> Luffy in Equestria
>  by SparkStone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Enter Luffy! Unknown crash landing!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In Ponyville, it was a serene day. The ponies were going on their usual business until something disrupted the peace and quiet. A loud screaming noise shot through the sky coming from a red object. It had flown over and to the edge of town.

Fluttershy, who was upstairs in her room, happened to hear the noise. As it grew louder, the red object smashed through, frightening Fluttershy a lot. The animals too shared their fear of whatever it was as they hid in their domains. After a while, Fluttershy looked up to see whatever it was had left behind a mess in her house, a hole in the roof, and a straw hat on her bed.





Luffy got up, hazy from soaring through like that. He held his noggin as he tried to get everything in order. Luckily, being made of rubber helped him lighten the fall. He opened his eyes and saw he was in a dark forest.

"Whoa…" Luffy spoke. "That was some fight…"

As he tried to take a step, he noticed his hand wasn't a hand. Instead, it was a hoof. His mind starts to get a number of mixed feelings. Curious, excited, and adventurous were the best words. He looked at his red body and his four hooves. He looks at his tail and his jolly roger being on his flank. He got more and more excited as he realized what happened.

"Cool! I'm a pony!" He spoke with glee. "I wonder how'd this happen." He trotted over to a nearby pond to see his reflection. He saw his face which has now been transformed into one of a pony. His black hair, his scar under his left eye, and his absent hat… wait a minute…

Luffy then realized something horrifying. "My hat! Where'd it go!?"

Worried, he looked around from on top of, under, and around all trees, stones, and bushes. No avail as he starts to grow more worried, he begins to run around to see if he could find it.

"It's gotta be around here somewhere!" He thought before his stomach growled. "And some food too…"





Fluttershy came outside with the straw hat around her neck. For some reason, something told her that this hat was very important. Along with her being out, her friends came over to check on the situation, worried of their friends safety.

"Fluttershy!" Twilight called. "Are you alright?"

"Whoa, your house got hit hard." Rainbow pointed out.

Fluttershy nodded. "Y-Yes, I'm fine. I was quite startled when whatever came by went through my house."

"Did you happen to see where it went?" Twilight questioned.

"Yes, I think it landed somewhere in the Everfree Forest…" Fluttershy pointed to the dark forest.

"Hmm… Whatever it is, it's pretty unlucky to land in there." Applejack spoke.

"We better go see what it is." Twilight suggested. "The ponies in town won't sleep well tonight if we don't find out what crossed over our town."

The mares agreed, even Fluttershy very slowly. The idea of entering the forest still frightened her, but she knew it was important. Holding onto the hat upon her head, she pulled it gently down. Rarity noticed and commented on the head gear.

"Fluttershy, what is that?"

"Oh, this?" Fluttershy said as she released the hat. "I found it after the object crashed through my house."

"A straw hat?" Twilight spoke. "How odd…"

"And out of fashion." Rarity said while rolling her eyes. "I'd throw the thing away if I were you. It doesn't seem to fit you or… any pony for that matter."

Fluttershy looked down and explained, "I… don't know why, but I think this hat is important. I don't think I should throw it away."

"Is it because it's a gift from the thing that totally destroyed your roof?" Pinkie asked.

"Doesn't look too bad." Applejack claimed, brushing the hat worn by Fluttershy. "I think it goes well with you Fluttershy."

Rarity sighs and says, "Well, if you insist, I won't badger you about it."

"Well, we should head on in." Twilight declared. "Our first stop should be Zecora. Checking if she's alright along with if she noticed anything strange going on."

They all nodded in agreement to the plan and entered the forest.





Luffy was running around looking for his missing straw hat. Along the way, his stomach started to growl. He was not having his day.

"At this rate, I'll starve to death before I find my hat!" Luffy moaned. Stopping for a moment, he looked around and noticed something. Six other creatures. Using his Kenbonshoku Haki, he thought maybe those six creatures can help him.

"Maybe they're people who have some food!" Luffy thought. He followed after their trail in hopes of good fortune.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was looking afar and saw something peculiar. Rainbow happened to notice Fluttershy's gaze shifting towards the sea of trees.

"What's up Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked.

"Um… Well, there's a line of trees that's been broken down recently." Fluttershy pointed out. "And my house just happens to be across from there too."

"Whatever came flying probably landed around there, huh?" Rainbow spoke as she rubbed her chin. "We should check it out."

Fluttershy hesitated on the idea. "B-But, what about the others?"

"We'll catch up with them later, it'll be real quick! Come on!" Rainbow reasoned as she dragged the poor Fluttershy to the crash site, letting the others continued to Zecora's.

A while later, Rainbow and Fluttershy were inspecting the scene. It had a rut as if a meteor hit the floor, only the spot was empty. Whatever was there had moved by itself, or by someone else.

"Well, this sucks." Rainbow groaned. "We're too late, whatever was here is now gone!"

"Maybe it's still around?" Fluttershy thought. "It's only been a while, it couldn't have gone far."

"Good thinking Fluttershy." Rainbow replied. "But the speed it was going… If it went that fast, it'll be long gone."

The two sighed and looked up to the sky. At that moment, Rainbow had an idea. "I know! I'll just do a little scouting around to see if it's close. You stay here in case it comes back."

"Oh… um… alright." Fluttershy spoke. In her mind was something else though. What am I thinking!? What if whatever was here is dangerous? What if it attacks me? Or even…! Holding back on thoughts, Rainbow had already flown up to the sky. Fluttershy sighed as she patiently waited for her friends or the creature to come.

Speaking of the creature, Luffy happened to follow the presence of one of the beings who separated with the other four and had now just been left alone. Luffy wasn't sure why they were splitting up so much, nor why'd they go back to where he had landed. It didn't matter though, Luffy had only two things in mind. His straw hat, and food. He needed help. However, as soon as he saw a yellow non human creature, his appetite got the better of him as he pounced at it and yelled…

"MEEEAT!"

Fluttershy jumped and ran away from the source of the noise. As she turned back, she realized it was a pony chasing after her! Did he say meat!? Is he a cannibal pony!? Oh my Celestia! Some pony help me!! She ran as her pursuer Luffy was yelling, "Wait! Come back here meat!"

As the chase went on, Rainbow happened to hear the noise from down below. She flew back to the crash site to see Fluttershy no longer there. Her eyes shrunk as her friend is gone.

"Fluttershy! Where are you? Fluttershy!" She called out.





As Luffy chased Fluttershy down, she eventually tripped and rolled to a tree. Luffy finally had caught up with her but stopped to find something. His hat upon her head.

"Hey! There it is!" Luffy said joyously as he took it and placed it on his head. He pulled it down and gave a huge grin.

Fluttershy attempted to get away, but it was too late as Luffy stretched his hoof, surprising Fluttershy a lot. Her heart began to race as Luffy's grin was getting closer thanks to his hoof dragging her close. As Fluttershy covered her eyes and prepared for the worst, she was suddenly hugged.

"Thank you so much!" Luffy said in great gratitude. "I thought I lost my hat forever! You're the best!"

Fluttershy began to blush to the compliment as Luffy noticed she too was a pony, but with wings. "W-Well, it looked like it was important, so I-"

Luffy interrupted once more as he said, "WHOA! ARE THOSE WINGS!? So lucky! I wish I had some! They look so cool!"

Fluttershy's face then reddened, not used to compliments rolling in so quickly by a stranger no less. "Why, thank you… um…"

Again, interrupted by Luffy as he noticed another trait. "Wait… you can talk too? Awesome! A talking flying pony!"

Fluttershy wasn't sure how to respond. The red stallion before her was as if, never seen a pony before. It's almost as if he has amnesia. He acts as if he's never seen a pegasus before!

"Um… Excuse me. Who are-"

Sadly, Fluttershy was not even able to finish this sentence either as Rainbow Dash bashes Luffy to the head. Luffy however didn’t mind much, because he knew it was just a normal attack. It couldn't hurt him due to the fact that he was made of rubber. Luffy only takes a few steps back as Rainbow stands in front of Fluttershy.

"Stay back you creep!" Rainbow threatened.

"What the hell was that for!?" Luffy growled.
> Chapter 2 - Introducing the Devil Fruits
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The eyes of Luffy and Rainbow locked into combat. Fluttershy who was behind Rainbow, tried to get them both to stop. It was too late as Rainbow rushed in head first. Luffy, now focused onto battle simply moved slightly to the right, dodging Rainbow easily. Rainbow stopped and turned around in an attempt to hit him from behind, but oddly enough, Luffy evaded the attack as simple as he did before. Rainbow stopped and landed on the floor.

What's with this guy!? Rainbow thought. It's almost as if he's reading my mind!

That wasn't the end of it. Luffy then pulled back his hoof and it began to stretch, surprising Rainbow and Fluttershy.

"Gomu Gomu no…"

Rainbow flew up to the sky before Luffy used his attack.

"Pistol!"

The blow went to a tree, and tore down a patch of the forest. Rainbow was stunned at the sheer power Luffy had brought with that one attack.

I gotta be careful around this guy. If he hits me with one of those blows, then I'm done for! Rainbow realized. She then tried to fly around in order to heighten her chances to avoid his attacks. Luffy attempted to use another move to get her.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

The array of hooves were sent to the sky, giving Rainbow a hard time to fight back. She had no choice but to fly higher in order to get away from his strange techniques until she can think it out. It was useless however as Luffy was determined to bring her down, and used an even more powerful skill. He threw his hoof out and pumps of blood then caused steam to emulate.

"Gear second"

Fluttershy wasn't sure what she saw. Not even Rainbow was prepared as Luffy at one moment had on a shiny coat with steam coming out, and then suddenly, he disappeared. Rainbow looked around to see where he went, but found out too late as Luffy was literally right above her. There, he pulled back his two hooves.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka!"

The impact shot Rainbow straight down, letting her crash to the ground. Rainbow was tired, but managed to get up and continue to fight. Luffy wasn't finished either. As he went down, Luffy was about to bite his hoof until…

"STOP!" Fluttershy said as she got in between Rainbow and Luffy. "I-If you don't mind…" Luffy hesitated and landed away from the two pegasus.

"Why'd you stop me!?" Luffy questioned.

"You can't hurt her." Fluttershy stated. "She's my friend."

Rainbow glared at Luffy while he simply stared at the two of them and said, "Oh, why didn't you say so earlier?"

"You know this guy!?" Rainbow questioned Fluttershy.

"W-Well… It turns out I found his hat. He really appreciated it, and uh…" She paused to see Luffy just blankly staring at them. "He doesn't seem like a bad pony."

"Not a bad pony!?" Rainbow scoffed. "He attacked me!"

"Well, you attack him first."

Rainbow was a bit taken back and tried to counter it. Sadly not much came to mind. "Um… well…"

"Hey, do you know where to get some food?" Luffy asked.

Fluttershy held her chin in thought and said, "Oh! We can go to-" She stopped however as Rainbow covered her mouth.

"Will you excuse us for a second?" Rainbow said before bringing Fluttershy away from the red pony. After getting some space, Rainbow complained. "Are you crazy!? We can't let that freak go to Ponyville! He'll tear up the place!"

"But Rainbow…" Fluttershy began. "He's a pony like us, and all he's asking is for something to eat."

Rainbow groaned, but regretfully agreed. He was a pony like them, so he should be treated just as equally. "Alright, fine. But let's meet up with the others first before we let this guy ravage through town."

Fluttershy smiled as she trotted over to Luffy and said, "Don't worry mister. We can help, but we need to come get our other friends just before we find some food."

Luffy grinned widely as he said, "Alright then!"

"I don't trust this guy." Rainbow said.

"Oh! That reminds me! What's your name?" Fluttershy asked.

Luffy smiled and said, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm gonna be king of the pirates!"





As Twilight and the others reached Zecora's, they took a moment to rest.

"Well, that took longer than I remembered." Twilight stated. "Is everypony here?"

After a roll call, they see a problem. Two actually. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy was missing from the group. The four of them became frightened after realizing their pegasus companions are gone.

"Where in tarnation did those two go?" Applejack wondered. "I bet Rainbow went to check something out without us."

"We better go look for them." Twilight suggested.

"But we just got here!" Rarity reasoned. "If anything, Rainbow and Fluttershy will probably come here anyhow. We could miss them if we leave now."

"What do you think we should do?" Pinkie asked Twilight.

She held her chin in thought and said, "Well… Rainbow is pretty independent, and she can also watch over Fluttershy… I don't know, it still seems pretty risky."

"We should at least see Zecora and see if she's seen anything strange." Rarity stated.

"Good point. Let's just drop by real quick, and then look for the others." Twilight concluded.

As the four went up to the door, followed by a knock, they awaited for Zecora to open the door. As she did, she gave them a warm smile followed by a greeting of rhymes.

"Hello my friends, what are you doing here by ten?"

"Sorry to bother you Zecora, but an object came flying through town and into the forest just recently." Twilight explained. "Did you happen to notice anything strange?"

Zecora showed them inside and replied, "something indeed strange, for our world is going in a slight change."

The four were shown something truly otherworldly. Before them is a fruit with many swirls placed on her desk inside a glass box.

"What is that?" Twilight wondered.

"It looks tasty!" Pinkie said while drooling.

"I would appreciate it if you do not even take a bite, for this is rarer than diamond of white." Zecora claimed.

"Really?" Rarity wondered. "Where did you find this?"

"Deep in the forest, where none would venture, not even tourist." Zecora chuckled on the last part.

"Never seen anything like it…" Applejack spoke. "It doesn't look like any fruit I've ever seen before."

"Other than this, did you happen to notice anything else strange? Maybe around a few hours or so?" Twilight wondered.

Zecora frowned and said, "I'm sorry, but no. I found this days ago. I haven't seen anything new around these hours of few."

"Well, I guess all we have left to do is look for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." Applejack suggested. However, the idea was shot down as a knock on the door followed by the two fore mentioned pegasus entering the room along with Luffy.

"Rainbow! Fluttershy! There you are! Where were you?" Twilight questioned before noticing Luffy as well. "And who's that?"

"Whoa! A purple pony with a horn!" Luffy pointed out as he poked at Twilight's horn. "It's so pointy!"

Twilight brushed off Luffy's hoof much to her annoyance. "Stop that."

"Um… This is Monkey D. Luffy." Fluttershy informed the others. "I found him lost in the forest."

"Uh huh…" Twilight nodded understanding the gist of it. "It's nice to see that you're helping others Fluttershy."

"Whoa! I never saw ponies like you before!" Luffy said as he examined Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack and Zecora. "A pink pony, a cowboy pony, curly hair pony, and a striped pony!"

"Zecora is a zebra." Twilight said in a deadpan voice.

"Um… Anyways…" Fluttershy spoke, getting back on the subject. "I wanted to mention that Luffy is uh… different."

"What do you mean by, different?" Rarity asked.

Rainbow flew up to the others and whispered, "He's a freak! He was able to stretch his hooves and do all this weird stuff!"

The mares just stared blankly at Rainbow. They turned to Luffy for one moment to see him picking his nose, then back to Rainbow simply laughing at her statement. Rainbow wasn't amused.

"What's so funny!?" Rainbow questioned.

"Well, first of all, he's an earth pony." Applejack pointed out. "The craziest he can get is to Pinkie's level."

"And without any magic, he wouldn't be able to stretch or do anything else special." Twilight added.

"I-It's true…" Fluttershy cuts in. "I saw him do it. It was… the strangest thing I ever saw."

They all stared at Luffy who began to wander the room. The mares weren't convinced, but did see how Luffy took a familiar glance at the fruit in the display case. Zecora then became interested. "Do you know what lies before you? Do you know what it is I have accrue?"

"Isn't that a devil fruit?" Luffy wondered.

Everyone was taken back to see Luffy had knowledge of this fruit before him. Even Twilight was impressed that an idiotic pony like Luffy knew what it is.

"How do you know that?" Twilight questioned.

"Oh, I ate one before." Luffy claimed as he stretched his lip. "I ate the gomu gomu fruit and became a rubber… pony."

Right when Luffy stretched his lip, everyone's jaw dropped.
> Chapter 3 - Getting the Scoop
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"So let me get this straight!" Twilight began to sum up. "There are fruits like this that give you special powers?"

"Yeah!" Luffy answered.

"And every one of them is unique?" Pinkie added.

"Yep!"

"But you lose your ability to swim once you consumed one?" Rarity finished.

"That's right!" Luffy finished.

"So that clears it." Rainbow declared. "He's a rubber demon that crashed here to take over the place!"

"Knock it off Rainbow." Applejack scolded. "Luffy here doesn't seem like a bad pony. In fact, I'd say he's honest if anything."

"Oh please! You can't really say that can you?" Rainbow complained.

"You're just uptight around Luffy here since he managed to best you in a fight." Rarity stated.

Rainbow's face scrunched up and shouted, "AM NOT! And he didn't beat me fair and square! He used those powers to win!"

"I have to admit… a rubber body in exchange for the ability to swim? How'd you manage to cope with that?" Twilight wondered. "And being a pirate no less."

"I just stay onboard the ship." Luffy claimed. "Oh, but I do have friends who help me out just in case."

"Are they devil fruit users like you are?" Pinkie asked.

"Not all of them. Chopper, Robin, and Brook are the only ones who ate one on my crew." Luffy answered. Just then, his stomach growled. He held his belly and said, "Hey, you guys have anything to eat? I'm starving!"

"Oh! That's right!" Fluttershy remembered. "I promised to get him some food after we came to get you."

"Well, I wouldn't mind making him some grub." Applejack claimed.

"Really?" Luffy smiled widely. "Awesome! What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Luffy raced on outside, waiting for the others. As the five left, Twilight stayed behind just to check on Zecora.

"What is it?" she asked.

"The pony with the straw hat…" Zecora thought. "Might be more than that…"

"You think so?" Twilight asked while raising an eyebrow.

Zecora nodded and said, "A pony with the power of the devil accrued, still has the dream he has pursued."





As Applejack and her friends lead Luffy to Sweet Apple Acres, Luffy gazed at the vast orchard of apple trees dominating the land.

"Wow! This place has a lot of apples!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Darn tootin' Luffy!" Applejack replied rather pridefully. "This is Sweet Apple Acres, home of the juiciest, sweetest, and tastiest apples in Equestria!"

"All these apples are real nice, but don't you guys have any meat?" Luffy asked.

The six mares stared at him rather surprised to hear that. Luffy simply awaited an answer looking dumbfounded as usual. The girls huddle up to discuss this.

"Did he just say he wants to eat meat!?" Twilight made sure her ears weren't off at the moment.

"I told you this guy was dangerous!" Rainbow scolded. "We gotta get rid of him!"

"Hold on!" Applejack stopped Rainbow before she could start something. "He probably hit his head a tad too much. He acted as if he's never seen a pony before."

"So you're implying that Luffy here has amnesia?" Rarity commented.

"Well… Um…" Fluttershy began, but wasn't sure to finish the sentence.

"What is it Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, when I first met Luffy, he… tried to eat me…" She admitted.

"HE WHAT!?" They shouted in surprise.

"Y-Yes, but he stopped after he got his hat back."

"Okay, we're obviously dealing with a delusional, demonic pony." Twilight hypothesized. "But maybe we can rehabilitate him and bring him back to being a normal pony."

"I think we should just throw him out of town." Rainbow suggested.

Ignoring the idea, they turned to Luffy who was picking his nose.

"Disgusting…" Rarity said to herself.

"Luffy, listen. I know you probably forgot this, but as a pony, we can't eat meat." Twilight informed him.

"… What…?" Luffy whimpered.

"Ponies like you and me have never been nor able to eat meat."

Luffy started to tremble and sat down before yelling, "NOOOOO!"

He looked down really disappointed, but got up and smiled. "Oh well. Maybe when I go back to the others, I'll eat meat. I'm not staying here forever anyways."

"Thank Celestia." Rainbow muttered.

"Well… since that's sorted out…" Applejack spoke. "Let's head in to get some grub!"

"Alright!" Luffy cheered.

As Applejack and the others came inside, Big Macintosh and Applebloom happened to be getting the table ready. They glanced at Applejack's new friend, Luffy.

"Everypony, this is Luffy." Applejack introduced.

"Hi, nice to meet ya!" Luffy greeted.

"Nice to meet you too mister Luffy!" Applebloom replied.

Big Mac simply nodded and said, "Eeyup."

"Luffy here will be eating with us, so we're gonna need another plate." Applejack informed the others.

"Did I hear that right?" Granny said while coming in. She looked at Luffy and happened to squint at his straw hat. "Well, don't you fret none. We have enough for all of your friends."

"Um… We're fine, thank you." Twilight ensured her.

"Suit yourselves." Granny said before she went back into the kitchen.

Luffy sat down with Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom while Twilight and the others left in the other room to discuss about other matters. As Luffy waited for his meal, Applebloom started shooting questions.

"So mister Luffy, what brought you here?"

"Oh, I was sailing by with my crew." Luffy answered.

"You're crew?" She repeated. "What kind of crew?"

"My pirate crew of course!" Luffy exclaimed with a chuckle.

Applebloom's eyes sparkled at the thought. "You're a pirate?"

Luffy grinned at her expression. "Yep!"

"So you sail around and find treasure?"

"Sometimes. Usually, we're just out having adventures."

"Now, now Applebloom." Applejack said. "Don't be a bother to our guest."

"I'm not bothering him!" Applebloom countered.

"Soups on!" Granny Smith said as she brought out the food. Luffy's mouth began to water as she placed out apple pies, apple fritters, and some other apple related dishes. Some however were not apple based, such as the vegetarian spaghetti and spinach ravioli.

"Wow! This looks so good!" Luffy spoke with much delight.

"Eat up as much as you want Luffy." Applejack offered.	"Plenty more for that come from!"

Just as she said that, Luffy extended his arms and engulfed the entire meal. Though Applejack was aware of his abilities, she along with the others were not expecting his enormous appetite.

"I never seen anypony eat so much…" Applejack admitted. "Except maybe Pinkie…"

"Y-Y-You're hooves!" Applebloom shouted. "They stretched!"

"E-Eeyup!" Big Mac spoke rather frightened.

"Hmm… No horn for magic, so… you must have eaten a devil fruit, haven't ya?" Granny indicated.

They all looked at Granny Smith, surprised that she knew what was going on.

"You know about them Granny?" Applejack questioned.

"Not much, but I've been told about them by the same pony who used to wear that straw hat."

Luffy leaned in, realizing what she meant. "You know Shanks?"

"Shanks? Wasn't he just a cabin boy? No, I'm talking about Gold Roger." Granny confirmed.

"Who's Gold Roger?" Applejack asked Luffy, only to see a blank stare followed by a wide grin. "Luffy? What's wrong?"

Twilight and the others heard the commotion and leaned in close to find Luffy holding onto his hat as he began. "Gold Roger was the King of the Pirates!"
> Chapter 4 - Another mouth to feed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Granny Smith had on a solemn look, hearing what had happened to Gold Roger. Raising her head, she smiled at the sight of Luffy.

"I see… Well, That's too bad to hear what happened to him. It's nice to hear Rayleigh is okay, as well as Rogers other crewmates." Granny Smith said. "But I'm happier to see the will of D. hasn't died yet."

"So wait a minute!" Pinkie bellowed. "You're crossing the seas to be the Pirate King?"

"Yep!" Luffy answered as he held his hat on his hoof, looking at it as he recalled the times he spent with it. "And this hat has been there with me ever since."

"You sure love that hat." Twilight inquired.

"Even though it's rather shabby." Rarity commented.

"This hat's my treasure though." Luffy shot back at Rarity's statement.

"This hat is important." Fluttershy thought aloud. "I was right after all…"

Rainbow crossed her hooves and scoffed. "Are you kidding me? A hat a treasure?"

Luffy glared at Rainbow and said, "What's wrong with that?"

"Isn't treasure something you find in a treasure chest or a dungeon like in Daring Do?"

"It can be anything as long as you treasure it. That's what treasure is." Luffy explained.

Applebloom was impressed to the point of having her eyes shine. "Really?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes at that statement. "Oh please, and you think you're gonna be Pirate King just because you're made of rubber?"

"He was able to beat you with it!" Pinkie pointed out, making Rainbow glare at her. "Sorry!"

"As long as I die trying, at least I tried." Luffy said as he placed the hat on his head.

"Really Luffy?" Twilight said, being impressed by his determination. "But, aren't you afraid of that conclusion?"

"I'm fine with it." Luffy answered with a childish smirk.

"Kinda reminds me of somepony else sometimes." Applejack said while nudging Rainbow's foreleg.

"Whatever." Rainbow replied. "I still don't think you can do it."

Luffy got amped and slammed his hooves on the table. "You wanna fight about it?!"

Everyone was surprised by the sudden outburst. Rainbow replied with the same reaction as Luffy. "Heck yeah! I can beat you in ten seconds flat!"

"Rainbow! Luffy! Calm down! We can settle this in a more friendly matter!" Applejack attempted to calm the two.

"No way! I'm not backing down from a fight, especially from this guy!" Rainbow claimed.

"Me neither, color pony!" Luffy remarked.

Before it got any hotter, Granny Smith brought in another batch of food. "If ya'll don't calm down, we can't eat."

"Okay." Luffy said as he sat patiently on the chair. Everyone fell to the ground from his unbelievable fast shift of feelings.





After dinner, Luffy was snoring away on the couch as the girls discuss matters with Granny.

"So, what else do you know about Luffy?" Twilight asked.

"I can't say much." Granny admitted. "I hardly know the fella, but if he met one of Rogers cabin boys and Rayleigh, the best I can say is he's been traveling the Grand Line."

"The Grand Line?" They all said in unison.

"The Grand Line is a sea that crosses the red line and the entire world. It has a chain of islands that many would find strange." Granny explained. "To my best guess, I'd say Luffy here is also supposed to be human."

"Human?" Twilight repeated. "What's that?"

"Simply another species dearie. I only say this because you told me Luffy here wanted to eat meat, right? Humans are omnivores, which would make sense why a pony like Luffy would crave something he could never eat before unless…"

"He's another species." Twilight realized.

"Right on the mark sugar cube."

"But wait…" Rarity spoke. "Why is Luffy a pony then?"

"I don't know. My hunch would be that Luffy ran into some unlucky business. Maybe a unicorn turned him into this, or maybe the Grand Line cursed him along his journey." Granny guessed. "After all, anything can happen in the Grand Line."

"That sounds so cool!" Pinkie said while hopping in one place. "I wanna go on an adventure around the Grand Line!"

"I don't know about that sweetie." Granny warned her. "The Grand Line is also said to be the graveyard of pirates…"

The ponies gulped at this while Granny merely laughed. "Only one bold enough to cross the whole sea around was Gold Roger. Luffy too if he becomes the next Pirate King."

Rainbow glanced at him and mocked, "Pfft, yeah right."

"Speaking of him." Twilight remembered. "What do you think we should do with him? He doesn't have a place to stay."

"And considering how much he eats…" Rarity thought. "Nopony will be able to pay off for his appetite."

The discussion of Luffy's residence turns south, leading to only one conclusion. Applejack tipped her hat and accepted.

"I'll take the little runt." She said.

"Really Applejack?" Twilight wondered. "Are you sure you want him around?"

"Like I said, he doesn't seem like a bad pony, and I think my family can handle the food problem lickity split."

"Aw, I wanted a rubber pony as my roommate…" Pinkie groaned.

"Well, I guess that settles it." Granny Smith stated. "Luffy here can stay as long as he needs to. But if he's gonna eat a chunk off of our fridge, he's gonna have to work for it too!"

"I'll get him working tomorrow Granny." Applejack ensured her. "For now, let's get some shut eye. Luffy already started."

They all laughed at the antics of Luffy. All except for Rainbow, still wary of the rubber fiend.





As the sun rose over the valley of apple trees, chickens nearby gave the early bird call, waking everyone within the house of the Apple family as well as Luffy. He woke up with a loud yawn and looked around. He viewed his surroundings and his hooves to recall last night.

"Oh yeah…" Luffy thought. "I got turned into a pony and slept on Applejack's couch."

"So you were a human after all." Applejack stated as she trotted over to the kitchen.

"Yeah, I was." Luffy replied.

"How come you didn't mention it earlier then?" she questioned.

Luffy crossed his hooves and looked up to the ceiling thinking about it. "I don't know, I guess no one really asked."

"Nopony, you mean." Applejack corrected.

"Huh?"

"The phrase is nopony around here."

Luffy just laughed at this information, clearly annoying Applejack.

"Now what's so darn funny!?" She questioned.

"That just sounds so stupid! Why would you say that?" Luffy managed to say under his excessive amusement.

She simply scrunched her nose as she left Luffy alone, trying to tend to breakfast. As she did, Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and Granny Smith came down the stairs. Luffy tilted his head on where they were going.

"Luffy?" Applebloom called. "What are you doing still on the couch? Don't you want breakfast?"

Luffy jumped off of the couch hearing this. "Breakfast!? Where!?"

"Over here!" Applebloom informed him as she walked to the dining room. Once again, the table had plates set and everyone was seated. Applejack was cooking this time. Luffy was excited on what he was going to eat next. As they waited, Applejack came out with a platter of pancakes.

"Sorry for the wait everypony!" Applejack said jokingly as she placed the food on the center of the table. "Breakfast's done!"

"Oh boy!" Luffy said. "This looks so good!"

"Now Luffy, before you chow down, you should let everypony have-" Applejack attempted to prevent Luffy from doing what he did before, but it was too late as the pancakes were gone. "Some…"

He had out a breath from his delicious meal. "Man, that was good. Not as good as Sanji's food, but still really yummy!"

"Who's Sanji?" Applebloom asked.

"Sanji is the cook on my crew!" Luffy informed her. "He makes all kinds of yummy food."

"Really?" Applebloom asked.

"Yeah! He makes all kinds of stuff, and he also never wastes food too! I'm glad he joined my crew when he did."

"I take it this Sanji fellow is a gentle pony unlike somepony right now." Applejack said as she eyed Luffy.

"Oh, lighten up Applejack."Granny Smith told her. "If you hadn't noticed, Luffy isn't exactly mature."

Applejack sighed in agreement. "Even so, I just wished he left some for the rest of us. Now I gotta cook up another batch."

"Oh! Can I have some more too?" Luffy asked.

"Make that several more batches." Applejack grimly corrected herself.





After breakfast, Applejack along with Big Macintosh and Applebloom went out to do their chores. Luffy was paired up with Applejack to get him doing some jobs around the place in exchange for their services towards his eating habits. As the two walked through the orchard, Luffy gazed at the many apples.

"Wow! This place is huge!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Pay attention Luffy." Applejack called. "I'm gonna show you your job for today."

"Okay then."

Applejack demonstrated by bucking the tree, letting all the apples fall. Luffy was a tad astonished by her strength.

"Whoa…" Luffy muttered.

"See that?" Applejack said."All you have to do is get all the apples down and collect em'."

"Wow! You're like Sanji!" Luffy pointed out.

Applejack raised an eyebrow as she said, "That cook you were talking about earlier? Why?"

"When he fights, he usually kicks a lot." Luffy stated. "Actually, he only fights by kicking."

"The cook on your crew fights?" Applejack asked.

"Well, we all do. " He informed her.

"Hmm… That's interesting I guess." Applejack responded as she went back to the job at hoof. "Now, back to this! Luffy, buck the tree like I did."

Luffy went to a tree and got ready to copy Applejack. Once kicked, the tree blasted off into the air. Applejack dropped her jaw as Luffy just stared at it for a moment before realizing what he did. He turned to Applejack and awkwardly said…

"… Sorry…"

Applejack's face turned into an angry shade of red as she yelled, "LUFFY!!!"

She ran up to him and bonked him on the head, thrashing him to the ground. Applejack opened her eyes and realized what she just did. She just hurt somebody in a fit of rage. She picked up Luffy and checked to see if he was alright.

"A-Are you okay sugar cube? I-I didn't mean to do that!" She said rather hastily, regretting what she did.

"I'm fine." Luffy said while getting up.

"Thank goodness." Applejack replied. "I'm so sorry Luffy."

"It's alright." Luffy said with a grin. "It's nothing to get worked up about."

Luffy happily trotted along, leaving Applejack bewildered by Luffy's passiveness. To forgive her that easily? Most ponies would probably never talk to her after that.

"Hey, can we eat? All these apples are making me hungry." Luffy claimed.

Applejack merely chuckled as she said, "After we get some work done."
> Chapter 5 - First Troubles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy was eating out of the pile of apples he had collected with Applejack. On the third day of his arrival, Luffy has been eating lots of apples. He's gotten used to it, but what he wouldn't do for a piece of meat.

"Luffy!" Applejack scolded. "What'd I tell you about eating the apples we're collecting!?"

"But I'm so hungry!" Luffy complained.

"Breakfast was only ten minutes ago! You ate more than all of us as usual! How could you always be this hungry!?"

Aside from Applejack's bickering, Applebloom ran up to her big sister.

"Applejack! Applejack!" Applebloom called.

She sighed and turned to her little sister. "What is it Applebloom?"

"I finished all my chores! Can I go play with my friends?" Applebloom asked.

"All of your chores?" She asked with a lie detecting eye.

"Yep! Every single one!"

"Alright then. I suppose you can go have some fun with your friends." She allowed.

"Yay! Thanks Applejack!" She said before running up to Luffy. "Hey, mister Luffy, do you want to come too?"

Luffy gasped in excitement and quickly answered, "Yeah! Let's go!"

Before Luffy could escape, Applejack held onto his hoof, preventing him from leaving as well as extending his long foreleg.

"Now wait just a darn second!" She shouted. "You ain't done with your chores Luffy."

Luffy groaned, "Aww, do I have to?"

"Yeah Applejack, does he have to?" Applebloom asked with her adorable puppy dog eyes.

Doing her best to resist giving in, she falters and says, "Oh, alright! He'd probably do more harm if he stayed here anyways."

The two cheered and left trotting away happily. Applejack just nodded at this.





Luffy followed Applebloom as she brought him to the clubhouse. Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle were there, waiting for her.

"Whoa…" Luffy said. "Is this your tree house?"

"Sure is! I fixed the place up after Applejack gave it to me." Applebloom said with a hint of pride.

"Hey Applebloom, who's this guy?" Scootaloo asked.

"I'm Luffy! Nice to meet ya!" Luffy greeted.

"Hi mister Luffy! My name is Sweetiebelle." She introduced herself.

"And I'm Scootaloo."

Luffy laughed and said, "You all have funny names!"

Scootaloo crossed her hooves and said, "Luffy isn't any better."

"Don't worry, he says that about everypony." Applebloom assured her friends.

"So you guys hang out in that tree house?" Luffy wondered.

"Yeah, this is the Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse!" Sweetiebelle explained.

"That sounds neat." Luffy replied as he went up to the building.

The three fillies watched Luffy placing his hoof onto the walls of the structure. To Luffy, he began to recall something. Back at East Blue, there is another clubhouse where three brothers lived together. There were times when they played, many when they eat, and some when they would argue who should be the captain. Luffy had on a simple smile as he began to have the urge to go up even higher. He jumped to the roof and on top of the tree to gaze at what surrounded him. The forest of apple trees, The farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres, and a town he has yet to cross, Ponyville.

"Luffy!" Applebloom called. "What are you doing up there?"

Luffy was just in the mood to reminisce at the moment. Never had he thought to feel the familiarity of where he was right now. It felt nice. Luffy was grinning widely before chuckling to himself.

"Your friend is weird." Scootaloo commented.

Applebloom sighed. "Yes, yes he is."

Luffy came down and landed nearby the three. "This place is great! I like it!"

"Glad to hear that Luffy!" Applebloom responded.

"So, what do you want to do?" Sweetiebelle asked.

Applebloom had an idea. "Oh! I know!"

"That can't be good." Scootaloo joked.

"Seriously girls, this could be fun!" Applebloom stated. She turned to Luffy and requested, "Luffy! Can you do something for us?"

"Sure, what is it?" Luffy asked.





Applejack was heading into town with a wagon of apples being towed. Reaching the market, she sets up her fruit stand and standby until further notice. During the time, she happened to notice a mare complaining to Mayor Mare.

"What do you mean, a tree fell on the roof of your house?"

"I mean, it just fell right on it! Almost as if somepony bucked the thing all the way over there!"

"And when did this happen?" Mayor Mare asked.

"Yesterday!"

Applejack had a cold chill down her spine. She tried to continue work until Twilight came by.

"Howdy Twilight." She greeted. "What brings you by?"

"AJ, what happened yesterday?" She asked. "I saw a tree literally fall out of nowhere. I know Luffy has devil fruit powers, but I doubt a rubber pony can just send off a tree like that."

Applejack began to sweat and whispered, "Okay, look! You know when Rainbow was telling us he was some kind of a freak? Well, she wasn't kidding. Luffy managed to buck the thing on the first go! I never saw anything like it!"

Twilight's eyes shrunk at this. "You're kidding?"

"No, I'm not. But he's not all bad. I think we just gotta get to know him a bit better. See what he can and can't do."

Twilight's eyes began to sparkle with an idea. "So what you're saying is… We should examine him…"

Applejack was nervous at where Twilight was going with this. "Now Twilight, let's calm down here. Luffy may be a bit different from us, but he's still a pony like us."

"Yes… A pony that used to be a human…" Her eyes began to shine as bright as her curiosity.

"Twilight…?" Applejack called as she waved her hoof in front of her face. "Twi!"

"Huh? What?" She snapped back to herself.

"I really don't think you should do that. Luffy has his rights after all."

Just as she said that, a screaming noise was heard. Everyone was looking around for the source until they realized it was coming from the sky. Looking closely, they see Luffy along with Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo riding on top of him. Applejack and Twilight began to panic as well as Rainbow and Rarity who happened to be nearby. They started screaming and yelling while Rainbow tried to rescue the fillies, and maybe Luffy.

Meanwhile, the three were having the time of their life as they hold onto Luffy tightly. Sweetiebelle, although having fun, was a bit concerned on one thing. "This is great and all, but how are we gonna land?"

"I didn't think of that." Applebloom admitted. "I thought since Luffy is made of rubber, we can land on him safely."

"Don't worry! It'll be fine!" Luffy said as he began to ready his breath.

As Rainbow got close to Luffy, he had inhaled and then held his breath. Right then, he then inflated.

"Gomu Gomu no Fusen!" (Gum Gum Balloon!)

Rainbow happened to be pushed away by Luffy's balloon like body while he and the girls landed safely into town. The ponies were baffled at what they just saw. The fillies got off of Luffy and cheered.

"That was so much fun!" Sweetiebelle commented.

"So cool too! I never flew like that before!" Scootaloo added.

Luffy laughed and said, "It's no big deal."

"I told you guys it'd be fun!" Applebloom said.

As the three were talking however. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow rushed to him and bonked him on the head.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" They scolded.

Luffy ended up rolling to the wall of a house. The three were obviously peeved.

"Luffy! Of all the things you do, how could you take Applebloom to… the sky like that!?"

"Oh! I can answer that!" Sweetiebelle said. "Luffy did this slingshot with two trees. He called it the Gum Gum Rocket!"

Rarity stepped in front of Sweetiebelle and said, "Honestly mister Monkey D. Luffy! Having the nerve to take our little sisters on a joy ride like that! Just how much of a brute are you!?"

"Wait! It's not Luffy's fault!" Applebloom intervened.

"Look, you don't have to defend this guy Applebloom." Rainbow assured her. "We'll make sure this guy doesn't mess with you again!"

Rainbow looked as if she was about to start a fight again, so Applebloom once again interrupted them. "Hold on! Luffy didn't make us go! I asked him to… well, be a slingshot so we could do that…"

The three mares looked at her and back to Luffy. They shook their heads understanding the situation now.

"You mean to tell me you took advantage of our guest's abilities to pull a stunt like that!?" Applejack questioned.

Applebloom looked to the side and said, "… Yes…"

"She's not in trouble is she?" Luffy asked.

"Well, I wouldn't say you're off the hook either mister." Applejack stated coldly. "Even if Applebloom was the one who had the idea, don't you have a little restraint?"

Luffy just shrugged, annoying the three mares. Applejack then had an idea on punishment.

"Luffy, come here. I need you to do something for me." Applejack claimed. "As for you missy, I'll deal with you later."

Applebloom and the others gulped as Rainbow and Rarity kept a close eye on them. Meanwhile, Luffy was following Applejack who then met up with Twilight.

"Applejack!" Twilight spoke with a hint of worry. "Is everything alright? What happened?"

"It's fine Twi, nopony got hurt." Applejack assured her. "Hey, you know those experiments you wanted to do?"
> Chapter 6 - Experiment Rubber
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As Twilight tied Luffy's hooves to the brackets of the metallic table, she looked at her check list to see if she had everything for the examination. Noticing something missing, she called her assistant.

"Spike! I forgot the helmet for my machine, can you bring it down for me?"

"On it!" The reptilian replied. A few moments later, Spike came down with the helmet and gives it to Twilight. "Here ya go Twi."

"Thank you my number one assistant." Twilight commended.

Spike smiled until he saw Luffy and his current position. "So uh… What're you doing here Twi?"

"Whoa!" Luffy bellowed at Spike. "A big purple lizard!"

Twilight held back a chuckle as Spike was a tad angered. "I'm not a lizard! I'm a dragon."

"Whoa! Really!?" Luffy exclaimed with excitement. "Hey, can you poop?"

The two stared at Luffy for his inappropriate question. His idiocy just made them hold their heads and nod at this act.

"Idiot." They muttered.

As Twilight started the machine up, she pressed a few buttons and the table Luffy was on began to pull his legs.

Spike was kind of worried for this acquaintance and asked, "Uh… Twilight, I don't know what you're doing, but if you don't stop, that guy's legs are gonna get pulled off."

"It's fine Spike, trust me." Twilight assured him as she continued to let the machine pull Luffy's limbs.

After a lot of pulling, Spike became more and more scared for Luffy. He covered his face and closed his eyes expecting something gruesome to happen. However, it never happened. Spike peeked through an open finger and saw something stunning. Luffy's limbs stretch across the room.

"W-What the… How the…?" Spike could only muster up gibberish due to this unreal scene.

"Interesting." Twilight stated. "Your body really is made of rubber. From head to hoof."

"He's made of rubber!?" Spike realized. "Cool! What spell did you use on him?"

"It's not a spell Spike. Luffy here apparently ate what is known as a Devil Fruit. Specifically, he ate the Gum Gum fruit and became a rubber pony." Twilight explained.

"I wish I had Devil Fruit powers." Spike claimed.

"Careful Spike, if you eat a Devil Fruit, you'll lose the ability to swim." Twilight warned him.

"So wait, if you put Luffy in a tub of water, he'll drown?"

The question then inspired Twilight to do yet another experiment. "That gives me an idea! Luffy, we're going to see how well you can handle water."

"But I can't swim." Luffy told her.

"It's okay, me and Spike will make sure you don't drown." She assured him.

"This is boring. I don't want to do this anymore." Luffy complained. "And I'm hungry!"

"Spike, cook something up for Luffy." Twilight told him. She turned to Luffy and offered, "If you do a few more tests, we'll give you something to eat."

"Really? Okay then." Luffy accepted. Twilight's horn began to shine and all the locks became undone. Luffy's hooves snapped back together after so. Not only that, but he was astonished of what he had witnessed. "What did you do with your horn?"

"Hmm? Oh, I just used magic." Twilight answered.

Luffy dropped his jaw as he became very excited. So excited, he was practically spewing all kinds of questions.

"No way! You can do magic? Did you eat a devil fruit? How can you do it? Can all ponies do it? And I do it? Can you teach me?"

Spike held his head and left to get away from the noise. Twilight used her magic to closed Luffy's mouth as she quickly answered, "To answer this, all you have to know is that only unicorns can do magic. I use my horn to use spells, and no, I don't need a devil fruit to do magic."

Luffy nodded and said, "That's still really cool. Can you show me more of your magic later?"

"Of course!" Twilight answered. "But first, come with me."





In the bathroom, Luffy was sitting in the tub. His hat was placed on the table nearby to avoid it getting soaked. Twilight was writing down notes as she turns on the water. As it reaches to Luffy's hooves, Twilight began her questionnaire.

"How do you feel Luffy?" Twilight asked.

"Pretty good." He answered casually.

"Subject appears to be fine when touching water…" She wrote down.

"What cha' doing?" Luffy asked.

"Writing down data." Twilight answered.

Luffy grinned and said, "You're kinda nerdy."

"So I've been told." Twilight said in a deadpan voice.

"You actually remind me of Robin."

Twilight raised an eyebrow at this. "Who's Robin?"

"She's one of my crewmates." Luffy informed her. "She's really smart and likes to read."

"Really?" Twilight replied with a small interest. "Isn't Robin one of your crewmates that ate those Devil Fruits?"

"Yeah, she can make her hands come out of the ground and other cool stuff too!" Luffy laughed at the thought. "She's pretty strong too."

"Well, Robin sounds like an interesting character." Twilight stated.

"Yeah… she's… ergh…" Luffy began to grow weary and fell to the edge of the tub.

"Hmm? What's wrong Luffy?" Twilight asked.

"I feel tired…" Luffy informed her.

Twilight examined the tub and realized it had reached to his chest level. "Oh! You're weak to water once it reaches to your chest! Very interesting…" She said as she scribbled it down her notebook. "Okay Luffy, you can get out now… Luffy?"

Only a faint gurgling noise was heard.

Twilight looked over to Luffy and realized he had slipped and fell in. Twilight screamed and levitated him out of the tub. She quickly pressed his stomach until he coughed out the water. She sighed in relief as Luffy was gasping for air.

"Thanks…" Luffy responded to her gesture.

"No problem." Twilight replied.





Twilight had placed a helmet device on Luffy. Once again, putting away his hat just in case. Luffy was poking at the colorful lights beeping off his head, making him giggle in delight.

"Hey Twi, what's this thing?" Luffy asked.

"It's a electro helmet. I adjusted it's settings to make it where it will send pulsating currents to your head down to your hooves, letting you get electrified. But seeing how you're made of rubber, I think you'll be fine." Twilight explained.

Luffy scrunched his mouth and stared at her for a bit before saying, "So… It's a mystery helmet."

Twilight slapped her face and said, "Yeah, sure. It's a mystery helmet."

Continuing on with the experiment, she pressed the button and thus began the flow of electricity. It surged through is entire body at 100 volts.

"Impressive! 100 volts. How do you feel Luffy?"

"It feels tingly!" He chuckled.

"Okay, subject is tickled when introduced to electricity." Twilight wrote in her notes. "But how much can you insulate?"

Turning the dial, it goes to 200 volts. Then 300, and so on. Twilight began to look like a mad scientist as the helmet had so much voltage, it began to make the helmet go crazy. Luffy remained unmoved by the force among him. Twilight was so amazed by the insulation, she began to laugh at the next number.

"1100! 1200! This is incredible!" Twilight shouted. "You really are made of rubber!"

"Hey Twilight." Luffy called.

"What is it?"

"The helmet you gave me is breaking."

Twilight turned to the helmet to see it beginning to crack. It then exploded, making a mess of soot around the two.

"So does that mean we can eat now?" Luffy suggested.

"Fine, let's take a lunch break."





Twilight and Luffy came downstairs to see Spike finish up on making a meal. A platter of sandwiches ready to eat.

"Your meal is served." Spike bowed as if it were his masterpiece.

Luffy took a sandwich down the hatch. At least halfway, because he soon realized what was in the sandwich was something different.

"What the heck this stuff!?" Luffy spat out. He checked his tongue to find flowers and bread.

"Hey! I worked really hard on this!" Spike claimed.

"I'm tired of this vegetarian stuff!" Luffy complained. "Where's the meat!?"

"MEAT!?" Spike squealed.

Twilight patted Luffy trying to reassure him. "Calm down Luffy. This is what ponies eat after all. It's healthier, good for other animals, and-"

"I don't care!" Luffy yelled. "I thought it'd be good too. I can't eat just vegetables! This stuff doesn't taste good!"

As he said that, Luffy headed straight for the door. Twilight was concerned and asked, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going out. This is boring." Luffy claimed.

As he left, Twilight began to wonder. Are you really this childish?
> Chapter 7 - Child's play
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy was disappointed that he didn't get the food he was hoping for. As he walked through town, many of the ponies stared at him. They remembered him too well as he wore a straw hat. He was the same pony that was able to inflate like a balloon. Though nearly all of them stared at him, Luffy didn't care. He was more concerned on other things.

He has yet to see his crew for three days. Though he knows they can take care of themselves, He wants to get to the next destination as soon as possible. He didn't like to waste too much time on one island after all.

Another thing was the fact that he had nothing to do. He was bored just walking through town. Surely, something has to happen.

As if fate were meant to be, or his prayers have been answered. A certain pink mare happens to hop over to Luffy giving him a surprise pouncing.

"Pinkie?" Luffy realized who it was.

"Hi Luffy! What cha' doing out here?" Pinkie asked.

"Just taking a walk." He replied casually.

"Sounds boring." Pinkie responded. "Wanna hang out instead?"

Luffy smiled and accepted. "Sure! Where?"

"Well, I'm glad you asked!" Pinkie said as she pulled him close to her side. "I'm planning a party for Pip!"

"Really? A party?" Luffy made sure, wagging his tail.

"Yeah! And I think you should totally come! Pip's into pirates you know!"

"That's cool." Luffy responded. "So are we going now?"

"Yeah! It's gonna start soon! Come on!" Pinkie told him as she dashed away. Luffy grinned as he ran after her.





Luffy stepped in to the colt's party. It had lots of pirate themed decorations, fake swords, and even a pirate ship. His eyes sparkled at how fun the place was.

"This looks fun!" Luffy commented.

"Doesn't it?" Pinkie replied. She looked around for the birthday boy, finding him playing on the ship built for the occasion. "There he is! Hey Pip!"

Over by the pirate ship, Pip looked over to Pinkie and waved. He got down and ran to her.

"Hi Pinkie! I mean, Argh ye scallywag! What are you doing here?" Pip reiterated.

"Are you enjoying the party Pip?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh yeah! Totally Pinkie!" Pip responded with a smile. He looked over to Luffy and said, "I know you! You're the pony that can turn into a balloon!"

"I can do more than that you know!" Luffy mentioned.

"Luffy this is Pip." Pinkie introduced. "Pip, this is Luffy. He's a pirate you know."

"Really!?" Pip questioned Straw Hat.

Luffy grinned and replied, "Yep! Sure am!"

"What are you doing here on dry land though?"Pip wondered.

Luffy had out a huff as he said, "Some jerk threw me away from my ship. Right now I'm waiting for them. I still don't know if I should stay here longer or just start going back now."

"Do you really have to leave?" Pinkie whimpered.

"Eventually I do. For now, I guess I'll stay here for a while."

"Cool! So do you and your crew have adventures?" Pip asked.

"We sure do!" Luffy answered. Before he could go into deeper detail, a mare went to the table and called the kids.

"Cake everypony!"

The three immediately look over to the delicacy as well as saying, "Cake?" in unison.

As they rushed over to the cake, Twilight happened to be outside viewing the whole thing.

He really is childish… She thought to herself. Is he really as great as Granny Smith thinks? He doesn't seem too special.

Watching Luffy, he stuffs his face with food as well as party favors. Revealing his ability intrigued the kids and they began to have fun with him. Using him like a trampoline on his balloon body, Jump rope with his long arm, and at one point having an eating contest with Pinkie. The two along with the other children were having a lot of fun. Twilight smiled a bit as she thought, Well, he may not be the most serious stallion, he certainly knows how to have fun with other ponies.





"So you fought a kraken!?" Snails asked again to make sure.

"Yep." Luffy answered as he took another bite of a cupcake.

Rainbow being nearby heard this and peeped at the conversation.

"And you tamed it!?" Snips asked as well.

"Yeah." Luffy responded.

"And you also beat fifty thousand fish men by just looking at them?" Pinkie asked.

"Hold on! I'm trying to eat here!" Luffy told the three.

"Oh come on!" Rainbow sneered as she began to descent into the party. "You can't believe him, can you?"

"What do you mean?" Pinkie wondered.

"He's lying! There's no way you can do that just because you're made of rubber." Rainbow claimed. "And, if I remember right, kraken is the legendary sea monster. If it was at sea, how can you beat it without drowning?"

"I was in this bubble suit when we fought it underwater." Luffy explained.

"Whoa! You went underwater?" Snails said.

"Amazing!" Snips added.

"You guys are idiots." Rainbow retorted.

"But Rainbow! Aren't these stories amazing?" Pinkie asked. "It's just like Daring Do! Only with pirates! On and off the seas! It's exciting!"

"Pfft, yeah right." Rainbow replied. "Unless Luffy beats some huge beast, I'm not gonna believe a word he says!"

As Rainbow flew away, Luffy just tipped his hat and continued to eat his sweets.

"Luffy?" Pinkie asked. "Are you okay?"

Luffy looked up with a straight face. "Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"Rainbow just dissed you like that man!" Snails pointed out.

"You should use your rubber powers on her!" Snips suggested.

"It's nothing to get worked up about." Luffy claimed, tipping his hat shading his eyes. "It doesn't really matter that much."

Snips and Snails exchanged looks and asked, "But you'd still beat a beast if you could, right?"

"Yeah, totally." Luffy answered.

Upon the day's end, Snips and Snails gave each other a mischievous smile. Something that meant Ponyville will be rocked soon.
> Chapter 8 - Tension
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Upon the fourth day, Luffy was meeting up with Fluttershy. Applejack had said something it was important. She had recently heard screaming over to Fluttershy's cottage when she woke up. In instinct, Applejack got up, got Luffy up, and heads on out. Luffy was tired though. He didn't want to wake up, but Applejack wanted him to go with her. Why not he supposes.

On their arrival, Twilight and the others were already there comforting Fluttershy. Applejack and Luffy were concerned as well and went to her side.

"What's wrong sugar plum?" Applejack asked.

"Oh… it's horrible…" She sniffled. "The animals… they're missing!"

"Animals?" Luffy repeated. "Wait, you had meat the whole time!?"

Applejack bonked Luffy on the head and said, "Those animals are Fluttershy's friends! So don't you lay a tongue on them mister!"

"Okay… got it… geez…" Luffy replied.

"Do you know where they went?" Twilight asked Fluttershy.

She nodded and pointed weakly towards the Everfree forest. "I-In there… I think I saw some bunnies hop away over there…"

Everyone was a bit tense going back into the Everfree forest. The place where strange things happen. After all, they found Luffy there.

"Well? What are we waiting for?" Luffy questioned. "Let's go!"

"Hold on Luffy!" Twilight stopped him. "You shouldn't go in waltzing around like it's no big deal."

"Yeah! The Everfree forest is a dangerous place!" Pinkie added.

"Really?" Luffy responded with a slightly excited expression, much to everyone else's surprise

"Y-Yeah… Uh, you know? Fearsome creatures that only care for themselves? Weird and mystifying stuff happens?" Applejack also informed.

"Sounds like a really cool place!" Luffy laughed.

"Well, we did find Luffy in there." Rainbow commented. "Maybe he's just one of those monsters."

"Come on Fluttershy!" Luffy said while trying to push her into the forest. "Let's go!"

"W-W-Wait! L-L-Luffy!" Fluttershy said, obviously hesitating to go.

Luffy stopped to listen. "What is it?"

"I… I'm really afraid of the forest…" Fluttershy explained.

"Eh? But the Applejack and everyone else is here just in case!" Luffy reasoned. "You can't still be scared, can you?"

Fluttershy whimpered behind her mane as an answer to Luffy, making him sigh in disappointment.

"Wow… I never knew you were such a coward." Luffy pointed out, making everyone jolt a bit. "I don't like you!" He said with a laugh.

Fluttershy suddenly froze in place, not believing what she had just heard. Neither did anybody else as he just laughed as if it was no big deal.

"N-Nopony ever said that to me before…" Fluttershy stated, nearing in tears.

"What is wrong with you!?" Applejack scolded Luffy as she pulled his cheek. "Fluttershy can't take stuff like that! Look! You made her cry!"

"Aw, come on! It's no big deal, she shouldn't cry just because someone doesn't like her!" Luffy stated.

Though blunt, it was a fair point. Still, Applejack was willing to defend Fluttershy. "That may be, but what you said was rude, don't you think?"

"I was just being honest." Luffy claimed.

That made Fluttershy sob even more. Applejack lifts him up and throws him to the ground, much to everyone's surprise to her violent behavior.

"Luffy, if you don't plan to help, then just leave." She told him.

Luffy picked up his hat and held on to it tightly. "No."

The mares stare at him as he says, "She still found my hat. So I still owe her."

"Well, at least he has some courtesy." Rarity commented.

Applejack sighed and said, "Alright, alright, I see your point. But you better not eat them, ye hear?"

"Yeah, yeah! Geez!" Luffy replied.

Twilight turned back to Fluttershy and asked, "Do you know all of the animals that went missing?"

Fluttershy was wiping her tears and said, "Y-Yes. I can give everypony one to help… I-If that's okay with you…"

"I'll help you get started on making those lists." Twilight offered.

As they waited for the lists to be made, Rainbow flew over to Luffy with some anger on her chest.

"What is your problem?" Rainbow questioned.

"What do you mean?" Luffy replied.

"Calm down Rainbow." Applejack said. "He's just a bit off, that's all."

"No! He's not just a bit off!" Rainbow pointed out. "He's a jerk! He's a mean version of Pinkie! He's an idiot who doesn't care about how others feel! And I'm getting sick and tired of it!"

"I have to agree with Rainbow on this one." Rarity stated. "And it's not just about the hat."

"Hold on!" Applejack defended. "Now listen! In case you hadn't noticed, Luffy here isn't a pony first! He was another creature! Now we don't know much about humans, but if I know one thing about pirates, it's that they plunder everything and torch the town. But Luffy hasn't even thought of doing that! Maybe Luffy acts this way because that's the human nature, but he ain't bad like a pirate! Isn't that where it counts?"

Rainbow and Applejack glared at each other so much that lightning could be seen between the two eyes.

"Ooh! Sparkly!" Pinkie described the spark.





Meanwhile, deep in the Everfree forest were two colts. Snails and Snips were looking for the cave they had found last time to pull the same stunt. In search for the Ursa Minor, they continue their hike until the stumble upon a hole in the mountain.

"Is this the same cave?" Snails asked.

"I think so." Snips replied.

"Okay then! All we have to do is wake up a sleeping Ursa minor so we can prove how awesome Luffy is!" Snails declared.

Snips became a bit nervous of the idea. "Um… but what happens if he turns out to be a fraud like Trixie?"

"Don't worry! That's why we're looking for an Ursa minor this time! That way, Twilight can take care of it!" Snails explained.

"Oh! That makes sense!" Snips responded.

As they head into the cave, they looked around for the Ursa Minor. As they went in deeper, they noticed a great amount of air flowing through.

"Uh… Was there this much wind last time we came here?" Snips asked.

"I think so…" Snails answered unsurely.

Carelessly heading forward, they fell into another hole, but it felt gooey and sticky. They got out of the nostril of the creature they had just awoken. The gigantic purple creature's eyes opened and viewed the two trespassers. It was an Ursa Major. Snips and Snails were shocked and realized something as they ran away.

"THIS ISN'T THE RIGHT CAVE!!!"





Luffy and the others had already begun searching for about an hour now. He wasn't having much luck finding them. The others however were making good progress. Twilight had found half the bunnies while Pinkie found the other half, Fluttershy found the chipmunks, and Rarity had just escorted some chickens. Luffy couldn't however find a single creature on the list. As he continued to wander the forest, Rainbow flew down to his area.

"Oh, it's you." Luffy said.

"Don't think I don't know what you're playing here you rubber colt!" Rainbow sneered, itching for a fight. "You may have everypony else believing your dumb little act, but I know you're up to something!"

"I'm just trying to find Fluttershy's pets." Luffy claimed.

"Yeah? So you can eat them?" she questioned.

"Well, I saw chicken on the list, so that made me a bit hungry." Luffy admitted.

Right there, Rainbow rushed in to headbutt Luffy. She however missed as Luffy swiftly dodged in time. The two glared at each other as they kicked the ground, ready to fight.

"Enough of this! I'm gonna finish you off before you even start something." Rainbow declared.

"Fine then!" Luffy replied. "Bring it on color pony!"

Rainbow rushed in and yelled, "My name is Rainbow Dash!"

Luffy readied his hoof from behind him and rushed forward.

"Gomu Gomu no Bullet!"

The impact of Rainbow's speed and Luffy's attack was enough force to puncture the ground. Rainbow and Luffy distanced themselves after so.

"These hooves are stronger I guess…" Luffy said to himself. "But it's kinda hard to fight in a different body…"

Rainbow started to fly in a circle multiple times until a tornado took place. Luffy was surprised and was blown to the sky. Rainbow took the chance and flew up to take on Luffy off the ground. Luffy attempted to throw his hoof down to the ground, but Rainbow managed to land a hit on Luffy's body. This didn't stop Luffy from grabbing onto a tree to get back to the ground.

Dang it! Because of that rubber body, even if I hit him he won't get hurt! Rainbow thought.

As Luffy reached the ground, he attempted to do the same move as last time.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

The multiple shots of punches were thrown into the air, but Rainbow knew better. She dodged the punches carefully and waited until the right time. She then quickly grabbed Luffy's hoof and pulled him up to the air.

"Just because it you throw fast hits doesn't mean you have a hundred hooves!" Rainbow retorted as she kicked him up to the air. Right there, Rainbow dashed up to the air and started to pierce the air. "You're not the only one with special moves!"

"Sonic Rainboom!"

The attack shot out a colorful sonic boom that shook the sky. Luffy was tackled by Rainbow's fastest speed and was thrown off to the air. Rainbow flew in place, glad that she actually managed to beat him.

"You see that!" Rainbow yelled. "I just kicked your flank!"

Short lived however as suddenly a hoof stretched to Rainbow's shoulder. Rainbow looked up to see Luffy rushing back using his foreleg to reach Rainbow. Luffy's head then hardened.

"Bosu Koka" (Hardening)

Rainbow was still, unsure what to do. Luffy came closer as he soon came down head first.

"Gomu Gomu no Bell!"

Luffy rammed Rainbow down back to the ground, causing a massive explosion of dirt and trees to fly everywhere. Though the two were injured, they were still good to go.

"Is that… all you got?" Rainbow commented. Darn it! What's with this guy!? I thought he was just made of rubber!

"I'm just getting started!" Luffy replied. Before he continued however, he noticed something. "Wait…"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow and asked, "What? You giving up?"

Luffy turned towards the direction of Ponyville and said, "There's some wild animal going crazy."

Rainbow was confused and flew up to the sky to see what he meant. Her eyes shrunk as she saw the Ursa Major terrorizing Ponyville. In short notice, Rainbow flew as fast as she could to stop this event.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Rainbow growled.





As Twilight and the others stood in front of the monster, Snails and Snips were seen running away from it. Applejack lassoed them away from the Ursa Major before it could flatten them with their gigantic paw. As the boys got rescued, Twilight walked over to them.

"What happened!? Why's there an Ursa Major here!?" Twilight questioned.

"Oh, uh, we uh." Snails began.

"We kinda woke it up when we were looking for an Ursa Minor." Snips explained.

"WHAT!?" Twilight shouted. "Why in Equestria would you do that!?"

"Well, we wanted Luffy to show Rainbow that he can beat something big! But just to be safe, we wanted to use an Ursa Minor."

"That don't look like an Ursa Minor like before." Applejack pointed out.

"Because it's not. That's a major!" Twilight informed everyone. "This isn't good! I don't have the spells or any idea on how to stop it!"

"What should we do?" Fluttershy asked.

"Go get Luffy! I bet he can take the Ursa Major!" Snails suggested.

"Yeah! He took on the Kraken after all!" Snips added.

"Only we don't know where he is." Rarity broke the ice. "We just came back from finding Fluttershy's animals, and Luffy hasn't come back yet."

"Oh… So Luffy's not here…" Snails realized.

A moment of silence before Snips yelled, "WE'RE DOOMED! THE URSA MAJOR IS GONNA DESTROY THE TOWN!"

"EVERYPONY RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" Pinkie screamed.

And thus, everyone in town were now running loose as the Ursa Major stepped closer to town. As it did, Rainbow managed to fly back in time.

"Rainbow! Where were you!?" Twilight questioned. "And have you seen Luffy?"

"No important!" Rainbow responded. "Right now, we gotta stop that thing before it hits town!"

"What should we do?" Applejack asked. "We can't fight the thing can we?"

"I can take it!" Rainbow claimed. "Watch! I'll give it the old one two!"

"No offense Rainbow, but you look a bit battered." Applejack pointed out. "In fact… what did happen?"

Rainbow looked to the side and said, "Nothing."

Applejack eyed Rainbow and said, "Spit it out Rainbow. What happened to Luffy?"

Rainbow gritted her teeth and flew off. Applejack called her back, but she wouldn't listen. Rainbow tackled the Ursa Major's head, making it flinch. She then did a series of fast kicks before escaping the swipe of the claw. Even though Rainbow was injured, she fought pretty well. It wasn't good enough as the Ursa Major roared and pushed Rainbow away with the force of the sound.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight called out. She turned to the others and said, "Quick! We can't just let Rainbow do this on her own! Stop it from reaching the town!"

The mares went in to aid the fight. Applejack threw her rope around it and got Pinkie to catch it. They did this around the Ursa Major multiple times until most of his body was entrapped. Twilight and Rarity distracted him by shooting sparks of magic to annoy it enough to lure it's attention away from the others.
Fluttershy was scared however. She was unsure what to do, what could happen, but most of all, she was afraid she might get in the way.

The enormous beast was tangled by ropes from the legs and body. Applejack and Pinkie then tried to pull it down to the ground, but it was just too heavy. Twilight and Rarity too pulled the rope, and soon Fluttershy once she realized it was not falling. The beast was trying it's hardest not to lose its balance, but the rope prevented most of his movements being wrapped around it's arms and legs. It was a stalemate until Rainbow flew from behind and kicked the Ursa Major down, tipping the weight and causing the Ursa Major to fall.

The girls got out of the way in time and soon, the ground quaked for the fall of the beast. They were exhausted, but the job was done.

"Well, I guess this works." Twilight sighed.

"See? And we didn't even need that rubber brat!" Rainbow told the others.

"That still doesn't change one thing." Applejack stated. "What did you do with Luffy?"

Rainbow had on a frustrated expression and said, "Well… We fought, but he's fine."

"Rainbow!" Applejack yelled. "How could you!? I told you to just let it go already!"

"It's not like I killed him!" Rainbow retorted. "And besides, you hit him a lot too!"

"That's different!" Applejack stated. "Luffy needs to be understood a bit better! That's all!"

"Well I think-" Rainbow stopped as she heard something scratching the ground. They all turned to the Ursa Major now just moving it's arms and legs to break open the ropes. The mares were shocked as the Ursa Major loomed over them. It slammed the ground to throw them off balance and scattered them around the area.

Fluttershy was able to get up and see her friends weak from the quake attack. Rainbow especially, seeing how she sprained her hoof and wing. The Ursa Major glared at Rainbow as it raised its paw over her. Fluttershy was absolutely terrified. She feared of what was to come, and then blindly rushed to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy called as she attempted to pull her out of the way.

"Fluttershy!?" Rainbow yelled. "What the hay are you doing!? Get out of here!"

Fluttershy cried as she continued to pull her. "I don't want you to die!"

As the paw raced down to the pegasi, a sudden pause took place. Luffy stood in front of Fluttershy and Rainbow as he glared at the Ursa Major. The beast faltered as Luffy then used his Haoshoku Haki. The ability caused many around him to feel a tingle, but it was mostly directed to the Ursa Major. Once done, the beast fell backwards and was unconscious.

"T-That was…!" Twilight muttered.

"Isn't that the stare?" Rarity wondered.

Not even Fluttershy could believe it. Thought to be the only one, Luffy had this ability as well, only it was much more influential. Luffy turned to Fluttershy and Rainbow. "Are you alright?"

The two nodded making Luffy smile. "I'm glad. I thought I was too late."

Snips and Snails were cheering in the background at the awesome display of Luffy's power. But not all ends well, for now everyone in town now wants to look out for the pony who can take down an Ursa Major with just a glare.

Straw Hat Luffy!
> Chapter 9 - Introducing Haki
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Zoro and Chopper were traveling on a caravan pulled by ponies. They were discussing certain problems.

"I sure hope everyone else is okay…" Chopper sighed.

"The bastard got away after he sent Luffy flying." Zoro growled. "But what the hell was that ability? If we knew what it was, then maybe we can find a way to beat him."

"Do you think Luffy's alright?" Chopper asked.

"Do you think he'd really die like that?"

Chopper huffed and said, "No! Of course not! Luffy's gonna be the King of the Pirates one day!"

"Exactly, so Luffy's probably just fooling around somewhere." Zoro guessed. "I just hope he stays put. If what the news about yesterday was true, then Luffy should be in that town, Ponyville."

Zoro leaned over to the ponies and asked, "But are you sure this guy wasn't like me? A human?"

"I'm sure sir! Absolutely positive!" The stallion claimed. "The papers said the famous, Straw Hat Luffy took down an Ursa Major just by staring at it!"

"He must have used Haoshoku Haki." Chopper hypothesized.

"If the others find the news on Luffy's whereabouts." Zoro began. "We might be able to meet up there."

"Um… I hate to say this, but it'll be a while before we reach Ponyville sir." the stallion informed him.

"It's fine. We're used to this by now." Zoro said as he lied on his back and relaxed. "You can still take us there, right?"

"Of course!" the stallion said with gusto. "You saved my town from an incurable disease! It's the least I can do!"

As they stopped by town, Chopped noticed many ponies sick like before. Concerned, he get's Zoro's attention.

"Don't even need to say it." Zoro told him. "Hey, can we stop here for a while? My friend wants to help this place out."

"But, then it'll take us longer to get to your destination!" The stallion warned him.

"We're in no rush. Besides, if we know our captain, he'll stay where he is as long as there's something to eat."





Luffy was gorging down a banquet as Mayor Mare held a party for Luffy's heroic actions. Luffy scolded them for calling him hero, but only took it as modesty from Luffy. As Luffy continued to eat everything during the party, Twilight and the others were sitting by the table next to him.

"He has no manners whatsoever!" Rarity pointed out.

"That's what your concerned about?" Applejack retorted.

Twilight was deep in thought about something. Luffy was able to take down the Ursa Major by just staring at it! Fluttershy is the only one we know who can do something like that. Not only that, but Rainbow also mentioned that Luffy was able to harden his body to a strong substance and can also predict her moves. Perhaps my analysis on Luffy only scratched the surface of this subject.

"I wonder…" Fluttershy spoke.

"What is it Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked.

"I wonder if I can be like Luffy…" She finished.

The mares spat out their drinks at that. "Why the hay would you want to be like him!?" Rainbow questioned.

"I'm sorry, but… Luffy was able to use the stare to tame the Ursa Major. I was never able to do something like that."

Applejack held Fluttershy's shoulder and said, "Listen Flutters, you don't have to prove anything. So what if Luffy was able to take down the thing? You don't have to be like Luffy."

"But as an animal caretaker, don't you think I should?" Fluttershy asked.

She had a fair point. The use of the stare was only useful on some creatures. The cockatrice was a fair start, but to an Ursa Major? She can't even use it on the Ursa Minor! Fluttershy became tempted to learn from Luffy how he was able to acquire this feat.

Meanwhile, nearby the party were two griffons. They were watching from afar as they looked back to the papers.

"This is Straw Hat Luffy?" The dark shaded griffon made sure.

"It must be." the other replied. "A pony who can take down a massive creature like that."

"One with his caliber shouldn't be wasted on this townsfolk." he sneered. "We can make better use of his abilities in our domain."

The two nodded to each other and left through the alleyways, unseen by the public.





Luffy was relaxing next to the apple tree. Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed to play with Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, or Scootaloo until further notice on their punishment. Pinkie was working, and everyone else weren't as interesting or fun. As he slept the day away, Fluttershy came by. She quietly walked up to him, but hesitated to get any closer.

He's sleeping… Maybe I shouldn't bother him… Oh! but he might just be relaxing… but I don't want to interrupt… But I really want to know about how to use my stare… But then again, he hates me…

Losing the confidence to even speak, she just stood there until Luffy happened to look up. "Oh, hi Fluttershy. What are you doing here?"

She jumped and looked back to Luffy. Hiding behind her mane, she said, "Oh! Um… I was just walking by, and uh… I was wondering if…"

Trying her best to spit out the words, Luffy continued to stare at her until she spoke. "I was wondering if you could teach me how to use the stare! Um… that is if you don't mind…"

Luffy tilted his head in confusion. "The stare?"

"Y-You know, the same thing you did with the Ursa Major yesterday. You were able to stare at it and make it go unconscious." Fluttershy explained."I'm able to do it too, but not as well as you."

Luffy was a bit surprised to hear this. "You have Haoshoku Haki?"

"Haoshoku Haki?" Fluttershy repeated. "Is that what it's called?"

"Yeah, it is." Luffy replied. "But I can't help you use it better."

Fluttershy's ears dropped hearing this. "Oh… I'm sorry…"

As she begins to leave, she stopped and turned back. "B-But!"

"What?" Luffy asked.

She looked down and said, "I-I know you hate me, but please!" She then bowed and asked, "Teach me how to use it better!"

Luffy sighs and says, "I never hated you. I just didn't like you since you were a cry baby and a coward."

"Wait, so… you don't hate me?" She asked.

"Well, I might not know everything, but I know now that you're not a total coward." He claimed. "Seeing how you protected Rainbow yesterday made me realize you're not totally timid."

Fluttershy blushed hearing this. Luffy then continued. "But the reason why I can't train you to use Haoshoku Haki is because you have to be stronger on your own."

"Stronger?" Fluttershy asked.

"You have to have a lot of will." Luffy explained. "That's what Rayleigh taught me."

"So, Rayleigh is the one who showed you how to use… Haki?"

"Yeah. I think you can use Haki too." Luffy grinned.

Fluttershy panicked at the thought of Haki. "But, I don't want to hurt anypony…"

"It's up to you on what you wanna do." Luffy said as he was falling into slumber again. "I don't really care that much."

Fluttershy was in deep thought of this. The use of Haoshoku Haki is dangerous, and she knew that. But hers is so weak and so hard to control. She is dangerous if she doesn't learn to control it. It doesn't have to be used to hurt others, but she should master it to avoid it ever being a problem.

"I…!" She yelped. "I want to learn how to use Haki!"

Luffy awoke and looked at her with a blank expression. He grinned and said, "I'm not good at teaching you know."

"Can we at least try?" She asked. "I-If you don't mind that is…"

"Sure, why not?" Luffy replied. "But I'm not gonna stay here that long, and it took me two years to learn it."

"Two years!?" Fluttershy squealed.

"Yeah, so I'll just do what I can."





Rainbow was flying around training. The only thing on her mind was the blow that actually hurt Luffy. She continued to fly until she saw Fluttershy's cottage with her and Luffy outside of it. Deciding to play it smart, Rainbow hides behind a cloud and flies closer to eavesdrop.

"So… you're saying I can predict when something is about to happen?" Fluttershy wondered.

"Yeah, it's called Kenbunshoku Haki." Luffy explained. "It can let you sense everyone nearby. You can tell what they are about to do before it happens."

Doesn't Pinkie have this ability? Fluttershy thought.

"It can also let you know how strong others are or even what they're feeling." Luffy added before looking up to the cloud. Rainbow hid behind the cloud, but Luffy knew someone was up there.

"Is this the same ability you used to dodge Rainbow from before?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yep!"

"Amazing…" Fluttershy thought.

Rainbow who was on the cloud became interested. So that's how he was able to dodge me from back then!

"Another ability is called Busoshoku Haki." Luffy told as he raised his hoof. It then hardened to a black steel like state, amazing Fluttershy.

"What's wrong with your hoof?" Fluttershy asked.

"There's nothing wrong. Busoshoku Haki is an invisible shield. It can be used to strengthen your body and your weapons. When you hit a Devil Fruit user like me, it'll actually hurt me even though I'm made of rubber." Luffy explained. "You can also make it harder like what I'm doing right now."

Fluttershy shivered at the description. "Weapons? I don't think I need this ability as much as I need Kenbunshoku Haki and Haoshoku Haki."

"You might want to work on all of them." Luffy recommended. "Rayleigh told me that it's be better for you and would be easier to work on Haoshoku Haki."

Fluttershy looked down and said, "I-I don't know… I don't like fighting Luffy…"

"That's okay. It's your choice on how you want to do this." Luffy replied. "But if you really want to work on it, then you'll have to work really hard then."

Fluttershy nodded and tried her hoof at Busoshoku Haki. After a minute or two of concentrating, a speck of the black metal sprouted on the tip of Fluttershy's hoof. Luffy and Fluttershy stared at it, seeing how small it was. Rainbow wasn't very impressed at all either.

"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it." Luffy assured her.

"No I won't… I'm just not used to this… Haki…" Fluttershy said solemnly.

Luffy placed his hooves on his ears and said, "You can't just give up Fluttershy. If you do, it'll take longer to work on your Haki."

"How come?" Fluttershy asked.

"Haki is formed not just from strength but willpower too." Luffy explained. "If you keep giving up, you won't get anywhere."

Fluttershy nodded slowly, understanding the situation. She looked to the side and mentioned, "You know… I think some of my friends have Haki too."

"Really?" Luffy asked.

"See, Pinkie was able to tell when things are about to fall using her Pinkie sense."

"Hmm…" Luffy thought as he held his chin. "Now that you mention it, I think Rainbow had Busoshoku Haki when she hit me with that really cool rainbow explosion attack."

"I did?" Rainbow muttered to herself.

"Wait, are you talking about the Sonic Rainboom?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah! I think that's what it was called." Luffy replied.

"Rainbow hit you with that!?" Fluttershy squealed.

"Yeah, yesterday at the forest." Luffy answered.

"Are you… well, angry?"

"I get annoyed sometimes, but I don't really care."

"You never seem to stay mad at anypony Luffy." Fluttershy pointed out. "How come?"

"It's nothing to angry about." Luffy claimed as he held onto his hat. From that point, Fluttershy was able to use her Kenbunshoku Haki to sense a dreadful memory screaming. It was faint however as if Luffy had dealt with it already and moved on. It was still obvious. Luffy's been through more than what meets the eye. Keeping quiet about it, she smiled a bit after managing to use her ability for the first time. However, she was curious about the back story of Luffy.





Luffy was having a stroll out in town. Along the way, he sees two things he's never seen before. Griffons. He runs up to them and asks, "Whoa! What are you!?"

The griffon with a shade of black and gray replies with a devious smile. "We're griffons. I'm Shade and this is Brightly."

Brightly was an average looking griffon but with golden bangs. "You must be the famous hero, Luffy."

"I'm not a hero!" Luffy scolded them.

"My, such modesty!" Brightly told Shade. "We've been hearing many things about you Luffy, especially this ongoing rumor about you craving, meat."

"Yeah? What about it?" Luffy asked with curiosity.

"You may not know this, but the griffon kingdom has an abundance of meat!" Shade informed him. "Why, we can take you there if you'd like!"

"Griffon Kingdom?" Luffy repeated. "Sounds fun! When are you going?"

"Right now if you want." Shade offered. "We'll tell the mayor about your whereabouts."

"Alright then!" Luffy said as he followed the two.

As the two escorted Luffy to a chariot, Rainbow flew nearby spying on Luffy. Seeing him leave, she begins to grow suspicious and follow them. Little does everyone know, there was a mistake somewhere along the way.
> Chapter 10 - Luffy Left? Bitter feelings are felt!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack woke up and went downstairs to cook breakfast. Surprisingly, she didn't see Luffy on the couch. Did the fella wake up earlier than me? Applejack thought as she headed inside the kitchen. She found everything still in place. Nothing eaten, no mess, as if Luffy was never there. Assuming he was probably playing with Applebloom and minds nothing of it. Applejack cooks up a huge batch of pancakes like before. This time adding the apple cinnamon to make it taste sweeter. Finishing the chore, she rung the triangle and said, "Breakfast is done!"

As the household meets up at the dining table, Applejack counted everyone. Applebloom, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and…?

"Uh… Has anypony seen Luffy?" Applejack asked.

The ponies exchanged looks and nodded. Luffy gone from breakfast? That actually seemed unnatural. 

"Oh well… I guess?" Applejack said slowly as she placed the huge batch in front of the family. They stared at the staggering amount of food before them. "This'll be the first big meal we'll have in a while since Luffy came."

"Eeyup." Big Mac agreed.

Applebloom took a few and ate. "Mm! This is great Applejack!"

"Thanks sugar cube." Applejack replied. "I bet Luffy would have loved this."

"Where is that boy anyhow?" Granny wondered. "It ain't natural for him to turn down breakfast."

"Yeah… I'm curious too…" Applejack replied.





Applejack was walking around town and happened to spot Pinkie hopping by. She trotted to her and got her attention.

"Hey Pinkie!" Applejack called.

Pinkie turned and greeted back, "Hey AJ! What cha' doing?"

"Have you seen Luffy? I didn't see him this morning."

Pinkie's smile vanished as she said, "Oh no, did he leave already? Aw, I wanted to have some more fun with him."

"That's right" Applejack remembered. "He was planning to leave to go back to his crew, wasn't he?"

"That's too bad… You know, I never did make a welcoming party for him." Pinkie realized.

"Don't feel too bad Pinkie." Applejack told her. "Who knows? Maybe he'll come back."

But did he really leave? I was kinda getting used to the guy… Oh well, if he really left, then I guess that's that. Applejack said half heartedly. She did miss him even though he had a colorful personality. But she had no choice but to accept…

Or make sure. She then headed to the others to make sure.





Fluttershy was at home, outside with her many animal companions. She was apparently meditating in an attempt to further the skills of her Kenbunshoku Haki. Though Luffy told her to practice both of them, she couldn't find Luffy to aid her in training. Thus, she had no choice but to try and figure it out for herself.

Sensing the calm voices of her animals, she could also hear the hustle and bustle of Ponyville. Some cheerful, some not. After hatching into this newfound skill, Fluttershy began to receive rolling headaches due to the many sounds streaming by. She had to focus though. If she were to master Haoshoku Haki someday, she would have to put her heart and head into it.

However, soon she started to hear the most frightening screams ever. Her heart began to beat as they were loud and painful, then some stopped as if they were dead. Something was going on. Something terrifying and violent. Snapping out of it, she held her head, frightened of what she had just observed. Kenbunshoku Haki was not as she thought it would be, but what concerned her was what was going on just a few miles out of Ponyville.





"No, I haven't seen him." Rarity told Applejack.

"I see…" She replied. "Well, thanks anyways."

"Oh, before you go Applejack." Rarity remembered. "If you find him, can you please send him here?"

"Why would you want that?" Applejack asked.

"I happened to have made him a much better hat." Rarity informed her. "I'm sure Luffy would appreciate and treasure this hat much better than that old straw trinket."

"Rarity, in case you hadn't noticed, the boy got it from Shanks, who got it from Roger." Applejack reminded her. "I think the hat is more important than you think."

"Do you really think so?" Rarity replied. "Well, so much for the idea."

"I think I'm gonna head to Twilight to see if she's seen Luffy."

"Applejack, are you alright?" Rarity asked. "You're thinking too much about Luffy right now."

"Have you seen him Rarity? For all we know, he could be causing trouble without us even knowing about it." Applejack claimed. "Somepony's gotta watch out for him."

"I have a feeling you're seeing him as a little brother or something of the sort." Rarity thought.

"Maybe I am." Applejack smiled at the thought.

As Applejack heads on over to Golden Oaks Library, she happens to bump into the pony she was looking for. Twilight dropped her papers and books and quickly picked them up using her magic.

"Oh! Sorry Applejack!" Twilight apologized. "I didn't see where I was going."

"It's alright Twilight." She assured her. "I was actually looking for you. Have you seen Luffy?"

Twilight gave a confused look. "He isn't with you?"

"I didn't see him earlier today, so I thought for once he skipped breakfast. But then I found out that nopony has seen him at all today." She explained. "Pinkie says he might have left to meet up with his crew again."

"What? He left!?" She shouted rather disappointed of the news. "I wanted to know how he was able to do the stare."

"Well, I probably asked all of our friends except for Fluttershy and Rainbow." Applejack informed her. "But I haven't seen Rainbow at all today."

"You don't think they got into another fight like last time, do you?" Twilight wondered.

"They better not!" Applejack snapped. "If those two collide again, all of Ponyville would have been hearing a racket!"

"Well, we could ask Fluttershy I guess." Twilight thought. "Just to be sure."

In agreement, the two were pacing towards Fluttershy's cottage only to be stopped by the gathering of ponies. They turned to see Mayor Mare giving out some news. Many of them were shouting questions of the sort.

"What do you mean Straw Hat just left!?"
"What's so great about the Griffon Kingdom!?"
"This just doesn't make any sense!"

Twilight and Applejack moved to the front of the crowd seeing Pinkie and Rarity as well. Mayor Mare was trying her best to give the news one more time.

"As I said, Luffy has just moved out of Ponyville to move into the Griffon Kingdom. I'm unaware of why, but that's the news I had received from the messenger of the kingdom."

The girls were stunned. Applejack wasn't too happy about it either. Though a tad suspicious, they were saddened.

"Luffy… Left?" Applejack muttered.





Fluttershy could not turn the voices off. More and more kept on going silent which made her fear even more. Whatever was going on, it was a nightmare. Soon, it reached the point where only two were heard, only faintly. They were trying to get to somewhere, but the destination was unknown. Listening to them for about an hour or two, she found out where the path was leading to.

Along the way, Twilight and the others arrived with some unfortunate news to Fluttershy. As they arrived, they saw her crying nearby her animals.

"Fluttershy!" They yelled, going to her aid.

She snapped out of her trance and looked out to the distance. She knows where they are.

"Fluttershy! Are you alright?" Rarity asked.

"They need help…!" Fluttershy muttered.

"What was that? Who needs help?" Rarity asked. Fluttershy began to run out into the distance. "Fluttershy!"

"Something's wrong." Twilight realized. "We better follow her."

The ponies ran chasing Fluttershy. She was leading them pretty far, from the outskirts of town to Birch Wood Forest. As Fluttershy went in, her friends began to worry.

"Fluttershy! What's wrong?" Applejack questioned.

"Somepony is here and they need help!" She told them. She stopped to use her abilities once more to find out where they are. He friends stared at her, worried for her well being.

"Fluttershy, are you alright?" Twilight asked.

She didn't answer as she headed deeper in. They only followed her and soon found out what they were talking about. Luffy was carrying Rainbow on her back, and both were covered in cuts, scars, and bruises. He collapsed to the ground after seeing them.

"LUFFY! RAINBOW!"
> Chapter 11 - War Wager! Luffy starts a fight!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	On the fifth day of Luffy's arrival. Yesterday to be specific, Luffy and the two griffons were in Birch Wood Forest.

"So when are we getting to Griffon Kingdom Shady?" Luffy asked.

"It's Shade." he corrected him.

"It'll take the rest of the day." Brightly answered. "While you wait, would you like a drink?"

Brightly using his talon, gave Luffy a bottle of a purple liquid. Luffy grasped it in his hooves and accepted.

"Sure! Looks tasty. What is it?" He asked.

"It's grape juice." Brightly answered.

"Looks tasty!" He said as he chugged it down. The griffons grinned as Luffy soon yawned and became tired.

"Man… I feel sleepy…" Luffy muttered.

"It'll be a while to get to the waypoint." Shade told him. "Why don't you go to sleep?"

"Yeah… Sounds like a good idea…" Luffy said before napping. The griffons chuckled as they head on forth. Rainbow was sneaking nearby spying closely on the two.

Did that idiot really fall for that!? Rainbow wondered.





It was the next day. Luffy yawned and woke up to see he was in a steel cage. He got up and looked around to see a camp of griffons.

"Hey! Why am I in a cage?" Luffy questioned.

"You really haven't figured it out, have you?" Shade asked.

Luffy tilted his head in confusion. "Figured out what?"

"Straw Hat Luffy, we have a grand offering for you." Brightly said as he tossed in a chunk of meat in the cage. Luffy was overjoyed to see it fly in and quickly fetched it into his mouth.

"Oh man! I didn't think I'd get to eat meat while I was here!" He said while stuffing himself. "Thanks Brighter!"

"It's… Never mind." Brightly said as he got back to the subject on claw. "We have more meat in store for you."

"Really!?" Luffy asked after finishing the chunk.

"Yes. All you have to do is live at the Griffon Kingdom, and serve under our king." Brightly offered. "Not a bad choice. All you have to do is follow our great ruler."

"No way." Luffy replied, shocking all the griffons to dropping their beaks. "I'm a pirate! I'm not gonna let anyone be my king or whatever! But thanks for the meat."

The griffon chuckled as he said, "I don't think you understand the situation here. You see, you're hauled up in a cage. I recommend you do as we say."

"What, this?" Luffy asked as he walked out of the cage through a hole. Everyone was screaming at what just happened.

"D-DID THAT PONY JUST EAT THROUGH THE STEEL CAGE!?" one of the griffons questioned.

"Listen, I'm not gonna stay here. I have places to go." Luffy told them. "Sorry, but the answer is no."

As Luffy began to leave, three griffons blocked his path. Shade moved up to Luffy and said, "You're still not out of the picture Straw Hat. If you don't join us, we'll have to do something drastic."

"Oh yeah!?" Luffy shouted as he kicked his hoof onto the ground.

"And don't even think about fighting." The griffon warned him. "If the king were to hear that we were attacked by a pony, then we'll have a reason to go to war."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Luffy questioned.

"If you attack us commanders on our land, we will have a reason to take over Equestria!" Brightly explained. "Your friends will perish due to your actions!"

Luffy then glared at Brightly. "Leave them out of this. They have nothing to do with this."

Brightly laughed and said, "Or what Straw Hat? As you can see, we have hundreds of griffons ready to fight! Do you really think you can handle the strength of the Griffon Kingdom? Do you really want to test the might as well as your friends safety?"

Luffy immediately punched Brightly out of the picture. The griffons were taken back to see commander Brightly thrown out so easily. They turned to Luffy as he growled, "You're not gonna lay a hand on them!!"

The battle begins and soon the griffons rushed in with sharp talons, strange wing blades, and even a weaponry of swords and spears. Luffy placed his too forelegs onto the ground and swung his hind legs to let it stretch.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Whip!"

The swipe of the attack took out most of the surrounding foes, letting Luffy go in. Shade was in pursuit of Luffy with a spear in claw. Preparing his throw, he raised his arm.

"It's over Straw Hat!" Shade spoke. Before the throw even happened, Rainbow swooped in and kicked Shade in the face.

"Don't count on it!" Rainbow yelled.

Shade was knocked to the ground, and soon, everyone saw Rainbow Dash entering the battle. Especially Luffy.

"Oh hey!" Luffy called. "Rainbow! What are you doing here?"

"I was following you after you drank that sleeping juice you dolt!" Rainbow scolded. "How dumb are you!? Didn't they seem suspicious at all!?"

"I didn't notice." Luffy replied as he threw a griffon out.

"Take down that pegasus!" Shade ordered.

The griffons flew and chased after Rainbow. She was able to zoom right passed them as well as tripping some up along the way. Luffy was beating tens, hundreds, and soon half the army was defeated. Shade was shocked to see the troublemakers actually beating them. Luffy turned to Shade and said, "You're next."

Shade began to sweat and fled away from the battle. His units were calling to him.

"C-Commander! Where are you going!?"
"Don't leave us here!"
"Commander Shade!"

"Shut up!" Shade scolded. "That Straw Hats a monster! I can't die here! I'm far too important!"

Rainbow chased him down and held onto his neck. Shade came crashing down as Rainbow loomed over him.

"What kind of commander doesn't stick with his team?" Rainbow growled.

The griffons rained over Rainbow now that she was on the ground. Rainbow wasn't able to react quickly enough, but was luckily saved by Luffy as he bit his hoof.

"Gear Third!"

Luffy's hoof began to grow, dropping jaws of everyone nearby to see this. The griffons that were about to attack Rainbow now started running away. Luffy moved the growth of his hoof to the other and stretched it out similar to how he uses his Gum Gum Pistol.

"Bosu Koka."

The hoof began to emulate a steel like substance around Luffy's gigantic round hoof. The griffons continued to run even though it was too late.

"Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun!"

The massive blow managed to hit the majority of the army. Some that were spared from the disaster escaped the battlefield. Rainbow was in awe of Luffy in his last attack.

"Whoa…" Rainbow muttered. "Okay, I gotta admit. That was pretty cool."

Luffy turned and grinned until Shade managed to flip Rainbow over and hold her by the neck. He placed his sharp claw upon her throat. "Don't move! Or the pegasus gets it!"

It was a standstill for a moment. Rainbow was being held tightly and Luffy glared at his enemy.

"Listen carefully Straw Hat!" Shade began. "You're going to do exactly as I say, or else she dies! Got it?"

"Don't listen to him Luffy!" Rainbow shouted. "Just beat him up!"

Luffy grinned hearing this. "Looks like you lost Shady. Rainbow is willing to die just for me to kick your ass!"

As he threw out his hoof to start pumping blood, he stepped closer to them.

"Gear Second."

Steam emitted from the shiny coat of Luffy's body. He continued to walk closer and closer.

"Gomu Gomu no…"

Shade tightened his grip around Rainbows neck, enough that it began to bleed. "If you don't stop what you're doing, I'll-"

Suddenly, the punch was already sent. Rainbow was released as Shade was left with a bloody broken beak. She didn't expect it to be over so soon, much less her still being alive.

"Jet Pistol!"

The fight was finished. Luffy and Rainbow left a mess all over the place. Luckily, there were no casualties. But the battle was fought against the authority of the Griffon Kingdom.

"Well… We kinda made a mess here…" Rainbow groaned. "Now the princess is gonna have to deal with this war thing."

"I'm glad that it's over." Luffy laughed. "Felt good to punch that guy's face."

"Lucky you." Rainbow said sarcastically. "You know, next time, leave some bad guys for me to hit!"

"Sorry about that." He chuckled.

Suddenly, Rainbow was slashed by a sharp object. She fell from the cut and started to bleed. Luffy was shocked and looked out to the distance to see something coming into view.

"Who did that!?" Luffy questioned.

A large metallic griffon shaped contraption then invaded the battlegrounds with plenty of slingers armed to shoot small blades like before. Luffy couldn't help but be impressed by the massive contraption.

"So cool! A mecha griffon!" Luffy shouted.

"Now's not the time to be impressed!" Rainbow scolded Luffy before grunting to the pain of her cut.

"But it is something, isn't it?" Brightly said as he was inside the griffon's head. "This is the Trojan Griffon! The ultimate weapon that will conquer this very land!"

"It's pretty nice, but I'm still gonna break it." Luffy declared.

"Just try it!" Brightly said before launching the blades.

Luffy managed to dodge the blades easily, frustrating Brightly. Even though he was shooting more than ten blades per second, none of them were hitting. Realizing he was too skilled, he then changed his targets to Rainbow.

"Well then, let's see how you like it!" Brightly then shot the blades at the defenseless Rainbow.

Trying her best to get away, she flew. The injury however was preventing her from flying at her usual speed, and was scratched by the leg, causing her to falter and forcefully dive. Luffy managed to catch her in time, but the bleeding was continuing.

"Rainbow!?" Luffy called. "Rainbow!? You alright!?"

She managed to nod, but it was obvious even to Luffy that she was too injured. He runs to some rubble that was perfect for cover from the blades. After leaving Rainbow in there, Luffy got out and went back to fight the monstrosity.

"Oh?" Brightly chuckled. "Where's your little pegasus friend? Trying your best to hide her?"

"Shut up." Luffy growled. "Just sit tight cause I'm gonna kick your ass!"

Luffy ran up to the Trojan Griffon and pulled back both his hooves.

"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!"

The impact hit the Trojan Griffons footing, but made Luffy weak upon touch. He stretched back his hooves and caught up on his breath.

"What was that!?" Luffy wondered. "Is it made of Sea Stone?"

Brightly didn't notice Luffy's faltering, being too focused on the shaking of the Trojan Griffon. After it regained balance, Brightly saw Luffy nearby. Taking the chance, he raised the machines talon and aimed to squish Luffy with it.

"Say goodbye Straw Hat Luffy!" Brightly gloated.

"Midori Boshi: Devil!" (Green Star: Devil!)

The cockpit of the Trojan Griffon suddenly grew a gigantic Venus flytrap! Brightly screamed and ran away, but was caught by the hind leg to be pulled in. The griffon began to tip over due to the chaos in the Trojan Griffon. As Luffy got up to see this going on, He then inflated similar to his Gum Gum Balloon, followed by a twist and then a flight upwards.

"Gomu Gomu no Storm!"

The barrage of punches swarmed all over the Trojan Griffon. Even though each touch of the Sea Stone made Luffy weaker and caused his hooves to slowly bleed as it disables the rubbery body, he still continued until the dents made it through the head, destroying the controls. The Trojan Griffon begins to fall as well as Luffy exhausted from the touch of Sea Stone. Landing on the floor, the pieces of the Trojan Griffon smashes onto him as well. Rainbow, who regained consciousness, saw this and feared for the worst.

"LUFFY!"

Rainbow crawled out of the rubble that was protecting her and ran to Luffy. However, she did not have to dig him up as he was suddenly rolled over to her thanks to the growth of hands coming from the floor. It brought the still breathing Luffy, bruised due to the Sea Stone. Rainbow was frightened of the hands, but got Luffy regardless. She then heads back to town with Luffy, both battered from the Trojan Griffon.

"Don't worry, I got you." Rainbow told Luffy.





Hours after the fight, Brightly crawled out of the Trojan Griffon and panicked at the sight. The conqueror of the land that was entrusted to him was DESTROYED!

"The Trojan Griffon!" He squealed. "How am I supposed to explain this to the king!?"

"Doce Fluer"

Twelve hands started to bloom off of Brightly and tugged his neck as well as his other appendages.

"Wha-, What's going on!?" He shouted.

"Clutch"

Brightly screamed in pain before he was knocked out. Robin came into the scene and loomed over Brightly.

"That's for attacking our captain." Robin calmly told the unconscious griffon.

"Oi, Robin!" Usopp whined. "Why didn't we take Luffy and get out of here?"

"In case you haven't noticed, the pegasus Luffy called Rainbow was taking care of him. He obviously made some new friends that will take care of him."

"But Robin! Can we really trust them?"

"Luffy may be hard to get along with for most people." She began. "But I have a feeling he's been also leaving a good impression on them as well. For now, we should focus on helping Luffy with another problem at hand."

Usopp was confused. "What problem?"

"Luffy had just started a war between two species." Robin explained. "I think he'll need our help to calm this situation."

"EH!? A WAR!?" Usopp screamed. "Do we really have to get into this?"

"Do you think Luffy would have it any other way?" Robin questioned.

Usopp sighed as he said, "Of course not…"

"That settles it. We'll stop the griffons and then meet up with Luffy." Robin confirmed.

"But how will we get back to Luffy when this is over?" Usopp asked. "And wouldn't it be better if we all meet up before taking them on?"

"Over there is a unique town close by the castle on the mountains. The castle must be the capital of the ponies. We won't be able to miss it." Robin explained. "As for the griffons, we should be able to stop them before they launch any serious attacks. If we waste time meeting up now, we might lose the chance for a quick end to this feud."

"Do you really think just the two of us will be enough Robin?" Usopp wondered.

"The griffons may seem strong, but they don't seem to possess any abilities that we can't endure." Robin informed him. "Also, we'll be able to fight from afar since our skills don't require us to be directly seen."

Usopp then understood the plan. "So we're doing some kind of covert operation?"

"Yes."

Usopp then smirked as he said, "Then leave it to me! I'll have those griffons so scared, they'll be chickens!"





Back at the Birch Wood Forest, Luffy had just woken up. He looks around to see Rainbow carrying him only for a few seconds before falling down. She then started to crawl with Luffy still on her back.

"Rainbow…?" Luffy muttered.

Rainbow looked up to see him awake. "Oh, finally awake huh? Good… I'm just… gonna sleep…"

Doing as she said, she began to rest. Luffy panicked, jumping to his feet and said, "Hey! Get up! We can't stay here! You need help!"

"Tch, look who's talking." Rainbow retorted at Luffy's state. "Just five more minutes… Or maybe tomorrow…"

"No way." Luffy refused as he picked up Rainbow. "You need a doctor…"

Continuing, Luffy along with Rainbow resting on him traveled straight through the woods. Hours pass as the forest was not forgiving as timber wolves then approached them. Luffy couldn't fight with Rainbow like this.

"Out of the way." He told the wooden creatures.

Choosing not to listen, they all jumped and bit Luffy. Immediately, he uses his Haki to cause them to break into pieces. Survivors ran away. Luffy marched on as he continued to carry Rainbow further. The blood from the cuts begin to drip on Luffy, making him want to reach the other side even more.

Soon after, his wounds began to open up. Still moving on, he ventured farther until he saw someone. Fluttershy and the others were looking for them. Too tired, he finally collapsed with Rainbow still on his back.

"LUFFY! RAINBOW!" They screamed as they checked them.

Twilight saw Luffy's state is now critical, his cuts were overflowing with blood. "Don't worry Luffy! We'll get somepony, just hold on!"

Luffy grasped onto her hoof and begged. "Rainbow…! She's hurt…! Can you find a doctor for her!?"

Stunned of Luffy's concern for Rainbow even at his current condition. Twilight placed her hoof on Luffy and said, "Of course! Just let us bring you back this time. Just rest Luffy."

Luffy gave a faint smile and said, "Good… I'm glad to hear that…"

Even in near death, Luffy still left behind a grin as the others bring him back to Ponyville.





Upon the throne of the Griffon King, Shade enters and bows to the ruler.

"So, I take it the negotiation has failed?" The king guessed.

"Yes sir. He has refused the offer and still resides along Princess Celestia." Shade replied.

The king merely laughed as he asked, "Well, did he still fight? Did he fall for our trap?"

"Yes. He attacked us first also!" Shade told the king. "Not even a single casualty as well my lord! We have the full fighting force!"

"Good… Now we have all the reason to wage war." The king laughed maniacally. "Say goodbye to your beloved friends Straw Hat Luffy! You and your ruler will fall beneath the might of the Griffon Kingdom!"
> Chapter 12 - Lay the Law down! Judgement on Luffy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy gave a loud yawn as he woke up to see his Ponyville friends. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were waiting in the room to see him. As he stretched, he welcomed them with a wide smile.

"Hi guys! Long time no see!" Luffy said.

"We're glad to see you're alright too Luffy." Twilight told him.

"And we brought you some grub to eat!" Applejack told him as she gave a basket of apples to him.

"Oh boy! Thanks!" Luffy accepted. As he ate though, he noticed something. "Long time no see?"

"We're all just so relieved that you're alright Luffy!" Rarity commented. "Especially Fluttershy."

Fluttershy began to hug Luffy very tightly as she cried, "I was so worried when they told us how hurt you were!!"

"Long time no see…" He said again. "The last time I said that was when I was in Alabasta, and the reason why I said that was because…"

"Well, you were in a coma for three days." Twilight explained.

"Three whole days!?" He yelled. "Fifteen meals gone again…"

"You could calculate meals that fast!?" Twilight yelled.

"By that count, it's five per day." Applejack laughed.

"Don't worry Luffy! I'll get some cake for you!" Pinkie offered. "After they release you from custody."

"Thanks Pinkie!" Luffy gratefully replied. "What's that about custody anyways?"

They all scratched the back of their heads or looked the other way with uneasy expressions. Rainbow was however able to maintain a straight face and say…

"The Princess wants to arrest you."





After taking Luffy and Rainbow to the hospital in Ponyville, The mares stood by until Rainbow began to wake up. She looked around and saw Luffy resting from across the room. She looked at her bandage and tries to recall what happened. A vision of her being carried and beneath her was Luffy, spilling more blood off his coat than herself. He then collapsed before asking Twilight to get a doctor for Rainbow. Everything else goes blank.

Back in the room, she glanced towards Luffy and sighs. In the waiting room, Twilight and the others burst in and are relieved that she's fine.

"Rainbow!" Twilight shouted. "I'm so glad you're alright…"

"What happened out there!?" Applejack questioned. "What in Equestria did you two run into?"

"Thank goodness! I was so worried that you were too hurt! I'm glad you're alright Rainbow." Fluttershy spoke.

"Yeah, that's great." Rainbow replied. "How'd you find us anyways?"

"It was thanks to Fluttershy. She said she sensed you or something!" Pinkie said before leaning close and whispering, "I think she's psychic."

"Actually, I was wondering about that." Twilight claimed. "How were you able to know about Rainbow and Luffy's whereabouts?"

Fluttershy looked away while hiding behind her mane and saying, "I… Well, Luffy taught me how to use Haki."

"Haki?" They all said in unison. Rainbow was aware of what she was talking about, so she didn't question.

"What's this about Haki?" Twilight questioned.

"Well… You know how Luffy was able to use the stare?" She asked. They nodded in response allowing her to continue. "Luffy taught me that it isn't necessarily called the stare, but called Haoshoku Haki."

"Wow! That's amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"It is, and when I asked him to train me to use it better, he showed me how to use Kenbunshoku Haki and Busoshoku Haki."

"Can you give us a demonstration?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy blushed and said, "Well, I'm not really good at it. But Pinkie has Kenbunshoku Haki which she calls her Pinkie Sense and Luffy said that Rainbow has Busoshoku Haki since she uses it every time she does a sonic rainboom."

"REALLY!?" They all said except for Rainbow. They turned to Luffy, impressed that he knows all of this and back to Fluttershy.

"So you used your new abilities to find Luffy and Rainbow?" Applejack made sure.

"Wow! I didn't know I have Haki!" Pinkie giggled.

"Can anypony use it?" Rarity wondered.

"I don't know." Fluttershy responded. "Luffy only told me who can use it so far. He didn't really say."

"Uh, listen." Rainbow got their attention. "I don't want to interrupt, but how's Luffy? Is he alright?"

They just remembered about Luffy and turned to the doctor as he was checking up on him.

"Doctor! How's Luffy?" Twilight asked.

The doctor took off his stethoscope and explained the situation. "I'm not an expert on rubber ponies, but your friend has been hit hard enough to go into submission for a month. I'm sorry."

Fluttershy was devastated as she soon began to tear up. "W-What do you mean!?"

"He's in a coma."

She started to cry, making the others hold their ears. Rainbow got out of bed and comforted her.

"Relax! He's not dead! Just sleeping… for a month… or so…" Rainbow assured her.

She sniffled and wiped her tears. Looking down she said, "I'm sorry. It's just… Luffy's done a lot, and I feel so sorry for him. We haven't been nice enough for everything he did so far."

"How about this? The second he wakes up, we'll pull off a party with food, music, and decorations!" Pinkie suggested.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible."

They turned around to see none other than Princess Celestia! Her appearance was enough to make the ponies around her bow. After so, she stepped up to the sleeping Luffy.

"Um, Princess?" Twilight called. "What's wrong?"

"I had just received a parchment of war been passed between the griffons and ponies." Celestia told the six, making them gasp. Rainbow looked away in shame as she continued. "They say the hero of Ponyville, Straw Hat Luffy threw the first attack on their territory. I have decided to bring Luffy to prison in hopes of ending the war and-"

"Luffy's innocent!" Rainbow yelled, surprising the others. "I was there. Luffy only did it because he had no choice!"

Celestia eyed Rainbow before giving her a chance to explain. "Go on…"

"Luffy was kidnapped by these two griffons, and tried to make him go under their king or something! And when he refused, they threatened to go to war if he didn't submit! Luffy told them to leave us out of it, but things happened and… well, we have a war." Rainbow finally finished.

"You couldn't just get Luffy out of there!?" Twilight scolded.

"You try to sneak him out under the watch of hundreds of griffons!" Rainbow retorted.

"Even if he had good intentions." Celestia began before pulling out a scroll. "It still doesn't change on thing. Straw Hat Luffy is a pirate with a bounty of 400,000,000 Beri!"

Revealing the wanted poster of Monkey D. Luffy, the girls now witness a small image of Luffy's human form. Looking back and forth, they screamed at the thought of this event.

"Why would you place a bounty and promise to pay in berries?" Pinkie questioned. "They'd rot by the time he gets caught!"

"Beri is the form of currency of the Blue Sea, specifically the same seas Luffy would travel." Celestia informed Pinkie. "As for exchange rates, seeing how 3 bits make up for 1 beri, that would make Luffy worth 1,200,000,000 bits."

Right there was when their mouths dropped. They looked back to Luffy and thought, We've been harboring a criminal worth 1,200,000,000 bits!?

"Do you still find Luffy worth saving from the law?" Celestia questioned.

The girls were frightened to defy the Princess. Rainbow however stepped forward and pointed out one thing. "He saved my life. It'd make me look bad if I can't return the favor."

"Rainbow…" Twilight muttered.

"I lived with the guy for a while, so I know he's not all bad." Applejack added.

"He's super fun!" Pinkie commented.

"Luffy is helping me with Haki, so I believe in him too." Fluttershy said in gratitude.

"I guess my friends do make a fair point." Rarity agreed.

Celestia nodded and turned to Twilight. "What do you think?"

Twilight looked at the sleeping Luffy and thought about those moments. He was there when the town needed to be saved. He was there when Rainbow was injured. He was there to cheer up the kids. Luffy was good to the heart even though whatever out there didn't see him that way. Smiling, she answered, "Of course he's a good pony Princess."

Celestia nodded and glanced at Luffy. "I will remember this. For now, he will be under my care as well as on watch until this is over. You have my word that he'll be fine."

"Can we please see him when he wakes up?" Fluttershy asked. "Please?"

"You're learning Haki from him, aren't you?" Celestia remembered. "If you'd like, I can show each of you how to utilize it."

"Really?" Twilight replied.	

"Yes, but only Fluttershy here can use Haoshoku Haki." She stated. "From the last time I checked, your skill has increased."

Fluttershy blushed as she admitted, "Well, Luffy helped me with it… so…"

Celestia giggled and said, "I see… I never thought you'd be able to increase your potential so quickly. You must have a strong bond with Luffy."

Fluttershy smiled and nodded.





The mares took a look at each and every wanted poster of the Straw Hat crew. Such high bounties. (Except for the reindeer, Chopper, which Fluttershy found cute.) The total beri bounty was 800,000,000, thus, the bit bounty was 2,400,000,150. Just by capturing any of them, except for Chopper, would make anyone in Equestria set for life. Each of them now knew how really dangerous Luffy is.

"But there's still one thing I don't get." Rainbow began. "If there was all this stuff about the Blue Sea, bounties, and the navy, how come we never heard of it? And how come the world outside never heard of us? We have the Princess's help of moving both the sun and moon for Celestia's sake!"

"There's a reason for that." Twilight claimed. "Equestria is said to be in the calmest seas in the world. Also known as the Calm Belt. Anypony can't get in or out unless they use magic to create their own waves. Also, our country is under the Empty Skies, similar to how in one land known as Enies Lobby would have the sun all day, or how the mythical Florian Triangle would have darkness for eternity. Which is why once every few centuries, the princess like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would be born to uphold the responsibility of revealing the sun and moon."

Luffy fell asleep to the entire information while Rainbow was rubbing her head.

"I asked for an explanation, not a headache!" Rainbow retorted.

Celestia came in and took a look at Luffy. As she brought him to the throne room, Luffy wakes up and sees Princess Celestia for the first time. Of course, Luffy was amazed to find a bigger pony with both wings and a horn. The girls follow by to make sure he was alright.

"Monkey D. Luffy." Celestia began. "You are brought here under-"

"WHOA! You have wings AND a horn! That's so cool! I never saw anyone else that has both of them at the same time before!" Luffy stated. "Hey, can you poop?"

The girls practically fell over, not believing what he said. Twilight jumped to Luffy and bonked him on the head.

"DON'T ASK THAT!!" She scolded.

"Twilight." Celestia said warningly. "This is a judgment upon Luffy. Please, do not interfere."

Twilight took a few steps back and agreed. "Y-Yes your highness."

After Twilight went back to the others, Celestia went back to her attention on Luffy who happened to be picking his nose. The others looked down thinking, He's doomed…

"So why am I in trouble?" Luffy asked. "Pinkie said I was in custody or something."

"Well, let's begin by jogging your memory." Celestia insisted. "First, you were brought to Griffon Kingdom under the impression of being a simple tourist. You then attacked a griffon commander, thus giving a reason for Griffon Kingdom to declare war on us. Utterly destroying the peace as we are now brought to war."

"What? I thought I punched those two hard enough!" Luffy growled.

"So you did attack first?" Celestia questioned.

Just play it smart Luffy… Twilight thought. Try not to let yourself look guilty.

"Yeah! He was being scum!" Luffy yelled.

Twilight bonks her head on the table. "Of course he does that."

Celestia nodded and thus, ended the case. "It has been decided. Monkey D. Luffy of the Straw Hat Pirates, you are hereby…"

Then out of nowhere, Luna came rushing in from her room. She quickly looked around the throne room looking for someone.

"Is he here!? Where is he!?" Luna questioned.

Celestia grunted as the others were confused. Luna saw Luffy and suddenly became overjoyed.

"Luffy!" She squealed as she raced over to hug him.

"Whoa! There's another one!" Luffy pointed out the wing and horn similarity of both princesses. "Hey, how do you know about me?"

"Luna!" Celestia scolded. "We're kinda in the middle of something here!"

"You're not really going to punish him are you?" Luna asked with the lip, making Celestia falter at this.

"Stop that! That's not how you act in front of others!" Celestia snapped.

"I already told you how much I was a fan of the Straw Hats!" Luna reminded her. "You can't just throw him in a dungeon! Besides, he is Dragon's son after all."

"DRAGON!?" Fluttershy screamed.

"You have a dragon as your father!?" Twilight questioned.

"Cool! Does that mean you can breathe fire!?" Pinkie asked.

Celestia slapped her face and said, "He is actually a human named Monkey D. Dragon. He is an infamous revolutionary that has been fighting against the World Government."

Luffy wasn't expecting her to know of this. "You know my dad?"

"Of course she does!" Luna revealed. She came close and whispered, "In fact, she's a revolutionary too!"

"LUNA!" The princess yelled as she closed all doors and windows of the room. "Why don't you tell the world about it!?"

"Princess?" Twilight wondered. "What's going on? You're a revolutionary?"

Celestia sighed and admitted. "Yes… It was a few years ago, the ponies were in grave danger of humans. Many of them were pirates or bounty hunters that sold them into slavery. We luckily managed to rescue them in time thanks to Dragon."

"Oh, so he knows about you too?" Luffy wondered.

"Let's not change the subject." Celestia told the others. "I still must lay down the law to show Luffy cannot do as he pleases."

"She wants to scold Luffy for doing something reckless and ground him." Luna teased. "That's so cute."

Celestia blushed and yelled, "Shush! I do not know what you're talking about!"

"This is getting confusing." Luffy said as he scratched his head. "What's going on?"

"I have to agree." Applejack added. "Something ain't right here."

"Yes, I never seen you act like this before." Twilight pointed out.

"We might as well tell them." Luna suggested. "After all, you've been keeping an eye on him before he went out to sea after all."

Everyone was stunned. Celestia lowered her head as she covered her face in shame. Luffy was clearly curious. "What do you mean you've been watching over me?"

"It's not like I interfered!" Celestia complained. "I couldn't do anything seeing how you were on the other side of the world!"

"Can somepony just spill the beans!?" Rainbow demanded. "All this talk is getting nowhere!"

"Simply put, Celestia has a crush on…" Luna began. "Dragon!"
> Chapter 13 - Secrets Revealed! Celestia refuses Twilight's request?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In a town of ponies, many griffons were defeated and littered the streets. The ponies were cheering for the two heroes. Nami and Sanji were checking the newspaper just to receive the news.

"Straw Hat Luffy declares war on griffons?" Nami read aloud. "I didn't expect to see him as a pony too. He must really care for the kingdom here like at Fishman Island."

"So Luffy has my problem too?" Sanji confirmed. "Glad to know I'm not the only one."

The crowd of ponies were amazed at the raw power the two used. Many were curious of what Nami was, but nonetheless, adored them for saving the town from the griffon attack.

"They're so strong!" A stallion quoted. "They took down the battalion so easily!"

"But how did the tall one manage to produce clouds?" Another wondered.

"Who cares about that! Did you see how the blue one bucked!?"

"The apple family are the only ones I know who might have that kind of kicking power, But his cutie mark is a fork and knife."

"He must be a chef."

The mares were practically in love with Sanji, the blue pony with a blonde mane. Many were calling out to him.

"He's so strong and attractive~!"
"I think I'm in love~!"
"Marry me chef~!"

Sanji was annoyed and scolded at them. "No way! I'm not falling for this crap!"

"Oi, Sanji." Nami said to get his attention.

"Yes~ Nami my sweet~?" Sanji responded in a perverted matter.

"Look at this." Nami said as she revealed the news. "Mysterious limbs attacking the Griffon Kingdom and dangerous weeds growing amuck."

"Is it Robin and Usopp?" Sanji wondered.

"It doesn't say. They're probably attacking while under a low profile." Nami deduced. "Maybe Luffy wants us to do the same?"

"Might as well." Sanji replied. "As long as I'm like this, those griffons will keep attacking us."

"Don't worry Mr. cook~!"
"We'll protect you~!"
"I love you Sanji~!"

Though the mares called out to him, Sanji bitterly replied, "NO WAY! Why out of all the islands where girls fall in love with me, it's with horses!?"





Twilight slowly woke up to see Luffy's face smiling at her.

"Thank god!" Luffy sighed in relief. "I thought you were sick or something! Glad to know you were just asleep."

"Wha… What happened?" Twilight questioned.

"You all fainted due to the overdose of information being told to you." Luna informed Twilight. "Perhaps telling you all about Luffy, his father, and Celestia's crush was a bit too much for all of you to handle."

"I'm still worried about Fluttershy though." Luffy admitted. "When she woke up, we reminded her of what happened and then she fainted again!"

Twilight sighed and said, "It's okay Luffy. Just give her some space, and she'll be fine."

Luffy nodded then turned to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash who ran up to him.

"Hey Luffy!" Pinkie called. "Rainbow and I are gonna draw on the guards! Wanna come with us?"

"That sounds fun!" Luffy responded.

"Come on then! Before they change shifts!" Rainbow warned him.

As the three ran out to cause trouble for the guards, Luna realized something.

"Wait! I didn't get your autograph yet!"

"Princess Luna?" Twilight echoed. "When did you know about Luffy?"

Luna turned and smiled. "Well, it was when I was readjusting life to the castle, I happened to stumble upon Dragon and Celestia discussing important matters. After he left, Celestia then used her magic to send a magic eye to watch over Luffy. When I first saw him, it was around the time Luffy had just come back from 2 years of disappearance."

"2 years…?" Twilight repeated.

"Yes, and that was the first time I saw humans from outside our kingdom. There I watched his magnificent crew, and was very entertained." Luna giggled. "I was of course found out by Celestia and she made me swear not to tell a soul. She turned out to be watching over Luffy before I came back to the throne."

"How long was Princess Celestia watching over him?" Twilight asked.

"For about… 5 or 6 years." Luna confirmed. "She let me watch the old recordings of Luffy as well. He was as strong as before, and even stronger after he disappeared for 2 years."

"Why did Luffy vanish during that time?" Twilight wondered.

Luna's smile disappeared as she said, "Perhaps I said too much. We promised not to speak of what Luffy was doing or his crew mates during that time in order to plead ignorance for his friends actions. We have never interfered with his life until he finally came here."

"Well…" Twilight began. "When we found Luffy, he was this… really strange pony. I never understood why he acts like this and always thought about what he's been through."

Luna nodded in understanding. "If you really want to know, I can show you the recordings of his adventures. Of course, we'll have to gain the permission of Celestia and Luffy."

"The Princess I understand, but why Luffy?"

"Because he's Straw Hat Luffy!" Luna scoffed as if it was obvious.

I never knew how much of a fan she is…





The guard stood still as Rainbow, Pinkie, and Luffy were scribbling graffiti all over him. Trying his best not to move, he stands tall over the laughter of the three childish ponies. It was embarrassing for him as Pinkie started to draw hearts over his eyes.

"Looks like somepony is in love~!" Pinkie joked.

Luffy and Rainbow fell over laughing hysterically. Rainbow got up and took a turn.

"Alright, alright! How about…" Rainbow drew a rose under his mouth. "Would you like to dance with me?"

Luffy chuckled and said, "Let me try!"

"Hold on, I'm almost done…" Rainbow replied.

"Come on! I wanna turn!" Luffy whined.

"Hold on!" Rainbow grunted. "I need space to finish."

"You're blocking the way!" Luffy complained.

Rainbow was then nudged to the side, causing her to skew the marker to the side. They got up to see a line going through the face. Pinkie snorted as the others joined in as well. The guard look down and thought…

I'm not getting paid enough for this…





Alone in her room, Celestia was talking on the transponder snail. On the other line was none other than Monkey D. Dragon.

"So, Luffy fell into your kingdom?" Dragon spoke.

"Yes. I'm currently taking care of him for the time being." Celestia assured him.

"I appreciate your assistance in this matter." Dragon said in gratitude. "Especially with what intelligence has just informed me about."

"So you know about the war?" Celestia acknowledged.

"Yes. I was wondering if you need any help sorting this out."

"It'll be fine." She insisted. "I don't want to trouble you with our country."

"Celestia, you have been providing supplies, a place for our soldiers to rest, and even intelligence using your magic." Dragon reminded her. "It would trouble me if anything were to happen to you."

Celestia blushed as she swooned away from the phone. He does worry about me! Getting back to the conversation, she said, "I can assure you that I am an independent alicorn princess. Though, I do appreciate for what you said."

Dragon laughed and replied, "I see… Well, if otherwise, call me. Until next time."

"P-Perhaps maybe we can meet up somewhere for our next briefing?" She asked.

"Why, of course. I'll see how we can discuss business after reading the movements. We don't want the enemy to be aware of your kingdom again."

"Yes, of course."

They hung up, allowing Celestia to lie on her bed. She giggled like a school girl as she noticed Luna and Twilight just watching her. They were frozen in silence before Celestia puts away the transponder snail and say, "You are really pushing it Luna!"

Luna snickered as she apologized. "I'm sorry, but Twilight has a request."

Celestia turned to Twilight and asked, "What is it my faithful student?"

"Princess, I was wondering if I could see the recordings you have of Luffy." Twilight asked. This made Celestia a bit on edge. "May I see them?"

"I'm… sorry Twilight, but no."

This shocked Twilight and Luna. Celestia turned away as Twilight went up to her and question, "But why Princess?"

"I just… don't think you're quite ready to see them." Celestia explained.

Twilight looked down hearing that for the first time in a while. "I don't understand…"

"Please understand that I'm not saying you're incapable." Celestia told her. "But rather, you aren't ready to see what's out the in the Blue Sea World."

"It can't be that dangerous Princess!" Twilight thought. "I think I can take what's out there."

"That's what many pirates say before falling to the Grand Line." Celestia claimed. "But if you really insist, then I'll reveal to you everything about Luffy if you can answer these questions."

Twilight wasn't sure where this was going, but accepted regardless. "What is it Princess?"

"If Luffy was found guilty and I sentence him to death, what would you do?"

She was still. What kind of a gruesome question was that? How could she answer it? Celestia wasn't done, as she continued.

"If your friends were taken away in front of your very eyes by a powerful and unbeatable foe, what would you do?"

"I… I…" Twilight stuttered.

"If my royal members of the family stood in the way of your friends freedom and happiness, what will you do?"

Twilight cringed as she wasn't able to answer a single one. To either defy the kingdom she loves, or say goodbye to her friends. Luna then stopped the survey. "She's had enough Celestia."

She nodded and looked back to Twilight to comfort her. "I'm sorry, but unless you can see how terrifying it really is out there, it would be as bad as letting a filly read a dark tale."

Twilight nodded back. However, in her mind, she still wanted to know. She just didn't want to request her teacher on the matters of the Blue Sea World anymore. As they finished hugging, Luffy came in and said…

"Hey guys! We're having a party! Come on and join us!"

Luna quickly galloped over and said, "Of course! What are we waiting for!? Let's go!"

Celestia and Twilight giggled as Luna began to converse with Luffy.
> Chapter 14 - End of Friendship? Discord makes his move!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Somewhere along the coast of Equestria, the Thousand Island Sunny was docked by the shore. Griffons trespassing the land happened to find the ship and decided to enter it. As they got onboard, they realized who it belong to, judging by the sails and flag.

"Looks like we found Straw Hat Luffy's ship." The griffon chuckled.

"Let's see how he likes it when we destroy his stuff!" the subordinate insisted.

"No you idiot! We hijack it!"

"Oh yeah."

As they look around, they find a skeleton of a pony. Frightening them, they begin to wonder.

"W-W-What happened to him?"

"It's almost as if he died a long time ago!"

"But the ship is brand new!"

"You know what I heard? Straw Hat eats meat."

"W-What are you saying?"

"Rumors have it that he almost ate a pegasus!"

"No… Are you saying that…!?"

"Yohohohoho, what are you birdies talking about?"

They slowly turned to the skeleton as it rose from its lying position. It began to draw itself closer and closer before looming over them.

"May I see a lady's panties?"

The griffons screamed and flew away from the ship. As they ran, they bumped into something big as it blocked their path.

"What is THAT!?" a griffon questioned.

"It looks like a pony…" one said as he squinted his eyes. "But what's with those massive hooves!?"

"Even as a man…" Franky began. "Even as a pony… It doesn't change that I'm what holds man's dream. Armored Me!"

The griffons eyes shined being amazed at what they were seeing. Franky then spun his two cyborg hooves and cheered, "Mmm, Super!"

"Amazing!" They said.

Franky tipped his sunglasses with a smile. "So, I heard you were about to attack my captains ship?"

They froze as Franky aimed his left hoof at them.

"Aw crud." they muttered.

"Weapons Left!"





Luffy was continuing to check on Fluttershy as promised. She has been working on her Haki for a while, and it has improved. The spec of Busoshoku Haki now went around a bit more of her hoof. Her Kenbunshoku Haki was of course beyond impressive. She can sense the feeling of those around her. Of course, she was too shy to interfere those affairs. As for her Haoshoku Haki, she was certainly getting better. Of course, she's trying her best not to just let it out at random. She has now mastered it enough to prevent it from accidentally spilling, but she'll use it when she needs to.

"You know, you've been doing pretty good!" Luffy commended her. "I didn't think you'd get it this fast!"

Fluttershy blushed as she said, "W-Well, if you say so…"

"Hey! Luffy!" Rainbow called. "Don't forget about me! You said you'll help me with my Busoshoku Haki, right?"

"Don't worry, I didn't forget." Luffy assured her.

Pinkie appeared beneath him and said, "What about me Luffy?"

"I know! Just hold on!" Luffy replied.

"Luffy, you still didn't show me the Kenbunshoku Haki like I asked." Twilight pointed out as she levitated Luffy towards her.

"Wait! He was helping me get metal on my hooves!" Rainbow said as she pulled Luffy's hoof.

"But I want to get better at my Pinkie sense!" Pinkie claimed as she pulled Luffy's other hoof.

"Hey! Cut it out!" Luffy scolded. "I know I said I'll help you like Fluttershy, but you need to put me down!"

The girls didn't hear as they continued to stretch him, fighting over Luffy's knowledge apparently. Quite ironic as well. As the fight continued, Applejack ran by.

"Hey girls! I have some news…" She paused to see what was going on. "Uh… should I be concerned."

"No." They all said in unison. Luffy was practically screaming at them though.

"Uh huh… Anyways, we got some weird things going on town. Ya'll better check this out."





Gazing upon the unspeakable, as cotton candy clouds raining chocolate filled the skies, rabbits with long legs eating off of huge apples weighing one side of the tree down, corn popping into popcorn, and more nonsense. After interacting and attempt of solving, the six mares couldn't fix the problem. Not even Twilight's spells could work. Luffy however managed to stray himself from the group and got himself lost in the chaotic Ponyville.

"This is so weird…" Luffy spoke as he went under the cotton candy cloud. "Whoa! Chocolate milk!"

Luffy opened his mouth and filled it whole. Gulping it down, he sighed in delight. "That's good! What about this pink stuff though?"

Taking a hoof full, he devours it and realizes what it is. "Whoa! Cotton candy! Man! Chopper would love this stuff!"

"I take it you're enjoying the new Ponyville?" spoke an ominous voice.

Luffy wasn't surprised as he had already sensed his presence. He looked at the being before him with multiple animal parts. As expected, Luffy was astonished.

"Whoa! What're you?" Luffy asked. "Hey, can you poop?"

"Well, aren't you open minded?" Discord chuckled. "And, yes, I can."

"Who are you?" Luffy asked.

"I'm Discord." He introduced himself. "I just wanted to see how everypony was doing, and from the look of your happy face, the town must be as happy as you are!"

"Well, this place does look cooler." He admitted.

"Glad to hear that! I hope you do enjoy it. It will stay like this from now on." Discord declared.

"Does that mean more chocolate rain?"

"Of course!" Discord replied. He then conjured a watch and said, "Oh dear! I'm late for something! Would you excuse me Straw Hat?"

"Sure! Thanks for the cotton candy cloud!" Luffy said as he waved farewell to Discord.

Just as he disappeared into smoke, Twilight and the others came by.

"Luffy! There you are!" Twilight called.

"Hey! What's up?" Luffy greeted. "Isn't this chocolate rain great?"

"I know, right?" Pinkie agreed.

"Luffy, we're going to Canterlot to see the princess." Twilight informed him. "We'll be gone for a while, but we'll be back. So just stay here, alright?"

"Sure Twi!" Luffy agreed.

"Good. See you later!" Twilight said as she too left.

After so, Luffy continued to drink the chocolate milk, much to his delight.





Hours later, Luffy became obese due to the amount he has drank. He stopped after getting tired of it and bored of the cotton candy cloud. He then trotted around to find Twilight and the others, along with a boulder entering the library. He was happy to see his friends again, and ran over. By the time he entered, he already lost the weight he just put on.

"You're all back!" Luffy cheered. "What took you all so long?"

"Oh, shut up." Fluttershy told Luffy.

"What?" Luffy responded rather surprised to hear this.

"She told you to shut up." Pinkie grumbled.

"She didn't tell you to shut up." Applejack lied.

Luffy was confused of what was going on. As he walked forward, Rarity shoved him aside.

"Get away from Tom!" She warned him.

Luffy bounced to Twilight, who was looking for something.

"Hey Twilight, what's wrong with everybody?" Luffy questioned. "And why are they… gray?"

"Took the words straight out of my mouth." Spike said as he came in soaking wet.

"Don't ask, I need you to help me find something." Twilight replied.

Fluttershy then came in from behind and asked, "Hey, Twilight, what's soaking wet and clueless?"

"Fluttershy, I have just about enough of-" Twilight stopped as the cold water from the bucket slammed her head.

"Your face!" Fluttershy teased.

Luffy couldn't laugh, as it felt it wasn't for fun, but rather as an insult. He knew Fluttershy long enough not to do that, and began to question what was happening.

" The Elements of Harmony? Oh, I know exactly where that book is." Spike claimed as he rummaged around. "Found it!"

As he raised it high, Fluttershy grabbed it and took it away. Luffy, Twilight, and Spike gasped as she then fooled around. "Keep away!"

"Quit screwing around!" Luffy shouted as he stretched his hoof. "Twilight needs that!"

Fluttershy swiftly dodged the hoof as she gave a nasty grin. "You missed me!"

The three was surprised that she managed to dodge Luffy's hoof. "She's using Kenbunshoku Haki!"

Luffy threw multiple hooves in at an attempt to take it back.

" Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

Not used to attack, but used to steal back the book. Fluttershy only managed to dodge a fraction of the hooves before she tossed it as Luffy's moves were too fast. Applejack caught it and then threw it to Pinkie, then to Rarity. The three did their best until Twilight used her magic to trick them and got away with the book. Luffy and Spike protected her as she yelled, "This is my book, and I'm gonna READ IT!"

Opening the book, she gasped as it held 5 necklaces and a tiara. Luffy was amazed of its contents as well.

"The elements!" Twilight spoke. "They were here the whole time!"

"What are the elements?" Luffy wondered.

"The things we need to defeat Discord!" Twilight explained.

The name made Luffy remember the strange creature from earlier. "Discord?"

"Isn't this great? We found the elements! Together!" Twilight said to her friends, only to get a yawn in response. "You don't even care, do you?"

"No." They all said in unison.

Twilight sighed in sadness as she said, " I never thought it would happen. My friends... have turned into complete JERKS!"

She then forcefully placed the artifacts on her friends. "Necklace! Necklace! Necklace! Necklace! And... big crown thingy! Come on, everypony, let's go!"

Luffy looked around and noticed something. "Wasn't there another pony…?"

"Yeah, I think you're missing somepony Twi." Spike told her.

" Nope. We've got the liar, the grump, the hoarder, and the brute. That just about covers it." Twilight assured them.

"No, wait! Does Rainbow need to be with you?" Luffy wondered.

Twilight pondered at this and then placed the necklace on Luffy. "There! You’re the new rubber pony of the group! Come on, let's go!"

Luffy had no idea what was going on as they got out. The boulder was for some reason being brought too. As they got out, they finally meet up with Discord. Luffy was shocked.

"YOU!?" Luffy shouted.

Discord took a look at Luffy and said, "Oh, are you supposed to be the new element of Loyalty?"

"Loyalty?"

"Discord! I've figured out your lame riddle. You're in for it now!" Twilight

"I certainly am." Discord teased as he pulled a handkerchief. "You've clearly out-dueled me, and now it's time to meet my fate. I'm prepared to be defeated now, ladies. Fire when ready."

"Formation, now!" Twilight told them.

They all grumbled as they and Luffy got into position. As they elements suddenly glimmered, Luffy was amazed. That was only for a second however as it just stopped.

"What's going on?" Twilight wondered.

"What was it supposed to do?" Luffy asked.

"Mine's working. There must be somethin' wrong with yours." Applejack lied.

"I HATE the Elements of Harmony!" Pinkie complained.

"Hmph! Garbage." Fluttershy insulted as she along with the others threw down her necklace.

Rarity however took them all and declared, "MINE!"

"Stop screwing around!" Luffy told them, but they soon began to leave.

"Bravo, ponies, bravo!" Discord cheerfully said as he laughed. "Harmony in Equestria is officially dead. Discord rules, Celestia drools."

Twilight growled at Discord as Luffy just glared coldly at him.

"It's your fault it didn't work." Pinkie blamed.

"Who are you talking to?" Twilight questioned.

"Any of you! ALL OF YOU! I'm outta here!"

"I better go, too. I've got new better friends waiting for me at the farm." Applejack lied.

"Yeah! I'm sick of you losers." Fluttershy growled.

Twilight was angered and yelled, "FINE! Leave! See if I care! I don't need you guys either! With friends like you, who needs...enemies...?"

"Not you too…" Luffy spoke.





As Twilight went into her house, Luffy followed after her and said, "Twilight! Stop! What's going on!? Why's everyone acting so weird?"

"Don't you get it Luffy?" Twilight sneered. "It's over. Harmony lost, and they're no longer my friends."

"Just because you get into a fight doesn't mean you all can't be friends!" Luffy scolded.

"Luffy…" She muttered.

The element left on Luffy happened to actually glimmer a bit, surprising Twilight a bit. She then realized what a pure heart Luffy has.

"The element of loyalty is responding to you…!" Twilight realized.

"Uh… should it?"

"The only one it responded to was Rainbow before she… betrayed us."

"Rainbow would never do that." Luffy claimed.

Twilight then swelled up into tears as she said, "You don't get it Luffy! They all changed! They became bitter… and now, you and Spike are all I have left here…"

Luffy was silent, unsure what to say. Twilight began to put things away into a box as she said, "I'm leaving Ponyville Luffy. I'm not coming back."

"What?" Luffy muttered.

"But I don't know where to go…" She admitted. "So… Can I join your crew?"
> Chapter 15 - Luffy's friends? The Battle of Regret!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight awaited for Luffy's response after asking to join him. Luffy tipped his hat shading his eyes. Sighing, he then responds.

"I'm sorry Twilight." Luffy apologized. "But you can't run away from your problems."

She began to cry as she says, "What do you expect me to do!? My friends left me, and now I have nowhere to go!"

"No Twilight! Your friends are still here!" Luffy claimed.

"Then prove it!" She demanded. "They've been acting funny ever since Discord played with us!"

"Fine! I will!" Luffy declared. As he began to get out, he said, "And don't forget Twilight. They're my friends too."

She was a bit taken back being reminded that Luffy cared for them too. Feeling worried, she chases after him.





Luffy went to Sugar Cube Corner to find Pinkie throwing out and wasting food. Luffy, being taught never to do that, was ashamed of this speculation. He went into the store and called out to Pinkie.

"Hey Pinkie!" Luffy called. He gave a wide smile, making Pinkie on the edge.

"What are you smiling about?" Pinkie questioned.

"I'm just so happy to see you!" Luffy replied. "I was worried when you started acting funny."

"FUNNY!?" Pinkie shouted as she pushed Luffy down. "You say that you're worried about me and then you say I act FUNNY!?"

"What's wrong with you?" Luffy questioned with his smile disappearing.

"What's do you mean by that!?" Pinkie questioned as she grabbed Luffy and threw him out the window. "Don't come back!"

Luffy slowly got up and brushed off the glass. Twilight ran to him and asked, "Luffy! Are you alright!?"

He picked up his hat and puts it back on as he said, "It's nothing."

"Now do you see what I mean!?" Twilight yelled. "They've changed."

"I don't care! They're still my friends!" Luffy shouted back. "I'm not giving up on them!"

Luffy ran to his next destination. Twilight, feeling more and more concerned chases after him.





Luffy found himself at the boutique. Though he wasn't best friends with Rarity, he still came to see if she was alright. As he peeked inside, he saw Rarity clinging onto a boulder. She was overly attached to the object, and beside her were the rest of the elements.

"Hey Rarity!" Luffy greeted.

Rarity turned and glared at Luffy. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to see if you were alright." he claimed.

"Don't fool with me mister! I know exactly what you're after!" Rarity rebutted. "You're after Tom!"

"Tom?" He repeated.

"My glorious, wonderful, shiny Tom." She said as she pets the boulder. "I know you're after it since you ARE a pirate!"

"That's a rock." Luffy pointed out.

"You're just trying to trick me in order to take him away!" She shouted. "Well it won't work! And while we're at it…"

She walked up to Luffy and eyed the straw hat. She then snatched it off of Luffy's head.

"HEY!" He scolded. "Give it back!"

"Since you want this so much, then I want it!" Rarity explained.

"Knock it off!" Luffy said as he stretched his hoof to take back the hat. He ran out the door and pursued for the next destination.





As Applejack was relaxing about, Luffy ran into the scene and calls her out.

"Applejack!" He called.

She groaned as she said, "What? Can't you see that I'm apple bucking?"

"No."He plainly answers as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Well I am!" Applejack lied.

He laughed as he said, "Come on! You know we're bad at lying! Remember?"

Applejack held onto her head grunting before retorting, "Ha! Says what you know. I'm a great liar."

"Not really." Luffy said honestly.

Applejack's head started to swirl before she kicked Luffy away. "Get away! I'm allergic to idiots!" She scolded. "And I never wanted to give you that food!"

Luffy got up in pain, feeling a good amount of pain due to the Busoshoku Haki being augmented in it. Luffy didn't expect her to know the technique, but mostly focused on her behavior. He knew it was wrong, and he knew deep inside, Applejack saw it too. Just not enough. Luffy then decides to see Fluttershy in hopes to see if she was any normal. Twilight, witnessing all this, begins to worry for Luffy and his health.





As Luffy came to Fluttershy's cottage, it was quite a sight. Luffy saw all the animals unconscious. He looked around for Fluttershy, worried of how she would cope with all this. As he found her however, she was sitting on a tree stump with many animals around her.

"… What the hell…?" He muttered.

"Well, well, well." Fluttershy spoke. "It looks like Straw Hat Luffy has come here to check on poor little Fluttershy?"

"What'd you do to them?" He wondered.

"Oh, don't act so concerned." Fluttershy sneered. "It's not like you didn't kill any animals."

Luffy was shocked as he questioned, "You didn't do that, did you!?"

"Not yet." Fluttershy answered. "I was just bored, so I thought I used the abilities you taught me."

"You used Haki to fight… your friends?" Luffy spoke slowly. "But you didn't even want to use it to fight!"

"Well, things change." Fluttershy said as she checked her hoof as if it was no big deal. "Especially, now that I'm the strongest one here."

"No you're not." Luffy growled. "We're friends, rememeber?"

Fluttershy swooped in to attack, but the blow was blocked in time by Luffy. "Nope." She replies as she pulls a punch, pushing Luffy away.

As Luffy rolled on the floor, he got up and saw Fluttershy diving to attack him, with hooves imbued with Busoshoku Haki. He escapes the attack as Fluttershy begins to chase Luffy down, who was trying to escape.

"Don't make me fight you Fluttershy!" Luffy warned her.

"Good! Don't fight!" She shouted back. "It'll be easier for me to beat you!"

Luffy kept dodging the attacks, but Fluttershy was hot on his trails. Her attacks kept getting closer thanks to the Haki she was misusing. Luffy eventually was attacked a couple of times, hurting him thanks to the Busoshoku Haki. Twilight, witnessing this was frightened by the horror.

"Fluttershy! What are you doing!?" She called out.

They couldn't hear her in the midst of the battle. As Luffy tried his best to resist fighting, Fluttershy kept going all out. Luffy began to remember at Water 7, a battle happened. The first one he truly in his heart, did not want to fight. The memories of punching his best friend was too painful for words. He kept hesitating to attack until…

"What's wrong?" She questioned. "So scared that you can't pull a punch?"

"You can't beat me…" Luffy claimed. "You know you can't do it…"

"After I'm done with you…" She began. "Maybe I'll do the same to Twilight. Maybe even Pinkie, and Rainbow, and everypony else!"

This angered Luffy as he stopped dodging. Fluttershy grinned taking the chance to finish him off. With a hoof fully imbued with Busoshoku Haki, she raced forward to smash his face in. Luffy pulled a punch and began to augment.

"Bosu Koka "

"Say goodbye Straw Hat!" She shouted.

"Gomu Gomu no Bullet!"

The attack missed as she swerved upward. She laughed, "I saw that coming you twerp!"

Luffy wasn't finished. He quickly stands on his forelegs and bucks upward with his hind legs.

"Gomu Gomu no Buck!"

The attack blew Fluttershy away. Even though the Kenbunshoku Haki foretold the attack, she wasn't quick enough to dodge. As Fluttershy was thrown up to the air, she fell down defeated. Even though it was just one attack, it left her with multiple injuries. Luffy fell to his knees angered to the furthest extent.

"I told you…!" He shouted with regret filling his heart. "You can't beat me!"

He punched the ground in anger as memories of Fluttershy learning bits and pieces of Haki from him began to form. The spec of this poor display gets better and better. Luffy's happiness with teaching Haki to her reminded him of his training with Rayleigh. Luffy wanted to cry, but he held back the tears as he was now furious. He gets up and leaves Fluttershy where she is. Twilight runs to him, completely devastated by the battle.

"Luffy! What… is Fluttershy…?" Twilight stuttered.

"Where is he Twilight…" Luffy questioned.

"Who?"

Luffy held onto her shoulders and yelled, "Where's that snake bastard!?"





Zoro and Chopper looked around to see the distortion going on. The stallion pulling the wagon was frightened as a large bowling ball started rolling their way. As Chopper and the stallion screamed in horror, Zoro got out his swords to cut the incoming object twice. The ball was destroyed, saving them from the event.

"What's going on here!?" Chopper questioned.

"I have no idea!" The stallion claimed. "But whatever it is, it's going on in Ponyville! The chaos of all this is spreading from that town!"

Zoro puts his blades away as he looks over to the distance. "What the hell is going on there?"
> Chapter 16 - Fight Discord! Reunite!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Discord was taking a sip out of the his drink. He swallowed the glass and threw away the chocolate milk. He then looked up to see Luffy walking up to him.

"Ah! Straw Hat! You're back!" He said happily as he brought over a cotton candy cloud. "Would you care for a drink?"

"Turn my friends back to normal." Luffy demanded.

"Whatever do you mean?" Discord questioned playfully.

"Cut the crap!" Luffy scolded. "I know you did something to them! Change them back to normal!"

"I can't do that Straw Hat." Discord said as he appeared next to Luffy, not phasing him one bit. "You see, they're the only ones who can stop me from turning this world into my playground."

"Your playground?"

"Imagine Straw Hat! Gravity turned upside down! Tasty rocks! Oh I have so many ideas! It will be my perfect world, and nopony will stop me."

Luffy gave a dangerous glare and said, "You're pissing me off."

Discord returned the nasty look as he said, "Why, I don't think I appreciate your tone."

"Turn them back, NOW." Luffy demanded. "Or else, I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"You? Kick my flank?" He said as he showed a picture of one. Throwing it away, he laughed. "What're you gonna do? Use that one element?"

Luffy rushed in and punched Discord in the face. He fell over and landed back on his feet.

"Well, that was certainly something!" He said, slightly impressed.

"Gomu Gomu no pistol!"

His hoof stretched and hit discord a second time. He fell back even further, crashing this time. He got up and realized, "You have Devil Fruit powers!"

As Luffy's foreleg went back, he nodded. Discord was giving a golf clap at this.

"Bravo! Bravo! How did it feel when you lost your ability to swim?"

"I never could swim either way." Luffy replied.

"Even if you got Devil Fruit powers, I can tell there are things you aren't immune to." Discord claimed. "For instance, being made of rubber means you're immune to blunt beatings. You are not however immune to sharp objects."

As he said that, swords appeared and started to attack. They were swinging around as Luffy maneuvered through the blades. Discord was watching as he sat on the couch, eating popcorn.

"Hey! Don't leave your swords to fight me!" Luffy scolded.

"Why not? It's the best way to fight if I say so myself." He replied. "You get sliced, and I don't even have to move a finger!"

As Twilight enters the scene, she sees Luffy dealing with the haunted weaponry. Using her magic, she makes her own to fight against them. Luffy looks over to Twilight and grins as he turns back to Discord with a glare.

"Oh, now you have time?" He said sarcastically. "Seriously! Do you really think you can beat me? Even if you do, Ponyville, along with your friends will stay the way they are! You can't do this alone! And you can't do it with your so called friends-"

Another punch was delivered, annoying Discord a lot.

"Shut it! Don't talk about them like you know who they are!" Luffy shouted.

"Oh really? I don't know your friends?" He scoffed. "Let's see about that!"

The room became dark as Luffy was surrounded by fakes of the ponies and his crew. Twilight was in the background, seeing Luffy's crew in form for the first time.

"Guys!?" He called out.

"They're not your friends anymore Straw Hat!" Discord told him. "They're mine now!"

Discord ordered the fakes to attack Luffy. They then swarmed around him, attacking nonstop. Luffy was being thrown around as it kept hitting him over and over. He didn't aim to attack them though. He still focused his sights on Discord as he pushed the others away.

"Are you just going to ignore your former pals?" Discord teased.

"I'm getting sick of your crap." Luffy stated. "These are not them."

Luffy used his Haoshoku Haki to phase Discord, destroying the illusions. He shook his head as Luffy got closer.

"I will never stop fighting for them…" Luffy declared, allowing the element of loyalty to shine. "I don't ever want to fight with them like that again."

"Nopony has ever been able to stop my powers before…" Discord stated as he snapped back into reality. "I guess I was wrong about you Straw Hat. Maybe I should get rid of you."

Discord lifted his finger of the talon, suddenly creating a sphere of water around Luffy. He began to drown as the water refused to let Luffy out from either way. Twilight's eyes shrunk as she screamed out, "LUFFY!"

She ran to his aid as she used her magic to pull him out. Discord laughed at the sight as Twilight kept pulling him until he finally drooped out of it. Luffy wasn't moving.

"Luffy? Luffy! Wake up!" She cried as she pushed down on his stomach.

"I do hate to stop your doctor game." Discord claimed as he created an axe. "But that pony needs to be beheaded."

Twilight focused her magic and teleported the two away from Discord. The swing of the axe misses, making Discord disappointed.

"Oh pooh."





Back at the library, Twilight was pushing down on the belly of Luffy. She was crying endlessly as she continued to push down to his stomach.

"Please don't die! Please don't die! Just PLEASE don't die!"

He wouldn't move. Twilight shivered and fell on him shedding tears on his body. Memories poured back to the day they first met. Luffy was an annoying troublemaker. He put fillies lives in danger, acted like a kid, and was blunt about whatever he said. Even though there were those times he had disappointed the ponies, and even Twilight, it never clouded one thing. He was there for them. He never let the bad things judge the ponies entirely, and they soon see how kind Luffy really is. Twilight then realized what she had before it left.

"Even though Luffy was an idiot…" She thought. "That never changed his will to fight for his friends…"

Suddenly, Luffy vomited the rest of the water and gasped for air. Twilight was surprised, but was overjoyed to see he was alright.

"Luffy!" She cried.

"Agh…" Luffy coughed. "Damn it! That snake bastard got me!"

Twilight hugged Luffy, relieved that he was still alive. "Luffy, let's get away from here!"

"Twi?" Luffy spoke.

"Discord is going to kill you! I don't know if I can save you again! I'm just too scared that… I'll lose you…"

Luffy puts on his hat as he says, "I'm not running away Twilight."

Her face turned red as she yells, "Stop acting so brave! He almost killed you! We need to get out of here so you can make it out alive!"

"I don't care! I'll never stop fighting until I beat him and all of our friends are back to normal!" He declared. "Besides, you said you were scared that you'd lose me, right? Well I'm scared that I'll lose the others. I'm not gonna let that happen!"

Twilight was stunned. Luffy started to walk out to fight him once more. After he left, a scroll fell on her head. She went upstairs to see Spike surrounded by scrolls.





Discord was sitting on his throne waiting for Straw Hat. He was playing with a paddle ball until he finally showed up. Discord grinned as he got up and cracked his talon and paw's fingers.

"Well, aren't you a fool to come back?" Discord stated.

"I shouldn't have gone easy on you." Luffy stated. "But now, I'm not holding back."

"Oh, really?" Discord laughed as he summoned the swords from last time. "Let's get started then!"

The blades raced towards Luffy with stabbing motion going on. Luffy readied his forelegs.

"Bosu Koka!"

Augmented, Luffy then threw his punches.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

The punches destroyed the swords, surprising Discord a lot. Luffy was now more determined than ever as he runs straight after him.

"Haven't you learned your lesson?" Discord questioned as he summoned another sphere of water around Luffy. Luffy held his breath as his hoof was pre planted onto the ground. He then was pulled to the hoof in the floor, saving himself from what happened last time. Discord didn't know what to say.

"I noticed something when we fought." Luffy stated. "You can do all this stuff, but every time you're surprised, you lose control and can't do anything."

Discord merely scoffed. "Only for a few seconds. Can you really take advantage of that?"

Luffy squatted down into his well known posture for the infamous technique.

"Gear Second"

Steam and a shiny coat developed around Luffy. Discord tilted his head wondering what was going on. Luffy looked up and grinned.

"This time, I'm gonna take you down!" Luffy declared.

"Aren't you full of talk?" Discord chuckled.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka!"

Luffy practically flashed over to Discord as the blow not only surprised him, but turned off his ability to manipulate logic. Luffy went around from behind and readied his hoof.

"Gomu Gomu no!"

Discord immediately summoned a shield blocking the way.

"Sea Stone shield!"

"Jet Pistol!"

From behind again, Luffy managed to land another solid blow. Discord was now concerned. Luffy was able to outmaneuver his tricks as well as outsmart him. Unknown to Discord, Luffy was utilizing Kenbunshoku Haki to read his movements. Luffy continued his offense to Discord.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling Gun!"

The array of hooves were barreling towards Discord. However, he managed to create cotton candy cloud to get Luffy's hooves stuck in it. Luffy was then pulled towards the cotton candy cloud.

"What are you going to do now Straw Hat?" He laughed.

His hooves being stuck in cotton candy only meant one thing. Luffy opened his mouth toward the cloud.

"Gomu Gomu no Baku Baku!" (Gum Gum Munch Munch!)

Luffy swallowed the whole cloud, astounding Discord. Luffy continued to get through whatever Discord could throw at him.

"A big mouth, aren't you?" Discord commented. "Tell me Straw Hat, what makes you really want to get back at me? You and I see eye to eye. We love this wonderful world of chaos, you love the idea of the amazing things I've been doing to this land, so why stop me?"

"I don't care about this place." Luffy admitted as he walked forward. "I don't care how the place will turn, I don't care about how you mix up the colors, I don't even care about all these stupid swords and water balls you keep making!"

"Then what do you care about?"

"I told you already!" Luffy shouted bit his two thumbs. "My nakama!"

"Gear Third!"

Luffy's hooves grew. He then transferred the air to his hind legs as he blew more air into the forelegs. Once done, Discord stood before a very tall Luffy.

"Gomu Gomu no Giganto Stampede!"

Luffy then rushed forward, flattening the land as well as chasing Discord away. The chaos that misshaped the land became flat again. The attack eventually squashed Discord in the dust. Luffy then became normal and fall down on the floor. Discord looked around to see the landscape had been reshaped.

"How dare you!" Discord complained. "Look what you did to my masterpiece!"

Luffy got on his forelegs and turned while kicking.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Whip!"

Discord was pushed to the limit as he dropped to the floor. He breathed heavily as he stood back up from the impact. Trying a way to think out of this situation, he tries to reason with Luffy. "Hold on Straw Hat! Like I said before. Just because you beat me to a pulp, I won't just turn everything back to normal! Your Ponyville friends are gone forever!"

"Don't count on it!" Rainbow shouted, getting the two's attention.

"Luffy!" Twilight echoed.

Luffy and Discord turned to Twilight and behind her were her friends, back to their full color. Luffy smiled widely, reassured that they were alright.

"Guys! You're back!" He pointed out.

"Ah, yes, bravo, bravo." Discord clapped sarcastically.

"Luffy! I need the element!" Rainbow called.

"Element?" Luffy repeated. He looked to his neck and took it off. "You mean this?"

"Yes! Throw it over!"

Luffy swung it to her, only for it to be intercepted by Discord.

"Yoink!" He teased as he stole it from the girls.

"Hey! Give it back!" Luffy demanded. As Luffy dashed forward, Discord managed to trap Luffy in a water sphere. This time, nothing was able to let Luffy escape.

"LUFFY!" The others screamed.

"What will it be girls?" Discord asked as he separated the floating element away from Luffy. "The element? Or your rubber brat?"

Being still, they were unsure what to do. Seeing the suffering of Luffy made them know however, what was the obvious choice. They raced forward trying to get him out. Discord laughed as the water expanded and dragged them in too.

"How touching!" He gloated. "The ponies attempt to save their friend, and now fall because of their futile fate! Now nothing will stand in my way!"

"Rengoku Onigiri!" (Purgatory Onigiri!)

Suddenly, Discord was slashed three ways by Zoro who had just passed him. Losing focus, Luffy and the others were released and the element fell down. Discord wasn't exactly sliced up, but was weakened. Luffy got up and smiled and what was before him.

"Zoro! When'd you get here?" Luffy asked.

"When'd you turn into a pony?" Zoro joked.

The other ponies were amazed. Before them was the 120,000,000 beri bounty, Roronoa Zoro. By bits, it was 360,000,000.

"Whoa! He can fight!" Rainbow spoke.

"Hey!" Chopper shouted as he ran around using his walk point. The ponies were amazed to see a reindeer before them, but more importantly, it was carrying the element. "Is this what you needed?"

"Over here!" Rainbow called.

Chopper threw it over, to her. As Discord attempts to steal it again, Luffy blocks him.

"No way snake!" Luffy retorted. "You're not gonna bother them anymore!"

"I'm getting real sick of you!" Discord sneered. "And your dumb hat!"

Discord slashed the hat with his talon, shocking everyone. Luffy looked down as he growled, "You bastard! Look what you did to my hat! I've had it with you!"

Luffy pulled back his hoof and pumped blood.

"Gear second, Bosu Koka."

The hoof was implemented with Bosushoku Haki and then rushed back with fire.

"Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk!"

Discord's chest bursts into flames straight through. The others put on their elements and let the harmony finish the job. Discord then began to turn back into stone, and fell to the ground defeated.

"Luffy!" Twilight called as she gave him his hat. "Sorry about your straw hat."

"It's okay." Luffy replied as he puts it back on. "It's still good at least."

Luffy gave a wide grin before Chopper suddenly jumped on Luffy in his normal form. "Luffy!"

"Ah! Chopper!" Luffy responded with eagerness. "I'm so glad to see you again!"

"Aw! What and adorable pet!" Fluttershy squealed.

"I'm not a pet!" Chopper scolded. "I'm a 50 beri bounty…!"

"HE CAN TALK!?" The ponies screamed.





Later, Luffy, Twilight, and the others joined the banquet for the restoration of Ponyville. The cheerful chatter between ponies echoed as the tables of food were being empties by Luffy. Along the way, Rarity went up to Luffy.

"Here you go." She gave Luffy his repaired hat.

"Hey! You fixed it!" Luffy said as he puts it on his head.

"It's the least I can do after the way I treated you." Rarity replied.

"All of us owe you an apology." Applejack added as the others went up to him.

"Especially me…" Fluttershy said as she embraced Luffy. "I'm just so, so, so sorry… I never wanted to fight you…"

"It's okay." Luffy assured them. "I'm just happy right now."

"Really?" Rainbow responded.

"You all are back to normal, and I found Zoro and Chopper!" Luffy explained.

"We're the ones who found you." Zoro pointed out.

"Still, I don't know how you turned into a pony Luffy." Chopper pointed out. "How am I supposed to cure this?"

"Actually, none of us have been focusing on turning him back to normal." Twilight realized.

"Oh yeah!" Luffy responds. "Does that mean I'm a pony forever!?"

"Don't worry Luffy!" Chopper assures him. "As your doctor, I'll find a way to turn you back!"

"YOU'RE A DOCTOR!?" The ponies reacted.

"WHAT'D YOU THINK I WAS!?"

"A pet…" Fluttershy answered.
"A raccoon dog…" Applejack admitted.
"A talking stuffed animal…" Rainbow commented.

Chopper grimly looked away as he thought, Those bounties are so unfair…

"Oi, Luffy." Zoro remembered. "Did you happen to see the others?"

"No, just you and Chopper." Luffy answered.

"I thought so." Zoro replied as he took out the newspaper. "Then, you should take a look at this."

He showed it to everyone as they widened their eyes of what's going on. It looks like their stay in Equestria has just been extended.
> Chapter 17 - Enter the War! Straw Hats and Mane 6 go forth!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy was running around in the Canterlot castle as the royal guards were chasing him down. Luffy kept on turning, having no idea where he was going. Guards kept coming from out of the blue, trying to capture Luffy.

"Leave me alone!" Luffy shouted at his pursuers.

"Get Straw Hat!" They all shouted.

Luffy ran and ran until he bumped into Celestia, looming over him. She dismissed the guards as she then levitated Luffy and took care of this herself.

"I knew I should have chased you myself." She said to herself.

"Let go of me sun pony!" Luffy ordered. He threw his hooves onto a nearby pillar and held onto it tightly. Celestia didn't notice as she continued to levitate Luffy's head away with her.

"Luffy! I told you why I brought you here!" Celestia complained. "Why is it so difficult to understand what I'm trying to do!?"

"I told you! I don't care about it!" Luffy sneered as his hooves stretched from the pillar.

"Well you should care! It's not like I'm asking you to be the marines! Or to even join the royal guard! I'm not even making you be the prince you'd probably hate!" Celestia went on and on. "It's for your own good!"

"No!" Luffy yelled as the pillar tore and hits Celestia on the head.

She turned to him and yelled, "HEY!"





Luffy sits by the plate of meat as he feeds himself to his content. Luna was admiring Chopper and Zoro as the others converse. Fluttershy was knocked out due to various reasons.

"So, you're Roronoa Zoro?" Rainbow questioned. "Three swords huh? I get it if you have two in your hands, but why one in your mouth?"

"Just because." Zoro replied.

"Oh! He's just so cool!" Luna squealed, making him grunt in surprise. "Oh! Can I have your autograph?"

"You better eat that fast Luffy." Twilight warned him. "Fluttershy is going to stay fainted until you finish that."

"Oh, thanks again for the meat." Luffy said gratefully to Luna. "How'd you get this anyways? I thought ponies don't eat meat."

"A good friend of mine is a griffon merchant." Luna inquired. "He managed to bring some over during your time here."

"Speaking of griffons." Zoro reminded everyone. "What should we do about this?"

Zoro showed off the newspaper, making everyone get serious. Luffy finished up his meal, allowing Fluttershy to resurrect from unconsciousness. The newspaper showed the Griffon King now placing their own bounties on Straw Hat Luffy. The news reports of other accomplices, such as Usopp, Robin, Nami, Sanji, Brook, and Franky. The only ones who haven't participated in the Griffon fighting was Zoro and Chopper.

"Luffy, look at this price." Twilight pointed out. "500,000,000 bits. Though that's much less in the Blue Sea World, it's a big deal around here. The Griffon King wants your head."

"That's a lot here?" Luffy replied with a grin. "Heh! I didn't know I'd have two bounties when I got here!"

"Maybe my bounty won't be so cheap this time!" Chopper thought with hope.

"Then we'll have to get in this to get a bounty." Zoro insisted with a sinister grin.

"You're actually happy about this!?" Applejack said in shock. "Maybe you don't know what bounties are. They're the thing that makes others want to get you!"

"Hey! At least the picture's good." Rainbow pointed out.

"Well, I wish they didn't write my name like this…" Luffy complained. "They took a picture of me as a pony and named me Pony D. Luffy."

"That's not the big issue here." Twilight told him. "And Rainbow shouldn't talk lightly either. Look at this!"

Twilight turned to the page of the bounty placed on Rainbow. She had a bounty of 350,000,000 Bits. Rainbow rolled her eyes as she puts the paper down and says, "It's no big deal Twi. I mean, if anything, I should be peeved that the king didn't put a higher one on me!"

"Rainbow! Take it seriously! You all should! Countless griffons could be knocking at your doorstep for all we know!"

"Please! Luffy and I got this!" Rainbow claimed as she pulled Luffy over by the shoulder.

"Are you trying to top me off?" Zoro questioned jokingly.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Rainbow asked.

"Zoro here is known to be Luffy's first mate on the ship." Luna explained. "He's considered to be the vice captain of the Straw Hats."

"You're really creeping me out with all this stuff you know." Zoro stated.

"Oh! So you're afraid that I'll take your place!" Rainbow understood. "Well, don't worry about it! I'm actually aiming to join the Wonderbolts!"

"Wonderbolts?" Luffy repeated. "Who are they?"

Rainbow gasped as if it were a big deal. She flew up to Luffy and stretched his cheeks apart. "How could you NOT know who they are!?"

"Are they important?" Luffy guessed.

"They're only the BEST flyers in Equestria!" She claimed as she threw Luffy up in the air. "One day, I'm gonna join them!"

"Not like this…" Twilight sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"Rainbow, focus! If you're always being chased down by griffons, do you really think the Wonderbolts will keep you safe? They'll have to suspend you from joining until the war is over!"

Rainbow was shocked to hear this. Not being able to join? She sat down in thought of all this. "I didn't think of that."

"So Rainbow can't join if this bounty stays on her?" Pinkie questioned.

"That's right." Twilight confirmed.

This saddened all the ponies and even Chopper in the room. Luffy and Zoro however simply looked down with the same thought.

"Then we'll just end the war." Luffy suggested.

The other ponies just stared at Luffy. Luna smiled as she said, "Well, I guess we don't have too much to worry about!"

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked. "This just sounds too good to be true."

"Trust in the Straw Hat pirates." Luna assured them. "So long as you work together, everything you hope to gain will be within the grasp."

"Looks like we'll have to go to the Griffon Kingdom." Zoro confirmed. "We'll pack up now and leave first thing in the morning."

"But… But I need my beauty sleep!" Rarity whined.

"We'll be able to meet up with the others too!" Chopper added.

"Oh yeah!" Luffy realized. "I can't wait for you all to meet them!"

"Sounds like a blast!" Pinkie cheered.

"I'll cook something up for the trip I guess." Applejack insists.

"Let me write you some notes while traveling." Luna offered.

"Ah! Thanks Princess Luna!" Twilight replied.





The next day, Luffy and company leaves with an escort of Pegasus pulling chariots. They arrive at the border town between griffon and pony territory, known as Griffora. They drop them off town and the chariots leave. Luffy waves to them.

"Thanks for the ride! See ya later!"

"Alright, seeing how we have two fugitives on our team." Twilight began, eyeing towards Rainbow and Luffy. "We're going to have to try our best to keep a low profile"

"Right." Luffy and Rainbow acknowledged.

"Good. Now to check this pamphlet…"

"Pamphlet?" Applejack repeated. "What's it for?"

"Princess Luna gave it to me. These are instructions on what you should do when with the Straw Hats." Twilight explained as she turned a few pages. "Keep an eye on Zoro, he is the most likely to get lost."

"He already left." Pinkie pointed out.

"WHAT!?" They all yelled.

"Looks like we need to find him." Chopper suggested.

"No problem! Wherever he is, I'll spot him in ten seconds!" Rainbow declared.

"Rainbow!" Twilight scolded. "What does keep a low profile mean to you?"

"This place is full of griffons and ponies." Rarity informed the others. "It'll be best to be careful. Anypony would want that extraordinary bounty of yours."

"So! No flying, no stretching, no beating up random ponies, no beating up random griffons, no telling your name, and don't make a ruckus!" Applejack told the two.

"Fine." Luffy and Rainbow grumbled.

"We'll meet up at that inn after we fill up on supplies." Twilight told the others. "Also, find Zoro. We need him here before we leave."

They all nodded in unison. "Right!"





Chopper was riding on top of Luffy as he and Pinkie ventured through Griffora together. The border town had lots to offer, as well as fishing in the river cutting through the city. As they passed by, Luffy spotted some griffons fishing.

"Oh! Looks like they're fishing down there!" Luffy pointed out.

"Can we go too?" Chopper asked.

"You two eat meat?" Pinkie questioned. "Wow! You pirates ARE hardcore!"

"I think I see the fishing store over there!" Chopper pointed out.

"Right! Let's go!" Luffy declared, marching forward.

"Wait! Wait! Wait!" Pinkie stopped them at his tracks. "Aren't you two Devil Fruit users? What if you fall over and drown?"

"That's why we stand onboard!" Luffy told her. "And besides, we have you just in case to save us!"

Pinkie gasped and then saluted while vowing, "You can count on me!"

"But…" Chopper remembered. "Luffy has a bounty here, doesn't he? If the griffons notice Luffy fishing, they might attack…"

"Applejack did say not to cause a ruckus."

"Aw, what!?" Luffy complained. "But I wanna go too…"

"Don't worry Luffy! I'll catch a whopper! Just you wait!" Pinkie assured him.





Rainbow and Applejack were at the market being inhabited by a number of ponies and griffons. Rainbow was wearing a cap over her mane and colored her tail with black stripes to throw everyone off. Though it was a nice plan, Rainbow didn't like it.

"This sucks!" Rainbow complained. "Why do I have to wear this stuff!?"

"Because somepony gone and made trouble to the Griffon Kingdom." Applejack stated as she was checking the produce.

"Well, if I didn't go after Luffy, then he wouldn't have come back!" Rainbow reminded her.

The ponies and griffons looked at the two, making Applejack panic for a brief moment. Applejack shoved the cap down Rainbow's face to cover her identity, and whistled a non suspicious tune. They all eventually went back to their own business before Rainbow threw off Applejack's hooves.

"What the hay was that for!?" Rainbow questioned.

"What do you not understand about KEEPING A LOW PROFILE!?" Applejack yelled back.

"It's not like you can do any better!"

"Well, I don't have a bounty!"

"That's because you're not worth the Griffon Kingdoms time!"

"What was that!?" Applejack's eyes started to blaze with fire.

"You heard me!" Rainbow's eyes started to glow with lightning.

The two shoved faces on the verge from fighting until they noticed something out in the distance. Zoro was looking up at the alleyway's dead end.

"Hmm? I thought this was the way out…" He claimed.

"ZORO!" Rainbow and Applejack called as they ran to him.

Zoro turned around and saw them. He then said, "Oi, what are you doing here? Did you get lost?"

"YOU GOT LOST!" Applejack and Rainbow shouted back.

Calming down, Applejack then asked, "Why'd you leave the group? We were discussing something important."

"I was just going out for a walk." Zoro replied. "I was walking along the river and…"

"THIS IS THE ALLEYWAY! THERE'S NO RIVER HERE!" Rainbow and Applejack shouted.

The two were catching their breath as Zoro just stared at them. Finally, Rainbow looked up and asked, "Are you some kind of stupid?"

"What'd you say!?" Zoro questioned.

"Your one to talk." Applejack added while looking to the side.

Rainbow glared at Applejack and said, "EH!?"

They started fighting making a cloud of smoke. The griffons and ponies were watching from afar, not wanting to get close to that. That was until a griffon looked at the papers and realized something.

"IT'S RAINBOW DASH!!" He yelled out, informing everyone nearby. The three stopped fighting and saw the crowd of bounty hunters running after them.

"Oh no…" They muttered.

Zoro took out his three swords and grinned menacingly at them, backing the bounty hunters.

"I never had the chance to fight against a crowd of griffons before." He stated.

The griffon bounty hunters went in first, only to be slashed by Zoro. The others backed up and pulled out some of their own weaponry.

"Look out!" Applejack warned him. "They have slingers!"

"And it's loaded with blades!" Rainbow added.

The slingers threw the spinning blades at the three. Zoro blocked it while Applejack and Rainbow jumped out of the way. Seeing it was a tough situation, Rainbow flew up to the air.

"Hey! Would it be bad to fly right now?" Rainbow asked Applejack.

"I think it's passed that point." Applejack replied. "Go for it!"

Rainbow flew in a circle and released another tornado upon the masses.

"Tornado Dash!"

The natural disaster Rainbow made ravaged through the town. The bounty hunters on ground were being blown away while Zoro and Applejack were clinging onto the ground.

"DANG IT RAINBOW!" Zoro and Applejack shouted.





Twilight was walking with Rarity and Fluttershy as they too went shopping. As they did, Twilight was looking over on the pamphlet.

"Princess Luna sure knows a lot about these pirates." Twilight stated. "Packed extra bits for the food Luffy will buy. He will like lots of meat. Zoro in particular will like any alcohol, most of all, sake."

"We can still use the money to buy other things, right?" Rarity asked. "They have some fabulous fabrics and wonderful gems!"

"Um… Didn't Princess Luna give us that money to specifically feed Luffy and the others?" Fluttershy wondered.

"Oh please, even they should know when they're eating too much." Rarity stated. "Besides, what the princesses don't know won't hurt."

Meanwhile, at Canterlot, Luna was screaming at the magic eye Celestia was watching through to check on her student and Luffy.

"YOU MONEY GRUBBERS!" Luna scolded. "THAT WAS FOR THE STRAW HATS!"

"They can't hear you." Celestia reminded her.

"Then send a letter to them!" Luna demanded.

"Spike isn't with them." Celestia added.

"AUGH!"

Back to the others, Rarity continued to look around while Fluttershy noticed something. She looked up to the air, worried about something. Twilight saw her reaction as well.

"What's wrong Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"Um… I think somepony is fighting…"

Twilight and Rarity exchanged worried expressions and looked back saying, "You don't think…?"

"I'm not sure." Fluttershy replied. "But there is a lot of violence."

"Okay, let me check." Twilight looked into the pamphlet and read what was inside. "Most likely to get into fights. Luffy and Zoro are on the top of the list."

They were silent as they then saw griffons and ponies flying from explosions and tornados from the distance. They all sighed as they said, "Of course."

"Well, we better go get them." Rarity recommended. Before heading out, they heard a screaming noise. Looking up, they spot Luffy, Pinkie, and Chopper flying through the air. The landed right beside them face first. They only stared at them for a moment before realizing something.

"What happened!?"





Earlier by the river, Pinkie and Chopper were fishing along the shore while Luffy was hiding in the shade. The griffons and ponies passing by were wondering why the pink pony was fishing and what was with the raccoon dog. Luffy moaned in boredom as time passed by.

"Can I join you guys now?" Luffy asked.

"You need to stay hidden so we don't get into trouble like Applejack said." Chopper reminded him.

Luffy pulled the lip, which made Pinkie feel for him. She hands Luffy the rod and say, "Okay, here! You can have mine."

"Oh boy!" Luffy said as he jumped out of the shadows and grabbed the rod. "Alright! I sure hope I catch something yummy!"

Suddenly, a griffon noticed something about Luffy. Looking at the newspaper and him, he realized who he is. "Straw Hat Luffy!!"

Bounty hunters swarmed the place again, and all the griffons that were fishing pulled out slingers and daggers.

"AH! We're surrounded!" Pinkie and Chopper squealed.

"Get them!" They all shouted.

"Gomu Gomu no-"

Luffy stopped as he sensed multiple blades being thrown at him. He dodged them but the assault of griffons pushed Luffy down the river.

"LUFFY!" The two screamed.

"We got him now!" a pony bounty hunter said. "Now into the water!"

"Get away from him!" Chopper yelled as he transformed.

"Horn Point!"

Chopper became more human like and his horns grew in size.

"Collonnade Rose!" (Roseo Collonnade!)

Throwing off the attackers, Chopper went back to rescuing Luffy by jumping in the water. Pinkie was shocked as she said, "But I thought you can't swim!"

It was too late as he fell in the water. Pinkie gasped as she immediately followed after them. Bringing the two back to air level, she saw all the griffons and pony bounty hunters all jumping down as well. Pinkie screamed before something happened.

"Midori Boshi: Take Jave-rin!" (Green Star: Bamboo Javelin!)

Suddenly, bamboo grew from the ground and attacked the offenders. Pinkie had no idea what was going on, but focused on getting Luffy and Chopper our of the water.

"Luffy! Wake up!" Pinkie said to him. "I think we have to go!"

"Alright, hold on…" Luffy said lazily as he stretched his hoof around one of the bamboo.

"Wait… don't…!" Chopper tried to say before coughing water.

"Gomu Gomu no Zenmai!" (Gum Gum Spring!)

They were pulled by Luffy's hoof and spun around the bamboo a couple of times before flying out and away from the crowd. After they did, Robin and Usopp were in a banana boat cruising along the river.

"Aw, did we miss him?" Usopp groaned.

"Maybe we'll see catch up to him over there." Robin pointed towards the feud of tornados and explosions.

"Why do I get the feeling that Zoro is here?" Usopp said sarcastically.





"I don't even know why you tried to go after him." Twilight said to Chopper as she pressed down against his stomach. "This is the third time I had to save a drowning victim."

"At least you don't have to do CPR." Rarity enlightened.

"Luffy, you need to be more careful." Fluttershy told him.

"Sorry, sorry!" Luffy laughed. "I guess I was just excited about fishing again!"

"AH! The fishing rods I bought were left there!" Pinkie remembered. "Aw… It was limited edition too…"

"We should get going." Twilight said as she pressed on Chopper once more, finally letting the rest of the water out. "I have a feeling Rainbow and the others got into trouble."





Rainbow was flying away from the griffon and pegasus bounty hunters. Zoro and Applejack were chasing after her to make sure she was alright. Rainbow spun and threw in another tornado.

"Tornado Dash!"

Zoro and Applejack panicked as they got out of the way from the attack. After the tornado passed, Zoro and Applejack glared at Rainbow.

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE SHOOTING THAT!!" They yelled.

"Whoops. Sorry!" Rainbow nervously shrugged before dodging a blade. She looked at the remnants of the bounty hunters still in the air as well as the others on the ground. Zoro took aim to the ones in flight while Applejack to aim at the ones on ground.

"Senhachiju Pound Ho!" (1080 Caliber Phoenix!)

The technique wiped out the crowd in the air, giving Rainbow a chance to escape freely. As for the ones on foot, Applejack lassoed the one closest to Rainbow and pulled.

"Rodeo Pull!"

Pulling the rope, Applejack got the victim to fall backwards along with all the other bounty hunters. Before they could relax, they soon noticed all the attention they received, and got bounty hunters wanting revenge.

"Well, this isn't good." Applejack stated. "What now?"

Zoro got ready with his swords in place. He made sure to take a few steps away from Applejack as he spun.

"Kokujo: O Tatsumaki" (Black Rope Dragon Twister!)

The tornado of slashes begun, and the griffons and ponies who were fighting were now fleeing. Applejack dropped her jaw as Zoro puts away his swords.

"Bounty Hunters? You should have stuck to simpler jobs." Zoro recommended.





Rainbow wasn't out of the woods yet. She needed to land some place where they won't find her. Suddenly, she heard a voice calling out to her.

"Rainbow! In here!"

She stopped and saw the voice coming from in open window.

"Get in!"

Not in the mood to decline, she goes into the building. It was an old empty room. No one was there except the griffon behind her, locking the window.

"There, nopony will know you're here." She sighed in relief.

Rainbow dropped her jaw as her eyes shrunk. Before her was a familiar being. "YOU!"
> Chapter 18 - Enter Gilda! A plea for help!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow stood before the familiar griffon. Her yellow eyes gaze back to Rainbow's angered expression. A moment of silence before Rainbow yelled…

"Gilda! What are you doing here!?"

"Relax Rainbow!" She told her. "I'm here to help!"

"HA! Yeah right!" Rainbow said as she inspected the room. "What is this!? Some kind of super wood that I won't be able to smash through!?"

She punches straight through the wall, confirming it was nothing of the sort.

"That's wood. Old wood to be exact." Gilda responded.

"Okay, you got me there." Rainbow admitted before walking to the stairs. "But I bet there are a bunch of bounty hunters hiding to get me by surprise!"

She stuck her head downstairs to see no one there.

"It's my old house, calm down." Gilda told her.

Rainbow went back up and says, "Alright, nopony is here except you and me." She then pounces on Gilda and accused, "Which means you're trying to capture me for my bounty!"

"Calm down you airheaded clown!" Gilda shouted as she pushed her off. "Okay, listen. I really need your help."

"With what?" Rainbow questioned as she got on her feet.

"It's about my parents." Gilda stated, stunning Rainbow a lot. "They've been taken."





Bodies of the defeated littered the streets. Zoro and Applejack were walking around looking for the others.

"Geez." Zoro sighed. "Did that Rainbow get lost or something?"

"Where are we headed Zoro?" Applejack asked.

"We're going to meet up with Luffy and the others." Zoro planned. "We should also keep a look out for your friend."

As they passed around the corner, Applejack noticed a familiarity of the market.

"Hey, weren't we just here?" Applejack questioned.

Zoro turned and checked. "Hmm… It does look familiar."

"Do you even know where we're going?" Applejack wondered. "Scratch that… Do you even know where we are?"

"Eh? What do you mean by that?" Zoro questioned.

"Didn't you beat that guy up over there just ten seconds ago?" Applejack pointed out.

Zoro looked at the pony with the Mohawk with a jagged blade and his long thin mustache.

"Can't say, I don't remember weaklings that well."

Applejack grumbled as she suggested, "You know what? How about you follow me this time."

Zoro didn't argue as he didn't notice Applejack's annoyed expression. Applejack leads the way this time, back to the inn.





Rainbow was sitting on the floor with Gilda as she explains the situation. After doing so, Rainbow recaps to make sure.

"So let me get this straight…" Rainbow began. "Bounty hunters just kidnapped your parents, who turned out to be former pirates?"

Gilda nodded without showing emotion.

"But I met your parents from time to time! If they were pirates, how come they didn't leave for a voyage or something?"

"That's because they're just local pirates." Gilda explains. "They used a wing ship to take all kinds of stuff around Equestria. Once they got old, they quit the business. I just don't know how they found out…"

"And why do you think I can help?" Rainbow questions.

"Because of your little scuffle." Gilda states as she shows off the newspaper. "Anypony who got 350,000,000 bits as a bounty has to have some serious power, and I need that kind of skill."

Rainbow scratched her head towards the compliment. "Well, thanks. Yeah, these babies got power… Hey wait! Don't think I forgot about what you did back in town!"

"I know, I know…" Gilda replied. "And I'm sorry, alright? But please! I'm talking about my parents! You gotta help me…"

Rainbow was deep in thought. Even though what she did was wrong, this was about someone else. She couldn't just abandon them in a time of need. Of course, there were also those old memories of their friendship. That should count for something.

"Alright, alright." Rainbow agreed. "I'll help, but we'll need my friends."

"Sweet!" Gilda said cheerfully. "Thanks! I owe you one!"

"Come on! We need to get going!" Rainbow said as she broke the lock on the window. The two flew out back to the inn.





Twilight and the others walked back to the inn. There, they meet up with Zoro and Applejack who got there first.

"Whoa! Zoro! I didn't think you'd get back here first!" Luffy said as he was impressed.

"What? You'd think I'd get lost in this small town?" Zoro questioned.

"You did!" Applejack shouted. "You will not believe this guy! I didn't think I'd get as annoyed as I did with Luffy! This guy kept on getting us lost and going in circles. When I walked him back to the inn, he almost got lost again!"

Zoro closed his eyes as he said, "Because your instructions suck!"

"No it ain't! There's something wrong with your sense of direction. Seriously, we have to keep a bell on this guy or something."

"OI!" Zoro scolded as he bonked Applejack on the head.

"Hey, has anyone seen Rainbow?" Chopper wondered.

They all looked at Chopper, especially Applejack and Zoro, who were about to hit each other.

"Wasn't she with you?" Twilight asked Applejack.

"About that." She started off as she pushed Zoro away. "We got into a fight with a crowd of bounty hunters trying to get Rainbow. By the time it was over, she went into hiding."

"Does that mean we have to look for her now?" Pinkie wondered.

"No it doesn't!" Rainbow claimed as she landed nearby. Along with her was Gilda, surprising everyone, but mostly the ponies.

"Look out! It's another griffon!" Luffy said as he kicked his hoof to the floor.

Zoro got out his swords while Chopper went into his walk point getting ready to fight as well. The others stood still however.

"What's Gilda doing here!?" Pinkie questioned Rainbow.

"Hold on!" Rainbow quickly replied. "Okay, let's calm down. This is Gilda you guys. She's a… somepony I know, and she needs help."

Reluctantly doing as Rainbow said, they took off the battle stance as they returned to normal casual selves. The five however were glaring at Gilda.





At the inn, Luffy was eating meat as the team heard the story. After Gilda explained everything, Luffy spat out yelling, "YOUR PARENTS ARE PIRATES!?"

"Were to be specific." Gilda implied as she flicked a piece of meat off her face.

"Oh, disgusting!" Rarity whined.
"That is nasty!" Applejack groaned.
"Luffy! Don't talk with your mouth full!" Twilight scolded.
"Say it, don't spray it!" Rainbow told Luffy.

"Oh, sorry!" Luffy chuckled.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you could help me." Gilda asked.

"Well, why not?" Luffy replied. "You're friends with Rainbow after all."

"LUFFY!" The five ponies screamed as Pinkie pushed him down.

"What!?" he questioned.

"Luffy, Gilda used to be friends with Rainbow." Pinkie explained. "And also, she's a total meanie! She was mean to poor little Fluttershy!"

"Really?" He replied.

"But!" Rainbow cuts in. "She needs help! Her parents are in danger! Now, I'm on edge about the idea too, but all she's asking is for some help to break her parents out. Maybe crack some skulls along the way. Come on! We can totally do this quick and easy!"

The ponies were just unsure, especially Fluttershy. Luffy however nodded in agreement. "If you want to do it, then I'll help."

"Luffy…!" Twilight called out.

"See! Luffy here is ready to help me out." Rainbow boasted for him. "Are you saying Luffy here knows when a friend needs help better than you do?"

"Alright, we get it." Applejack responded. "We can't let Luffy down after all. We do owe him for what he's done so far."

"Thanks. I owe you one." Gilda said gratefully.





Usopp and Robin were at Wing's Peak, the mountain spot of Griffora. They were once again camping out nearby the fire.

"I definitely saw Luffy, Zoro, and Chopper." Usopp confirmed. "There were also six ponies."

"I recall that there was one purple and one white unicorn, one orange and one pink earth pony, one rainbow and one yellow pegasus." Robin added. "So the next time we see them, we'll regroup from there."

"Good, I've been missing the others for a while." Usopp stated. "But seriously, why is Luffy still a pony?"

"I find it cute." Robin said as she prepared to sleep.

Usopp nodded in agreement and puts out the fire.
> Chapter 19 - Gilda's mission, Start!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight gave a good yawn as she stretched her limbs before she opened her eyes. First thing she sees are the pile of defeated ponies and griffons around the room. she freezes as she sees Zoro putting away his swords and walking downstairs.

"I think the inn keeper made us breakfast." Zoro informed the others.

Luffy, Pinkie and Chopper ran out the room yelling, "FOOD!"

"Well, that's one way to wake up." Applejack said as she cracked her neck.

"The most awesome way there is!" Rainbow stated.

"Yeah, sure." Gilda replied.

They left downstairs leaving Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy in the room. Twilight looked to the others and said, "Did you girls really sleep through that?"

"If I could, I would." Rarity said before she got up rubbing her eyes. "This does not do well for my complexion."

Fluttershy peeked from her blanket as she asked, "I-I-Is it over?"

"That depends." Twilight replied. "What happened?"





At the breakfast table, they were eating toast and eggs. When the others were talking, Luffy stretched his hoof to steal their food. Victims so far are Pinkie, Chopper, Applejack, and Rainbow.

"Luffy!" Applejack and Rainbow scolded. "You rubber dolt!"

Pinkie and Chopper were pulling on Luffy's face as they demanded their food back.

"Give it back Luffy!" Chopper yelled.

"I wanna eat too!" Pinkie whined.

"Would you knock it off!" Twilight told them as she levitated Chopper and Pinkie off of Luffy. "We need to focus on Gilda's problem. The sooner we do, the sooner we can continue our own journey."

"Oh right!" Rainbow remembered. "Hey Gilda, where are your parents anyhow?"

"They're in this old building at Wing's Peak." Gilda answered. "They sent the message to me saying if I don't pay up the ransom, they're gonna give them to the Griffon Kingdom to arrest."

"That's terrible!" Rarity responded quite surprised.

"The Griffon Kingdom has been like this for a while." Gilda stated. "That's why we lived at the border town. We thought it'd be less dangerous here, but surprise, surprise."

"What surprise?" Pinkie asked, only to get a glare from Gilda. "Geez, I was just asking."

"We should find some other place to go for tonight." Rarity stated. "I know it's off topic, but this inn is much too dangerous to be in. Bounty Hunters just came in and out freely."

"Well, we don't need that much help rescuing Gilda's parents." Rainbow assured everyone. "I think we just need me, Luffy, the raccoon dog, and maybe Fluttershy."

"I'm a reindeer! See the antlers!?" Chopper corrected her.

"W-What!?" Fluttershy squeaked. "Why do I have to go?"

"Because you have Haki! Remember?" Rainbow answered. "We could use that just in case."

"Luffy has it too!" Fluttershy pointed out.

"Why not have one more in case?" Rainbow replied.

"I guess we'll just look for a place to stay for tonight." Twilight concluded. "Somewhere less suspicious."

"We're not staying in this town forever." Zoro reminded her. "We have to get going if we're ever going to reach the Griffon Kingdom."

"Right, but by the time they finish up, it'll be night time again." Twilight explained. "We'll have to get a full night's rest this time too! No bounty hunter should be able to find this place!"

"Will this next inn have a spa?" Rarity asked.

"Asking for a bit much, aren't ya?" Applejack commented.

"W-W-Wait, do I really have to go?" Fluttershy asked.

"Don't worry Fluttershy!" Luffy assured her. "We'll be fine! We have Chopper here to take care of us in case anything happens!"

"Yes! You have nothing to worry about!" Chopper saluted.

"I-If you say so…" Fluttershy sighed.





At the Hunter's House located around Wing's Peak, Griffons and ponies were doing what they usually did. Sharpen their blades for their slingers, gambling with cards, and looking out the window. One of them that happened to be drinking coffee looked out to the open saw Luffy, Rainbow, Chopper, Gilda, and Fluttershy walking towards the building. The bounty hunter spat it out as he said, "We've got trouble!"

Outside of the house, Luffy stood in front. He turned to Gilda and asked, "Do you know where they are?"

"I remember the room." Gilda replied. "Just blow them away first and then I'll show you where."

One of the hunter's threw a dagger at Luffy, only to miss thanks to his Haki. Fluttershy reacted too well as she hid behind a tree.

"So scary…" She whimpered.

Chopper took a look at the dagger then back to Luffy. He then had an idea as he picked up the dagger and rode on top of Luffy.

"Onward!" He commanded as he raised the dagger up high like a sword.

"Yeah!" Luffy responded as he rushed in. He bashed down the door, and attacked the bounty hunters inside.

Rainbow looked up and saw some hunters on the top floor. She had on a smirk as she said, "Watch me take care of these guys ten seconds flat!"

"Go for it." Gilda responded. "I'm still gonna win."

"Fluttershy! Tell us if you sense anything else! We'll be inside!" Rainbow told her as she flew in through the top floor.

"Okay!" She replied back.

Rainbow and Gilda busted in, shocking the griffons and ponies inside. The fight began as Gilda slashed them off with her talons, giving them cuts. Rainbow zoomed around and puts her hooves in front of her.

"Rainbow Rush!"

The tackle threw the enemies through the walls and outside. Gilda raised an eyebrow at this.

"Rainbow Rush?" She spoke. "When'd you start making new moves?"

"Ask the idiot downstairs." Rainbow replied.

Meanwhile down below, Luffy and Chopper were running around causing havoc with their combo.

"Little Knight Charge!"

Luffy ran head first while Chopper swung the dagger around like a sword. The bounty hunters ran from this duo, fleeing their own base. As Luffy went on, Chopper remembered something.

"Luffy! We need to check the rooms for Gilda's parents!" Chopper told him.

"Right!" Luffy nodded.

Luffy and Chopper began to look around the rooms. opening and closing doors for every one that didn't have anyone in there.

Meanwhile, Gilda and Rainbow were finishing up with the rest of the foes. After knocking the last one, Gilda said…

"Rainbow! I'm gonna look downstairs! You interrogate them!"

"Got it!" Rainbow replied.

Outside, Fluttershy notices something. She looks around as she wondered, What's happening?





As Chopper and Luffy enter the last room, they find no one there. Sighing, they turn around to see Gilda.

"Gilda!" Chopper spoke. "We're sorry, we couldn't find your parents."

"These guys are probably hiding them somewhere!" Luffy thought.

"I guess my parents aren't here…" Gilda muttered while looking down.

"Gilda…" Chopper said somberly.

"We'll find them." Luffy reassured her.

"No, no, it's alright. I never expected to see them here honestly." Gilda admitted. She then puts on a glove with a metallic surface. "After all…"

Suddenly, she grasps upon both Chopper and Luffy, making them faint in the process. She looks down on them as she says, "I haven't seen them for ten years."
> Chapter 20 - Gilda declines? Hunter now Hunted!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"What do you mean you don't have any griffons captured!?" Rainbow interrogated the bounty hunter.

"I swear! We're having a slow month!" He replied.

"Wait…" Rainbow thought. She turned and yelled, "GILDA!!"

She then saw her breaking the floor as she came from the second floor. She flew off with Luffy in her hold. Rainbow then went in to chase her down. As she got closer to Gilda, she prepared a technique.

"Spiraling-"

Gilda however puts Luffy in front of her, making Rainbow hesitate. Gilda quickly took the chance to punch Rainbow down and fly away. Rainbow crashed nearby Fluttershy, alerting her.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy screamed. "What happened!?"

"G-Gilda…" Rainbow muttered. "S-She got Luffy… We need to chase after her!"

"Where is she?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow looked around to see she was gone. She hits the floor in anger.

"Dang it! No!" She cried. "I can't believe I trusted her! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

"Rainbow…" Fluttershy said as she placed her hoof on her shoulder. "It's okay, we'll find them."

"You don't get it!" Rainbow replied. "Gilda's probably turning Luffy in for his bounty!"

"What…?"

"If Luffy gets turned in, he's gonna die!" Rainbow stated. "The Griffon King placed a bounty on him for a reason!"

"But… But Luffy's strong…"

"He was unconscious when Gilda was carrying him!" Rainbow told her. "I don't know how she managed to knock out Luffy, but right now, he's in danger! We have to find him now!"





In the sky, Luffy was being carried by Gilda's claw, covered by a glove. Luffy tried to push himself away, but Gilda held on tighter, preventing him from slipping.

"Sea stone gloves." Gilda told Luffy. "I wasn't kidding that my parents were pirates. They left all this junk behind after they came back only to leave again."

"… So you lied…?" Luffy questioned while under the influence of sea stone.

"Not completely… but I did fool you." Gilda stated as she lands somewhere in a forest. There, Luffy sees before him a camp of Griffon Kingdom affiliated griffons. They all give Gilda a warm smile as she ties up Luffy.

"There, you can't cause trouble now." Gilda stated.

After she pushes Luffy into the dirt, Luffy was now back to normal. Sadly, being tied up didn't give him much options. "You stupid beak face! I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"I'd like to see you try that." Gilda replied.

From a tent, a large and buff griffon walks out. He wore armor plating on his shoulders, sharp metal parts on his wings, and metallic claws. He walked up to Gilda and grinned.

"Well! Look at this!" He said. "500,000,000 bit bounty! I didn't think you'd get him that easily."

"I'm in a whole new other league when it comes to getting these guys." Gilda stated. "Now that I have 500,000,000 bits with me, you better hold up your side of the deal Gash."

Gash smiled as he said, "Yes, yes, of course. We'll get right on it."

Gash went back to the tent as Luffy tries to get the ropes off. Gilda walks over to Luffy and scoffs.

"Seriously, these are Rainbow's friends nowadays? She can do way better."

"What's your problem?" Luffy questioned.

"I just need that money." Gilda claimed. "An idiot like you wouldn't understand."

Gash came back smiling as he went up to Luffy. He pats his straw hat as he says, "Well, well, well! The infamous Pony D. Luffy! A pleasure to finally meet you!"

"Hands off the hat!" Luffy barked.

Gash pulled his talon away from Luffy's bite. "Feisty one, isn't he?"

"So how long do I have to wait until I can go?" Gilda asked.

"Ah, yes." Gash replied. "Unfortunately, there has been an increase on your toll."

"What!?" Gilda shouted. She grasped onto Gash's shoulders as she says, "You little liar! You promised that once I get the money, you'll let the kingdom off my back!"

"And you will! It's just another 300,000,000 bits." Gash stated.

Gilda's eyes shrunk as she took a few steps back. "300,000,000!? How the hay am I supposed to get that kind of money!?"

"Do what you always did. Catch those bounties." Gash simply answered. "You've been doing such a good job catching rebels, so why not one more?"

"But there isn't anymore! Did you not happen to notice all the bounty hunters drying Griffora of rebels?" Gilda reminded him.

"There's still one more." Gash grinned as he pulled the wanted poster. Gilda's eyes shrunk as she viewed Rainbow Dash's poster. "She was with Straw Hat, wasn't she? Just bring her in and you're done."

"… Rainbow…?"

"Just one more job." Gash told her. "Once you bring her in, you're free to go."

Gilda stared at the poster without expressions. Gash merely waited for her to answer while Luffy watched from where he was. Finally, she gritted her teeth as she says, "No."

Luffy was surprised as much as Gash. He scratched her, pushing Gilda to the floor.

"What was that!?" Gash questioned.

"I'm not gonna do it." Gilda whimpered.

"What's wrong?" Gash teased. "I thought you were in a whole new league when it comes to capturing rebels."

"I can't do it…" Gilda whispered.

Gash carried her from her head and said, "Can't do it? You just got a 500,000,000 bit bounty just now! This 350,000,000 bit bounty shouldn't be any trouble for you."

"I can't… I just can't…" She said with tears shedding. Gash was angered by this as he threw her to the side.

"Did you forget what will happen to you if you don't clear up your debt to the kingdom?" Gash questioned. "As the daughter of the infamous Griffon Pirates, you must pay for the sins of being born by bad blood!"

Gilda struggle to get up as she glares at Gash. "I can't fight Rainbow… If it means turning her in…"

Gash walked up to Gash as he raised his menacing wings and placed it next to Gilda's throat. "And why is that? Do you have some kind of connection to her?"

Gilda started to cry as she remembered the times of her school days. Rainbow and Gilda were rivals at the first glance. They competed for speed and glory on the track. The moment they became friends was when Rainbow defended her from pegasus discriminating her for being an outsider. As time passed, they hung out at lunch. Gilda was fond of Rainbow, but disliked it when she was comforting her other friend, Fluttershy. The pegasus who would always cry over everything. Gilda wished she had Rainbow to herself, but not even that was in her grasp. When Rainbow finished school and moved to Ponyville, Gilda had moved back home in the Griffon Kingdom to find her parents finally did what they had planned. They left for the voyage they yearned for so long without Gilda holding them back.

You'll only hold us back. Maybe when you're stronger, you can fly your way over here!

"Fire Bird Star!"

As if a phoenix was shot, fire then hit Gash as well as igniting the camp on fire. Luffy was then carried away by hands as well as Gilda. Gash recovered in time to see the two gone and his men in panic.

"What is this insolence!?" Gash questioned.

"Doce Fluer."

12 Hands sprouted and tangled around Gash's neck and body. Gash was still, not knowing what was about to happen.

"Clutch!"

The hands cracked the bones, forcing Gash into submission. He falls down knocked out in the middle of the camp. The griffons quickly start putting out fires while Usopp and Robin escape with Luffy and Gilda.

"Robin! Usopp!" Luffy spoke.

"Why do I have to carry the griffon!?" Usopp whined. "She's heavy!"

"But Usopp, you're stronger than I am." Robin claims as she pets Luffy.

"LIES!" Usopp yelled.





"You let them escape!?" Zoro scolded Rainbow and Fluttershy. The two looked down as Zoro pinched his face in disappointment. "Geez… you have got to be kidding me."

"I think Gilda had some Sea Stone on her glove." Chopper claimed as he was tended to by Applejack.

"I went after them, but she used Luffy like a shield and got me when I hesitated." Rainbow explained.

"I knew that Gilda was a meanie mo beanie!" Pinkie said furiously. "She just makes me so MAD!"

"We should focus on where we could find them." Rarity suggested.

"If anything, they might be on the road to Talon's Hold." Twilight stated.

Zoro raised an eyebrow at this. "Talon's Hold?"

"The prison of the Griffon Kingdom. Though Tartarus is too a prison for the greatest of evils, Talon's Hold also holds many law breakers and rebels of the Griffon Kingdom. Once they are within the prison's grasp, they'll never be let out. Like being held by a griffon's sharp claws."

"Seeing how weak everyone is here, I'm not too worried." Zoro commented.

"A little overconfident, aren't ya?" Applejack retorted.

Fluttershy glanced into the distance as she felt more presences. Squinting partially, she sees Usopp and Robin coming into view. Her eyes shrunk as she tells the others, "Zoro! Chopper! Aren't those your friends?"

Everyone looked into the distance to see them along with Luffy and Gilda. Gilda was walking while Luffy was being carried by Robin.

"Robin, I can walk on my own you know." Luffy informed her.

"I don't mind carrying you." Robin replied as she continues to pet Luffy.

"Usopp! Robin!" Chopper called as he ran up to them. He hugged Usopp and said, "I haven’t seen you two for so long!"

"Chopper! You're here too?" Usopp smiled. "That's great!"

"YOU!" Pinkie shouted as she wielded the Wado Ichimonji. "YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID!"

Zoro punched Pinkie in the face yelling, "OI! DON'T STEAL MY SWORDS!"

Zoro grumbled as he puts away his katana while Pinkie was rubbing her head. "I was only gonna hit her with the back of the sword."

"That being said, we still haven't forgotten what you did." Applejack stated as she pulled her rope.

"That's right." Rainbow said as she punched her hooves together.

Robin conjured hands to stop the two from advancing any further. "We didn't save her just for you to beat her up."

"WHAT THE HAY IS THAT!?" Rainbow and Applejack screamed at the hands popping out.

"What are you saying?" Twilight questioned. "You rescued her because she's not bad?"

"Well, I thought the same thing." Usopp explained. "But it turns out she has a good reason for doing all this. Well, I think there's one anyways."

"Will you be willing to share with us this time?" Robin asked Gilda.

"Yeah, sure… I don't have much of a choice now." Gilda nodded.

"Your little trick may have worked last time." Zoro began. "But don't think about doing it again. If you try to pass even a little lie, I won't hesitate to cut you where you stand."

"Oh yeah? What makes you think-" Gilda stopped as Zoro's glare and growl pierced through her bravery. "Uh… right…"
> Chapter 21 - Unpleasant Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Many years ago within the Griffon Kingdom, a female griffon and a male griffon are hiding from the guards outside. Among the two was a newborn griffon, crying.

"Shush Gilda!" The father yelled at her. "You'll get us caught!"

"We had to have a crybaby at a time like this!" the mother complained. "We're so close to Griffora too!"

"Once we cross the border, we'll be scot free!" the father quoted. "So don't mess this up Gilda, or we'll leave you!"

The baby cried louder, making the parents hold her mouth in order to mute the sound.





Years later, the baby grew up to be a young griffon. The family was now living in Cloudsdale. Though the griffons got away, they had to sacrifice their beloved wing ship in order to make it out safely. From then on, they blamed Gilda for it due to her excessive whining that nearly got them caught in the first place. As Gilda ran home, she went to her parents in tears.

"What is it now?" The father asked without care.

"T-T-The pegasus started bullying me again!" Gilda cried. "They keep calling me a bird face!"

"I expected them to call you waterfalls." the mother retorted. "You just keep on crying!"

"Listen, you gotta take care of yourself already!" the father scolded. "Stop bothering us with your problems! We've already had to lose a lot just to bring you where you are now! The least you could do things on your own."

"But… But…" Gilda whimpered.

"Here's 20 bits, go buy some friends or whatever." the mother told her as she threw the bag at her daughter's face. Gilda only complied and left the house.

As Gilda left, she overhears her parents yelling. She stays nearby the door to listen.

"Can't believe this! We have an annoying brat now!" the mother complained.

"I know honey, but don't worry." the husband reassured her. "Once we get a new ship, we'll set out to sea without her."

Gilda's eyes shrunk as she collapsed near the door. Trying her hardest to hold back the tears, she wipes them before they can even show.





Gilda is now a teenager. She has held back the feelings of despair and showed off the intimidating side to show everyone around her who's the boss. She walks around the hallways as if she owns the place, even pushing a few pegasus around. Though she was seemingly ruling the school with her ruthlessness, she notices another pegasus gathering a lot of attention. The rainbow mane pegasus strolls down the hallway before glancing at Gilda.

"Hey, what are you looking at!?" Gilda questioned.

"I didn't know they have griffons at this school." Rainbow commented.

"And I didn't know they had clowns at this school." Gilda insulted.

Rainbow flew to Gilda's beak and said, "What was that beak face!?"

"You heard me clown wig!" Gilda retorted.

The two then got into a fight. A few punches and scratches were given before the teacher's had to separate them. From then on, the two competed in power, speed, and popularity. The rivalry was something that was part of their lives. Every day was a contest, and the victor would always prepare for tomorrow to repeat the process.





High school, Gilda's first day isn't going too hot. The pegasus she has bullied before now come back for revenge. Though she managed to fend them off, she was unable to rest without worry. Then, she came…

"What the hay happened to you!?" Rainbow questioned.

Gilda spat on the floor and said, "What? You gonna laugh at me?"

"Who did this!?" Rainbow yelled.

"Pfft, no one." She said as she walked away.

A few hours later, Gilda happened to pass by the principal's office to see the pegasus that bullied her back. Rainbow happened to walk out the door and run into Gilda.

"Oh, hey." Rainbow greeted.

"What did you do?" Gilda asked.

"Just taught those guys a lesson. That's all." Rainbow answered.

"But… Why?"

"I just hate bullies. So I like to show them what's up."

Gilda was stunned that her rival would do such a thing. She looked down as she stuttered, "But… Aren't we…"

"Friends? Yeah, of course!" Rainbow finished for her.

Gilda was still. Holding back the tears, she nodded in acknowledgement. From then on, they were pals. Gilda would continue to compete with Rainbow, but has never again belittled her. As the two hung out, Gilda became happier and more confident than ever. There were times however when Rainbow comforted others from the same treatment due to the bullies. One of the most reoccurring was Fluttershy. Gilda watched from afar as Rainbow embraced the shy pegasus.

"There, there." Rainbow told Fluttershy. "Come on, it's nothing to get upset about."

"I know, but I'm just a bit hungry…" Fluttershy expressed. "I wish they didn't take my lunch…"

"Hey! I'll share some with you." Rainbow offered. "My Mom and Dad gave me some sandwiches. We can share so you won't starve."

"Oh, but… I don't know…" Fluttershy replied quietly. "I don't want to be a bother."

"No bother to me Fluttershy. Come on, let's eat."

Fluttershy nodded and sheds a small tear. Gilda gags at this.

"Pfft, what a wuss." Gilda sneered.

In mind, Gilda disliked Fluttershy because Fluttershy reminded her too much of herself. A constant crybaby who cried over everything. But this was much deeper, as Fluttershy had Rainbow to comfort her as many times as she needs. Gilda had only met Rainbow's loyalty now, and was jealous every time she went to someone else's aid besides her own.





One day, Gilda came home only to find everything in her house gone. Only thing left was her belongings as well as a stack of money. Beside the money was a note containing the following message.

To our dearest daughter…

We finally hit the jackpot and now have enough money to restart the Griffon Pirates once more. This time, we are leaving our mistake behind. You. Don't bother looking for us, we have already ditched you the second you went to school and are probably leaving the shores of Equestria. We will most likely NOT come back.

Yours truly, the parents that were forced to watch over a poor excuse for a griffon.

Gilda merely stared at the paper as if she knew this would happen. Looking around the room, she sneered, "Good riddance."





After a the last time she saw Rainbow in Ponyville, Gilda was visited by some griffons. The griffons were actually associates of the Griffon Kingdom and had taken her into custody. There, she was found guilty of having the blood of the infamous Griffon Pirates. The king loomed over Gilda as she awaited her sentence.

"You know…" He began. "I have a better idea. How about this? You become my personal bounty hunter, and in exchange, I'll release you once you've accumulated 5,000,000,000 bits."

"R-Really?" Gilda asked.

"Yes, I'll even give you a job right now." The king tossed the papers onto the floor. Many of them were rebels defying the kings orders. "I heard some are even impossible to catch. Thos are the ones you really want."

"But… But, how am I supposed to turn them in?"

"You could turn them in." He suggested. "Or you can kill them."

Gilda's eyes shrunk as the king laughed. Was this where her life turned to? The next few months were gruesome, but thanks to her rummaging around her parents old room, she found secrets she could never know about without going to sea. As she looked around the chest, she found her first weapon. A sea stone glove. Gilda then lived the life of a ruthless bounty hunter. She chased after the hardest of rebels and beat them. She was never able to kill however, and was often beaten to a pulp for not doing so. But soon, her debt got smaller and smaller until she only needed to pay off 500,000,000 more bits. When the time came however, it lead to nothing but a mess.





Back at the inn, the girls were wiping their eyes at such a cruel story. Even Chopper needed Pinkie to give him a hankie to blow his nose. Zoro, Robin, and Usopp maintained a straight face, not showing any emotion.

"So yeah…" Gilda sighed. "Now you understand why I'm like this…"

"I… never knew…" Rainbow whimpered.

"So Straw Hat, now you see why our king is…" Gilda spoke. "So… Do you pity me?"

Luffy's hat was tipped over his eyes. Gilda and the ponies awaited a response as Luffy seemed to take his time. However, they soon realize that Luffy was asleep.

"YOU'RE SLEEPING!?" Gilda and the ponies shouted.

Luffy woke up and looked around warily before yawning.

"You have got to be kidding me…" Applejack muttered.

"Ah, nice nap." Luffy commented. "So, are we helping her out or what?"

"How could you sleep through such a sad story!?" Twilight questioned.

"Ah, sorry." Luffy replied as he picked his nose. "So what happened to her when she went to school?"

"Are you serious!?" Twilight questioned.

"I don't get him." Gilda stated. "So what? You won't help?"

"Of course we'll do something about it." Luffy accepted as he placed his hoof on his hat. "The moment you were willing to let Rainbow go told me that you aren't so bad after all."

"Wait… What…?" Gilda muttered. "You… You'll help?"

"We're here to back you up, so don't worry anymore." Luffy stated as he gave a big grin.

Gilda wasn't sure how to respond. Slowly, for the first time, she lets the tears go. After all these years, she finally cried. It was a miraculous day.
> Chapter 22 - Forward to the next area!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Chopper was wielding a toy sword while riding on top of Luffy while Usopp was riding on top of Pinkie with the Kuro Kabuto in hand. They then raised the weapons at each other before putting on make shift knight helmets on.

"You cannot match the power of the Sniper Knight!" Usopp introduced himself.

"Wrong! I, Chopper Knight will show you the power of the rubber kingdom!" Chopper declared.

Luffy and Pinkie ran at each other while Usopp and Chopper aimed their weapons at each other. When they collided, they were pushed back onto the ground before laughing at what fun they were having.

"The Rubber Kingdom has won!" Chopper declared.

"No way!" Usopp replied before he winked as he said, "I demolished it." 

"But anything you do would bounce off of rubber!"

"But I have…" Usopp then gave Pinkie the signal to reveal the cannon out of nowhere. "The party cannon!"

Pinkie aimed at Luffy and Chopper and pressed the button.

"Party Cannoon!"

The cannon shot balloons, confetti, and cake. Surprising the two, they ended up laughing. The rest of the team went out to check on them, only show their blank expressions to this gimmick.

"Are ya'll seriously playing around at a time like this?" Applejack questioned.

"Can I have a turn?" Rainbow asked, only to receive stares from the others. "What? This knight stuff is cool."

"Luffy, we need to talk about what we should do next." Twilight recommended. "This is no time to just play around."

"Actually, there's no need." Robin stated as she scratches Fluttershy's ear. "I've been pinpointing the locations of the rest of our crew. I can confirm Sanji and Nami would probably be the next ones we find along our travels. As for the Franky and Brook, they should be at a shore with the Sunny."

Fluttershy was soothed by the scratching by the ear. "Oh… Thank you…"

"The Sunny?" Twilight repeated. "What's that?"

"That's our ship!" Luffy answered.

"You name your ship?" Gilda questioned.

"It's not really a pirate ship unless you give it a name." Chopper stated.

"If you say so." Gilda shrugged.

"Well, it's not just about finding the rest of your friends." Twilight mentioned. "We're in a war, so we'll need to pick where we're going in order to gain the upper advantage."

"Why don't we go to Featheran?" Robin suggested. "I've heard from the griffons that's where the more threatening barracks of specially trained griffons are located. If we take over the area, we can cut off their most important branches to the war."

"Very observant!" Twilight commended. "That settles it! We'll go to Featheran!"

"Whoa, whoa, wait!" Gilda told them. "Featheran is home to the most hardcore griffons there is! I heard they have weapons like cannons, and devices called rifles! I don't know if trying to take down that place would be a good idea. There's also like a million dudes there! Maybe more!"

"That's why we're getting my friends too, right?" Luffy asked.

"It'd be a good idea to." Robin agreed. "The location to Featheran is hidden by the public, so we'll have to find that location as well."

"Featheran, Talon's Hold, and the Griffon Castle." Zoro counted. "That's three places we should go."

"We don't have to go to Talon's Hold." Rarity reminded him.

"Eh? Why not?" Zoro questioned.

"Talon's Hold?" Luffy repeated. "What's that?"

"It's a dangerous prison Luffy." Twilight answered. "It'd be a bad idea to go there."

Luffy's eyes sparkled, frightening Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Chopper, Usopp, and Gilda. "Sounds fun!"

"No, please, no!" They all pleaded.

"Did I hear fun?" Pinkie questioned as she leaned in slowly.

"I hear an adventure." Rainbow added.

"Hold on!" Twilight intervened. "Luffy, let's plan this out. We need to find your friends, and I highly doubt they're in a prison. Also, we're planning to attack Featheran, so we should save our strength for that battle as well."

"Alright. That's not so bad actually." Luffy agreed. "Yosh! Let's head out!"





Hours later into the desert front, the crew moves on through the intense heat. The ponies especially are tired. Luffy was panting in exhaustion while Chopper was being pulled with a bed of sticks by Zoro.

"I didn't think I'd have to do this again." Zoro commented.

"It's so HOT." Luffy groaned. "Can I have some more water?"

"Allow me to help on the situation." Twilight offered. Her horn lit a light blue with snow suddenly sprouting around them. The Straw Hats were impressed.

"Is that snow!?" Chopper asked as he got up and looked around.

"Whoa! How were you able to do that!?" Usopp asked.

"I forgot to tell you! Twilight can do magic with her horn thingy!" Luffy explained. He then looked over to Rarity and asked, "Hey, can you do it too?"

"Oh, I'm not as experienced in the field of magic as Twilight." Rarity declined.

"Interesting." Robin spoke. "What other spells can you do?"

"I have a good variety, but I mostly like to keep it simple. A little levitation and maybe some enchanting." Twilight replied.

"I wish I had a mystery horn." Luffy commented.

"I can keep the snow spell for a while." Twilight told everyone. "But I might get a bit tired later."

"Here Twilight." Chopper called over. "You can let Zoro pull you around. I can walk as long as you keep up the snow."

"I don't want to hold back Zoro." Twilight replied.

"We'll need you to keep this going." Zoro pointed out. "So it'll be best for you to be comfortable."

Twilight understood and went to the bed of sticks. As they ventured further, Usopp rolled up a snowball and tossed it at Pinkie. Pinkie got hit and looked back to see Usopp pointing at Rainbow.

"What?" Rainbow asked as Pinkie took out her cannon.

"Snow Cannon!"

Shooting out a large snowball, Rainbow was pushed down the sandy snow floor. She got up with a glare.

"Oh it's on!"

Rainbow then threw a stream of snowballs at Pinkie, only to miss and let it hit Chopper.

"Hey!" He yelled as he was about to join in.

"I wanna play!" Luffy shouted.

Applejack stepped in between them and scolded them. "Would ya'll focus!? We're trying to cross the desert in case you hadn't noticed, so if ya'll just calm down and save your strength, we could-"

Suddenly, a snowball struck Applejack in the face. She slowly glared at Rainbow who was just whistling to the side.

"Oh, that's it!" Applejack joins in as she throws a herd of snow to Rainbow.

As they fooled around in the snow, the others focused on getting to their destination.

"There are a few towns we can go to." Robin pointed out on the map. "Any one of these places may have Nami and Sanji there."

"We should also head onto the coastal areas."	Twilight recommended. "If you're looking for your ship, it'll probably be around this area."

Gilda glanced upon the others having fun. She then picked up some snow until Pinkie went up to her face.

"I'm onto you, so don't try anything…" She said as she slowly moved away. Gilda lowers her head and gives up making the snowball.





At the Griffon Castle, the king looms over Gash. Behind him are his fellow commanders and higher ups. The king wasn't pleased, as he gives an impatient expression towards his subordinates.

"I'd like for all of you to explain how this happened." The king questioned. "16 have already infiltrated our turf, and now, you have the gall to come here and tell me that you let Gilda betray us?"

"M-My apologies sir!" Gash quickly said. "Please forgive me! I will have their heads! I swear!"

The king steps down from his throne and walks up to Gash. "I had enough of your incompetence. You are no longer worthy of that armor."

"What!? No, sire, please!"

The king raises his claw and slashes Gash by the throat. The griffon hopelessly gasps for air, but he breathes nothing. Gash tumbles before falling down and lying dead on the floor.

"I've had enough of these failures." The king stated to everyone. "First Brightly and Shade, now Gash? If any of you dare to not even give your lives to stop this group of rebels, I will see to it that you have the same fate as this unfortunate soul before us."

The griffons nodded in fear. The king then walks back to his throne to retrieve something from his table. Walking back to the commanders, he reveals a box. opening it, it contains countless vials of a peculiar liquid.

"It has come to this then." The king stated. "Each of you as well as your finest soldiers will drink this."

"Pardon me my liege." A griffon called out. "But what exactly is that?"

"A rare potion only one can obtain by climbing Death Mountain. The Warriors Elixir."
> Chapter 23 - Desert Troubles, The Griffons Assualt!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Arriving at the desert town, Sandy Claws, the crew breathes tirelessly in the gruesome desert heat.

"It's so hot…" Rainbow complained. "Why isn't there anymore snow?"

"I'm sorry." Twilight muttered. "I got too tired. I must have used up all of my magic."

"It's alright. Look! We're finally in a town!" Chopper exclaimed.

The place had many dry looking buildings. The griffons were wearing shawls to hide from the suns unforgiving rays. As they entered town, Chopper along with all the ponies fell down.

"O-Oi! What's wrong!?" Usopp asked.

"It's just too hot." Luffy sighed.

"I barely have the energy to get up from this icky sand." Rarity complained.

"I can't even think what to say about that." Applejack added.

"I think the heat is affecting them more than us since they have a coat of fur." Robin concluded.

"We'll just have to find a place to rest tonight then." Zoro suggested.

As they entered into town, the folk glared at them. Obviously, they were unwelcome. Gilda was carrying Rainbow and Applejack, Zoro was holding Twilight and Rarity, Usopp was holding Pinkie and Fluttershy, and Robin was embracing Luffy and Chopper.

Looking for a place to stay, they try to go to the buildings only to be blocked by griffons.

"Sorry, this place is closed." They claimed.

"But it says open right there." Usopp pointed out.

"This place… is closed"

Leaving that place, they go to another only to get the same treatment as last time.

"This place isn't for you, so why don't you just get a move on?" The griffon told them.

"Come on! We have the money!" Usopp shouted at them. "I think…"

"It's obvious why they're doing this." Zoro stated.

"They know we're criminals of this country." Robin explained. She pointed to the wall to reveal multiple issues of the recent scuffle in Griffora, revealing Luffy and his new accomplices attacking the Griffon Kingdom. They look around to see the many dirty looks the griffons were giving. Brushing on, they search for a place to stay.





It was finally night time, and the desert brushes an unforgiving cold wind across the desert. The group had no choice but to make shelter out of an old building. Only two of the decaying walls stood up. Nothing else was really there for them.

"I'm hungry!" Luffy complained.

"Me too! Where's the grub?" Rainbow added.

"I'm not one to be a glutton." Applejack stated. "But we haven't had something to eat in a while."

"We tried to buy some supplies, but those griffons won't listen to us." Usopp told them.

"Don't forget, we now have 4 fugitives in our group." Twilight informed everyone. "Luffy with a bounty of 500,000,000; Rainbow with a bounty of 350,000,000; Usopp with a bounty of 200,000,000; and Robin with a bounty of 280,000,000."

"Wow! That's a pretty good bounty you guys!" Luffy commended Robin and Usopp.

"It's not something to be proud of!" Twilight shouted before sighing.

"Let's focus on the main problem here." Gilda spoke. "We need to get to the next place, but we have no food, barely any water, and most of us can't survive in the desert without Twilight's powers."

"And no one's willing to give us any of that." Rarity added.

"If we don't find a way out of this town, we'll be stuck here."

"Can't we just take the stuff and leave the bits?" Rainbow suggested.

Everyone exchanged looks at the idea. Surprisingly, it wasn't a bad one.

"Yeah, we could." Twilight replied. "Huh, good idea Rainbow."

"We have plenty of bits, but we'll need somepony who can grab the supplies quickly while somepony else leaves it." Applejack thought. "But who…?"

Luffy, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Gilda merely smiled. They all got the idea immediately as they nodded.





A shopkeeper was screaming at his empty store. The griffons nearby came to see what was wrong.

"What happened!?" a griffon asked.

"My wares! My sleeping bags, maps, and tents! Somepony took them!" The shop keep informed the others.

"You were robbed!?"

"N-No, actually, they left the exact change." He showed off the bag of bits left behind.

"W… What's the problem then?"

Meanwhile over by the food stands, the produce and meat were disappearing, leaving behind a rainbow and a pile of bits on the stands. The griffons were freaking out on what was going on.

"What is this!?" They screamed.

"It's those ponies and freaks from earlier!" One accused. "They think they can get away with this!"

Over by the restaurant, Luffy and Pinkie were fleeing with pouches of food filling their cheeks, away from the chef throwing his fist at them.

"Hey! Come back here!" He shouted.

"Oh right!" Luffy realized. "Pinkie! We forgot something!"

The two stopped and turned to the chef and bowed saying, "Thanks for the meal."

"I don't care! You didn't pay!" The chef shouted as the two continued to run.

"Luffy! Pinkie!" Applejack rebuked. "We're supposed to pay them!"

As the group continued their operations, a certain group of griffons watch from afar. Commander Zerox had on a shoulder plating of steel, and his subordinates were armed with crossbows. The second in command was Vero, a griffon with a gauntlet having long sharp blades. They loom over the city as they commenced with their objectives.





Rainbow and Fluttershy were walking through town with saddle bags carrying the various supplies they had collected. Rainbow was looking back to Fluttershy with a thought in mind.

"So Fluttershy…" She began. "How does the Haoshoku Haki work anyways?"

"Huh? Oh… Well…" She pondered at the idea of it for a moment. "If I remember correctly, it would be the ability to conquer somepony else's willpower."

"Willpower?" she repeated.

"I haven't used it in a while… I mean, I know I've been training to use it, but now… I'm not so sure if I want to anymore."

"What!?" Rainbow yelped. "Why not!?"

"It's just… The ability to use Haki is so… scary…" She whimpered. "I… I just don't want to use it again on anypony ever again… my animals… Luffy…"

"Are you talking about the time when Discord messed with our heads?" Rainbow questioned.

Fluttershy nodded as she looked down shamefully. "It's just… I feel so awful about what I did. Instead of using Haki to make sure nopony can get hurt, I ended up doing the opposite. Honestly, I mostly wanted to do it so I can be a better caretaker to the animals, but…"

"Don't worry about it Flutters." Rainbow assured her with a pat on the shoulder. "You should keep working on it. I mean, Luffy did go out of his way to help, so might as well not let it go to waste. Am I right?"

"I guess so…" She sighs.

Suddenly, Fluttershy stops Rainbow and looks to the roof. An arrow shoots by, missing the two by an inch. The assailant was a Vero as he reloads his crossbow as he merely smiles at his targets.

"I didn't think the yellow one would notice me so quickly." He thought. "Heck, I didn't even think she'd act so calm about it."

"Wow, that Haki stuff sure is doing the trick on you." Rainbow stated.

Fluttershy was silent, making the two feel anxious. Could this pegasus actually be more of a threat then she looks?

She then looks down and places both her hooves on her head. "That was so scary!"

"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" Rainbow and Vero exclaimed, as they were expecting more from her.

"Anyways." Rainbow turned to Vero, getting back on the subject on hoof. "Who the hay are you!?"

"I'm so glad you asked." Vero chuckled as he finishes up loading the crossbow. "I'm Vero, 2nd commander of the 5th assassination squad."

"A-A-Assassination!?" Fluttershy whimpered.

"5th?" Rainbow repeated. "What happened to the other four?"

"There still alive our organization of squads work like- DON'T INTERUPT ME!" Vero scolded as he pointed the crossbow at them. "Enough stalling! We've been ordered to turn you in Rainbow Dash! I recommend you give up. That way, I won't have to turn in a corpse to my king!"

"Oh, pfft, yeah, sure you are." Rainbow scoffed. "Next, you're gonna tell me that Twilight's gonna be an alicorn someday."

"Who's Twilight?" Vero asked. "Dah! Stop distracting me from my job!"

"It's your own dang fault!" Rainbow rebuked.

"Um… Mr. Vero? Would it be kind enough for you to let me and Rainbow go? We don't want to do any harm here in Sandy Claws."

"Well, when you put it that way- HECK NO! Stop trying to fool me!" Vero shouted.

"You're the fool here." Rainbow retorted.

"Enough of these running gags!" Vero growled as he showed off his bladed gauntlet. He jumps off and rushes forward to attack.

Rainbow jumps away from Vero in time while Fluttershy quickly hid from battle. Vero swung his blade around, pushing Rainbow into a corner. As he pierced it towards her, Rainbow ducked and ends up letting the blade stab into the wall. She then tackled Vero down forcing him down to the ground. Rainbow then rushed forward as she somersaulted in the air.

"Dynamo Dive!"

The kick of her hind leg lands a critical hit on Vero's back. He flinches to the agonizing pain before grabbing Rainbow's leg and throws her aside. He recovers and looks over to Fluttershy with an idea. He flies over to her before Rainbow was able to stand up in time.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow called. "Look out!"

Fluttershy's eyes shrink as Vero came close. As he slashes at her, his blade was grabbed before the sword reached her eye. Gilda was holding on tightly to the sharp weapon, glaring at Vero.

"You!" Vero muttered before backing off. "Traitor!"

"You okay?" Gilda asked Fluttershy as she protected her from Vero.

"Y-Yes… Thank you Gilda." Fluttershy replied gratefully.

Gilda nodded and went back to the fight. Rainbow and Gilda were up against Vero, who was getting very frustrated.

"This won't do." He said before taking out a potion. "Looks like I'll need this."

He began to drink it before the others. Finishing up his chug, he throws the bottle to the side and his muscles began to expand.

"What did he drink?" Rainbow wondered.

"I don't know, but we better watch out." Gilda warned her.

"Wing Buster!"

Vero's wings extended and whipped both Rainbow and Gilda. He then went up with Rainbow in his grasp and then threw her down through a building by four stories. The colorful pegasus was coughing from the unexpected strength of Vero before realizing he was flying straight down to her with a blade ready to stab her. She gets out of the way in time before the attack punctured the ground and destroyed the streets. Astounded by the power, Rainbow and Gilda backed off from the deadly opponent.

"I don't know what he drank." Gilda said. "But whatever it was, it made him way too hard to handle like this."

"We might need our friends to help out." Rainbow admitted. "Gilda! You and Fluttershy go find the others while I distract this dude!"

"What!? Are you crazy!?" Gilda scolded. "After he just threw you down like that!?"

Vero swooped in and attempted to cut Rainbow and Gilda. Dodging in time, Rainbow yelled, "I'll be fine! Just hurry back with Twilight and the others!"

Gilda was hesitant at the idea, but complied. She escaped with Fluttershy as Rainbow took on Vero alone.

"Just need to buy them some time." Rainbow muttered.

Vero slashed the ground, causing the floor to be cut open. Rainbow soared out of the obstacle only to be slammed down by Vero who somehow flew up in time to catch her. Rainbow fell into the hold but managed to stop her fall as she placed her hooves on the walls, preventing further descent. Flying back up, Vero takes off his weapon and throws it at Rainbow, cutting her by the wing. She falls before getting caught by Vero.

"D¬-Dang it…" Rainbow cursed before fainting.

"You lose you sly pegasus." Vero said smugly.





Robin, Usopp, Applejack, Pinkie, and Chopper were escaping from the rain of arrows being fired by the griffons. The shower of the incoming deadly projectiles were piercing everything that was within range. The shops and houses were given no mercy as some were even demolished.

"What's with these arrows!?" Usopp screamed. "They're destroying the buildings!"

"Are they using Haki?" Robin wondered.

"I heard there are some magical materials that can only be found in the Griffon Kingdom." Applejack informed the others. "We have some for Big Mac's harness, so it wouldn't break."

"But they could break buildings!?" Chopper questioned.

Pinkie's tail started to twitch as she then told the others, "Follow me! I can take us somewhere safe!"

Using her Pinkie sense, she lead the group away from the hail of arrows. Every spot of safety was taken to avoid where most of the arrows would land. Eventually, after going from safe spot to safe spot, Pinkie manages to find the perfect place to take cover. The arrows continued to fall, but they couldn't reach through the rubble of the last building, acting like a barrier.

"Looks like we're finally safe." Usopp sighed in relief. "Good job Pinkie."

"That was so cool!" Chopper complimented her.

"Thanks!" Pinkie replied. "That's just my Pinkie sense. Or as Luffy called it, Kenbunshoku Haki."

"Interesting." Robin responded. "It seems that even ponies can have Haki as well."

"Pretty lucky that Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy has this, Haki stuff." Applejack stated with simple smile. "Otherwise, we might have not made it out of this."

"It doesn't look like they're stopping anytime soon." Usopp stated as he looked outside. "I sure hope Luffy and the others are doing okay."





Luffy was carrying the supplies with Twilight and Rarity nearby. As they walked along the empty road, Twilight looked around to notice something.

"Hey… Where's Zoro!?"

"Is he lost again?" Rarity wondered. "Honestly, these pirates need to get organized."

"You really think so?" Luffy laughed.

"Luffy, why don't you take it more seriously?" Twilight questioned.

Before he could respond, he noticed something. Throwing the bag to Rarity, he jumps into the air to bite an incoming arrow. The two unicorns were shocked as Luffy landed, snapping the thing in two.

"Who did that!?" Twilight exclaimed. "Show yourself!"

Zerox stepped out, dropping his crossbow. He revealed his presence before the three with a sinister grin. "Very impressive Pony D. Luffy. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Commander Zerox."

"He must have been sent to take Luffy and the others." Rarity hypothesized.

"Luffy! We better get out of here!" Twilight recommended.

"Hey Zero! If you're gonna attack my friends, you got another thing coming!"

"It's Zerox!" He scolded. "Learn the name well Straw Hat! I'll be the one who brings your head to the king!"

"Luffy!" Twilight called. Luffy merely went closer to the griffon.

"I'll handle him. You get out of here!" Luffy told the two. "And keep the food safe!"

"That's what your worried about?" Rarity retorted.

Zerox pulled out a pistol and shot it to Rarity. Luckily, it just shoots through the bag she was given by Luffy. It was enough of an example on what the weapon could do if it hits them.

"What is that!?" Twilight questioned.

"It's a gun." Luffy answered.

"The first ones in Equestria. A common weapon of the great sea. Simple to them, extraordinary to us." Zerox commented on the arsenal.

"You better go!" Luffy ordered the two.

"I'll stay with you!" Twilight said. "Rarity, you go find the others! We need to regroup as soon as possible!"

"What!? By myself!? With this heavy thing!?" Rarity whined.

Zerox shot another round, making the two take cover. Rarity then said, "Oh alright! Good luck you two!"

Rarity fled, leaving only Luffy and Twilight to face Zerox. The battle started with Zerox rapidly firing the pistol at Luffy. He smoothly leaned away from the path of each bullet. Zerox then took out a spear in an attempt to cut off Luffy's head. As he tried to, Luffy wrapped his hooves around the spear, preventing the attack from going any further. However, that's when Zerox's spear sprayed a gas.

"What the-!?" Luffy yelped. He couldn't block the gas as his hooves were wrapped around the spear.

"Sleeping Gas." Zerox informed him. "You'll fall to sleep in seconds. Not that you'll have long to live."

Zerox shot the pistol at Luffy, scaring Twilight a lot. The bullet however didn't pierce Luffy's body. Instead, it stretched his body before sending it back to Zerox, missing him by a spec.

"You can't do that to me anyways…" Luffy drowsily said. "Cause I'm… a rubber… pony…"

Luffy retracted his hooves from the spear and fell to a deep slumber. Zerox decides to stab Luffy instead with the spear. As he tried to however, Twilight levitated the sleeping boy away from the griffon. It was Twilight's turn to fight.

"Now it's my turn." She declared. "You better get ready."

"A unicorn huh?" Zerox chuckled. "I guess you must have some dangerous spells then."

Though she wasn't a fighter herself, she knew a spell or two to defend herself from foes like Zerox. She first lit her horn on fire and suddenly engulfed the area with embers. The battlefield of fire was set, and now Twilight was up against Zerox.

"I haven't fought a unicorn who uses attribute type magic in a while." Zerox claimed. "Is your specialty fire?"

Twilight's expression was blank. Attempting to trick her opponent to think she was a seasoned magic fighter, she knew she has not put much of a dent in her studies of this fighting style. I don't know much about using attribute magic, but I do know a few nifty tricks of them. I just need to play my cards right.

Twilight then manipulated the embers to make a gigantic pole of fire and swung it around. Zerox attempted to block it with his spear, only to feel the simmering heat of the metal reach his talons. In pain, he withdrew from the object and kept his distance.

"Not bad." Zerox commended Twilight before spinning his spear. The spinning soon created a vent of air blowing the fire away. Twilight was shocked as the embers began to thin out. "Judging how you couldn't keep the fire going from a little wind says a lot about your experience."

"Shoot!" Twilight cursed before Zerox came in close. Twilight quickly levitated the spear up, fumbling the commander. When he tripped over, Twilight blasted the floor with flames before jumping back. Zerox managed to survive it before pointing the pistol at Twilight and shooting. She got hit and dropped to the floor in pain of the bullet.

"Nice try, but now that I know you're an amateur at offensive magic, there's nothing you can do." Zerox laughed. "You're lucky. Did you know, it only takes one bullet to kill somepony? Though Straw Hat is immune, we can't really say the same about you, can we?"

Twilight was on the edge of her life. Either being killed right there and then, or captured and possibly even being sent to Talon's Hold. She however feared for the sake of Luffy, being powerless at this state. Using all of her energy, she teleported the two away from Zerox. He didn't expect this and also became angered.

"Cheap trick you scum." He sneered. "Don't think you've escaped the inevitable!"





Zoro looks around to see the town's oasis tourist spot. He looks around to see no one nearby. Grumbling to himself, he complains.

"Did they get lost again? Damn, they're hopeless."
> Chapter 24 - Elimination! The Straw Hats are cornered!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	At the base camp, Vero was walking amongst his fellow griffons while carrying Rainbow on his back. The pegasus was tied up upon her hooves and was too injured to move. Nearing the cage, Vero throws Rainbow in and locks it up with a smirk.

"The infamous Rainbow Dash. Thought to be the fastest thing in Equestria, now caught by the greatest soldier, Vero!" He says proudly. "I can see the peasants cheer to that quite nicely."

"You're gonna lose." Rainbow warns him.

Vero turns around with a raised eyebrow. "And what makes you say that?"

"Because I know…" She begins to raise her head, glaring at the griffon. "My friends are gonna get you. Especially Luffy."

"Pony D. Luffy?" He laughs. "Straw Hat won't even get the chance."

"It's Monkey D. Luffy." Rainbow growls.

"Like that's any better!" Vero continues to be hysterical. "But why not? I've been assigned to hunt down you and your accomplices. The more the merrier, I say. Especially with this newfound strength, nopony or freak will get the chance!"





Reanimating themselves from teleportation, Twilight stumbles and falls with Luffy. She was looking at her injured hoof, clenching her mouth and shutting her eyes in pain. Luffy was still asleep, being affected by the gas still. As the two rested in what seems to be an abandoned building, some stories high, Twilight looks to Luffy.

Why can't I be as strong as Luffy or his friends? She thought to herself. I want to be there when they need me, but if I stay like this… I'll be a burden to everypony…

She slowly goes into a deep slumber of her own. The blood from the bullet wound spills slowly. Every drops that leaves her hoof was depleting what life she had. If not treated soon, it's over.





Usopp, Robin, Applejack, Chopper, and Pinkie were on the move. The griffons were no match to Usopp's sniping as he took quick aim and shot them one at a time.

"Hissatsu Kayaku Boshi!" (Sure-Kill Exploding Star!)
"Hissatsu Kayaku Boshi!" (Sure-Kill Exploding Star!)
"Usopp Wagomu!" (Rubber band of doom!)
"Hissatsu Kayaku Boshi!" (Sure-Kill Exploding Star!)

Explosions from afar left and right while following Pinkie, leading them to safety as well as away from enemy fire. The plan was going smoothly, but the intensity of even the slightest slip up may result in death of that one person along with anyone behind that mistake. Focusing on footing as well as hurrying to the other side, they were going at a great pace.

"We're almost there everypony!" Applejack exclaimed. "Just a little more!"

However, the forward motion was stopped by Pinkie. They were shocked by the sudden pause as Pinkie refused to move forward.

"Oi!? What's wrong!?" Usopp questioned before firing another round.

Suddenly, the path in front of them exploded, leaving a gaping hole in its place. They were stunned as they looked to the side seeing what they were hauling in.

"Oh no! They got cannons!" Usopp pointed out.

"I can tell they're not like my Party Cannon." Pinkie sighed.

"What do we do!?" Chopper screamed.

"Not much we can do…" Applejack pointed out.

The arrows continued to fire followed by the cannons. The five were watching as life flashed before their eyes, followed by a massive explosion. From afar, the squad was checking the status of the enemies. They nodded as the confirmed their deaths.

"They have been eliminated."





Rarity was wandering tirelessly through the town carrying the abnormal amount of supplies. As she struggled to go farther, Gilda and Fluttershy happened to be flying nearby. Spotting the two, Rarity called them over.

"Fluttershy, darling! Over here!"

The two took notice and went down to Rarity.

"There you are!" Gilda spoke as she looked around. "Where are the others?"

"We got separated." Rarity answered. "Luffy and Twilight were left to fight this Zerox fellow."

"Another commander?" Gilda guessed.

"Yes, and I was told to flee the scene while the two stayed behind to fight." Rarity informed them. "But I haven't seen them since."

"I don't sense any fighting anymore…" Fluttershy told the two. "W-Which means if there was a battle, it's already over."

"But… Luffy and Twilight should be back by now." Rarity stuttered.

Gilda looked to the side to see Zerox coming in. They widened their eyes to see him, but not Luffy or Twilight.

"You don't think…" Rarity began.

"They lost to him!?" Gilda finished.

"N-No…!" Fluttershy cried.

Gilda stood in front of the two and ordered them, "Go find the others! I'll hold him off!"

"But what about you!?" Rarity questioned.

"It's about time I make up for what I did in Ponyville."

"You don't have to do this!" Fluttershy stated.

"I'll make it out okay, don't worry so much you baby." Gilda chuckled as Zerox flew in closer. Arming herself with the sea stone glove, she prepared for battle. "Now get out of here!"

Rarity reluctantly agreed and brought Fluttershy with her. The two escaped while Gilda bought them some time. The mares were running as fast as they can. The loud noises of the griffons fighting were clawing into their ears.

"Where should we go now!?" Rarity questioned.

Fluttershy looked up and noticed the presence of two. They were both faint, but one was in pain. "I think… I'm not sure, but I think I found somepony."

"Where? I don't see anypony!"

"Up in that building." Fluttershy answered. "I don't know who it is, but I have a feeling it's…"

A scream echoed the streets, and the two look back seeing Zerox closing in on them again. The two were in a pinch. With a final resort, Rarity threw the bag at Zerox and pushed Fluttershy to move on forward.

"Sorry for being so rude, but you must get going!" Rarity told her. "You can fly up there and see if it's our friends.

"But Rarity!!"

"We're counting on you. So you better get going." Rarity smiled before Zerox threw the bag aside. Fluttershy looked away as Rarity lit her horn towards Zerox. "I may not be the strongest of my friends when it comes to being a brute… but I'll do what I can."

"How noble." Zerox scoffed. "I'll try not to kill you."





Flying with stress on her wings, she tried to get to the top as quickly as possible. How Rarity managed to last long enough to give Fluttershy time to reach the building was a mystery, but regardless, it was enough. The questions of her friends begins to cloud her mind.

Luffy, Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Zoro, Chopper, Robin, Usopp, Gilda… Where are you? Please… Please tell me you're all alive… I don't want to be alone…

Raising her hopes as she gets to the roof. Heading downstairs, her eyes behold two ponies lying on the floor. One of them is bleeding.

"Twilight!" She called as she went to her aid. "Your hoof! What happened!?"

She lifted her head to see Fluttershy. "I… was shot…"

"I never seen a wound like this before… It's a hole…" Fluttershy stuttered at the sight. "What happened to Luffy?"

"Sleeping Gas…" Twilight answered before grunting in pain.

"Don't worry! We'll go get everypony else and everything will be alright!"

"There is nopony else." Vero said as he came in through the window. "Just you three are left."

"That can't be…!" Twilight muttered.

"Oh it is!" Vero laughed. "And thank you for leading me to their location! It's much easier then to just raze the city!"

"N… No…" Fluttershy whimpered.

"You were going to raze the city!?" Twilight coughed angrily. "There are griffons here! Your griffons!"

"A sacrifice made for the greater good." He stated coldly. "Luckily, it hasn't come to that. Again, thank you for helping me track down these two you fool! I can finally end their demise. In fact, we'll make a demonstration, in the town square!"

As Vero laughed, the mares were staring at the face of death. Luffy is still asleep during this catastrophe.
> Chapter 25 - Her Awakening, A pair of fights, And another day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the cage with wheels, Twilight, Fluttershy, and the sleeping Luffy are being held in the containment while the party of griffons escorted them through the streets. The villagers cheered as they were drawn closer and closer to the podium. The only one able to look up with enough strength was Fluttershy. She gazed upon her fallen friends nearby the stands, lying lifelessly on the pillory. Gilda, Rarity, and Rainbow.

"Wait… Where are the others?" Fluttershy wondered.

"You wanna know?" Vero spoke as he placed his face closely to the cage. "We killed them."

Fluttershy's tears started to shed. Vero chuckled as he placed his talon under her chin. "Don't cry now. You know, for a pony, you look cute. I'll consider letting you go if you'll agree to be my maid."

She stepped away from the laughing Vero. After the cage stopped, the doors opened. The griffons went in to place shackles on the three. Escorting them further while carrying Luffy, they were shoved to the stands. Zerox stood over them with a sinister grin.

"Welcome to your public execution."

The griffon commoners cheered among the defeated group. Rainbow glared at them all, but her eyes widen to see Luffy.

"Luffy!" She scolded. "What the hay are you doing!?"

Zerox looked over to the frustrated Rainbow. The eyes of Twilight and Fluttershy shrunk into pinpricks as the griffon walked over to Rainbow and slapping her.

"Hold your tongue you whelp! This is no time nor place for you horses to speak as you please!" Zerox claimed. "This is the great Griffon Kingdom! One that bests all in technology, skill, and power to rule even the world!"

The crowd was eating it up. Rainbow merely spat on Zerox's face in annoyance. The griffon was beyond angered, and unlocked the pillory to throw Rainbow to the stands.

"You along with Straw Hat will be first." Zerox declared. "I, the mighty Zerox, will have the claw the smites the two highest bounties in the kingdom!"

"As soon as Luffy wakes up, were gonna kick your flank!" Rainbow rebutted.

"I hardly doubt it." He said calmly as he rubbed his talon on his chest. "The sleeping gas was enough to make him sleep for the rest of the day. By the time he should be up is when he is beheaded."

Rainbow was shocked and looked over to Luffy. She attempted to go to him, only to be stopped by the griffons.

"Let go of me you jerks!" Rainbow shouted.

"Lock her and the boy up! They'll be are first victims to show an example to the rebels who dare defy us!" Zerox commanded.

Doing so, Luffy and Rainbow were placed in the pillory. She was struggling to get out as for Luffy snored. Fluttershy and Twilight quickly got up, only to be squished by Vero's talon.

"Do enjoy the show." He told the two.

A griffon was then bringing a blade of execution placed on a regal pillow to Zerox. Making his way, Gilda's tail flicks the blade to the ground.

"Hey!" the deliverer yelled, only to get Gilda whistling as a response.

"Do not make me wait!" Zerox shouted. "Do you want your head to go off too?!"

The griffon jumped and quickly placed the blade back onto the pillow and proceeded with the demonstration. Twilight looked up realizing what it was.

"That's a blade for execution." Twilight informed Fluttershy. "If we can delay the blade's arrival to the stands, we can disrupt the execution!"

"How are we going to do that?" Fluttershy questioned.

Twilight's horn began to lit, and the blade suddenly fell off. Zerox's vein popped as the deliverer quickly placed it back on the pillow. Once more, Twilight tipped the blade making it fall. Zerox hits the deliverer on the head before getting him to pick it back up. The next time however, Vero placed his blade next to Twilight's neck.

"Enough tricks." Vero demanded. "Stop delaying the inevitable. Straw Hat and the Rainbow will die here and now."

Once more, the blade reaches to the stands. Before Zerox can claim it, a hand blooms out of the pillow and throws it away. The griffons scream at the strange entity out of nowhere.

"What the heck is that!?"
"What's going on!?"
"Why aren't they dead yet!?"

"Doce Fluer"

Hands bloomed out of the griffons nearby Gilda and Rarity, and Vero himself.

"Clutch!"

The snapping of bones took out the group. Vero was knocked out, releasing Twilight and Fluttershy. Pinkie and Applejack appeared to release Gilda and Rarity from their hold. Usopp shot a pair of lead bullets to the locks of Rainbow and Luffy's pillory, breaking them and unlocking the two.

"I'm out!" Rainbow realized. Giving a nasty smirk, she punches Zerox in the beak, making him back up.

"Agh! You insolent little foal!" He sneered as he took out his spear.

He swung the weapon repeatedly, missing Rainbow each time. She was fast even though her current state wasn't at best. The others were fighting the mob of griffons running amuck of this mess of a scene.

"I'm so glad you're all alright!" Twilight said to Usopp. "What happened?"

"Well, they had these cannons." Usopp explained before getting a raised eyebrow from Twilight. "No, really! There were cannons and arrows flying all over the place! But I managed to fake an explosion using my exploding star, tricking those pesky griffons! Then I shot down the cannon balls in the air before they could hit the ground!"

"Amazing…" Twilight replied astonished. "Your sniping skills sound superb."

"Thanks! But we couldn't have made it out without Pinkie showing us the way out of there! I swear, without her, we could've been nailed by those arrows!"

"Her Pinkie sense must have helped you…" Twilight deduced.

As havoc rained around the area, Fluttershy was taking cover in the dead center of it all. The battle between Rainbow and Zerox was at an even pace. The griffon was angered, and looked to the simpleton sleeping on the stands. He pushes Rainbow out of the way and goes to Luffy.

"Blade or not, the Straw Hat's execution starts now!" Zerox declared.

The comrades of Luffy looked over to him seeing Zerox about to use the spear to chop off Luffy's head. Rainbow was recovering from the recent blow, too late to do something about it. Robin and Usopp noticed too late as they were focused on the earlier soldiers. No one could reach them in time, not even Fluttershy who was paying attention to the scuffle. Each second was slow as Fluttershy was watching it get closer to his neck.

"No…!"

It draws even closer.

"Stop it…!"

The spear is only a few seconds away. Fluttershy was now having mixed emotions of terror, anger, and sadness. Finally, something happens.

"STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!!"

The loud roar from Fluttershy released a flood of energy. Zerox along with his allies fell to unconsciousness. It wasn't just him, for nearly all of Fluttershy's friends were knocked out as well. Robin, Usopp, Rainbow, and Chopper were able to stay up from the sudden event.

"That was Conqueror's Haki!" Robin revealed to the others.

"I didn't know she could do it too!" Chopper stated as he held onto his head.

"Man, that feels weird!" Usopp whined.

"Whoa!" Rainbow echoed. "That was awesome…"

Fluttershy blushed before she noticed Vero behind her with a blade.

"I can't have you live with that power!"

She squealed and braced for impact before a loud clang was made. Looking up, she saw Zoro blocking the attack.

"Are you really scared of a little horse?" He questioned.

Zoro pushed Vero to the side. They eyed each other while Zerox was recovering quickly from what happened. As Zoro and Vero was getting the others attentions, he took the chance to stab Fluttershy from behind. Rushing up with the spear moving forward, he makes his way.

"How dare you make a fool of me you coward!"

Fluttershy looked around and screamed until Luffy appeared in front of her, punching the spear thus redirecting it to the ground.

"Hey, it's not her fault I taught her how to use it." He stated.

"Luffy!" Fluttershy cried.

"So you made an apprentice?" Zerox thought. "She must have a lot of potential."

"I actually thought she was pretty weak." Luffy admitted. He turned to her and grinned as he said, "But I guess she's a lot tougher than I thought! I like her!"

Luffy laughed as she blushed immensely and began to get dizzy. "Y-You like me!? O-Oh my…!!"

Zerox interrupted the conversation as he gave a try to cut off Luffy's head. He simply caught it however and refused to let go.

"This time, I'm gonna kick your ass!" Luffy declared.





Zoro was up against Vero while Luffy was up against Zerox. Robin looked around to see the others in a state of peril.

"Usopp, let's get the ponies and leave Luffy and Zoro to handle this." Robin suggested.

"Huh? Oh! Uh, alright!" Usopp agreed.

Using her abilities, Robin created entities of her feet to bloom from the bottom of the unconscious ponies and bring them to safety. Usopp gathered Chopper and Fluttershy to follow him. He ran to Rainbow to do the same.

"What!? What do you mean we gotta go!?" She argued.

"We have to help the others! Let's leave Luffy and Zoro with them for now!" Usopp reasoned.

"No way! I'm not abandoning them!" Rainbow claimed. "We can't just leave them!"

"They'll be fine! Do you really think Luffy and Zoro are gonna lose to them?"

Rainbow paused for a moment before sighing. "No…"

"Exactly! And right now, the others need help! We're the only ones who can keep them safe from whatever's out there!"

"Okay, I got it! Geez!" Rainbow groaned. "But if they don't win, I'm gonna strangle you!"

"How loyal…" Usopp retorted.





Luffy was returning hit after hit whenever Zerox swung his spear. The two were at an even pace. Zerox signaled Vero to go in for the opening kill. Nodding, Vero made his way for a back stab, but was immediately intercepted by Zoro.

"Don't bother my captain." Zoro warned him. "I'm your opponent this time."

Vero gritted his teeth as he pulled out his blade. The potion's effect was still going, and he was pumped full of energy. This swordsman doesn't stand a chance now that I have taken the Warriors Elixir. Just watch, I'll easily overpower you with my raw power!

Vero circled around his opponent as he just stood there. Grinning, he finds many opens spots to attack. Is he so scared that he can't even move?

Finally, Vero attacks. The dive of the blade goes down to Zoro, but was easily blocked by a swish of the sword. Vero was surprised how quick he was.

"What the!?"

"Really, the more battles I get into with griffons who think they are good with swords or are strong is starting to bore me." Zoro sighed. "When we get to your kingdom or whatever, you better have an army there."

Vero jumped back and retorts, "Oh please! Don't think you're the strongest just because you blocked one attack! And if you're really confident with your abilities, why don't you just use one sword?"

Zoro simply tilts his head with a sigh before putting away two of his swords. He holds one and aims it to Vero.

"I can beat you no matter how many swords we have."

Vero grinned and strikes again. The blades clash again and again. The strong swings barely moves Zoro's still katana, waiting for an even stronger attack. Vero became frustrated and soon took out a surprising gun to shoot him. Zoro manages to block it in time and jump away from Vero.

"I thought you'd do that." Zoro grinned. "So, you really aren't a swordsman."

"Tch, whatever." Vero sneered. "If I only relied on a sword, than there'd be no way to fight up close once a gun's pulled out."

"You really think that?" He gave a sinister grin. He sheathed his katana and aimed it towards Vero. The griffon smiled as he took the shot. However, by the blink of the eye, Vero finds himself thrown up into the air as Zoro passed through him with the blade being exposed.

" Ittoryu Iai: Shi Shishi Sonson " (One Sword Style: Lion Song!)

Vero fell to the ground on the brink of death as Zoro walked away from his fallen foe.

"You need more training." Zoro commented.

A few steps away, and suddenly, the body f Vero starts to rumble. Zoro notices and looks back to see Vero's body becoming misshaped. A few steps back, and Zoro finds the former Vero turning into a mutated griffon.

"What the hell!?" Zoro spoke.

Vero looked at his talons and body. He felt the strange disgusting and sickening touch of his face. He was devastated. "W-W-What did you do to me!?" The distorted voice questioned.

Zoro took out all three of his swords and prepared for the worst. Vero placed his talon on the floor, easily breaking the ground without trying. "You… YOU! You'll pay for this!!"

Zoro quickly dodged the talon as it demolishes the town. Vero screeches throughout the area and quakes the very air. Zoro looked up to the creature with a focused expression. Vero continued to hit the ground, practically making it explode. Buildings crumbles as he passes by, on his way towards the swordsman. Zoro readied one blade and slashes the air, causing a compression to cut through.

"Yakkodori!"  (Bird Dance!)

The attack slashes Vero's face, but he continues to rampage through the streets. Zoro ran from the debris being thrown around. Vero reaches out to grab onto Zoro, but gets cut as soon as he draws close.

"Get back here so I can smash you!" Vero demanded.

As the chase went on, Rainbow came in and flew nearby Zoro. She looked at the monster and asked, "Whoa, How'd you make him this mad?"

"Don't know." Zoro replied. "Right now I gotta stop it before it reaches the others."

"You need a lift?" Rainbow offered.

Zoro smiled as he got on Rainbow. The two flew up before Vero can grab them. As they flew up, Zoro stood on her back and got into position. The two katana in hand were behind the sword held by the mouth. Rainbow tilted her wing and got ready to do a 360. At the same time, they both spun and released a hurricane of blades with a spectrum of colors.

"Winged Spectrum Twister!"

The attack slashes the beast again and again before Rainbow dove down with Zoro arcing his blade for a diving cut.

"Sonic Slash!"

Vero was cut and thrown through building to building. Finally landing in the rubble and shrinking down to his normal state. The two loom over the defeated griffon lying motionlessly on the ground. Rainbow noticed the bottle rolling away from him and picks it up. She sniffs it to notice the peculiar smell emanating from it.

"What is this stuff?" Rainbow wondered.

"How are you able to hold that?" Zoro questioned.





Luffy was running around Zerox as he tried to stab the rubbery pony again and again. The griffon was aggravated with the finesse of Luffy outsmarting and outmaneuvering everything Zerox had to offer was constantly being outdone so easily.

"Hold still you foal!" He shouted.

One of the stab attempts gave Luffy the chance for him to stand on the spear. Luffy gave a wide smile as he said, "You're not really that good."

Zerox's vein popped as he released the sleeping gas while Luffy was on the spear. Knowing better this time, Luffy jumped up and inhaled deeply.

"Gomu Gomu no Fusen!" (Gum Gum Balloon!)

Luffy's body became inflated before he spat out all the air to blow away the gas. Zerox covered his face from taking in his own trap. Luffy then kicked downward, stretching both his hind legs to Zerox's face.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Stamp!"

He was then shot to the wall of the building while Luffy threw his hind legs up stretching them and down at Zerox.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Whip! "

Slamming the griffon to the ground, Luffy then pulled one more attack. He stretched his forelegs to Zerox's beak and sent his full body towards him.

"Gomu Gomu no Missile!"

Pushing Zerox deeper into the rubble, Luffy backs up and stretches. Waiting for the griffon in the debris to make his move. Zerox realizes he is outmatched to this red pony and decides it is time. He takes out the Warriors Elixir and drinks it whole. After that, he throws away the bottle as his muscles start to pump and bulge a bit.

"Straw Hat… You're gonna get it now…"

Zerox rushes in and slashes his claw at Luffy. This was impressively fast as it nearly cuts Luffy. The demonstration however shows the structures nearby being cut by fours. Luffy was stunned of what has just happened as the town gets demolished even further.

"Whoa! How'd he do that?" Luffy wondered. "He wasn't this strong before."

Quickly tilting his head to move away from the incoming spear attack, Luffy steps away from Zerox as he slams his spear down like a hammer. The ground crumbles and creates boulders for him to swing at Luffy. A few manages to hit Luffy, but he regains his balance quickly.

"He got faster too!" Luffy pointed out.

"Just you wait Straw Hat! I'm just getting started!"

Zerox finally lifts his wings and lets them grow. He flaps them on the battlefield, blowing Luffy above the ground. Not being able to move in the air, Luffy was being lifted and open for a hit. Zerox flies by him with his wings smashing him to a wall.

"Wing Basher!"

Luffy fell down to the ground, coughing a bit. He got up and started to throw in fast punches.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

The blows were missing as Zerox started to pass by them easily. As Zerox got close, Luffy attempted to kick him with his hind legs.

"Gomu Gomu no Buck!"

"Wing Slash!"

Zerox dodged the blow and cuts Luffy with his wings. Breathing hardly, he gets up again and this time, evens the match. Throwing his hoof to the side, the blood starts to pump and Luffy's coat started to create steam and shine.

"I shouldn't have held back." Luffy admitted. "I really should have given it my all."

"Do you really think you can match me now?" Zerox scoffed. "I'm much faster than you can ever be now!"

"We'll see about that." Luffy smirked as he places his hoof on the floor.

"Gear second"

Zerox simple yawned before taking up the spear again. Luffy aimed his hoof at Zerox with careful precision.

"Gomu Gomu no…"

"Full of hope, aren't you." Zerox said as he began to disappear. His voice started to go around the area as he dashes everywhere. "Can you hit what you can't see? As you may have noticed, I'm too fast for you to see. There's no way you can-"

"Jet Pistol!"

Luffy hits Zerox on the spot, and sends him hurdling down to the ground. He widens his eyes realizing how easy it was.

"Wah! I should have done it earlier."

Zerox's body started to quiver. His muscles then grew to an incredible size. He wakens with piercing devilish eyes as he looms over Luffy. His height becomes three times taller than the pony.

"Now you've done it!" He shouts before crushing the area. Luffy escapes the attack in time and throws in another punch.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Pistol!"

The attack does no effect. Zerox in fact grabs the hoof and throws it to the wall. Luffy rubs his head in pain before being crushed by Zerox's talon repeatedly.

"Die, Die, Die you insect!" Zerox laughed.

Luffy rolls out of the multiple crushes after receiving three. He gets up and attempts another offensive maneuver.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka!"

The attack did little effect to Zerox's face, but he still gets flicked away to the building. Luffy coughs before getting up once more. He holds his chin wondering what to do.

"He's gotten way stronger." Luffy deduced. "Maybe this will work…"

Luffy runs away, getting some distance from the bulky griffon. As he does, Zerox begins to laugh.

"Hahaha, I knew it!" He yelled, allowing Luffy to hear. "You do know that I'm strong! Too strong for even you to handle now!"

Luffy reaches the distance of a mile or two. Zerox continues to gloat. "Not even your unicorn companion could handle me! She was no match for even a single bullet!"

Luffy turns around and blows into both his hooves.

"Gear Third!"

The hooves enlarges and then were thrown behind him with another technique.

"Bosu Koka!" (Hardening!)

"After I'm done with you, I'll finish the job this time!" Zerox vowed. "And I'll start with your pegasus protégé!"

Luffy began to rush towards Zerox. He grins as he pulls back his talons to ready the killing blow. Luffy was going at full steam with anger in his mind.

"Don't you dare touch them."

The gigantic hardened hooves comes after Luffy while at the same time Zerox thrusts his talons towards Luffy.

"Gomu Gomu no…!"

"Say goodbye Pony D. Luffy!"

"Grizzly Magnum!"

The killing blow of Zerox collided with Luffy's gigantic hooves. They struggled to keep hold, but Luffy comes out on top. The hooves push forward and threatens Zerox once he notices his talons were being pushed back.

"N-No! I can't be beaten by some rubber colt! AAAGH!"

The impact hits Zerox so hard, he is dug deep into the ground. A hole is made in the place of the gigantic Zerox. After his defeat, he shrinks back to his normal form. Luffy goes back on the ground and walks back to the others.

"Man, I'm starving!" He sighed. "I wonder if they still have the meat?"





Twilight slowly opens her eyes from the sudden headache. She gets up with a strange chill around her body before looking around. She notices a tarp over her, the setting of a crate next to her used as a table holding various medicines. Her hoof was wrapped and treated. Looking to the side, she sees Chopper.

"Thank goodness! You're awake." Chopper said happily. "You've been knocked out the longest compared to everyone else."

"What… happened?" She asked as she held her head.

"Fluttershy's Conquerors Haki finally went on to the next stage. She used it on all of us, which was why you were even knocked out. The only ones manage to stay up was Luffy, Usopp, Robin, me, and Rainbow. Zoro and Luffy took care of Vero and Zerox, so everything is okay now."

"Fluttershy did all this!?" she asked with a surprised expression.

"It was amazing! Like Luffy, she took out all the griffons." Chopper claimed. "I'm not completely sure how she did it in time, but she saved Luffy's life before it was too late."

"Your captain sure knows how to get into trouble." Twilight stated.

Chopper chuckled as he scratched his head. "Yeah, but you get used to it."

"Honestly, I think you're right." Twilight smiled. "By now, it's only been a week or two, but I never thought that Luffy would be… somepony you would care so much about. I can't even imagine things getting better without his help."

The reindeer went to his medicines and mixed them. As he did, he said to Twilight with an expression of blankness. "I know what you mean. Before the time I joined the crew, I thought life would just be the same. We all have something that made us think… this is as good as it gets. We never thought about continuing to pursue our dreams any farther than we were at the moment. Than Luffy came… and that's when our lives were turned around. I think… for the better to be honest."

The simple smile Chopper had made Twilight notice something. Something happened to him a long time ago. Maybe years ago, or maybe right before Luffy came. Whatever it was, it wasn't a nice story.

Luffy came in with his head sticking into the tent. "Hey guys! It's finally time to eat! Come on!"

Chopper and Twilight nodded. Helping the unicorn get up, the doctor leads her to the campfire. The starry skies of the night plague over the sleepy desert. But the large group of friends and comrades are knocking cups yelling cheers! The two were brought right into the fun of dinner by their pink companion. The food was served to the ponies with many treats of pies and salads while the other straw hats and Gilda ate meat and sake. Though Rainbow wanted to try some sake, Applejack refused to wake up with a hangover pegasus. Laughs echoed the tiring dunes, and the party continues until the dinner food was gone, with the help of our rubbery hero.

"He's not a hero!" Pinkie shouts.
> Chapter 26 - Resort Hawk's get-together. Unbelievable Bounties!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	At the edge of the desert, the crew finally reaches the grassy plains on the outskirts of the desert. The ponies and Chopper drop onto the floor with exhaustion and happiness.

"Finally!" They all muttered.

Gilda was pulling the caravan holding the supplies while the others were walking beside it. They didn't want to tire her out completely seeing how they were on the desert. Finally, the hottest of their challenge was over.

"Well, that took a while." Usopp pointed out.

"Only because we stayed in that town too long." Robin stated. "If we're going to continue our journey, we should be aware that the towns are out to get us. They have enough reasons to attack, so if we want to be safe, we'll have to keep a low profile."

"Yosh!" Luffy says aloud. "That settles it! Everyone, stop making so much attention!"

"LOOK WHO'S TALKING!!" They all scold at Luffy, except for Robin and Fluttershy.

Traveling farther, Twilight looks down as she begins to ponder at some thoughts. Fluttershy notices and walks by her.

"Twilight, what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked.

"Hmm?" She turns to the yellow pegasus. "Oh, you must've used your observation Haki, didn't you?"

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to invade your privacy."

"It's alright." Twilight assures her. "Don't worry too much about it."

"Are you sure?"

"It's fine Fluttershy." Twilight gives a fake smile as she continues on the road. Fluttershy foolishly believes the lie, but even Usopp and Applejack could tell something wasn't right. Arriving at yet another town, they find it inhabited by griffons and ponies. The war has not affected the relationship of the two species here yet, so they calmly enter.

"Maybe this time we can get some supplies in peace." Rarity thought.

Applejack quickly jumped on Zoro and held onto his head. Zoro was immediately angered.

"OI! What the hell are you doing!?" he questioned.

"I'm not letting you out of my sight!" Applejack stated. "I'm not letting you waltz around here getting lost, especially if we just got here!"

"Lost!? Geez."

"I think I can help with that." Rarity spoke.

Levitating a bell with a strap, she places it around Zoro's neck. As she ties it on, everyone begins to laugh. Zoro's face became red.

"Oh… my… S-Sorry…" Fluttershy snickered.
"Hahaha! Zoro, Hahaha!" Chopper fell on the floor chortling.
"Zoro looks like a pet! Haha!" Luffy chuckled with Chopper and the ground as well.

"I don't need to hear that from you!" Zoro scolded at Luffy.

"And… there! Now we'll know where you are at all times!" Rarity smiled.

Zoro pulled it off and threw it away. "I rather have this one on my head."

"My names Applejack!" She told Zoro.

"Sorry… Jack."

Applejack bonks Zoro on the head, making a swell appear on the top of his hair.

"Watch it partner."





The whole group traveled together to the center of town. As they did, they see a scuffle between a pony with a griffon against two griffon soldiers.

"Hey! Why'd you do that!?" The civilian questioned.

"That right there is a pony!" one of the soldiers stated. "Don't you know? We're at war with them!"

"Etora has been a place for all species!" He responded. "We never discriminate species, regardless of who owns this land back then or now!"

"Well it looks like a perfect time to change customs." The soldier declared as he loomed over the fallen mare. "This is griffon territory. You along with all your pony friends now must leave."

"B-But I live here! A lot of us do!" The mare mentions.

"Do you dare defy us? Do you really want to see what we'll do to you if you refuse our orders?" The griffon questions, pressuring the pony.

Suddenly, a spiraling blue stallion swings in with a powerful kick from his lone hind leg digs directly into the side of the griffon.

"Côtelette"

The blow pushed the soldier and his cohort aside. The mare and griffon looked upon the blue stallion with amazement. The blue stallion brought the pony back to her feet and asked,	"Are you okay?"

The mare blushed and said, "Y-Yes… Um, thank you…"

Over by the Straw Hats, the mares of the group were impressed. Rarity was certainly attracted to this heroic figure.

"Oh my, he's so chivalrous." Rarity commented.

"He sure knows how to kick!" Applejack exclaimed.

The others felt a sense of familiarity upon the blue pony. Finally, Robin realized something.

"Isn't that Sanji?"

"Sanji!?" Usopp repeated. "Did he… turn into one like Luffy?"

"Sanji! Sanji!" Luffy and Chopper called.

The blue stallion turned and saw the others. His gaze upon Robin made his eye turn into a heart as he twirled over to them.

"Robin my love~!" He said happily. "I'm so glad to see you again!"

"Wasn't Luffy and Chopper the ones who called you?" Rainbow thought.

"It's good to see you too Sanji." She replied while petting his mane.

Sanji's eye shrunk as she places her hand on his hair. Robin is combing my hair? Is she… finally in love with me!?

Zoro's laughter interrupted the thoughts of Sanji as he glared at the swordsman.

"What are you laughing at moss head!?" He questioned.

"Oh nothing." He smiled deviously. "How's it like being a prince pony?"

Sanji immediately went ahead to kicking Zoro, but was deflected by his katana. Though Sanji was in a pony body, he was able to move and fight in a human like pose. The ponies and Gilda were shocked to see this hero suddenly kick his crewmate over an insult.

"Stop! Aren't you two friends!?" Twilight questioned the two.

"HELL NO!" They both exclaimed while fighting. As each kick managed to somehow deflect the sword, Nami came in and hits both of them on the head.

"KNOCK IT OFF!"

As the two were knocked down, the ponies stared at a new face. Nami was exhaling some frustration off before opening her eyes and realizing something. "Zoro! There you are!"

"You just noticed that!?" Usopp yelled.

"Usopp! Robin! Chopper!" She said in happiness. "I'm so glad to see you all again!"

"Likewise Nami." Robin replied.

"Just because you said you're happy to see me doesn't mean it makes me happy you bastard~!" Chopper said with a cheerful dance.

"You sure look happy." All the mares and Gilda commented.

Nami looked at Luffy for a moment. Pausing, she then says, "Luffy! You look so adorable!"

She tussled Luffy's hair, making him laugh. Sanji got up with steam coming out of his ears before he was calmed down by Robin as she too pets him on the head. The ponies look at the crew assembling so far, and sigh in exhaustion. How much weirder is this crew gonna get?

Pinkie on the other hand was excited as she introduced herself to the two. "Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie! You must be Sanji and Nami!"

Nami raised an eyebrow at her and the six other beings before her. "How do you know us?"

Robin taps Nami's shoulder and says, "We have a lot to discuss. Let's go somewhere private for now."

"You know a good place?" Applejack asked. "We've had some trouble last time we went to an inn, and boy, did it get ugly."

"Don't worry." Nami assured the others with a wink. "Sanji was able to get popular in this town and got us a nice place to stay. You'll like it there, they have a spa!"

"A spa!?" Rarity said in glee. "How wonderful! I can't wait to get a hooficure! It's been too long since I had the time to relax."

"Do they have meat?" Luffy asked.

"This is a griffon village Luffy." Gilda reminded him. "Of course they have meat!"

"What are we waiting for!? Let's go then!" Luffy shouted.





Resort Hawk, a Japanese spa themed inn now had the Straw Hats meeting up. The girls and boys splits up to their changing rooms. Though Sanji wanted to peek at Robin and Nami, he was slapped away by the navigator's swift hand. Entering the spa baths, Luffy and Chopper are on life preservers with Usopp, Zoro, and Sanji.

"Ah! This feels great after two days of trekking through the desert." Usopp stated.

"Desert?" Sanji repeated. "Did it go well?"

Thinking back to the countless amount of griffons attacking with cannons, arrows, commanders, and even saving Luffy in time from public execution, the group shrugged and said, "Yeah, it was fine."

"Eeeh…" Luffy moaned. "Sanji, how'd you get turned into a pony?"

"Hmm? I don't know. I woke up with Nami hugging me tightly as she held me close to keep her safe~."

"Dumbass." Zoro insulted.

Sanji's nose spat up blood before he sneered, "What'd you say you dumb ass swordsman!?"

The two glared at each other before they heard Rainbow and Gilda chanting, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

They looked up and saw the two flying over the opening between the blinds. The other side was the girls domain. As the two were laughing, Usopp questioned the them.

"Oi! What are you doing peeking over this side?"

"Just want to see how the boys are doing." Rainbow claimed.

"Hey Straw Hat, you might want to stop leaning on one side of the water tube if you don't want to end up drowning." Gilda suggested.

Luffy ignored her as he continues to dangerously lean on one side. Chopper was faring no better as the heat was making his fur wet. He was slowly slipping into the hole. Gilda merely nods her head before going back to the other side.

"What are you guys talking about anyways?" Rainbow asked. "Too many gross girly stuff over here."

"Tomboy." They all said in unison.

Rainbow went up and shouted…"Hey! You take that back or I'll-"

"Rainbow!" Twilight called. "Get down here! And stop peeping at the boy's side!"

Rainbow hovered down as they continue to relax in the hot water. Both sides were silent for the time being, soaking in the bath's minerals. Finally breaking the silence on the girl's side was Nami.

"So, you're the ones who took care of our captain then? Thanks. I know how he can be a handful at times."

"Yes, it was quite troublesome dealing with him." Rarity agreed. "He was so impolite."

"He eats a lot, I can tell you that much." Applejack chuckled. "I should know, I'm the one who kept cooking for the guy."

"But he's super duper fun!" Pinkie pointed out.

"He's pretty cool, for a pony made of rubber." Rainbow admitted.

"He can be nice… when he wants to." Fluttershy scratched the back of her head with that being said.

"He's not the brightest." Twilight added. "Neither is Zoro, seeing how he keeps getting lost."

Nami laughed at this. "I thought as much. How about you? Gilda was it?"

"Hmm?" She spoke. "Oh, I barely know the guy compared to the others. He's okay in my book though."

"Robin, are you alright?" Rarity asked. "You seemed even more tired than usual."

"Robin my love~!" Sanji called. "Are you alright? Do you need my attention?"

"Perverted cook." Zoro sneered.

The sound of yelling was heard on the other side. Robin giggled as she replied, "I'm alright. The water just makes me feel a bit uneasy."

"That's right." Twilight recalled. "You're a devil fruit user as well. Anypony who ate a devil fruit won't be able to swim. The chest area is where you start to lose strength, right?"

"Sometimes it varies." Robin answered.

"Hmm… How's Luffy and Chopper doing in the baths?" Applejack wondered.

"Well, they're holding onto life preservers while their soaking it in, but looks like they're about to slip off." Gilda answered. "So, pretty good I guess."

A loud splash noise echoed and the following voices were those of a panicking expressions.

"Oi! Luffy!" Usopp shouted.





The girls were now in the room getting pedicures, massages, and other fine spa treatments. Rarity and Nami were enjoying this time relaxing. Rainbow however was not interested at all and looked to the other room and saw the boys playing ping pong.

"Aw, what!?" Rainbow complained. "They get a ping pong table and all we get are ponies touching our hooves?"

"If you want to be with the others, go ahead." Nami suggested.

"Oh, but she must simply try this! It's to die for." Rarity contradicted.

"Amazing that ponies can do such a fine massage with only hooves." Robin spoke. "I thought it would be uncomfortable."

"I like griffons massages better, but this is fine too." Gilda commented.

Rainbow was surprised to see Gilda actually liking this. "What!? Not you too!"

"What's the big deal Dashie? It's not a big deal."

"Don't call me that." Rainbow snapped back. She looked over to the others and struggled to stay with the girls. Finally, she flew to the other room. "Aw heck, why not? It's better than letting ponies poke me."

After she deserted the others, Rarity sighed. "I simply cannot understand that pegasus."

"I wouldn't mind it none." Applejack responded. "It's just how she is."

Meanwhile in the boys lounge, Luffy was hitting the ball to Usopp, only for it to not even hit the table and blow a hole through the wall.

"DAAAH!" Usopp screamed. He turned and yelled, "Luffy! That's not how you play!"

"Wah?" Luffy said in bewilderment. "Don't you just hit the ball back?"

"You're supposed to let it hit the table first." Chopper explained.

"Here, like this." Sanji took the paddle and a ball. He swung it hard down onto the table and then made a hole in it.

"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!?" Usopp questioned.

"How are you two able to hold the paddles with no fingers?" Zoro wondered.

"Maybe it's magic." Chopper thought as he poked Luffy's hoof.

Suddenly, Rainbow entered the fray and received everyone's attention. "Hey guys! Mind if I play?"

"Sure!" Luffy said with a grin. He gave Rainbow the paddle and room to play. She was against Usopp, and she swung the ball hard. Enough to do the same mistake as Luffy.

"WAAH!" Usopp squealed before turning to Rainbow. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ALL!?"

"Isn't that how you're supposed to play?" Rainbow wondered.

"I give up." Usopp sighed as he handed the paddle to Zoro. "You do whatever, I'm not dealing with you if it involves me getting a hole in my head."

"Yosh." Zoro got behind the table and raised it to Rainbow. "Get ready!"

"Bring it!" Rainbow challenged.

The two went at it and hits the ball back and forth nonstop. The ball never hits the table, and the eyes of the crowd never stop watching the ball. It was something to see.

"It's not hitting the table." Chopper pointed out.

"Yeah." Usopp nodded.

"Not touching the table." Luffy added.

"If one of them stops hitting, they win." Sanji noted.

Rainbow and Zoro were on the mark. This didn't last long however as Rainbow missed a beat and the ball was heading straight for her head. Sanji managed to kicked the ball and land on the table in the nick of time.

"Hey moss head!" Sanji scolded. "Watch where you're hitting the thing!"

"Uh… Thanks?" Rainbow says to Sanji. "But I'm fine, really."

"Oh? Is nosebleed pony in love with horses now?" Zoro questioned.

The two started fighting again, grasping everyone's attention. Finally, Twilight intervened and levitated the two of them to stop.

"I think it's time we had a talk." She said.





Intervention. Zoro and Sanji are sitting across from each other and Twilight sits between them. She was wearing glasses to make herself appear as a therapist. She levitates her pen and clicks it as she picks at the board, ready to jot down notes.

"Alright, let's begin." Twilight declared. "What has gotten you two like this?"

"Because he's an idiot." Zoro answered.

"Because he's a moss head." Sanji answered.

The two punches the table and yelled, "What'd you say!?"

She used her magic to make them sit down and say, "That's not a reason! Look, how did this start? I mean, surely there must be a time when you two were able to get along before all of this."

They held their chins and nodded in disagreement with the idea.

"No, never had." Zoro claimed.

"I don't think so." Sanji as well.

"Well, you two should calmly work between your differences." Twilight recommended them. "After all, you two sail the same ship under the same captain. It would just be right to have the crewmates working together with everything in order."

"No way." They both shot down Twilight's idea.

"B-But!"

"Sanji!" Luffy called. "I'm hungry!"

Sanji grinned and said, "Alright! I'm coming!"

"W-Wait! We're not done here!" Twilight told Sanji, only to be ignored for the moment.

Zoro got up and left as well. "Looks like we're good for now."

"Luffy!" Applejack scolded at the red pony. "Can't you see he was busy talking with something important? If you want to eat so bad, just ask me."

"But Sanji's cooking is so good! You gotta try it!" Luffy replied.

"It's fine Applejack." Sanji assured her. "I don't mind cooking for everyone here."

"But I've been doing the cooking for the others ever since. It doesn't seem right to make somepony else do my job." Applejack explained.

"I'm the cook of the crew though." Sanji reminded her. "In fact, I'd say you were the one taking my job."

Applejack couldn't counter that and sighed. "Alright, but I don't know if you can make any apple dishes. I've been having a craving for some since then."

"Apples?" Sanji chuckled. "Alright! I'll see what I can do."





Somewhere near Featheran, groups of royal soldiers from Canterlot ready their forces. Their camp consisted of many ponies. Among them was a certain blue haired unicorn.

"Hey Captain Shining!" His subordinates called. "Why are we waiting so long to invade the fortress? It doesn't seem right to just wait around."

Shining Armor turned to his fellow ally and explained. "We don't have the numbers to match the strength of the place yet. For now, we're awaiting for more units to meet up here. It took us a while to find a safe enough place just to be near the place."

"But Captain!" The subordinate exclaimed, but was silent after realizing he raised his voice.

"Patience." Shining told him. "If we rush it, we'll just end up losing everything we worked on. They're counting on us to secure the place, so that's what we'll do."

"S-Sir!" another pony called with fear on his face. "W-We have a problem!"

"What is it?" Shining questioned.

"Our scout, Rusher went in ahead to check around the fortress." He informed Shining. "I tried to stop him, but it was too late. He went right in, and no later got captured. The griffons will be coming!"

"Oh no…!" He muttered as his eyes shrunk to pinpricks. He looks over to his subordinate and said, "This isn't good! We'll have to take some evasive measures."

"What do we do?" He asked.

Not able to think of a good enough plan as he heard battle cries nearby, he placed his hoof on the soldiers shoulder. "You'll have to leave immediately."

"W-What sir!? Why me!?" He wondered. "What are you planning!?"

"We've been found out. It's only a matter of time before we all get overpowered. You need to get to the other squadrons and warn them before it's too late!"

"But… I can't leave you all here!" He stated.

"It's fine!" Shining assured him. "Go! Deliver the message! Hurry!"

The young soldier nodded and left immediately. As he did, the fire was already raised among the forest. As he fled as far as possible, he could hear only screams of his fellow soldiers. Tears dripped from his face as he expected the worst has happened to them.





Luffy, Pinkie, Chopper, and Usopp were chanting food over and over. They were obviously excited for what Sanji had to offer. Most of the others were rather used to their behavior, but Rarity had the urge to state her opinion.

"Be patient you four." Rarity told them. "It's rude to rush a chef when preparing a meal."

Sanji came in with the mares helping him bring in the food. The glamorous meal shines with sauce over the meat dishes and the wonderful smell of vegetarian meals did not fail to excite the ponies.

"Dinner is served." Sanji said as he placed one of the foods on the table.

The food for meat eaters were on the pirates side and the food for vegetarians were on the ponies side. Gilda being a griffon took one bite of what was in front of her suddenly had her eyes widened.

"This…!" She muttered.

The others followed by and took what was in front of them. They were astounded to say the least, as great reactions to the food were taking into extent.

Rainbow was stunned and shoved more of the food in her mouth. No one could understand her mouthful of vegetables speak.

Fluttershy just stared at the food from one bite. "Oh my goodness…!"

"So… So…" Twilight was trying to sum up the words to describe it.

Applejack was looking at Sanji before staring at her piece of apple pie. "And I thought I was the best at apple pies."

"Sanji!" Rarity spoke. "This is truly the most amazing-"

"WOW!" Pinkie shouted. "This is so tasty! I never had anything like this before! Boy Luffy! You sure are lucky to have a cook like him on your crew! I wish I had a cook that made everything like this!"

"See? I told you guys!" Luffy laughed.

Sanji poked his hoof at Luffy's head and growled, "It’s ladies. None of them are guys, they're woman and deserve to be treated with respect."

"I can agree with that." Rarity said with a smile.

Twilight looked at Rainbow as she gouged continuously at the food. "Rainbow! Slow down! There's enough for all of us!"

"Is there really?" She managed to say before eyeing Luffy. The girls stared at him for a moment before realizing what she meant.

"Everypony eat before Luffy does!" Twilight screamed.

"Hey!" Luffy shouted.

The meal turned into an eating contest as the crew and the ponies went after the food as quickly as possible. Sanji and Rarity were quite annoyed, as well as Nami who was planning to have a normal meal. She didn't expect anything less however, knowing the usual antics. Rainbow swiped as much as Luffy and Pinkie during the sprawl. Though most of them mind their manners at the table, they just loved the meal too much. Twilight was even teleporting the meal as well as levitating them to her. Fluttershy managed to gather a few under the radar, and Usopp and Chopper went onto pulling pranks such as hot sauce on some of the foods. Of course, this lead to a kick by Sanji whenever one of them went to a girl. Robin was laughing at all of this while Zoro merely ate his food. At times he yelled at the others whenever they steal.

But amends were made after Luffy went on doing what he did best. Start a celebration. He along with the new kid quadruplets, consisting of him, Usopp, Chopper, and Pinkie placed chopsticks up their nose and to their mouths. Laughter was exclaimed and cheers were thrown. No one could resist the good times, not even Rarity. The music was brought in by Pinkie and a set of instruments that came out of nowhere, and tunes were flowing in. Night came sooner than they knew, and finally the night sky blankets the sleeping eyes of this crew.

Fluttershy who somehow managed to stay awake and look around. She went to the inn's lobby looking for something.

"Even after all that, I still can't sleep too well." She said to herself. "I hope it isn't too much trouble for a warm glass of milk."

Searching around, her eyes view something completely stunning. The papers are in, and she runs to her friends with them in wing. Waking them up, she panics.

"Everypony! We have a really big problem!" She cried.

They drowsily woke up and looked at her. She immediately regrets waking them up and says, "I-I'm sorry to disturb you all, but… this came in."





They stared at the newspaper in front of them reading the headlines. The Straw Hat Squad has broken through! The article focused on the last skirmish at Sandy Claws. The new bounties have also shown and have been updated.

"Luffy, a bounty of 500,000,000 bits still staying at place. Rainbow Dash, a bounty of 380,000,000 bits. Usopp Long Shot, 250,000,000 bits. Mystery Robin, 300,000,000 bits. Zoro the Slasher, 450,000,000  bits. Tanuki, 320,000,000 bits." Twilight read.

"TANUKI!?" Chopper squealed.

Twilight continued to read the new updates. "Applejack, 300,000,000 bits. Blue leg Sanji, 440,000,000 bits. Witchcraft Nami, 210,000,000 bits. All other reported ponies are henchmen of the Straw Hat Squadron."

"Henchmen!?" Rarity scoffed. "I'm no ruffian! How dare they!"

"Ugh, I was hoping to avoid this." Applejack said as she looked at her bounty.

"Hey! Look at that!" Rainbow said. "You're 80,000,000 bits less than me!"

Applejack glared at Rainbow while the other pirates smiled. Nami wasn't particularly happy with the bounty, especially being called a witch.

"How dare they call Nami a witch!" Sanji growled. "I'll kick every one of those griffon bastards out there!"

"Ahem." Gilda spoke.

"Except you miss." Sanji added.

"Tanuki?" Chopper whimpered. "I'm a reindeer! Don't they see the antlers?"

"Don't worry Chopper." Fluttershy comforted him. "at least we all know what you really are."

Chopper sighed while Luffy was laughing in happiness. "Wow! Everyone sure got a bigger bounty!"

"You say it like it’s a good thing." Rarity pointed out.

Zoro looked over to the papers and noticed another misplaced bounty. "Hey, I think you missed one."

"Hmm?" Twilight looked over to the extra sheet of paper and took it out. She was stunned by what she saw, making everyone watch immediately. Twilight stuttered with her skin on a tense state. "Fluttershy is… wanted for a bounty of… 490,000,000 bits!"

They were all shocked. Fluttershy was beyond belief too. Twilight continued to read the nickname they had given her.

"Fluttershy, Luffy's apprentice."

"WHAT!?" Rainbow screamed. "She has a higher bounty than me?!"

"Out of all of us, she has the second most highest bounty." Robin pointed out.

"Wow! Great job Fluttershy!" Luffy laughed as he pats her on the back.

"490,000,000…?" She muttered. "W-Why do I have so much…?"

"It's probably because you used Haki back at the other town." Robin deduced. "If I remember correctly, Luffy received the high bounty and the interest of the griffon kingdom because he happened to use it in your town as well."

"That's why they dubbed you, Luffy's apprentice." Twilight finished off.

"Cool! I never had an apprentice before!" Luffy laughed.

"What about those kung fu dugongs?" Zoro reminded him.

"Oh yeah!"

"Oh my gosh!" She quickly hugged Chopper in discomfort. "What do I do!? What if they come after me!? I'm so scared!"

"Don't worry!" Luffy assured her. "We'll be fine! Once we find Brook and Franky, we'll be able to take on anyone!"

"Oh… okay…" Fluttershy nodded and released Chopper. "But where will we find the last two?"

"If we look further into the newspaper, you'll find something interesting." Robin said. She turned to the page having a picture of a Thousand Sunny. "The so called haunted ship has been reported to be at Craggy Coast. It's not too far, we're only another town away."

"We can take the train!" Twilight suggested. "This town connects to the harbor town, Sealos."

"A train?" The straw hat crew repeated.

"Why? What's wrong?" Twilight tilted her head in confusion.

"There's nothing wrong with it." Usopp assured her. "It's just been a while since we went to one. The last time we had a train ride was at Water 7."

"Water 7?"

"It also happens to be an island of shipwrights." Robin continued. "It was there when we rode the Sea Train as well as meet one of our crewmates there."

"A sea train!?" Pinkie bellowed. "Oh my gosh! Did it go underwater?"

"No, it just rode over the water." Chopper answered.

"Ooh! That still sounds cool!"

"Yosh! That settles it!" Luffy declared. "We're going to Craggy Coast by train!"

"What!? But… an inn with a spa! For free!" Rarity whined.

"We can't stay here forever." Applejack stated. "Our goal was to help Luffy find his friends so we can all stop this war."

"Still, we have a long way to go." Twilight sighed.

"But it's gonna be a blast once we finish it!" Rainbow thought. "This is getting exciting!"

"We're all here to see it to the end." Applejack stated. "So don't worry too much. We're behind you all the way."

The girls nodded, and gave a smile to match they joyful pirate crew. It's just one more stretch to resolve the crisis.

Or is it?
> Chapter 27 - Train Ride
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The griffon overlooking the train saw the massive amount of suitcases being carried by the lone blue pony. He quickly brought them inside as the following group goes in the carriage as well. The steam blows and the train ready's itself to go. Rarity waves a handkerchief to say farewell to Resort Hawk.

"Oh, woe is me." She sighs. "Back to walking around for miles."

"We're in a train." Applejack reminded her. "Stop being so fussy about everything! It's just for a little more."

"Easy for you to say! You're used to working out in the fields! I'm a mare of elegance."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means what it means." Rarity stuck her tongue out to Applejack, annoying her.

Over by Twilight, she was checking on Sanji's condition. He had carried all of the girls bags, even when they didn't want to. It was only natural for her to ask.

"Sanji, are you alright? I told you shouldn't have done all that."

"It's alright, really." He assured her. "After all, I can't let the ladies be bothered by such trivial matters."

"And we thank you for that." Nami and Robin hugged Sanji, making his nose spat out blood.

"Yeah… right…" Twilight rolled her eyes.

Gilda watches Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Pinkie run around the train. Eventually Rainbow joins in, and Nami is yelling at them. Though her cool demeanor would usually see this as an bothersome sight, but she smiled instead.

"Knock it off!" Nami yelled as she bonked them all in the head.

The train blew its horn and the locomotives did their magic. The crew looked out the window and saw everything pass by so quickly. The wind blows their hair and the scene is set. A relaxing train ride with peace and…

"Tag your it!" Pinkie started.

Quiet…

"Hey!" Luffy playfully shouted.

"Oh! Me too! Me too!" Usopp said aloud.

"I wanna play!" Chopper as well.

They left to the other carts of the train as Twilight and Nami told them to stop. They didn't listen as they ventured to the other carts of the train. Luffy was chasing Pinkie while Chopper and Usopp were close by to watch. Making their way to the engine room, Pinkie locked herself in, blocking Luffy, Usopp and Chopper on the other side.

"Hey! Open up!" Luffy whined.

"Nope!" Pinkie giggled.

Luffy turned to the others and grinned. "Alright! Fine! You two better run!"

The three ran the other way while Pinkie took a quick breath. She looked around to see the coal lying around and the engineer watching the train. It was a griffon wearing the hat of any overseer of the train.

Pinkie trotted behind the griffon and greeted him. "Hello!"

"Hmm?" He reacted with surprise. "Whoa! Careful there missy! I almost got a heart attack there!"

"Sorry about that! Are you the one making the train move?"

"Why, yes I am!" He said proudly. "Just shoving coal in and all. The usual duties."

"Ooh! Do you also make the horn blow?"

"Why, yes I do."

The griffon pulled the chain strand and a sudden loud noise was emitted. Pinkie giggled as she looked forward upon the train tracks.

"How much longer until we reach Sealos?"

"About a day and a night." He answered. "So just relax."

"Pinkie promise we'll get there?" she asked. "My friends really want to meet with somepony."

"Yeah, sure. Pinkie Promise." The engineer playfully held her hoof and smiled.

"Alright then!" Pinkie said while leaving. "See you later~!"





The food cart was practically getting ransacked by Luffy and friends. Many were careless for their appetites getting the better of them. Some restrained themselves to look neat and proper. It didn't matter, for all of the riders gave them a glance to their strange behavior.

"This stuff is so good!" Usopp said aloud.

"The meat tastes great!" Luffy cheered.

"You said it!" Gilda agreed.

"The Griffon Kingdom wouldn't be so bad if everybody wasn't trying to kill us." Chopper stated.

"Nami my love~! Robin my sweet~!" Sanji called as he twirled over with a platter of food. "I got this especially for you two."

"We already have our own plates Sanji, but thanks." Nami gratefully replied.

"Your words of gratitude mean the world~!" Sanji swooned.

"Oh Mr. Chef!" Rarity called. "I haven't gotten some yet."

"Oh, well then." Sanji said casually as he brought the food to Rarity. "Here you go."

"Thank you." She giggled gleefully.

"Do they have any booze or what?" Zoro complained.

"Beer?" Applejack spoke rather haphazardly. "Uh… Don't think so, why?"

"Seriously? How could this place not have any saké?"

"Uh, we do sir." The attendant told him. "But you'll have to order from our menu."

"Alright then!" Zoro grinned as he took a look at what they had to offer.

"I honestly never drank alcohol except at Pinkie's parties. Even then, they were never that strong."

"What? You wanna try some?" Zoro offered.

"Eh… What do they have?"

"Here's one you might like." He thought. "The Apple Sucker."

"Apple Sucker?" She repeated. "Well ring me up a bottle partner!"

"We're having a sale you know." The attendant stated. "All of your friends can drink, as well as enter our drinking contest."

"Contest?" Nami leaned in with interest. "What's the prize?"

"We're giving away 10,000 bits to the lucky winner." The attendant answered.

"I heard a contest!" Rainbow dashed in. "And that means a challenge!"

"I wanna play too!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"10,000 bits?" Rarity repeated the prize. "I could use that sort of money."

"Sounds fun." Twilight smiled at the idea.

"Oi now…" Usopp said. "Are all of you really old enough to drink?"

"How old do you think we are?" They all questioned in unison.





Nami was walking to the women's cart with Robin, Gilda, and the rest of the ponies. All of them were exhausted from the drinking contest, excluding Robin, Gilda, and Fluttershy. Luffy and the guys were walking to their cart, one behind the women's cart, and went to bed.

"Ah, this was a good haul." Nami slurred as she looked at the bag of bits upon her hand.

"I was never the drinking type…" Rarity hiccups.

"It seems the others are already fast asleep." Robin deduced.

Meanwhile over to the other cart, Luffy was already sound asleep. Chopper, Usopp, and Zoro were as well. Sanji came back a bit later with a slap mark on his face. Chopper happened to notice him walking back.

"Whoa, what happened to you?" He asked.

"I was just checking on Nami and Robin." He said with a cool smirk.

As the night went by, clattering was heard between the two carts. Ponies in black camouflage suits were checking around. There were four. Exchanging hoof signals, two went into the guy's cart and two went into the girls cart. On the boys side, the two were looking around to see them asleep.

"Heh heh… they fell for it." One of them chuckled.

"Okay, let's tie them up while we have the chance."

"I don't think that'll work out." Zoro said as he pointed his katana towards them. The spies look up to see them all wide awake and pointing their weapons at them. Luffy and Chopper were in knight position, ready to strike.

"Onigiri!"
"Party kick course!"
"Lead Star!"
"Little Knight Charge!"

The loud banging and slashing noises awoke the passengers and alerted everyone nearby. Lots of screaming noise were heard as well. The spies on the girls cart looked out the window with surprise.

"They've been found out!?" She said in shock. "Didn't they take the sleeping drug in their drinks?"

"You mean this?" Nami pulled out the vial of the green liquid. The spies look back as Nami, Robin, Gilda, and Fluttershy were wide awake.

"Thunder Bolt Tempo!"
"Doce Fleur."
"Gilded Slash!"
"No thanks…"

They were blown outside of the carts, between the two. The mare struggled as she looked both ways to realize they found out.

"Clutch."

The spies got their bones snapped and struggled to recover.

"Looks like it's time for plan B!"

She pulled out a pickaxe and smashed the line between the two carts. The guys dropped their jaws as well as the girls.

"I got it!" Luffy declared. "Gomu Gomu no…!"

He stretched over to the other cart and tied his hooves to the other cart.

"Construction Bridge!"

"Nice one Luffy!" Usopp cheered. "Zoro! Sanji! Go get them! Me and Chopper will stay here to watch after Luffy!"

"Yosh!" They both said as they raced to the other side. As they stepped on Luffy, they said, "Excuse me!" and "Pardon me!"

"Luffy!" Nami yelled. "Just get over here! Usopp, Chopper, you too!"

"But the food we brought is on the other side!!" They cried.

"Seriously!? You're more worried about the stuff we have than your lives!?"

"Isn't the money we brought in the guys bags too?" Gilda remembered.

"Yosh!" Nami announced. "Protect Luffy and the money with your lives!"

"That… Doesn't seem right…" Fluttershy pointed out.

As Sanji closed in to the other side, he leaped in to hug Nami. "Don't worry Nami darling~! I'll protect you~!"

Immediately hitting him on the head, she yelled, "Knock it off!"

"Right, now that we're here." Zoro started. "We better move up ahead to see if there's anything suspicious going on in this train ride."

"It's most likely that they've attempted to drug our food in hopes for an easy capture." Robin deduced. "Of course, they had a second plan. Only thing is, I'm not sure how they’re going to execute it."

"Eh? What's going on…?" Pinkie waltzed in tired, with sleepy eyes. She squinted to see a blurry Zoro and Sanji, and gasped. "There's a moss head and a pervert pony! I'll stop them!"

She pulled put her cannon and shot the two back to the other cart. Zoro and Sanji were flying back by the crazed amount of presents. After their hard landing on Usopp and Chopper, the four looked up and shouted, "What the hell!?"

"Why'd you do that!?" Nami questioned Pinkie.

"I think she's still drunk." Gilda thought.

"Eh? What's wrong with what I did?" Pinkie asked before looking at Luffy's hooves tied to the trains handlebars. "ACK! There's a worm on the train! Better take it off."

She snapped away Luffy's hoof, leaving him with one foreleg holding the two trains together. Luffy yelped before shouting, "Ouch! Hey! What are you doing over there!?"

"Uh, Pinkie?" Fluttershy called. "Let's get you back inside."

"Yay~! More sleep over~! That's- zzzz…" Pinkie fell half asleep as Fluttershy lead her back into the room.

"I don't think Luffy can be used like a bridge anymore." Gilda pointed out.

"Let's just take care of the guys up front. We'll leave this problem to the others." Nami planned.

The three left to the other carts, now leaving the 6 ponies in one cart, the four men on standby upon the other cart, and Luffy hanging between two carts.

"So… What now?" Usopp wondered.

"We can’t cross the other side with Luffy like this." Chopper pointed out.

"Nami and Robin might need me!" Sanji thought. "I can use my sky walk to get to the other side."

"Hold on! I'm coming too!" Zoro stated. "There are probably a lot of them waiting on the other side."

"Idiot! You can't just fly over!" Sanji reminded him. "How the hell are you supposed to cross over there!?"

"My legs are getting tired." Luffy complained. "Three of them are aching…"

"I have an idea!" Chopper stated.





Nami, Robin, and Gilda crossed the next few carts. After so, they encounter a squadron of ponies awaiting them, each wearing a covert like suit.

"Ponies?" Nami muttered.

"They're probably bounty hunters, or specially hired by the Griffon King themselves." Gilda hypothesized.

"Very observant." The griffon engineer said as he walked in slowly. "Sadly, this is where your journey ends."

"It was a ploy from the beginning." Robin realized. "All of these spies were the guests and attendants from earlier this morning."

"We had to set up quick, you see." The engineer shrugged with a sarcastic apology. "We deal with quick assassinations with trickery. There has been only a few who were able to see through our illusions."

"This doesn't look good." Gilda whispered to the two. "We're outnumbered and surrounded."

"Don't worry." Nami assured her. "We can bust through!"

"Are you hiding behind me!?" Gilda questioned as Nami stepped behind her.

"Now, eliminate them." The griffon commanded.

The pony spies jumped in with knives. Robin crossed her arms and readied her attack.

"Doce Fleur!"

The arms went around the spies and disabled them from moving any more, letting Gilda have an opening on the engineer.

"Talon Pierce!"

"Don't think so!"

The engineer pushed Gilda's talon to the side and went in straight for Nami.

"I'll handle you two witch's first!"

Nami pulled out her clima-tact and aimed one of them at the engineer.

"This isn't some magic trick!" She scolded the engineer. "It's Weatharia's Science!"

"Gust Sword"

A sniping shot of wind blasted through, pulverizing the chest of the griffon. The engineer landed on his feet breathing heavily.

"Ergh… Anypony with the Straw Hat is known to be incredibly strong…" He admitted. "But just a little longer, and the fights over."

"What does he mean by that?" Gilda wondered.

Robin looked to the next room and thought of something. "If he's the engineer, then he might have tampered with something in the engine."

"The engine!?" They both screamed.

"Eh! Uh… no! I… Uh…" he stammered in panic, surprised that they figured it out.

"I'll see if there's any other spies up ahead! You get the others to bring to the front to fix the engines!" Gilda told the two.

"Right!" Nami replied.

"Hold on! Don't think I'm letting you do what you want!" He yelled.

"Doce Fluer"

Arms bloomed off of the engineer and held him in place.

"Slap"

Then repeatedly slapped the griffon until he had nothing but bruises on his face.

"E-Enjoy the train ride…"





"I can't believe I'm doing this…!" Sanji muttered in disgust.

"No swordsman… would do this…" Zoro stated.

"Hey! Knights do it!" Chopper rebutted. "So of course it's okay!"

Zoro and Chopper were on Sanji's back. Usopp and Luffy laughed, making their faces redden in embarrassment. Chopper wasn't affected.

"Alright!" Chopper spoke. "Onward to the next cart!"

"'You hear that?" Zoro spoke. "Go!"

"I'm not your mule!" Sanji exclaimed.

"No, you're my horse for today."

"What'd you say you shitty swordsman?"

"No time for fighting!" Chopper said. "We have to see if the others are alright! I only saw Fluttershy and Gilda awake. The others, especially Pinkie, must've been drugged! I have to check on them!"

"I'm getting hungry…" Luffy whined.

"W-Wait a minute!" Usopp realized. "What about me!?"

"You stay here and watch Luffy as well as our cart." Sanji answered.

"W-What if those spies come back!?"

"There's probably more in the front." Zoro thought. "It'll probably be safer if you stayed here."

"ALONE!?"

"Luffy's here." Sanji stated.

"HE'S TIED TO TWO TRAIN CARTS!" Usopp pointed out.

"Good luck Usopp!" They said as Sanji used sky walk over Luffy.

"YOU ALREADY LEFT!?"

As Sanji stepped on the air, he trotted over Luffy by a few inches and got to the next cart. Sanji sighed and said, "Carrying you two while trying to get to the other side while it was moving took one on me."

"Okay, I'll check on the mares. Zoro, you better go on ahead." Chopper planned.

"Right then." Zoro agreed.

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Sanji argued. "I should be the one saving Nami and Robin!"

"Sanji, you should stay here since you're the only one who can reach the other side without stepping on Luffy." Chopper recommended.

"Eh, but…" He sighed in defeat and agreed. "Fine, but you better make sure they're safe!"

Going on ahead, Zoro rushed to the next cart. Finding the spies, he pulled out his katana and cuts them along the way. As he reached the next cart, he bumps into Nami and Robin.

"Huh? Nami, Robin! Where's the griffon you were with?" Zoro wondered.

"No time! We have to get Usopp!" Nami said.

"Hmm? Why?"

"The engine of the train may have been sabotaged." Robin explained. "If we don't get it fixed, something may happen."

"Alright then, let's go!"

As they ran back, another chain of the cart breaks by a spy. In the panic, Zoro grabs the handle bars of the two cart and pulls them together.

"AH! Damn it!" He cursed.

"Zoro!" Nami screamed.

"We'll need someone to repair this." Robin pointed out.

"We better hurry! Zoro! Keep the two together while we're gone!"

"Hurry up with help! I'm not made of rubber!" He remarked.





Chopper was checking on the conditions of the ponies and shuffled through his bag to get out the remedy to their sleeping problem. Fluttershy stood by waiting. He then gave Fluttershy a bottle and the two placed them near their noses.

"Restorative."

"BA-CHU!" The five sneezed, fully awake and holding their noses.

"Thank goodness you're alright!" Fluttershy sighed.

"Yeah, great way to wake up." Rainbow remarked.

"What's going on?" Twilight questioned.

"We kinda have a problem with the train." Chopper explained.

Applejack raised an eyebrow at this. "What kind of problem?"

Nami and Robin ran passed by and Sanji was swooning as they came to the edge of the cart.

"Usopp! We need your help to fix an engine!" She yelled.

"What!? I'm not an engineer!" He reminded them.

"It might explode! We need you there NOW!"

"EXPLODE!? Why do I have to go!?"

"Because you're the only one with the intelligence to do it!"

"Well I am highly intelligent- HEY! DON'T TRY TO FLATTER ME!"

"EXPLODE!?" The ponies and Chopper screamed.

"Sanji, can you get Usopp over here?" Robin asked.

"Anything for you Robin my love~!" He sung.

Jumping into the air, he ran along the wind and reached to Usopp.

"Alright! Get on!" He demanded.

"Why do I have to be near the bomb?" Usopp cried.

"If we don't stop it, we're all gonna get derailed off the train!"

Having a point, Usopp agreed and got on. Sanji jumped into the air and ran back to the other side. Rainbow was astounded by what she saw.

"Did you just walk in the air!?" She questioned.

"Now I seen everything." Applejack sighed.

"How did you do that?" Twilight asked.

"No time for lessons!" Sanji declared. "Usopp! Get to the engine and fix it or something!"

As Usopp ran to the trail of carts, Pinkie was confused. "Wait, but why doesn't the engineer fix it?"

"The engineer's the one who did all of this, along with his subordinates." Nami informed her.

"WHAT!?" She shouted as she stomped on the ground towards the other way. "NOPONY BREAKS A PINKIE PROMISE!"

Right then and there, Pinkie dashed through furiously with smoke and fire in her trail. Everyone was still at what they saw.





Gilda was just getting inside the engine room. Peeking around, she spots dynamite tied to the engine, along with a locket tied onto it, counting backwards.

"This can't be good." She said to herself. Checking around the pile, there were wires connecting to the engine itself. "Okay, just gotta throw it out, right? Easy enough."

"You fool!" The griffon engineer bashed Gilda and knocked her onto the floor. "The bomb is wired to the engine! If you pluck the wrong one, game over!"

"You're still up!?" Gilda complained. "How many beatings does it take for you to leave us alone!?"

"If I didn't stop you, I wouldn't be able to escape the early explosion!"

"How do you stop it then!?"

"Like I'd tell you that." He spat. "Now that you won't tamper with it forcefully, I can gather my squad and be on my way."

Before the engineer could leave, Pinkie bashed the door down and tackled the griffon on the floor. Surprisingly overpowered, she pinned down the griffon with a snarl from her face.

"HOW DARE YOU BREAK A PINKIE PROMISE!" She shouted at him. "YOU PROMISED ME AND MY FRIENDS A TRIP TO SEALOS! AND DARN IT, YOU BETTER KEEP IT!"

"What's with this pink pony!?" He screamed. "And why is she so strong!?"

"Pinkie! That dork knows how to stop the bomb!" Gilda informed her. "We gotta get him to tell us!"

"You'll never get me to tell!" He declares.

Pinkie snaps her hooves somehow and cracks her neck as she leans in close and says, "Then we're gonna be here for a while."

With a gulp from the engineer, the train rocketed up and down in a cartoony fashion as the high pitched screams followed by sounds of punches and metal clanging was heard. Usopp who just arrived peeked inside to see what was happening.

"O-Oi! W-W-What's going on in there?" He asked.

He dropped his jaw as the bleeding griffon with multiple bruises on his head was on the floor with a jaw open to exhaust the pain. Pinkie had the pliers and was about to cut the wire until she looked up and said, "Oh, Usopp! I'm just stopping the bomb from blowing up!"

Cutting the wire, the bomb stops ticking, and the three sighed in relief.

"Well, it looks like you didn't need my help after all." He laughed. "But with my superior bomb defusing skills, I would have gotten it done without even looking at it."

"REALLY!?" Pinkie said. "SO COOL!"

Gilda rolled her eyes at this. The train was however not peaceful yet, as a crashing noise was heard from the other side.

"What was that?" She wondered.





"OH MY GOSH! LUFFY!" Fluttershy cried.

Luffy was no longer stretched pulling the carts, but rather was crushed by them. Chopper was pulling down his hat with his jaw wide open along with the other ponies. Nami looked up to notice something obvious.

"The train carts were pushed back together."

"That's what you're worried about!?" Twilight retorted.

"Something is pushing our train." Robin explained.

"Luffy…!" Fluttershy continued to cry until Luffy moved his hoof a bit, scaring everyone onto the ground.

"This can't crush me! Because I'm a rubber pony!" He muttered from his crushed face.

"Oh thank goodness." Applejack sighed. "Now all we have to do is get him outta there."

Rainbow commenced with the pulling, but the train was crushing Luffy pretty tightly. As she pulled and pulled, they realized this wasn't getting anywhere.

"Uh… So, does anypony know how to get a rubber pony out of the tight spot?"  Rainbow asked. "Cause I got nothing."

"We could sure use Zoro's help cutting this spot." Twilight thought. "Where is he anyways?"

"The moss head is probably lost." Sanji remarked.

"He can't possibly get lost on a train, can he?"

Pausing for the moment, they sigh. "No, of course not. That'd be ridiculous."

"Guys, I'm starving! Can you get me something to eat?" Luffy complained.

"That's what's on your mind?" Rarity retorted.

"I believe we should focus on the main problem here." Robin stated. "The train carts are being pushed together because something from the back is pushing us. If we solve that problem, we could get Luffy out."

"I get it." Applejack responded with understanding. "Alright! We check out what’s hitting us on the back, and get Luffy out! Simple as that!"

"What is pushing us?" Rarity wondered.

Pinkie was looking around the engine and  looked at the trains machinery. As she peeked around, she pointed at the speedometer and asked, "What's this thing?"

"That's there to help us find out how fast we're going." Usopp explained. Upon closer inspection, he noticed something. "Huh, we're going pretty fast."

"You just noticed that?" Gilda remarked as she pointed to all the stuff that was pushed back.

Usopp looked ahead and saw the straight pathway lead to a turn. "Uh oh…"

"What? Why the uh oh?" Pinkie asked.

"I see a turn ahead! If we keep going this fast, we're gonna fall off the mountain!"

"WHAT!?" Gilda and Pinkie screamed.

The three started to fiddle around with the train in an attempt to slow it down. Finally, Usopp finds the brakes and pulls it.

"Come on! Help me out here!" He exclaimed.

The three pulled as hard as they could, but the trains speed was limiting only by a smidge.

"This isn't good!" Pinkie spoke.

"What the hay is making us go this fast!?" Gilda inquired.





Sanji, Nami, Rainbow, and Twilight were heading to the back of the train to find another train ramming into theirs. It was a lone engine, and it was going extremely fast with the design of flames on the front and side.

"Whoa!" Rainbow echoed. "That thing looks awesome!"

"That thing is crushing Luffy! We have to get rid of it!" Twilight pointed out.

"What should we do to stop it though?" Nami wondered.

"Bash." Rainbow answered.
"Kick." Sanji suggested.
"Magic." Twilight added.

"Right!" they said in unison as the commenced with the attack. The front blew off and the engine started to slow down. Not enough to stop pushing the train, but to a level of a slower speed.

"That almost worked." Nami said. "But we're going to need to break it down completely."

"Who did that!?" an angered voice questioned. From the engine they just attacked, a big minotaur comes out and scouts his surroundings. He sees the pony and lone human girl and says, "Hey! You!"

"Wha- Me!?" Nami spoke. "What?"

"Yes you!" He replied. "Why you try and break engine!?"

"I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO DIDN'T ATTACK!" Nami exclaimed.

"You mean to tell me puny pony did damage like that to big train engine?" He scoffed. "Ha! You make me laugh liar!"

"How dare you call Nami a liar!" Sanji scolded. "Someone's gonna have to show you some manners!"

"Who going to show me? Puny blue pony?" He sneered.

"Why you shitty goat!" Sanji retorted.

"Oi, puny blue pony." Zoro called from the roof of the cart. "I got this one."

They all looked up to see him pull out his katana and prepare his technique.

"360…"

"Hold on moss head!" Sanji shouted. "I still gotta kick his ass before I let him off!"

"Puny pony cannot best me!" the minotaur claimed. "But I am interested in moss head. We fight now, okay?"

"I'm not a moss head!" Zoro exclaimed before turning to Sanji. "And you! Knock off the bull crap! I just went to Usopp and he told me that if we don't stop whatever's pushing us, we're gonna ride off a cliff!"

"WHAT!?" Twilight, Rainbow, and Nami screamed.

"Which is why I don't have time to fight some cow." Zoro claimed. "I'll take you and the engine out with one blow!"

"Hell no! I'm getting him!" Sanji claimed.

"Just take him out already!" Rainbow complained as she was readying herself to attack.

"I'll handle this then!" Twilight growled.

"You and puny ponies fight me?" the minotaur laughed. "Ha! Only job is to keep train on and push you off cliff. I take you down in one cannon blow."

He took out a large bazooka, one that made Nami scream. "Damn it, if you're all too busy screwing around, I guess I have no choice!"

Nami took out her clima-tact and created a trail of black clouds. Zoro got into position while Sanji was running up to the minotaur along with Rainbow soaring nearby. Twilight finished her spell and used it on the minotaur.

"Alright, time to say bye-bye!" the minotaur quoted as he shot multiple cannonballs. Zoro simply cuts them apart and Sanji kicks them out of the way. Rainbow carried Sanji and allowed Zoro to stand on her back. The three closed in while Nami and Twilight unleashed lightning from clouds and fire on the train. Sanji was thrown in the air while Zoro and Rainbow spun.

"Fire ring!"
"Thunder Tempo!"
" Winged Spectrum Twister!"
"Flame spectre!"

"Elemental Combo!"

The massive attack from the top, side, and below caused the minotaur to be easily defeated, along with blowing up the train engine pushing them. As they regrouped on the cart, they head back to the other side.

"Okay! Let's check on the others!" Nami declared.





Luffy was retracted from his trapped state, and was resting while Chopper was treating him. Fluttershy and Rarity stood before a griffon with many chains worn around his neck. The carts that were disconnected earlier were now reconnected by chains.

"Man, that wore me out." Luffy sighed. He lifted his head and grinned. "Hey! Thanks for helping us out! We would've been in big trouble if you didn't come."

The griffon merely nodded and got onto the roof. Gilda and the others came back from the engine room.

"Hey, is everything alright-" Gilda paused as she gazed upon the griffon with chains. She was stunned as he left flying away.

"Is the train exploding anymore?" Chopper asked.

"Nope! Everything's okay now!" Pinkie giggled.

"Where are the others?" Usopp asked.

"We're here!" Nami answered with the rest of the crew.

"Yosh! Looks like we're all here!" Luffy laughed.

"Gilda? What's wrong?" Twilight questioned her behavior.

Gilda took the time to explain her oblivious expression. As she manages to choke up the words, she said, "That was one of the strongest griffons under the kings command…!"

They were silent, unsure how to react. Those who weren't able to see the spectacle were mystified of who she was talking about, but were equally worried. As Gilda grits her teeth, she continues to mutter the name.

"Kibishī Chain!"
> Chapter 28 - Final Pieces! The crew is together!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Upon the arrival of Sealos, the wrecked train puffs its last steam of smoke before letting out only the Straw Hat's. The griffons raise their eyebrows as the team marches on out to the harbor.

"Okay, so far so good." Twilight sighs in relief. "I swear, another crisis on a tight spot like that, and I'll end up draining all of my magic."

"We only have two more of Luffy's friends to look for." Rarity said as she scanned through the wanted posters of the blue sea. "So far, these photographs make most of you seem rather vicious."

"Hey!" Pinkie whined as she pointed to Sniper King. "You forgot him!"

"Him?"

"Yeah! How could you forget him?"

The ponies looked at Usopp for a moment before sighing at Pinkie not noticing him. Luffy leaned in and said, "Oh, Sniper King didn't join us. He was just there at Enies Lobby to help us out."

"Enies Lobby!?" Twilight spoke with amazement.

"What's that?" Rarity asked.

"It's the governments judicial island. A place they take criminals to be judged for the crimes they've committed." Robin informed them.

"Not that it's necessary." Twilight grimly said. "I read regardless, if you're a wanted criminal, then you'll be sent directly to Impel Down, one of the worst prisons in the world."

"Why'd you go there?" Rainbow asked.

"So we could save Robin." Luffy answered.

"Robin?" Twilight said as she looked over to her. She looked ahead and puts off the thought. Luffy's friends didn't seem like they were too energetic to talk about it, so the ponies left them off. Gilda looked off into the distance and suggested something.

"Hey, if the griffons were looking for your ship, wouldn't they have found it at the harbor by now?"

The stopped in place getting where she was at. "Good point!" Nami agreed. "If the Thousand Island Sunny was really at the harbor, they would have confiscated it by now. But if Franky and Brook are really at the ship, they must have docked it somewhere else."

"Nami, you're so smart~!" Sanji swooned.

"But where?" Applejack asked.

Nami looked around the coast and saw a mountainous range. A perfect blind spot from the public eye. The most probable location must be beyond the mountains.





Arriving around the mountain, they gaze upon the Thousand Island Sunny. All of them smiled as they had finally reached the final point of reuniting the Straw Hats. Rainbow, Pinkie, and Luffy were excited, and brushed on immediately.

"Race you there!" Rainbow declared.

"Whee~!" Pinkie sung.

"You're on!" Gilda replied.

"I wanna play!" Luffy shouted.

"Let's go!" Chopper said as he got onto Luffy's back.

"Wait for me!" Usopp said as well.

As they went towards the ship, a big light blue pony with a red Hawaiian jacket and massive forelegs came down. They backed up as he pulled off a wicked grin.

"More bounty hunters eh?" He chuckled. "No matter how many of you come to this ship, I will beat all of you."

"Eh… His body!" Rainbow stuttered. "Has… robot… hooves…!"

"Oh? You're interested in what you see?" He smiled. "This is just… Armored Me~!"

Spinning the hooves together, he winds them up before throwing them into the air while pulling the off a star shape among his forelegs. "Mmmmmm… SUPER!"

"SO COOL!" Luffy, Chopper, Usopp, Rainbow, and Pinkie shouted.

"Tomboy." The rest of the group said from the back to Rainbow except for Fluttershy, Robin, and Sanji.

She turned around and scolded them. "HEY!"

"Franky!" Luffy called out. "It's good to see you again!"

"Oh?" Franky lifted his sunglasses and saw the red pony with a straw hat. He gave a wide smirk as he said, "Luffy! Is that you?"

"Yeah! He sure is!" Pinkie said as she stretched his mouth apart.

"Ah ha ha! And you've made some new friends!"

"A-A-Are those really robot forelegs?" Rainbow asked with excitement. "A-A-And equipped with weapons and all kinds of cool stuff?"

"Oh? You're interested in my super technology?"

"TOTALLY!" She squealed.

"… Not even I expected this…" Gilda remarked.

"Oi! Franky!" Luffy called. "I heard Brook was with you. Where is he now?"

Franky held his chin to think for a moment. "Hm? Oh, Brook went to get some more food. We've recently just used up the rest of our supplies."

"No worries." Sanji assured them. "We managed to buy enough for everyone here."

"Let's go get Brook back so we can have a party!" Luffy suggested.

"I'll go with Luffy." Gilda volunteered. "You all just get ready while we look for this guy."

"Okay then." Franky nodded. "He went into that forest, he shouldn't have gotten far by now."

"Yosh!" Luffy spoke. "Let's go Gilda!"

A while later, they're in the forest looking around. Luffy's stomach growled as he soon realized something.

"So hungry…!" He quivered. "I didn't eat anything ever since I pulled the train."

"Stop complaining!" Gilda scolded before her stomach rumbled too. She blushed and looked ahead. "Just… find your friend and let's head back."

As they ventured forward, Gilda tripped over something. As she got up, she saw a skeleton pony laying on the floor. She immediately screamed as she went to Luffy's side. The skeleton pony was wearing quite a dapper suit with clothing that was so decorative to that of a rock star. Gilda shivered until she realized she was clinging onto Luffy. She moved away from him and gagged.

"Brook!" Luffy said to the skeleton. "Brook! Wake up! I'm so glad to see you again!"

Gilda stared at Luffy as he pointlessly talks to the skeletal remains on the floor. She sighed as she thought the obvious. Straw Hat has lost it. Seeing his friend dead probably messed with his brain. Better explain to him about death.

She moved her arm around Luffy's neck and said, "Luffy, look. Your friend there? He's uh… well, not alive anymore."

"I know Brook died already, but he's still alive." Luffy stated.

"What? Okay, I don't think you quite get it." Gilda explained once more. "He's… dead. You know, forever."

"Brook wouldn't die again in a forest!" Luffy laughed.

"Okay, one more time!" She said angrily. "He's not-"

"Excuse me miss, my I see your panties?" Brook said as he loomed over Gilda from behind. She quickly turned around, screamed, and punched him in the face.

"PERVERTED LIVING SKELETON!!!"





Rainbow was still in awe as she sat with Chopper, Usopp, and Pinkie, gazing at the mecha pony.

"Oi, you." Franky called over. "Rainbow pegasus."

"It's uh, Rainbow Dash." She corrected.

"Come here and press my nose."

"Press your nose?"

"Yeah…" Franky then paused before doing a robotic voice. "Press… my… nose… for… five… seconds…"

"He said it in a robotic voice!" Pinkie pointed out.

Rainbow went up to Franky and pressed the nose of Franky, hearing a click. The four started to count.

"One…!" Usopp began.

"Two…!" Chopper said next.

"Three…!" Pinkie as well.

"Four….!" Rainbow stuttered.

"And…!" Franky's mane popped out, surprising and entertaining the four.

"SO COOL!" They said with amazement.

Rarity was a bit intrigued by that. "Now, that would be so very useful for everyday situations."

"How is that cool?" Twilight questioned.

Applejack was wandering near the tangerine trees and raised an eyebrow at what they were growing.

"This is nice and all, but where are all the apple trees?" Applejack asked.

"We don't have apple trees." Nami replied.

"Hmm… Well, the ship is sort of nice I guess."

"This is a nice ship." Fluttershy complimented. "I didn’t expect there to be an aquarium! There are so many nice fish."

"We eat them." Zoro informed her as he walked by. She suddenly froze up and stood in place.

"Hey moss head! What's wrong with you!?" Sanji scolded.

"What was that you blue curl brow bastard!?" Zoro shouted back.

"We've been on the ship for five minutes, and you're already getting into a fight?" Twilight remarked at the two.

From the corner of Pinkie's eye, she looked to see Luffy and Gilda returning with something on Gilda's back. She gathered everyone's attention yelling, "Hey! Luffy and Gilda are back!"

The six got down to greet the last member of the straw hats. The others were watching from the rim of the ship. As the ponies got close, Luffy ran up to them with a happy smile.

"Hi guys! Sorry it took so long!" He laughed.

"It's alright." Rarity assured him. "You have quite a lovely ship."

"So where's this Brook guy?" Rainbow asked.

Gilda dropped the skeleton on the floor and said, "You deal with him. He gives me the creeps."

She flew back to the ship, letting the others inspect what lied before them. a skeleton of a pony in a dapper suit. Luffy looked back to it then to the others.

"I think he's sleeping again!" He chuckled.

The six ponies huddled together and discussed what was going on.

"Okay, is it just me, or did they just bring back a pile of bones?" Rainbow questioned.

"I think… Luffy's friend Brook is…" Applejack slowly said.

"Dead." Twilight finished. "I think Luffy has lost it. He couldn't handle seeing his friend gone, so he's probably still thinking he's just asleep."

Pinkie gasped in surprise and said, "Wait! Are you saying that Luffy's skeleton pony friend isn't alive!?"

"It's a shame really." Rarity stated. "He looks quite proper with the suit and all."

"We should explain to Luffy about the time when… you know…" Twilight waved her hoof around to finish the message. "He's like a kid, so we'll have to comfort him at the same time. Fluttershy should be the first to start since she's understanding. You can do that, right Fluttershy-?"

The five looked to see Fluttershy holding Luffy closely and petting him on the mane.

"I'm so sorry for your lost Luffy." She said with a few tears.

"E-Eh?" He mutters.

"It must have been heartbreaking to see a friend just a pile of bones."

"Brook was always a skeleton." Luffy stated.

"Okay, I think he has a more serious problem than I thought." Twilight stated.

"Let me talk to him." Applejack suggested. She went up to him and sat down nearby. "So Luffy. I think it's a really good time to talk about a pony's… human's… life."

Luffy just stared at the saddened faces and tilted his head. "What's with all of you?"

"Well, it seems you haven't accepted your friends death yet that you keep thinking he's still alive." Twilight explained.

"I know Brook died, but he's still alive." Luffy claimed.

"And he will be, inside your heart." Applejack said as she pointed to Luffy's chest. "We're here for you, so it's okay to let him go."

"How long has his crew let Luffy's mind go demented with a skeletal remains on the ship?" Rarity wondered.

"Oi, Oi." The crew on the ship said with annoyed expressions.

"I think Franky did a bad job getting rid of the skeleton." Rainbow stated. "But he's still pretty super."

"Ow~!" Franky said in the background.

"Luffy, listen to me." Twilight said. "There is no way that skeleton is alive. The only way for that to be possible is necromancy! Or at least a body! I mean look at it! There's no way it can be still alive in his current state!"

"Yohohoho, that's usually the case." Brook said. The ponies jumped at the unfamiliar voice and slowly turned to the direction it came from. Brook stood back up one hoof at a time, making all of the mares drop their jaws. Pinkie was excited. He leaned close to them and said, "May I see your panties?"

They all fell over except for Luffy and Pinkie laughing. Pinkie giggled as she said, "Oh silly you! Ponies don't wear panties!"

Brooks nose hole started to bleed. Right at that moment, Nami threw a shoe at him.

"Stop asking that!" She shouted.





The six ponies sat quietly as Brook laughed while holding his crowned hat. Luffy was enjoying what was going on so far, it was hysterical as the moments go by.

"So after trying to look for some food, I ended up starving so much, I fainted. If Luffy-san the griffon didn't come looking for me, I would have been nothing but bones… Ah! But I am already nothing but bones! Yohohohoho, Skull Joke!"

Luffy and Pinkie laughed as the others were still befuddled of what was going on. It was the strangest thing ever.

"I like him!" Pinkie said. "He's funny!"

"Wait a minute, wait a minute!" Twilight screamed. "How is this possible!? How in the world can he be alive in this form!?"

"I ate the revive revive fruit, thus giving me a guaranteed second chance at life." Brook answered.

"Okay, I'm satisfied I guess." Twilight calmed down. "The seas are full of mysteries."

"So what's your deal?" Rainbow asked. "How'd you die?"

"That's not exactly the kindest question to ask you know." Applejack retorted.

Rarity sighed as she said, "I was hoping this one would be refined, but he's more of a creep. No offense."

"I don't mind." Brook assured her. "But I'm more worried about your yellow pegasus friend. Is she alright?"

They looked to Fluttershy as she was so frightened, she was frozen in shock for the past conversation. Brook leaned to her and asked, "Are you alright miss?"

Snapping out of the trance, Fluttershy scooted back to the wall and breathed heavily. Brook tilted his head before Fluttershy flew to Zoro and held his head.

"AGH! WHAT THE HELL!?" Zoro exclaimed.

"I-I-It's so s-s-scary!!" She cried.

"Don't worry. She'll get used to you… eventually." Applejack reassured Brook.

"Everyone! Dinner's done!" Sanji announced.

"DINNER!?" Luffy repeated. He leaped forward and said, "Yahoo!"

"Well then!" Brook said as he walked up the stairs. "We better not let our captain eat everything before we get there. Shall we?"

The girls chuckled as they followed along to the dining table.





During the feast among the ponies and people, Gilda had brought up the war they are currently going through.

"So now that we have everyone." Gilda said.

"Sniper king!" Pinkie reminded her. Gilda ignores it and continues.

"But we have plenty of problems. We don't know where Featheran is, the king hasn't made any big moves yet, so every second we waste is another second the fortress becomes stronger."

"Is it too late to back out by now?" Usopp asked with worry on his face.

"We're not going anywhere." Chopper reminded him. "Luffy, Sanji, Franky, and Brook need to be turned back to normal before we leave."

"And we have yet to figure out why and how they turned into this." Robin stated as she pets Luffy's mane.

"You don't look like you want to turn them back." Usopp states.

"Robin. May I have my mane pet?" Brook asked.

"Maybe we can backtrack on how it came to be." Twilight thought. "What happened before you were separated?"

They all paused as if the same exact thought crossed their minds. The wariness returns as Luffy looks down and recalls of an event.

"I remember how we got seperated." Luffy announced. "It wore a hood!"

"A hood?" Twilight repeated.

"We were in a fight when we came to this island." Nami informed them. "When we were close to shore, he came. Without a word, he attacked us using abilities I've never seen before."

"Was it magic?" Applejack asked.

"I don't recall seeing the aura that comes with the magic." Robin stated. "But it was unnatural."

"Somepony actually managed to beat you?"

"The bastard got us by surprise, and threw us off the ship." Zoro added.

"Brook and I were able to hang onto the ship before he sent the Sunny up too."Franky mentions.

"Whoever it was, it sounds like they might be why you're ponies now."Twilight deduced. "But the question still remains. Why did he do that?"

"We barely know how he looks like." Sanji sighs. "We don't have much to go on after that."

"Well, we'll help you put in a good pounding at the dude after we're done with the griffon king!" Rainbow declared.

"We will?" Fluttershy muttered.

"Yeah! Nopony messes with our friend!" Pinkie declared.

Luffy gave a huge grin as he said, "Really? Thanks!"

"Back to the other problem." Gilda reminds the others. "Featheran probably has this elixir stuff. Whatever it is, we luckily have enough strong warriors on our team."

Everyone except Zoro, Robin, and Rarity smiled while giving into the compliment. "No, no, no. Don't mention it~!"

"She didn't mean all of us." Rarity points out.

"Oh! I just remembered something about the castle!" Brook claimed. "Franky-san, do you recall of the sailors delivering something to the king?"

"Hmm… It was something about elixir, wasn't it?" Franky thought. "They might know a way to get there."

"Really?" Gilda replied. "If we can find the ship, we might be able to get some info from them."

"I think I can help with that." Nami insisted.

"I'll take you there. You can SUPER count on me." Franky assured her.

"I'm going too!" Sanji vowed. "I can't let our lovely navigator be in the neck of danger now."

"What a gentlemen." Twilight said sarcastically.

"I know, right?" Rarity swooned.





A while later, Robin, Chopper, and Twilight were at Sealos, traveling along the streets looking for books. While everyone else was at the ship and Nami along with Franky and Sanji were doing some snooping, the three bookworms were simply window shopping. Their hopes of finding something interesting was slim.

"The books aren't very decent here." Twilight sighed.

"I guess they don't have much medical books here either." Chopper added.

"They don't seem to record much history as well." Robin deduced.

"Hey Twilight, what kind of book did you want?" Chopper asked.

"Hmm? Oh, well. I was hoping to find some new spell books." Twilight answered.

"Ooh! Does that mean you can do more spells if we find them!?" Chopper wondered.

"Well, something like that." she grinned slightly.

"Robin! Let's help find Twilight spell books!" Chopper recommended.

"I am interested to see what you can do if we find them." Robin admitted. "Alright, let me try something."

Robin crossed her arms and closed her eyes. The two watched her as she maintained the stance for a minute. Once she opened her eyes, she said, "There seem to be two that might hold spell books. One down the street, and the other to our right."

"Really?" Twilight said with amazement. "Wow! That sure is a handy ability."

"Robin and I will look over there for some spells. You go to the store down there. Let's meet up there too, alright?" Chopper suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea." Twilight agreed. "See you later then!"

"Don't go anywhere else until we come back!" Chopper waved as he and Robin left the other way.

As Twilight made her way down the street, she finds the magic shop. It was titled, Defensive Arts, and was currently holding an open sign poster on the door. Before she went inside, she noticed griffon soldiers from the corner of her eye. Instead of entering the shop, she followed the soldiers and listened carefully.

"Is the ship ready?" He asked.

"Yes." The other answered. "Trojan Griffons on standby, Artillery units on standby, and ships are ready to go as well."

"Good. Once they attack the cargo ship holding the fake elixir, we can begin. The Straw Hats will not leave Sealos."

Twilight's eyes shrunk as should puts the piece together. She steps away to realize the horrible truth.

"It's… all another trap!?"
> Chapter 29 - The Final Trap! All or Nothing!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Cadence entered the throne room with impatience. She looked upon Celestia who seemed to have a straight face along with Luna. Cadences eyes dart to the ruler with much annoyance.

"Why did you call me here?" she questioned.

"As soon as I heard what has happened to Shining Armor, I knew I had to check on you." Celestia inquired. "Nopony is taking it harder than you are."

"That's why you called me!?" She yelled. "We have to plan our next move! We can't let those Griffons get away with this!"

"Cadence…" Luna spoke. "This isn't like you. You're much more loving than this. You're not a warmonger. "

"Don't compare me to such a title!" She scolded back. "I want him back, safe and sound. If anything, you should try and get him back as well! He was only a Captain of the Royal Guard! Why would you send Twilight's brother for all pony's sake, to war!?"

"You should know that it was he insisted to go to war. I even thought he was capable of aiding in it."

"But…!" Cadence spoke before Luna placed her hoof onto the saddened alicorn.

"Calm yourself. We're doing what we can."

Cadence gritted her teeth and said, "Well it isn't good enough."

With a quick turn, she walks away as she adds something to that note. "Talon's Hold has more than a thousand prisoners, both rebels of the Griffon Kingdom and our fellow pony citizens. Knowing that Shining is probably there, I will not rest until I see him out of there safe and sound."





The cargo ship was docked at the harbor. Griffon workers were coming in and out with crates. Sanji and Franky waited outside for Nami to finish scouring the place. As they did, Franky sighed and looked up to the air.

"Nami is sure taking a while." He groans.

"I wonder what's keeping her?" Sanji wondered.

"It is a cargo ship. Do you think Nami decided to get something from the crates?"

"What could you get out of that ship?" He retorted. "Just some shitty griffons with some shitty cheap elixir."

"Hmm? Do you know something about it?" Franky questioned.

Sanji tilts his head up and blows a puff of smoke. "Chopper said that it was a drug that made the drinker extremely strong. They would however become some sort of mutated freaks and lose their minds."

"EH!? And they have a whole cargo ship of it!?" Franky shouted.

"I never saw if for myself. Chopper said that the only ones who used it were two. I wonder if they'd give something like this to every one of their soldiers though. In fact… if I think about it…"

Suddenly, thunder erupted from the ship as well as an explosion. The two looked over to see Nami jumping off the bow of the ship and landing safely on the ground. She makes a run to Sanji and Franky as they simply stare at what was going on.

"OI! Nami! What happened!?" Franky questioned.

"It's all a fake!" Nami yelled. "We've been had!"

"WHAT!?" Sanji and Franky yelled.

"Get everyone to the Sunny! We have to leave now!"

The three ran away as the griffons flew out to give a chase. They aimed their crossbows carefully before pulling the trigger. Nami dodged it as she ran with the two.

"Nami! Quick! Get on my back!" Sanji shouted.

"Alright!" Nami complied. She quickly got on, making Sanji trot happily.

"I got this!" Franky assured the two. He aimed his left foreleg at the griffons, and it soon opened up four pistol barrels.

"Weapons Left!"

Multiple shots of Franky's hoof makes hits on their pursuers. Taking advantage of the enemies sudden stop, they escape before the next group of griffons arrive.





Robin and Chopper were walking back with bags full of books. In his walk point,  Chopper gleefully trotted with high hopes of Twilight's new spell books.

"We sure got a lot of them!" Chopper pointed out. "I hope Twilight likes these."

"I'm sure it will be a nice addition in her collection if she hasn't own these already." Robin thought.

As they head to the shop, Twilight is seen exiting it and walking towards them. Chopper and Robin stay in place as their friend approaches them.

"Twilight!" Chopper called. "Check out all the books we bought!"

"No time!" Twilight said. "We have to get back to the others now!"

The two were confused, but ended up running with Twilight back to the Sunny. Chopper went into his walk point and asked, "What's going on?"

"The griffons made another trap! They were waiting for us! We have to escape before they find us!"

As they ran, a loud humming noise echoed throughout the city. The three stopped and looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from. To their surprise, it was from the sky. The big airship above soars over them along with the city. Griffons started to appear and fly down to them. Twilight, Robin, and Chopper get ready for the worst to come.

"After them men!" The griffon commanded.

They take out a strand of rope with claws on them. Once they got close enough, they threw one at Robin. It grabs her arm and the rope magically wraps itself around her.

"Robin!" Chopper screamed.

"They're enchanted!" Twilight pointed out.

Quickly using her magic, Twilight defuses the spell of the rope and frees Robin from the trap. The griffons continue to throw them at the three. Running from them, the three now are being heavily pursued. It doesn't get better as one of them manages to latch onto Chopper. Twilight and Robin stop to get back their friend.

"Chopper!" They call out.

Twilight attempts to use a spell, but was unable to reach Chopper's rope after the griffon pulls. He then flies away from them, thus making it impossible to reach him.

"Robin! Can you get him?" Twilight asked.

"He's too far!" Robin declines.

The griffons threw their ropes at the two escapees. Robin and Twilight have no choice but to escape. They flee from their pursuers by passing a few more blocks.





At the market, Applejack, Fluttershy, Usopp, and Pinkie are looking at the produce. While Applejack is looking at the stands with Rainbow complaining of what she was buying, Usopp is telling a long story to Pinkie.

"You found a gigantic goldfish!?" She screamed.

"Yep! And the amazing thing was how big it's poop was! I thought it was an island when we docked on it!"

"GROSS! Tell me more!" She begged.

"Applejack!" Rainbow scolded. "Stop buying so many apples! At least put some other fruit in there!"

"They don't have enough apples! I only saw tangerines!" She complained.

"I liked the tangerines." Fluttershy stated.

A huge shadow then crept over them. They look up to see the gigantic vehicle over them. With widened eyes and dropped jaws, they stare at the massive beast.

"A flying ship!?" they screamed together.

"Look! Griffons are coming out of it!" Usopp pointed out.

They swooped down in great speed. Even though Usopp had warned them of their arrival, they weren't able to react at the sudden kidnapping. Pinkie and Usopp were lifted away without a second to spare. Lifted away, Rainbow then realized what happened.

"HEY! Give them back!" She growled as she flew after them.

Another griffon flew to Fluttershy, but was lassoed by Applejack. She then aimed at another enemy and snapped back the rope like Luffy's signature move.

"Snap Shot!"

Fending the griffons off from Fluttershy, Rainbow now had full time to focus on getting back Usopp and Pinkie. The two were crying out of their wits.

"AAGH! RAINBOW HELP!" Usopp yelled.

"It's too high!" Pinkie cried.

"Almost there…!" She said as she reached out to them. When she got close, another griffon grabbed her. Rainbow was now being held by the griffon tightly, unable to move. Applejack noticed her predicament and attempted to catch them with her rope. No avail as they were too far up.

"Rainbow!" She called out. Gritting her teeth, she pulls Fluttershy to leave. "Come on!"

"What about the others!?" Fluttershy asked.

"We can't do anything about it! Let's go get the others!"

With problems arising, friends are now being caught and sent up to the flying ship. Applejack and Fluttershy run only to bump into Twilight and Robin, who too were in a hurry.

"Twilight!" Fluttershy said aloud.

"Applejack!" Twilight spoke.

"Robin!" Applejack sighed.

"Fluttershy!" Robin said in relief.

"What are you doing here?"





At the Sunny, Luffy slept on the head of the ship with his hat tipping over. Zoro was working out in the tower while Brooke looked out for the others. Rarity was taking a nice hot shower in the ship while Gilda just brushed the dirt off. As Brooke kept an eye out even though he has no eyes, he saw Nami riding on Sanji with Franky running by.

"Ah! Nami-san! Sanji-san! Franky-san!" He greeted them. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Just a couple of things." She said in a grumpy matter. "There's something big in the town, so we're going to have to round up the others."

"They just left a while ago. Luffy-san, Zoro-san, Gilda, and Rarity are the only ones here."

"Don't tell me they went to Sealos!" She pleaded.

"Yes, they did. Why? What's wrong?"

"It's a trap." Sanji answered. "Anyone who went there are in trouble. We have to find them before it's too late."

As Luffy looked up, he saw the flying ship in the corner of his eye. The most peculiar thing was that it had the same mechanisms as the Ark Maxim. In his mind, he was wondering…

"Earlobes?"

Gilda walked outside with Rarity wearing a towel over her head. Zoro peeked outside to see the monstrosity out there.

"A Flying ship?" He wondered.

"What's happening out there?" Rarity questioned.

Gilda stared at the ship for a few moments before realizing something. She ran to Nami and the others with stress on her mind.

"Hey! What's that thing doing here!?" Gilda questioned.

"It's what the griffons are using." Nami explained. "They plan to capture and lock us up in that thing. I never thought they'd have a flying ship though."

"That's because they shouldn't!" Gilda shouted. "That's a pirate ship! My parents pirate ship!"
> Chapter 30 - Rescue Plan Acknowledged! To the Flying Ship!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Two stallions sit in the leaking cage along with hundreds of frustrated prisoners. Shining Armor looks to his subordinate, Rusher, who was silent. The captain looks up and sighs.

"It's been a ride, hasn't it?" He speaks with ease. "Rusher."

His face scrunches up before he looks to Shining. Looking down at his hooves that are chained to the ground, he says, "Captain… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

"It's alright soldier." Shining assures him. "Luckily, no one was killed in the skirmish."

"No…" Rusher replies with grief. "If it wasn't for me, we wouldn't have been caught."

"Rusher…" Shining says slowly.

Rusher's tears roll off his face as he says, "I never thought it'd end like this… to end because of me…"

He sobs in the corner where Shining couldn't reach. He too was pulled back by the chains on the floor, restricting his ability to comfort Rusher. He simply stands there as he looks up and says, "Rusher?"

"… Yeah…?"

"What did you want to do… once the war was over?"

Rusher lowers his head and says, "I honestly didn't think it would end at all. The griffons has contraptions I never seen before.  It looked like the war was going to last forever."

"All because of that blasted Straw Hat Luffy." Shining curses under his breath. "But… No matter who started the fight… I'll still keep fighting for Equestria."

"Captain…"

"I still have a princess I want to see… and I still want my little sister to keep having a safe place to live in…" He says with watery eyes. "I haven't seen Twily for years… I know we'll make it out of here, because if I don't see Twilight one more time, I'd start to think…"

Rusher sits there as he sees the intense weight carried by his captain. There are still others who are waiting for him. He too feels the same way.





Twilight and her group flees from the griffon attack. Applejack carries Robin, allowing her to use her powers on the griffons while moving.

"Trienta Fleur"

Many hands sprouted from the bodies of the griffons. They paused in the moment of confusion before Robin executed the next move.

"Strangle"

The hands then choked them into submission, halting their advance. Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Robin were able to successfully escape. Once they were in the clear, they made their way to the Sunny.

"Hey, wasn't Chopper with you two?" Applejack asked.

With saddened faces, Twilight informs her what happened.

"He was kidnapped by the griffons. There were just too many of them."

"What?" Fluttershy spoke. "N-No… That can't be…"

Applejack tilted her head down and said, "Usopp, Pinkie, and Rainbow were taken too…"

"What!?" Twilight yelped, causing them to stop running. "All of them at a time?!"

"They surprised us, we didn't have time to do anything. Me and Fluttershy were the only ones who made it out." She said solemnly.

"That's awful…" the purple mare whimpered.

"It's obvious that they're trying to capture all of us." Robin thought. "They probably think that by going on an airship, we wouldn't be able to escape unless we were pegasus. However…"

"However… What?" Applejack continued.

"However… There must be something up there that makes them feel so confident that we wouldn't be able to escape from it."

"Well, standing around here won't get us anywhere." Twilight sighed. "We have to get back to the Sunny right now! And see if the others are alright!"

They all nodded in agreement and pressed on.





Back at the Sunny, the group watched as Gilda sketched a map of the ship. As the pen dug into the paper, she explained the map as well as the situation.

"First off, if you're caught, you'll probably be sent here." Gilda pointed to the brig of the ship. "The cages down here are made of sea stone, so if you get locked up in there, you're not getting out. It is also imbedded with a special anti magic material, known as dry stone. In other words, no magic, no devil fruit, no way out."

"I see…" Nami nodded.

"We haven’t seen the others yet…" Sanji sighed. "They may have been taken inside."

"What if nopony is up there?" Rarity wondered. "We shouldn't just assume our friends would be caught. We need to know who's up there."

"Our crew is reliable." Brook stated.

"Can't we just break the ship?" Luffy asked.

"That'd be easier, but it'll crush whoever's inside of it and the town too. They might be in the city or in the ship, so we can't destroy it now." Zoro claimed.

"That'd be easier?" Gilda said with slight shock.

"Hey!" Twilight called. The crew looked to the shore and saw the others arrive. Luffy leaned over and said, "Hey Twilight! Where are the others?"

The group had disappointing expressions. Robin said, "We need to talk about our current situation."





Up on the flying ship, in the brig, Usopp was checking on the tired Chopper while Rainbow was bashing the cage door. Pinkie was banging a tin cup between the bars, much to the griffon guards annoyance.

"Let us out you jerks!" Rainbow shouted.

The endless clanging on the unbreakable cage was just torture for the guards. Pinkie was an aid to that pain. In the corner, Usopp placed Chopper on his lap and asked…

"Oi! Chopper! What's wrong?"

"This cage is made of sea prism stone." He told him. "I'm losing my strength every time I touch the floor."

"Sea prism stone?" Rainbow repeated.

"It's a special stone that has the same effects as the ocean water." Usopp informed her. "Because of that, devil fruit users can't handle it."

"Not even Luffy huh?" Rainbow said softly. She glared at the guards and said, "When we get out of here, you're gonna get it!"

"Shut up! Geez!" The griffon retorted.

Pinkie groaned as she lied on the floor and said, "This is so boring! I wish there was something to do."

"If only I had more space I can bust out of this cage with a Sonic Rainboom!" Rainbow complained.

"They took our stuff, so we can't do anything about it too." Chopper quoted.

"Looks like we'll have to wait for the others to help us out." Usopp thought.

Rainbow sweated at the idea of Applejack having to rescue her. If that happens, she'll never hear the end of it. As troubling the moment was for them, she wasn't going to let that happen. She continued to bang the cage yelling, "LET US OUT!"





Luffy was opening his mouth with much surprise. the others were quite worried with the information so far.

"They got taken!?" Luffy yelled. "Those bastards!"

"Oh! How awful~!" Rarity swooned. Everyone stared at her with raised eyebrows. "What? I'm serious."

"Looks like we have no choice." Nami said. She stood up and planned out the next motive. "Alright then! It looks like we'll have to rescue our friends! But at the same time, we'll be defending the ship!"

"But how will we even reach them?" Applejack questioned.

"Gilda, Fluttershy! You two are the only ones who can fly! You'll be bringing Luffy and Zoro up to the ship. Sanji, can you get up there on your own?"

"It won't be a problem." Sanji assured her as he threw off the cigarette.

"Yosh! We'll stay here and protect the Sunny then!" Franky suggested.

"We have a few other problems." Rarity reminded them. "Once you get them out, how will you all leave together? Rainbow can fly down, but everyone else could be too much for you all to carry."

"She has a point." Brook agreed.

"Hmm…" Nami hummed as she held her chin. Looking out to the harbor of Sealos and the direction the airship was heading, she had an idea. "Let's lead them out to sea."

"The sea?" they all said in unison.

Nami smiled as she explained. "If we can lead it over water, we can let them fall onto the Sunny, where we'll be ready to catch them."

"And how will you catch us?" Zoro questioned.

"I can make a tarp for all of us to hold out." Rarity offered. "It shouldn't be too hard."

"Looks like that's everything!" Nami nodded. "Alright! Let's get moving!"

"Alright!" Luffy cheered as he jumped onto the back of Fluttershy. "Let's go Fluttershy!"

"WHAT!!!" She cried.

"You're with me Zoro." Gilda told him.

"Got it." He complied.

"Let's get going!" Sanji grinned.

As the Rescue team flew off, Franky got behind the steering wheel and lead the defense team out to open waters.

"For some reason, there's no wind-" Nami paused as a sudden gust came out of nowhere, leading the Sunny forward. She looked up in confusion to the sudden change in the sky. "How did…?"

In the throne room of Canterlot, Celestia and Luna smiled as their horns shined with their focus on the vision of the Straw Hats. Celestia softly said…

"Good luck everyone."





As Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Fluttershy, and Gilda raced to the airship, the griffons begin their counter attack. Zoro took out his swords while Sanji spun in the air until his hind legs were on fire.

"We got company!" Zoro said.

"Alright then!" Luffy said as he pulled back his arm.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

With the attack making a good pounding to the griffons, Luffy grinned. However, he suddenly slipped off and fell before Fluttershy noticed and quickly grabbed him.

"Luffy!" She screamed.

"Senhachiju Pound Ho!" (1080 Caliber Phoenix!)

Zoro unleashed a massive slash upon the squad of griffons, only to nearly fall himself.

"Zoro!" Gilda called.

"Damn it!" Sanji cursed. "Those two can't find up here like this."

"Ugh…" Zoro grunted. "Let's get on the ship. It'll be easier for us that way."

"Easier said than done!" Gilda remarked. "There a griffons everywhere!"

"Damn it!" Luffy growled as Fluttershy placed him on her back safely. "I can't stay on while punching!"

"I'm sorry, but your attacks are too strong for me to hold on." Fluttershy apologized. "If we were more stable, it wouldn't be a problem."

"Hmm…" Luffy held his chin in thought before coming up with an idea. He then raised his hind legs then wrapped them around Fluttershy's torso. She jumped in surprise as Luffy said, "Okay! Now…"

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

A fury of hooves pounded the griffons away. Gilda then proceeded with Zoro covering her by cutting nearby foes that dared to attempt to capture the two. Sanji headed straight for the gathering of griffons and readied a devastating attack.

" Poêle à Frire: Spectre!"

Burning off the foes from the front, Sanji clears the way for Gilda to land. Fluttershy follows after them to reach the front of the ship. Upon landing, Luffy lets go of Fluttershy and gets off with Zoro.

"We made it!" Luffy pointed out. "Now, let's get back our friends!"

Griffons equipped with rifles came into view from the towers. They got into position and aimed at the intruders. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Gilda were prepared for the firing. Once the shots were given, the four evaded the attack. Fluttershy didn't move however as she was so scared, she froze in place. Gilda saw this, and jumped to her aid.

"Move!"

Gilda shoved and stood before Fluttershy, taking the shots. The yellow pegasus's eyes shrunk as well as the others. Gilda quivered in place as blood drips onto the floor. No later, she falls down with a puddle forming from the wounds that were taken for Fluttershy. The four called out to her.

"GILDA!!!"
> Chapter 31 - I Trust You! The Fight for our Friends begin!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro stared at Gilda, who was heavily injured. Fluttershy was holding her tightly with eyes of pure shock. As she looks at her hoof, she can see the blood that came from her griffon companion.

"G-Gilda… A… Are you… Alright…?"

"Sky Walk!"

Sanji jumped to the griffons with two flaming hind legs. He kicked every one of them to a searing pulp. No one was left with an easy beating, as they were simmered to even having their skins burned through their feathers. After he finished, he left the tower allowing Luffy's pre pumped hoof and Zoro with his katana in hand to handle the rest.

"Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun!"
"Kokujo: O Tatsumaki" (Black Rope Dragon Twister!)

Punch demolished the tower and anyone inside of it. The griffons were given no break as the tornado came in to further punish whoever was inside of it by slicing them up. The airship rumbled as the chaos of the front ensued. The trio lands on the floor and goes to Fluttershy and Gilda. As they did, Gilda coughed and breathed heavily.

"Gilda! You're alright!" She said in happiness as she embraced her bloody friend.

"That was close!" Luffy sighed as well.

"Looks like she needs medical treatment too." Zoro pointed out. "We better get Chopper to check on her."

"Let's go get them then!" Sanji demanded. "I'm not gonna forgive those bastards for how they treat a lady!"

"Wait, hold on…!" Gilda said to them, getting their attention. "Listen… The ship is in the air itself… If you break everything, it's gonna fall… and if that happens before you reach your friends, they'll be capsized…"

Luffy nodded, understanding the situation. "Alright then. We won't break it until we get them out."

Gilda grinned as Zoro and Sanji  glared at the opponents ahead of them. Luffy joined them as well as he said, "But it doesn't mean that I'm not gonna kick all their asses!"

"Everyone…!" Fluttershy squealed. "I… I don't think we can go on like this…!"

Everyone was silent. Sanji flicked a cigarette out and lit it for a smoke while Zoro simply stared at her. Luffy gritted his teeth before saying, "What do you mean?!"

"Gilda's too injured… We won't be able to get back like this…! I'm just so afraid of what will happen…!"

Luffy's expression was blank. He obviously didn't like what he was hearing, yet showed no obvious response. He then stepped closer and closer to Fluttershy as she continued to whimper.

"I'm sorry, but we can't-"

Suddenly, Luffy took off his prized straw hat and placed it on Fluttershy's head. She stays still having no idea of what to say. Luffy however simply replies to everything she says.

"We're gonna be fine, and bring back everyone! So stop being such a baby!"

Sanji and Zoro grinned while Gilda thought to herself, That's a comforting way to say it. Fluttershy was simply standing in place as Luffy and the others went on ahead. He then tells her, "Keep an eye on Gilda! We'll be back!"

Fluttershy placed her hoof on the straw hat and pulled it down. Tears were streaming down as she sat next to the injured Gilda.





Chaos was raining down on the Sunny as it was striving to sail the mystical winds. Griffons continued to rain down with no mercy against the passengers of the Sunny. Doing their best to fight them off, Nami takes the wheel while everyone fights off the attackers. Twilight does her best to use her pyro spells in hopes to catch up to Robin, Franky, and Brook's level. Rarity was the damsel in distress, constantly being saved by Brook.

"Are you alright Rarity?" He asks.

She giggles as she replies, "Yes, I am now. Thank you, truly are a gentlemen."

"That warms my heart… though I don't have one. Yohohoho, Skull Joke!"

"This ain't the time for that!" Applejack remarked.

Twilight tried her best, but was soon attacked by too many at a time. Luckily Robin came in to help. She crosses her arms and summons a massive group of hands.

"Mil Fleur"

Once they all formed, the big hand was formed. The griffons stop in place, hesitating to go against them. It was too late to get away however.

"Slap!"

Wiping out the group of griffons, Twilight receives the time to rest for a bit. Robin places her hand on her shoulder and asks, "Twilight, are you alright?"

"Yes…" She replied. "I'm sorry I can't keep up with all of you…"

"What do you mean?"

"I can't do what it takes to help as much as everypony else." Twilight admitted. "I don't have the strength or weapons like everypony else does."

"Twilight…" Rarity muttered.

"You gotta admit." Applejack said to her. "Unlike you, she's actually getting her hooves dirty. We all gotta do our part Rarity."

"Applejack is right." Robin says while petting Twilight's mane. "We all have to do our part. Just know that…" With hands blooming out from the ground, they bring in a bag. Robin opens it and takes out a spell book that she had bought earlier. "We do what we can. You do things we can't, and we'll do things you can't."

She hands Twilight the book for her to use. Robin gives a motherly smile as Twilight nods in agreement. She opens the book and widens at the number of various spells.

"There's so many!" Twilight stated. "Let's try…"

Looking up to the griffons soaring like vultures, Twilight shines her horn. instead of fire, it was simply the same aura of her levitation. But instead of holding objects, it was shaped into a sphere. Twilight aimed upwards before releasing the energy.

"Fireworks!"

With the pizzazz of flare taking care of the sky, Twilight trembles for a moment before getting caught by Robin.

"Twilight?"

"Sorry, but new spells make me feel fuzzy, so…" she smiled slightly with a giggle. "I might need more time to practice."

"It looks like you got all of them." Applejack pointed out.

"That was SUPER amazing!" Franky complimented her.

Twilight blushed before Nami warned the crew, "It's not over yet! I see another one… Except…"

"Except… what?" Rarity questioned.

"I never seen one so big before!" Nami stated.

The crew looked upon the griffon the size of a sea king. It flew at a small height, just nearly above the water. It's speed was rushing in like a rocket, ready to pierce right through the Sunny. As it came close, Franky readied his arms together and aimed to the side.

"Coup de Vent!"

The pressure pushed the ship away from the attack. The griffon however turned and attacked the Sunny from the back. Twilight and Rarity used their magic to push the Sunny again, but the griffon was coming at an even faster speed. Deciding that it was too late, Twilight looks over to Applejack and says, "AJ! Kick him away from the ship!"

Applejack stares at Twilight for a moment, then turns to the speeding griffon. She looks at Twilight with terrified eyes as she said, "HAVE YOU LOST IT!?"

"Trust me! I found another spell that'll help you!"

Applejack nodded with hesitation before running to the back of the ship with Twilight. As it came close, Applejack got ready to jump. Twilight's horn shot an invigorating magic around Applejack's hind legs. As it came close, the orange mare sprung into the air with her legs kicking out. Right upon impact, Twilight activated the spell.

"Rodeo Buck!"
"Impact Plus!"

The extraordinary blow managed to push the griffon to the side, right where Applejack was kicking him. The Sunny was safe as the griffon flew by without even grazing the ship. Robin and Rarity came to see Twilight had fainted and Applejack was in the water.

"Twilight!" Robin called as she checked on her. "Are you alright?"

"Eh heh… Just a bit tired…" Twilight replied. "These are advanced offensive spells, so I'll end up draining my energy much faster…"

Rarity levitated Applejack out of the water. When placed on the ground, she tightly held her leg in pain. Twilight and Robin took notice.

"Applejack! What's wrong?" Rarity questioned.

"I think I pulled something when I kicked him!" Applejack groaned.

"The spell should have protected you from the impact too!" Twilight stated.

"That sounds like the impact dial." Nami stated as she same downstairs to them.

"Impact Dial?" Rarity repeated.

"Dials are used to do all sorts of things depending on their type." Nami explained. "The spell you used sounds like the Impact Dial we found in Skypiea. Though the people up there can use it much better than we can, the impact dial still hurts us when we use it in comparison."

"The spell might have been used for stronger beings and not just any pony." Robin inquired.

"Oh my gosh! Applejack! I'm so sorry!" Twilight apologized.

"It's fine Twilight." She assured her. "At least we're in the clear now."

"Not quite." Franky told them. "The big griffon is still trying to get up."

"What!?" Rarity screamed before swooning over. "Is this where our journey ends!?"

"AAAH! I DON'T WANT TO DIE YET!! Oh, but I already died. Yohohohoho" Brook joked.

"I don't think Applejack can do it again." Twilight stated. "And I don't have enough magic to do it again."

"It's okay Twilight!" Franky assured her. "Thanks to you, I had enough time to ready our secret weapon!"

"Secret… Weapon?" Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack repeated.





On the command bridge, the general stands before the glass, allowing him to see the grounds of his ship as well as the destroyed tower just miles away from him. He strokes his long beard as he says, "Well, this is quite troubling. We have something worse than ponies… Rats…"

The minotaur came in with his gigantic iron sword attached to his belt. "Shall I handle the problem?"

"Get Dolkin to aid you as well." The general orders.

"Yes sir." Dolkin responded. It was a griffon with buggy eyes and a strange beak curving upwards. He passes the general and says, "I'll have my squad out immediately."

"Good. Mino! I leave you to guard the prison."

"Yes sir."

"I'll handle Straw Hat myself."

"No! No! No!" Another griffon complained as he walked in. "Father! I want to get Straw Hat! I want to make him pay for what he's done!"

The general looked at his son with a quick glance. He grinned before allowing him to proceed. "Yes, of course son. Now go prove your worth!"

"Yes Father!"

The three left with quick haste. The general strokes his long beard as he says, "You won't escape this time Straw Hat. Your head will be mine!"





As Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji bashed through the griffons, they got the army running with their tails between their legs. The never thought they'd fear just three creatures, especially within the fact that they weren't even that big. But their brutality was just too much. Cuts, bruises, and being burned in just seconds were enough to kill off their morale.

"What in Equestria ARE they!?" One wondered.

"They're monsters!" One answered. "There's no other explanation!"

"Who cares!? Just run!!"

Luffy kept running after the escapees and readied his technique.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

Dozens of hits were pelted at the griffons, and those who were launched into the air were open for Sanji to kick back down.

"Poêle à Frire: Spectre!"

Grilling the birds, Sanji gives another hard kick to throw the griffons off the deck. Zoro positioned his three swords and slashed the air, causing a cut to ride through the air. The massive burst slices through the griffons ahead.

"Senhachiju Pound Ho!" (1080 Caliber Phoenix!)

Many of the griffons fell in exhaustion and in defeat. They were practically crying as Luffy cracked his hooves.

"How can he even crack his hooves!?" One of them questioned. "Ponies can't do that!"

Meanwhile from just above the battle, Dolkin was flying with his squad. He was heading towards the front of the ship to cut them off from getting back.

"Their yellow pegasus and griffon traitor companions must be their way back." Dolkin thought. "Once I capture them, they'll have no choice but to surrender."

The three however were able to sense Dolkin's presence and his plan to assault Fluttershy and Gilda. Sanji lights his cigarette and looks at Dolkin and his team.

"I'll handle them." He told the two.

With a quick jump to the air, he stepped along the winds to his foes.

"Sky Walk!"

After Sanji cuts off the squad, Dolkin gets slammed to the ship with a lethal kick from Sanji. The squad were surprised as Sanji then gets on the head on one of the griffons. With his forelegs on the head, Sanji spun with his hind legs in attacking position.

"Party Kick Course!"

Wiping out all of the griffons, including the one he was on, they fall onto the ship as Dolkin rises from his crater. He glares at Sanji, landing near Luffy and Zoro. He grits his teeth as he says, "How… Dare you…"

"Whoa! What's up with his face!?" Luffy questioned.

Dolkin dropped his jaw, insulted by what he heard.

"I never seen a bird with a beak like that before…" Zoro stated.

Dolkin lowered his head in shame with tears rolling down his face.

"Is he crying?" Sanji wondered.

"No! I'm not crying!" Dolkin retorted. "Darn you! How'd you know I was above you!?"

"Whoa! His eyes are so big and watery!" Luffy pointed out.

"So he was crying." Zoro concluded.

"Shut up! How dare you insult me casually! Do you know who I am!?"

"No." The three said simultaneously.

"I am Dolkin! The most revered Griffon Hunter in Equestria! Do you think you can match my skills in combat?"

"Hell yeah I can!" Luffy said as he got in a fighting stance. Sanji held out his hoof to stop him however.

"I already told you, I got this." Sanji assured Luffy. He turns to Dolkin and says, "Besides, I'm not going to forgive you for what you were planning on doing to those ladies."

"Such a nobleman, aren't you?" Dolkin taunted as he dashed forward. "Well let's see if you can handle my talons of might!"

The talons clashes with Sanji's hind leg, augmented in Busoshoku Haki. The talon tightens around Sanji's leg, restraining movements to his shin. Realizing how hard the grip was, Sanji knew he had to get him off. He lifts him into the air and slams him back to the ground, making him release. As Dolkin got up, Sanji looked at Zoro and Luffy saying, "What are you waiting for!? Go get the others!"

"Oh! Right! Come on Zoro!" Luffy complied.

After Luffy and Zoro left, Sanji and Dolkin were back into the fight. Dolkin jumped and flew at Sanji, only to miss as Sanji jumped into the air.

"Grill Shot!"

A shot of flame sprits the floor, missing Dolkin as he manages to dodge. Dolkin flies up to Sanji in attempts to grab him from the air. Sanji simply ran up the sky to evade Dolkin's attack. The battle then took the air with Sanji firing pellets of fire with his heated kicks as he dodged Dolkin's talons. However, at one point, Dolkin managed to grab his leg again and dive back down to the ship.

"Damn it!" Sanji cursed as he was brought back down by Dolkin.

"Now you're gonna get it!" Dolkin teased. As they reached the ground, he slammed Sanji onto the wooden deck.

"Victim Hammer!"

Sanji was sent right through the ship, piercing through all the floors until he was below the ship. after realizing Sanji was flying out of the ship, he quickly stepped onto the air again and went back inside. He took a quick breath after reaching the bottom floor of the ship through the hole he made.

"Using Sky Walk takes more energy in this body…" Sanji said to himself. "I didn't think I'd use it so much… If I was in my normal body, I'd be able to take him down faster than this…!"

He sighed as he threw away his old cigar and lights another. "This pony crap is getting to me. But I guess I'll have to make do with what I have."

Shooting himself with an impressive jump, he meets up with Dolkin on the deck, who was waiting for him. Dolkin smiled.

"I knew you wouldn't die that easily." He snarled.

"You just wait." Sanji rebutted. "I'm about to kick in your ugly face."

Dolkin lowered himself and cried, "W-Why would you say that!?"

"Don't cry over every little insult!" Sanji scolded.





As Luffy and Zoro make their way to the tower, another griffon with a smaller beard than the general, flies by. He scans the battlefield on the ship carefully, looking for Pony D. Luffy. As he looks around, he sees Luffy, but no Straw Hat. The griffon raises an eyebrow and says, Where is that pony?

As the griffon flies further, Luffy pauses to see him pass by.

"Who's that?" He wondered.

"Say goodbye!" The minotaur yelled as his massive sword went diving towards Luffy. Before it even made contact, Zoro blocked the attack with his three swords. Knocking back the attack, Zoro fends off against Mino from Luffy.

"Zoro!" Luffy called.

"You go on ahead! I'll handle this guy." Zoro replied.

"You think you can take me on?" The minotaur asked. "Don't make me laugh!"

After another sword slamming attack, Zoro pushes it to the side using two of his swords. He glanced at Luffy before saying, "Hurry and get them out!"

"Alright then! Thanks Zoro!" Luffy said gratefully before running off.

With Luffy gone, Zoro focused into battle against Mino. Luffy saw the tower before him, and was only yards away.

"Don't worry everybody! I'm coming!"

"Do you really think all of you are getting out of here alive?" Mino laughed. "This is where your rebellion ends! You along with all of your friends!"

"Don't count on it!" Zoro grinned menacingly as he uses a single sword. Placing it back in the sheath and wielding it brought on a cutting air towards Mino.

"Yakkodori!"  (Bird Dance!)

The minotaur moves out of the way in time and the slash breaks a large portion of the ship. Zoro grunts at his mistake.

I forgot. If I break everything now, the ship will be destroyed and we won't be able to get the others out in time.

"Very impressive swordsman." Mino commended Zoro as he lifted his gigantic blade. "Now let's see if you can handle my technique!"

Mino slammed the sword onto the deck, shattering many parts of the ground. Zoro jumped out of the way in time and looked at the wreckage. He glared at Mino with a realization.

"No good. This guy will break the ship if I don't beat him quick." He took out his three swords and got into position. "I just need to make sure this doesn't get out of hand."





Luffy broke through the doors to the brig. He dashed through, making his way to the cage. Before he could however, another formidable foe stood in his way.

"Hello there Straw Hat." The general said before he noticed something. "Where's your hat?"

"Get out of my way!" Luffy demanded, still racing forward.

The general smiled as he punched to the floor, causing it to get slashed up. Luffy backed away from its range as it became a gaping hole. The two stared off with tension in the air. Luffy locked on to his foe as they were ready to do battle.

"My name is General Grim Stone. I will stop you and your team of rascals here."

"Move out of the way!" Luffy exclaimed once more.

"I don't think so. This is where you and your friends journey ends. I will see to it that you are either captured or killed."

Locked into battle of wits and limits, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji must rescue their friends while preventing the destruction of the ship until then, against General Grim Stone, Mino, and Dolkin. Down below, the crew on the Sunny must fight against the gigantic griffon before it capsizes the ship. Only time can tell what will happen next.
> Chapter 32 - The Ship is Shaking! Unexpected Allies!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The ground breaking battle continues as Sanji slams Dolkin to the wall. Dolkin quickly recovers and rushes in to grab Sanji again. The blue stallion backs up from his attempt and sets his hind legs on fire.

"Poêle à Frire: Spectre!"

Shots of fire spray around, forcing Dolkin to retreat from his attack. Even though the technique proved useful in fending off Dolkin, the fire spreads around the ship. Sanji grew worried.

"Damn it! The I didn't expect it to burn this crappy boat!"

"Now squadron! Tactic C! Go!" Dolkin commanded.

Sanji looks up and sees the horde of griffons jumping to him. They crush Sanji and make it to where he can't move.

"Hey! Get off of me you damn birds!" He cursed.

"Wahahaha! How do you like that you kicky runt? Now squadron! Hold him still while I finish him off."

Dolkin reached for the burning wood and tore off a plank. He raised it over Sanji as he aimed the flaming stake over his body. As he thrusts it forward to impale him, Sanji tossed the griffons aside and went in for a kick to the stomach.

"Flanchet!"

Dolkin backs up as Sanji takes care of the rest of the griffons. He stands on his front hooves and spins with his hind legs bashing the enemy around.

"Party Table Kick Course!"

Getting the griffons off his back, Sanji recovers. But he is instantly grabbed by Dolkin and thrown to the ground again.

"Victim Hammer!"

Once more, Sanji is sent crashing floor after floor until he was outside the ship, and below the bottom. Sanji uses his Sky walk to get back up and catch his breath.

"I need to fight harder! I can't let this body hold me back!"

As Sanji rested a bit, he heard Dolkin conversing with his men from above.

"Nice one sir!" They commended him.

"It's not over yet." Dolkin told his units. "That boy is probably going to come back."

"Impossible! He crashed out of the Wing Ship! There's no way he can get back from that!"

"You'd be surprised." Dolkin replied to that comment. "Listen up! Their escape team is the rogue griffon, Gilda, and Straw Hat's apprentice, Fluttershy! I want you to take them out immediately!"

"Yes sir!" they all said understanding their orders.

As they raced to the front of the ship, Sanji exploded out of the bottom with fire covered around him. He glared at the griffons as they dropped their jaws of what was before them.

"What are you about to do to the ladies!?" Sanji questioned them.

Dolkin was stunned as Sanji stepped onto the deck with murderous intent in his eyes. It seemed as if the order had made the blue stallion combust in anger. However, he continued to attack regardless.

"You've come back for a second helping of my technique!?"

As Dolkin grabbed Sanji, he lets go out of the sheer pain of the blue pony's blazing aura. The griffons hesitated to get past him or even around him. Sanji wasn't about to let them carry out their order. Finally, he rushed in to finish off Dolkin. He was kicked up into the air with extraordinary power.

"Anti-Manner Kick Course!"

Sending up the burning Dolkin up into the air wasn't all. Sanji leaped up there chasing the spiraling body to continue his assault.

"Sky Walk!"

The griffons below watched in horror as Sanji's barrage of intense anger was mixed into every kick. They were surprised how nimble this horse was at all!

" Œil, Nez, Joue, Bouche, Dents, and Menton" ("Yeux, Nez, Joue, Bouche, Dents, and Menton")

Sanji grinned menacingly as he finished his combo.

"Parage Shot"

Dozens of blows to the face before a hard kick sends him down like a missile to Dolkins squadron. Sanji defeats the team and moves on.

"If you even think about hurting the ladies, I'll come back and kick your ass." Sanji warned them before heading on out.





Zoro fought fiercely with his handicapped strength. As he limits his destruction to a minimum, Mino was free to attack with nothing blocking off the attacks. Swift move after move, Zoro evades the massive sword as it destroys more and more of the ship. Zoro was getting aggravated.

I have to try something!

With one sword, he unleashes a quick air strike to Mino.

"Yakkodori!"  (Bird Dance!)

Though it pierced the air, it only bounces off of Mino's gigantic blade. Mino grinned as he laughs at this swordplay.

"That's all you got swordsman?" Mino chuckled. "I expected more of a fight. How disappointing."

Mino raised his sword up high up. Zoro's eyes widen as he knew what was about to happen. The sword then rushes down at incredible speed before it slammed onto the deck.

"Ground Cutter!"

The deck practically opens up. Barely hanging on, Zoro starts to sweat.

"Don't you even see what you're doing to your ship?"

Mino grinned as he replies. "This insignificant garbage means nothing to me."

"Why didn't you say so?" Zoro said as he placed his sword in his mouth.

Mino raised an eyebrow as Zoro now held all three swords again. The minotaur snickered as Zoro glared at him.

"Eating your sword doesn't make you better at the blade you know!"

"You probably never seen three sword style then."

"How silly." Mino growled. "You're a mockery to such a practice! How dare you even hold a single sword!"

Rushing in to strike, Mino closes into combat with Zoro, deflecting every move. Clash after clash, Zoro throws off Mino's flurry of slashes.

"I don't need to hear that from someone who doesn't even know how to control his own strength."

"Ergh! Why you!" Mino cursed as he nearly falls backwards. Getting back on his footing, he sneers, "Strength is everything to fighting!"

"But with no control, you're no different than an amateur."

"AMATEUR!?" Mino repeated angrily. "How dare you!"

Getting into the fearsome position, Zoro and Mino faced off in one final attack.

"I had enough of you!" Mino declared. "Now…"

Mino dashes through with the massive blade scratching the ground. He goes in for an uppercut while Zoro stayed still.

"Butchering Blow!"

Before making contact with Zoro, he rushes through and slices Mino as well as destroying the deck.

"Rengoku Onigiri!" (Purgatory Onigiri!)

Mino was cut up before he fell into the pit he had created from his earlier attack. Falling by his own demise, Mino splashed to the ocean. Zoro puts away his sword as the ship began to crumble with loud creaks and cracks opening. He sighed as he looked away and said…

"Damn… I overdid it…"





The giant griffon is eyeing intently at the Sunny in the waters. As it hovers over the water, Franky grinned as the crew went into position.

"Everyone! Get ready!" Nami warned them as she pulled a lever next to the steering wheel. When she did, the stairs opened up a passage into the head of the Sunny.

"What is that!?" Twilight questioned.

Franky pressed his nose for about three seconds before it became a Mohawk.

"Just hold your horses! This is gonna be SUPER amazing! Ow~!" He told them.

"Did you you seriously just say that?" Applejack retorted as she held her hind legs to ease the pain.

"The griffon's coming everyone!" Rarity screamed as the beast headed straight for them. "Whatever it is you're about to do, please do it soon!"

Suddenly, a loud metallic noise was heard from the head of the ship. The ponies being curious of what that was, ran up to see the Sunny's mouth opened with a cannon coming out of it.

"A… Cannon!?" Twilight pointed out.

"What kind of cannon is that!?" Rarity questioned.

"Nami! Are you ready?" Franky asked.

"I have it from here!" Nami assured him. "So long as the target is this big, it's no problem!"

The loud ringing from the cannon came from the emanating of the energy being collected from the cannon. Once the energy was stored, it released it in one epic, amazingly powerful shot.

"Gaon Cannon!"

The giant griffon takes the shot head on, but was easily thrown far away. The ponies were wide eyed with open mouths of sheer destruction before them.

"I... don't believe... what I just saw..." Twilight muttered.

"Now I've seen everything." Applejack stated.

"Such magnificence! Is there anything this ship can't do!?" Rarity praised the Sunny.

"This isn't just any ordinary ship. This is the ship of dreams." Franky informed them.

"Too bad Rainbow and Pinkie weren't around to see it." Applejack snickered. "They would have gone crazy."

"Speaking of them..." Nami said as she returned from the cannon. "I hope they're alright."

They all looked at the ship above, being torn apart piece by piece. The conclusion to this attack doesn't seem too bright for them, but Twilight notices something. Something is hanging off the ship, near one of the holes. Squinting to try to clear out what it was, she finds out a horrifying situation.

"Every pony! Over there!" She alerted the crew.

"What? What is it?" Nami questioned.

"Up there! The hole near the back of the ship!"

"I... I think I see it..." Applejack replied. "What about it?"

"Our friends! They're still in the cage! It's about to fall out with them in it!"

"WHAT!?"





On the edge of the pit, where a cage is close to meeting the inevitable doom of falling into the ocean, Rainbow, Usopp, Pinkie, and Chopper gaze wondrously at the event of the beam from earlier.

"SO COOL!!!" They all screamed.

After a moment of happiness has passed, their senses return to their problem at hand.

"AAAH! WE'RE GONNA DIE!" Chopper screamed.

"THE CAGE IS CLOSE TO FALLING OFF THE SHIP!" Usopp pointed out.

"WHAT DO WE DO!? WHAT DO WE DO!?" Pinkie asked continuously.

Rainbow slammed her hoof on the cage bars to get their attention. "Would you guys get a grip!?"

They turned to her as she continued. "Right now, we're just sitting ducks. We have to do our best to help the others after we get out. So the first thing to do is remain calm. There's no point in wasting our energy screaming our lungs out."

Rainbow sits with patiencem impressing her peers. They sit down with her in agreement.

"You're right. The most we can do is wait until they come to break us out." Usopp said to that speech.

As they sat patiently in the cage, they waited with a calm mind. That was, until a loud shout from Luffy was heard followed by the shaking of the ship, shaking the cage to get closer to the hole by an inch. Right then, Usopp, Chopper, and Pinkie ran around yelling while Rainbow was banging on the cage.

"DANG IT LUFFY! GET US OUT OF HERE ALREADY!!"





Over by Fluttershy, Gilda rests on the front of the ship. Time passes with absolute cruelty. Never knowing if they're alright, and a horribly injured friend in need of help. Blood still drips, but Fluttershy tries her best to aid Gilda.

"Do... Do I put pressure on the places you were shot?" she asked.

"I think you're supposed to get the bullets out." Gilda replied.

"Um..."

"I can wait... This isn't the first time I've been shot." She assures her. "This is the first time I took a lot of them at one time, but I'm alright, so long as-"

"There you are!" The griffon yells as he lands in front of the two. "Straw Hat Luffy!"

"Straw Hat Luffy? What are you-" Gilda pauses and looks at Fluttershy with the straw hat. "Oh crud."

"I-I'm not Luffy!" Fluttershy claimed.

"Really? Huh... Now that you mention it, I heard Luffy was a boy, and you're just a girl." he pointed out.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Gilda questioned.

"So, sorry for the confusion." Fluttershy apologized.

"Oh, no, it's alright. I'll just be on my way." He says politely before heading off. Fluttershy and Gilda sigh in relief that it didn't have to come to a fight.

"Thank goodness. I was worried that-"

"WAIT A MINUTE!" the griffon comes down and realizes something. "You! You're Luffy's apprentice, Fluttershy! Aren't you!?"

"Oh crud." Gilda repeats herself.

"Uh... Maybe...?" Fluttershy answered.

The griffon opens his talon to show off his extremely sharp claw. Fluttershy begins to sweat, getting scared of the situation.

"I can't let you live, especially if you're going to help Straw Hat."

The griffon rushes in to strike, and Fluttershy is completely stunned. Gilda was too injured to block the attack, or even move. When things seemed bleak, someone blocks the attack.

"What the!?" The griffon questioned, only to see something absolutely surprising. "Who the heck are you!?"

"Where'd he come from?" Gilda wondered.

"Is he... a friend?" Fluttershy thought.

Another griffon blocks the attack. This griffon had a nice and smooth beak with sharp looking eyes. The feathers on his head were in a nice style as if it was beautiful hair. His feature were magnificent.

"Little Belsky, did you forget about me already?"

The griffon called Belsky was stunned. He knew who it was, but was still befuddled on how it came to be. He gulped before he revealed his name. "DOLKIN!?!?"





Luffy was punching furiously as Grim Stone kept on cutting up the ship to block himself using the debris as a means of defence. Grim then threw back a punch to somehow slice the air once more. Luffy dodges and attempts another attack.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

"Too slow!"

Grim dodges and nearly cuts off Luffy's hoof. Luckily, it retreated back before it happened. Luffy was about to do something devastating until he looked what was below them.

"Ah! It's them!"

"Hmm?" Grim looked down to see the cage holding Luffy's companions. He grins menacingly as he says, "Oh! You've found your friends! Good for you! Unfortunately, they seem to be in quite a predicament. Seeing how close they are to falling down to the bottom of the ocean, this means you better watch yourself, otherwise..."

Grim punches the ground, and the slicing attacks fractures the support below. The cage is now on a tipping floor about to fall any moment. Pinkie, Usopp, and Chopper start screaming while Rainbow complains. Luffy is shocked and glares at Grim.

"Damn you! Leave them out of this!"

"Oh? But they're the whole reason why you came, isn't it?"

Luffy jumped into the air and stretched his hind legs to attack Grim.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Whip!"

It makes contact and trips Grim as well as destroying more of the room. Grim attempts to cut Luffy with another fearsome fist, but Luffy quickly grabs his talon and pulls him close.

"What the!?"

A forceful attack lunges at Grims face. Luffy scores a major deal of damage, but it is far from over. Grim backs up and grins widely.

"You are quite the adversary." He admits. "But I won't let you win that easily."

Pulling out a bottle, Luffy sees the Warriors Elixir in his possession. One chug was all it took to maximize Grim's power. The claws grow bigger and his muscles grow larger. The griffon smiles as he looks down on the red pony.

"Straw Hat, with this form, I will destroy this ship. All of your friends aboard will be taken to the sea with you as well."

"I'm not gonna let that happen!" Luffy declares.

"Is that so?"

Luffy's hooves become wrapped in armament Haki and gets on his hind legs. He stand in a human posture in hopes to mimic his old fighting style even better.

"That's right!"
> Chapter 33 - The Boat Breaks! Surviving the Last Assassination!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Before Fluttershy and Gilda was Dolkin, supposedly a mercenary commander hired by the Griffon Kingdom. Belsky was very angry as Dolkin merely grins.

"What is the meaning of this mutiny!?" Belsky questioned.

"I'm sorry, but I simply must repay the blue stallion who took away my curse."

"Is... Is he talking about Sanji?" Fluttershy wondered.

"So... these ponies convinced you to join the other side? How aggravating. I must dispose of you and everyone else on their crew."

"If the blue stallion wants these ladies protected, so be it. I will see to it that they're alright."

"Why you... Imbecile!"

The duel begins. Dolkin and his new appearance against Belsky's new rage.





Zoro and Sanji runs to the door leading down to the brig. As they ran, the two were arguing.

"What the hell moss head!?" Sanji complained. "You were ahead of me!! How'd you get lost when the door was right there!?"

"Shut up! What took you so long with your damn fight!?" Zoro retorted. "You should've helped the others earlier!"

"I was dealing with an ugly bastard and his minions!"

"I was dealing with a huge ass minotaur!"

"Well I could have kicked his ass easily!"

"Yeah!? Well I could kick that ugly bastard, his minions, and your ass all at the same time!"

"What'd you say!?"

As they reached the brig, the fight ensued between Luffy and Grim. Blow after blow shook the ship, and the cage was barely hanging on. As Grim tried to recover, Luffy took the chance.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

Dozens of punches dive into Grim as he's pelted to a pulp. But he didn't give up as he noticed the targets he had in place. Once he got out of the range of the attack, Grim aimed at Zoro, Sanji, and the cage.

"Slicing Karate Technique: Triple Assassin!"

Sudden cuts went to Zoro and Sanji, but were deflected by the swordsman's katana. The cage however lost its support and fell out of the ship. Luffy noticed and quickly grabbed a part of the ship and made his way to the cage. However, upon grasp, Luffy lost all his energy.

"Luffy!" the imprisoned friends called.

"Argh! It's... draining... my energy...!" Luffy groaned.

"Look out!" Sanji warned him.

Luffy looked up and saw Grim diving down to get him. Claws are open, and Luffy is in a tight spot. Unable to do anything to intercept it, Luffy stays put. Luckily, Zoro was ready to aid his captain.

"Senhachiju Pound Ho!" (1080 Caliber Phoenix!)

The attack forced Grim to retreat in order to escape the attack. Zoro looks down on the cage and growled, "If we can get it somewhere safe, I can cut it and let them out."

Suddenly, the cage started to lift upward. They were all confused until Sanji noticed something below it.

"Heave, ho! Heave, ho!" the voices from under the cage chanted.

"What the...? Why are they helping us!?" Rainbow questioned.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Grim questioned. "Stop your actions at once! Dolkin's squadron!"

The griffons below were the warriors under Dolkin's mercenary team. They were putting the cage back onto the ship, and allowed Luffy to finally let go.

"Whoa! Thanks guys! that was close!" Luffy said as he landed on the wooden floor.

"Anything for the pony who cured our commanders curse!" They replied.

"Curse?" Sanji repeated. "I just kicked him in the face."

"And with your blessing of a kick, you managed to rid of our commander's horrible flaw!"

"Well, as long as you're helping, that'd be great!" Luffy snickered.

Zoro went to the cage and pulled out a sword. Before he did anything, he said to them...

"Duck."

Doing as he said, Zoro continued to slice the cage open. The team was freed, and left the broken cage.

"Ah! Thanks Zoro!" Usopp said gratefully.

"It was really scary being in there!" Pinkie quoted.

"Well I wasn't scared." Rainbow claimed.

"Chopper!" Sanji called. "We need your help! Gilda got shot, and we need you to treat her!"

"What?! Alright! Let me just get my stuff! Come on everyone!"

"Luffy! Can you handle this guy now?" Zoro asked.

"Yeah! Just go on ahead! I'll catch up!"

They nodded and left altogether. Luffy stayed behind and got ready to fight Grim Stone once more. This time, with full power.

"You really think you can beat me?" Grim chuckled. "Surely, you must be joking. This entire fight, you were unable to put in enough strength to beat me."

"I was holding back because my friends were in danger." Luffy stated. "But now that they're safe, I can go all out."

"If you're so sure that they're safe, why don't you run away with them then?"

"Because if I let you out of my sight, you'll kill them!" Luffy pointed out. "And I'm not about to let that happen!"

Punching the floor, Luffy is now getting fired up. Blood is in movement, and his next tactic is brought into battle.

"Gear Second"





Dolkin was pushed back by Belsky and was tossed aside. Fluttershy cowered away with Gilda behind her. Belsky was absolutely angry.

"Did you think you can actually beat me?" He growled. "Did you forget what happens if you make me angry?" Belsky questioned.

"So long as I can repay him, it's all worth the trouble." Dolkin claimed.

"Ha! For getting rid of that ugly mug you call a face! I knew you were a cry baby about it! I just didn't know how foolish you were until now!"

Belsky turned his view to Fluttershy, making her back up even more. No much longer, Belsky jumped in and bashes her aside. Struggling to get up, Fluttershy tries to think of a way out of the situation.

What do I do? I can't fight him...! He's too strong...!

"Hey you blowhard!" Gilda shouted at Belsky. "Stop picking on her!"

"Gilda!!" Fluttershy squeaked.

Belsky turned to Gilda with an angry twitch on his eye. "What did you call me?"

Gilda got up and was preparing to fight, even in her injured state. Fluttershy was scared of what was to happen, and attempted to talk her out of it.

"Stop it Gilda! You can't fight like this!" She cried.

"Doesn't matter!" She stated. "I'm not letting Rainbow's friends get hurt so long as I'm around! I'm going to make up for everything I've done to her from now on!"

"Even if it takes your life?" Belsky questioned.

"Even if it kills me."

Belsky smiled widely as he went on to punching Gilda in the gut. "So be it. Die with your pride!"

Gilda was easily pushed to the ground, sliding until she hits the fence. Fluttershy's eyes shrunk as Belsky continued to beat her even when she was down. She was getting angry at the sight, and soon remembered something that was requested of her.

"Keep an eye on Gilda! We'll be back!"

Suddenly, Fluttershy gets up while holding down the straw hat. She glares at Belsky, somehow getting his attention. He stopped attacking Gilda for a moment as he turned away to Fluttershy.

"Oh? Feeling brave enough to fight now?" He sneered.

"One attack." She simply said.

"What?"

"One attack. And that's it." She said with a glare in her eyes. "If you hurt Gilda any more mister, I'm going to have to stop you here!"

Belsky found himself bursting in laughter, not believing what he's hearing. "You? Beat me? With one attack? You're bluffing!"

The long strands of laughter irritated Gilda, but Fluttershy remained still. Belsky was done with his playful banter, and became angry again.

"What makes you think a weakling like you can accomplish against me!?"

He suddenly disappeared, vanishing thanks to his sudden speed. Gilda looked around to realize what his capabilities were.

"He's moving so fast, I can't see him!" Gilda pointed out.

"That's Belsky's Rage Rush." Dolking informed them. "The blood from his veins rush through like steroids, allowing his rage to literally make him so fast, he's invisible."

Gilda's eyes shrunk, realizing what Belsky's plan was. "Fluttershy! Watch out! He's gonna try and surprise attack you!"

Belsky returned to vision and was right behind Fluttershy. His talons were going in for the kill.

"Time to die!"

With a swift move, Fluttershy managed to have her hind leg twirl and kick Belsky right in the stomach. His surprise was extraordinary from the sheer power Fluttershy was putting into one kick. Her leg, was imbued with armament Haki, and was crushing in deep of Belsky's rib cage.

"Flutter High Kick!"

The blow was enough to send Belsky flying into the distance. Dolkin and Gilda were simply jaw dropped as Fluttershy calmed down some. Sitting down, tired from the attack, she takes a deep breath before opening her eyes to see Zoro and Sanji back with Chopper, Pinkie, Usopp, and Rainbow. All of them staring at her.

"Whoa..." Rainbow spoke.

"I didn't expect to see that." Zoro admitted.

"W-Was she always that strong?" Usopp wondered.

"That was so cool!" Pinkie and Chopper cheered.

Fluttershy merely blushed while Sanji brought Chopper to Gilda.

"Here she is."

"This is pretty bad." Chopper stated. "I'll have to remove the bullets from her body here. After that, we can treat her at the ship."

"By the way, how are we getting off this ship?" Usopp wondered.

"We plan on falling down with the Sunny catching us." Zoro told them.

"ARE YOU CRAZY!?" Usopp cried. "We can't fly! If we land on the Sunny, we'll be squashed!"

"The others have something to catch us with." Sanji assured him. "Right now, we just gotta wait for the captain."

Dolkin got up and laughed, getting the others attention. He waved to Sanji saying, "Sir! It's good to see you again!"

"Whoa! His face is totally not jacked up!" Pinkie pointed out.

"I simply kicked his face enough to get rid of that weird look." Sanji said.

"And I simply praise you for doing it sir!" Dolkin says with gratitude.

"Wow, this guy's a sucker." Rainbow stated.

"What's that? I'm handsome?"

"I DID NOT SAY THAT!" Rainbow scolded.

"Does everyone's faces you kick turn this stupid?" Zoro questioned.

"Maybe." Sanji replied.

Dolkin turned to Sanji and Zoro with a hurt look on his face. But it turns into a smile as he said, "Oh? Do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

"HELL NO!!" They shouted.

"Anyways, in order to repay you for your blessing, my griffon squadron will be happy to take you to your ship safely!"

"Really? That's great mister!" Chopper said gratefully.

"We'll also help your wounded friend get their safely. So rest assured!" Dolkin declared.

"Dolkin-sama!" His griffons called. They landed in line. "We're ready to head on out!"

"Everything seems to be going well." Rainbow commented.

"But we still have to wait for Luffy." Fluttershy reminded them.

"Why don't we go help him-" Rainbow paused as Sanji and Zoro merely looked to the distance where Luffy was fighting. Sighing, she waits alongside them. The shaking of the ship however is showing what little time they have.





Blow after blow, Luffy lands as many hits as he can. But Grim was persistent, and manages to cuts Luffy. Blood is shed, and the two are barely holding on. The ship begins to crumble, and the room is falling apart. Luffy is getting tired while Grim is simply amused.

"You're like my son." Grim Stone stated. "You're pumping blood in order to accelerate the blood flow. Shortening your life in order to win. How foolish kids are these days."

"So long as I can beat you, it's worth it."

"Well, let's see how long you can make it last!"

Grim slashed the said, cutting up more of the ship. The place can no longer hold, and soon, the floor is no longer there. Luffy is now falling as Grim Stone flies above Luffy and darts hundreds of slicing winds at him.

"Razor Storm!"

The attack cuts Luffy many times, and soon makes him fall even faster towards the ocean. Grim laughs in triumph over his foe.

"This is what happens when you defy the Griffon kingdom! This is the fate all shall have if they stick their head in where they shouldn't be!" He tells the boy. "This is the end boy."

Suddenly, a hoof stretches over to Grim, and back comes Luffy.

"Gomu Gomu no Bell!"

The blow knocks back Grim a couple feet, back to what's left of the ship. He finds himself stuck in the wooden rubble that is left.

"Ergh! This can't be!"

Luffy blows into his hooves, and readies his armament Haki. With a deadly gleam in his eyes, Luffy finishes the fight.

"Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gatling Gun!"

Multiple strikes land on Grim, finally pushing him beyond defeated. Luffy ends up destroying the ship altogether, and falls down with it.

Over by Zoro and the others, they see that the ship can no longer hold. The sky becomes farther as the deck they're on is now going down.

"Luffy must have finished his fight!" Pinkie thought.

"Let's get out of here!" Sanji told everyone.

Those who cannot fly, or too injured to fly got on a griffon. Together, they fled from the destroyed masterpiece, and made it out in one piece. However, They continued to look for their captain.

"Where is he?" Rainbow wondered. "We won! So he should be out too, right?"

"If Luffy falls into the water, he's finished." Zoro told them.

Sanji looked at the crumbling ship. Among the falling wood, he spots Luffy going down with it.

"There he is!" Sanji pointed to Luffy's location.

"I see him too!" Usopp added. "We won't be able to reach him from here though...!"

"Don't worry! I got this!" Rainbow declared.

Flying in and into the rubble, Rainbow evades the raining debris above her. As she gets closer to Luffy, she reaches out to him and grabs him in time. The ship finally reaches into the water while everyone else made it back to the Sunny.

As everyone cheered for the safe return of their crew, Gilda looked at the ship one more time before asking herself.

What happened to them...?





A while later on the Sunny, the crew said their goodbyes to Dolkin and his squadron. Dolkin humbly bowed to them as he said, "It's been fun, but we must be going."

"Now that you've rebelled against the Griffon Kingdom, what are you going to do now?" Twilight asked.

"Hard to say." Dolkin admitted. "We're thinking of joining the pony's army since we have nowhere else to go. Might as well help our new friends in the long run."

"That's quite nice of you sir." Rarity commended him.

"Ah? Did I hear I was handsome?"

"Ergh... Well, no, but you do have the look." Rarity stated.

"Anyways, this is farewell!" He said to them as he and his men took off. "So long! I wish you best of luck on your adventures!"

"Bye." They all said in unison.

After they left, Nami turned to the group to get their attention.

"Alright everybody! Twilight explained to me that no winds will happen on the coasts of this country, so in order to get around, we'll have to rely on her ability."

"So cool! You can make our ship move?" Luffy asked her.

"Yes, I can." Twilight told them. "I want to do what I can to help all of you."

"So how long until we reach our next destination?" Zoro questioned.

"Well, from the coordinates Dolkin gave us, we should get to Featheran's harbor in about nine days." Nami answered. "So, we have a lot of time to get ready."

"So, I guess all we have to do now is set sail, right?" Rainbow asked.

"On the captain of this ship's order of course." Applejack reminded her.

"On your command." Twilight said, readying her magic.

Luffy grinned widely as he said, "It's been a while, but we're getting close."

Jumping on the head of the Sunny, he yells out the order.

"Mateys! Set Sail!"

"Yeah!"
> Chapter 34 - (Filler) Zoro's Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Day One out of Nine.
It'll be eight more days until they reached Featheran Harbor, to push the Griffon Kingdom to the corner. Many strong enemies will be there. That's to be expected in one of their most important barracks. Zoro did what he always did. Prepare.

In the watchtower of the Sunny, Zoro was lifting massive weights. The inhuman amount he was carrying would question if he was even human to begin with. Out from the side, Rainbow takes a peek on what he's doing.

"Hey there!" Rainbow said loudly.

"Don't play around here Rainbow." Zoro told her.

"I'm not playing around!" Rainbow claimed. "I just wanted to see what you're doing."

"I'm training." He said bluntly.

"How can you carry all that?" She questions as she taps the weights. "Looks heavy."

Zoro nods as he continues to work out. Watching him lift them up and down gave Rainbow and idea. She quickly left, making Zoro sigh in relief.

"Now I can focus."

He lifts them up and down like he did before. However, soon the noise of clanging weights now had another noise to it.

"Whoop." was the noise when it went up.

"Oooo." was the noise when it went down.

"Whoop"
"Oooo"
"Whoop"
"Oooo"
"Whoop"
"Oooo"

"What the hell!?" Zoro cursed as he sees Pinkie on one of the weights and Rainbow on the other.

"Hi Zoro!" Pinkie greeted.

"What are you two doing here?" He questioned.

"Just helping you work out buddy!" She claimed with a pat on his shoulder.

"I just told you two not to play around here." He sighed.

"We're not playing around!" Rainbow claimed once more.

"Really? I thought we were." Pinkie responded to that.

"Well, whatever." Zoro said. "Your extra weight just makes training better."

Rainbow blushed and narrowed her eyes in annoyance. She stood up and said, "Extra weight!? Are you saying I'm fat!?"

"What?" Zoro responded.

"I'm the fastest pegasus around! I'm not extra weight! If anything, I'm a cloud compared to Pinkie!" She stated before flying out of the room. The weight tips over to Pinkie's side, and Zoro fell over.

"Wah! Damn pegasus!" He shouted before he crashed into his other training equipment. With the mess in the room, he got up and huffed before Pinkie laughed.

"Let's do that again!"

Zoro merely gave her a deathly gaze, making Pinkie sweat and slowly back away.

"O-Or... I could leave you alone too..."





On the grassy lawn of the Thousand Sunny, Zoro squats down as he holds weights over his shoulders. Once he was in the right position, he commenced with training. He hops over to the next spot as the heavy things clang from each small jump. As he worked out, the noise of the clattering metal is heard by Applejack who just so happens to be near the garden.

"What's that boy doing now?" She wondered. "Whoa! Is he actually carrying all that?"

Rainbow flew down beside her and said, "Yeah, he was lifting them in the watchtower too. The guy has a serious exercising problem. He seriously needs to learn how to relax."

"Don't encourage him." Usopp said, joining in the conversation. "Other than this, he drinks booze and goes to sleep. He even slept when we were in trouble too!"

"Maybe Rainbow can relate to Roronoa." Applejack snickered.

"Hey! Don't par me with that moss head!" Rainbow growled.

As Zoro continued his training, he then heard something behind him. It was a light voice making noises. Every time Zoro hopped over with the weights, he heard it.

"Boing~!"

He does another jump again and hears it repeat.

"Boing~! Boing~!"

He turns and sees the yellow pegasus behind him, standing in a bunny like position. Her hind legs were so happen to almost be in the same way as Zoro's, and she had a happy expression as she followed him.

"Can I pretend to be a rabbit with you too?" Fluttershy asked.

Zoro dropped his jaw in embarrassment. The three from the garden on the upper part of the ship laughed aloud. Trying his best not to mind her, he says...

"Do what you want. I'm just trying to train here."

"Okay then!" She squeaked.

As Zoro attempted to continue without minding the pony behind him, he moves forward with another Boing followed after each jump. Zoro gritted his teeth an annoyance as the laughter grew louder. After a lap around the lawn, he sees that not only the three were laughing, but the whole crew onboard happened to watch him as well. His face grew completely red as the joyful banter was shared like the plague.

"Hahaha! Zoro! What are you doing?" Luffy asked.

"Oh, don't stop Zoro!" Sanji chuckled.

"That's so cute!" Nami said to him.

"Fluttershy seems to be enjoying herself." Twilight pointed out.

"How kind of Zoro to spend some time with Fluttershy." Rarity commended him.

"Zoro! Fluttershy! Can I play too!" Chopper asked.

Robin merely smiled as Pinkie gave a photo to her. She held her mouth, trying to keep silent as Pinkie rolled on the floor letting loose with pure enjoyment.

"That is SUPER adorable!" Franky shouted to them.

"I can't stop laughing, I feel as if my lungs are going to burst! Although, I don't have any lungs. Yohohoho!" Brook laughed.

"Now I've seen everything." Gilda chuckled.

Zoro twitched his eye from sheer anger at this moment.





It was the afternoon, and Zoro was sleeping the rest of the day away. Exhausted of his time with ponies, he hoped to not see another one for a while. But soon, he crosses paths with Applejack, who happened to be walking by.

"Aw, come on Zoro. You can't sleep on a day like this!" Applejack quoted. "Come on! There's still a lot of things we can do!"

"Can't you see I'm trying to nap here?" He growled.

"Aw, don't be like that." Applejack grinned. "You're not riled up about your rabbit dance on the lawn are you-?"

"I WAS TRAINING!"

"Sure you were."

Applejack snickered as Zoro groaned and went back to sleep. Applejack continued to nudge him in order to get him up and moving. He insisted on sleeping in. As Applejack continued to attempt to convince him, Rarity came by as well.

"Applejack, it's probably best if we leave Roronoa alone. He must be tired after excercising and playing with Fluttershy."

"I WAS NOT PLAYING WITH HER!" Zoro exclaimed.

"Ah, you're probably right." Applejack agreed. "I'll just get back to that garden over there."

"Oh? What are you doing?"

The two left and began talking about the garden. Zoro sighed as he went back to resting. As time passed, he noticed something nearby. Peeking just out of his view, he sees Rainbow lying next to him. Before Zoro could question, Rainbow stopped him.

"It's alright, I'm not gonna bother you right now." She assured him. "Just wanna take a nap, you know?"

Zoro grinned and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Rainbow slept next to him, lazily letting the day slip by. Even though there was so much to do on this crazy crew with such a diverse pirate ship, there were times when you just wanted to lie back and rest. Brooke soon played his soothing symphony as the two dozed off.
> Chapter 43 - Break Down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The big griffon with red tribal feathers looms over the messenger with a displeased look on his face. He glares down at him and repeats the words again.

"So you're telling me..." He began. "Not only did we fail to capture them, but they managed to destroy the ship as well!?"

"Y-Yes sir Materoy sir!" He whimpered. "I apologize for the unpleasant news."

He walks to his chair and sits down with his talon holding his heavy head, exhausted by the incompetence of his subordinates. He looks up and says, "The Straw Hats are becoming more and more of a nuisance each coming day."

"We're trying our best to learn more about them, but all we can gather are their names. Pony D. Luffy is their captain, or so I heard. His team consists of around nine ponies and other creatures we never seen before. Even so, the ponies they have are... strange."

"Give me the intel we've gathered on them."

"Yes sir, though... We were only able to gather so much on just six ponies, the rest were too... encrypted."

"I could see that." Materoy replied. He looked at the papers carefully and squinted at the most interesting ones. "Straw Hat Luffy has some powerful allies... Hello...?"

He pulls out a document on Twilight Sparkle and reads it. He raised his eyebrow and looks up.

"Twilight Sparkle... I know I heard that name somewhere."

"What is it Materoy?" Kibishī asked as he enters the room.

"Kibishī!" Materoy yelled. "What are you doing here!?"

"I work here." Kibishī answered. "Or do you not recall?"

"I still don't trust you over you recent actions at the train trap." Materoy snarled.

"Save your petty insults and tell me what's on your mind."

"This mare, Twilight Sparkle." Materoy began. "Her name appeared in the paper at Canterlot a few years back."

Kibishī raised an eyebrow and asked, "What can you recall?"

"She had some connections..." Materoy claimed. "To the princess..."





Another day on the ship. They should have gotten to Featheran by now. Yet the days seem longer, almost as if they weren't getting anywhere. But the winds were there to remind them that the ship is moving. Just not as fast however. Unsure of what was happening, Franky suggested using the paddle boat system. Luffy however trusted in Twilight's ability to make it out there alright.

One day, Fluttershy woke up feeling quite groggy. She opened the door and left to get some fresh air. Making sure she was ever so quiet to not wake her companions, she lets herself outside.

It was a nice day. Nothing seemed to go wrong. That was until Sanji left his room as well. Fluttershy turned and greet him.

"Hello Sanji."

He looks up to her about to reply with a friendly greet. Instead his eyes shrink, his jaw opened, and suddenly he spat blood out through his nose, rocketing upward.

"THERE'S A BEAUTIFUL LADY!!!"

A hard landing of Sanji causes Fluttershy to scream, alarming everyone to wake up. As they rose from bed for action, they raced outside to see what was going on.

"Fluttershy!? What's wrong!?" Luffy questioned, only to drop his jaw.

"Sanji started bleeding a lot of blood!" She alerted them.

Everyone stared at Fluttershy who was treating Sanji at the moment. It took her a while to notice all the stares.

"U-Um... why are you all looking at me like that?"

"F-Fluttershy... Did you... take a look in the mirror lately?" Twilight asked.

"Oh my! I never thought you'd look this gorgeous!" Brooke commented.

"W-What are you talking about!?" Fluttershy questioned with a blush.

Nami took out a mirror and showed it to Fluttershy. "Here, why don't you take a look."

Fluttershy peered into the mirror and saw the problem on her hands. Her reflection was that of a peach skin, pink hair, turquoise eyes human! She looked at her body and realized the huge change that must have happened overnight!

"OH MY CELESTIA!!" She screamed. "W-What happened!?"

"Hey! How did you transform?" Luffy whined.

"She doesn't seem to be sick." Chopper checked her forehead. "But it's strange. Twilight, is there form of magic that might have happened here?"

"Not that I know of." Twilight replied. "All I can scan out of her is that her body has been shaped, but not by unicorn magic."

"How peculiar." Robin commented.

"It's almost as if..." Sanji began, lighting a cigarette. "Someone changed her using a different power."

The focus goes onto Sanji as the crew awaited an answer. A moment of silence before Sanji's eye showed but a heart as he yelled...

"The power of LOVE!"

Nami angrily hits Sanji in the head and yells, "Take this seriously!!"

"But you have to admit. She's actually pretty being human as she was cute when she was a pony." Usopp pointed out.

Fluttershy blushed as Sanji got up with another idea.

"So wait a minute...! If she's as beautiful as a person, that means all the ponies in this country can be beautiful ladies too...!?" He wondered as he chuckled in a perverted matter to himself.

"Creep." Zoro retorted.

"What was that moss head!?" Sanji sneered.

"You heard me you perverted pony!" He shouted.

"Wait a minute!" Nami said with an idea. "If Fluttershy was suddenly turned from pony to human, do you think that this is the same as our crew?"

"You mean..." Twilight thought. "Human to pony?"

"The same thing that happened to the others." Robin concluded as she pets Luffy's mane.

"So the same guy who did this is here!?" Luffy exclaimed. "Then let's get him to turn us back!"

"I don't think it'll be that easy." Applejack commented.

"Yeah, I mean, if this happened last night, he could be long gone." Usopp stated.

"Or hE cOuLd Be RiGhT hErE..." something spoke, filling tension into the air. Everyone gone jumped and readied themselves. They looked around to see where it came from, but they find nothing out of the ordinary.

"W-What was that!?" Chopper wondered as he held Fluttershy.

"Who's there!?" Luffy questioned.

"Oh, DoN't TeLl Me YoU fOrGoT mE...!"

"Forgot?" Brooke repeated.

"Did we meet this guy before?" Franky wondered.

"AnD hErE i ThOuGhT yOu WeRe GeTtInG tHe PiEcEs ToGeThEr..."

"Stop talking weird and show yourself!" Luffy demanded. "Did you do this to Fluttershy!?"

"Well, well, aren't you feisty as ever?" It spoke, ridding itself of its strange voice. "Very well, but let's meet on the island next to you."

They all raised an eyebrow until the sea gave birth to another island just before the Sunny. Their mouths opened widely as it loomed over them. A harbor was introduced for their entry to the island, with a glittering welcome sign and marble stairs leading up to the center of the new place.

"WHOA!" Luffy exclaimed with excitement. "Did you see that!?"

"I-Impossible!" Nami spoke. "How in the world did he do that?!"

"Whatever it is, it wasn't using any magic I know of." Twilight informed them. "I don't know what we're facing."

"Maybe it's a devil fruit user." Franky suggested.

"But what kind of devil fruit would allow that to happen?" Sanji questioned.

"Maybe he's an island making man." Gilda suggested.

"But how would he change Fluttershy to this?" Rainbow retorted.

"Why don't we go on the island and find out?" Luffy suggested.

"Hold on Luffy." Twilight stopped him. "It could be a trap."

"But we're not going to be able to turn Fluttershy to normal unless we find him." Rarity reminded them.

"Looks like we have no choice but to check the place out." Applejack sighed.

"Ooh! Mystery island time!" Pinkie cheered.

She and Luffy high fived as the others sighed. Brooke came up to Fluttershy with a question of importance.

"Ah! I forgot! Fluttershy dear."

She turned to the skeleton pony and responded. "Yes?"

"My I see your panties?"

Rainbow and Applejack kicked Brooke yelling, "HECK NO!!"

"Now that he mentions it..." Zoro began. "Where did she get those clothes?"





Entering the island was no challenge. It was a simple walk through what was pretty much a hallway, only there were no walls to confine them. As they reach the center of the island, they encounter a large platform in the shape of a circle. Luffy, Rainbow, and Pinkie were already getting excited while the others were wary of what was to come. On the platform were buildings. Buildings that had no one in them. Some had signs, claiming they were vendors. Nothing was edible or usable however.

"This is so weird!" Twilight spoke. "There's nothing here! It's like a set for some play!"

"Too bad. I was hoping to get some grub." Gilda huffed.

"So, where do you think he is?" Luffy wondered.

"Why, right here of course!" It answered.

The winds blew with great force. Everyone covered their eyes as the leaves shaped the appearance of the mastermind behind the creation of the island. The cape was made before the body of a gray stallion was made. The strange thing about it was that it had red eyes in yellow gleam. Antlers came from its head, and it's canines were on the mouth of the pony. As it finished taking shape, the others finally were able to see. "Surprise!"

The Straw Hats gasped, making the others notice their reaction. Luffy gritted his teeth while Zoro was getting ready to unsheathe his swords. Sanji was looking pretty angry as well.

"It's you!" Luffy growled.

Twilight tilted her head and asked, "Do you... know him?"

"That's the one!" Nami warned the others. "He's the one who attacked us on our ship!"

"The one who scattered you all?" Rarity said.

"Yeah...! I recognize the cloak he has on his back...!" Usopp pointed out.

"Oh, you should be happy." It stated. "I brought you a fun place, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but as a pony you crappy bastard!" Sanji cursed.

"Oh good! So you do know who the one who changed your forms is!" It said cheerfully.

"Turn us back you jerk!" Luffy demanded.

"Aww, no pony liked the prettier Fluttershy?" He teased.

"How does he know my name?" Fluttershy wondered.

"Very well, I'll turn her back." he said with a clap of his two hooves. Fluttershy returned to her pony self, looking at her body to make sure everything was in place. "I have no business with the Elements anyway."

"Then why have you been targeting the Straw Hats?" Gilda asked.

"It's a simple need, really." It replied. "But first, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Magnus Chaos."

"Magnus?" Twilight repeated.

"An old name I'm sure no pony can remember." He stated. "But the current desire for this old stallion is the pirate king."

"Pirate King?" Robin spoke. "Are you talking about Gold Roger?"

"No, he's long dead." He denied. "No, I'm looking for its heir."

"He's not talking about...?" Twilight began.

"That's me!" Luffy interrupted her. "I'm gonna be the pirate king!"

"Exactly." Magnus spoke as he showed off his sinister grin.

"What does he want with Luffy?" Nami inquired.

"It's a simple thing I want from him and only him." Magnus claimed. "However, my plan cannot go into fruition with all of you here."

Putting the pieces together, Twilight finally realized what he was trying to do. "You tried to separate Luffy from his friends!?"

"Right on the ball." Magnus answered. "I worked so hard to do it too, but then you six got in my way."

"Us?" Pinkie assumed.

"Yes. With so much attention drawn to the boy so quickly, I had to find another way to separate from you all again. Only this time, I find that I have to start all over thanks to your meddling."

"But that doesn't make any sense!" Twilight yelled at him. "What exactly do you want from Luffy?"

Magnus gave them a stern look and said, "What makes you think I'd tell such inferior beings about my plans?"

"What'd you say!?" Applejack and Rainbow shouted.

"Stop!" Robin told them. "He's trying to lure you!"

Magnus chuckled lightly. Luffy didn't just want to talk to Magnus any more than he had to. So he jumped in to fight. Magnus noticed in time and suddenly became stone. The stone Magnus was easily crushed by Luffy, but his voice continued to emanate throughout the island.

"Hohoho! Your strength is as phenomenal as ever Straw Hat!" Magnus laughed. "Unfortunately, those attacks won't work on me that easily!"

"How'd he escape!?" Chopper screamed.

"Is he a devil fruit user?" Sanji deduced.

"So close! So very close!" he taunted. "But to make it fair, I suppose I can tell you."

Reappearing, Magnus revealed his location to the crew again. Zoro went in to attack, but was blocked by a knight and his blade. The two clashed at swords before Zoro had completely sliced right through it. After it was defeated, it turned into a brown puddle.

"What the hell!?" Zoro cursed.

Chopper approached the liquid and inspected it closely. With a quick taste, he revealed what it was. "It's chocolate milk."

"Chocolate Milk!?" Pinkie squealed. She dash right to Chopper and licked the ground rapidly. "So tasty!"

"This seems too familiar." Rarity stated.

"What kind of power is this?" Usopp wondered.

"Yes, very hard to understand, is it?" It spoke. "You could certainly say it's... chaotic"

Appearing again, it held a glass cup of thorns. Magnus easily gulped down the contents before spitting them at the group. They all jump and scatter to escape the darting shots aimed at them. Robin quickly attempted to use her techniques on Magnus once she got the chance.

"Doce Fleur!"

The hands bloomed out of Magnus and quickly got a hold of him. He didn't seem like he could move as he was easily restrained by her.

"Clutch!"

She bended Magnus's body, causing his bones to snap and his body to go into submission. He fell to the ground after so. However, just as it seemed the won, Magnus quickly got up right after the attack.

"Impossible!" Robin muttered.

Magnus brushed himself off, looking quite unimpressed. "Really now, don't you think I would have seen that coming?"

"My turn!" Luffy declared.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

The hoof reaches over to Magnus, only to hit a mirage. Luffy grunted as Magnus went in from behind, grabbed Luffy, and threw him over to Pinkie. The two rolled over before Magnus stepped on the ground, causing ice to develop. The ground freezes over to the two, almost freezing them along with it. Sanji luckily steps in just in time with his hind legs blazing and raring to go.

"Grill Shot!"

Stepping onto the floor and flaring it's surrounding, it stops the ice from reaching the two. Luffy and Pinkie were able to make it out unfrozen. Magnus was displeased as they all circled around him.

"This is why." He sighed. "Simply unfair. There used to be only nine to face, but now there's sixteen! That's quite unreasonable. Even for a Chaos pony."

"I thought so!" Twilight exclaimed. "Your abilities looked too familiar! Now I know! You have the same abilities as Discord!"

"Discord?" Usopp repeated.

"You mean that snake bastard!?" Luffy made sure.

"So, you've met the original holder of this ability." Magnus presumed. "That's right. I ate the Chaos Chaos Fruit, and now I'm a Chaos pony."

He lifted his hoof, and easily raised a statue of himself crafted from the very ground.

"With this power, I can make anything happen... at a limit of course."

"Limit?" Nami repeated. "Like the sea!"

"Correct. I cannot make anything out of the sea. Manipulation however is very free. A small flaw I'm happy to live with."

"He sure sounds sure of himself." Zoro commented.

"That's because he thinks he can actually take us!" Gilda retorted.

"I don't think, I know." Magnus replied. "However, as fun is this may be, I have more pressing matters to deal with. Namely you."

Pointing towards Luffy, he gets up with his hoof kicking the ground for action. "Bring it on Magnet!"

"Very well." He replied. "But I'll be honest with you. I don't want to kill you per se. I just need you and you alone. Everyone else here is a bother to me."

"What...?" Rainbow growled.

"I don't need them here, nor do I want them. I just need the pirate king."

Suddenly, Magnus's body grew and turned into an abnormal shape. His chest became the size of a big ball. His posture was that of a bipedal. His cloak barely hangs onto the bulky body as he easily looms over them. The team backs up as another familiar form comes into view.

"What the buck..." Applejack muttered. "Is that!?"

Magnus now stands much taller than all of them. His hooves transforms into hands with paw prints as well.

"Is he... He took the form of Kuma!" Sanji pointed out.

"Who's Kuma?" Pinkie asked.

"He's a warlord we fought back then." Chopper explained. He turned to Magnus with a bit of worry. "Right now, he's somehow taking the same form as him right now!"

"Is he dangerous?" Rarity questioned.

"Why don't I show you?" Magnus taunted as he swings his hand out. The blow reaches for Rainbow and Applejack, but were luckily pushed out of the way by Franky using his chain hoof. Grabbing them, he pulls them back as the paw print projectile crashes through the building and demolishes it to bits. The ponies were stunned.

"W...What was that!?" Gilda screamed.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Rainbow stammered.

"Hey! Leave them alone!" Luffy shouted. "I'm the one you're fighting!"

His punch lands a solid blow onto Magnus's face, and manages to push him back a bit. Magnus countered with another blow to Luffy and pushes him deep into the ground, getting him stuck.

"I already told you." He stated. "I want you alone. To do that, I simply have to get rid of your friends."

As Magnus stepped passed the trapped red pony, he readies his hands for a devastating technique. "Straw Hat Pirates..."

"He's about to do something!" Usopp warned everyone to prepare for the worst.

"Do you recall... of your incident two years ago?"

"What is he talking about?" Rarity wondered.

"Sabaody Archipelago, where you were all easily taken down." Magnus announced. "I will make you remember every dreadful memory that has happened on that day."

"Nice try!" Luffy yelled as he rose out of the rubble. "But the point of the two years was to make sure things like that won't happen again!"

"Two years of training?" He said. "To prevent the catastrophe you had? So, all of you pirates have managed to find a way to stop that from happening?"

Magnus tested them and first went after Nami. As he got close, Sanji kicked his hand away while Nami aimed one of her clima-tact rods towards his stomach.

"Gust Sword!

Pushing him back, Magnus grunts in pain as he retreats to a building. He rests for a bit as everyone turned towards him once more.

"We got him!" Nami pointed out.

"I see..." He breathed. "You really have gotten stronger... It'll be a challenge for you... But what about your other friends?"

Another offensive approach was made as he disappeared. He made his way towards the team, but unsure of which one he was going after. Before they knew, Magnus reappeared before Gilda with his hand in swiping motion.

"What!?" Gilda stammered.

Luffy's eyes shrunk as he quickly ran to her, but it was inevitable. The hand touched the griffon and she disappeared. The group was struck with surprise at what had just happened. The Straw Hats immediately realize who his next intended targets were.

"I see... looks like you forgot your Equestrian friends."

"What did you do you jerk!?!?" Rainbow questioned as she dashed forward. She was however stopped by Luffy as he tackled her down.

"What the hay!? Luffy!" She scolded.

"Don't fight him!" He told them. "You can't win against him!"

"What did you say!?"

Luffy turned to Zoro and said, "Zoro! Get Rainbow back to the Sunny!"

"Right!" He complied as he grabbed her and ran off.

"Hey! What are you doing!? Let go!" Rainbow ordered.

"Knock it off!" He sneered. "He's too powerful and dangerous for all of you! Let us handle it!"

"But we can help!" Applejack reasoned.

"We'll just be in the way!" Usopp countered. "Trust us on this one! That guy is- WAH!"

Magnus appeared before Usopp and Applejack ready to whisk them away too. Before it could happen, Luffy barged in and kicked Magnus's hand upward.

"Get them out of here!" Luffy demanded.

Usopp nodded and grabbed Applejack. Luffy pulled back his hooves and aimed it to Magnus's face.

"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!"

A hard hit only pushes him a couple feet back. Magnus looks up and eyes to Rarity. Another pass by Luffy as he swipes his hand quickly. Sanji intercepts and knocks Magnus down before grabbing Rarity in his hooves.

"Oh, thank you~!" Rarity squealed gratefully.

"Anything for a madam." Sanji replied.

Magnus was getting irritated. He looked over to Pinkie and was about to act, but not before Luffy could whip out his technique.

"Gear Second!"

With the agile body in motion, Luffy swooped in and kicked Magnus's neck from behind.

"Gomu Gomu no Bucking Spear!"

The painful attack allows Nami to secure Pinkie and run away. Chopper tugged onto Fluttershy and said, "We should go too!"

Fluttershy nodded without any retaliation. As the ponies were getting closer to retreating, Twilight stayed behind, unsure what to do. She was not able to bear what she had just saw. Gilda had gone from one moment to the other. Robin ran to her side and woke her from her trance.

"Twilight! We have to leave!"

"R-Robin...!" Twilight muttered. "W-Where's Gilda...? What happened...?"

Robin sighed and explained. "The maneuver he did sent her flying somewhere. I'm not sure how far, but I think she's alive."

"Really...?"

"This is no time to explain right now. All you need to know is that Gilda is alright. We don't know where, but she's alive."

"B-But... What'll happen if...?"

"We cannot get caught, otherwise we may also be taken somewhere. Perhaps even a more dangerous place. We must take the chance to escape while Luffy distracts him."

Twilight looked over to Luffy and his fight. As Magnus constantly pushes him down, he quickly gets up to return the favor. Twilight sighs and turns to Robin and nods.

"Alright... If you say so..."

"Good. Now let's catch up to the others!"

They start running as Luffy is pushed down once again. As the crew escapes, Magnus takes notice and quickly traps Luffy in a was cage.

"What the!?" He said in surprise.

"They really think they can get away from me?" Magnus growled. Magnus raised his hand towards them and lifts a finger. It conjures a massive stone wall blocking their way. Magnus starts to rush in and use the technique again. Luffy however breaks out of the cage and runs after him. As they raced towards the crew, Luffy stands in the way and pulls back is hoof, wrapped in armament Haki.

"Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk!" (Fire Fist Pistol!)

The blazing punch hits Magnus hard, causing him to cough. But that wasn't enough. He swings a right hook and punches Luffy aside, throwing him and his hat off.

"How annoying can you be." Magnus huffed. "But no matter. I will get rid of your friends soon enough."

Zoro slashes the wall and creates an opening for them to flee. He grabs Rainbow before she can try anything and leads them out.

"Come on! This way!"

Luffy coughed as he trembled. His body was getting worn out like Magnus. But Magnus only had one goal in mind. As the crew escaped, Fluttershy noticed Luffy's hat on the ground, far from the fighters. She runs to go and get it.

"His hat...!"

"Fluttershy! Hold on!" Chopper warned her. He ran after her as Magnus took notice and grinned. Luffy saw the two and quickly jumps into action.

As Fluttershy gets Luffy's hat, Magnus reappears with both his hands held up high. Chopper screams and quickly blocks the way from the attack. As they raced towards them, Luffy makes it on time. He pushes them aside and takes the hit.









Two years ago on Sabaody Archipelago... The bubbles can be heard popping again and again...









"Stop it! Please stop it!"









"I... I couldn't even save one of them...!"









"This is goodbye... Straw Hat Luffy..."









Silence sweeps the platform. Magnus is still as his face shows nothing but displeasure. Fluttershy and Chopper stare at the empty spot before them. The crew stopped running and just stared at what just happened.

"L...Luffy...?" Fluttershy muttered.

Zoro, Sanji, Rainbow, and Applejack strike Magnus as hard as they can. He however blocks them off with his paw printed hand. As they bounce and land safely, they go into a quarrel.

"You bastard!" Zoro sneered.

Magnus held his face and sighed. "How clumsy of me... I was trying to get rid of all of you, but now look what you've made me done!"

Magnus glares at them and snaps his fingers. The island suddenly shakes, and everything starts to lower itself. The group looks around and sees the island was sinking back to where it came from. Magnus turns and leaves as the crew gives him the dead eye.

"That coward!" Sanji growled.

"We can't stay here!" Nami told everyone. "We... We have to go back to the Sunny! Or else we won't make it!"

"We don't have much choice..." Brooke gulped. "There's some of us who can't swim."

"We can't let Luffy down..." Zoro reminded himself. "Let's go!"

Chopper brought Fluttershy back to her feet and began to move. But Twilight stays behind again. This time on the act of blind fury. Robin attempts to call her back, but she runs towards Magnus.

"You...! YOU!!!" She screamed.

Magnus turned around while tilting his head. "Oh... aren't you feisty?"

"GIVE THEM BACK!!!" She demanded as her horn shined brilliantly. Its power splashed and sparked the floor. A quick stab causes Magnus to fall back in pain. He was astounded by what just happened. The raw power coming from this pony was phenomenal and was sure not to miss. Magnus grinned as he stomped and got into a sumo wrestling stance.

"Come over here... It looks like you need to waste that energy of yours!"

"Where'd you take them!?" Twilight questioned as she attempted another stab. She sadly misses and is grabbed by Magnus. The others who stayed for Twilight's sake called for her.

"TWILIGHT!"

"Too bad. You really have to work on your fighting." Magnus teased.

"Give them back...!" She grumbled.

"I cannot simply bring them here." He said. "But I can certainly take you there!"

Twilight gave one last glare before she was tapped and taken away. The mares screamed as the crew quickly grabbed them to make sure it didn't happen again. They barely escaped the island as it returns to the ocean. As the straw hats rest, Magnus flies away with a wound on his stomach.

"Quite impressive... How did she get that power?"
> Chapter 44 - Pony Outpost! You're still alive!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight slowly awakens with a headache upon her. She gets up slowly and out of bed to find herself in some tent. Recollecting her thoughts, she tries to remember what happened.

"H-How'd I get here? Uh… I was with everyone on the island when Magnus came… Then he took… Gilda…"

Twilight held her head, cringing at the fact before continuing.

"Then we all started running because Luffy told us to. And after that, he…"

Eyes now small, she now recalls what has happened, brushing her hoof on the floor, she sighs.

"That's right… Luffy…"

"Hey! Have you seen my hat?" his voice was heard from beyond the door. Twilight looked up with a glint of hope. She went to the door and slowly pushed it open. As everything came into view, she saw Luffy questioning a royal soldier.

"For the last time, I have not seen a straw hat anywhere!"

"Where is it?! Where'd it go!?" He wondered.

"Luffy!" Twilight squealed in joy as she raced to embrace him. Luffy looked to her and smiled as they were reunited once more.

"Twilight! You're here too!?" Luffy grinned.

"I thought you were gone! I guess Magnus must have taken me to you." Twilight thought.

Before Luffy could talk about it anymore, he quickly had something else in mind. "Oh yeah! Hey Twilight! Have you seen my hat?"

"Your hat?" Twilight repeated. "It's with Fluttershy last time I checked."

"Oh, okay then." Luffy sighed in relief. "Well, if they have it, then it'll be alright."

"I see you two are wide and awake." a green stallion spoke. "Good to see that. Especially since you've stopped the ruckus you made this morning."

"Um, excuse me, but who are you?" Twilight asked.

"I'm General Grass Walker. I'm the one overseeing this outpost's operation."

"I see. I'm Twilight and this is Luffy."

"Nice to know your names." Grass grinned.

"So, this is your outpost?"

"That's right." Grass Walker nodded. "We have an important mission that we've been preparing for a while."

"What kind of mission is it?" Luffy wondered.

"We can't disclose that information, even if we did save you. Sorry." He told them.

"So you were the ones who took us in." Twilight realized before she bowed. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"Don't mention it. Now, you can stay with us for a while, but you'll have to leave once we begin."

"Do you have any food?" Luffy asked. "I'm really hungry."

"Yeah, after that scuffle, it really left us drained." Twilight agreed.

"The mess hall is over there." Grass informed them. "We have a lot of good grub, so eat to your heart's content!"

"Oh boy!" Luffy cheered. "Come on Twi! Let's go!"





Luffy was staring at the many salads and fruits there were. Sadly, no meat was in sight. He groaned loudly as Twilight stared at him.

"Luffy, remember. Ponies don't eat… You know… I actually think we should get you checked since you've been eating a lot of it."

"Oh well." Luffy sighed. "It's not so bad. It's still tasty."

The two got a large platter and sat down. As they ate, they had some other ponies come over to sit by with them.

"Hey there! So you're the mare that fell from heaven!" He flirted rather confidently. "We haven't had a new pretty face for a long time!"

"It's nice to have another lovely mare other than Lieutenant Flare Blitz." Another commented.

"Why, thank you." Twilight said with a nervous smile. "It's nice of you to say that."

"Hey, do you guys have any meat?" Luffy wondered.

Twilight shoved her hoof up to Luffy's mouth to stop him from talking. The stallions stared at him for a moment before having an idea of what he meant.

"Oh! Are you trying to get some food for the prisoner?"

"Huh?" Twilight spoke. "Prisoner? You have griffons locked up?"

"Just one. She fell around our area sometime before you showed up. We locked her up, but we're not sure what to do with her. She served the Griffon King you see, but now she has a bounty on her head for some reason."

Twilight looked to Luffy with concern. Tugging his foreleg, she asked, "Luffy, you don't think they're talking about Gilda, do you?"

"Gilda…?" Luffy muttered, staring into space for a moment. After thinking about it, he jumped and understood what Twilight meant. "Gilda's here!?"

Twilight turned to the stallions again and asked, "Can you show me where the griffon is?"

"Sure, but make sure you keep a good distance. She's dangerous."





The three Royal Soldiers lead Twilight and Luffy to the cage outside. Kept in steel bars, they went up closer to see the griffon. It didn't take much time to find out who it was.

"Prisoner, you have guests." The stallion told her.

"What guests? More ponies to come and gawk at me?" Gilda sneered.

"GILDA!" Luffy and Twilight shouted in joy. The griffon's head rose and turned with amazement. There they were, standing before her. She ran to the wall of bars as they met up.

"Luffy! Twilight! What are you doing here?" Gilda asked happily.

"We were launched by Magnus too. Luckily, we all landed at the same location!"

"It's great! Last time I was sent off like that, I couldn't find any of my friends!" Luffy laughed.

"Wonderful. Unfortunately, the ponies here won't let me leave." Gilda complained. "They think I'm a spy or something."

"I think I can convince them to let you go." Twilight thought. "There's no reason for them to suspect you, and if we confirm it, we can get you out of there!"

"I don't think so, Straw Hat Luffy." an orange mare with a red mane spoke loudly. The royal soldiers bowed before her presence as she walked towards them. staring at them intensely, the three are paused in confusion.

"Huh? How do you know my name?" Luffy wondered.

"Even without your Straw Hat, I can spot your face very easily. The newspapers of you are everywhere, from Equestria to the Griffon Kingdom." She stated as she places an example on the floor. "I hate how many call you a hero back at home when you're the reason you caused this war."

"Hold on!" Twilight stopped her. "He had no choice but to fight! Luffy was being cornered by griffons and-"

"Silence!" She shouted. Twilight held back her speech as the pegasus continued. "Just because the Princess let you off the hook doesn't mean I will. Seeing how you and the griffon are friends, you'll be more than happy to join her."

Luffy glared at her as she turned to the soldiers and gave the order. "Men! Arrest Straw Hat Luffy this instant!"

"Y-Yes Lieutenant Flare Blitz!" They responded. As they attempt to do so, Luffy was about to fight. Twilight however restrained the both of them with her magic.

"Stop!" She yelled. "There's no need for this! Please! Luffy has been fighting to end the war too! We're on the same side!"

"She has a point." A stallion said as he entered the conversation. His golden mane complimented his white coat along with his golden shield. His clam demeanor was surprising seeing how big of an old war scar he has on his face. "Flare Blitz, he can be useful in our battalion."

"Don't be crazy Captain Gold Shield!" She scolded. "I'll never let that menace get away scot free! I'll see to it that he is punished for his crimes against Equestria!"

"Being blind in rage won't help you Flare." Gold Shield stated. He looked to Luffy and smiled. "You're really doing your best to end this war she claims?"

"Yeah, that's right." Luffy nodded. "My friend wants to join the Wonder ponies and can't do it unless I can get rid of her bounty."

"Wonderbolts." Twilight corrected. "It's Wonderbolts."

"Rainbow Dash, correct?" Gold guessed. "I saw that mare in a few competitions. She certainly has gotten her name spread out."

"Well, thanks to you, she won't ever be a Wonderbolt!" Flare scolded.

"Calm yourself." Gold demanded. Flare was about to argue, but held back the desire. Gold sighs and looks to Luffy. "I think you two need to calm down. But seeing how big of an ego you two carry, then there's only one solution."





Luffy and Flare face off in the open space. On the edge of the camp was enough room for their scuffle as well as their peers to watch. Gilda happened to be moved so she can watch Luffy as well. Flare's squad were on standby with her captain. Twilight is at the moment, complaining to Gold Shield.

"How could you think THIS was a good idea!?"

"Two big egos like this are better clashed than let seething." He answered. "Don't worry. Either Flare will face humility and leave Straw Hat alone, or she'll burn him and toss him in the cage with your griffon friend."

"What is wrong with you!?"

"Did I mention I'm eccentric?"

Luffy kicked his hoof to the floor as Flare was flapping her wings, ready for action.

"You're going down Straw Hat!" Flare declared.

"Bring it on!" Luffy shouted.

As they rushed at each other, a explosion of dust shot out and blew around. Everyone covered their eyes as the two caused chaos on the field. Twilight paid attention to Flare as she was practically on fire, flying through free and easy.

"There's no way he'll reach her now!" A soldier pointed out. "She's too high up to get a hit, not to mention she's on fire!"

Luffy then pulled back his hoof and threw it out.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

Luffy's hoof reach out with some quick Haki imbued to it. It managed to pound Flare hard on the side, getting her to fly lower. Everyone shrieked as Luffy retracted his foreleg.

"H-H-His hoof stretched! It stretched out!" They screamed.

"Interesting…!" Gold grinned widely.

Flare regained control in flying and eyed Luffy carefully. This is no ordinary troublemaker. Even he has skills that make even more problems! She thought to herself. Flying at steady burning speed, she dived and slammed to the ground. Doing so released lots of fire.

"Burn Boom!"

The ground was set ablaze, making Luffy jump up in pain.

"OW! OW! HOT! HOT! HOT!" Luffy shouted.

"Luffy!" Twilight and Gilda called out.

Taking the chance, Flare flew at Luffy again. As close as she was to reach Luffy with a head butt, Luffy was able to not only evade it, but grab onto her. She was shocked, but wasn't scared. It didn't take long before Luffy realized an error in his plans. He let's go of her and shouted in pain once more.

"AAH! HOT! HOT! HOT!" Luffy cried.

"It's no use…!" Twilight spoke. "Luffy can't grab on if she keeps up the fire. And with the battlefield full of it, Luffy can't even stand around either!"

Managing to find a spot where there was no fire, Luffy kept his eyes on Flare while thinking of a way out of this. Finally, an idea came through. Continuing the attack, he then threw an array of punches.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

Both hooves were augmented with Haki, allowing him to hit hard and lessen the heat when they reached to Flare. Although many were dodged by Flare, she received quite a number as they were able to hit every part of her at least once. She glared at him and dived down once more to engulf the ground in fire once more.

"Try and stop this Straw Hat!"
"Burn Boom!"

Luffy jumped in time before the fiery wave can touch him. He sucked in lots of air, plumping his body like a massive ball.

"Gomu Gomu no Fusen!" (Gum Gum Balloon!)

Flare, Twilight as well as everyone else were bewildered. Gilda and Gold however got an idea of what he was about to do. He blew to the ground, ridding it of fire. Only sparks and embers remained, allowing Luffy to stand freely once more. Flare was shocked, seeing as no one has ever cleared her attack that fast without water. Gold laughed aloud as he commended Luffy.

"Impressive Straw Hat Luffy! Yes, you were obviously born to fight!" He said happily with hooves kicking the floor. "But how well do you do against teamwork?"

"I thought this was a one on one!" Twilight shouted.

"I'm eccentric." He replied. "Don't worry your little head about it. We're merely increasing her abilities."

"We?"

"Light em' up boys."

Giving the order, Flare's squadron lit their horns. Flare's fire grew even more violent than before. Luffy, Twilight, and Gilda were shocked while her comrades cheered loudly.

"Yeah! Go get him Flare!"
"Show that colt who's boss!"
"Burn him up!"

Flare simply flew in just one circle, causing dozens of embers to rain, singeing Luffy. Twilight looked to Gold and questioned him.

"What kind of spell was that!?"

"It's a Synch spell." He answered. "Using whatever magic potential and giving it to an ally, you can increase their skills and talents."

Twilight was in awe and fear as Luffy stood tall against the burning pegasus.

Getting Gilda out won't be easy after all.
> Chapter 45 - Luffy's New Gear! The Sudden Change in Plans!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Luffy fought as hard as he could as his energy was slowly being drained by the endless embers around him. Flare was simply flying around, and for each wing flap there was, a wave of fire would head his way. Luffy was on the defensive, and things weren't going so well for Twilight and Gilda. Knowing this battle needed to be won, Gilda reached over to Twilight.

"Twilight, can't you do anything about this?" She questioned.

"I don't know what to do!" She replied frantically. "I'm not good at combat magic Gilda! Using one powerful spell drains all of my powers, and my basic spells won't do enough! I don't think I have any offensive spells that can penetrate that blazing storm!"

Luffy attempted to use his balloon technique, but as he inhaled, the embers were caught in his throat, making him cough. Flare flew down and managed to get a burning hit on Luffy. As painful as it was, Luffy managed to roll back up on his hooves, but he was still struggling.

"Damn it! How'd you get this strong!?" Luffy questioned.

"If you paid attention dimwit, you'd see that the unicorns of my squadron are giving me energy." Flare answered.

"Huh?" Luffy muttered before looking around. He gazed at the unicorns and was astounded at how many lights were going off from the unicorns. "Whoa! That's awesome!"

"It is, isn't it?" Flare grinned.

"So if that's the case…" Luffy grinned as he crouched. "Then I just have to step up my levels."
"Gear Second!"

Luffy then shows off his own steam as his coat turns pink. Flare is confused by what's going on as well as everyone else. It wasn't long before Luffy dashed up to her level and managed to get in a quick punch. After the hit, Flare back up while Luffy landed, grunting from the heat.

"Agh! It's hot!" Luffy yelped.

"So, you got a whole lot faster huh?" Flare concluded before lying up high and showing off her wide and blazing wings. "Looks like I'll have to turn up the heat even more!"
"Solar Flare: Sun Storm!"

Flare's fire easily flies out and down comes meteors. Luffy dashes left and right, evading the shower of flames. Going in close, he pulls back his forelegs at unbelievable speed.

"Gomu Gomu no Jet Bazooka!"

Hitting hard, Flare is tossed out before regaining her composure and flying at high speed. She became a speeding bullet as she pierces the wind.

"Fire Snipe!"

Flare thrusts her body to Luffy, burning his stomach. Luffy lands and breathes heavily.

"You sure burn a lot!" Luffy stated.

"Thanks to my high speed along with my special coat, I can light on fire without feeling too hot myself. And with the unicorns boost, I'm pretty much invincible. For you to last this long is an admirable feat, I'll give you that. But you won't last with the embers slowly taking away the oxygen. In moments, you'll be knocked out."

"Then I'll just have to beat you at your own game!" He exclaimed with a wide grin. Pulling back his arm with Busoshoku Haki, he readied a powerful technique.

"He's stretching again!"
"But why's his hoof black?"
"Hold on! Something's happening to it!"

"Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk!"

A fiery fist clashes with Flare, exploding the field in the process. Loud pops can be heard as if fireworks were going off. It isn't long before smoke clears, and the results show off. Flare sighs heavily with Luffy as they continue to stand off against each other.

"Amazing…!" Twilight muttered. "Luffy's fire was able to create such an impact! But even then, they both are still standing…!"

"Hey Twi!" Gilda shouted. "This isn't the time to be watching! Those unicorns are giving Flare their magic! Luffy won't last without your help!"

"But… What can I do…?" Twilight wondered.

Flare grins at Luffy even at her poor state. Luffy continues to attempt to breath, but can only get so little oxygen, now being polluted by smoke and fire.

"Looks like you have some pretty hot tricks yourself, huh?" Flare exclaimed. "I'll admit, you're the best pony I've ever sparred with. A shame it has to end!"

Luffy's vision began to daze. It had reach his limit. Almost as if he was drowning on dry land, he wobbles while trying to speak, only to come out in muttering. Flare smirks even more.

"Looks like that's all you got for now."

Flare goes in and bashes Luffy, knocking him out of his pumped state. Luffy rolled on the floor once more and gasped for air. Everything became full of smoke. It was difficult to keep up the oxygen.

"No good…" Luffy sighed. "I can barely breath…!"

Twilight and Gilda cringed at the sight as Luffy coughed up the embers.

"Isn't there anything you can do!?" Gilda questioned.

"Well… I might, maybe, and perhaps use the Synch Spell too…" Twilight thought. "But if it's like combat magic, I won't last long. And against all the other ponies, I won't be able to match up with this many…"

"Better give it a shot anyways, or Luffy's done for!" Gilda reminded her.

"Right!" Twilight nodded before focusing her energy. Her horn went off brightly as she slowly directed her energy towards Luffy. As the energy slowly passed, her horn then flashed and gathered everyone's attention. Luffy turned and saw his body became a light violet.

"Whoa! What's going on?" Luffy wondered.

"You dolt! Twilight's giving you energy!" Gilda informed him. "She's using the same spell as every pony else here!"

"Oh! Cool!" Luffy said in excitement.

"Just because you have a little boost doesn't mean anything!" Flare shouted as she rushed in for another attack.

"Fire Snipe!"

Luffy quickly dodged onto his forelegs with ease. Flare was shocked as he even managed to throw in another attack while he was at it. His hind legs went together and kicked in a spiked motion.

"Gomu Gomu no Yari!" (Gum Gum Spear!)

Pushing Flare back, everyone was stunned. Gold Shield looked to Luffy then to Twilight as he realized what was going on.

"Don't tell me… his power has not only doubled… but tripled?" He whispered. Tapping Twilight, he asked, "How many times have you used this spell?"

"Huh?" Twilight spoke. "Um… This is my first time… why?"

Amazing! She has such control with the Synch Spell! It usually takes 2 years to even make a small connection! She has a talent in this magic!

"Whoa! I feel even stronger now!" Luffy exclaimed. "This is awesome!"

"Ugh… What kind of trick is this!?" Flare questioned. "A lone unicorn can maximize his power that far?! Better than a whole squadron!?"

"Ha! Twilight's really good at this mystery magic stuff!" Luffy laughed.

"Not only that… but the smoke and fire doesn't seem to stop you from breathing… why…?"

"I have no idea…" Twilight admitted. "But as long as it'll help Luffy, then I'll keep on going!"

Flare was astonished at Luffy and his companions. He has managed to grow in strength not only in battle, but with his friends as well. Readying her ultimate technique, she gave them a warning. "You're much more worthy than I thought. I apologize for treating you so rudely before. However, since this battle has begun, it's only best to give it our all until we have a victor. Don't you agree?"

"No!" Twilight and Gilda shouted.
"Yeah!" Luffy shouted.

Twilight stopped her magic for a moment to drop her jaw at Luffy while Gilda complained, "Luffy! Why would you even say that!? Don't you get the situation?!"

"Eh? But she's right." Luffy explained.

"Ready yourself! This is my ultimate technique!" Flare warned them.

"Ember Embodiment!"

Flare's body was now completely on fire. The heat around her increased as she whipped her blazing mane. Luffy grinned before turning back.

"Twilight!" Luffy called.

Twilight shined her horn and readied the Synch spell. Luffy crouched down and showed off his new state.

"Magic Gear!"

With this new power, Luffy goes in full speed. The bits of flare flicker, but none can get choke the magic shield Luffy has acquired. Gold watches Luffy and Twilight closely, observing their every skill and strength.

Synch spell is used best with those you can get along with. If both parties trust each other, they can bring out more potential than they could alone. For some pony who just acquired this spell, she must care deeply for her friend. I wonder if that's enough for this young lad to get by.

Flare unleashes her hidden bombs of fire, destroying the field. The unicorns aiding her backs up for safety, even moving the cage of Gilda. Twilight stands her ground as she keeps an eye on Flare and Luffy. They exchange hits, no longer being overpowered to the attribute of fire. It was a much more fair fight.

Luffy stretches his forelegs back, and shoots them forward, releasing a magic blast.

"Gomu Gomu no Magic Bazooka!"

Flare reacts with a flap of her wings to release a burning lash out.

"Fire Wave!"

The two projectiles clash, and Luffy lands on the ground with amazement on his eyes.

"Did you see that!?" Luffy asked Twilight. "That was so COOL!"

"Yes, I saw." Twilight assured him. "That's one of the effects apparently. Looks like you should be able to reach her with more than just stretching."

Luffy grinned widely before moving to the side from Flare's crashing landing. The ground cracks and heat seethes through. Flare dashes forward fast and gets Luffy with a hit.

"Fire Snipe!"

Although it managed to make contact, Luffy blocked it with two hooves up. It was then he realized he somehow formed a shield of energy. Astounded, Luffy couldn't help but smile.

"This is so awesome! A mystery shield!"

"It's magic!" Twilight shouted.

"It's time to end this Pony D. Luffy!" Flare exclaimed as she flew up with her hooves in the air. Luffy and Twilight gasped as she formed a massive ball of fire. She looked down on them as her squadron quickly escapes.

"Make some space! She's readying her Sun Cannon!" A pony warned everyone as they head for cover. The ponies panicked as they went to their camp that was quite far. Gold stayed to watch in admiration of this fight. The ponies were scared out of their minds, and even Flare's squadron were tempted to leave. the ones who did retreat had enough kindness to even bring the griffon back to safety. Twilight shook at the sight of what looked like the sun in front of her. But nonetheless, she stayed to support Luffy. Pumping in more magic into Luffy, she called him.

"Luffy!" She shouted, making him turn to her. "We've wasted enough time. We still have a lot to do! We have to finish this now and get every pony back together."

Luffy smiled widely and assured her. "Don't worry Twi! I'm gonna win!"

Now truly focused, Luffy started punching rapidly, similar to his technique, the Gum Gum Gatling Gun. Only this time, with Twilight's support, he manages to spring back magic energy changing it into something more fierce. Meanwhile, Flare had just finished up charging her attack, and was firing at that moment.

"Solar Flare: Entei!"

The roaring sun itself blazes down. The squadron now losing their minds, never being this close to the attack before, run and lose focus. Flare still flies with a bit of power remaining in her to maintain her form just a bit longer. Luffy finally finishes his own preparations, and shows off his and Twilight's combined powers.

"Gomu Gomu no…" Luffy yells out.
"Magic…" Twilight joins in pushing more energy in, and together, they finish the move.
"CANNON!"

A massive burst of energy shoots out from Luffy as his hooves still string out towards Flare. The magic hits the ball of flame first, letting it challenge each other's energy. Just when it seemed equal, Luffy's hooves reach the back of his magic blast and push it forward, piercing Flare's attack. Flare now was hit hard against the attack, and was shot down. Although it seems they won, the land they were sparring in couldn't take it, and a gaping hole appears.

"WAH! Where'd this hole come from!?" Luffy questioned.

"AAH! You overdid it!" Twilight exclaimed as she fell into the deep crater.

Quickly responding to the situation, Luffy grabs the ledge above with his hoof and grabs Twilight. They sigh in relief until Luffy looked up. Flare happened to be falling out of the sky as well. Throwing his head out, he grabbed her mane with his teeth and caught the defeated mare.

"Whoa!" He mumbled with Flare's hair in his mouth. "That was close."

"Can you reel us up?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, hold on." Luffy replied.

The foreleg then started to retract. As Luffy and Twilight climbed out of the ledge, Gold Shield stood before them with nothing but admiration.

"You're recruited, Pony D. Luffy and Twilight Sparkle." He announced with gusto.

"Eh?"





In the mess hall, Luffy and Gilda ate what meat they were able to obtain from their hunt. The ponies stared at them in shock as the red stallion at like a born carnivore.  Twilight was sweating from all the attention as she just ate her salad beside them. Gold and Flare were sitting in front of them, watching the three as they waited for their answer.

"So, have you thought about my request?" He questioned.

"Uh…!" Twilight stuttered. "We really appreciate you helping us out of our crash landing as well as releasing Gilda and treating us after the spar… match, but we need to get back to our friends."

"Oh? But I thought we were on the same side?" Gold pointed out.

"We are! But our friends were going to Featheran."

"FEATHERAN!?" Everyone screamed. Twilight, Luffy, and Gilda looked around in wonder as Flare was in awe. She slammed her hooves on the table and looked at Luffy with excitement.

"Y-You… Were going to Featheran!?"

"Yeah, why?" He asked.

"Featheran was a target of many of our pony squadrons. They have been abducted from their outposts over and over again, and taken to Talon's Hold right after. Right now, our mission is to go to Talon's Hold and free our allies." Gold explained. "But to see younglings like you doing something like that… seems rash."

"Aren't you scared?" Flare asked. "Not even my squadron is willing to go there, no matter how many times I convinced them we were going to be fine."

"My crew is always ready for action." Luffy said with pride. "Robin and Twilight said that if we take down that place, we can stop the war."

"That certainly is a theory." Gold nodded. "The barracks there is what holds so much of the power of the Griffon Kingdom. However, that alone won't get the Griffon King to surrender."

"What else would it take?" Twilight questioned.

"Take down the king." He answers simply. "War isn't simply eradicated over a month, it takes years to finally end it. Ever since this one started, I had a feeling that this would go on for quite some time."

Twilight looked down and sighed. Turning to Luffy, she asked, "Will everything really be alright? Our friends… The Princesses… Equestria?"

"Don't worry! I promise I'll protect them all!" He grinned widely.

"You sure have a lot of spunk kid!" Gold laughed as he bumped Flare's foreleg. "Don't you think so?"

"Yeah…" She muttered with a blush across her face. "Um… By the way, thanks for not letting me fall in that hole. Even after what I said and done."

"It's alright." He assured her. "You're not so bad anyways. Since you care about Equestria, you're not so bad."

"… Really?" She said with some shine in her eyes.

Suddenly, Grass Walker comes in with some anger in his eyes. He stomps his way to Gold and Flare as he scolds them very loudly. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?"

"I'm eccentric." Gold Shield answered.

"I know that!" Grass Walker replied. "But in a middle of a hidden outpost on enemy territory, did you really have to display such explosive racket!? They could have found us!!"

"Ah, but they didn't!" Gold pointed out.

"And I'm the one to thank for that you dolt!" Grass Walker shouted before sighing. "You're a hopeless case, you know that?"

"I'm eccentric."

"Stop saying that!" He shouted before looking at Flare. "And don't think you're off the hook either! We need to reserve our strength for our mission to Talon's Hold! Grabbing attention, making fireworks, and picking fights is not the time for that now!"

"Sir! Yes sir! My apologies sir!" Flare saluted.

Grass nodded and looked to the three. He tilted his head and said, "Other than scolding my officers, I see that you have a lot of skill in battle. Please come with us to the meeting, we have a lot to discuss about a serious matter. We can really use your help."

"Thanks, but we need to get back to our friends." Twilight said again.

Gilda passed Twilight went up to Grass Walker. She showed her talon to shake his hoof. "We'd like to see what information you have. Perhaps we can exchange some in order to reach our own goals. You see, we need the location of Featheran."

"Featheran!?" Grass yelped.

"Gilda?" Twilight said in surprise.

"We need help too Twi." Gilda said to her. "If we just let opportunities slip by, we won't just be lost from our friends, but we'll never reach that place either."

"I'll… I'm delighted to gain some intel myself, but Featheran? You must have a death sentence." He spoke with worry. "Anyways, come with me."





The meeting begins with Gilda asking them to show off all of the bounty posters in the Griffon Kingdom. Dozens to hundreds are pulled out. As she and Twilight scanned through them carefully, they picked out their friends. Zoro, Nami, Sanji, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy. The rest were unknown. The three gave other information like their ship, the rest of their friends, and where they last went once they were shown the map of the land.

"And that's everything we have to say I think." Twilight finished.

Flare picked up Fluttershy's wanted poster and read it carefully. For some reason, she was a bit angry. "Luffy's… Apprentice…?"

"Hmm?" Luffy mumbled before he looked at the paper. "Oh yeah! I was telling Fluttershy about how to you Haki!"

"Haki?" Gold spoke. "Is that something you were using in battle?"

"Yeah. Fluttershy was able to do it too, and she asked me to help her learn how to use it."

Flare glared at the poster before it lit on fire, and was turned to ashes. they all stare at her as she snaps out of her trance. "Uh… Huh?"

"What… the hay was that?" Gilda questioned.

"I… don't know…" She spoke. Holding her head, she leaves the meeting. "Excuse me, I feel a bit more tired than I thought. Please continue discussing without me."

"But Flare, we have something you must know about." Grass mentioned.

"I-I'm sorry, I won't be any help right now. I need to go to sleep."

Flare leaves the tent, leaving the five to exchange info. Gold holds his chin as he wondered what was wrong with Flare, but went back to the discussion on hoof.

"Now it's our turn." Grass begins. He gives a map to Twilight, letting her open and see it's markings. "That's where you'll find Featheran. We have scouts opening routes everywhere, so you'll see all the possible roads and rivers you can take. As for intel for Featheran, let's just say expect everything you've fought in this land, plus more."

"Oh my…" Twilight spoke. "This will be more difficult than anything we've been through, huh?"

"I'm getting excited just thinking about it!" Luffy grinned.

"Now that you have what you needed to hear, then please hear us out." Grass began. "You too Gold. And the readers too. There's been an announcement from our battalion back up. They said they are responding to the recent news the Griffon Kingdom's been spreading as if it was the biggest news in history."

"Response?" Twilight said with a raised eyebrow. "Who's responding?"

"Cadence, niece of Princess Celestia." Grass explained.

Twilight was in deep shock. Luffy was surprised about Celestia's niece as was Gilda.

"Whoa! Celestia has a niece?" Luffy exclaimed.

"Even I didn't know that." Gilda admitted.

"She's not the most well known, but she does have the command to that of a princess." Gold explained.

"What… Why is she responding to the news? What is the news?" Twilight questioned.

"A sudden and strange announcement of a single execution." Grass continued. "We all know it's an obvious trap, seeing how many unnecessary back up has been put up to guard that single stallion. His ranking, although high, is still not expected for them to put so much stress out of it. Cadence however won't listen to any of our officers, and is still going through with a full scale attack. She states that it also has the strongest commanders, important to take them down to make it easier to finish off Featheran next time we have the chance. The execution and battle will be taken in Scraper City, a well known Griffon town that holds historical value of execution practice.

"Who's going to be executed that makes Celestia's niece fight there?" Luffy wondered.

"Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor."

Twilight was silent. Her eyes then shrunk as her world was beginning to crack. The very news shook her as she looked at the newspaper being tossed to the table. It reads in bold letters, confirming everything that has been said. Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor, is going to be executed in 3 days. Setting an example to all Equestrian commanders! She lowered her head in deep distress while Gilda and Luffy sighed.

"Poor guy, being put on the spot like that." Gilda stated.

"He must be really important." Luffy thought.

"He's of high ranking, but not important enough to be made that much of a big deal." Grass stated. Twilight looked at him with despair in her view. "We can just try to rescue him now, but we've been given strict orders to wait to join with Cadence's forces to fight against in Scraper City. I have no power to refuse."

Twilight shivered lightly as she asked Grass, "How did this happen…?"

"They were in a outpost too close to Featheran. He along with his comrades were defeated and taken prisoner."

Luffy noticed her shaking and became curious of her feelings going on. "Twilight, what's wrong?"

"Is something about this troubling to you?" Grass thought. "Executions are a disturbing topic indeed and-"

She suddenly grabs Grass on the shoulder and tries to speak. She whispers, "He's my brother."

"What was that?" Grass says in confusion. Everyone else was bewildered as well until she yelled it out louder for them to know.

"HE'S MY BROTHER! My big brother!" Twilight screamed.

Everyone was stunned by Twilight. Luffy's eyes shrunk as well as he gritted his teeth. Before him displayed something too familiar. Luffy saw what used to be him. Memories flood back as his last time of Ace was shown. He looks at Twilight, understanding every feeling about her right now.

"Shining Armor…!" Grass spoke. "Is your brother!?"

"The little sister of a captain of guard." Gold muttered. "Your family must go along the lines of talent."

"I can't let him die!" Twilight declared desperately. "I can't just continue on knowing he'll be killed!"

"It'll be dangerous, with or without combat experience." Gold told her.

"I don't care! If I just leave him when he needs all the help he can get, I have to be there! I'm not going to let my big brother die!"

Grass sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Well… you're free to join us, but we won’t be infiltrating Talon's Hold. we have to wait."

"The longer we wait, the chance of Shining being executed grows!" Twilight protested. "We need to attack, NOW!"

"I'm sorry, but this is all we can do. We can't stray away from orders."

"Then I'm going there alone!" Twilight said as she ran out the tent. Luffy and Gilda ran after her while Grass sighed in sadness.

"Things just got a whole lot more complicated…" Grass moaned.

"And a whole lot more interesting." Gold added. He turned to his general and said, "So what do we do with her?"

"Although she isn't our responsibility, I feel as if we should make sure she's alright." Grass stated. "Gold, I'm making it your responsibility to make sure she stays alive, you got that?"

"Yes sir." He responds.





As Twilight trotted for a while, Luffy and Gilda caught up with her. She looks down with stress written all over her. As she turns to her friends, she embraces them in comfort.

"I can't believe this is happening…!" She cried. "I can't let this happen, I just can't!"

"Twilight… if you want, you can join up with them." Gilda suggested.

"But I can't wait, knowing how much Shining needs us!" Twilight told her. "I want to go to Talon's Hold… That's where they're keeping him. Luffy, Gilda, I'm sorry, but this is where we'll part ways. Go find our friends and end the war."

"No Twilight." Luffy denied as he walked up to her, holding her hoof. "I'm coming with you!"

"You don't have to do this Luffy." Twilight whimpered with tears leaking. "I know how much you care, but I can't think about dragging you down to do something so selfish."

"We're comrades Twilight!" Luffy shouted. "I'm not letting your brother die either! We're going to save him!"

"Luffy…" she muttered before Gilda held her shoulder.

"I'm not letting Rainbow's friends down. I'll be there with you too."

Twilight gave a weak smile as she nodded in gratitude. "Thank you both so much…"

From out of the shadows, Flare appears with a backpack full of supplies. She walks up to the trio as she says, "You're looking to break into Talon's Hold and rescue your brother?"

"How'd you know?" Gilda questioned.

"I heard everything." Flare answered. "And I just so happen to have the map and know of a route to take us there in just less than half the day."

"Wait… Are you helping us?" Luffy wondered.

"Yes, but under one condition." Flare began. "I want to come with you."

"Aren't you supposed to be with Grass Walker to be picked up by Cadence?"

"You let me worry about that. Now, will you accept?"

Twilight was given the map to be shown the location of Talon's Hold. From there, Twilight looked to Flare and nodded. "Alright. Let's go immediately."

"Then follow me."

Thus, a detour was taken. Twilight, Luffy, Gilda, and Flare left the outpost to head to Talon's Hold in order to rescue Shining Armor. It was then, a dangerous and perilous adventure would begin, and end in tragedy. A great battle will begin with the trigger of the execution.





"Shining's not in Talon's Hold!?" The stallion commander said in shock.

"Of course not." Cadence said in anger. "The information they've been giving out to the public is a fraud. They have a trap waiting in both places. Hoping for us to go to Talon's Hold, they have special griffons that utilize in using special enchanted gear. Scraper City is no better having many strong commanders as well. Shining was probably taken out of Talon's Hold to Scraper City about two days ago. I know this because one of my griffon spies has managed to send the news to me."

"Griffon spy?"

"He has been working with Princess Celestia on other works. He very famous in the Griffon Kingdom, but no pony has yet to know of his connections. All you need to know now is we are heading straight to Shining."

Cadence walks up to the bow of the ship and sighs. "Two days until we get there."
> Chapter 46 - On the Ship without the Captain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Day 1 of 3

Luffy, Twilight, Gilda, Flare went to a cave. Being so dark, Flare lights her mane to create fire. Gilda and Twilight couldn't help but snicker, while Luffy laughed to make it obvious how amusing it was.

"Wahaha! What's with your hair?" Luffy chuckled.

"It's a torch light." She said calmly. "I can light any part of my body on fire, if you recalled. Now, this way, quickly."

Upon walking further, they meet the ravaging river within the dusky caverns. The water splashed rapidly and violently. The river pushed anything down its current at frightening speed. Twilight and Gilda were wide eyed in fear of this monstrosity, but Luffy was quite excited.

"Whoa! What kind of river is this!?" Luffy questioned.

"This is our ticket to Talon's Hold." Flare answered.

Gilda and Twilight opened their mouths, shocked of their route. Flare looked at them before saying, "This is faster than walking on hoof. It'll take half a day. We even have some boats, so don't worry too much."

Flare went to the corner to take off the large leaves to reveal the collection of the dinghy. Twilight raised her eyebrow and asked, "How come there are so many here?"

"We planned to infiltrate Talon's Hold through this way, but ever since the order to be picked up by Cadence, we abandoned this place. Anyways, I have to mention something."

"What is it?" Gilda spoke.

"I can't swim." She told them. "My body is sort of like fire. If I get wet, I become weak. I don't have any swimming ability, so you three will have to keep me safe."

"Oh, I can't swim either." Luffy stated, surprising Flare. She groaned and looked to Twilight and Gilda.

"Okay, scratch that. You two will keep us on board, and out of the water, okay?"

The two looked at the river thrashing about and at the dinghy. They slapped their faces as Flare pulled the boat out. As everyone got in, Flare pushes the boat in the water before jumping in. Holding on tight, they prepare for the ride of their lifetime.

"Wahoo!" Luffy cheered.
"OH CRUD!!!" Gilda screamed.
"OH MY CELESTIA!!!" Twilight cried.





Day 1 of 5

On the Thousand Sunny, the crew was quiet. It was only yesterday they had lost some companions from their crew. They don't know where they are, only that they are alive. But even so, the mares were at their own despairs. Whether it was the lack of strength or conviction they needed to obliterate Magnus, or their actions that let this all happen.

Fluttershy had it the worst. In the sick bay, she cried while holding onto Luffy's straw hat tightly. Chopper was doing his best to comfort her, but she had a hard time accepting it. It was so sudden, and too soon. Sanji had come inside with a meal to help her feel well, but she had been eating very little.

Rainbow was gazing out to sea, sitting on the ledge of the ship. Her eyes were still in shock over what had just happened. Failing to save the three of her friends, she was in her own troubles. She couldn't reach them in time. She wasn't fast enough.

She held her head, grinding her teeth in frustration, but tried her best to keep everything bottled up. But knowing that she couldn't help Gilda, Luffy, or Twilight in time made her feel worthless.

Then Nami came by, seeing her troubles as she lowers her head to view the bottom of the ship. She tapped Rainbow by the shoulder and asked, "What's wrong Rainbow?"

Rainbow looked to Nami and sighed. "Oh, hey… It's nothing."

"Is it about yesterday?"

"… Maybe…"

Nami combs her mane lightly and smiled. "Don’t worry about it. Luffy and the others are fine. When we were sent like that, we lived. Twilight and Gilda are strong enough to survive a fall like that too."

"… But I still have one question…"

"What is it?" Nami wondered while tilting her head.

"How come we never help Luffy? Whenever he fights these really strong guys, you all never want me to help. We fought together back in Ponyville when the griffons first attacked, but after that, I never got to back him up again. Zoro always keeps stopping me, and I'm sick of it!"

Rainbow crosses her hooves in anger, but it wasn't until her statement was countered by Rarity.

"Well it's quite obvious why they stopped you Rainbow." she reasoned. "They don't want us to get hurt. The deeper we into these fights, the more likely we'll be injured, or worse. You remember how much damage was inflicted to you when Luffy had brought you back as well?"

"Yeah, but we lived!" Rainbow retorted. "Besides, now it's like you expect he can take on everything himself! And now looked what happened!"

"Rainbow, please calm yourself." Rarity told her. "There was nothing you can do."

"I'm not you Rarity! I could've done something!"

The white mare stepped back before glaring at her irritated companion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm not just standing around, pretending to help! It's not like I'm some damsel in distress, who just happens to be there when things get rough! Ever since we came with Luffy to travel around, all you've done is relax whenever we finally get a moments peace, hide whenever the baddies come, and whine about everything! From this crew to what we have to do!" Rainbow said in one breath. Rarity was now as tempered as Rainbow. She walked up to her and poked her chest.

"How dare you claim such a thing!"

"Oh, whine some more why don't ya!?"

"Hey! Calm down you two!" Nami shouted as she pushed them away from each other. "This isn't going anywhere!"

"Calm down the racket, will ya!?" Applejack scolded the two as she and Usopp came down the stairs. "Fluttershy needs some rest after what happened. She's not doing so hot after having the close encounter."

"Yeah, I never seen her so sad. But she's not as sad as Pinkie." Usopp stated before leaning to them. "She's so bummed out, he mane's gone flat."

"Yeesh, I don't want to deal with Pinkie when she's like that." the colorful mare told them.

"I was gonna go cheer her up. Do any of you wanna help?"

"I'll go with you." Rarity volunteered before glaring at Rainbow. "See? I'm helping."





Chopper left his room and brought some of his herbs to dry. Making his way to the bow of the ship, he sees Zoro standing near.

"Oh, hey Zoro!" Chopper greeted.

"Hi." He replied. "How is she doing?"

"She left earlier to walk around. I saw her in the aquarium for a while, but other than that, she's on the ship exploring."

The green haired swordsman nodded. As Chopper sets his medicine to dry, he had a thought in his mind. "Do you think she really cares about Luffy?"

"What do you mean?"

"I remember she went to go get his hat when Luffy was fighting. She must have known how important it was to him."

Zoro merely shrugged and looked out to the ship. "I think they all know how important that hat is to Luffy. The yellow one is like Vivi, caring about everyone."

"Yeah…" Chopper said before tearing up. "Vivi…"

"ARE YOU STILL ON THAT!?" Zoro shouted.





In the dining room, Robin was reading while Sanji was preparing desserts. Rainbow was with them, circling around in the room blabbering on and on about what was on her mind.

"I mean, I could've helped! Maybe bonk him on the head while Luffy goes down low. Or maybe I could've used my buccaneer blaze, to maybe, I don't know, blind him! Or! I could have-"

Even though Robin was patient she quoted Rainbow on her plans. "If you interfered, you would have been sent flying out of the island like the others. His hands were able to make you disappear with one touch, and could deflect most physical attacks."

"B-But!"

"Luffy wanted to make sure he wouldn't lose his comrades like that again." Sanji explained.

"Again?"

Robin nodded in agreement. She turned to the colorful mare and continued. "There are a lot of things our captain hates, and one of those would be to relive the terror of losing his companions in such a familiar setting. But for now, we can only keep moving forward. Alright?"

The stubborn Rainbow crossed her forelegs and moaned. "I just want to help fight! I hate just waiting around and running away!"

"But I think it's best we do that…" Fluttershy spoke as she came out the door. The three looked at the solemn pegasus as she weakly gazed at them. "After all, if it wasn't for me, Luffy would still be here."

"Fluttershy…" Robin said.

"I-I didn't mean to… I mean…" Rainbow stuttered, unsure how to respond.

"Don't beat yourself up about it." Sanji assured her. "We all make mistakes."

"But… Because of me…"

"Our captain always gets into jams. This is normal." Sanji grinned. "Besides, he just wanted everyone, especially you to be safe."

Fluttershy looked up with a brightened expression for a moment before turning away. "You… Really think so?"

"After all the time you've spent with Luffy, I think you should've known by now." Robin grinned.

Feeling better now, Fluttershy smiled as Sanji placed a sundae before her. He pulled up a chair and offered the seat. "You must be hungry madam. Why don't cool yourself off while I make everyone dinner?"

"You don't have to, really-" Fluttershy was about to decline, but was brought over by Robin as she gently pulled her hoof.

"It's fine, he's a good gentlemen to any women." Robin assured her.

"I have one for you as well Robin~chan~!" Sanji informed her as he spun and brought her sundae as well.

"Hey Sanji, can I have one too?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah, just give me a second."





In the study, Applejack and Brooke were cleaning the floors while Nami was sketching her map. Applejack happened to take a glance at Nami and her map before asking about it.

"Hey, what cha working on?"

"Hmm? Oh, it's just another piece to my map of the Grand Line." Nami answered and she showed off her work. Applejack gazed at her long work before commending such detail.

"Wow, this looked like it took a long time!"

"Yep. I'm pretty proud of how far it's gotten."

"Nami-san's dream is to draw the map of the world." Brook informed Applejack, making her jump.

"Really now? And the Grand Line is the way to do it?"

"More or less." Nami replied, grinning before giving Brook a stern look. "Now, don't spill anything her like you did last time Brook."

"I promise I won't do a mistake like that again!" Brook assured her. "Ah, but before I do, would you mind as to show me your panties?"

"KNOCK IT OFF!" Nami cursed as she punched Brook hard to the shelf, causing a few books to fall out. Applejack ran to it and started picking up the books.

"Ah horse apples. Hold on, I'll pick it up." Applejack said before looking at a peculiar book. "Hello? What's this here?"

"Huh? Oh! That's our log book." Brook told her. "It contains all of the Straw Hat's adventures from beginning to end."

"Really now? Well, you wouldn't mind if I…?" Applejack implied to take a peak. Nami chuckled and allowed her to do so.

"Go ahead. We're about to put all of you in it too."

"Really now? Well ain't that something!" Applejack laughed before checking it out, leaving Brook to clean himself. Only he was still lying on the floor.

"Ah, I can't seem to get up to do my bone breaking work! Oh! Yohohoho! What a bone appropriate joke!"





Rarity exited the room full of laughter and guffaw of Pinkie and Usopp. She held her mouth before gulping it down from the stories she had heard so far.

"I've heard enough of the goldfish and it's disgusting fake island." She stated before noticing Applejack reading. She walked over to her to see what she was doing. "Applejack, what are you reading there?"

"Oh, hey Rarity. It's a log book of the Straw Hats." Applejack answered before turning the page. "They had some pretty interesting adventures back then."

"My, it does seem more intruiging than the stories I've been listening to." Rarity stated before sitting next to her. "May I take a gander?"

"Sure. Hey, maybe we should get the others too!" Applejack suggested.

"Splendid idea!" She said gleefully before realizing something. "Oh… huh…"

"What's wrong?"

"Sorry darling, it's just… As fun as it may be, it wouldn't be the same without Twilight."

Applejack shook a bit before understanding why she was so gloom. "Yeah… Just the five of us wouldn't exactly be the same. And Twilight's all about reading this kind of stuff."

Rarity looked out to the sea and thought long and hard about what Rainbow said. Finally, she asked Applejack about it. "Applejack, do you think I was any help on our adventure?"

"Hmm?" She spoke before scratching the back of her mane. "Well, we all try as hard as we can. But there's only so much we can do."

"I see…" She nodded before turning away. "You know, maybe I'll read with you another time. I need to do something first."

"Oh, alright then." Applejack replied. After Rarity left, Applejack looked back to the book before shedding a few tears. Wiping her eyes, she thinks of Twilight, Luffy, and even Gilda. She wonders if they are truly okay like the others say.

As the day ended, it would mark the first day out of five before finally reaching Featheran.
> Chapter 47 - The Great Break In of Talon's Hold!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Day 1 of 3

Down the insanely fast river, through its complex and deadly turns and curves, the boat finally reaches its destination, and crashes and totally breaks apart. Luffy and Flare drown in the water before Twilight and Gilda pull them out of the threatening currents. Barely making it, they flop onto shore and gasp for air.

"Ugh… Thank you…" Luffy and Flare barfed gratefully.

"No problem." Gilda and Twilight breathed.

After a while, the four exit the cave to take in the view of the tall tower before them. The claw up above looms threateningly as chains dangle, giving haunting clinking noises all around. From behind the bushes, they saw the entrance heavily guarded by a squadron of griffons. Gilda, Twilight, and Flare huddle, coming up with a strategy.

"Hmm… there's a lot of griffons posted up on front guard." Gilda pointed out.

"The security should be tight. We need to be stealthy in order to retrieve Shining Armor safely." Flare told Twilight.

"As long as we can get him out alive, that's fine by me." Twilight told them before turning around. "Right Luffy?"

They paused as they noticed Twilight was looking at nothing but thin air. Looking around, they get up from the bushes and saw him running up to the griffons while biting his hoof.

Gear Third

The hoof inflates and becomes augmented in Busoshoku Haki. The griffons scream as Luffy launches his hoof at them.

Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun!

The door busts wide open and Luffy rushes in. As the griffons flood in to restrain him, he easily takes them on as he furiously mows them down with his punching.

Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!

Flare drops hers jaw while Gilda and Twilight slaps their face over and over again. Flare grits her teeth and says, "What is he thinking!? We needed to do this in covert operations! Now the whole place will be on top guard!"

"I don't think so." Gold says approaching them from behind. They all jump in surprise before Flare questioned him.

"Captain Gold Shield! What are you doing here!?"

"I'm under strict orders to ensure the safety of Twilight Sparkle." He answers. "So I followed you down the river."

"Wow! I can't believe you followed us alone!" Twilight said in amazement.

"So are you here to help out or what?" Gilda wondered.

"Yes, I am. After all, you said we were on the same side." Gold reminded her.

"Well, it looks like Luffy has alerted every pony of our presence." Flare sighed.

"Perhaps not." The captain said optimistically. "They see Luffy, but they might not recognize him too quickly without his hat. This could be seen as a lone stallion while we sneak around."

"Good idea!" Gilda commended him. "Luffy can distract every pony while we check around the place."

"It doesn't feel like we can leave Luffy alone all the time, nor can we be hidden for most of the time." Twilight thought. "They'll figure out everything soon."

"Let's just go with it for a while. It's all we got." Flare stated.

Nodding in agreement, they follow Luffy as they cross the debris.





Up in the control room, the sirens have went off and the camera team are on the move. They scan and check up with the warden. The warden is a big griffon with sleek steel upon his talons and hind legs. His beak is lined in silver and his feathers are a golden yellow. As his subordinates run up to report, they quickly address him.

"Warden Steel Fort, sir! We have an intruder! But we can't identify him!"

"Can't you search up any files regarding a red stallion that stretches, can make a gigantic hoof, and do it all without the use of magic?" Steel Fort questioned.

"That's… specific, but even so, it'll take some time sir!"

"Get the officers to their positions and get rid of that pesky colt! We need the trap to get ready for Twilight Sparkle when she arrives!"

"Yes sir!" The subordinate saluted before leaving.

Steel Fort sighed while two more griffons arrive. One was a thin female griffon with white feathers and yellow fur. Her tail was enwrapped by electricity, making her tail dance in a lightning arc. The other was a bulky male griffon with gray feathers and purple fur. His tail was in the curvy motion, once in a while letting some bubbles pop.

"Steel Fort, darling, why not let us handle these intruders? It'll be quick as lightning." She offered.

"Yesss, we'll make his intrusion to be well punissshed. Ssslow and Painfulll." The other slurred.

"Electra, Venom, now is not the time. Until the target comes, you will remain unseen." Steel told them. "If it gets worse, I'll take care of him personally."





Stage 1 - Power Room

Hundreds of ponies were running on treadmills in their cages. Behind them were griffon guards that would give them a beating if they didn't run fast enough. As the lobby down below was recovering from their recent havoc from Luffy, the rubber stallion himself appears while holding one of his victims.

"Where's Shining Armor!?" Luffy questioned, hoping he remembered the name correctly.

"T-Top floor… on Stage 5…" He answered.

Throwing the griffon aside, Luffy raced onward, only to bump into dozens of griffons. Luffy jumped into the air and threw the first attack.

"I don't have time for you! Get out of my way!" He demanded.

Meanwhile, back at the lobby, Gold, Flare, Gilda, and Twilight scoured the area for information. As they met up at the stairs, they exchanged what information they found as they went to the next floor.

"So, this is what I've gathered about Talon's Hold." Gold said to the group. "Apparently there are 7 floors. Within those floors are five stages. The first floor is the lobby, where they choose where to place the prisoners. Next is Stage 1, 2, and 3. Then there's an Airship harbor."

"Airship harbor?" Gilda repeated. "How'd they figure out how to make them!?"

"Don't know, but the pegasus have made some for the royal army too, so it's not to much of a surprise." Flare stated.

"Can't the griffon prisoners escape from the harbor just by flying out?" Twilight wondered.

"Not exactly. The fifth floor where the airship harbor is has a very thick wall of thorns. Get caught in one, then you'll be grabbed by the vines and held until the spikes really get you in." Gold warned them.

"Yeesh! And this isn't even Tartarus!" Gilda shook.

"Anyways, beyond the Airship harbor is Stage 4, and 5. Shining is most likely in Stage 5."

"What's with these stages anyways?" Twilight asked. "Are they where they keep the prisoners?"

"Yes, and for each stage, they benefit the Griffon Kingdom."

"What do you mean by benefit?"

As they entered the first stage, they all got a glimpse of the forced labor. Ponies and griffons are chained as they are forced to run on the treadmills. Luffy was also there, fighting off the army of griffons before continuing on. Twilight was about to call Luffy, but was stopped by Gilda.

"What are you doing!?" Twilight questioned.

"Not yet, we're still not seen yet! We need to get as much information as we can before revealing ourselves!" Gilda explained.

"But we already know where Shining is!" Twilight pointed out. "We need to hurry!"

"Alright then Twilight, but remember!" Gold said. "Don't be beaten here. If you're defeated, they'll put you in one of these stages and be forced to do as they say. The chains they have on prevent them from leaving the force field around this place."

"I got it! Thanks!"

"We'll investigate this place until we find what we're looking for." Gold informed her as Twilight ran after Luffy.

"What? I thought escorting Twilight was our mission." Flare inquired.

"There's something much more important here that I must do in order for everything to go into order." Gold explained.





The cameras were eyeing onto Luffy for a while. The chief warden kept his eye on the camera screens as well while giving out orders to halt his intrusion in order for his trap to not be activated until further notice. But things change when one of the griffons noticed something on camera.

"Sir! I see a mare! A unicorn to be specific, without a chain on!" He reported.

"What!? Let me see." He demanded before seeing what was going on. His eyes widened as he recognized the mare easily. With a grin, he understood everything. "It seems as if Twilight Sparkle showed herself, and only bringing Straw Hat with her. It all makes sense now!"

"Sir? What shall we do?"

"Get Venom ready on Stage 3!" He demanded. "And get Electra to go after them from behind! Make a pincer maneuver to prevent them from leaving!"

"Yes sir!" They saluted before they left to do as they were told.

The warden now watched carefully at the targets. His talons were tapping together as his plans when into action.

"There'll be no escape. This trap will be your end Twilight Sparkle."





On Stage 1, Gold was entering the control room, but not before saying something to Gilda and Flare.

"Guard the back until I return." Gold commanded.

"What exactly are you looking for exactly?" Gilda questioned.

"You'll see soon enough." He answered before leaving. Flare and Gilda sat by the door and sighed.

"Is he always like this?" Gilda asked.

"You have no idea." Flare replied before checking up ahead. When she turned her head, she saw Electra coming for them with an electric projectile. She quickly shoved Gilda to the right before moving to the left. After the two dodge Electra's  attack, the ball of electricity exploded. Flare faced off with Electra as she grinned menacingly at her foe.

"Well, well, well, it looks like I found some extra rats with the famous Twilight Sparkle." she quoted.

"Huh?" Gilda mumbled. "Twilight? Did they find her too? But… how do they recognize her so fast?"

"If you know what's good for you, you'll back off!" Flare warned her.

"I always knew that rats backed into a corner were dangerous." She teased followed by a chuckle. "But I can't let you live. You might mess with our plans."

"Bring it on then!" Flare growled.

"Hey, hold on a second!" Gilda yelled.

It was too late to stop. Electra went in with a talon of volts while Flare flew in with a hoof full of fire. The clash causes an explosion, making all the ponies and griffons in the cages scream. They get off the treadmills and hid to the corner, even though the jailers demanded them to get back to work.

Gilda was pushed away by the massive explosion before hitting the dozens of stacked crates. Falling on her, she was stuck under, but well hidden and unseen from the battle. As the two fought, Talon's Hold began to shake at Stage 1.





Luffy had finally arrived in Stage 2. He looked around for more stairs, but found only hundreds of unicorns chained to a machine. The machine had on top, an orb that wires up to the next floor. Sparks of magic discharge went off into the orb as unicorns breathed from their tiresome labor. The jailer griffons hit them to get back to work.

"What is this place?" Luffy wondered. "Ah! No time! I have to get to Stage 5! So, I just have to go up."

"Luffy!" Twilight called out as she raced to him to the second stage. "There you are! I finally caught up with you! Whoa! That was a long run."

"Twilight!" Luffy yelled. "We need to go up! Do you know where the stairs are?"

"I don't know, I've never been here." Twilight said in a deadpan voice. "But if we just look around, we're bound to find it."

Just before they could start searching however, a high pitched scream echoed throughout the room. "WAAAH!"

Luffy and Twilight turned to see from afar, a blue unicorn with a white mane running towards them. The jailer griffons were chasing after her, flying high and about to dive at her.

"We got an escapee! Get another Chain for her!"

"The great and powerful Trixie will not wear those uncomfortable chains again!" she declared.

"TRIXIE!?"  Twilight shouted.
> Chapter 48 - Magic Mystery Metal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Griffons were in hot pursuit as Trixie runs towards Twilight and Luffy. She turned and saw her arch nemesis up ahead. "YOU!!"

"Eh?" Luffy spoke. "Who's she?"

"Uh… Well, she's a… Well, friend wouldn't be the word…" Twilight shrugged.

"Look! It's Twilight Sparkle and Pony D. Luffy!" The jailers pointed out. "Get them!"

Luffy and Twilight jumped before running away as well. The three now ran around the Stage, away from the griffons. Soon, more griffons went in with spears, throwing them at the trio.

"Trixie! What are you doing here!?" Twilight questioned.

"That's the great and powerful Trixie to you!" She sneered. "Trixie was captured for being a valuable asset to Equestria."

"Okay, now be serious." Twilight said, not believing a single word.

"Anyways, who's this? Another one of your underlings?" Trixie questioned.

"That's Luffy, and he's not my underling. He's my friend."

"Aww, did you two get caught on your date?" She teased.

Twilight's face reddened before shouting at her. "NO WAY! We broke in here! We weren't captured!"

"What!? Why would you break in!? Who in their right mind would do that!?" Trixie questioned before a thought came into mind. "D-Don't tell Trixie… You heard that Trixie was captured… and you came to rescue Trixie!!"

"No. We're looking for Twilight's brother." Luffy stated, making Trixie almost trip up.

It wasn't long before they saw griffons closing them in from the front. The trio were now  surrounded with enemies on both sides.

"AH! There's no way out!" Trixie screamed.

"Then we're just gonna have to bust through!" Luffy declared.

"Through that barricade!? It's impossible!" Trixie stated.

Luffy raised an eyebrow at her and said, "Huh… You're not really great or powerful."

Trixie dropped her jaw before scolding back, "Trixie IS! And she'll prove it to you!"

"I can't believe I'm working with her this time." Twilight sighed. "Well, as long as it'll save Shining!"

Trixie and Twilight turned around and shot their magic bolts. The stream of magic hits the crowd of griffons while Luffy stretched his hoof, blowing out the group of jailers ahead as well. He retracted his hoof before Trixie could turn around to gloat.

"See? With the power of the great and powerful Trixie's magic, Twilight's frail abilities were now good enough to defeat-" She paused to see how the lone earth pony knocked out the griffon group ahead. "Wha!? How-"

"Come on! We don't have time Twilight!" Luffy told her.

"Right! Let's go!" Twilight complied, chasing after Luffy. Trixie jumped and went after them.

"Hey! Hold on! The exit's that way!" She pointed out.

"We're not leaving until we find Twilight's brother!" Luffy told her.

"Are you out of your mind!? If you get taken, Twilight will have to work in this place to charge magic for griffons! Do you really want that!?"

"I'm not going either until we find Shining!" Twilight said again.

"A-And you! You want to be powering all of Talon's Hold on a treadmill!? O-Or worse!? They have a lot of exhausting and painful torturing for fools who get captured!"

"Like you?" Luffy wondered.

"TRIXIE WILL BEAT YOU DOWN!" She shouted.

"We're not turning back." Luffy said. "If you want to leave, go ahead."

Trixie huffed and stopped running. "Fine. Trixie thought we can work together, but Trixie can see that you're insistent on throwing your lives away, be my guest!"

"Why does she keep saying her name?" Luffy questioned.

"I have no idea." Twilight replied before continuing on. As Trixie split from the group, she turned to see from the corner where the griffons are in shock of their troops condition.

"What happened!? Did they actually all get beaten!?"
"Send in more back up!"

Trixie backed up from the two in fear. She quickly followed after Twilight and Luffy once again.

"You know what? Trixie has decided to come with you. To… Help save your brother!"

Twilight stared at her in annoyance while Luffy grinned widely. "Great! Which way are the stairs?"





Flare was struggling to get up as Electra had the advantage. The electricity had managed to shock her system, making her dizzy and unable to stay still. She was wobbling back and forth before falling to the floor. Electra laughed as she gloated over her defeat.

"Is that really all you got? Honestly, I expected more of a challenge from you."

The griffons came in and saluted to Electra as Flare could only stay on the ground. Holding the downed mare, Electra points to the cages.

"Give her a chain and place her on the treadmill to power the Hold. I'm going to continue the pincer formation to Twilight Sparkle and Pony D. Luffy."

"Yes mam!" They saluted.

She nodded and flew off to reach the destination. As the griffons were about to do as they were told, Gilda manages to climb out and see them. She carries the box and throws it at the griffon before the other realized of Gilda's presence. Just when he was about to battle, he was carried by levitation. Gilda looked to see Gold returning while using his horn to lift the griffon. Tossing him to the wall and knocking him out, Gold went to Flare and picked her up.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Flare peeks before breathing out, "… Took you… Long enough…"

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Gilda asked.

"Yeah, but it took a lot of work. The control room had just as many guards as the cells in this place."

"That explains why you look a bit beat up." Gilda stated at his bruises and cuts.

Gold chuckled before showing off what he was looking for. "Stage 1 keys. For all the doors in this floor, and all the chains."

"… Don't tell me you're…?" Flare questioned with eyes as thin as needles.

"Gilda! Take care of Flare. I'm sure one of these hundreds of ponies and griffons locked up here should know first aid." He said in triumph as he went to the cages.

Gilda watched him trot off as Flare glared at him and sighed.

"Eccentric my tail. He's just a troublemaker." Flare complained.

"But a break out is just what we needed." Gilda stated. "With all this help, we'll catch up with Luffy and Twilight in no time."





Luffy, Twilight, and Trixie raced through the stairs, they had finally arrived onto Stage 3. Along the way, from Stage 2 through the stairs and into the room they had just arrived, they found out what the machines were powering. Conveyor belts everywhere as well as a chamber of magic. The conveyor belt had metal strolling down, going into chambers of magic. Next to the chamber of magic were the operation system, where the imprisoned ponies and griffons press the buttons and pull the lever. The doors of the chamber close, and the magic flushes in the metal. Once the process was done, the metal comes out with the energy still clinging on. The metal on the conveyor was then sent to a melting pot where the metal melted with its magic, churned into the burning liquid before it went into the processor. There, the imprisoned would be forced to make sure it was melded into the desired item.

Twilight waved her hoof for Trixie and Luffy to follow close. She took each and every note as she analyzed the process that was going on before scanning the items made by the metal so far. Luffy and Trixie sweated as the steam flowed around endlessly.

"Whoa, what is this place?" Luffy wondered.

"If you're a strong prisoner, you're taken here to process the iron they have." Trixie explained.

"What is this stuff?" Twilight wondered. "All these items they've made… armor, necklaces, weapons? They've all been… enchanted!!"

"Well, duh!" Trixie exclaimed. "Don't you see the unicorn magic flowing in!?"

Twilight pats her hoof, understanding what she meant. "Wait… I got it! Stage 1 powers Talon Hold to make all these machines work, Stage 2 harvests unicorn magic, and Stage 3 uses that magic to enchant the metal! Here, they make enchanted gear!"

"Exactly!" Trixie nodded.

"But… What kind of enchantment is it?" Twilight questioned.

"It's usually random. To be stronger, faster, sometimes make certain attributes like ice or fire. Even if you don't have a horn, earth ponies,  pegasus, even griffons can use magic so long as they have the enchanted weapon or attire."

"That explains all those griffons we've been facing!" Twilight thought.

"Generals especially have them. All higher grades of the Griffon Kingdom assure that all generals have the proper gear for battle." Trixie continued. "The all knowing Trixie has managed to hear this from the creator of these machines themselves."

"Fascinating!" Twilight sparkled at the idea.

Luffy stared at them in confusion, tilting his head. Finally, he said, "So… It's mystery metal?"

Twilight slapped her face and said, "Yes, it's mystery metal. And it makes mystery gear."

"Alright then, where's your brother?" Trixie questioned. "He's around here, right?"

"No, he's on Stage 5." Luffy answered.

Trixie drops her jaw, practically screaming at him. "STAGE 5!? ARE YOU MAD!?"

"What!?" Luffy yelled back.

"Stage 5 isn't used to benefit the griffons through the process of enchanted metal. Stage 4 and 5 are used to hold war criminals and get them to give out information through torture. Those who stay in Stage 4 are those who have lost their will while Stage 5 is where they do brutal beatings in order to get the knowledge of their enemies. Sometimes, they do it for fun though."

Twilight shook and began to tear up while being angry at the same time. She stomped her hooves to the next stairs above. Luffy followed after her while Trixie was shocked that they continued to move forward.

"What are you doing!? No matter who your brother is, he can't be worth the trouble of rescuing from Stage 5!"

Luffy and Twilight turned and shoved Trixie to the wall with an expression of hatred. Twilight then leaned to her and said, "Don't you ever say that. My big brother is my family. I'll go to the depths of Tartarus to make him safe."

The two lets go of Trixie as she drops to the floor, fearing the two as they are. Just as their scuffle ended, a new one had come into view. Jailer griffons came and surrounded them, including the ones who were supposed to be watching the imprisoned. Trixie hid behind Twilight as the two were getting ready. The griffons however seemed unprepared.

"Uh, where's Venom?"
"Why didn't he come here!?"
"It doesn't matter! We can get them with numbers!"

The griffons regained their tempo and were about to attack. As Trixie screamed behind Twilight, Luffy walked forward. Battle cries  echoed throughout the room while Luffy looked up with a cold glare. Using his Haoshoku Haki, Luffy easily makes them all fall. Trixie stares at Luffy in disbelief as he walked onward.

"We gotta keep going Twi." He told her.

"Right, let's go." She agreed.

Trixie was still as the red stallion beats the crowd by merely staring at them. She began to wonder what she got herself into. Running through this prison seemed as if it was nothing for these two. Trixie was being reminded of how Twilight surpassed her back in the town, where she was revealed for the fraud she was. Becoming a bit envious, she holds her head up higher and follows them. Having no choice either way, she hopes that they could at least get her free.

Twilight ran as fast as she could with her friend. Luffy was as determined as her to save her brother. Although she has not truly known Luffy through years, she knew him well enough to know he wouldn't just save anyone he didn't know. Maybe he truly cared for his friends. But the way he acted when someone disrespected the place of Shining Armor made her wonder why he was so out of character. Ever since Twilight had told the others of her family connections to Shining Armor, Luffy has become persistent in saving him as much as her. Twilight had to know why.

"Luffy…"

"What is it Twi?" He responded, still focused on the pathway.

"Can you tell me… Why you care so much about Shining?" she asked. "It's not that I don't appreciate it. It's just strange to see you act differently."

"Because he's your brother Twilight." He answered sternly. "Letting him die to you would be the worst. So I'm not gonna let that happen!"

"… Really…?" Twilight spoke in surprise.

Luffy nodded, assuring Twilight that he would be there for her. The violet mare gave a whimpering smile before wiping them to return to the mission. Even though Luffy's answer was straightforward and true to his word, there could've been more to say. How it reminded him of his own attempt to save Ace, and how much this resembled of just that. Right now, it felt as if it was a rematch to the devastating challenge. Something he cannot let Twilight face alone.

How much has Equestria reminded him about the past? His childhood, his adventures, and his family? It has come to the point where Luffy felt as if he had a chance to prove himself. To be able to succeed this time. Even if he can't bring back Ace, he will save Twilight from the despair it would bring.
> Chapter 49 - In a pinch! Twilight falls in the Trap!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"And we're finally here!" Twilight gasped for air. Her long run from the flight of stairs had finally come to an end… for the moment. They now took a view of the airships of the massive area they were in. It was big enough to hold up to ten, but only docked six. The ships design was the same as the previous one they had went against before. This dock of airships also had a seemingly endless row of cargo crates, filled with the hardest wood they can acquire, and the shiniest of metals. The griffons working the ships were jailers and engineers. They were quite busy with their repairing and maintenance.

"This is… The airship harbor." Trixie told them.

"What's the point of this harbor?" Twilight questioned, pointing her hoof towards the wall of vines and thorns. "Those plants are blocking the only way out."

"The all knowing Trixie heard they have a griffon that opens them for the ships to leave and entered."

"Vines? Like the ones outside, right?" Luffy wondered.

"Huh… Oh yeah…" Twilight remembered.





Outside the Talon's Hold, you can see a tower. Looking like the claw of the griffon, reaching up to the heavens as if it was grasping it, the name was now seen as given properly. Strips of thorny vines were tied around the tower as thick clouds make it impossible to see the higher floors. The entrance, once proud to be the blocking of the prisoners, was now but a pile of rubble, allowing anyone to go through. Inside, the first stage formerly holding hundreds of working fugitives, now only have dust and defeated jailers.

On the second Stage, the jailers are regrouping, and went back to their posts. Some lied on the floor to rest. Many were beaten and had lost the strength or morale to continue fighting. Two griffons who were in the mess sat beside each other against the wall, talking about it.

"Three ponies just beat my squad." He sighed. "The higher ups are gonna fire me. Or worse!"

"Don't worry. I bet every griffon here was having a tough time. We won't get the boot." His friend assured him.

"I gotta make sure that doesn't happen again." He declared. Standing up as if he had risen from depression, he then says, "From this day, no, this second! I will make sure no enemy will pass me!"

Gilda then shoves the griffon to the ground, pushing his face into the cement floor. He flies to the wall next to his friend, who was freaking out. She then waved to Flare and Gold, who went into the room with hundreds of pony and griffon prisoners. The jailer dropped his jaw as Gilda stared down at them.

"Try anything, and I will bury you."

"Y-Yes mam!"

Gilda nods, and flies over the horde of angered prisoners. The bottled rage of the imprisoned was now released. It's revenge affected the stages by returning the cruel torture back to the jail. They start breaking into the offices and swarm the jailers. The battle then erupted between the jailers and prisoners. As they fought, Gold went on to unlock the chains of the unicorns of Stage 2. Gilda and Flare met up at the flight of stairs, looking up ahead.

"This is taking too long!" Flare pointed out. "By the time we release all the prisoners, Luffy and Twilight we'll be at Stage 5."

"It's not so bad, trust me." Gilda assured her. "Luffy can take care of himself and Twilight. After all, you did see how strong he was, right?"

Flare sighed, somewhat defeated by the statement. "I guess you're right, but… still…"

"And besides, you should get some rest. That thunder griffon got you pretty good. I'm surprised you're still up."

"I got some doctors to help me out, okay?" Flare stated. "Besides, I'm not going to lose to that griffon again anyways."

As the two looked back to the battle at hand, Gold manages to swim through the pool of enemies. Making it to the other side, Gold brings a jailer griffon with his hoof to his beak before throwing him to the floor. He looks as if he had seen a nightmare. Flare and Gilda stare at him in confusion until he tells them the low down.

"Twilight is in danger."

"What?" They both said in confusion.

"This griffon here just told me about their plan. The worst part is, it's going to happen on Stage 5."

"We're not gonna make it on time to stop her!" Gilda exclaimed.

"Not at this pace! Gold! Me and Gilda are going on ahead! You keep freeing as many prisoners as you can!" Flare proposed.

"Alright then." Gold nodded. "Hurry, they plan to keep Twilight to themselves. Luffy won't be able to protect her from what's coming."

"Okay!" Gilda shouted as she and Flare turned to the stairs. "Let's go!"





The three were escaping from the jailer griffons. The pursuers flied close and ran fast, making the chase a close call. Upon the pathway was a tall doorway. Twilight and Trixie manages to enter the passageway, but Luffy was stopped. What then stood between the two unicorns and Luffy were a thick wall of thorny vines, denying him access.

"What the!?" Luffy yelled. He punches the vines and makes a hole, but it regenerates quickly after his blow. "What's with these mystery plants!?"

"Luffy! Are you alright!?" Twilight asked.

"I can't get through! There's too many plants in the way!" Luffy claimed as he kept punching the vines over and over again.

The griffons who were giving chase, stepped back and made way for another. She wore green plates of armor upon her legs and talons. Her green snake like eyes preyed upon Luffy as she spoke to get the stallion's attention. "You might want to conserve your strength for a real fight." 

Luffy turned and saw the griffon before him. He got into a battle stance with one hoof kicking, showing his eagerness to fight. "Get out of my way!"

"I'm afraid I can't let you go little colt." She grinned, lifting her hoof toward the vine walls.

The plants on the side with Twilight and Trixie then flood the passageway. The two scream and run ahead. Luffy turns to the doorway and calls them.

"Twilight! Are you alright!?"

"They're long gone boy." She claimed. "It's just us now."

Luffy jumped ahead and bashed his hoof against the armor plating of his foe. She lifted her talon, and then came the vines, trying to grab Luffy. He jumped away and rolls to the floor, only to see the vines had followed after him. He ran across the room to evade the plants before turning and attacking the pursuing plants.

"Gomu Gomu no Bazooka!"

The vines burst, but shoot out the thorns before they explode from impact. The thorns nearly cut Luffy if he had not dodged it with a jump into the air. However, he was left wide open as the griffon flew to him quick enough for him not to notice, and slams her talons onto Luffy's chest.

"Thorn Mallet!"

The spiked talons pierce into Luffy, throwing him into the ground, hard. He gets up and looks to the doorway, wondering if Twilight and the other mare was alright, before turning back to the griffon from earlier.

"Susususususu, It's nice to finally have your acquaintance Pony D. Luffy." She spoke with a slithering laugh. She stood tall and elegantly as she introduced herself to her enemy. "I am Laflora. Gatekeeper of the harbor."

"Gatekeeper?"

"I control the plants with the armor, you see." She explained before turning to the huge wall of vines. "I can make the vines open and close for any ship to pass through. As for you, you're not going anywhere."

She then gets the vines to grow all around the two, surrounding Luffy with more thorny traps. Luffy augments his hooves with Haki before stretching them to slam the vines.

"Gomu Gomu no Muchi!" ("Gum Gum Whip!")

The vines were easily beaten, allowing Luffy to get into the offensive. The red stallion rushes forth, fighting Laflora as she rides her vines to get some distance from Luffy. In the battle, Luffy throws his hoof at her.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

"Vine Strike!"

Laflora shoots a vine out just like Luffy's, intercepting his attack on the impact. Luffy then throws more and more punches, as Laflora copies Luffy to match up against his attacks.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Gun!"

"Vine Strike Force!"

Luffy's augmented hooves meet with the vines, and hit on the beat. The countless hits eventually wore out the vines and destroyed the plants. But more grew in and surrounded Luffy.

"Damn it! There's too many plants!" Luffy cursed.

Laflora chuckled lightly as she stood on a vine to carry her up higher. "Just think, you came all this way just to rescue one stallion. How foolish you must feel!"

"I don't regret rescuing Twilight's brother!" Luffy told her. "We're gonna break him out."

Laflora began to laugh hysterically. "Sususususususu! You really think Shining Armor is here?"

"What are you talking about!?"

"Shining was escorted to Scraper City already. He's been there for days!"

"… What…!?"

"We only set up all this up along with that rumor for the mare! Twilight Sparkle!" She announced.

"What do you want to do with Twilight!?" He questioned angrily.

From the back, where the stairs to the next floor was, a voice yelled across the room. Electra was seen nearing the entrance to the next floor. She yelled to Laflora, "Move your vines! I'm going to attack Twilight Sparkle from this side!"

"Of course." Laflora replied, moving the vines away for a moment to let her ally cross. It closes once more, and Luffy became worried.

"Twilight!" Luffy yelled, running to the door, but was stopped by the vines. He turned to Laflora, raising a horde of the thorny plants, aiming at the red stallion.

"Don't struggle so much. It's bad for your health."

"If you don't get out of my way…" He growled. "Then I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"Good luck."

"Gear Second."

Luffy then rushes in, diving practically through the vines. He reappeared in front of Laflora with his hoof stretched back and in its augmented state. Fire blazed, shocking Laflora and leaving her frozen in the state of awe. The attack hits, and the fiery punch burns deep, easily flaring all the vines around it.

"Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk!"





Stage 4 - The caged

Twilight and Trixie walk upon the semifinal stage. They look at the cages around them. Some rooted to the floor, others dangling from the ceiling by lines of chains. The two look around for a moment to gaze at the horror.

"Imagine being stuck here for the rest of your life." Trixie shuttered at the thought. "Trixie is glad she was not here. They seem to be tortured in other ways."

"What an awful place." Twilight muttered. "Shining… I'm almost there…"

Just as they moved on, someone from the cages shouted.

"Hey! You two! Over here!" Someone called. "Look brother! They're not those cheating jailor griffons! They're ponies! Like us!"

"Really Flim?" He replied in astonishment.

"Yes Flam! Hey! Over here!"

Twilight gave a surprised expression as she walked near the cage to see the familiar faces. "The Flim Flam brothers?"

"AH! And you're… Oh… The pony who's friend with that stubborn old apple." Flim huffed.

"Now, now brother, be nice. Any help will do in our situation." Flam reminded him.

"Why are you two here?" Twilight questioned. "I thought this floor was for war prisoners."

"Not just war prisoners dearie! We're designers of the great contraptions of Stage 1 through 3! We're the inventors of enchanted metal!" Flim explained.

"YOU'RE THE ONES WHO MADE THOSE AWFUL THINGS!?" Trixie shouted. "Do you know how much Trixie had to suffer through all that!?"

"We were told that if we did it, we'll be spared from the prison!" Flam told her. "But after we did, they threw us in the slammer anyways!"

"Serves you right." Trixie sneered.

"Hey!" Another voice shouted. "Over here!"

"Honey? What is it?" his partner spoke.

"Our ticket out of here!" He responded. "Hey! come on! Help us out and we can escape with an airship! We know how to drive one!"

"We don't have time for this!" Twilight told Trixie. "I want to help, but I don't have the keys. You all will just have to wait until my friends get here! They'll be able to get you out."

"Hey! You! Purple mare!" Another called, waving his hoof out through the bars. "Behind you! Watch out!"

"Huh?" Twilight responded before seeing an electric griffon. As she suddenly shot lightning, Twilight managed to come up with an energy bubble quickly. The electric blast bounces off, and the two gaze at Electra.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Twilight Sparkle."

"How'd you… I'm not on any of the wanted posters…" Twilight spoke.

"We know a lot about your interesting life with Princess Celestia." Electra explained.

Twilight's eyes shrunk as Trixie dropped her jaw. "What do you have to do with Celestia!?"

"W…What's going on!?"

"Twilight!?" The same voice that saved her called out. "Your name is Twilight Sparkle!?"

"W-Why!?" Twilight responded.

"Get out of here! This is all a trap!"

"It's too late for that!" Electra exclaimed as she created a wall of electricity, forbidding them from returning downstairs. The two unicorns fled to the stairs, running from the powerful griffon. The one who called for her slammed the bars tirelessly again and again.

"NO! It's a trap! Don't go in any further! Listen to me!"

But no avail. Twilight ran until she was blocked off by Venom. The purple griffon breathed out his gas, forcing Twilight to make the bubble once more. The gas surrounds her and Trixie as she attempts to hold the outside forces for as long as she could. But Twilight's magic would not last forever. She struggled against the tide upon her.
> Chapter 50 - Turn the Tables! Type Match up Advantage!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Hundreds of vines rose up high around Luffy. Within the time they gone up, they then practically tore apart as each were given a fast punch. Luffy kept going as Laflora was trying to keep the same pace. All the while, she tried to throw Luffy off his game.

"By now, she can be poisoned!" She teased. "Or electrocuted! Or both!"

A solid punch went to Laflora, pushing her back. She looks up at the furious stallion as he tells her, "Twilight won't lose!"

"Can you be so sure? Can she really take on our top class attribute users? I bet she couldn't even fight the attribute users we sent after you all this time!"

"Shut up!" Luffy shouted as another raging punch flew in. Laflora jumped up and brought with her a dozen pointy vines, tipped with razor sharp thorns. She lunged them at the red stallion, who wasn't able to dodge in time.

"Thorn Bouquet!"

"Solar Flare: Sun Storm!"

Fiery meteors then shot at the plants, burning them to a crisp. Laflora backs off from the fire and sees another challenger showing up. Luffy turns to see Flare and Gilda has caught up with him. Laflora stares out her new foes, regrouping before her.

"Gilda! Flare!" Luffy spoke.

"Luffy, where's Twilight!?" Gilda questioned.

"She went up ahead!"

"What!? Why didn't you go after her!?"

"Because of her." Flare answered as she pointed to the doorway. "It's covered in thorny vines. This one seems to be able to manipulate plants very easily."

"Luffy! We have to get to Twilight! They set up a trap! All of this is a trap! Shining Armor isn't even here!"

"I know." Luffy growled. "That jerk plant bird told me."

"You don't have time to waste Luffy." Flare told him. "Rescue Twilight and let's get out of here as soon as possible. I don't want to stay here any longer if our objective isn't in Talon's Hold."

"And what makes you think I'll let you pass?" Laflora questioned.

"You griffons may have new armor to introduce new skills, but don't forget that fire burns plants." Flare reminded her as she shoots a bolt of fire to the door. The plants were burned down to ashes, and the passageway was now open. Flare looked to Gilda and Luffy as she said, "Go! I'll handle this!"

"Right! Let's go Gilda!" Luffy told her.

The two made their way to the door. Along the way, Laflora unleashed more of her plant havoc, but a fire wall shielded the two from the plants. Laflora glares at Flare as the two were about to face off. Luffy turned back and said, "Thanks for the help!"

"No problem."

Luffy nodded and went on ahead. Laflora grits her beak as she said, "You just had to get in the way, didn't you!?"

"Well of course." Flare said nonchalantly. "I'm trying to be noticed by that boy, so he'll owe me one back."

The green griffon raised an eyebrow and asked, "And why is that?"

"To prove that I'm a much more worthy apprentice than that shy mare in the poster."





Gold and his army of prisoners made their way to Stage 3, and freed the crowd of ponies and griffons, all while pushing the jailors back even further. By the time they finished up, the army had come to a full stop, resting in the room of enchanted metal. Gold inspects the material carefully while his new comrades treat the ill and injured. After much checking with his peers, he turns to them.

"Is this… metal magic?" Gold questioned.

"Yes. Using our magic, they harvested our power to enchant the metal. The process works from Stage 1 to 3. Stage 1 powers the facility by making prisoners run on the treadmill, except for unicorns. Unicorns push magic energy into the machines, harvesting the energy for this Stage. Stage 3, they use the magic to enchant the metal, which is at the same time, processed to make enchanted metal, powered up to be used by the griffon commanders."

"How crafty of them to use the prisoners as slaves." Gold thought to himself. "This metal must be very useful."

"Hey! You! Captain of the Royal Army!" A griffon prisoner called, running to him with a crowd of other prisoners. They were jogging with tired expressions and worn out bodies.

"Yes, what is it?"

"These prisoners who you've rescued before, were trying to escape through the very bottom layer, the lobby. But then they got there, they saw all the jailor griffons had regrouped there. They're not even trying to chase the prisoners anymore."

"Now that's certainly disturbing." Gold stated. "Why would the griffons stop trying to retake the prisoners?"

"They basically barricaded us in. They have their entire staff on guard in the very first floor. The only way out now is either through the harbor with the wall of vines."

"But like said, the wall of vines have us trapped. We'll need Flare to burn it all down." Gold thought. "Still, what are they planning? What good would it do to send your entire force to guard? It doesn't make sense if they were trying to capture us…"

"Either way, it gives us a chance to regroup." a prisoner pointed out. "We can rest up. A lot of the young ponies and griffons can be treated for any ailment they had from working for so long. Some of the injured have to be given attention too. It would be the best way to use the time of peace."

"I guess so. Right now, I'm looking for two ponies. One of them isn't here, but I'm sure the other one is."

"Who exactly?"

"A good friend who went to the Royal Guard under Shining Armor's command. He knows how to get to Scraper City, so that's why he's my top priority."

"Scraper City!? You're not thinking about going to…!"

The army of prisoners looked at Gold with shock expressions. If they were going to Scraper City now, that could only mean that they were about to participate in something deadly. Only one could speak the word of what they were heading into.

"War."





Venom and Electra looked around as they were surrounded by dozens of Twilights and Trixies. They attempted to attack them, but for each copy they hit, it vanished into thin air. The two griffons looked around for the real unicorns, but it proved difficult with how real they were.

"The blue one was using illusions." Venom huffed. "We need to take her out first."

"Just poison the place to weed them out!" Electra suggested.

"Sparkle is able to create a shield to block it out." Venom reminded her.

"Then we'll just keep destroying these fakes until the real ones show up!"

The two proceeded to their assault, smashing and obliterating the illusions. Near the door to the next floor, Trixie and Twilight were breathing slowly. They kept quiet and hidden from the griffons before hatching their next plan.

"Alright, Trixie will buy you some time. You go help your brother." She told her.

Twilight nodded and smiled gratefully. "Thanks Trixie. This means a lot."

"Just so you know, this is as far as Trixie will go!" She declared. "Trixie is going to find the keys to unlock the cage to those griffons that can drive those airships. After that, Trixie and her accomplices will be leaving! So farewell!"

Trixie ran from the corner and headed out, looking for the room with the keys. Twilight looked to her goal. The stairway lead to what she believed where her brother is. She races up quickly now having the chance to rescue Shining.

Right after she left, The griffons turned and saw Trixie. They shot their poison and lightning to stop her at her tracks. Trixie jumps, and loses focus on her spell, causing the copies to disappear.

"There's the real one!" Electra shouted.

"You have a lot of nerve playing tricks with us like that." Venom hissed. "Now, once we get rid of you, that will be the end of all of your meddling."

"T-Trixie wasn't meddling! Trixie was simply putting on… a show?" she claimed.

As the two were ready to execute the blue unicorn, Gilda flew with Luffy riding on her back. Gilda threw him as he pulled out both hooves to yank the necks of the two griffons along with him.

"Gomu Gomu no Kama!" ("Gum Gum Sickle!)

Dragging the two griffons down to the floor, Gilda went to Trixie with a raised eyebrow. Trixie also was confused by the griffon assisting the red stallion. At the same time, they said…

"Who are you?"

"Ah! Such insolence!" Venom hissed before raising himself from the ground. "But at least we don't have to go looking for the colt causing so much problems!"

"Hey! Tricky! Where's Twilight!?" Luffy yelled.

"It's TRIXIE! The great and powerful Trixie!"

"Wait, she was with you!?" Gilda spoke. "Where'd she go!?"

"She went up ahead to rescue her brother or something." Trixie shrugged.

Luffy and Gilda's eyes shrunk into pinpricks. "WHAT!?"

"So Sparkle went up ahead huh?" Electra grinned. "We've done our part. Now let's take out the trash."

Gilda and Trixie moved back as Luffy went forward. As the griffon duo attacked, Trixie quickly warned him. "Watch out! One of them casts lightning and the other makes poison!"

"Luffy!" Gilda shouted.

As lightning suddenly struck Luffy, a great flash came and blinded everyone. Trixie and Gilda opened their eyes, stunned by what seemed to be the quick defeat of the red stallion. But as the blinding light went away, the smoke clears and shows Luffy completely fine. Everyone was still, staring at the undamaged colt. It was only a second later another strike was given, up close this time.

"Taser Claw!"

Another electrical attack touches Luffy, this time point blank. As the attack clears off, Luffy remains unaffected. She stepped back, sweating at this anomaly.

"W-What is this trickery!? Another illusion!?"

"WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?" Trixie screamed at the sight. "That's no ordinary pony to survive something like that!"

"That's right…" Gilda held her head to her own idiocy. "I forgot that he's made of rubber! Lightning can't hurt him."

"Rubber?" Venom muttered.
"Rubber!?" Trixie exclaimed.
"A rubber pony!?" Electra said in shock.

"Well, if lightning doesn't affect you, then…" Venom's armor then released a large batch of toxic gas out, flooding the air. Gilda grabbed Trixie to back away from the gas. Luffy attempted to get away, but was grabbed by Electra by the hind leg.

"You're not going anywhere!" She said sadistically before throwing him into the poison gas.

"LUFFY!" Gilda shouted. 

"There's no way out of these toxic fumes!" Venom said within the cloud of poison. "Once you take a whiff, you're as good as dead Pony D. Luffy!"

Gilda and Trixie land awat from Venom and his poison. Stepping back, Trixie is on the verge of running from this bleak situation. Gilda however stays, wondering if Luffy made it. She wonders what she could do to help him once the smoke clears. Seeing her scratching the floor, ready to dive  in, Trixie placed her hoof onto Gilda's shoulder to stop her.

"That's poison gas." Trixie pointed out. "Being rubber may mean he's immune to lightning, but poison? He's as good as gone. There's no point in trying to help him from here."

"I'm not giving up on him." Gilda declared. "He sure didn't give up on me or any pony else. I gotta be there for him if he needs me."

"Are you sure he'll be willing to do the same for you in these circumstances?!" Trixie questioned.

"Maybe more." Gilda replied without batting an eye. Trixie watched as this highly dedicated griffon or foolish bird prepares to throw away her life for the red stallion. But just as the cloud of smoggy poison cleared, Gilda, Trixie, and Electra watched from afar. As they finally see the two, Venom was stepping away from Luffy.

"W-What is this!? T-The poison should have killed you!"

"I guess I can't get poisoned." Luffy shrugged.



Electra turned to Venom, quickly deciding the next move.

"This could mean trouble!" Electra told her partner. "I didn't expect to run into something like this!"

"Let's go secure Sparkle and move onto the next phase of the plan!" Venom commanded.

The two escaped, urging Luffy to follow after them. He gave chase, making it futile for Gilda to stop him.

"Luffy! Hold on!" She shouted. "Ugh, there he goes, running off again."

"This gives you and Trixie chance to escape!" She suggested. "Help Trixie release the prisoners in this floor! If we have all of them with us, we'll be sure to escape! There are even two griffons that know how to pilot the airship! Trixie and the others will steal one, and get the hay out of here!"

"What's with the way you talk?" Gilda wondered. "Seriously, you use the word I in your life? Anyways, if they can help, fine. Where are the keys?"

"Trixie was about to go get them. You keep watch while Trixie retrieves them."

As Trixie left, Gilda walked over to the prisoners. The caged ponies and griffons stood in joy, hearing what was too good to be true. They spoke in jovial voices, eager to escape and possibly plot revenge.

"We're getting out!? You hear that brother?"
"Yes I did! I did hear that!"
"It's too good to be true!"
"Thank Celestia! Now I can get back at those griffons!"

"Hold your horses!" Gilda shouted. "We don't need to you make any more of a riot than we need. After we let you loose, you all have to do as I say. That way, we can all make it out, alright?"

"Yes! Whatever you say!" A griffon spoke.

"I just want to sail far away from this place!"

Gilda paused as she listened to the voices carefully. She turned to where the voice came from, and saw two griffons. One old male, and one old female. Although at first glance, Gilda didn't notice anything until she saw the golden piercings they had. Their talons had a bracelet of gold, and on the male griffon's head was an old bandana. She then realized who it was. As she walked up to them, the griffons smiled to their savior.

"Thanks missy! After this, we're gonna sail right out of here!"

"Yeah. We'll make sure of-" The female stopped as she glanced at Gilda. Tilting her head, she thought of something. "You look… familiar."

"That's not surprising…" Gilda said with an expression of disgust. The griffon couple took a while before they had an idea of who Gilda was. Before they could even speak, their faces grow fearful of who it may be.

Gilda gritted her teeth as she managed to spit the words to those griffons. "Mom… Dad…"
> Chapter 51 - Poison, Water, and Electricity! Magic Gear Upgrade!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight enters the top floor of the prison with tired hooves and heavy panting. She scans the room carefully, looking for her brother. The room having humongous canisters of water and a platform above, she raises and eyebrow wondering what to make of all this. She steps closer and closer to see that there was no one else in the room. Only her and another figure exiting the shadows between the water storages.

"Twilight Sparkle, so glad you could make it up here alive." Steel Guard welcomed with sarcasm spilled onto his words. "I did hope to meet you under… the standards of our facility…"

"In chains like every pony else?" Twilight sneered.

"Well, that would certainly make things easier on our end." He chuckled lightly. "But even with your powerhouse of a crew, you won't be able to escape what we had in store for you."

"That doesn't matter right now. What I need to know is where Shining is!"

"Shining Armor?" He spoke nonchalantly. "Well, he's not here. He was sent away for quite a while now."

"Wha…What…!?" Twilight muttered, eyes shrinking in confusion.

"We sent him off to Scraper City to ready for his part."

"What… What do you mean!?"

"You tried to hide it. You did very well, but we dug up whatever information we could on you lot. Shining Armor has a lot of connections. The older brother of you, Twilight Sparkle, who also is the student of Princess Celestia. What else did we know? He has so many connections, to even Princess Cadence!"

"Princess… Cadence…!?"

"We plan to use him to lure out the perfect hostage."

"You're using my brother as bait!?" Twilight shouted in anger. "How could you!?"

"He plays his part so perfectly, how could we not? Besides, it worked on you."

Twilight gritted her teeth as she began to step back. Turning quickly, she makes her way for the exit. Steel Guard flies high and shoots his metallic feathers onto Twilight. She is not injured, but the feathers restrain her to the floor. Steel Guard grins at the downed unicorn as she tries to shake off the feathers.

"Urgh! Why can't I get out?"

"These feathers have been turned into metal, thanks to my armor. The unicorns magic certainly is useful. Look what your kind has been able to do for me."

"When my friends get here, you'll be sorry!"

"Your friends… Ah, that's right." He placed his talon under his beak and smiled. "Well, seeing how we have enough enchanted metal to supply the army, we no longer need these prisoners."

"What are you talking about!?"

"With our most powerful griffons of the prison, we're planning to eradicate all rebels in the prison in one fell swoop."

Steel Guard went to one of the massive canisters of water and placed his talon on the metal hull. Turning his claw into a steel fist, he punctures the canister, letting the water slowly flood out. It took a moment to realize what he was planning to do.

"One of the three deaths you'll most likely have will be drowning. With Electra and Venom, your friends will also be electrocuted and poisoned."

"You can't be serious…!" Twilight whimpered. "You can't do that to every pony!"

"Watch us." He replied. Looking up to the doors, he sees Electra and Venom coming into view. "Ah, right on time!"

"No!" Twilight yelled.

The two griffons were flying in from the door. Steel Guard smiled warmly and greeted his comrades.

"Welcome back you two-"

Suddenly, two hooves stretched and slammed to the faces of Electra and Venom. Steel Guard paused as he watches the two get thrown off by the rubbery pony. Twilight tears up as she sees Luffy come to the rescue. He was flowing with anger as he finally sees Twilight trapped by Steel Guard. Luffy then rushes in with another punch behind him.

"GET YOUR CLAWS OFF OF TWILIGHT!!" He shouted.

Steel Guards body then turned completely metal with spikes coming from his very skin.

"Try and hit me you brat!" Steel Guard challenged.

Using Haki, Luffy launched his augmented hoof to the stomach of the griffon, hurting him deep inside. He was then thrown to the canister of water, now opened and adding to the water in the room. Luffy used his mouth to take off all the feather restraints off of Twilight. Picking her up, he asks…

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Twilight assured him before looking at him to the eye. "Shining isn't here… and there's more."

"I know. The plant girl told me already."

"Did you know about the trap they have for every pony too?" Twilight quickly asked.

"… Trap?"

"They're planning to flood the whole prison! Then electrocute them! Then poison them!"

"Oh, you mean that zappy and purple smoke bird? Yeah, they can't do that to me."

"Wait… You're immune to their powers!?"

"Yeah, looks like it."

"… The electricity, I understand. But what about the poison?"

"Don't know. Maybe it's because of that Magellan guy."

"What… Who?"

"Electra! Venom!" Steel Guard called from the water canister above. Luffy and Twilight turned to the direction of the voice and saw the three quickly plotting their next move.

"Venom, you know what to do. Get down there! Electra, release the water."

The two did as they were told. Venom opened a secret elevator for one and gets going to the bottom floor, making sure the metal doors were shut tight. Electra releases the water, letting it all into the room. Luffy and Twilight's hooves are now wet and in water up to their hoof.

"We're not in a good position here… we have to get out of here!" Twilight alerted Luffy.

"Now Electra, get to the water!" Steel ordered.

Twilight's eyes shrunk as she turned to see Electra reaching the water. The touch of the claw enters the water and the electric currents start to flow. 





After the prisoners were released, they stood still and watched what seemed to be a huge feud. Gilda was before her long lost parents, and at the moment, it was not a family reunion anyone would want on their claws. Still behind bars, the mother and father are still shocked by what they see before them.

"Gilda! You're... Alive!!" The mother said.

"Yeah, surprise, surprise, huh?" Gilda retorted.

"T-That's not what she meant..." The father claimed.

"Oh please! Save the sweet talk for your next sea scam!" Gilda snapped back. "After leaving me to fend for myself, I bet your pretty scared being in a tight spot like this, huh?"

"I'm NOT afraid of you!" The father shouted.

Gilda slams her claw into the bars, bending it to a curve. She gives a deep glare into their eyes. "You should be."

"You've gotten stronger..." The mother pointed out. "I guess you aren't so useless after all."

"Like you two can do anything." Gilda sneered. "When were you taken anyways? Heck, you were in a flying ship! How'd they catch you?"

The two sighed and looked down in shame. "We were being watched. Ever since we left for Equestria, an agent was sent to keep an eye on us. We found out after we left for the seas on the first day. They locked up our crew somewhere and took our ship to remake over and over again."

"So that's why they had them!" Gilda realized. "They stole your plans!"

"Those sniveling thieves are going to pay for stealing MY design!" The mother cursed.

"I thought we were going in the low so we won't be in anymore of this stupid prison crap!"

The mother grabbed her partner by the fluff and said, "They stole MY plans! MINE! WE were the only ones who were going to raid in the air! No pony, no griffon, NO ONE at ALL!"

Shoving the father away, she says, "Once I get an airship, then I'll be satisfied. They blew off our bird once they were done snagging the blueprints! So I say we get something for our insurance."

"What are you doing!" Trixie scolded as she ran to Gilda. "Why haven't you set them free yet!? The great and powerful Trixie needs them to drive an airship out of this dump of a prison!"

Gilda raised an eyebrow and turned to the two. "Is that true?"

The two nodded fiercely to their daughter. Gilda sighed as she placed the key in and freed the two. "Alright, but I swear to Celestia, if you even THINK about pulling a fast one on me or my friends, you're gonna get it for sure."

The mother paused before looking up to the stairs. She closed her eyes for a moment before she drops her jaw in shock. "Unicorns! Block those stairs! NOW!"

"What!?" Trixie spoke. "You are to take orders from Trixie! Not-"

"NOW!" She demanded once more.

The handful of unicorns jumped and rushed to the stairway leading upstairs. Using their magic, they create a wall. It wasn't long before a flood of water rushes and hits the archway. If it weren't for the decision of blockading it, then the whole room would've been flooded.

"What the hay is that!?" the father questioned.

"They were going to flood us out." the mother answered. "We better get moving if we're going to escape."

"TWILIGHT! LUFFY!" Gilda screamed. She grabbed her parents and said, "My friends are up there! We're not leaving just yet!"

"They're as good as dead! There's no way they're gonna make it-"

"They won't make it if we just stand here! Think of something!"

The mother groaned before closing her eyes once more. A moment passes and she gives the lowdown. "I was able to sense two ponies and two griffons. The two are wet, but out of the water... for now. As for the griffons, they have the advantage. The room they're in isn't completely filled with water, but the passageway down is flooded. So unless you're able to go up there real fast, no one is able to help them."

"I'm fast." A stallion of orange with wings approaches them with eagerness to help. "Allow me to aid in the rescue. I won't let Twilight die here."

"And who're you?" Gilda questions.

"My name... Is Rusher."





The crowd with Gold were practically outraged. Those who were with Gold on his idea stood guard to protect him. They still rebel against the idea.

"I can't go to war! I'm like... seventeen!"
"I won't survive!"
"You can't be serious!"

"I'm sorry for dragging you all into this!" Gold apologized. "I of course don't want to send mere minors to a war. For now, you just have to trust me and follow my plan. There are airships upstairs. If we can take them, then we'll be able to get you on an airship to safety."

"How can we trust you!?"
"Yeah! You're still a desperate soldier looking for others to fight with you!"

"Believe what you want. My way is the only way out of this prison."

"We can also go down and just bust out through the guards." Some pony suggested. "Some on fellas."

As half of them went to the archway leading to the stairs down, Gold called out to them. "Wait! Don't go there!"

"We don't have to listen to you-"

They stopped and looked down the stairs to see a purple fog rolling in. The ponies and griffons screamed and ran back up and behind Gold Shield. He grits his teeth, thinking this would happen. "I knew they were acting funny! They're sending toxic fumes up the tower!"

"AAAH! WHAT DO WE DO!?"

"Every pony! Listen up!" Gold shouted. "If you want to live, you better do as I say! This is NOT a game! Now haul your plots up those stairs and FIND THOSE AIRSHIPS, NOW!"

They did as told and ran away. Gold ran too before noticing a box of armor on the floor. He looks back and forth from the poison to the box, and decides to take a chance. Levitating the box of armor, he runs up the stairs with the others.

"I wonder what this is...?"





Luffy and Twilight held onto their dear lives upon the tanks as the room gets flooded in. Electra gives another bolt of lightning to Twilight, forcing Luffy to stretch and grab her before it hits. As Twilight was thrown up higher to safety, Luffy took the moment to try and hit Electra.

"Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

"Not gonna happen bub!" Electra sneered before dodging the blow. She was about to cut it clean off if Luffy hadn't retracted it in time. Steel Guard came in from behind however and slams Luffy to the water.

"LUFFY!" Twilight screamed. She uses her magic to levitate him towards a platform above the water. The red pony rolls and gasps heavily.

"Damn it! It's hard to fight in here." He pointed out. "I need to hurry up..."

"Gear Second!"

Dashing through, he dunks Steel into the water almost immediately. Electra sweats a bit as she was about to get hit next. She decides to dive down, and avoid Luffy altogether. He huffed as he got back to the platform.

"Aw geez, she ran away!" Luffy huffed.

Electra swam underneath the platform and then blasted the thing to smithereens. Luffy, completely fine from the attack, was however no longer on any platform. He was falling towards the water once more. Twilight was about to use her magic to rescue him, but Steel returned and grabbed Luffy into the water even faster.

"Luffy!"

Trying to hold his breath, Luffy tries to swim up. Unable to do anything, Electra and Steel then began their counter attack. They bashed him from left and right, not letting him off at all. Once he had taken enough damage, they let Luffy continue his suffering in the abyss. Twilight's eyes shrunk as she can no longer see him from up the canister. With what bravery she had left, she dives into the water, but not before using another spell.

"Air Bubble!"

A sphere of air surrounds Twilight and allows her to enter the water freely. She spots Luffy and quickly goes to him. Once in the air bubble as well, Luffy coughed and looked to Twilight.

"Thanks..." He gasped.

"Don't think you're safe yet!" Steel told them. "We have you surrounded. You're outmatched!"

Twilight breathed long huffs of air before coming up with an idea. She looks to Luffy and says, "We should combine our strengths. I'll need you to carry me if this is going to work. Is that okay?"

"Sure! Whatever you say!" Luffy replied. He puts Twilight on his back, and she holds on as tight as she could.

"Alright, ready?"

"Ready!"

Luffy hits the floor with his hoof in the second gear pose. However, another move is pulled out instead.

"Magic Gear!"

"What foolishness are they doing now?" Steel wondered.

The air bubble disappears, causing Luffy to panic. "ACK! Twilight! The bubble!"

When the water touches Luffy, he then realizes something. The water is touching him, but he unaffected! Luffy looks at his body and becomes amazed. "Whoa... WHOA!! I'm in the water!"

"I'm using my magic to take away the water's energy when it touches you. It's taking a lot of energy from me, but if I focus, we'll be fine." Twilight explained. "I'm giving you all the energy I have for now. The rest is up to you."

"Alright!" Luffy spoke. He turned to his foes and kicks the floor, ready to continue the fight. "Let's go!"

"So he can move in water." Steel sneered. "No big deal. Electra, finish him!"

"With pleasure!"

Electra dashes to Luffy with a claw imbued in high voltage. With a strike to Luffy's chest, the lights spark.

"Lightning Claw!"

"I told you! That won't work on me!" Luffy shouted as he lifts Electra above him. He sends in a barrage of punches at rapid fire. Once shot out of the water, Electra is sent flying while Luffy continues to punch at the fast pace.

"Gomu Gomu no Gatling Geyser!"

Shots of piercing water goes and hits Electra over and over until she hits the ceiling. It was over once the roof breaks off with Electra flying from the tower. Luffy retracts his hooves and checks on Twilight. She breathes heavily, trying to keep focus.

"You okay?"

"I'm okay... Just focus on the fight Luffy..." She mutters.

Nodding, the red pony turns to Steel who has had enough. His eyes turn red as his rage is at the peak. "Getting in the way of my perfect plan... how rude..."

He pulls out a long blade, longer than any normal sword. With one swing, he demonstrates his fast swordplay and it's power. The slash cuts all of the canisters and releases all of the water. "Be it drowning or bleeding, you will fall here, Pony D. Luffy."

"Gear Second!"

The two clash once more, and the tower quakes of the battle. Time is running out as the poison climbs up the tower and the prisoners are in need of escaping! Will Twilight and Luffy end the fight in time before they leave? And will Flare be able to take down Laflora in time?

Only time will tell.
> Chapter 52 - Talon's Hold End! Board the Airship to freedom!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The prisoners rush up the stairs as quickly as they could, running from the poison clouds behind them. With only fear deep in the mind, they run blindly unaware of the fight going on in the next room. The smell of smoke causes some to cough, and the red lights with a tiring heat wave wraps around their fur. It didn’t take long once they reached the room to see a battle take place. The embers dance around in the air as they sizzle into the floor. The prisoners didn’t know what to do, and were desperate for a way out.

Commander Gold Shield returns from the depths below and manages to reach the prisoners. He turns to see the purple clouds following him at an uncomfortable distance. Looking at the prisoners with a mix of Pegasus and griffons, he sets up an idea.

“Pegasus! Griffons! With me! We will use the gust of our wings to blow the toxic smog back!” He suggested with gusto. “If we can make some more time to live, I’m sure my comrades will make an escape way for sure!”

Not willing to complain, they did it almost immediately. The griffons and Pegasus with proud and broad wings took the back and flapped as hard as they could. The winds push the poison back, and the prisoners roared with happiness. Gold Shield turned to Flare as she was fighting Laflora. As the vine reaches to her, she simply brushes a flame off and burns the vine into a crisp.

Laflora stepped back as she was losing energy to continue the fight. Flare took the chance and shoots a burst of fire, and finally knocking Laflora out. Flare heavily breathes as she lied down on the ground. She turns to Gold as he pets her mane. She chuckles some as she says…

“What took you so long?”

“I just had to round up a few things.” Gold scoffed. “I should be questioning you. She was using plants. How could you take so long to beat some pony using, plants?”

“Sir, if I may, she was extremely dodgy.” She claimed. “She kept blocking and dodging and everything. She was going over the top to stay alive.”

“Hmm… If you say so.” Gold smiled as he rolled his eyes. Flare shoved him some in retaliation to his teasing. Another chuckle passes before Gold looks up for something more serious.

“How is Luffy and Twilight?”

“Still waiting on them.”

“Something tells me that they’re in trouble.” Gold assumes as he strokes his chin. “But as we are now, we should do our part here in the harbor. I’m going to get the prisoners to secure us a boat. Flare, you should get ready to burn a hole through that wall of vines before we head out.”

“Just give me a minute sir.” She says.

“That should be enough time. Once the airships are secured, I’ll go upstairs to check on them.”





“The electricity dissipated.” The female griffon spoke. “It should be safe to go in.”

“How can you tell?” Gilda questioned her mother.

“The one who was causing them was taken out. I don’t sense her presence anymore.”

Gilda raised an eyebrow at her mother’s ability. “Presence?”

“Unlike a land walker like you, traveling around the seas can earn you some pretty useful skills.” She grinned. “Haki is something difficult to practice.”

“Fluttershy got it down pretty fast to knock every pony out with it.” Gilda retorted.

“Is it safe to go in yet?” Rusher asked.

“Yes.” She answered. “The unicorns will open a way for you in. Just go get them, get out, and we run like we’re in Tartarus.”

“Alright then.” He nodded as he walked to the flooded archway. The walls of magic show an abyss beyond the safety that is the walls. The pounding of the fight going on shakes the stairway, making bubbles flow from the cracks being made. Rusher steps closer and kicks his hooves to the floor. “In 12 seconds, I’ll be back.”





Luffy and Twilight brace for their life as the water shoves them from wall to wall. Steel Fort swims in the water, controlling the waves with his mass and causing the two to crash to the metal wall of the water tanks.

“How long do you think you can stand this barrage?” Steel questioned. “By now, you must be at the limit of your life!”

Twilight is urged to let go from the powerful waves, but Luffy grabs her hoof and stares to her eyes. “We can’t give up yet!” Luffy told her. “We need to go to Shining and save your brother!”

Her eyes widen and she holds on tighter, pumping in more magic than before. The waves continue to shove to and fro, making the duo spin along with the whirlpool.

“Even if you make it out, you’ll face the odds of hundreds of high ranked griffons! Those with powers like you see today! Those who will only need to take a moment to see their enemies before they are killed off! You’ll never make it out, and Shining Armor will STILL die!”

Luffy stretches his hoof to the ground and punches his hoof into it. Reeling himself in, the two glared at Steel Fort as they ready their attack. With his other hoof stretching across the room in the Second Gear phase, he arms himself with Armament Haki. Fire illuminates the dark room of water along with Twilight’s horn, now powering Luffy’s hoof. The flaming attack shoots forward and hits Steel Fort as he passes by their range.

Gomu Gomu no Impact Hawk!

The fierce attack blows Steel Fort to the water tanks, crashing him deep in. His armor was broken to pieces, and he finds himself too injured to continue fighting. He was stuck, and couldn’t give pursuit in rebellion. All he saw was the water below him.

“C-Curses… What… What is this power…!?”

Luffy sighs in relief and turns to Twilight. “Okay… let’s get out of-”

Suddenly, the water now weakened Luffy like it did before. He was now drowning. In confusion, he turns to Twilight, who was now unconscious. Reaching to her, he tries to give aid, but his vision became faint. As things seem to be at loss, an orange stallion comes in and grabs the two of them. He rushes his was down the stairs and soon, air reaches their lungs again.

“They’re not breathing!”
“They’re waterlogged!”

“STAND BACK!” Gilda shouted before she elbow dropped onto Luffy. He vomits several buckets worth of water while Gilda presses Twilight’s stomach and gets her to chuck up a couple mouthfuls before waking up.

“Huh… What… happened…?” Twilight asked, holding her head in pain.

“This guy managed to save you two.” Gilda pointed to the orange stallion. “His name was… Rusher or something.”

“Thanks. You came just in time.” Twilight said gratefully.

“It was no problem to the sister of Shining Armor.” He said with a bow.

As Twilight stepped back in surprise to his bowing, a voice from the stairs leading to the harbor calls out to them. “Twilight! Luffy! Gilda!”

Turning to the source, they see Gold and Flare running up to them. Gold confronts the new band of prisoners, looking for one pony in particular. When Rusher’s head stuck out, Gold grinned.

“Rusher! There you are.” He said with a grin. “I’m glad to see you alright.”

Rusher lowered his head in shame, still giving eye contact to his superior. “Shining Armor… They took him away…”

“We all know that by now.” Flare stated. “Instead of wasting time, we make our way to Scarper City. There, we’re going to enter the war.”

“The griffons don’t know his connections. Now, Princess Cadence and her battalion are going in to aid in his rescue.”

“Princess Cadence!?” Rusher yelped.

“Surprising, I know.” Gold agreed. “But enough dawdling.  We have everything we need. Now we need to escort the prisoners out of here.”

“Follow me! We’re going to the airships right now!” Flare alerted them.

The unicorns keeping the water from flooding began to back up, as the room started overflowing with water. The barrier breaks, and everyone is now running away from the flood.





Reaching the harbor, everyone was now getting to the airship. The toxic air was too much and was able to penetrate the gusts the winged pegasus and griffons could give. The water came in and was now taking over. With that, it was time for the final phase of escape.

“Alright every pony!” Gold shouted, gathering their attention. “Come with me if you want to fight against the vile Griffon king’s army once more! As for the children and the weak, please head to the other airship!”

The seconds went by as if they were hours. The time was do or die. As children and other tired souls went onboard the other ship, the strong willed and vengeful ponies and griffons braved their way to Gold’s ship. On the ship aiming to attack Scraper City was Luffy, Twilight, Gold, Flare, Rusher, Gilda, and her mother. The other had Gilda’s father. As the ship went toward the thick barrier of vines and thorns, Flare jumped and burned away all of the plants. The ships moved out and had finally escaped Talon’s Hold.

Both ships were piloted by the parents of Gilda, heading to different directions. As the ships began to split paths, the group now talks of their next plan.

“Now that we have an army.” Gold began. “And an airship… We’ll be making our way to Scarper City, fighting powerful foes.”

“From this point on, we only move forward to battle. What happens when we get there will be decided by fate.” Flare stated.

“I’m going to rescue Shining no matter what!” Twilight declared.

“I’ll do everything in my power to do the same.” Rusher noted.

Gilda watched as the airship furthered away from Talon’s Hold. As she sat down, Trixie went next to her.

“Trixie sees you’ve chosen a smart choice.” Trixie stated.

Gilda’s eyes shrunk in surprise to see Trixie was on the airship. “Whoa! What are you doing here!?”

“Going to safety of course!” Trixie retorted. “Now that we’re away from the prison, it’s high time to go to someplace peaceful. Maybe a trip to a tropical island.”

“But…” Gilda muttered. “You’re on the wrong ship then.”

Trixie stared at Gilda before chuckling. “Silly griffon! Trixie would never do something as stupid as-”

“Trixie? What are you doing here?” Twilight questioned as she walked into the scene with Luffy.

Trixie’s expression deflated to that of Pinkie’s biggest frown. “Eh… Wait… If you two are here… then that means!!!”

She turned to the other airship and realized that she was on the wrong one. She grabs hold of the railing and reaches out to them. “WAIT! Take Trixie with you!!!”

Twilight and Gilda slapped their faces in disappointment with their narcistic friend. Luffy on the other hand laughed at her predicament. “Wow! You must be pretty stupid to do that Tricky!”

The blue mare turned to Luffy and growled, “Its TRIXIE!”

“Whatever the case is.” Twilight spoke. “We’re not turning back. Sorry Trixie.”

“Get back here!” Laflora demanded as she used her abilities to lunge a vine at the ships. Gilda was wrapped by the vine, and was slowly getting pulled away. Twilight and Luffy gasped and ran to her aid. As Twilight used her magic to hold onto Gilda, Luffy held the vine and tore it apart. Laflora didn’t stop and began to fly her way to the airship. Twilight began to sweat at the situation until she looked at Laflora’s armor. With an idea, she turns to Trixie and devises a plan. Gilda and Luffy readied themselves as Laflora boarded the ship. He vines began to grow onto the ship and take over.

“Did you really think you were gonna make it out alive!?” Laflora questioned.

“Did you think you were going to be fine when you got on this ship!?” Twilight sneered as she used her magic to keep Laflora still. The botanic griffon found herself immobile, and completely vulnerable. As she was staying still, Twilight called out to her partner. “Trixie! Now!”

Trixie stripped Laflora of her armor, causing the plants to be as normal as vines could be. Laflora was shocked as Gilda tackled Lalfora off the ship.

“Gomu Gomu no Pistol!”

The hit from the punch launches Laflora back whence she came. With that out of the way, the team finds another set of armor.

“That was close.” Gilda breathed. “I wasn’t planning on going back there anytime soon.”

“And check it out!” Twilight told the others. “Now we have her armor! She won’t be able to use those plants anymore!”

“Oh, you retrieved her armor?” Gold spoke. “That adds another set to our collection.”

“Collection?” Luffy repeated.

Gold showed off his loot to the others, and explained. “I managed to steal some when I was traversing the Hold. I’m not sure what powers they hold, but they must be useful.”

“Armor powers!?” Luffy said with sparky eyes.

“We have a lot of time before we reach Scraper City. We can discuss plans, tactics, and all sorts of things. It’ll be important to have a good idea on what to do.” Laflora announced.

“We have a lot to worry about too.” Rusher pointed out. “Even with a whole army from Princess Cadence, the whole place is crawling with griffons carrying big names.”

“Then we’ll just have to beat them if they get in our way!” Luffy declared.

“It won’t be that simple.” Rusher stated.

Twilight walked away and simply said, “It doesn’t matter. Getting Shining out is all that matters in this battle. That’s what every pony seems to be fighting for.”

Turning to her comrades, she shows her new bravado. “And I’m no different.”
> Chapter 53 - The News of Scraper City
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Day 3 of 5

Onboard the Thousand Sunny, the crew of what remains spots an island dead ahead. The water way leads in just as the map foretold. Nami gathers the crew to ready their stations in case of an attack. It was bound to happen, so they might as well get ready. The harbor of the waterway to Featheran was up ahead, and they can see the griffons armed and ready. Nami turned to the others and said, “Alright! Places everyone!”

The crew readies themselves, dividing into three groups. Attack force consisted of Zoro, Sanji, Brook, Applejack, and Rainbow. Defense consisted of Nami, Chopper, Robin, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Maintenance team was Usopp, Franky, and Pinkie, but were ready to switch to defense team if necessary.

The maintenance team would use the Sunny’s functions to take out enemy ships that go too close. The attack team would find a way to reach the enemy and take them out from there. The defense team would protect the Sunny from any incoming attacks.

With the plan set, they await for the first attack. It wasn’t long before shots were fired, and the fight began. The griffons flew over with dynamite while their ships sailed to them. In seconds, they were surrounded, but the attack force were just about to make their move.

“Now! Drop the bombs!” A griffon shouted.

The dynamite was lit and dropped down on the Sunny. Zoro however was prepared to deal with the problem. Positioning his blades and aiming to the sky, he slices the air.

"Senhachiju Pound Ho!" (1080 Caliber Phoenix!)

The dynamite flies back up, and explode right in their altitude. The griffons start falling down, but some that were awake were still in the fight. Just as they got close to the Sunny, Sanji managed to get up in the air and intercept them.

“Sky Walk!”

All of the griffons were now within Sanji’s range. Heating up his leg, he starts giving a barrage of flaming hot kicks at them, knocking them away from the ship.

"Poêle à Frire: Spectre!"

With the griffons no longer sending airborne troops, now all there was left to worry were the ships heading towards them. If the griffons weren’t scared before, they had to meet the crew, currently enraged at the highest peaks of all time. Losing two of their friends just as they reunited didn’t sit well with the Straw Hats. Zoro and Sanji had to let off some steam with a brutal beating to their enemies.

A powerful cut slices one ship into two, and the other was burned down by the fiery steps of the chef. The griffons were soon pushed back all the way to the harbor, where the final defense was already put to the spot.

In hopes of ransacking the ship, some griffons flew under, and entered the ships grassy lawn. However, the defense team quickly fought back.

Chopper lunged forward and delivered a heavy blow to the enemy.

“Heavy Gong!”

And sent them flying off the ship.

Robin constrained several in hands and snapped their backs, making them fall to the sea. More and more came, but Nami had her clouds ready, and sent down the lightning, electrocuting her foes.

“Thunderbolt Tempo!”

As the griffons fell, Fluttershy stayed away from the fight, worried about getting in the way again. She waited in the kitchen and watched the battle from the window. The constant fighting had her worried, and wanting to get a better look, she went to the door and took a peek. As she did, a griffon came by and noticed her. The yellow mare jumped back as the griffon had her cornered. She screamed, getting the others attention.

“Fluttershy!” Chopper called out.

“We can’t reach her!” Nami spoke.

Rarity came in from behind and used her magic to swing fans, cutting the griffon from behind. Fluttershy looked up as Rarity breathed heavily from worrying.

“Oh my… These new weapons are very useful.”

“T-Thanks Rarity.” Fluttershy breathed. “I was… a bit careless.”

“Don’t mention it Fluttershy.” Rarity assured her. “The griffons are now off the ship. Care to go outside with us? I’ll keep you safe.”

“… I… guess that would be better than being away from everypony…” She agreed

Coming outside to the front, Usopp, aimed the cannon at the harbor’s gate. Pinkie and Franky stood in the front and were ready to pose for the shock and awe about to begin.

“Get ready griffons!” Pinkie and Franky shouted. “Cause here it comes!”

The lion head of the ship opens its mouth, and Usopp readies the shot. The cannon soon emits a light of great power before it releases it forward.

“Gaon Cannon!”

The gate blocking the advance of the Sunny was completely and utterly destroyed. As the griffons round up to make up for losses, their commander steps forward.

“Those rebellious scum are on us still… How annoying.” He spoke. Using a speaker, he said the following to the Straw Hats.

“It’s not too late to surrender you rebels! With your captain dead, you can still be given a lighter sentence if you do as I say.”

The crew paused for a moment to make sure they heard was correct. They however, did not want to believe it.

“Luffy’s… Dead…?” Pinkie muttered.

“YOU LIAR!” Rainbow shouted. “When I get over there, I’m gonna knock you out!”

The ship keeps pressing forward, and Luffy’s crewmates are now feeling insulted, and are ready to give hell. The commander of the harbor lectures on.

“Are you really going to keep fighting like you’re captain, Apprentice? Do you want to die like the fool he was? He struggled, and died in the war at Scraper city. Did you not see the news, apprentice? Or do you not want to see your master dead?”

The ship was now close to the harbor’s grounds, but just as the fearsome fighters consisting of Zoro, Sanji, Applejack, and Rainbow were about to charge in, Fluttershy brushes them aside and stands on the head of the Sunny.

“What is your response apprentice?” the commander asked.

She glares at the crowd, and sends off a shockwave, causing many to fall. The crew watches in awe as Fluttershy’s anger hits the peak, beyond anything her friends have ever seen.

“He’s not a fool.” She growled.

The commander looks to his comrades, and begins to back away. But as he tries to, Rainbow meets him from behind and bucks him the ground. The harbor was clear of enemies, and they were now given passage.





Down the large river, now leading to Featheran, the crew readies up once more for a big fight. As they did, Usopp checked on Rarity.

“So, how were those weapons I made you?”

“They were quite useful.” She tells him. “Light, but resilient. Not only that, but its remarkable design is absolutely wonderful!”

“Thanks! So, about the fee…”

“Oh, you are such a funny man!” Rarity waved it off. Usopp gave her a deadpan stare.

Over by Fluttershy, Applejack was with her and making sure everything was alright. She wrapped her hoof around the mare and asks, “How’s everything sugar cube?”

“He was lying, right?” Fluttershy asked. “Luffy isn’t dead, right?”

“I really doubt he would.” She assured him. “I just don’t know what got him to say that nonsense though.”

“It’s because of the war yesterday.” Someone said.

Turning to the sound of the voice, they find Kibishī Chain on their ship. The crew quickly surrounded him, but remains unphased. Fluttershy stood up and asked.

“What… do you mean, war?”

He simply looks to her, and drops the paper on the floor. There, it lists the events that have happened. And on the picture, Twilight is seen crying in despair.

What happened in the war…?
> Chapter 54 - The War of Scraper City
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Day 2 of 3

On deck of the ship full of eager and vengeful ponies and griffons, Luffy and Twilight prepare their stratagems for the upcoming fight, knowing it’d be a fierce one. Gilda, Flare, and Gold enter to see the duo in preparation. Rusher also flew in while Trixie was peeking in at the conversation from afar.

“You seem awfully violent today.” Gold noted.

“I have to find whatever ways I can to defend myself.” Twilight explained. “Reaching to Shining means we have to stay alive. To do this, we have to make plans just in case.”

“Good.” Flare nodded in agreement. “War is something you should prepare for, seeing how anything can happen.”

Gilda took a look at the two and easily detected their rather serious expression. Twilight’s was understandable, but Luffy’s was peculiar. “Hey, Luffy.”

Luffy turned to Gilda in response. “Mm?”

“You’ve been a bit more serious lately.” She stated. “It’s probably because of Twilight’s brother and all, but… is there something else that’s biting you?”

Just before Luffy can answer, a stallion ran to them, alerting everyone onboard.

“We’re getting close to Scraper City!” He shouted. “Every pony! Get ready!”

As the crewmen ran to their stations, prepared for emergencies, and took look out; Twilight and company go to the front to see the scaling forces push forward. Dozens of Trojan Griffons stood high over the thousands, perhaps a million griffons armed to the bone with prideful battle cries. On their side, Rusher pointed out to the others that behind them were the pony forces, composed of pegasus class airships as well. With everything coming to place, the epic battle was about to begin.

“This is gonna get real ugly.” Flare spoke.

“You know what’s more frightening?” Gold questioned. “The fact that one of the most benevolent princesses are commanding that fleet. Cadence.”

“I hope she stays safe.” Twilight thought.

“Do you know her?” Luffy asked.

“She used to take care of me when I was little.” Twilight informed him. “When Princess Celestia had to take care of royal matters, she watched after me.”

“EEEEEHH!?” Everyone shouted, in shock of the news.

“Oh, I see.” Luffy nodded.

“Wait a minute.” Gilda spoke. “So you were taken care of by Princess Cadence, and taught by Princess Celestia?”

“I guess this is why they used Shining Armor. To bait not Cadence in particular, but you in.” Flare thought.

“Do you really think so?” Twilight asked.

“That seems to be the case.” Gold thought. “But whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure. All of this will go to waste if we don’t reach Shining Armor.”

Suddenly, the ship shakes, causing an uproar to all the forces on deck. Holding on the best they could, Gilda and Rusher flew off to get ready to catch anyone if they were to fall off. Gold turned to the back and said, “What’s going on!?”

“We’ve been hit!” They answered. “We’re too close to their firing range! And we don’t have enough speed to turn back!”

“We’re gonna fall from the skies!” Trixie screamed.

“There has to be something we can do!” Rusher yelled in terror.

“I have a plan!” Twilight alerted everyone. “I’m going to need every pony’s help!”





In the main Airship of the ponies, Cadence and her advisor of the war force watched as the stray griffon ship was destroyed in mere seconds. The pony army marched towards the enemy without hesitation, each large force lead by a commander hooked with a transponder snail. Cadence turned to her advisor and asked, “Why did the griffons attack that airship?”

“Perhaps it was the ship commandeered by Lieutenant Gold Shield.” He thought. “I couldn’t tell though…”

“We should focus on the battle at hoof.” Cadence said, still shaking at this whole ordeal. The advisor noticed her struggling, taking part of this cruel event, and will soon see bloodshed appear. He felt her pain, but knew she needed to be here in case something were to happen. Shining Armor meant a lot to not her, but many of the equines here today. With that in mind, the advisor thought of something.

“Your highness…” He began. “If I may, let me take control of the battle. I will lead our troops with our strategy.”

“I… I suppose that will be alright…” She said, somewhat unsure.

“Alright, but please stay with me.” He told her. “In case anything happens, I need you to take the calls. Like if they reach Shining Armor per se.”

“I didn’t plan on leaving.” Cadence claimed.

With that said, the advisor stepped forth to the many transponder snails before him. He tapped on the table and spoke.

“This is advisor Puzzle Planner. I’ll give the signal for our strategy. For the most part, do your best to stay alive and make your way to Shining when possible.”

“Yes sir!” The snails yelled back.

“First, send in the airships. Get the unicorns to ready a shield for incoming fire from ballista and cannons. Ground troops, approach, but distance yourselves away from our airships. For this plan to work, you all need to play defensive a little longer. We can go all out once we get to the third part.”

Doing as told, the forces went forth with caution. The griffons came forth to attack, but Puzzle gave the order to counter.

“Archers! Unicorns! Counter them!”

The griffons were unable to penetrate the barrage of magic shots and arrows that flew from the ponies. The pony affiliated airships still stood in front. Finally, frustrated with a standstill assault, the griffons bring out their Trojan superiors. The Trojan Griffon rolls in, and demands space from their allies. The massive war machines fired their cannons and wrecked the unprepared. Those who had their shields up were able to withstand the explosion. The Trojan Griffon crept closer and closer. They were soon heading pass the pony airships, slowly aiming their cannons up. The griffons cheered on as the Trojan Griffons were about to take out their enemy’s airships.

“Yeah! Tear it to shreds!”
“Break it down!”
“Blow it out of the skies!”

Just as the cannons reached halfway to their mark, Puzzle shouted to the transponder snail.

“NOW!”

The airships then released their true weapon. A massive horse-like tank drops and demolishes the Trojan Griffon, leaving about half of the Trojan Griffons destroyed, demolished by their pony counterparts. Puzzle then said to the transponder snails, “Now is our turn. Go on the offensive! Bring the Trojan Horses to fight against the Trojan Griffons! If possible, send any extra Trojan ponies to take out their airships!”

The ponies then fought with full force. They rushed with all their might. As devastated as the Griffons may be, they shook off the fear and brought their frustration on their foes. As the armies clashed, many battles took place in this war.





Flash Sentry was flying pass all the griffons with his squad. When in formation, they were able to pierce through the griffons like an arrow. After taking down squad after squad, he made his way to Shining Armor. It was far, but he could see the commander of the Royal Guard in chains at a tower. No executioners in sight though. As questionable as it may be, he flew straight for his target. But as he did, sudden, a massive stone spire rose and lets the flight team crash on it. Flash Sentry rolled to the floor, but managed to get up with plenty of strength. He looked up to see a griffon with strange armor imbued in magic.

“What the heck…!?” Flash spoke.

“My, my, looks like some pony was flying a bit too low.” He chuckled.

This was Earthen Dome, a powerful user in earth enchanted Armor. With his gauntlet, he makes the rock rise into spires. Flash Sentry tackles Earthen, only to be brushed off by the thick armor. Flash growled a bit before flying straight up into the air, but was caught up by an earth spire. The chasing stone was sent to another direction by Flash’s kick.

The stone spires rise in a frenzy, attacking many ponies nearby. Flash did his best to keep him off his allies, but the stones continued their barrage.

“Dang it! I can’t get anywhere with this guy tailing me!” Flash complained.

“Unlucky day for you.” Earthen laughed. “Hopefully, your funeral tomorrow will go better!”





Grass Walker raced through the battlefield with grace. For every griffon he passes, they fell to the floor. He swung his blade swiftly, but almost lightly. The strange movements attracts many opponents, but no victor. As he slashed his way through, another griffon stops him with a mace.

“What kind of sorcery is this!?” they questioned.

“It’s not magic boy.” Grass told him. “Swift winds blow the blades of grass with ease. If you know the secret to how even the sharpest things can slice the greatest timber, you’ll find nothing you can’t slice among nature.”

“Well, what happens if I told you…” The griffon smiled as he pushed Grass back a few feet. “I’m the greatest force of nature there is?”

A swinging mace hits the ground, and a huge crack creates a hole that swallos many grounded equines. Grass swiftly dodges as the griffon puts the mace over his back.

“My talon swings like quakes! And my body’s like a mountain! Tell me Leaf cutter if you can slice stone!?”

“Mountains are part of nature.” Grass repeated. “Are you too hard headed to know that?”





The ponies breached through the main forces steadily. As the griffons begin to fall back, Puzzle cheered to the Transponder snails of the good news.

“You’re doing great! The main forces are falling back!” He told them.

“Just a little more…” Cadence muttered.

Suddenly, one of the Trojan Horses were pushed to the ground. The ponies were shocked and began to run away. Cadence and Puzzle Planner dropped their jaws as they watched their massive weapon get dropped by a single griffon. The griffon with red tribal feathers yelled, “Do not falter to these equines you fools!”

“General Materoy!” his subordinates yelled, quaking in fear.

“The Warrior’s Elixir is one of our greatest weapons! If you’re too weak to fight, then use it right now!”

The griffons nodded, and did as told. Soon, all kinds of griffons became faster, stronger, and deadlier. Hundereds of ponies were thrown up and about in the air. The airships of the ponies were shaking, and the Trojan Horses were backing up. The forces were taking down pony after pony, and the battle was getting to close to Cadence’s location.

“My ponies! Do not let them pass!” He told them. “We’ll be able to beat them if we-”

Suddenly, a cannonball was shot into the Main fleet, exploding and throwing Puzzle Planner to the ground. Cadence rushed to his side and brought him up.

“Are you alright?!” Cadence asked.

“S-Shoot…” He cursed. “They’re setting up cannons straight at us.”

“Take out those cannons!” Cadence told the transponder snails.

“Yes Princess!” They shouted back.

Puzzle got back on his feet and walked to the snails. “We can take them. Push the forces as much as you can. Airships, assist the ground troops by taking out cannons, and Trojan Horses, rally up on the Trojan Griffons. Commanders, keep the stronger griffons away from our vehicles, or this battle is lost.”

“Already done sir!” They responded.

Puzzle turned to Cadence and said, “Don’t worry Princess. We won’t let them take Shining. We will fight on, and bring him back alive!”

Cadence struggled to watch this go on. She wasn’t the kind of pony to be full of hate, and be able to use that energy to fight in a war. Here she was with so much bravado to fight, but now falters at the sight of blood and battle scars. She looks up ahead to see Shining also seeing the horror of it all.





Inside the cage, Shining watches as many of his comrades are fighting for his very life. His chains bound his hooves, and constrict him well. As Shining tries his best to remove the chains, another griffon in chains sits by him.

“Hello Captain Shining Armor.” He greets. “Awful day today, isn’t it?”

“What do you want?” Shining growled.

The griffon in chains walks around Shining and says, “You have a lot of friends out there, waiting to see your safe return.”

“What of it?”

“It’d be a shame if you died before they could reach you.”

Shining gulped as the griffon sighs and sits by the cage. “You and I both have ourselves in a predicament. Our hooves and talons are tied in this battle, and we can’t seem to do anything that will benefit our faction.”

Shining raised an eyebrow at the griffon, and said, “What are you talking about? Aren’t you on the…”

The griffon gave a small smile, making Shining’s eyes shrink. He leaves the stallion in the cage and says, “It seems the executers can’t be found. Such a pity…”

Shining looks out to the field once more as the war rages on. The ponies seem to falter a bit, especially with the Warrior’s Elixir powering the griffons up. Luckily, in the slim chances they had, the ponies stand their ground and manage to destroy two airships and three Trojan Griffons. But as they fall to the battlefield, many griffons and equines are thrown into the air and onto the ground. The casualties rise, and the injuries increase. Shining flinches at the sight. He can see his beloved from afar, disgusted with the actions that are taking place. It’s a sight to behold, and to avoid.





“We can’t get pass them!” The pony told Grass Walker.

“At this rate, we won’t be able to reach Shining at all.” He sighed. “We need to have some team up ahead!” Grass opened the Transponder snail and called the Main Airship. “Advisor Puzzle! Can we have a team advance through the griffons? We’re not getting anywhere!”

“What do you think we’re doing?” Puzzle stated. “The griffon forces are strong! So we need to hold our ground! If they pass our forces, the Main fleet will be their next target, and then there will be no escape even if we acquire Shining!”

“Dang! No squad can make it pass the griffons!?” Grass groaned. “Okay, then let’s…-”

Grass turned to the sky and saw something. Many commanders paused and saw something in the sky. Even the griffons stopped and saw the strange object.

Cadence and Puzzle Planner watched the skies to see hundreds of ponies and griffons falling down, right pass the Griffon forces.

Shining Armor watches closely at the spectacle. Hundreds of them fall over the griffon army, with an entire Airship with them.

Among the falling army, the screams and voices were heard.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

“This was a horrible idea!” Gilda shouted as she flew down to get Twilight.

“This is all your fault Twilight Sparkle!!” Trixie cried in tears. “Now we’re all gonna die!”

“This wasn’t my idea!” Twilight stated as she flailed in the air. “Luffy said we should break that cloud!”

“Does it matter!? We’re all gonnna die!” Luffy shouted.

“Every pony with wings! Grab any pony that can’t fly!” Gold commanded.

“Got it!” Rusher and Flare complied, doing as told.

“Ugh, so much for using that Airship.” Gilda’s mother complained.

As the sky army drew closer to the ground, the griffons and pegasus got a hold of a pony that was unable to fly. Twilight was unable to get caught by Gilda, as Trixie reserved herself to the griffon. Twilight was crying out until she was picked up by Luffy. The many ponies and griffons in the war, especially Cadence and Shining Armor were shocked.

“So that’s where you were…” Grass smirked.

“Commander Gold!?” Puzzle exclaimed.

“Twilight!?” Cadence yelped.

“TWILIGHT!!!” Shining screamed to his horror.

“Ah, it’s Straw Hat.” Kibishī Chain noted.

“Straw Hat.” Materoy spoke. “He’s been a thorn on our side for too long.”

As Twilight and Luffy dived down, Twilight yelled out to her brother, “Shining! I’m coming! We’re all coming for you!!!”
> Chapter 55 - The Great Warriors of Scraper City
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Earlier, on the flying ship with Twilight’s team, the galleon was about to fall, but was by some coincidence, saved by a cloud big enough to hold the ship. Even though they were safe for the time being, they were totally stuck on the flightless ship. Twilight was thinking of a way off of this predicament.

“The cloud is big enough to carry our ship, which is preventing us from plummeting from the sky,” Twilight told everyone. “However it’s also keeping us from going into battle.”

“I say, we stay up here where it’s safe!” Trixie suggested.

“Therefore, we need to think of a safe way to get down,” Twilight added and ignoring Trixie’s earlier statement. “I think we should make the cloud smaller.”

“Smaller?” Gold repeated somewhat confused.

“If we can just make the cloud small enough, it will still carry our ship but descend slowly.”

“I see! We use the weight of the ship to have the cloud lowered into the battlefield!” Flare understood the course of action.

“That sounds… incredibly risky…” Rusher noted.

“If it’ll get us down there, then let’s do it already!” Luffy shouted.

The red pony ran off the ship and inflated his hoof and aimed at the massive cloud beneath the ship. The giant hoof was then engulfed in haki before it was launched at the ship.

“Wait! Luffy, don’t do-” Twilight warned them. However, it was too late as he went on and attacked.

“Gomu Gomu no Elephant gun!”

The cloud was busted to less than half the size. The ship tumbled and fell over down into the warring abyss. As everyone had their eyes widen and their mouths agape by the actions of the red stallion, the crew fell to their destination at an alarming speed.

“YOU OVERDID IT!” Twilight shouted.

“You think so?” Luffy replied.





Back to the current situation at hand, everyone is falling from the sky. The griffons and pegasi catch a pony as they descend into the battlefield. Luffy manages to grab Twilight as he says, “Don’t worry! I got this!”

Suddenly more ponies grab onto Luffy in desperation since they can’t find a winged partner to secure their landing.

“Hey! Captain! Please help us out too!” One of them begged.

“Hey! Watch it!” Luffy yelled before inhaling.

“Gomu Gomu no Fusen!” (Gum Gum Balloon!)

Upon landing, the griffon and pegasi got to the ground safely while Luffy’s small party lands on the cushioning of his balloon-like body. The group finally makes it out on the battlefield, ready for action.

Shining Armor looks at the small group and spots Twilight. His greatest nightmare has come, as not only Cadence has arrived, but now his little sister. A pony commander on the battlefield manages to catch up to the group and question them.

“Hey! What’s going on here!?” He questioned Twilight. Turning to Luffy, his eyes widen as he realizes who he is. “Y-You’re…! Straw Hat Luffy!”

Gold Shield approaches the commander and calls him. “Hey, do you have a Transponder snail on you?”

“Huh? Commander Gold? Uh, yes, I-” The commander takes out the snail only to have it snatched by Gold.

“Thank you.” He clicks the Transponder Snail and calls in to the leading strategists of the battle. “Hello? This is Gold Shield. Who am I speaking to?”

The Transponder snail immediately responds with a shouting voice. “Captain Gold Shield!? Where were you!? And why in the world is Straw Hat Luffy with you!?”

Another voice cuts in, this time belonging to Cadence herself. “Is that Twilight with you!? What is she doing there!?”

Gold attempted to calm them. “I can assure you, everything is under control.” 

“Not from what I saw! You all came from the sky!” The male voice shouted.

Cadence cuts in and yells, “With Twilight!”

“Calm down.” Gold tells them. “Unfortunately, I have only called to warn you about something.”

Puzzle and Cadence looked at each other before responding to what Gold had just said. “What is it?”

“There are two ponies who are more than eager to rescue Shining Armor. They have literally attacked Talon’s Hold and freed all of the prisoners of that said prison just to get here.”

“Talon’s Hold…!?” Puzzle muttered.

“These two determined warriors have shown me… their resolve for this one task. They came to this war to do just one thing. And there’s no stopping them either. They will not heed your command. But they will be a valuable asset to our forces.”

“You can’t expect me to just let Twilight run in that battlefield, do you!?” Cadence argued.

“Like I said. These two are willing to do it, with or without your permission. In fact, they are going ahead as we speak.”

Cadence and Puzzle looked up to see Luffy and Twilight walking towards the enemies. The largest one is before them, a Trojan Griffon. The griffons surround them and are ready to fight. Puzzle has no idea what to do in order to save the two. Cadence is practically screaming, demanding to bring Twilight away from the fight. In a few moments, Twilight nodded to Luffy.

“Let’s go.”

Luffy inflates while Twilight wraps her magic energy around Luffy. The heavy hoof then launches itself forward to the Trojan Griffon, and a powerful shockwave rings forward.

“Gomu Gomu no Gigantic Power Pistol!”

The attack not only destroys the tall construct, but pushes the enemies away from them as well. A clear path opens before them, and the small army runs forth, especially Luffy and Twilight.

Puzzle and Cadence are in awe of the power of these two ponies. Shining Armor is astounded at what he just saw. His fears for the life of his younger sister still hung over him in each heartbeat. The race continues before the countdown hits to zero.

Gold brings the receiver close to his mouth and says the following.

“I plan to follow those two to victory. I don’t plan on letting that young girl down either.”

Hanging up, he returns the Transponder Snail before rushing into battle. The fight continues with two major factors that may shake the war to its core.

The ponies turned to the powerful forces taking on wave after wave of griffons. The equestrian army saw two powerful warriors, and the commanders leading the equines saw an opportunity. They quickly pushed forward and followed Luffy and Twilight, taking out the enemies behind them and created a path for Luffy and Twilight.

In moments, the griffons were becoming overwhelmed and the ponies were more than halfway through the warzone.

But the eyes of the griffon leading the defense and the mission to defeat the massive army was here in front of them. Materoy rushed in and tackled Luffy, halting their push. Luffy quickly got back on his hooves and Twilight stood right beside him. Gold looked at the fight that was brewing, and quickly shouted to them.

“Be wary you two! That’s the General of this attack! Materoy!”

“Materoy…?” Twilight repeated.

“I see the faithful student of Princess Celestia has come, just as I expected.” Materoy spoke with such coldness. “I’m glad the plan to execute your brother has lead to your capture, Miss Sparkle.”

“Move it! Or I’m gonna crush you!” Luffy threatened him.

“Silence, you simpleton!” Materoy scolded. “I will savor the moment when I bring Equestria into despair with your defeat and capture.”

“Not if I have anything to say about it!”

Luffy went in to attack Materoy, but as his hoof threw the punch, Materoy’s talon was suddenly wrapped in solid gray metal-like matter. The fists hit together and the impact caused an earthquake.

Twilight’s eyes shrunk as she watched Luffy back off from Materoy.

“He has… Haki!!” Twilight shouted.

The ponies and Griffons continued to fight, all while Shining was watching an intense battle about to erupt. It won’t be long until the battle will determine whether or not Shining will be saved or not.
> Update: Story Progress
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I talked to my Landlord about the issue of the FCC fiasco.
After some talking, they told me not to sweat it as they feel things may be fixed. And if not, they will pay for services I need since it's been covered within my rent already.

A reader also suggested using the school Wi-Fi, so I plan to use that to my full advantage if possible.

I also want to use this time to apologize for giving everyone a hard time. I was trying to tell everyone what is most likely to happen. I thought I was being realistic when I was really just pessimistic.

I might as well give you an update. If you see this message, that means the story you are reading HAS at least 1 chapter in the work. And I will tell you in detail why there are delays.

Okay, so this problem goes to almost every story.
This is one of my longest running stories reaching over 40 chapters. As time passed, so did both One Piece and My Little Pony.

I wanted to research both stories carefully to make sure I don't screw up too bad. I already messed up hard when they went more in depth over the Griffon Kingdom falling apart. (So in reality, their kingdom ain't some oppressive regime like I wrote.)

I did somehow write that one part that I thought was very uncharacteristic of Sanji, but then Oda released an episode that surprised me.
(In one chapter of this story, Sanji was cursing at the use of drug enhancements for the griffons)
(And in One Piece, Sanji's backstory mentioned the use of drug/genetic enhancements but at the cost of humanity)

I seriously didn't expect that. I accidentally somewhat and somehow predicted how Sanji feels about the subject.

As more episodes of both stories went on, I had to get my popcorn and watch all of them. (I never read the Official MLP comics though. Never have, never will.)