, A Princess controlling the sun itself, magic is literally friendship and learning there's no such berries called Oran Berries here (the horror). "But it's best if you heard the girls own view on their harmony. Mines the best, but it still good to hear from the others." Said Rainbow Dash. "Wow! To think you lot defeated nightmare itself! That's crazy!" Complemented Zuruna. "With the power of friendship!" Added Twilight. "Hmm if me and Kyle could have taken down dungeon bosses with the power of 'friendship' ourselves. That be a whole lot better! Thought Zuruna as she formed a grin on her face. "Oh that reminds me, could we go to the Golden Oaks Library first girls? I need tell Spike I'm out for the day helping Zu adjust to Ponyville," asked Twilight which the girls responded with a nod. "Plus I can send a note to Celestia about Zuruna." "Oh and Zu?" Added Twilight. "Ya," replied Zuruna. "Please try not to burn the tree down~" Jokingly said Twilight. "Hey! I have you know I can control my fire type body!" Laughed Zuruna. "Hmm now that I think about it, I'm actually adjusted to my new body." As Zuruna was laughing along with her new friends, she was unaware of a shadow lurking around the corner. Then again, it blend in so well with it surroundings that she never noticed it all the way back at the Everfree Forest. It can take it time, there's no need to rush plunging two worlds into darkness just yet. Nothing will stand in its way. Meanwhile back at a certain beach in a certain world, Kyle stood among with some Krabby's blowing bubbles out to the sea. As the sun was rising, the sunlight reflection against the sea gave it a wonderous look. "Beautiful view, don't you agree Zu?" Asked Kyle to another. "Yes it is. Yes it is..." Replied the other figure. > Shadows of the past > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *A few hours earlier from the last chapter* It was a slow day for the Pokemon of Treasure Town. Well using the word 'slow' don't seem to fit, after all, time has been restored to the Pokemon world. With the help of three Pokemon; Grovyle and the two goofballs of Wigglytuff Guild. Unfortunately though, only one soul returned to bring back the news that the world is saved, with the cost of two life's. The two Pokemon from the future, Grovyle and Zuruna. It has already been a month since the incident but the Pokemon of Treasure Town are still grieving for their fallen comrades. Especially for a Treecko named Kyle. Kyle sat by the beach; at sunset. Still grieving for his beloved partner. As much as he tried to erase all of his memories of Zuruna to spare him the pain, it was no use, he will continue to remember their adventures. From finding Spoink missing pearl all the way to the battle at Temporal Tower, the memories are still there for Kyle. He tried to hold it in, but it was no use when he bursted out crying into the sand. Bidoof, who happens to be looking for Kyle, went over to the sobbing Treecko. "W-hats all the matter?" Asked Bidoof, despite already knowing what's up with Kyle. "Zu-runa Zuruna!" Cried out Kyle as he looked at Bidoof. All Bidoof could do for the poor Treecko is comfort him. Bidoof knew, everyone back at the guild knew that Kyle missed Zuruna the most. The two guild members shared a moment of silence as the waves brushed against the shore. That moment of silence though was interrupted when a familiar voice called out. "Somebody called my name?" Asked a Chimchar who casually walked up to Kyle and Bidoof. Kyle and Bidoof couldn't believe it, this Chimchar is Zuruna. Kyle was speechless as many emotions overwhelmed him while a bewildered Bidoof stuttered "Wha-what? By go-golly is that y-you Zuruna? B-but how?". "The one and only! Pfft details can be explained for later," replied Zuruna as she turned her head to look at Kyle. "Kyle." Softy spoked Zuruna. "Zu..." Kyle uttered. Next thing Kyle did, without thinking, was hug Zuruna. "It okay Kyle, it's okay now..." Whispered Zuruna as she looked at the sun; slowly setting into the darkness. Maybe it's the tear in Kyle eyes, but for a brief second, it's almost has there is a gleam of red in her eyes. "By golly I gotta tell everyone back at th' guild! But Zuruna, it's almost like ye' came out of the shadows, weird right?" Said Bidoof before running off to the guild. "Yes...weird." Affirmed Zuruna as she kept looking at the sun setting. Kyle had a feeling, a feeling deep down of anxiety. Something was going on. But Kyle couldn't care less as he's reunited with Zuruna. "Everything's going be okay." *** "Everything's not okay!" thought a distressed Zuruna as she is trapped inside Sugarcube Corner "Oh Zu~" Creepily called out a voice. "Oh no! She coming!" Zuruna panicked and hid underneath a table. "Oh come on Zu, another slice will do~" Called out the voice again. Zuruna remained silent as a sweat bead formed on her head. "Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes," repeatedly said a pink pony. "Oh sweet Arceus, I need to get out of h-" "Peekaboo! I see you!" Chuckled the pink pony with a menacingly look on her face. "No pleas-" Begged Zuruna as she looked up at a 'too' happy Pinkie Pie. "Tut tut, there's no time for talk when 'cupcakes' are involved~" Giggled Pinkie Pie as she raised a cutting knife and tray. Before Zuruna knew it, she was getting dragged back into the kitchen, where the magic happens. "Now where were we?" Pinkie Pie asked herself as she placed Zuruna on a chair. "*DING*" Beeped an oven. "Ah yes that was it! The cupcakes are ready." Happily announced Pinkie Pie as she walked over to an oven. "The 33th batch of cupcakes are ready! Aren't you excited Zu?" Eagerly asked Pinkie Pie to Zuruna who replied with a groan. "Please Pinkie, I had enough of eating cupcakes. My stomach can't take any more." Moaned Zuruna as she pat her belly. Pinkie Pie gasped whilst using a cutting knife to cut up the cupcakes in half for the two to share, "Whaaaaat? We haven't even got to try out the super delicious sugar coated, banana, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, lemon, orange, avacod-" "Ugh I already baked and tasted all types of cupcakes from apple flavoured cupcakes to zebra patterned cupcakes! Plus my hoofs are really tired from making this darn delicious treats," complained Zuruna as her head layed against the table. "Beside, why did Twilight and Rainbow Bash abandoned me here? I appreciated Twilight giving me a quick tour and info on Ponyville and Equestria but I really need to head back to my world!" Continued Zuruna. "But I'm pretty sure you loved cupcakes!" Replied Pinkie Pie. "I did! Just le-" "Tut tut Zu, remember what we agreed on?" Pinkie Pie continued. "That I, Zuruna, will be Pinkie Pie loyal cupcake assistant for a week." A happy Pinkie Pie and a unamused Zuruna both said. "Now then, back to the super delicious sugar co-" Pinkie Pie went on while Zuruna was lost in thoughts. "Oh how did I even get here in the first place? I don't even plan on hanging around here for a week! Curse you Twilight for leaving me here! You could have at least told me what Pinkie Pie was up to! Oh well, I guess this is where my super ultra sneaky skills come in..." A moment when Pinkie Pie went off looking for more icing to add to the cupcakes, Zuruna took the chance by crawling against the floor and escaping Sugarcube corner. "Ew, at least clean the floor Pinkie, there's icing everywhere!" Thought Zuruna with disgust. Little did Zuruna know, no-pony ever beaten Pinkie Pie at being ninja. Upon her Pinkie sense, Pinkie Pie looked out of a window to see Zuruna running off. "Ohhhh I play your little game Zu, just you wait~" Pinkie Pie said to herself before putting on a ninja outfit. *** "Hmm which way was the Golden Oaks Library? Twilight said she go and ask this Princess Se-les-tia about the existents of Pokemon by writing out a letter. Oh and she had this small dragon type assistant by her side, who eat gems? Remind me of a Sableye..." Zuruna muttered to herself as she wandered the streets of Ponyville, figuring out what to do. Ponies watched at the fiery tailed pony as if she's some sort of mythical being. It weren't long till the news about this suspicious looking pony spread through the entire town. Soon everypony gathered up to watch the orange pony from afar just causally wandered by, oblivious to her surroundings. "...and then Rainbow Bash said she's needs to train or something for a flying tes- hey maybe I should go visit this Zecora Twilight mentioned. It be a while till the Mane Six and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are done what they are doing for today. Beside, I aren't got time to lose, every one back home must be worried...Kyle." Zuruna continued in her muttering. "Shame though, I would have liked to explore around this world a bit more, but that's not my main objective though is it?" Zuruna cluelessly wandered around more before forgetting where Zecora lives. "Ah I need to ask somepony where is this Zecora place?" Zuruna realised as she looked around for any nearby ponies to ask for directions. Soon, Zuruna eyes caught sight of a mare who was hiding behind a stall. "Ah you! Excuse me but d-" before Zuruna finishing her sentence, the mare ran off in fear. "Okay then." Simply replied a confused Zuruna. Zuruna shrugged off the strange behaviour and looked for another nearby pony. "Oh excuse me but wou-" before finishing her sentence yet again, the pony whom she was speaking to, ran off. This went on for five minutes until eventually, Zuruna caught on that there were multiple ponies in the area but they were all keeping their distance away from her. "Well I guess it's not common to see a pony with a fiery tail and mane. Oh right, I'm also hu- no a Pok- gah what am I still?" Yelled out Zuruna in frustration which made the ponies around her flinched even more. "Well I'm not getting anywhere with this." Zuruna thought in annoyance. "Zuruna..." Called out a eerie voice. "Uh what? Who said that?" Questioned Zuruna. "Come Zuruna. Come." Called out the voice again. "Alright which one of you giving me that creepy talk? I'm looking at you weird moustache Ponyta guy." Zuruna jokingly asked the crowd of ponies. "Come Zuruna. Follow me." Yet again said the mysterious voice. "Geez, that voice is giving me the chills. More then Dusknoir creepy voice, now that's saying quite a bit." Talked out Zuruna. The group of ponies looked at the mistaken fiery pony with confusion as if she's some sort of mad pony. "Hah Zuruna? I don't need her!" Called out a different yet familiar voice. "Kyle?" Zuruna instantly recognised as she called out his name in joy. "She's a useless partner to me! All she does is charge in blindly at the enemies and don't get me started on water types!" Said the familiar voice again. "Kyle..." Zuruna asked again but with less joy in her confused voice. "Oh I get it, geez another figment of my imagination? I thought I rested w-" Zuruna concluded before hearing another voice. "Zuruna? It's good she's gone. All she did was hold back the past. She couldn't even protect the Time Gears." Called out another voice, yet is another familiar one to Zuruna. "Grovyle?" Zuruna recognised. "She didn't get get those perfect apples." Complained another familiar voice. "Wigglytuff?" "Caw! She kept failing on all of her missions!" Chattered another voice. "Chatot?" Soon the voices Zuruna kept on hearing were all from her friends, from Treasure Town to the guild. Each word became a direct insult to her and soon caused her cheery emotions to fade away into sadness. Zuruna just remained silent as more words kept bugging her until eventually, "ENOUGH! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Zuruna yelled out a cry as she held her hoofs against her head. Without realising, Zuruna mane and tail began to glow brighter and brighter as sparks of flames began flowing around her. The ponies around her, watched the enraged pony as if she some sort of volcano about to erupt. The startled ponies, soon enough, began to run in fear from the unpredictable fire pony. Eventually, the area was cleared and empty aside from two lone beings. "What is this?" Chocked out Zuruna as she collapsed on her knees as tears formed around her eyes. Zuruna just remained still, hoping the voices go away, which fortunately they did. "What kind of Dimensional Scream was that? It was almost like a sick nightmare." After cooling down a bit, Zuruna then noticed in the corner of eyes, she weren't the only one left. For a while, someone or somepony were just standing there, staring at her with a cold gaze. However, Zuruna couldn't see the figure properly as it was hidden away in shadows around a buldling corner. This intrigued Zuruna as far as to follow the mysterious figure. "Hey, wait!" Called after Zuruna. The shadowy figure kept running. Whilst running, a deep feeling in Zuruna told her to back away. Never less, she still gave chase. Zuruna mind was so fouced on the shadowy figure, she ignored any passing pony nearby. Even if it meant charging through a crowd or a open building. "Sorry!" Shouted Zuruna as she galloped through crowds. Zuruna didn't know why, even with a bad feeling in her stomach (still not from the large quantities of cupcakes), but she had to chase down this mysterious being. After all, maybe it is responsible for Zuruna sudden Dimensional Scream earlier on. "Geez, can't any pony here see this shadow thing shoving them aside? Then again, it look like its almost running straight thr-" "Zu?" Asked a familiar lavender pony as Zuruna bumped past her. "Wah sorry Twilight! But-I-need-to-chase-down-this-shadowy-figure ok bye!" Quickly answered Zuruna before running off again. "What shadowy figure?" Questioned Twilight as she watched Zuruna ran off aimlessly. Eventually, without realising, Zuruna entered back to the depths of hell, the entrance to the Everfree Forest. She only managed to realise because the shadowy figure stopped by a rotting tree. It was then, Zuruna saw the figure properly. At first, Zuruna still thought the figure was surrounded in by the shadows of the Everfree trees, but at closer inspection, it wasn't. It was literally a shadow. "Hey, did you happen to place wierd visions in my head or something? Cause if y-" Zuruna managed to spoke up. Suddenly the shadow took the form of a Chimchar with the classic red scarf hanging around its neck. Not just any Chimchar though, it is her. Well 'was' her. Zuruna was astonished and speechless of the sight that she became unaware of the shadow moving closer to her. It wasn't until it was face to face with Zuruna that Zuruna finally spoke with a hint of fear in her voice, "What are you?" The somewhat clone remained silent as it held up a bark from a tree. "Your undoing..." It eerily whispered as it hinted to Zuruna to touch the bark. Hesitated and confused at first, Zuruna touched the bark only to receive a flash of vision. Another Dimensional Scream. Flames. That was all she saw, flames flickering around the desolated area she stood. No. It wasn't a desolated area, it was Ponyville; what's left of it anyway. It looks almost as if two creatures fought fire with fire. As she looked down, burnt bark was scattered on the ground, presumably left over from smouldering trees . Reason of vision Zuruna guessed. Zuruna then saw herself, laying on the ground? Around her was the Mane Six, all with questionable expressions. But what surprise her the most is another figure in the area, it was Kyle, looking sad though. Zuruna began to walk over to 'herself' before slowly fading away from non-existant. No. She had to see more, what is this? The past, present or future? Wh-" Suddenly Zuruna awoken from her vision and realised she is back in the entrance of the Everfree forest. First thing she noticed was that shadow of 'herself' was gone and left the piece of bark on the cold ground. "This is so darn confusing." Muttered Zuruna. So many questions plagued her mind, that without including the 'the turning into a pony after death and transported to another colourful world was already enough to think about. Zuruna stared the inside of the Everfree forest, staring at the darkness that engulfed it. A temptation teased Zuruna to follow the shadow of herself, but then something tapped against her back. "PEEKA BOO!" Yelled Pinkie Pie in her ninja garb as she stood behind Zuruna. This caused the unexpected fiery mare to jump back in surprise. "Agh! Pinkie! What are you doing here?" Questioned Zuruna as she regained her footing. "Silly Zu~ you should know nopony can beat me at being ninja!" Replied a cheerful Pinkie Pie. "Well can you not surprise me like that!" Forcefully said Zuruna with bitterness in her voice. "Woah you okay Zu? It's like you seen a ghost?" Asked Pinkie Pie, with a concern tone in her voice. "Well I did j-" Zuruna began to answer Pinkie Pie before stopping mid sentence. "No, maybe I shouldn't tell her what just happened. Not to any pony, for now. This could cause fear and confusion if I told them about the destruction of their home. Well who were to say it would happe-" Zuruna thought carefully. "Did What Zu? Beside, what are you doing near the Everfree forest again? Ooo are we going for another adventure to find treasure?" Continued a curious Pinkie Pie. "Uh I was just for looking for Zecora place. You know, to pass the time till Twlight find something about my world. I guess I weren't thinking of the consequences of heading back into the forest hehe." Answered Zuruna with a laugh. "Oh oki! By the way, Zecora isn't usually by her place all the time, so if i were you I wait till Twilight escort you to the right direction. After all, getting lost in a creepy forest is pretty bad." Suggested Pinkie Pie as she reflects from past experiences. "Hehe yeah, Im gonna stay away from it." Chuckled Zuruna as she looked back at the forest. "For now..." "Zu! Pinkie! Glad I caught up." Shouted Twlight from a distant away. Both, Pinkie and Zuruna gave a friendly wave. Twilight came galloping over to the two and soon was caughting her breath. "Zu *breath* where were you *breath* running off?" Tiredly said a exhausted Twlight. "Oh, sorry about that, I was just stretching my new hoofs you know and was eh chasing a butterfly?" Apologised Zuruna with a grin as she finished her last sentence. "Ah no worries, I came to find you because I got a reply back from Princess Celestia. Apparently she wants to meet you Zu and be heading over to Ponyville right now!" Excitedly said Twilight. "Oh okay then, but those she know how I can get back to my world?" Asked a eager Zuruna. "Not too sure, but we should head on over to the Golden Oaks Library right now. Then we get your answer," replied Twilight. "Say, since we are walking back to the Golden Oaks Library, how about we talk more about these's Pokemon?" Brought up Twilight as she magically spawned a quil and a plain scroll. "Well, I'm out of here! As much as I like stories, I need to plan for something! See ya Twi and Zu! By-the-way-dont-forget-about-your-surprise-party!" Quickly said Pinkie Pie (still in her ninja suit) as she threw a smoke bomb at the ground, only to vanish in thin air. "I don't think I will ever understand that mare." Abruptly said Zuruna as she scratched her head with her hoof. "Believe me, I can agree on that." Concurred Twilight. "By the way Zu, I would like to write down a report about you and your world. Don't worry, surely it can't be too long!" Twilight spoked up as she held her quil against the scroll using her violet coloured magic. "I doubt so." Both of the mares thought. *** With a white fog-like ghostly plume billowing from its head covering one of its bright piecing blue eyes It watched from afar, watching as the ponies slowly left. But it knew one, one in particular that was once a Chimchar. It thought it got rid of it, no worries to it though. It find a way, a way to finally be rid of it. One way or another, it will plunge both worlds to darkness. After all, it's in it's name. *** After a while of walking and answering Twilight of whats the Pokemon world is like and what Zuruna career of a explorer is like, Twilight noted down every single detail down onto her scroll from Zuruna starting her first time at Wigglytuff Guilds with her partner Kyle to the discovery of Time Gears. The good and the bad, but mostly good as Zuruna tried to cover up any bad releated memories. It was all so interesting to Twilight, hearing about this unique world and how their society lived. Though she was concerned about how the flow of time was stopping which sounded bad on Zuruna side. Twilight couldn't wait to finalise this story and then show her friends and Princess Celestia on her fiery friend tale. Twilight comes to a point where she delayed their movement speed, just so she can hear more of Zuruna tales. The walk to Ponyville was rather peaceful for the two ponies. The news about a fiery like pony from Tarturus in Ponville spread like wild fire as ponies hid in their safe homes until some pony does something. Luckily, Twilight is still unaware of Zuruna earlier outburst. "Oh then what happened when you captured this criminal Grovyle?" Inquired Twilight. "Well technically, Dusknoir captured him and sent him back into the future through a portal. Turns out Dusknoir too was a future Pokemon and was sent to captured him," continued Zuruna about her experiences. Twlight was about to speak up before Zuruna continued talking. "But then, in one quick swoop, Dusknoir grabbed me and Kyle and dragged us into the future. This Pokemon, a explorer look up by many, as well as Kyle, was actually a evil Pokemon. One that lied and tricked me and Kyle into a dark and awful future where time completely stopped," Zuruna angrily said as her throat clenched up. "He then had tried to get 'rid' of me, Kyle and Grovyle through execution. Luckily by either skill or luck, us three managed to barely escape with only a wound or two. But what hurt the most was the truth, Dusknoir betrayed us and that the future is a grim and gloomy world to be in. It was hard for me and Kyle to accept the truth..." "Then we found out th- we are here now." Suddenly Zuruna declared as she stopped in her tracks. Twilight then unknowingly bumped straight at a wooden hard door. Twilight then looked to see they were at the front doors to the Golden Oaks Library. Guess Twilight was so invested in Zuruna story that she lost all track of time and her surroundings. "Aw ok, I do hope we can continue off your story Zu. At least we all know its a happy ending after all, since you did mentioned you were back at your current time before waking up here at Equestria." Disappointedly said an eager Twilight as she placed away her pen and scroll. "Heh, yeah sure." Happily replied Zuruna. "A happy ending? I'm not so sure about that." Thought a regretful Zuruna. "Alright let me go and open the door." chimed Twilight as she stepped ahead of Zuruna. Meanwhile as Twilight entered first into her home, Zuruna went through some deep thoughts, "Ah too think this adventure will end so soon. Heh, I haven't even got to attend Pinkie surprise party or teach the Cutie Mark Crusaders about exploration. If may have been short..." "Ah Princess Celestia! What a surprise! It's an honou-" "No need with the formality Twilight, I have came here as fast as I can." "...But I think I'm gonna miss this place and it's residents. Perhaps I get to come back here again one day..." "Excuse me for pronouncing this wrong but where is this Zu-run-a?" "Oh right outside Prin- I mean Celestia. Alright Zu, you can come in." "But you know what? Something tells me..." "Do please excuse me for this Twilight... Guards! Come out and surround the fire pony!" "Oh not at all Celes- wait what?" "Just a little something..." "What is this Celestia? Why are there Solar guards everywhere?" "A danger to Equestria must be stopped Twilight..." "Almost like a creeping shadow telling me..." "What danger?" "The one who stand near you Twilight." "That my adventures here..." "Zu-run-a! You are herby arrested by the courts of Equestria and me, Princess Celestia!" "Not just ended, but only truly began."