> Criminally Stupendous
>  by dudenotactive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Thief Of Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You know, had the girl in front of him not been a constant thorn in his side from the moment they met… he might actually feel a bit proud of how far she had come. As it stood the little red clad nuisance had somehow managed to find a way aboard their stolen Atlesian battle cruiser and embarrassingly enough, managed to get rid of Neo. Roman Torchwick tightened his grip on his cane as he seethed, this was supposed to be easy. Sit aboard the ship and watch the city burn while making sure the soldiers stayed corrupted puppets to their cause as Cinder did… well whatever she well pleased then he and Neo would be free from her grasp. Perhaps he could receive another job offer… but there was no time for those thoughts, right now a certain primary color needed some lessons in proper manners.

Well, she may have gotten rid of Neo but that won’t change a thing. Roman eyed her scythe that was still embedded in the ship far from her reach, Not like she has any hand to hand combat skills or she would have used them back at Mount Glenn… Children these days, they rely too much on their toys.

"I don’t care what you say! We will stop them and I will stop you! BET ON THAT!" Red yelled in that irritatingly childish voice before dashing side to side on a path straight for him, her fist cocked back as rose petals trailed in her wake.

Roman brought up his cane like a rifle, taking a second to train his sights upon Red and pulled the trigger and just as the dust round left the barrel Roman swung his cane across, catching the round and shifting it into a red wave of dust energy that flew forth in a spread knocking Red clear off her feet and tumbling backward. The second her feet touched the ground he was already upon her slamming his cane across her face before unloading another bullet directly into her abdomen sending her once again flying back although this time she landed on her back, skidding painfully against the deck.

“You got spirit Red.” Roman taunted as he casually approached the girl who was struggling to her feet “But this is the real world!” a swing of his cane and her body hit the floor again. “The real world is cold!” another brutal swing came down on Red and she cradled her body to soften the blow. “The real world doesn’t care about spirit!” The cane raised once more but a boot to his knee knocked him from his feet. “You wanna be the hero!?” Roman seethed as they both stood back up.

"Then play the part and die like every other huntsman in history!” Roman wound up a brutal baseball swing that landed right on her self righteous little face sending her tumbling to the ground again. 

The world isn’t as pretty as you think and there’s no way you are coming out on top in this fight. "As for me, I’ll do what I do best: lie,” Roman took a step toward her. “Steal,” raising his cane in both arms he glared down at her, “Cheat!” Its over Red, ever since we met at that dust shop you’ve been a thorn in my side, sticking your nose into everything-- annoying but it all ends here. I’ll get rid of you once and for all. Roman swung down screaming, “AND SURVI--”

Roman had enough time for his eyes to widen before a gigantic beak engulfed him and everything went black.

Surprisingly dying didn’t seem to hurt much… just a sense of floating in an endless abyss. Oh and a feeling of profound irritation, he had her on the ropes and was a second away from ending that little nuisance only to be what… eaten by a Grimm while his back was turned? I mean what kind of dues ex machina is this? Red is terrible in a fight so a Grimm that she can easily handle does the deed? She’s probably already got up, grabbed her scythe and taken care of the Grimm while I’m dead. Once again I’m reminded of how cruel this world really is...

"No." Romans voice echoed in the darkness. "No, no, no, NO, NOOOOOOO!"

Disbelief warred with frustration and anger as the reality slowly set in, he was dead.

"This can't be happening! I can't die!" He yelled out, flailing his arms around in an attempt to grasp anything, something to hold onto in this dark abyss. "I just can’t die, I have unfinished business, so much to do! Damn it! Oum be damned! Not yet, the things I've done to get to where I am today, I'm not done yet damn it!"

A spark of light in the void caught his eye-- an orange flicker. It was a symbol… his symbol and its light enthralled him. Roman reached for the light and could feel himself nearing it but before he can reach out to grasp it a slimly tentacle wrapped around his ankle jerking him away. Growling Roman struggled to reach the light before looking behind him.

A demon.

A shadowy silhouette with horns was the only thing he could make out before he turned back toward the light and willed himself forward with all his might. My soul isn’t yours for the taking you devil!

While the tentacle pulled and pulled Roman fought harder to reach out toward the light trying his damned best to not let his soul be taken but just as it was in arms reach more tentacles shot out of the dark, wrapping around his neck and left arm.

“I’ve not… come this far… to die now! Roman roared as he reached out his right hand to touch the light, which shattered upon contact.

“Fool…” The tentacles drew back and Roman glanced back with wide eyes at the demon, “I was trying to help you, my brother and I did not approve of this… but now you are no longer ours now that you have answered the call.”

“What?” suddenly the abyss was replaced with white light, completely blinding Roman as his consciousness fled him.

The black empty abyss turned white, blinding Roman by the brightness, before blacking out.





Trixie sighed as she stared up at the clear blue sky, another failed attempt to captivate ponies and show them her greatness. She had been performing terribly ever since the incident in Ponyville and it seemed that nothing was going her way. That accursed Twilight Sparkle, how dare she humiliate me. If anything, it was Twilight's fault, she just had to be better than Trixie, the mere thought of that unicorn infuriated Trixie.

So there she was, pulling her new cart to the next city for her show, Manehattan. It was perfect; a big city like that meant there were more ponies to see her amazing acts. It also meant more bits... Which happened to be a problem since Trixie was running low on money after buying that new wagon and honestly wasn’t sure if she would last long enough. Her stomach growled loudly and she sighed once more as she eyed the grass by the road, perhaps a few bites, it doesn’t look too terri---

"No, Trixie is a unicorn of noble birth! She will not stoop so low as to eat grass off the road like poor pony!" Though as she eyed the grass something else caught her attention off the road a few hooves away. Curiosity getting the better of her Trixie walked over to investigate. 

Upon closer examination Trixie discovered an unconscious stallion sprawled out on the ground. Said stallion was dressed to the nines, across his pearl coat the stallion wore a white three button suit jacket with a gray scarf wrapped around his neck. Black boots adorned his forelegs and an equally black bowler hat with a feather in it was atop his head. An orange mane spilled out from under his hat and covered his right eye. Trixie wasn’t exactly a fashion snob but even she thought that wearing a white coat when your literal coat was white did not look so great… but back to the matter at hand, whomever this stallion was he was definitely rich by the looks of it. This is perfect, Trixie could-- no she couldn’t rob a pony blind nor would she break the law… even if Trixie could use the bits.”

“Hmmm, well if nopony knows then who could possibly accuse Trixie?” she muttered glancing around for witnesses before slowly unhitching herself from her wagon. Tip hooving closer to the sleeping pony Trixie carefully began to inspect the pockets of his jacket with her magic. The first item she took out was a small metal box with some kind of jack-o-lantern symbol on it, next was a bunch of plastic cards which were entirely useless, puzzled she took out a piece of glass that while pretty was ultimately useless as well.

Finally she took out a hoof full of small cylinders. Finally something Trixie can get some bits with!. There were eight glowing crystals of various colors and she could detect a hint of magic within the crystals, obviously they were valuable.

"Drop them, slowly." cut out a smooth voice causing Trixie to shriek and nearly drop the crystals, looking up a cane is pointed right at her muzzle in the hooves of the pony currently standing upright on two hindlegs. "Robbing me while I sleep? You remind me of my e- wait, what in Oum's name are you?"

"T-Trixie is a unicorn you feather brain!"

The stallion's eye widened. "Oh god, you can talk..."

"Of course Trixie can talk, we unicorns are an intelligent race of ponies, unlike you!"

"Are you insulting me? Because I'm not getting any of those. Also, a unicorn? What?" Glancing down to eye the rest of his almost pilfered goods he noticed his pantless state-- oh and he had hooves instead of feet. "What. The. Hell."

Seeing her chance, Trixie quietly backed up toward her wagon, but felt something was missing, it was the crystals, they were no longer in the hold of her magic. "W-what the?"

"I don't think these belong to you." Trixie heard the pony call, she could feel a menacing aura surrounding him as he casually tucked the crystals into his pocket save for one red one.

"Give those back!"

"Or what?" The stallion questioned with a smirk as he leaned on his cane while inspecting the red crystal in his hoof.

"Or Trixie s-shall...smite you with her great and powerful magic!"

"You talk in third person a lot, got a superiority complex huh? I can tell." He let out a long sigh. "Listen, I have no idea where I am, and I don't think you know how to handle these crystals, so could you be a doll and help a guy out? Be a good samaritan for me."

The unicorn shook her head. "No, Trixie will not help you... unless there is a reward for her aid with whatever that is you need!" She said while eyeing the crystal.

Smirking the pony sized Trixie up, almost as if he were inspecting her and after a moment his smirk turned into a full on grind. “Well I just so happened to notice that you were very good at picking my pockets; such a talent, I barely felt your hands.”

“First; its hooves.” The hatted pony momentarily frowned, “Second, of course you didn’t feel a thing; I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! Trixie is the most talented mare in Equestria and no pony could ever hope to defeat her. Not even in their own game.

“Ooh, so you admit to trying to steal my stuff eh?”

Trixie nearly tripped as she realized her mistake, as the grin on the stallions face grew. “Well Trixie… uh..”



"How about we play a game, hmm?" The pegasus pocketed the red crystal in his jacket and and removed his hoof to reveal a card. Said card depicted the stallion himself with the word 'Joker' on the top and bottom sides of the card. "The rules are simple, we take turns hiding this card and whoever doesn't find it loses. The winner decides the fate of the loser. Game?"

"Is that all?" The unicorn questioned, to which the stallion nodded with a flourish. "Ha! Very well, the Great and Powerful Trixie shall start first!" Trotting over she swiped the card with her hoof, "Prepare to be amazed as Trixie finishes this game with a single turn, for no one can defeat the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

With a flick of her hoof, the card vanished as Trixie stood on her hindlegs and dramatically waved her forelegs in the air before lightly tapping them on the stallion's jacket all the while maintaining eye contact with him. He’s focused on my hooves, perfect. He can watch them all he wants but he will never find the card. After pretending to fix his jacket she patted his shoulder down to the hoof that was holding his cane and made sure to tap his booted hoof once. Trixie grinned, the card had been skillfully hidden.



"You have already lost!" She confidently declared herself as the winner. There was no way the stallion was going to fin--

"It’s under my hat." lifting his hat he revealed that the card was indeed under his hat.

"What! H-how!?" Trixie spoke with disbelief. "But you weren't paying attention!"

"I wasn't? Who decided that?" He let out a small chuckle. "I gotta say, it was really impressive that you didn't even look, but sadly, you didn't take account of this." He lifted up his other hoof to reveal the piece of glass from earlier, but it had both Trixie and the stallion on it, it was like playing a memory from another point of view and it was showing everything.

Trixie's eyes widened as the memory-like thing following her moves, it even revealed the part where she tossed the card over him with her magic and lifted his hat slightly to slip the card in. Then she saw it, the reveal of the card and her own shocked face. 

Trixie's gaze snapped back to the stallion and for the first time she could feel an aura of skill and experience coming from him that frankly started to intimidate the showmare.

"I didn't even feel it, really amazing. I can tell that it was hard, don't really know how you did it, but you bent the card a little just to hide it!"

"N-no!" Trixie raised her voice, she was not accepting this at all. "You cheated! You've used some kind of magical item, t-that's cheating!"

"And you using your own magic isn't?" The pony noticed Trixie flinch on the spot. "From what I understand, you unicorns are skilled with magic.. but I'm-" The stallion looked over himself for a moment. I guess I’m a horse..? He could feel his ears inhumanely rotate and something above his ass twitched. His jacket also felt oddly restrictive and when a hoof slipped behind his back he felt feathers. Another inhumanely twitch, Wow are those wings? So I’ve been turned into something mythical as well huh? Well Pegusus sounds a lot cooler than ‘just a horse’ “a pegasus, and I have the disadvantage here, not you."

"Fine!" Trixie harrumphed. "Cheat if you want, but Trixie shall win no matter what! Go ahead, take your turn and hide the card so Trixie can easily find it!"

"Oh?" He smiled. "I already hid it."

"What!? We were still talking, Trixie was distracted!"

"Part of the game, sweet cheeks."

Trixie started stammering, she couldn't believe that this was happening. She was so confident of beating the unknown pony easily yet here she was, no clue of the whereabouts of the card.

"It’s under my hat!" Trixie declared before lifting her hat to reveal...nothing. "Wait!" She checked herself for the card but it was not anywhere in her cape. Nor was it even in her mane or tail. Her eyes landed upon the stallion who wasn’t even watching her! He was too busy shuffling his wings under his coat while making impressed noises. "You have it! It is with you the whole time!"

"Nope. Give up?" He said without even looking up, jacket now off as he stared at his own wings.

"Trixie does not yield!"

The unicorn looked around, if it wasn't on her or him, then it has to be somewhere else! She looked over to her wagon but it was much too far away and the pegasus didn't even move so it was unlikely it was there… but there was a chance he threw it under her wagon. Trixie wasted no time and rushed over to the wagon, checking below only to find nothing.

"Seems like you're having trouble, give up?" The stallion said, now watching the unicorn with an amused look.

"No, Trixie can't give up, her honor is on the line!" She began scouring the dirt, It's obviously somewhere on the ground! If not, then where!?

Trixie froze on her spot, coming to the realization that it was impossible. The stallion obviously cheated by doing something to the card. The unicorn looked up to find the pegasus holding the metal box with a jack-o-lantern on it and he was using it to light a cigar.

"Where is it?"

"Hmm?" The stallion closed the metal box and pocketed it. "Can't tell you, unless you give up?" Said the pegasus.

"Where is it!?" She repeated herself.

He took a second to breath in the cigar before exhaling all of it out. "Just give up and I'll tell you."

"Fine! Trixie yields! Now where is the card!?" The unicorn froze after realizing her mistake, she had accidentally given up. "W-wait!"

The stallion began chuckling, as it slowly turned into a maniacal cackling Trixie took a step back. His laughter eventually died down enough for him to face her with a devilish smile. "This is too easy!"

"W-what do you mean!?" Trixie asked just as a shadow fell over her face, looking up she found the card she was searching for, slowly gliding down from above. "How did you...?"

"It was easy really, I didn't have the card when you asked because I had already flicked it high up in the air while you were busy checking your cape!" He explained to her with that same grin still on his face. "You were so confident of winning on your first turn, that you quickly started panicking when the thought of losing got to you, it was just so easy!"

"No, I-I...I won't accept this!"

"Are you going to go back on your word? You knew the price, no way getting out of this one." She stayed silent for a moment, not wanting to answer as she dropped her head to the ground. Trixie doesn't even want to look at him right now. "Good girl, now, where in Equestria am I?... Equestria?" He repeated the name, confused as to why it left his mouth.

"A few miles south of Manehattan..." Trixie didn't even look up, she felt humiliated. He had made a fool of her and to make matters worse, he laughed in her face. It felt like salt to a wound, she just had to meet a pony like this. The only thing that she wanted was to get to Manehatten but after being shown up by a random Stallion on the road she couldn’t bring herself to care. What even is the point in going to Manehatten anymore? Turning away Trixie walked back to her wagon in shame, better to leave now then stay and be ridiculed more.

"Where are you going?"

Trixie glanced back with a frown, "Leaving, Trixie no longer needs to converse with you!"

"We had a deal Trix', winner decides the loser's fate."

The unicorn's frown was replaced by a panicked look. "W-what do you want with Trixie?" Who knows what this random pony wants from her? She could only hope for the best.

The stallion's smile turned to a casual smirk, exhaling a puff of smoke he continued. "You know, you're pretty easy to read, like an open book. Let's see, talks in third person, has a superiority complex... You got a rough life, don't you? Was it your childhood? Heh, is the real world not treating you the way you thought it would?"

"What does it matter!?"

"Woah there, I'm not trying to hurt your feelings." the pegasus replied in a calming tone. "All I'm trying to say is, do you want to be my apprentice?"

"You are offering Trixie an apprenticeship? How dare you! Trixie would never do such a thing, especially for a magician who is a complete nopony!"

"Oh, I'm not a magician, I'm a thief." Trixie was taken aback by his brazen claim and thought that he was making fun of her again. But looking into his eyes he the stallion was only showing honesty without a hint of mockery. That strange aura of skill that she was feeling from him started began make sense. "And do I need to remind you about our little bet?"

"If Trixie does not take your offer?"

Without missing a beat, Roman raised his cane towards her, Trixie looked at it with deep confusion, she was even more confused when a reticle fliped over. Before she could ask a bright light shot out of the cane headed straight for her. Self preservation instincts took hold and Trixie just narrowly jumped out of the way. A loud whistle cutsthrough the air followed by a much louder explosion and slowly Trixie looked back to find a pony sized crater in the stop she had been standing. He was threatening her with some kind of magic staff disguised as a cane!

Trixie quite suddenly understood her situation, ever since Ponyville things had been going south and now she came across a dangerous pegasus who was trying to force her into an apprenticeship for a reason she couldn’t fathom. "T-Trixie...I accept..."

"Good, let's get going then, Manehattan sounds like my kind of place!" the pegasus exclaimed as he started walking over to the wago, passing by Trixie who was still sitting shocked on the ground.

"Wait a second," The stallion glanced back at Trixie. "Who are you?"

He turned and faced her completely, taking off his hat he bowed with a flourish, the lit cigar still in his lips. "Torchwick,"


"Roman Torchwick."

> Roman's New Trix
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie sat by the campfire that she had prepared for the night, her wagon was parked right behind her. They were almost about to reach the docks to Manehattan, but it was already getting late in the night to even go forward. She could see the docks in the distance with the city farther back, both illuminated brightly in the darkness, like a beacon to those who are lost. It was an awe inspiring view, Trixie had always did enjoy some of her travels, how she would always come across all sorts of things. 

And across the mare and over the fire was her current source of headache, Roman Torchwick. The stallion himself was busy staring at the night sky, as if something had stolen and kept his attention. 

Trixie was only a little bit of curious as to why he stared at the sky, she turned to face the same direction where his eyes were locked on and found Luna's moon shining upon them both. She was actually enthralled as well, the sight was truly amazing. The beauty that the moon held was captivating, she couldn't look away. She felt something in her stomach, Trixie felt as if her worries are starting to dissipate completely. Like she hasn't had any to begin with. Though she is mad that she had to follow around some nobody, she felt serene and relaxed as she kept her eyes trained on the moon.

That is until her stomach growled, causing them both to snap out of their tranquil moment. Roman switches his attention towards the unicorn, with his single brow raised. Trixie felt her cheeks flushed in embarrassment and quickly pulled down her hat with her hooves just to cover her face. She can't let that fool see her in a moment of weakness.

"Hungry?" He asked nonchalantly.

"What does it sound like to you!" She said without even letting go of her hat.

"Don't you have any food? I'm a little famished myself."

"As much as it is embarrassing to say, Trixie does not have any food."

"Really? You were planning to go to some big city, but you don't have food at all?" He sounded disappointed, Trixie wanted to say something, but she knows that he would just laugh at her face, like everyone else. "Oh sigh, my dear apprentice, what would you do without me?"

As she had expected, he was making fun of her small mistake. To be fair, she doesn't really have any bits. Trixie wanted to tell him that, but her expectations from the pony tells her that he'll just mock her some more.

"Oh Trixie, how shall we go through the night hungry? It would truly weaken our feeble bodies!" He dramatically spoke, his wings moved delicately as he expressed his sadness.

Trixie releases her grip on her hat to glare at Roman. "Why don't you just eat the grass if you're so hungry!?"

Roman only laughed lightly before diving both his hooves into one of his pockets on his jacket, then he took out four granola bars. "Nah, I think I'll have a snack instead, this'll help for the night."

Trixie stared at his snacks with envy, she hasn't eaten any food since this morning and now her mouth salivating by its mere presence. The cover of the granola bars faced her, she could see the label which read as "Schnacks!". It was also chocolate and peanuts, peanuts!. Roman looked away from the snacks to catch Trixie staring, when she noticed his gaze she quickly turned her head away.

"You know Trix'," The unicorn faced him expectantly, in hopes he would share. "you never really did tell me anything about yourself. So how about we get to know each other and I'll share some food, deal?"

Trixie frowned at his offer, she didn't like how he was trying to bribe her with food. But then again, she was too hungry to do anything at all. And with a reluctant nod, Roman tosses two granola bars over the fire and towards Trixie. She then caught both of it in her magic and the mare immediately ripped the plastic open before biting off half of the bar. She chewed the snack gracefully, savoring the taste of both chocolate and peanuts, especially the peanuts. It had been awhile since she even had any of her favorite snacks, peanut butter crackers, but this will do for now.

Roman on the other hand was having trouble with his, his hooves may have used his cane gun without a problem. But he doesn't understand why he couldn't open the plastic that contained the granola bar. An idea came to mind, he held up the snack with his hooves and moved his wings towards it. Slowly and delicately, his wings pinched the plastic tips and he carefully tears it with ease. Roman would then let out an impressed whistle, he just discovered how his wings are practically hands, even though he doesn't understand how the feathers worked at all.

After taking a small bite, he glanced at the mare on the other side of the campfire. She had just finished her first granola bar and was about to eat her second. But Trixie paused when she noticed Roman staring at her.

Roman swallowed down his food before speaking. "So, anything to share to the class?"

Trixie had just forgotten her recent deal with the pegasus, she was just too distracted to even remember. So she cleared her throat to tell him her story, but she won't really tell him everything. "Trixie shall have you know, that she was a student of princess Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns! And that's all you're gonna get from Trixie."

"Really? Never heard of that school before."

"You haven't!? That school is the most prestige school on Equestria! Unicorns who wants to be talented as I dreamed to be enrolled there! Of course a pegasus wouldn't understand, the only things your kind could do is controlling the weather."

Roman raised a brow, he hadn't expected this fact. Even though he has his doubts, he still believed the unicorn. This actually excites Roman, knowing that there is a way for him to control the weather is making him feel glad for being on the planet right now.

"What about you, huh? What cloud did you fall off of?" Roman was snapped out of thoughts by Trixie, he looked at her to find that she had already eaten her second bar.

"I'm from another universe, and all that jazz." He calmly said as he took another bite out of his Schnacks.

"Stop joking." Trixie glared at him, if it was a joke, then she won't be laughing at it.

"And what makes you think I'm joking, or better yet, lying? I'm a man of my word, and a deal was a deal, Trix'."

"Because it was about knowing each other, not telling the truth. Trixie was honest, but you Roman? You are deceitful, and I don't trust you one bit."

Roman grinned. "You're catching on quick, aren't ya'? You don't want to lose a second time, so you're paying attention to every word I say. Be warned though, you might be caught off guard if you just focus on one thing. But I'll be generous, ask me any questions and I'll answer truthfully, and only the truth. If I lie, then you can have three demands that I promise to fulfill."

"Does Trixie have your word? And how shall Trixie know if you are lying?"

"By my name I promise to you that I shall not tell a lie, with Oum and the brothers as my witness."

"Very well, Trixie shall ask you only one question. What do you even need from me?"

Roman's grin fell, now his mouth was just a flat line on his face. He straightened himself and sat in a more comfortable position. "Do you have any friends Trix'?"

Trixie was caught off guard by the question. "Does Trixie have friends? Of course Trixie has friends! Why are you asking me this!? You didn't even answer my question!"

Roman sighed before taking out a single cigar with his wing, he hovered it over the fire to light it and placed it into his lips after. "No you don't." Trixie glared at him, she was about to chew him out for saying so but he continues. "You have a superiority complex, and a personality like yours drives people away. You're a traveling showgirl, friends stay where they are while you yourself have to move to city to city. You don't have room for friends Trixie, because you keep moving and you keep pushing them away. I may not know what happened, but I understand how you feel."

"But what does this have to do with you and I!?" She yelled out, nearly waking up the nearby critters in the vicinity.

"Because we both need friends."

Trixie's eyes widened, she was once again caught off guard by the stallion. She did not expect this answer at all. "W-what?"

He sighed a second time. "Like you Trixie, I don't have anyone, not anymore. I'm all alone in Equestria, I have no one to turn back to. I lost everything that I hold dear to, and was left to wither away on the road. That is until I met you, and in those eyes of yours, I saw a little young filly. She was lonely, just like me. She had no friends... just like Neo..."

"Neo?"

"Its no one, listen, all I'm saying is that you and I are the same. And we both need this, we need some friends in our lives. I'm willing to be yours if you're willing to be mine." Roman wrapped up his answer and exhaled a puff of smoke, making sure not to do it at Trixie's direction.

Trixie herself couldn't really think of anything to say, his words were just as he had promised, they were honest. But she can't just believe it just like that, he was a stranger. Though there was something in the back of her mind that do believe him, sadly she just ignored it. At least she got something out of this, a name of a pony, Neo. She was curious of who they were but Trixie will not ask Roman, maybe next time.

Trixie turned away from Roman and faced her cart. She unclasped her cape and wrapped it around herself like a blanket before turning her hat into a makeshift pillow and lied down on it.

"Trixie is going to sleep." She told Roman.

Roman didn't say anything, he only gazed at the moon above. He silently sat there, smoking his cigar. The fire was the only thing that made any noise, it cracks and pops every now and then. He was thinking over his answer, word by word. Everything he had said was true, he really was alone in this world, and he could tell that Trixie was doubting him. He can't really blame her, even he wouldn't believe himself.

A few minutes went by, Trixie was peacefully snoring away, mumbling something in her sleep. Roman quietly chuckled, then he frowned. He stood up and walked over to her side, the frown still on his face. He gently flips her over to her back, Roman was surprised that she didn't wake up from that. He stared at her sleeping face for a minute, a single thing was running through his mind.

"This is either the worst bet I'll ever make or I'll hit the jackpot in the end." He whispered to himself.

Roman nearly tripped on himself when Trixie stirred a little. "Hmm, yes...Trixie will have a million peanut butter crackers..." She spoke in her sleep.

Roman would have laughed, but it would have woken her up if he did so. "Heh, are all ponies adorable? I hope so." He then gently placed his hoof on Trixie's chest. "I gotta say, Neo would've loved it to be here..."





Today, Trixie had woken up fully rested. She felt as if she herself was a brand new mare that was ready to take on the world. And to make her morning even better, she woke up on the right side of her hammock. Which confused her, she didn't remember going inside her cart last night. She decided to investigate and exited her wagon. Trixie's eyes widened after she took a step outside, she finds herself surrounded by other wagons carrying all sorts of stuff. Some had contained hay, others were crates that obviously held vegetables inside.

After collecting enough information, Trixie came to a conclusion that she was on a ferry boat. The showmare was even more confused as to how she got there at all. But then she remembered her new "friend" that she met on the road. And speak of the devil, there he was, walking towards her on two of his hooves. Some ponies stared at him but Roman seemed to ignore them. Roman's forehooves were holding two cups of what Trixie believes as coffee, while his wings held two plastic bags.

"Morning sunshine!" He greeted her before setting down one of the cups of coffee next to her and also the plastic bags. "Glad you're up, any more sleep then I would've woken you up myself!" He jested.

Trixie ignored him and took the cup in her magic before taking a sip. "Its bitter."

"Well duh, I haven't given you some sugar. That came out weird." He said, and gave her some sugar packs to sweeten her coffee. "Oh right, almost forgot! Here." Roman pushed one of the plastic bags over to her. "There was a guy selling these on the upper floor."

Trixie stared at it and stared at him, she then reluctantly opened the bag. She gasped with delight, inside the bag were a bunch of peanut butter crackers. "R-Roman, how did you know?"

He chuckled. "You talk in your sleep a lot. Always going on and on about those things, so I figured that you liked them."

"And you bought all these for Trixie?" She asked with a much chipper tone in her voice. But then she realized something. "Hey wait a minute! You're just trying to bribe Trixie with these delicious snacks!"

Roman's brow twitched. "Did it ever occur to you that I'm just trying to be nice?"

"Oh no you don't, Trixie won't be fooled by a thief!"

"Shh!" Roman shushed her, he looked around to see if anyone was listening, thankfully no one. "Keep your voice down Trix', or else the party would start way early than I planned. And before you ask, no, I did not steal any of these. The money on the other hand..."

"By Celestia, you are nothing but a criminal. If you keep this up, then you're gonna land yourself in prison."

"What makes you think that you'll be safe?" He grinned devilishly. "You're practically harboring a criminal."

"And what's stopping the great and powerful Trixie from just telling the officers of the law on you?"

"Would you really do that to a friend?" He took another sip from his coffee, the grin still on his face. "Besides Trix', we had a deal."

"A deal that was made on nothing."

"Hmm, growing a bit of backbone are we? I admire that. But I know you wouldn't even do that, especially with your friend."

"You aren't my friend." Trxie let out a growl, her face shifted into a frown.

"Sure I am, I got us tickets to Manehattan, bought you your favorite snack. And I'm even kind enough to stay by your side!"

Trixie glared at him, as much as she hated him, she actually liked his company, even if he was a criminal. She wanted to tell him to jump off the boat and drown, but she decided not to. Trixie didn't feel right with the mix of emotions in her gut.

"Fine." She muttered, but it was loud enough for Roman to hear.

"Wonderful," The stallion wrapped his free arm around her and held her closer to him. "glad you're coming around Trix. Stick with me and you won't go hungry ever again!"

Trixie sighed, she didn't even struggle in his hold, she only accepted her fate. "So, friend" She was reluctant to even call him a friend. "what do you have in plan?"

"Time will come Trix', and I'll tell you when it does. But I can tell you my other plan." Trixie raised a brow in curiosity. "Our first order of business is establish a good source of gold coins, or bits. So, when we get to Manehattan, we are gonna start up a business. I was thinking of maybe some street performance, you know, being a magician and all."

"You want Trixie to perform her amazing and awe inspiring acts on the streets?" She scoffed. "Trixie shall not do as you wish!"

"Well alright then, I'm going to go with plan B I guess."

"And that is what exactly?"

"I'm going to perform! I have a few tricks up my sleeves that can blow those suckers away, and don't worry, I won't outshine you."

"If you're trying to fool Trixie into taking your bait, then just give up, Trixie is too great to fall for your pathetic trap."

"Uh no, I'm actually serious on doing it on my own."

Trixie rolled her eyes before standing up and going inside her wagon with the plastic bag of peanut butter crackers, leaving Roman alone outside. "Fine, do what you want. Trixie does not care at all."

"Alright, but you better pull the wagon on your own when we dock. Honestly, how do you pull that around Equestria all the time? That thing was heavier before I moved you inside."

Trixie only ignored him, she focused on doing her daily morning routines. Which is brushing her mane and coat to perfection. She was too caught up with talking to the thief to even do so, but it was a nice change of pace. At least she had someone to talk to this time, unlike back then.

Trixie stopped brushing for a second, she stared at her own reflection. Roman's face was still lingering in her mind, she contemplated if she really could call him a friend. She glanced at the crackers he had bought just for her, the thought of him going out of his way just to make her happy slightly pleased Trixie. She then went back on brushing her mane, this time with a small smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Roman was eating his last Schnacks he had just outside Trixie's wagon. No one else were around, and he rather not talk to anyone for now. The ponies were a bit too friendly for him, heck, that's how he even got the bits. A couple had invited him over because they liked the way he dressed. Roman was not a man to miss an opportunity. So when they all were chatting about the weather, Roman had not only stolen their bits but their ferry tickets too. He didn't regret it, though seeing them dismayed hit him a bit too hard. So he bought them two tickets with their own money. Though they don't know that, and they were extremely pleased by him, enough to even give Roman coupons for their local cafe. How it all ended greatly for Roman, sadly the thief would probably steal from them a second time.

Unbeknownst to Roman, a tall gray mare in a green suit jacket with a slick black mane that had a single dark gray streak was silently watching him from a few wagons away. She watched Roman's every move with a curious smile. She had been watching him ever since he took a step into the boat, her curiosity had brought her to him. How he had walked and the way he spoke was truly something different. And after hearing him speak with the unicorn, the mare knew that Roman was no ordinary pony. The unknown mare then changed her smile into a wide grin, she had made a decision of keeping a close eye on the pegasus. Whatever he had planned, she will find out. She could see great potential in Roman, and she hoped that he would prove her right.
> A Bit Of Déjà Vu
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manehattan, truly a concrete jungle on Equestria. But much cleaner than the ones back on Remnant, Roman had to give some points to Manehattan for that. Other than that, the city pretty much was just like Vale. The streets were busy, and the ponies trotted in a quick pace, anyone who is too slow might easily get carried away by the wave of ponies. Pegasi at least have an advantage since they only need to hover or fly over the grounded ponies. Roman was actually impressed by Equestria's architecture, he had first expected some wooden houses with a bit of stones. But he was proven wrong when he saw how almost similar his race's and these Equestrian's technology were. It was interesting at first, how the ponies could build skyscrapers. But Roman was shocked when he discovered that dust doesn't exist in this universe.

This would lead him to find out that these ponies used primitive ways to power cities and towns as well as their boats and trains. But without dust, he won't be able to craft more bullets. He'll be forced to turn to regular bullets, which is bad because that means he'll have to schedule more maintenance for his cane. Good thing Roman found something good on this planet, he learned that not only mythical creatures exist, but magic as well. That's where Trixie comes in. From all those fantasy books Roman had read, he would wager that a duplication spell would exist.

Sadly, when he questioned Trixie if she was adept at such magic spell, she only looked away and muttered something under her voice. Trixie was embarrassed, he could tell. This also means that she doesn't know. So that's why he's in a small bookstore right now, waiting in line to pay for a book called "Magic For Dummies". He had made sure that the book featured a guide on duplication spells, and thankfully it does. After paying for the book and not stealing it, he went outside to find Trixie waiting by her wagon. The mare wore an impatient look, tapping her right fore hoof on the pavement as he walked over to her.

Roman then presented the book to Trixie, the showmare stared at quizzically. " What is this for?" She asked.

"Remember when I asked if you could do duplication spells?" He received a hesitant nod. "Well I need you to learn it, so you could help me with something."

"You demand Trixie to read a book for little foals? You offend Trixie!"

"You do know there are adults reading these too?"

Trixie only groaned before swiping the book off his hooves. "Ugh, fine! Trixie shall read the stupid book."

"Good," Roman smiled. "but learn the duplication spell first, then you can read the rest if you want. Now come on, I saw a good place where a lot of people are." He ushered her to follow before walking away and towards the direction the group of ponies he mentioned, while walking on his hind hooves.

Trixie followed the stallion, the wagon in tow. She trotted by his side with the book held in her magic and opened to the page where the spell that Roman need is located. "If Trixie may ask, why do you even need me to learn this spell?"

Roman slowed down a little and faced Trixie. "I need more dust, and I can't exactly find them around here or anywhere on Equestria, they're...very rare."

"Very rare? Are you talking about those crystals you carry around?"

"Yeah, but its really funny though, that you didn't explode when you had them." Roman chuckled. "I'm serious by the way, dust is very dangerous in the wrong hands and you could've blown yourself up."

"Wait what!? Trixie could have died!? Why in Celestia's name are you even carrying those around!?"

"You see this?" He waved his cane in the air. "This cane is also a gun, something your kind haven't really invented yet."

"Again with the different universe thing? Trixie is getting tired of your joke."

"As I was saying," Roman then took out a single red cylinder that was smaller than her hoof. "this is a bullet, a small compact projectile powered by dust. And this goes right into the cane serving as an explosive flare. You've seen what it can do on the first day we've met."

"So hold on, are you telling me, the great and powerful Trixie, that you are not possessing a magical staff disguised as a cane?"

"I can see why you actually thought that. But just for your information, I built my cane, 'Melodic Cudgel', all on my own!" He proudly told Trixie. "And just to be clear, my scroll isn't magic as well, I'm talking about that slab of glass from yesterday."

"Trixie is impressed, though I'm not really fond with weapons, seeing as Trixie is a unicorn. Trixie's kind does not use weapons at all when we have magic."

Roman smirked and shook his head. "Yeah, but seeing as we are friends, expect a weapon of your own in the future."

"Did you not listen? Magic is all an unicorn needs, so keep your barbaric tools away from Trixie."

"Eh, your lost." Just as their current conversation ended, the two ponies arrived in what looks to be a regular park.

There were hundreds of trees around, and a wide grassy field that stretched quite far. Roman breaths in the air, the smell of nature just right at your doorstep. If you live in the city that is. That's why these parks are made, for those who wanted to have an outdoor experience with mother nature. And as mentioned, there were many ponies around spending their time with their friends or families. A perfect target for Roman.

"See those ponies Trix'? That's our ticket for lunch." Roman said as faced the mare who was reading the book he bought.

"Huh? Oh yeah..." She said with disinterest, eyes glued on the open book. "Lunch and all... What are we having?"

Roman groaned loudly. "How about you go learn duplication spell while I earn us some bits?." The thief didn't wait for an answer, he just trotted off to do some tricks for strangers leaving Trixie by herself.

The showmare lowered the book to watch him approach a small group of friends. She rolled her eyes before she unlatched herself off the wagon, right after she parked it in a good spot. She would then look for a suitable spot to read the book that Roman gave her. Soon she would find a nice comfy place right under the shade of a tree. Trixie sat down and leaned her back against the tree. Having enough comfort, she returned to reading.

She read the single page that Roman advised her to over and over. Trixie tried to wrap her mind around the idea of the spell to help her understand. After a few second of going over the same page, she sets down the book on the grass covered ground and focused her mind. Her horn began glowing, and so does the book. She smiled upon seeing progress and focused much harder on the spell. The book floated an inch away from the ground and glowed even brighter, Trixie quickly became extremely delighted so she concentrated harder. Just as she thought she was actually successful, Trixie had instead accidentally ripped the book in two with her magic.

Trixie let out a shocked yelp and jumped back, causing her head to hit the surface of the tree she was leaning on. She recoiled forward and clutched the top of her head as a reaction, but something was off. She felt no pain at all, the mare was absolutely confused, especially when she looked behind herself. Her eyes widened as she discovered a damage she somehow caused. A small part of the tree bent inwards and around the edges were splintered, with wooden shards jutting out of the tree itself. Her confusion grew, she couldn't think up an answer as to why this happened. She would be left with a question that she cannot find an answer to. Trixie would then stare at her attempt, the book split right from the middle. She felt something in her chest hurt a little.

Another failure, and she destroyed the book. "THE BOOK!" She exclaimed. "Oh no, no, no! Roman is going to be mad! Wait, why does Trixie care? He's gonna go rob or buy another one anyways, like the thief he is. But...he did go out of his way just to help Trixie with her magic... Trixie can't just fail him now, I have to fix this!"

Before she could even think up a plan to solve her problem, a voice suddenly spoke. "Well, well, well." Trixie looked up to see one of the last few mares she rather not see again, Rainbow Dash the Element of Loyalty. "If it isn't the lame and boring Trixie." The pegasus scoffed.

"RD! Can't we just just go on with our own business and leave her?" Applejack said as she walked up to Dash's side. "Even if it is Trixie, it doesn't look like she's plannin' somethin' bad."

"What are you two doing here?" Trixie scoffed in return to Dash.

"None of your business!" Said Dash.

"Mah sister and Ah' are visitin' mah aunt and uncle Orange, nothin' much." Applejack answered honestly.

"Applejack, hush! She doesn't need to know what we're doing!"

"If Trixie remembers right, you two are not family. So why is feather brain here?" She asked the rainbow maned mare.

"She's here to get herself the latest Darling Doe books." Applejack once again answered.

"You do know she doesn't really care? All she cares about is herself! So stop telling her stuff, especially about the book! Also, its Daring Do!"

"She is right, Trixie does not care, but Trixie was simply curious as to why some mud pony and feather brain from some country side are here in this lovely park of Manehattan."

"Okay, I let the first one slide, but now you've done it by calling me feather brain a second time!"

Before Dash could pounce on the unicorn, Applejack quickly held her off. "Easy there sugarcube, she's just tryna rile you up."

"Yes, listen to your friend Rainbow Dash. It would really paint a bad picture if you attacked an innocent mare such as Trrrixie!"

"Easy RD, easy girl." Applejack gave her attempt to calm her friend down. "What about you Trixie, why are you in Manehattan?"

"Trixie is simply just here to bring my amazing and spectacular self to Manehattan! Ponies shall be in awe, and they shall be amazed by the captivating magic that I shall perform soon!"

Dash snorted a laugh. "Your magic, amazing? Not in a million years!"

"Oh? Still a little mad about my victory from our duel?"

"Trixie," Applejack spoke. "Ah know we don't see eye to eye, but can ya' not start a fight with RD? Same goes for you Dash."

"Ugh, fine." Said Dash.

"Trixie shall refrain from telling the truth."

"Why I-" Dash couldn't finish her threat when another voice a cuts in.

"Making friends are we? Keep this up Trix' and I might end up being jealous!" All three mares turned to face the new addition to the conversation. "Well hello there." He greeted the two with a very honest smile.

"Howdy." Applejack tipped her hat as she greeted back.

"And you are?" Asked Rainbow Dash, earning an elbow to the ribs from Applejack.

"Roman Torchwick, its a pleasure to meet you both. Tell me, are you two Trixie's friends?"

"Uh, no." Dash and Trixie answered at the same time.

"Oh, its a shame then. Because the two of you aren't friends with a great mare such as Trixie."

"What makes her so great? She isn't as cool and awesome as me."

"Well that's because she had saved my life."

"She did?" Applejack calmy asked.

"Yo, what!?" Exclaimed Dash.

"I did?" When she caught the two mares staring at her as well as Roman's wink, she immediately changed the confused look on her face into a face of pride and bravado. "I-I mean, yes! Trixie had saved Roman's life from the jaws of death!"

"Amazing," Roman wiped a fake tear off his eye. "I am forever in her debt. I tried to repay Trixie with bits, but she generously declined. She even declined the offer of giving her my hat! No matter how much I offer, she wouldn't take it. But then I offered my friendship, a priceless thing to give, and she accepted. And after having a drink in her honor, right on top of the manticore she rescued me from, we had vowed to stick to each other's side. Traveling Equestria together, side by side, rain or shine!"

"Y-yes! Trixie saw Roman weak and battered from the manticore's vicious claws. So Trixie went in selflessly and saved him from his utter demise!"

Applejack whistled with impress. "Wow Trixie, you've really changed since we last saw you in Ponyville."

"I call bu-" Roman planted down his cane right in front of Dash's hooves and leaned over it, with his face just an inch away from her own.

After a minute of staring at her, Roman spoke. "Have we met? Because I have this raging déjà vu. Seriously, I think I've seen you before... I haven't picked up a newspaper for awhile now and I've never seen you on it even then."

"Uh, no, we haven't met. This is the first time we did." Said Dash.

"Sorry, I've felt like we've talked before, maybe on a train or something. Anyhow!" He changed his attention over to the farm pony, he leaned his hoof on the cane to keep himself standing tall on two hooves. "I'm so glad you appreciate Trixie's deed."

"Well no problem at all Torchwick. Glad to hear that mare did some good, that doesn't cancel out what she did to me and mah friends though. But I'm willing to let go for now." She smiled. "The name's Applejack, in case you wonderin', its nice to meet you. That there Rainbow Dash."

"My, such a sweet name for such a pretty mare like yourself."

"Pretty mare?" Muttered Trixie.

"Pretty mare?" Applejack said aloud. "Well aren't you such flirt, Rarity would've love to meet you."

"Well I'm not talking to Rarity, aren't I?"

"Well, you really aren't."

"You look like a regular farmer. Just a little fun fact about myself, I was actually raised in a farm, back before my travels."

"Ain't that interesting, didn't expect mister fancy here to be an earthy. Say, you look like you got experience, wanna have a chat over some coffee?"

"How about I buy us lunch instead, I heard there's this cafe that serves the best cakes in Manehattan, then we can talk a little about you. So, you down?"

"Okay!" Dash interrupted them both before Applejack could give him an answer. "AJ, don't we got somewhere else to be?"

"Oh, right!" The farmer said as she just remembered something. "Sorry about this mister Torchwick, but can we catch up next time? Maybe when y'all are at Ponyville, just look for the apple orchard when you do visit."

"Please, call me Roman. And I'll definitely do come visit, I bet your siblings are as great as you."

"How did you-"

"As a fellow farmer like you, I myself have a few siblings, its pretty common to have big family like us." He smiled. "Before you go, you should fix your hat, its misplaced on your head."

Applejack moved her hoof up to hat to find that it was slightly off to the side, strange that she didn't notice that. Her face flushed red, which confuses the three other ponies with her. "Well t-thank you for your time Roman, Ah hope you come visit soon. Let's go Dash." She said as she quickly pulled the pegasus away.

"W-why didn't you tell me that mah hat was slightly off?" She questioned the mare in her hooves as they kept walking.

"I didn't notice, and besides, does it matter?" When Dash saw the flustered look on her friend's face, she grinned. "No way! No bucking way!"

"Say another word about it and Ah'll beat you with em'!" She threatened the pegasus.

"Hah, sure you would. But I can't believe you like the fancy type, I mean, did you see him? The guy screams ri-... He's rich..." She placed a hoof on her chin. "That's actually a good idea!"

"RD, being rich isn't the case, besides, after what we did we could just ask princess Celestia a bit or two and she wouldn't mind at all. But he was actually nice, Ah sure do hope he does come visit."

"Gee, never really thought you liked the fancy pants type, I mean, that guy probably have a golden toilet at his house."

"He's fancy, but Ah feel that deep down he's a hard workin' feller that would never give up even on the hardest of work! Also, that hat of his is kinda nice."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Hey look, popcorn!" She said, tired of the subject already and attempted to divert their attention. Also, Dash wanted some popcorn.

"No."

"Don't make me beg!"

"Ugh, alright Dash, but just this once!" She said as she reached into her hat only to find nothing. "Oh, uh..." She smiled awkwardly. "Well this is strange, Ah think Ah misplace mah bits."

Dash sighed. "Dang it, well lucky for us I actually have my-" Dash stopped after realizing that she did not in fact have her bits. "I think I'm not hungry."

"You lost it too didn't you?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, guess we'll have to ask Applebloom or Aunt Orange to pay for the train tickets."




"So," Trixie began. "Trixie didn't take you for the country mare type."

"Nah, that's too close to home, and I didn't like my home."

"So then what was that about?"

Her answer were two pouches of bits being placed right in front of her. "Our lunch." He said with a wide grin.

"Oh, so you were playing with that country bumpkin's heart just to steal her money? Oh why is Trixie not even surprised? Though, I didn't actually see you do it..."

"Because I'm the best at what I do, and one of them is steal."

"Also...why did you lie about how we met?"

"Trix', I saw how you and skittles interacted, I could see that tension between you two. And I know she doesn't like you at all. So I used my other skill which I am talented in, lie. I just wanted to make you seem more likeable, she didn't bite. But on the other hand, that farmer seems to change her opinion of you."

"T-Trixie... I don't know what to say... Ahem! Trixie needs to tell you something!" She was reluctant, but she still raised the two pieces of the book she ripped apart. "Trixie have accidentally destroyed the book. Could you forgive Trixie for her simple mistake?"

Roman stared at the floating pieces, he tapped his hoof on his chin before taking them out of Trixie's magic. He took one page out of the spineless one and ripped its matching page out of the other. Roman would then hand the two halves over to Trixie.

"Trial and error Trix', you'll get it someday." He assured her.

When she read what was on the page, she discovered that it was the duplication spell. She looked back at Roman, a small smile only her face and gave him a nod.

"Now then, how about some cake! We can also get some ice cream, neapolitan sounds great!" He said before walking away from her, intending to lead Trixie to the cafe he mentioned.

"Sure, it does sounds great..." Trixie whispered as she followed him.

And thus, the heroes and villains have met. Though they were oblivious of Roman's deeds, Equestria itself shall soon learn who he is. Manehattan is where he shall make himself known, and spread his name. It was a new opportunity for Roman, and he would be a fool to ignore it. And as for Trixie, there is something more to her that has great potential, something that shall aid Roman with his new conquest to be Equestria's greatest thief.
> The Thief And The Showmare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trixie yawned and watched the sun in the distance rising from rooftop of an apartment building, with a cup of coffee in her magic. Her mane hasn't even been brushed yet, nor has she put on any make up. And yet Roman, who was standing besides her, had looked better than before. The pegasus was currently looking through a pair of binoculars which she suspected that it was stolen. Whatever he was looking at, she does not care, she only cares about why Roman had woken her up so early just to spy on things.

She shivered as the cold early sunrise wind flowed past her. She quickly pressed the cup on to her cheek to give herself a little bit of warmth. Trixie took glanced at Roman, the pegasus was chuckling to himself as he used the binoculars, something was clearly entertaining to the stallion and Trixie doesn't know what. She shrugged her shoulders before taking a sip from her cup, welcoming the sweet taste of caramel coffee.

"Alright!" Roman suddenly spoke loudly, this startled Trixie and nearly caused her to drop her coffee if it weren't for her great talent with simple telekinesis. "Time to go Trixie, I'm done scouting."

"Mind telling Trixie of what exactly you are scouting for?" Trixie asked as she followed the the if towards the stairs that led down.

"Remember my talents Trixie?"

She took this chance to lift up the end of his jacket with her magic to see his cutie mark. "You're very happy?" She answered in the form of a rhetoric question.

Roman himself looked at the symbol on his flank, his own classic logo, an orange smiling face on his white fur. He had no idea what it was at first when he just woke up on Equestria, but he soon learned that they are like an identification of sorts, a good way to know the difference of ponies. Though it is never actually unique, Roman had saw many ponies with marks that was identical, but they were different in some way.

"No Trix', this-" He motioned his hoof towards his mark. "- doesn't mean me being a good smiler. What it means is my great charismatic personality! Notice how many hearts I've stolen by just saying a single word?"

"And you stole more than hearts." She said sarcastically.

"As I was saying, my mark may say I have a silver tounge, but I was actually talking about my other talents, stealing."

"By Trixie's beautiful mane, you are a total kleptomaniac."

"Keep it up Trix', and you'll run out of words to call me." He chuckled, by now they have already descended to the ground floor, and they both exited the apartment building. "We'll get back to the subject later, for now we're gonna go to a very secluded place in Manehattan for a very special training." A devilish grin crept up his face.

"'Special training'?"




"And now that we are here, let the class, begin!" Roman spoke.

Trixie stared at him, wondering why Roman had brought them both to some empty warehouse by the docks, it had looked like no one had ever set foot around at all. Making her and Roman probably the first ponies to even return to this abandoned building. As she watched Roman, he began to strip his clothes right in front of her, it had no effect on the mare with the fact that ponies are usually naked. She would do the same as well, but only taking off her cape and hat.

"Alright," Roman sets down his neatly folded clothes on the ground, but he made sure that it was at least dusted or else his white jacket would get dirty. "first things first, hit me."

"What?" Trixie asked, confused as to why he asked her to hit him. He then tossed his cane right in front of her hooves.

"Hit me with my cane." He raised his forelegs to the side, readying  himself for what's to come.

"Trixie doesn't see why-"

"Just do it."

"Okay, but Trixie has your consent for this and Trixie may not hold back."

The unicorn's horn began glowing, and the cane was wrapped in a pink aura. In a blink of an eye, the cane swung at Roman, it slammed on his face with all her strength and pent up anger for that time he really annoyed her.  But to Trixie's shock, the stallion did not move, not even an inch. A low chuckle escaped him as he pushed the cane away with a toothy grin, somehow silently mocking Trixie with the way he grinned at her.

"B-but how!?" She asked with great amount of disbelief.

"There's something you don't know about me Trixie, like I have told before, I'm from another universe. Dust is a mysterious crystal that exist all over my world, dangerous as they are, the only thing that could trigger their dormant state is with aura." 

With that, the pegasus began glowing, he was surrounded by an orange light. Trixie stared at him, never in her life has she ever witness a pony glow before, and it was strange, she could feel a small trace of magic coming from the thief. It was definitely magic, but something much different than her own or anything in Equestria at all.

"As you can see, I have aura, a manifestation of the soul, and any creature with a soul can use aura. Aura is a wonderful trick from my world, it has many uses. Such as a defensive barrier to protect you from harm, or an offensive weapon," Roman picked up a conveniently placed rock, and reeled back his hoof before throwing it into the air. The rock flew off his hoof and sailed through the roof of the warehouse like a bullet. "which could be used to defeat your opponents."

Trixie had been keeping her eyes on the hole of the roof, too shocked to even look at Roman. Just as mentioned before, Trixie had never have seen this all before. A pegasus who was capable with magic such as shield barrier or strength enhancement was amazingly absurd to Trixie.

"I...Trixie doesn't...what!?" She said as she looked away and at the anomaly himself.

"I know, I know, I'm an an amazing guy. You could even say I'm-" His right wing moved towards under his chin and mimicked a check mark with a small feather on top of his wing pointing up and his 'index feather' pointed to his left. "criminally stupendous?"

"Was that joke? Because there are more important matters right now than jokes! Where in Equestria did you get this power!?"

"First: I had no idea why I said that. Second: I have already told you, its from my universe, aura is pretty common there. Believe it or not if you want, but you're not gonna find aura anywhere on this planet because I'm the only one who has it."

"F-fine, Trixie believes that you, a pegasus with a strange ability that Trixie has never seen before, are an alien." She finally said, but there was still a large amount of doubt in her words, Roman didn't really mind actually. As long as she believes it just a little, then she'll soon believe it all. "So...do you plan on giving the great and powerful Trixie this aura? It is quite useful if you ask Trixie, and Trixie could find great ways to add this skill for Trixie's amazing performance."

"You already have aura, so you don't need to ask."

"What!?" Her voice cracked. "Since when!?"

"The first night we were together, while you were asleep I unlocked your aura. Gotta say, you have a lot of it, you literally lit up the night with the amount of aura you have."

"That's good right? Is Trixie a great aura user if Trixie has a large amount of it?"

"You have potential sure, but just because you could fill up a pool with your aura doesn't mean you're good with it. It takes years of training to even master your aura, and lucky for you, I'm the one teaching you. So expect yourself getting stronger in a year because I, the stupendous Roman Torchwick, shall train you with my great knowledge of aura!"

"Yes!" She pumped her hoof in the air with excitement. "Teach Trixie the ways of aura, so Trixie could rise above her peers and be greater than the rest, even Twilight Sparkle!"

"Love your enthusiasm Trix', now come," The same grin returned to his face. "let's start with lesson one."

"Trixie is ready!"




"Trixie is bored!"

Trixie was indeed bored, instead of intense and tiring training like she expected, the two were only just sitting besides each other. Roman had his eyes closed and was breathing calmly, he had instructed Trixie to do the same but she was extremely bored of it.

"You weren't listening to what I said, were you?" His one eye cracked open to stare at her with visible irritation. "We've been at it since a hour ago, all it takes is you to learn how to glow like me. Focus your mind Trixie, focus on your aura and clear out the rest. Ignore all distraction. If you can master this then you would be ready for training."

"But Roman, Trixie is booored!" She fell down on her back to show how bored she was.

"Trixie, could you just do as I say so we can move on?"

"Fine." She sat back up and closed her eyes. She did as what Roman had told her again and focused her mind like he instructed.

"Good Trixie," Roman calmly whispered to her. "now, ignore all distractions that surrounds you, staring with my voice."

"Then why did you talk?"

"What did I say?"

"Okay, geez."

She returned to focusing and clearing her mind, and in a matter of seconds she felt as if her body was lighter than before. And her eyes unconsciously opened by themselves to reveal to her that she was completely surrounded by darkness. Roman's words echoed, reminding her to keep calm and ignore all distractions. So she closed her eyes once more and focused deeper into her mind. Trixie had one last distraction to over come, something that she have always had, a sense of doubt. She doubted many things since she started seeing the thief as a friend, she did not fully believe that he truly wanted to be her friend. But then he started proving himself to her, he had given her many things and had been there by her side when the two mares from Ponyville came.

Could she really believe the words of a deceitful thief? For once, Trixie was willing. Willing to be his friend if he was willing to be hers.

Her eyes snapped open as felt her body being enveloped by some kind of warmth, she found Roman standing in front of her with a welcoming smile. Trixie looked down to her hooves to discover them glowing brightly blue, she gasped upon knowing that she not only succeed, but also impressed her friend. She quickly stood up in excitement, and smiled back at Roman.

"I did it!" She cheered for herself.

"Indeed you did Trixie, I'm so proud of you." Said Roman. "Now you're really ready, and the first one on the list is defense! Now listen closely."

"You have Trixie's full attention!"

"Good, you need to know that aura doesn't completely protect you from feeling pain, it'll only reduce it and it must be noted that it does not keep you cold in hot areas, only warm in cold areas. And you need to train to passively cloak yourself in aura or else you'll be vulnerable to surprise attacks. Any questions before we begin?"

"Yes actually. Is this what you meant when you offered Trixie the apprenticeship?"

"You are correct my dear, this was my plan from the beginning. Anymore questions?" The mare shook her head no. "Alright, let's continue."




Trixie, for the tenth time in a row, fell down her back with a loud thud, Roman had repeatedly tossed her around as she had attempted to try and block his attacks with her aura. But it was really hard when you are new to this, so she ended up feeling pain all over her chest where Roman struck her. Good thing he wasn't being serious or else she could get badly injured.

She had easily learned how to use aura for defense, so now she was trying to learn how to fight with aura. And though she believed that unicorn magic is all she needs, Trixie thought that learning offensive use of aura wouldn't be a problem, especially if she could get an upper hand against anyone who would stand against her. Trixie would then slowly get back on her hooves before standing on two as Roman had instructed her to.

"You sure you can still go? You're over using your aura, even if you have a lot doesn't mean you could just leave it like a lightbulb, you'll exhaust yourself soon."

"T-Trixie can still go, she is far too powerful to be defeated."

"Alright, let's- Hah!" Roman covered the gap between him and Trixie, hoof ready to strike her.

But Trixie actually expected this so she dodged to the left, all her years of performing had helped train herself to stand and move on two hooves, a feat that would impress the simple minded ponies. And now she's using it to fight, something she didn't expect in her life. Trixie then mimic Roman's move and jabs her hoof at Roman, only to be blocked by the thief who had years of experience in fighting. Trixie felt Roman's hooves wrapped around her extended hoof before being lifted right over him and she was then slammed down on the floor. Her aura flickered, indicating that she is nearly out due to the constant use.

"Alright, that is enough." He said as he helped Trixie back on her hooves. "We'll continue next time. Gotta say, you've made a lot of progress for newbie. But that isn't enough, and you're gonna need some rest, if your aura breaks then you'd suffer fatigue."

"You're right, Trixie has pushed herself too much on Trixie's first day of training."

"Good, we'll need to- wait, what time is it?" Roman hadn't noticed it until now that it was getting dark, the sun was setting and the last few rays of sunshine was slowly disappearing. "Hmm, guess we missed lunch. Oh, never mind! Let's have dinner!"

"Dinner sounds lovely, if I do say myself." A new voice spoke, Roman and Trixie snapped their attention over to a gray mare who sat on top of a rusted barrel. In her hooves was a teacup with what both ponies presumed as tea. "How about some lasagna? I'm craving for some pasta right now."

"Wait, who the hay are you!?" Trixie questioned.

"You could call me a fan, especially for you mister Torchwick, been watching you since you've took a step into the ferry boat." She took a sip of her tea. "I must say, you've really catch my interest. I kept my eyes on you and saw all those naughty deeds you did. Really impressive."

Trixie's eyes widened, she hasn't accounted an outside spectator to watch them, nor has she expected anyone to see Roman perform his illegal tricks. She was worried that this random old mare would go straight for the police, and she planned to make sure she doesn't, not when her friend is on the line. But before her horn could glow, Roman lifted a hoof to stop her.

"I didn't expect anyone with a good eye on Manehattan, most ponies stick their nose up so high that they don't see me rob them of their bits. You yourself is impressive." Said Roman. "And what's that about dinner?"





Trixie couldn't believe it, she was sitting in the fanciest table she had ever seen, a pretty long one too. Roman and Trixie sat in one end while the mare sat on the other. There were so many forks and knives in front of her, leaving the mare confused on what to use for the lasagna that the old mare's chef had prepared. She watched Roman pick one of the forks and she followed by picking the same. Trixie began eating, it has been awhile since she had eaten pasta, too long indeed. And the best part was the expensive wine that was older than both Roman's and hers age combined, it even tasted as she expected, like rich person's money.

While the unicorn ate, Roman faced the old earth pony mare who had revealed her name to be Lucky Spice, an entrepreneur who owned many businesses in not only Manehattan, but Canterlot as well. She seems to be around fifty years old, judging by the looks, though Roman still doesn't know how ponies age, its probably the same as humans.

"So," Lucky Spice began as she held her glass of wine in her hoof. "I'm really astonished of what you and your unicorn friend have done, practicing some kind of magic that a pegasus have mastered. Truly amazing!"

"Thank you, that's just how the stupendous Roman Torchwick works."

"By Celestia, please don't copy Trixie." The unicorn muttered.

"But I am quite curious myself," Said Roman. "you see, I never really understood why a lovely mare such as yourself lives alone in a home like this. I don't believe I see any Mr.Spice."

"Oh Roman, I've seen you work, your tricks won't easily work with me." Spice said playfully. "But if you were curious as to why I brought you here, then allow me to illuminate. Mister Torchwick, have your life ever been so...dull?"

"Nope, my life is always a ride." 

"I see, then might I say that though I am a wealthy mare, my life has been pretty boring lately, a few excitement here and there, but yet I am still yearning for something. Have you heard of the return of Nightmare Moon and the Elements? I don't believe so since you claim to be an alien."

Trixie frowned upon the mentioning of the six heroes that she despised.

Roman nodded towards Spice. "That's correct, I have been meaning to fill myself to what's happening in Equestria."

"Well Roman, after I read the papers of how a valiant heroes of six risked their lives, something inside me was sated. Then I discovered that I didn't want excitement in my life, no, I wanted to read about it!"

"What?" Trixie asked with a mouth full of pasta.

"Strange I know, let me continue. After my discovery of my problem, I have began reading books of thrilling adventures! Sadly, after my 822nd book, it began to become dull once more. Books no longer satisfy my thirst, that is until I read about a spirit of chaos returning to Equestria After that, I have been subscribing to different newspaper companies across Equestria. I even owned a few of them. But nothing amazing and thrilling has yet to happen. Then I saw you mister Torchwick, a strange pegasus thief that pops out of the rest, a pony who claims to be not of this world. You have potential for many things, such as providing a thrilling adventure that I not only wish to read about, but to also help you in this story."

The master and his apprentice stared at the mare, greatly confused by her reasoning. They both couldn't really understand why such mare had a strange hunger for the thrills, it was truly odd for them.

"Could you give us a moment?" Roman requested.

"Of course, take your time." Spice said before clapping her hooves together and a glass wall slams down in front of her, right between her and the table.

"Alright," Trixie spoke, and she lifted a hoof to point at the smiling mare behind the glass wall. "Trixie believes that this old mare has issues."

"Rich people Trix', all the money they can get always makes their lives dull and boring, so they go and spend it like crazy on things. Or they seek out the thrills to fill their hearts with. I've actually met a few with strange ways to get what they want back at my world."

"But what do we do, should we really let her in on all this?"

"Heh, I'm glad that you're starting to participate with my diabolical plans."

"Trixie is only part of it because of our deal Roman, and Trixie is a mare of her word."

"Think about it Trix', she's rich, that means if we ask her for a few things then she'll just give it to us. Might not be free, but anything to help us earn some bits and carving our names in Equestria's history. Also, we can ask if she knows any unicorns that is good with duplication spells."

"But Trixie was going to do that." She argued.

"Yeah, but if someone else takes the job, then we can focus on other spells, like teleportation!"

"Never thought about that, very well, Trixie supports your choice."

"Then that's two votes to zero." Roman nodded over to Spice, the old mare clapped her hooves again and the wall was gone in a blink. "Just to be clear on this, you would help us with anything?"

"Yes, but it won't come free, I am still business mare my good sir. If you wish for tools, then I shall hoof you them for the right price. If you wish for information, then with enough bits I would tell you everything I know. And if you want something more just to solidify our bond, then ask away and I'll see what I can do. Let's just call it a favor."

"What do you say Trix'? Sounds like a start of a beautiful friendship."

Trixie smirked and lifted her glass of wine to her lips. "Trixie believes so, Roman."

"Guess you miss Spice, have a Thief and a Showmare."

"Wonderful, its so exciting to make a deal with a criminal. Let us drink to our new found friendship!" Spice raised her glass in the air with Roman and Trixie following.

"Let's." Said Roman as he and Trixie shared a very devilish smile.

A new opening was made to Roman, a chance to establish his name into the roots. This was the beginning of Roman's story to Equestria's history, it was time for the world to learn that he exists, a thief that would not easily give up. Though the three have just formed a team, they all know that the bond is strong and it'll only get stronger.
> Thieves And Two Idiots
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A simple old warehouse by the docks, far from any workers to even be cared for. The exterior tells anyone who sees it that no soul had ever taken a step anywhere near the building, but if you have taken a look inside, you would see that this place had been claimed. The new owner of this previously abandoned warehouse had called in a favor from a friend.

And now the inside was like a cozy home, or place with enough comfort for a criminal mastermind and his new partner in crime.

Roman was greatly impressed, Spice's workers cleaned up, brought in household furnitures, and changed the double doors into a roller shutter door. All in just an hour. Even the hole from yesterday was fixed, which is awesome in Roman's opinion. Spice had truly paid for the best.

The thief took one look at his new hideout, a smile had found itself on his face. On one side was a kitchen with working plumbing, and the other was what some would call a living room, with only two couches, an orange and a blue one, between a shelf filled with books. There was also a bathroom built in between of the kitchen and the living room, to give it a little more design to the bland placement of furnitures. The best part is that they were only using half of the building, giving them enough room for whatever they wanted. Not even Trixie's wagon filled the large extra space, it barely even compared to the bathroom.

As for bedrooms, Trixie had told him that she preferred her wagon, she became used to sleeping in it after years of traveling. So seeing that she doesn't want a bed, Roman opted that the couch is all he needed and the workers were somewhat glad that they didn't have to build more rooms.

Now that they were settled in, Trixie had went straight for the bathroom for a well deserved shower.

With some free time, Roman went over to the living room part of the warehouse to read a few books, he was glad that Spice's workers had filled the shelves mostly with books that provide information about Equestria. And to his interest, a book about flying. Roman was meaning to learn how to fly, so this gives him a new chance to learn a new trick. He had already learned to control his wings since he discovered them, he even used it for his magic tricks to earn some bits. But not once had he ever tried to fly, he was too busy setting up his grand plan to even begin.

So he grabbed the book, sat down on the orange couch and took a look inside the book.

After a few minutes, the shower became silent, and soon Trixie came out the bathroom with a blue towel wrapped around her head. And after she dried herself she sat down on the blue couch. Trixie curiously watched Roman as he read his book, she smirk in amusement after reading the cover and felt slightly more superior than the unknown creature in pony skin. A fact that she accepted and also taking advantage of with the lack of Equestrian logic on Roman's part. Giving her a tiny bit of pride when she compared herself with the stallion who is obviously stronger than her. Though Trixie would never admit that. 

"So," Trixie began. "Pretty nice place, right?"

"Yes it is, and I'm actually glad that I have somewhere to sleep in. That wagon is too small for the both of us." He said as he kept his eyes on the book. 

"Trixie agrees, you were taking up too much room last night."

Roman glanced at Trixie with a smirk. "At least I didn't talk in my sleep."

"W-well at least Trixie doesn't- doesn't... Shut up!"

"What happened to that ego? Guess you had gone really soft after a few days with me."

"T-Trixie has not gone soft! Trixie is still the Great and Powerful Trixie! Better yet, Trixie had grown stronger than before... thanks to you." She looked away in embarrassment, as much as she was pleased with his generosity of teaching her, she still hasn't forgotten their first interaction.

"Well Trix'," Roman closed the book and sets it next to him. "you certainly did become stronger than an average earth pony. But not strong enough to face a unicorn who is familiar with the art of magic."

"If you're talking about that lavender butt, then shut it." Trixie proudly pointed her nose high in front of Roman. "With your training and Trixie's determination to be the best there ever was, no unicorn shall ever surpass Trixie!"

"I love the moxie Trix', but save it for later." Roman tossed his book aside and jumped onto his hind hooves with bravado that certainly surprised Trixie. "We got ourselves a job from Greeny, so let's go see how charismatic of a man I am." He finished with cat like grin that sent shivers down Trixie's spine. 





Manehattan's train station, a very busy place with ponies, just like everywhere else in the city, are always on the move. The hoof beats of every single pony were as quick as a ticking clock as many have somewhere to go. Though it has always been very busy, there some not so rare instances where a small number of ponies would stop by an amateur performer to watch the talented individual.

Sadly for Roman, that is not what he was currently looking for. His eye scanned the hundreds of ponies as he leaned on his cane, looking for his current objective. Whatever he was trying to find, Trixie does not know.  

Speaking of Trixie, she herself was just practicing her aura control next to him as dozens of ponies passed by, not giving any thought on the pair as time kept ticking. She only had unlocked her aura recently but the mare was better compared to yesterday, which is great if she wanted to make any progress. She just couldn't wait to test her new found abilities to the limit, but she doubted she had a limit, especially when you're a talented mare such as her. 

"I'm so glad that you could just sit back and relax while I do all the work." 

Trixie stopped practicing to glare at Roman. "Excuse me?"

Roman gave her a half glance before going back on scanning the passing crowd for something "Hmm? Oh nothing... Just that, a little help could really make my day."

"Um no, Trixie is not relaxing, Trixie is meditating to strengthen her aura control! " She defended herself.

Roman clicked his tounge. "You can do that later, we got a work to do."

"There's a hundred ponies here! How could we even find them in this station when Trixie can't even find a quiet place to think!?"

"Trix', look at this in a different way."

The showmare raised a brow. "In what way?"

The thief smirked before facing her. "In an educational way. Lesson one!" Trixie recoiled from his sudden rise on volume nearly falling on her back. "When I am working, what do I do?"

"Try not to get caught?" She answered. 

"Yes, but how?"

Trixie placed a hoof on her chin as she began thinking about his question, many things went through her mind but one thing really stuck on her. "Keep an eye out for spectators... Especially the authorities."

"Ding ding, you just earned yourself a cookie!" He mockingly said to the mare, annoying her even more lately. "Now think of it as looking for undercover blues hiding in the crowd, now I'm not asking for you to look for any, I just need you to find our target. Do you remember their description?"

She nodded.

"Good, now go look for them."

With that she began looking, though it was only a way to help her focus, Trixie took the whole undercover cops seriously and began watching out for anything out of the ordinary. Surprisingly enough she noticed a few ponies just standing there away from the moving wave of ponies, they weren't like the performers and were only standing on the sidelines which gave off a suspicious aura about them. Or she could be mistaken. But they weren't really what she was looking for, and to her own surprise she had found what they were both looking for.

"I think I see them!" She said before turning towards Roman. 

"By the entrance right? Nicely done Trix'."

The look on her face switched from pride of finding the ponies they were for to confusion. "Wait, you already found them!?"

"A few minutes ago, yes. Don't get mad but I just wanted to see how well you could spot things around you. And it looks like you've noticed our friends in hiding." He gently patted his hoof on her head with a peaceful smile. "That's an A plus!"

Trixie quickly slaps the hoof away and puffed out her cheeks, irritated for what Roman just did. "Don't do that, ever."

"Aw, widdle Twixie huwts my feewings..." He said mockingly before laughing after annoying her even further. "Alright, alright... Heh... Let's just get this done..."

Roman then began walking towards the entrance with a very displeased unicorn by his tail. As he got closer he found a small gathering crowd near his targets, and as he gets even closer he could hear two ponies speaking. He cuts through the crowd immediately and when he got himself on the other end of, he found two yellow unicorns. Both were almost identical with their red and white colored mane and matching clothing, which were a blue vest with white vertical stripes or horizontal depending which way you see them. Both also wore matching hats and the only thing to differentiate them was their voices and the fact that one had a red moustache. 

The obvious twins were both presenting a bottle of red liquid to everyone with a smile on both of their faces which Roman could see through it like a window.

"Greetings everyone!" The mustached one spoke. "That's my brother Flim, and I'm Flam!"

Flim then took the bottle from his brother's hooves and raised it high in the air for all to see. "And today in this beautiful city of Manhattan, we are proud to present our latest product! Right o' brother of mine?"

Flam took a step forward and showed off his winning smile. "Yes indeedy! We are here to present to you all, this amazing elixir that will change all your lives!"

"Now tell me," The crowd's focus switched over to Flim. "have any of you felt like you're only 40% all day? As if you just don't have the energy to go full 100?"

A few heads nodded, while the rest only stayed still. Roman gave out a silent chuckle at what he was watching, giving out some points for their performance. He knew exactly who and what they were, con artists. 

"Well that's why we're here!" Flam swiped the bottle from Flim. "Presenting our new and spectacular Boost Elixir!"

"This amazing bottle of greatness contains a magical energy that would, as the name suggested, boost your energy up for the day!" Flim paused for a second to let his words sink in with the crowd before continuing. "That's right folks, with this bottle you would be energized to get that full 100%! Now imagine all of your work being finished quicker than before with the help of the Boost Elixir!"

"That is correct my good brother, not only would you be on top of your game with the Boost Elixir, you would also be more efficient with all your work!"

"Now, don't just stand there, come and grab a bottle and be at 100%!"

That was when Trixie felt a hoof on her shoulder as Roman leaned closer to her. "Stay back and follow my lead." He whispered to her before stepping forward, leaving the mare with the crowd of ponies who were just eating up every word that came out of the twins.

The thief planted down his cane with a loud thud that echoed through the chatter and beating hooves of the station. Every eyes that once were on the two con artists landed on the white Pegasus that stood proudly on the spot. 

"Excuse me fine gentlemen, but I couldn't help but notice your amazing product over there. Sadly I am a bit skeptical about buying a bottle that possibly could have some side affects." Just as Roman mentioned about the possibility of side affects, the crowd of ponies began murmuring amongst themselves, thinking about it properly now that it was said. 

"Side affects?" Flam spoke, his confidence still intact. "My good sir, we ourselves have used the elixir and there was no side affects at all!"

"Yes," Roman took a short pause to make sure that all eyes were on him, he grinned when they were. "but what about us pegasi?"

"Pardon?" Both twins spoke. 

Roman chuckled, he tilted down his hat to be intimidating. "That's right, the elixir would surely work on you unicorns, but have you tested them on a pegasi or earth ponies?"

"He's right!" Trixie spoke among the crowd. "Each pony races always had different traits from each other. Like how earth ponies have stronger bones where as pegasi have weaker. Did you account the possibility that your customers will not always be a unicorn?"

"Hey, would this elixir work on me?" A griffon in the crowd caught everyone's attention. 

"What about me huh!?" This time it was a strange looking unicorn that had a curved horn instead of the spiral one.

"Oi! What if they're right, what then huh!?" A random pony asked. 

"Hmm, did you two not do your research? Tsk tsk." Roman shocked his head with his grin turning into a smug look as the crowd started to play right into his hands.

"People, people! We have accounted for all races on Equestria, there is absolutely nothing to fear!" Flim tried to convince the crowd that there were no risk.

"Y-yes, the elixir is as safe as the bottled water you could buy everywhere!" Flam quickly ran over to Roman and raised the bottle towards him. "There is nothing to be worried about sir, this drink will not cause any side affect, so go on and take a sip!"

'Got'cha.' Roman swiped the bottle away from the unicorn, eager to get this whole thing over with. "Well I was the one who opened my mouth, then I should be the one to find out what the results would be!"

The crowd sans Trixie watched with bated breath as Roman popped off the cork, everyone were on the tip of their hooves/claws when he began inching the bottle slowly to his lips. And with one single and quick sip from the bottle, Roman's eyes widen. 

At first the crowd became fearful, that is until they heard him speak. "Wow! That has a lot of punch in it!"

"See folks, there is no side affect, none at a-" Flim began, but was immediately cut off by the gasping crowd. 

"W-what's happening to him!?" Trixie loudly asked with everyone around began murmuring in fear as they were witnessing something strange. 

The stallion that drank the elixir was glowing. 

Both Flim and Flam were pulled by the collar of their shirts by an angry looking pegasus. His single emerald eye glared at them as he lightly lifted them both up. "What did you do to me!?"

"N-now, now. We don't want to do anything we might regret..." Flam tried to calm the pegasus down.

"Regret? I won't be regretting anything when we meet in court."

"Court!? Sir, let's not be too hasty now. This whole glowing thing is just a small side affect, I don't think that-"

"If something like this happens to me because of your elixir, then imagine the possibility if another creature drinks it. What then huh!?" Roman releases his grip on the two con artists and grimaced at them. "I have enough reasons to sue you right now..."

"Is there a problem here..." Another white pegasus but with a blue mane came over to check on the three with a crowd that gathered around them. The Pegasus brandished his MPD badge to show them he was a cop since he did not wear a uniform. "uh, mister lightbulb?"

Roman glanced over the two and saw the pitiful look on both of them, and that look became a horrified one once they saw Roman smiled devilishly.

They both feared that they were about to be caught all these years. "No officer, these fine gentlemen were just about to leave." This certainly shocked both the twins and the crowd, they all expected that the con artists to be sued by the Pegasus, but here he was, sparing the twins that were in his mercy. 

"If there's nothing else then, everyone move along!" The cop ordered before trotting off to who knows where. 

Without a word, the twins took off and ran through the crowd, not wanting to make things even worse than it already is. Roman then stopped glowing as the crowd started to disperse, returning to the flow of ponies that moved to their destination, leaving Roman and Trixie alone once again. 

With a prideful smile on his face as he approached Trixie. "Now was I good or was I stupendous?" He let out snicker.

"Well Roman, you certainly know how manipulate a crowd." She commented. "But why did we come all this way to shut down some sales pony?"

"Con artists Trix', not sales pony, I could see through their smiles. But they were good, really good. Sadly they decided to sell stuff on Greeny's territory without permission, which is why we're here." He explained which Trixie lets out a big 'Oh'. 

"Well, well." Roman cursed at himself after recognizing the voice that just spoke. "If it isn't bowler hat himself, fancy meeting y'all here at the station."

"Not these two..." Trixie muttered to herself as she frowned at the new members of the conversation.

Roman spun around and smiled sharply at the two mares from the park, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but with an extra, a small little nameless filly. "Blondie, Skittles, what a pleasant surprise!" Roman kneeled down a bit to try and reach the filly's level but he barely could himself to eye level with his natural height. "And who's this adorable doll?"

"This here is mah sister, Apple Bloom. Go on sis', say hello to the nice stallion." Applejack then gently pushed Apple Bloom forward. 

The little filly cleared her throat before smile adorably towards Roman. "Howdy!" Roman felt his heart melt from the smile alone, and if he had stared long enough he might have gotten diabetes from how sweet she just looks.

"Okay enough kid, I can feel my heart filling up with the amount of sugar you just ooze out. She's as cute as you Blondie, I can tell she was your sister the moment I saw her." Upon finishing his words, Applejack couldn't help but blush at his compliment.

Applejack moved a few locks of hair away from her face as she shuffled slightly on the spot. "Why, your such a sweet stallion yourself Roman, but flattery won't get you anywhere."

"Yeah, but I try my best."

Both Trixie and Dash gagged at the stallion and the mare, not really interested on all of this. As for the filly, she had only been quiet as a mouse, not making a peep as she watched them both.

"So Blondie, what are you doing here anyways?" Roman finally asked. 

"Just waiting for the train, nothin' much. You?"

"Oh I had to meet some friends, wish I could've introduced you to them, they are such a fun bunch."

"What about you Skittles, you feeling great?" When he faced the other pegasus, he had finally noticed that she was having a glaring contest with Trixie. He sighed before hooking his cane around Trixie's neck and pulling her over to his. "Trix', be nicer."

"Fine." Was all she said before looking away.

"Well seeing that there's a little tension building up between our blue friends, I think we should get going. I got big plans tomorrow and I don't want to miss it." He said as he dragged Trixie away. 

"Well see ya' next time Roman, you know where to find me." Applejack waved a hoof goodbye as Roman and Trixie trotted off towards the exit. 

Once Roman was gone Applejack released the breath she held from watching the stallion leave. Something felt off when he was gone, it was like Roman was a part of her and when he left she felt lighter than before. The feeling was so hallowing that she wanted to hear him talk again, to stand next to him. Applejack wanted to chase after him and not let this chance slip away, who knows when she could see him again. 

"So was that him?" Applejack heard her sister asking Rainbow Dash behind her back.

"Yup." Dash answered. 

"You were right, he does look like he owns a golden toilet."

"Right!?"

Applejack's own hoof found itself on her face as she groaned loud enough for her company to hear. "Could y'all just be quiet... For the rest of the day?"





"What do we do now Flam?"

"I don't know Flim!"

"What did you even put into that bottle!?"

"Nothing, it was just coffee and sugar with food coloring!"

"There was definitely something in it to make that guy glow! But we'll think about that next time!"

"Now what are we gonna do!?"

"I don't kno- wait... what is that on your shirt?"
> Showtime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So that's it? That's where we both make our debut?" Trixie questioned the thief next to her as she eyed Roman's target.

The two were currently in a dark alleyway, far enough to not cause suspicions on themselves, even though no one really bat an eye at them since they were a pair of nobodies, for now. Roman leaned against the wall, a blank look occupying his face as he watched the busy crowd walking by the  mouth of the alleyway, his emerald eye bouncing from pony to pony as if he was looking for someone. 

As for Trixie, she proudly stood by his side, this was the time to finally see where her training led her, Trixie even had made herself look best for her debut as a criminal. As excited as she was to test her new skills, Trixie couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She was nervous for many reasons and she was sure that there was no coming back after she and Roman start their dangerous plan that may or may not land them both in prison. 

But Trixie did not doubt Roman's plans, he had given her every information she needed for this job. And as long as she doesn't stutter in the moment, her performance shall strike the hearts of many and they will all be amazed by her talents. Just like on the stage, where she belonged. 

"Do you remember the plan Trix'?" Roman  asked her, not giving an answer to her first question.

"Of course Trixie remembers, you've told me about it back at home and on the way here." She cast a worried glance over to him. "Trixie has full trust in your plan, but are you really sure that Trixie is ready?"

"Trix', if you weren't ready then I would've pushed my plans to a later date. You have been training hard for awhile and I can tell that you've grown stronger than the day we met." His reassuring words had given Trixie a bit of confidence, she felt a little better with Roman by her side. "Just remember the plan and we'll be rolling in dough!"

"Very well, Trixie will be off then?" She waited for a confirmation from Roman, and he gave her a smirk and a nod. With that, she was already on her way towards the bank.

With her head held high and a prideful look on her face, Trixie strutted forward to her goal. She paid the ponies around her no mind as she moved only in one straight line. Slipping through the crowd as if she was a knife on butter. Her swagger caused a few ponies to halt in their tracks, some even tripped on their own hooves after they tried to avoid colliding with the mare. 

Those who have fallen only glared at the back of Trixie's head, but it was simply ignored by the mare who had only one goal in mind. And it was to begin a new chapter in her life, a life of crime that is. 

And just as she was standing in front of the glass doors of her destination, Trixie looked back at the busy crowd behind her one last time. Simple ponies just trotting by and living their very ordinary lives, this is what she would leave behind once she steps through those doors. No longer could she go back and she would have to rely on Roman for guidance. 

With pure determination brewing in her heart and mind, Trixie had finally made up her choice. And with her hooves on both doors, she pushed forward towards her future with new-found resolve and pride.

"LADIES AND GENTLECOLTS!" Her voice boomed throughout the room, and all eyes shifted over to her, shocked by the sudden appearance of a strange mare. "Prepare to be amaze! For I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, have come to show you all the most spectacular show your pitiful lives will ever see!"

The ponies were still confused. No one, maybe not even anyone at all, would ever expect such event suddenly being held in a lobby of a bank. The guards who were present could only watch her curiously, their full attention now focused on the mare. Even the tellers had completely stopped their business to pay attention as well, just like every other ponies in the bank. 

"I present to you all magic the likes of you have never seen that shall bring you all to your knees with awe and wonder!" 

With a flick of her cape, hundreds of colorful fireworks launched out of her cape. The ponies watched wide eyed as the colors burst in front of them. A foal amongst the crowd laughed gleefully as they watched the amazing indoor show. Many smiled as well, clearly enjoying the amazing sight already. But that was just the opening. Trixie smirked as she eyed every pony in the room. Her horn flickered alight just for a second, the blinds that hanged on every window dropped and the lights went out.

Consuming everyone in darkness. Some gasped, others screamed. But they witnessed something truly awe inspiring. The mysterious mare glowed, like a star in the void. Or a beacon to those who have lost their way. Never before have they seen such beauty, it was even too much for one stallion who fainted upon seeing her. With such fantastic trick, the ponies could not resist but stomp their hooves on the marble floor as they cheered for the mare. 

Trixie shivered in excitement as she listened to the thunderous applause. She felt great joy in hearing their praises, it was so good hearing it once more after so long. 

"Everyone, please control yourselves! There are many more where that came from!" Trixie then removed her hat and presented it to all, they clearly see that it was empty and does not have anything inside.

But to their surprise, the mare had started to pull out a long line of colorful handkerchiefs. This went on for a minute before she reached the end, and everyone cheered once more when a rabbit came out of the hat. A simple trick, but a crowd pleaser nonetheless.

The lights returned after but the blinds were left as they are, and the crowd cheered once again.

Trixie bowed before the crowd with a devilish smile on her face. "Before we continue my amazing and spectacular show, I must first introduce my good friend. Roman, if you may?"

And with a puff of smoke, an orange maned stallion stood between the spectators and the showmare. He stood on two hooves and rested his cane over his shoulder. The crowd watched with anticipation for what's to come, they had only just a taste of the show and they still wanted more. 

"Thank you Trixie, good to be here today!" Roman grinned before planted down his cane, making a loud tap that resounded through the room. "Good morning to all, I am Roman Torchwick! And today in this fine establishment, I shall show to you all the most stupendous act you would ever see today!"

With such claim, the ponies began murmuring to each other. Most were eager to find out what he had in store, but some were a bit skeptical that he could ever beat the literal living star in the room. 

Roman lightly tapped his cane on the floor to steal their attention from each other. "Now then, I would require a volunteer to help us with the next trick. So who here has the guts to perform on stage!?"

Nearly everyone raised their hooves, wanting to be part of such enthralling show. 

"My, so many eager souls, it would be pretty hard to decide who choose from... unless... You all get to be part of our next trick!" The whole building shook once the crowd began their cheering, it was extremely loud that Roman had to cover his hears. 

Roman gave Trixie a nod, and numerous ropes shot out of her hat and proceeded to magically tie everyone up to prevent escape. Trixie was quick, she needed to be if she wanted to get everyone. Soon enough, no pony could even move at all, not even the child was spared of such fate.

What were once screams of excitement now turned into screams of terror as each of them were entrapped. Roman smiled upon the dismay on their faces which he had caused. 

Many questions were in everyone's mind. Who are these ponies exactly? Where did they come from? And why isn't the security doing anything?

Roman is the correct answer for that last question. It was all part of the plan, and it was going smoothly right from the start. Trixie would keep everyone distracted allowing Roman to work in the sidelines. When the lights went out, Roman had incapacitated every security guard on duty, even the bank tellers and staffs were taken down by Roman. He had made sure that there would be no interference for the next step of his well thought out plan.

Though it was a bit cliche for him to choosing a bank of all things to get his fame started, Roman couldn't really care less if he was robbing a retirement home. Besides, a bank robbery would surely catch everyone's eye, and Roman's experience would agree with him. Especially in this world where crime is practically nonexistent. Everything was almost too perfect that there were barely any petty crimes, besides the not so rare event of some big bad coming out of the grave. 

Nonetheless, Roman would use it to his advantage, and bring forth a new age of crime. 

Roman shook himself awake after realizing that he had zoned out just for a second. Getting only a few hours of sleep just to perfect the plan was really tiring, especially when he had to do a maintenance on his weapon really early this morning because he got caught up with his work. But still, it was a small price to pay for some profits.

He strolled over to the desk where he had left most of the staff members after tying them all up, he could see the fear and confusion in their eyes as they struggled. Roman glanced over his shoulder to find Trixie standing behind him, waiting for the next step of his plan.

He pointed his cane at one of the staff members, an ordinary mare who was unlucky enough to catch Roman's eye. Trixie nodded and released the mare from her binds and gestured her away from the others. 

Just as he started walking towards the large metal vault with Trixie and the random mare he picked, he began speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. "Alright, if you all don't want to get hurt, then I suggest that no plays the hero! Got that!?" 

He didn't even need to look to know that his words had gotten into their tiny little minds, one thing for sure is that ordinary ponies would rarely fight back. Unless he's wrong and it would certainly be interesting to see. 

"Open it." Roman demanded. 

The mare was hesitant, but she was also scared for her life so she couldn't do anything but obey. 

Roman was not interested in how the vault door works, he simply opted to light a cigar to keep himself busy while the worker opened the vault, it was strangely taking too long. 

Trixie was watching the mare when Roman slammed his cane against the steel door, she and the mare were taken aback by his sudden action. Something had really ticked Roman off for him to do that and it worried Trixie. 

"You sneaky little horse." He clicked his tounge and glared into the mare's eyes. "You thought that you could just waste my time, huh? Trixie, check under the desk."

Trixie immediately did so and hurried over to the place where the rest of the staff members were at, and bent her head below the desk. Her eyes swept from left to right and half way though she had finally saw it, a small red bulb that flashed with every second that passed. Her eyes widened upon realising what it meant and she shot Roman a worried glance. 

"Roman!"

Roman took a second to exhale the smoke in his lungs, a grin formed on his lips as he stared at the mare next to him. "I am really impressed, you and your buddies really had the guts, huh? I should've expected a unicorn in your group would do something like this, but that doesn't change it, no one can stop me now."

Trixie hurried over to his side. "What do we do now?" Her question was answered with a mare being thrown into her hooves. Trixie had nearly fallen over from the sudden addition of weight. 

"Sigh, I really didn't want to use this since I only got a few, but time really is money..." Roman retrieved two red crystals from his jacket and propped them right on the wheel. "Cover your ears!" A warning that was sent out for everyone in the room. 

He raised his cane and aimed carefully at the crystals, he was hesitant to use them since he still doesn't have a source, but he was also in a hurry. Not wanting to waste anymore time, he pulled the trigger and a sharp whistle cuts through the room before a loud and desturcitive explosion shook the building. Many objects that were not safely placed or screwed on a stable platform were thrown off of their place and down onto the marble floor. 

The hostages cried out a muffled scream as everything started to ring very loudly. Trixie and the mare were at least fine since they both had their hooves free unlike those who are in a bind.

Roman waited for the smoke to clear, once it was finally gone, he couldn't help but smile upon his work. What was once a big metal door was now reduced to a giant whole in the wall revealing a pile of bits that was just waiting to be taken. The two dust crystals were thankfully enough and Roman was glad he didn't need to use more of it.

When it was done, Roman started marching towards the entrance. "Trix', you go gather our pay, bring her with you and if she doesn't follow, you're allowed to knock some sense into her. I'll keep an eye out for the men in blues."

Trixie nodded and ran straight inside the vault with the mare in her magic. Once inside, Trixie had pulled out two empty sacks from her hat and handed one to the her little helper. She would have let the bank staff to do all the work, but she was in a hurry and had fill these sacks before the cops arrive. Trixie sent out a glare at the mare to make sure she hurried, not that Trixie would hurt her, but she was feeling some pressure on her back right now.

After getting enough bits, Trixie quickly swiped the other sack from the hostage and began filling it faster. Time was running out. And as much as she was confident with both her and Roman's skills, she doesn't really know if she could handle more than a few cops. 

Once Trixie was sure that they had enough, she tied the mare again just in case she ran and made her way over to Roman. Though the two sacks of bits should be absolutely heavy, Trixie felt only half the weight thanks to her training. After so much work, she could finally lift heavier objects. Trixie reached Roman just a few minutes after they had shortly separated, and now that she was close to the entrance, she could faintly hear at least a dozen of hooves trotting on the ground. It sounded like it was getting closer and closer.

Trixie nervously began biting the tip of her hoof as she started sweating bullets. But a single reassuring hoof on her shoulder had calmed Trixie, her eyes darted towards Roman's smile. 

With a confirming nod, Roman made the first strike. The blinds on the doors were pulled up and Roman and Trixie found a very confused pony in a blue uniform. Right before they could collect themselves, Roman smashed the glass door with the handle of his cane and struck the pony right on their face. 

Roman let out a small chuckle as he stepped over the unconscious cop and broken shards of glass with Trixie just behind him. Trixie was right, there were indeed twelve police officers on sight, eleven if you ignore the one Roman knocked out.

The rest of the small group of cops took up a stance, tasers and police batons at the ready as they glared at the grinning Roman. 

Roman tipped his hat slightly. "Howdy officers, pleasant day for a stroll through town. Isn't it?"

"Put down both of the sacks and the cane, now!" The nearest cop demanded, a unicorn with a floating baton. 

"Oh, don't be so rude. How about we start this over and introduce ourselves..." Roman scanned his surroundings and saw a lot of spectators, this is what he really needed. "I am Roman Torchwick, how are you?" He had made sure that the closes civilians could hear him, and they had indeed heard. 

"And I am The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon!" Once she had said her name Trixie released a series of fireworks into the sky and all eyes shifted their focus. 

Roman took advantage of their distracted state and incapacitated the unicorn with a swift kick to the face. And with Trixie on his tail, they ran from the law while they were still weren't looking. Trixie being one for equality threw a single sack into Roman's arms. He was irritated, but all he could do right now was run. 

"They're getting away!"

Trixie could only laugh as she felt the adrenaline flowing. There were times she got chased by monsters during her time on the road, but never had she thought that the police would chase after her one day.

The oncoming wave of ponies split apart as the two thieves bolted through with a train of cops hot on their trail.

"Excuse me, but why aren't we fighting!?" Trixie questioned the stallion besides her. 

"Part of the plan Trix', remember?"

"This plan better work or else I-"

Trixie couldn't finish her sentence as Roman hooked her neck with his cane and pulled her in a different direction. The sack that she carried nearly slipped out of her grasp but she instinctively held it tightly. 

Though Roman was holding something heavy as hundreds of gold in sack, he showed no sign of slowing down at all, and the evidence was clear as he dodge, jump, and slide with ease. Compared to Trixie, Roman was a picture of a well trained performer on stage. Just to prove a point, Roman had tossed the sack he carried over a table and slid below, causing a single cop who thought they could catch the thief only to crash into the table itself. The mare who was occupying the table was actually impressed, she wasn't even mad when her food went splat on the pavement. 

Roman laughed loud enough for his pursuers to hear, just to humiliate the cops even further for their poor attempt of catching the thief and his companion. And if he wanted, Roman could easily turn around and show these guys who they're messing with. But not now, Roman still needed to lay down the foundation of his crime spree.

Trixie took a few notes of Roman's technique and threw any object behind herself in hopes of slowing their pursuers down, and lucky for her, the random pony she threw were caught by two cops but they both fell over with sudden addition of weight. Now they were down to seven, the police officers couldn't even catch up with them and they were slowly losing their numbers. 

"Through here!" After a few turns, Roman had motioned Trixie into an alleyway, right into a dead end. 

Before Trixie could even complain, Roman had already placed a hoof over her mouth as he eyed the mouth of the alleyway. Trixie could still hear the hooves on the pavement, they were getting closer. But ears caught a different sound, she glanced over to Roman and found him tapping his cane. There was a small gap between each taps. And with one final tap, the alleyway had became much darker. 

Trixie looked back at the entrance and saw a large wagon blocking the way, strangely enough, it was almost the same as Trixie's. The window on the wagon flew open and a pony with a red moustache popped his head out of it. 

"Hey boss, are we late?"

"Not at all Plum, you're just in time!" Roman quickly threw his sack over to the pony who caught it with no problem. 

"It's Flam, boss..."

"That's what I said. Come on Trix', it's time to head back." Roman pushed Flam inside and squeezed himself through the window. 

Trixie was hesitant, and also confused as to why Flam was even here. But she couldn't really question it as the sound of their pursuers were getting even closer. So she wasted no time and followed Roman through the window. Seconds later the wagon began to move and Trixie could hear the cops running pass them and into the alleyway. Only to be met with  disappointment as they found no one, not even a trace of the thieves.

A cop frustratingly threw his cap down. "Darn it! We lost them!"




Flim and Flam stood still as a statue, none of the two dared to move under Trixie's glare. No sound was made and the howling wind was heard.

Currently, Roman and his companions were just on the grassy fields just south of Manhattan. The three unicorns were standing outside of the wagon, Trixie had chosen to sit right in front of the door while keeping a close eye on the other two. As for Roman, he was inside counting their spoils after the successful heist. 

"So," Trixie began. "when did Roman bring you into this?"

Flam cleared his throat. "Well miss, the boss was just simply impressed of our talent."

"So he arranged a meeting with us with a message hidden in Flam's shirt. We were a bit hesitant at first, but we showed up anyway."

"And we were skeptical as well, imagine our surprise when we found out who wrote the message. And he brought to him the greatest offer in our lives yet!"

"You miss, are looking at the heads of Roman's new business, the Candlewick Corp!"

Trixie blew a raspberry and the twins glared at her gesture. "Candlewick Corp? Why would Roman pick some idiots to run his business? If you ask Trixie, she would do a better job than some small fries."

"Hey, we will have you know that Flim and I are great businessmen, we wouldn't expect anything from some has been magician!"

"Yeah!"

"How dare you!" Trixie marched up to Flam's face leered over him. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is not a has been! Unlike you nobodies, Trixie is talented in many ways. And thanks to me, you and your brother are about to get paid!"

Flim scoffed. "Well if it was us who were with Roman, then the cops would've never known what was happening!"

"As if, unlike you two, Trixie has a talent none of you have ever seen! So how about you stallions go on and do what stallions do?"

Flam rolled his eyes at the mare. "We're all unicorns here, we all know how to use magic."

Trixie grinned, it was fairly obvious that he didn't really get what she meant. "I'm not talking about magic, fool."

Before the two could even ask, Trixie raised a single hoof and swiftly brought it down, and the ground shook greatly and a cloud of dirt rises up. Flim and Flam were caught off guard and stared upon the ground where Trixie had struck once everything cleared, the dirt was now a small crater the size of a small dog. Now they both witnessed power that they indeed had never seen before. 

They shakily looked away from the example of strength and fearfully stared at Trixie. No longer do they see a fellow unicorn that they slightly dislike, all they could see now is a mare who is stronger than them by comparison.

"Alright kids, break it up or else no more recess!"

All eyes were on Roman, the thief had an amused look on his face as if he had been watching them since the start. 

"Don't mind her boys, she's just jealous that I'm entrusting something important to the both of you."

Trixie faced away and held her head high. "Trixie is not jealous of such lame manes, Trixie is only worried for our sake. What if they stab us in the back, huh?"

Flim frowned and glared. "We would never! Roman had given us a chance to work for him and both my brother and I know that we shouldn't just throw away our shot to make some profit!"

"My brother is right, I swore on my beautiful moustache that we are loyal to our employer!"

"See! They're only after money, so that just means that they would snitch on us the moment a hefty purse is on their way!"

Raman bonked Trixie on the head, the mare recoiled from the surprise attack, it didn't hurt as much but it was still painful. "Trix', there is a really good chance that after today our faces will be all over Manehattan, and we will need some eyes and ears on the outside of we want some things done. And it wouldn't hurt to have some cash on the side either. What I'm saying is that Pim and Tron would be a great addition to our little organization."

"I-its Flim and Flam, boss..."

"Well..." As much as she didn't like the idea, Roman was right. "They do have some useful traits, they're both liars like you, cheaters like you, thieves like you-"

"Hold on now missy, let's not just say these things out loud. We got a reputation to keep." Flim said as he made sure no one was around. You can't be too careful, especially when some clouds literally have ears. 

Roman could only chuckle before taking a seat on the grassy land. "Now, if everything is all good between all of you, then you are free to go boys. The pay is in the wagon."

"Pleasure doing business with you boss!" Both twins spoke as they went over to the wagon. 

"Hold on, almost forgot!" Roman dug through his jacket and produced a small jar filled with yellow sand. "Deals a deal."

Roman then tossed the jar over to the twins, and Flam quickly caught it with a grin that was similar to his brother. 

"Thanks again boss!"

With that, the two stallions went on their merry way back to Manehattan. Leaving the two thieves by themselves on the empty fields. Now with some free time, Roman had chosen to take a nap right on the spot with his hat over his eyes.

"Wait... Who's gonna give us a ride back?"

Roman lifted his hat slightly. "I asked Greeny to pick us up, I rather not be seen with those twins since it would ruin my plan. So we got about an hour left, you can do whatever you want in the meantime." When he was done explaining, Roman returned to his well deserved nap. 

Trixie could only sigh, the thrill and adrenaline of the heist was still in her mind, she could barely stay in place with all the excitement that happened. Trixie then realized something, she wanted to fight, not just against the ones who chased after them, but the Flim and Flam brothers as well. She was really itching for a fight that never came. She wanted to hit something with her aura, but that isn't something she should even be thinking about. 

Why do I want to fight so much? She asked herself. Questions after questions ran through her mind as she tried finding an answer. 

With a frustrated sigh, Trixie took a seat next to Roman and began meditating. And after a few seconds, she felt herself calming down after clearing out her mind. The excitement and adrenalin finally went away, no longer does she want to pummel anyone, replaced with a simpler need. A need to relax. 

Once she was done, Trixie laid her back against the ground so she could see the sky better. Pretty little clouds hovered above her, simply frozen in place without the help of a pegasus. Simply floating in the air without a care. 

Her train of though was derailed when Roman just let out a very loud snore which ruined the moment. She glare at Roman's sleeping form, Trixie envied his peaceful state. But what can she do? He deserved his nap more than anyone else, it was his perfect plan that brought Trixie her pay. Now noticing that the ground was awfully comfortable, Trixie decided to join Roman on his nap and escape deep into her mind.

"Sigh. What would I ever do without you?" She whispered before her reality went black as sleep finally took her.
> Big News And Big Mistakes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something had happened to Manehattan, hundreds of newspapers told the crimes of the new criminal that struck the city with a blow that came out of nowhere. The MPD were shaken to their core as their pride was tarnished from such failure and humiliation. Many things were said after the bank robbery, some said that a pegasus possessed a staff of destruction. Few had claimed that they had seen more than two, said that there were more in the shadows.

There were even those who had been sure that it was the goddess of greed and her champion, punishing ponykind for the lack of offerings.

All of these are greatly over exaggerated and only a few rumors were even true.

These were currently the topic of the city, it was not new, but it stuck with those who were there. They had never seen such a terrifying yet amazing heist. The duo's showmanship was truly impressive.

Of course they were still criminals guilty of their crimes, nothing will ever change that.

So now everyone was wondering. "Where is Roman Torchwick, and is he satisfied with his bounty? If not, then where does this threat to Manehattan's peace shall strike next?"




Trixie couldn't hide her grin. The cards in her hooves were all she ever wanted. She eyed the others, Roman and the dumb twins were focused on their own hands to notice her at all.

If she was careful, then she has this game in the bag. That's why she needed to start strong to show these guys how powerful she was with this first move. With one mighty slam, she revealed her first strike to all.

A plus four card!

She held her head high with a twisted smile that was overflowing with pride. She eyed the unlucky pony that was the first of many to taste her wrath. Roman Torchwick.

But...

"Nah, I rather not." Roman said before he placed his own plus four on Trixie's.

Flim only shook his head while smirking as he stacked another plus four.

"You thought you had me dear brother of mine. But I too have a plus four!"

Which meant that it had returned to Trixie, a total of sixteen cards. It would've been bad if she didn't have another plus four!

But... It ended up the same.

Thirty six cards were added to Trixie's hand. This clearly frustrated the mare.

"Hold the buck up!" She raised her voice, halting Roman from adding a card on the pile. "How is this possible!? I only have four plus fours in the whole deck!"

The stallions immediately averted their eyes from the mare, trying hard not to make eye contact.

"You cheating donkeys!" She yelled at them as she tossed her cards face down.

"Trixie..." Roman loudly sighed. "You can't just accuse us of cheating when you literally dealt our hands, and gave yourself all the cards you wanted."

"So wait, she is also cheating?" Asked Flam.

"You have no evidence that Trixie did such a thing! Why should Trixie take this from a cheater who got caught red handed!?"

"Because you catching us is how I, the Stupendous Roman Torchwick, had caught you my dear Trixie." An evil grin had found itself on Roman's face. "You said that there were only four cards, of course you'd know, but that's where you've made your first mistake. You shuffled the deck in a way that gave you the advantage and allowed you to receive the four destructive cards."

"What, you're trying to say that Trixie had the plus fours? That's absurd! Trixie was the one who was given over thirty cards!"

Roman clicked his tongue. "You could've pushed it further, yet you chose to accept the punishment. All because you didn't want to get caught with the four cards. And if you still deny it, then how about we check your hand that you threw down? Hmm?"

"I said I had over thirty cards Roman! The chances of me having two extra plus fours is high because of you three!"

With one quick swipe, Roman had gathered Trixie's cards, but left it facing down. The smile still present on his face as he watched for Trixie's reaction. As expected, she flinched when the cards were now in his hooves.

"If you're so confident, then let's make a wager. I'm gonna draw from the top of your deck, and if I get two wild cards in a row, then I win. But if I don't get the cards, then you win." A confident look was adopted on his face. "And I wager my hat."

The twins gasped. They couldn't believe that Roman would confidently bet his own prized hat. But of course, they could see that Roman was serious.

Trixie glared at Roman with a fiery gaze that could melt a pony with one glance. His accusations were all true, and she was backed into a corner. But would Trixie truly admit to her crimes? She didn't want to, but her hooves are tied and there's nothing she could do. The cards on top were indeed the plus fours. She had used her skills to make sure she was the one to receive them, but she didn't expect that the three stallions in the room would cheat. She should've seen that one coming from a mile away.

"Playing games? Oh, I am truly sad that you had not ever thought to invite me!" Roman and twins looked away from her cards to see who had just spoken.

Trixie didn't let the opportunity to slip out of her hooves and shuffled the cards with her magic. She let out a sigh of content as she made sure to separate the two plus fours.

Satisfied, she looked up to see Lucky Spice standing behind Roman.

"My, you are truly a disappointing stallion for not asking if I would like to play as well." A playful smile was on the old mare's face.

"Sorry Greeny, but this is simply a team bonding exercise."

Spice eyed Trixie first, then the twins. "Oh, so you've taken a liking to these con artists who were in my territory." It wasn't obvious, but Flim and Flam could see that Spice was not fond of them at all. "As much as I disagree with your choices of who you hired, I'm just here to deliver some great news."

"Hold that thought Greeny." Roman spoke right before he faced Trixie's cards, with one quick move of his right wing, the two plus fours had slid out of the deck and was finally out in the open for all to see. "Shuffling them won't work Trix', especially when I was actually watching you."

"What, how!? No! I won't accept this!" Trixie wailed before stomping off to her wagon, leaving the others behind.

"Outstanding work, boss!" Flam complimented the thief.

"Indeed it was, truly stupendous! Teach her what's what!" Said Flim.

"Alright, alright boys. Now, you were saying Greeny?" He turned to face his informant/friend.

"Well, I have good news and great news! Which do you wish to hear first?"

"Give me the good one first, I like to sweeten my coffee before I even take a sip."

Spice nodded. "Well Roman Torchwick. You have successfully reached the front page of over ten different tabloids. The ponies of Manehattan couldn't stop talking about you, and surprise to say, a few had started a fan club about you!"

"A fan club? Sure I had one back in Remnant, but that was just a bunch of teenage girls who only cared about my looks."

"Oh I actually had one of my men check, it's a bunch of teenage girls. And yes, they did make it because of how you look." Spice said before showing Roman the front of a newspaper that had his winning smile, and it was also his good side.

On a side note, they had also captured a very good picture of Trixie, which is great because Roman doesn't want to listen to her whining if she wasn't added on the papers.

"How they ever got that I will never know. But to be honest, I feel insulted that they only liked me as this handsome guy and not because of my personality! Insulted, I say!" Roman spoke over dramatically.

Flim nodded his head. "I understand how you feel boss, mares only cared about a stallion's look, and not how we feel."

Roman chortled and the twins did the same. "Alright... Back to business. What's the great news then?"

Spice then called over one of her workers over, the pony brought with them a heavy duty trolley, and on it was a pile of rocks. Roman and the twins eyed these rocks curiously.

Spice took one from the top of the pile and presented it to Roman, and using the pickaxe that her worker had generously given to her, she cracked the rock in two. Roman's eyes widened once the contents of the rock had been revealed.

Crystals of various colors were hidden inside, and there was no doubt about it. These were dust!

Roman took a closer look, his eyes couldn't even believe what he was seeing. They were indeed real, and not some kind of fake.

"But how?" He asked.

"The beauty of rock farming!" She answered. "The crystal you've given to me the day we met was sent to a rock farmer who is a good friend of mine. She was ecstatic to discover such a gem that she was happy to grow them instead! For a fee of course, but we can talk about that later. Anyways, after she had successfully grown the first batch, she immediately sent it over the same day!"

"Wow, I am impressed with her dedication! But... rock farm?"

"Do they not have rock farms in your world?" She asked with only a hint of curiosity.

"Nope, like I said before, our clouds moved on their own and our planet revolved around our sun."

"You're home is truly bizarre."

"I could say the same to you guys... Alright then, I'll leave the negotiations with my boys, and I would like to meet this lady one day, to properly thank her for these. Tell her that I'm satisfied with her work."

"Oh, I'll tell Snow, she'll be happy to know that she did amazing work! Alright then, I'll be taking these back to extract the crystals, it'll be ready tomorrow. Good day Roman."

Spice gave him one last nod before leaving him and his employees.

Roman then faced the twins to address them. "Well, boys, we got our first task! Start looking for a place to start our business, Candlewick Corp won't build itself!"

"Yes boss!" Both saluted before trotting off to look for the best place to set up.

"Welp, guess I'll go do my own thing then." He spoke even though he was alone. "Huh, Snow... Dust... Wait a second!"





"Teacup!" Trixie shouted as she glared at her target, a simple teddy bear that sat on the coffee table. "I said... TEACUP! No!"

Roman, who was in the kitchen area with a can of soda, peaked over the book in his hooves. He eyed the mare curiously as he tried once more to change the bear, but was unsuccessful with her attempt.

"What'cha doin'?"

Roman's curiosity broke Trixie's focus and caused her to miss the stuffed bear again, and the sign that hung on her wagon was the victim instead.

"WHAT does it look like I'm doing?"

Roman glanced at the damaged wagon and back at her. "Remodeling."

"Trixie is not remodeling! You've caused Trixie to damage Trixie's wagon!"

"Woah there Trix', where's this anger coming from? Was it because I outed you earlier?"

"It isn't about the card game!"

Roman lowered the book. "Then what?"

Trixie turned away from Roman with a huff. "It's nothing. Okay!?"

Roman sighed. He tossed the book onto the countertop and made his way over to Trixie. Roman stared at the bear once he was next to it, then he looked over to Trixie. "How did you learn to use your aura?"

The showmare was taken aback by this question, to which she knows the answer of.

"I focused my mind and cleared out all distractions, just like you said."

"What I'm trying to say Trix', is that you're trying too hard that you've used too much energy on each attempt, which caused the destruction of your poor sign."

"Get to the point Roman."

"Jeez, so impatient." He said, and Trixie only rolled her eyes at him. "Empty your mind and only think about a teacup, make an image of the teacup you want. What shape is it? What color? What does it look like?"

With his suggestion and guidance, Trixie turned towards the teddy bear. Her horn lit up as she focused at her target with the object in mind. Soon enough she wasted the spell at the bear, and she gasped in delight upon seeing her newest attempt succeeded with the spell. Roman gave her a light pat on the back, a peaceful smile on his face as he eyed the pink teacup on the coffee table.

Trixie couldn't hide her emotion as she let out an adorable laughter filled with joy. "Roman, I did it! I did it!"

"Never doubted you for a second Trix'!"

"Teacup!" She said once more as she changed Roman's drink into a pink teacup.

"Hey!"

He was unheard by Trixie as she transformed a random book on the shelf into a teacup. "Teacup!"

"Trixie! Stop!"

"Teacup! Teacup! Teacup!" A few more objects were turned into teacups.

Roman, who didn't want any more teacups, struck Trixie on the back of the head with his hoof. The mare recoiled forward with her hooves on her head as she registered the pain.

"W-what was that for?" She whimpered.

"You've gone a little too crazy with that spell of yours."

"Sorry..." She shyly looked away. "It's just... I was just excited that I finally did... real magic..."

"I understand how you feel Trix', but try not to ruin some of our stuff. We lost a few good books. Besides, this just means you've got a new trick up your sleeve!" He wrapped an arm around Trixie and pulled her close to him. "You make me proud Trix'. So what's next on the agenda?"

Hearing his praise, Trixie couldn't stop herself from blushing. Her face started to redden as he held her in his arm.

"T-thank you! T-Trixie is truly amazing!" She pushed Roman away and straightened her back with her head held high. "As f-for my next challenge, Trixie will attempt to teleport an object!"

"Teleporting? Sounds like a good idea, would be useful on our future heists."

"Of course it would be useful! Trixie is great and powerful!" She boasted.

"I have an idea for what to use as a target."

Roman wasted no time to gather every teacup that used to be something else and placed them on the floor in one line and away from anything valuable.

He then stood next to Trixie, where it was safe and far from the danger zone. "There, and this time I want to help out."

"Ha! Trixie does not need your help, but Trixie welcomes it anyways!"

"Alright, see those teacups? What I want you to do is picture an image, a destination for those little pink teacups."

"Oh, I can do that!"

She closed her and thought of an image. She charged up her horn, the pink aura enveloped the bone on her head as she filled it with magic. And with a flick of her horn, one teacup had disappeared from the line.

"Amazing! Where did you send it?"

Trixie gave him a smug look. "Check under your hat."

Roman did so, and right on top of his head was the teacup. He was impressed, she had been successful on her first try. Not only has she been training hard with aura, but she was also giving her best with magic training.

"Teleport!" She yelled out with her horn pointed at the teqcups, and sent every single one to Roman.

Roman was taken by surprise when teacups just popped into existence in his arms. Roman stumbled back a little but he managed to catch himself with his cane.

He greeted Trixie's smug smile with a glare. "Really?"

"Ho? What's wrong you cheating dolt? Jealous of Trixie's great and powerful skills?"

His iconic grin returned. "Heh, I'll be looking forward to our next team bonding exercise so I could crush you."

"Oh Trixie is trembling in her hooves! As if, you could win. Cheating or not."

"We'll see. Anyways, help me get rid of these, we already have a lot." He jiggled the teacups in his arms.

"Alright, just let me throw it away!" Her horn lit up.

"Wait Trixie-!" His words were cut short as Trixie cast the spell on the teacups with Roman along with it.

Trixie took a full minute to register what had just happened. She was alone in the hideout. Dread filled her heart as she realized her mistake.

And worse of all, she had no idea of where she sent Roman to.
> Have I Been Here Before?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A pink light flashed in the middle of a grassy field and out came a well dressed pegasus holding teacups in his arms. He let out a pained grunt as he landed right on his back, the teacups slipped off his hooves and were spread around him.

He stared at the sky, his head was spinning and he felt sick in his stomach as he experienced teleportation for the first time ever. He groaned loudly, unable to lift himself off the ground.

Roman couldn't tell how much time had passed. All he could think about was how many things he was gonna throw at Trixie for her mistake. But, he can't really blame her. She was just over her own head when she succeeded with the spell, so he'll just hold back a little when he punishes her.

As he was thinking of numerous things to use against Trixie, his vision of the sky was obscured by a rainbow with eyes.

"You okay there buddy?"

Instincts took over Roman and he launched back up on his hooves, cane pointed at the intruder to his personal space. Now that he was actually looking at it, it turned out to be Rainbow Dash herself.

"Roman, it's me!" Dash raised her hooves in the air as she stared down the cane that was too close for comfort.

"Skittles? Wait, don't tell me... I'm in Ponyville!?" He exclaimed as he lowered his weapon.

"I'm guessing you didn't just pop out of nowhere on purpose."

"Let's just say a unicorn cast a spell on me, mainly teleportation." The things he was gonna do to Trixie once he got back had increased greatly after he had realized how far he was from Manehattan.

Dash paused for a second before speaking. "Woah, I just got a feeling of déjà vu there..."

"You too? Just standing here is making me feel weird."

"Anyways!" She lifted a hoof towards a town in the distance. "Ponyville is just over there. So wanna race?"

"Yeah! Race! Race! Race!" A different voice spoke enthusiastically.

Roman looked up to find a cloud floating above him, and on that cloud was a young orange filly.

"Oh, I almost forgot about you!" Dash said before she flew up to the cloud to retrieve the filly. And only a second had passed as Dash returned to the ground.

"So, who's this?" Roman questioned.

"I'm Scootaloo! Dash's number one fan!" The little one introduced herself.

"Hmm, alright then. As for your challenge Dash, I'm sorry but I can't really fly."

His fellow pegasi was caught by surprise. Especially Scootaloo. "You can't fly!? But why!?"

"I was the only pegasus in a family of earth ponies, I had no one to teach me because grandma was already playing bingo with grandpa." He explained.

"That's terrible, mister..."

"Roman Torchwick, but just call me Roman kid, none of that mister stuff."

"Alright Roman. And to tell you the truth, I can't fly also!"

Roman raised a brow. "Is that so?"

Scootaloo gave a quick nod. "Yup! And Rainbow Dash is teaching me! Maybe we should practice together?"

Roman, pondered her offer for a second. It sounded like a great chance to actually learn how to fly the natural way instead of reading a book. He needed experience to truly understand, and though it was a bit embarrassing, there was nothing wrong to learn about something your race is supposed to know.

"You know what kid, I'll take your offer. I don't really know how long I'll be stuck in town, so it'll be a good use of my time."

Scootaloo's wings started to flutter excitedly. "Awesome!"

Dash gave them both a nod. "Sounds like a plan, but I'll have to go now. I got some stuff to do. So Scoots, you teach Roman the basics. And Roman? Try not to get hurt."

"Oh, haha Skittles, tease the newbie. Real mature, Skittles."

"Alright then, take care Scoots!" Dash saluted right before she launched into the air quicker than Roman could even blink.

Roman whistled as he watched Dash fly towards town with speed faster than a Bullhead. Maybe even faster than Red. Now that he remembered it, he should give the idea of VTOLs to the twins. They'd make a killing with it.

Now alone with this random filly, Roman couldn't help but feel a little awkward since he doesn't really know what to say for the first time. He stood there in silence, waiting for the other to speak first.

"So I was thinking," Roman let out a sigh of relief once Scootaloo started talking. "that the first thing we should do is see how well you could use those wings!"

Without missing a beat, Roman used his third pair of limbs to bring out a deck of cards from his jacket. He shuffled them with ease, even did a few tricks just to show Scootaloo that he was adept with using his wings differently. And Scootaloo couldn't help but be amazed at the dexterity of his wings.

He flicked a few cards up in the air and caught them with no problem at all. "I'm a street magician kid, these wings have seen action."

"Wow! That was awesome!"

"Oh please! You've seen nothing yet! But we should save that for next time, let's get back to business."

"You're right... So, next is that you have to really feel it! Flap your wings real hard and try to hover."

Roman stretched out his wings, but couldn't move them just yet as Scootaloo pulled the hem of his jacket.

"You should really get on all fours so you could properly launch yourself." She advised him.

Roman was reluctant, but he actually did what he was told. With the cane safely on the ground besides him, Roman took a stance and prepared himself. In truth, this would be the first time Roman would use his wings for its purpose, originally, he had used it to steal people's wallets. And now, he's about to learn a really good trick.

Roman inched closer to the ground with his wings spread out as wide as he could. With one mighty push, he threw himself into the air, and his wings flapped faster than he had ever thought. Roman had succeeded with his training, all those things he had read as well as Scootaloo's help, though it was not much, had finally allowed the thief to hover.

"You did it!" Scootaloo cheered. "Uh, you should slow down your wings a bit."

"Well, thanks kid, you were really helpful." He said as he landed back on the ground.

"No problem! You're a fast learner, I wish my wings would finally grow now so I can also fly!"

"Thanks. But seeing that Skittles just left you with some random guy far from town, I can't help but feel like she's just dumping the responsibility to me."

"Rainbow Dash is just busy, that's all."

"I'll take your word for it." He said as he took out a cigar.

"Um, Roman... Rainbow Dash said that pegasi shouldn't smoke since the lungs are important to a pegasus."

"Lungs are important to everybody. And to tell you the truth, I've got something that keeps my lungs as healthy as ever. But, I just realized that I shouldn't really smoke near a child, so I'll just save this one for later." Roman then returned his cigar and reached for his cane on the ground instead.

"And Roman..." The thief paused just as his hoof was an inch away from the cane. "Can you give me a ride back to town? Dash was supposed to drop me off but forgot about me..."

"I wasn't just gonna leave you here kid, that would be irresponsible."

Before Scootaloo could even thank him, Roman had picked her off the ground and held her close with the cane in front of her so she wouldn't fall off.

"Hang on Scooter, and don't let go of my cane."

"Scooter?" She asked.

"I like to give people nicknames, okay?"

And without warning, Roman had already shot up into the sky, his recent training was very helpful. Back then he was a bit doubtful of his wings, since he was once a human, but now that he had the hang of it, he soared through the sky faster than he would ever believe. Though not as fast as Dash, she was leagues ahead of him with speed. But Roman will find ways to triumph against Dash and come out on top.




Roman was confused, something felt wrong and he couldn't answer why. Right in front of him were two ponies in iron armor. Both glared at Roman as if he had insulted their favorite chick flick. The tension was high between him and the armored ponies. But after a few seconds of silence, they parted away and allowed Roman and Scootaloo to pass. Roman gave one last glance at the guards as he walked away, something was really weird and he couldn't really tell why.

He leaned close to Scootaloo. "Hey, what's with the grumpy duo?"

"Oh, they're part of Ponyville's guards, the Iron Legion." She answered. "They stand guard around the Everfree Forest, so they made their base next Ponyville to be closer to the forest."

Roman finally understood their purpose. "Right, the forest is full of anomalies where monsters exist. I read about that, makes sense to have some soldiers on standby."

There were guards everywhere, a few were just patrolling, some were just standing around. And one was even reading some newspaper next to a kid who was selling said papers.

"Something is odd about this..." He muttered to himself. "Guess I'll have to rely on my magic tricks to earn some bits since there's too much eyes around..."

"What?"

"Nothing. Does this town even have cops?" He asked another question as he eyed a few guards who were just minding their own business.

"Yeah, but there's only ten since the Iron Legion are always around." She explained.

"Well that's interesting. Want some ice cream Scooter?"

She beamed upon hearing his offer and her wings started to flutter once again. "Really!?"

"Sure, I've been craving for some sweets since I got here."

Not looking where was even going, Roman had bumped into a random pony. "Hey, watch where you're going buddy!" He stuttered back once he found out who he had bumped into.

"Is that how you greet a friend Roman?" Applejack asked rhetorically.

"Well if I knew it was you Blondie, then I would've done something else!" He gave her his best smile.

"Is that so? Well Ah' would like to see what you had in mind."

"It's nothing much, but I'm treating Scooter over here with some ice cream. And I'm wondering if you could spare some time and join us."

"Sorry, but Ah' can't right now, I'm needed back at the farm. But if you get some time yourself, you should drop by sometimes." She turned to leave, but just as she was about to take a step, she faced Roman one more time. "Also Dash told me to distract you for some pranks."

"Oh, I know." He said aloud before he struck a small rock nearby with his cane. The rock flew off the ground and went straight into a random cloud in the sky.

A pained yelp came from the cloud and out came Rainbow Dash who plummeted back down right in front of Roman and the others.

"How did ya know?" Applejack asked Roman as she inspected her friend with Scootaloo by her side.

"And how did you do that!?" Dash asked her own question as she shot up back to her hooves with one hoof over her head. "I was clearly hidden in a cloud!"

Roman gave them both a lazy shrug of his shoulders. "I'm both a clairvoyant and a good shot. So what exactly were you trying to do Skittles?"

"I thought you were a clairvoyant?" She said with obvious sarcasm.

"That one was a joke. I just got some good tricks up my sleeves." He spoke with a smug look on his face. 

Scootaloo rubbed her eyes for a second, she was sure she saw Roman glow just for a moment there. She looked over to the others to see if they noticed it as well, and indeed they did. But none of them would even point it out, they were too impressed with Roman's skills to even say anything about the glow. 

Roman tapped his hoof on the handle of his cane. "I'm waiting Skittles."

"Alright fine, the plan was that I use the cloud to rain on you. But you wouldn't have to worry about getting wet since I can help dry you off."

"Good idea, but choosing me as your victim for your prank is where it backfired. And I'm guessing Applejack isn't really busy, is she?"

"Well, guess we're goin' for ice cream today." Applejack simply accepted the results of Dash's failed prank. "Just to be clear, Ah' did not want to take part in Dash's little prank but she just wouldn't take no for an answer."

"I understand Blondie. How about you, Skittles, and Scooter go on ahead. I need to check something first, I'll catch up after." Roman took out a small pouch from his pockets and gave it to Scootaloo. "Don't worry Scooter, it won't take long."

Scootaloo eagerly accepted the pouch, and she smiled after. "Sure thing!"

"Yeah! Free food, especially after you hit me with a rock!" Dash spoke with great enthusiasm as she and Scootaloo ran off.

"You need ice more than ice cream for that small bump on your head, RD." Applejack spike as she followed the two pegasi.

Roman then made sure that they were really gone, the thief had also checked to see if any guards were around. Once he was sure that it was just him and some other random ponies who just went on with their lives, Roman walked over to the colt who was selling newspapers.

"Hey there mister!" The little colt spoke with an accent, and a few stacks of newspapers stood proudly behind him. "Would you like to buy a newspaper? There are some very interesting things happening in Canterlot!" The boy attempted to sell to Roman, but unbeknownst to him, the thief had other plans.

"Hey kid, do you have anything about Manehattan?"

"Yes sir, just arrived today! And you won't be readin' about Manehattan anywhere else on Ponyville! I'm the only one who got them!" The boy spoke with pride.

Roman grinned. "Did you read any of them?" Roman received a "no" from him. Roman's grin turned into a smile as he produced another pouch of bits. "One thousand bits."

The colt was taken by surprise. "But mister, that's too much for a hundred copies."

"You've misread me kid, I'm not buying, I'm paying you to burn them."

The colt froze, his mind tried to understand but couldn't as he stared into Roman's eye. He swore that he was seeing something evil within the emerald eye.

"Unless, you don't want the bits..."

Once the bits were mentioned, the colt had set his eyes on the pouch on his hooves. The pouch was calling out to him, he swears it did. In one quick motion, the pouch was already in the colt's hooves. After that, he began to push one stack of newspaper away from the rest to do what he was paid for.

Roman smiled even wider, he had easily "convinced" some kid to burn some papers. And hopefully no one would notice the colt or Roman, it would be bad if the whole town starts asking questions. Especially if they knew who he was.

"Roman!" The thief frowned. And judging from the voice, Scootaloo had followed him instead of going to some ice cream shop.

"Hey Scooter!" Roman greeted her with a smile as she approached. "Why aren't you enjoying some sweets?"

"Well, you are new to Ponyville, so Applejack had told me to bring you over!" She answered. "Were you buying newspapers?"

"Yup," Roman took one from the top of the pile. "I was just curious about something. Anyways, we shouldn't keep the mares waiting."

Roman patted Scootaloo's head as he walked by her. The filly pushed his hoof away, embarrassed that she had just allowed him to do that.

And as the two were headed to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Roman couldn't help but notice Scootaloo's silent glances. His hoof clenched the handle of his cane even tighter as he began to suspect that Scootaloo had watched him pay the colt with a huge pouch of bits. This would be a problem if left by itself.

"Roman..." He waited for her to ask, and mentally prepared himself for an escape plan just to avoid answering. "Why do you walk like that?"

Roman sighed with relief, he had fully expected her to ask a different question. "You see kid, I just like being tall, that's all."

"Oh, I wanna be tall also!"

Roman thanked the universe for giving him this path in his life instead of the other. "So, Scooter, what are the schedules for the trains to Manehattan?"

"The trains won't be running until next week."

"What!? Why!?"

"Some... fillies had accidentally destroyed the tracts after a mishap. And the town doesn't have the budget to fix it yet, so they're waiting for a few days to gather up the bits."

"Why don't they have the budget?"

"They went to the repairs of the town hall after a monster attack, it's been happening more frequently."

"Alright universe, I'm cursing you right now." He muttered before he would speak to Scootaloo. "Guess I'll be stuck here until I can find a way back to Manehattan."

"That's alright! I can ask my aunt if you could crash at my place."

"Scooter, I'm glad, but I would rather not be a burden to you or your aunt." He rejected her idea. "I'm sure Applejack would have a barn I can sleep in, I'm not picky."

"Alright then, if that's you want..."

With that, Roman was at peace, for now that is. Still, he wondered why it felt wrong that the town had its own guards. But it made sense since this town was literally next to a very dangerous forest. Still, it felt like everything was different than he would remember even though it's his first time being in town.
> A Bothersome Mare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The morning was still awfully cold in this small town called Ponyville. Roman held the warm cup of coffee close to him as he sat by a tree in the local park. His eyes were a bit sunken since he was up all night doing things because in the end, Roman had chosen to work instead of looking for a place to stay. He needed to be vigilant, he was nowhere near his hideout and Trixie is not around to help him, nor are the others.

He was too deep in uncharted territories where one wrong move could have the whole guard faction to come after his tail.

He sighed, still peeved off about Trixie's screw up. But he can't do anything about that. Roman was here in this stupid little town and that's that. The thief needed to keep out of trouble until he could find a way back. It would be easy to do because not a single pony had batted an eye at him. The guards are strangely wary of him, sure, but they didn't care for him as well. To everyone, he was just a random pony who was well dressed. And to Dash and her fan as well as Applejack, he was just some unlucky guy who got thrown out of his comfort zone.

And that's just what he wanted.

"Hey, Roman!"

Roman froze, just as he was about to take a sip of his coffee. He glanced over to the one who called him, and there he found Scootaloo with a box that was big as the filly on her back.

"Scooter!" He greeted her.

"Roman, I checked on the farm and Applejack told me that she hadn't even heard from you after we went for ice cream. I thought something had happened dude."

Roman chuckled lightly. "Sorry, I got caught up with something last night, I didn't realize that it was already morning. So I took a power nap on a bench and got myself some coffee an hour after."

"Sheesh, what exactly was it to keep you up all night?"

"I was practicing my flying skills, and surprise to say, I'm faster than before!" Roman held his head high after, proud of his new gained experience.

"Woah, really!? You are so dedicated!"

Roman waved a hoof in the air and dismissed her compliment playfully. "Yeah, it was nothing. All my life I had never thought that one day I could fly high into the skies since I was too busy with work. But here I am, already a skilled flier!"

"Maybe you should have a race with Rainbow Dash!"

Roman bit his tongue by accident when Scootaloo suggested her idea. Roman is confident with his skills, but from what he saw yesterday, he knows that Dash is faster than him in a fair race. His lips became flat as he stared aimlessly ahead. He was silent as his mind compared him and the pegasus in subject.

Sure he wanted to see the results with his own eyes, but let's be real here, Roman couldn't win without pulling out some tricks for Dash.

"Listen kid," The kid indeed listened. "I don't think I could ever out fly Skittles, she's just too fast for me."

"Wouldn't hurt to try!"

"Word of advice Scooter, know how far you could toss a rock. What I mean is, that knowing what your limit is would also help you against your opponent. If they can throw a mean right hook, then you gotta be quicker. If they're fast, then you gotta be smarter! Get what I'm saying?"

The filly only shook her head.

Roman sighed in defeat. "I'm heading to Applejack's farm. Could you point me the way?"

She lifted a tiny hoof towards a direction. "Just keep heading that way and there will be a sign to keep you on the right path."

"Thanks Scooter." Roman stood back up on his two hooves and started his short journey to the farm.

"Wait, when can we practice flying again?"

"You just wants some snacks from me, don't you?" Scootaloo answered him with a sheepish smile. "Come see me in an hour and I'll treat you to some hayburgers. And maybe, I could give you a present, kid."

Scootaloo became ecstatic, her smile went wider. "Awesome!"

Roma chuckled lightly and shook his head as he left the filly to herself.

There's something about Scootaloo that made Roman feel a little comfortable in this town of sharks and tigers. The idea of the guards breathing down his neck and someone recognizing him was overwhelmed by Scootaloo's presence. But as much as he liked the kid, he couldn't really keep her as a friend, he was still a criminal.

Here's hoping that she would never find out.




Roman, for the first time since he woke up on this planet, was being tempted by a very vile demon. Before him was a creature of black and white, one that had two horns and a bell around their neck. He stared longingly at the beast and felt an aching rumble in his stomach.

His tongue moistened his dry lips as this evil temptress distracted him from his original objective.

He wanted to do it, run up and just do it. But knowing his capabilities, he knew that it was impossible. Roman clenched his cane on both ends even tightly, everything sans the beast had started to blur and he could only hear one thing as his body became rigid.

And that sound was... "Moo!"

Yes, if you haven't guessed it right away, then let me reveal to you all that it is indeed a cow. The cow was obviously a stray from someone's farm.

As for why Roman was acting so strange, it would be because he was reminded of one of the few things he missed from his home world. And that would be a tasty and juicy meat. Oh how he missed digging his teeth into a delicious steak. How he would enjoy a yummy hamburger. Or a crispy fried chicken dipped in gravy.

And the fact that he was even planning to buy Scootaloo a hayburger later which just added fuel to his desire to eat meat. He just missed it so much!

"Excuse me, but could I ask you something?"

Roman's attention was ripped away from the tasty looking bovine. The culprit was a unicorn mare with lavender colored fur. He eyed her suspiciously, his hoof held his cane a little closer, Roman doesn't know who this mare was but he would rather not allow any threat to just run free. If she was a threat.

"You're not from here, right?" She asked.

Roman mentally cursed in his head as he put up an innocent face. "Well, I am just visiting town. So you're correct, I'm not from around here."

She shook her head. "No, what I mean is that you're not from this planet."

The end of Roman's cane was pressed against the mare's throat in a blink of an eye. The mare was completely undaunted by Roman's action.

"How do you know that?" Roman stepped over to her side with the cane still at her throat. He casually stood there to make sure that he wouldn't attract unwanted attention. "Scream and I'll put you in an ambulance heading straight to the hospital."

"I think we got off the wrong hoof." She spoke, the mare wasn't even bothered by his threat. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. May I have yours?"

"You don't know who I am? Well that's a relief. But that doesn't get you off the hook yet lady, you still haven't answered me."

"It's because..." She took a second before continuing. "I was the one who summoned you!"

Roman narrowed his eyes. "You did WHAT!?"

Her passive face switched to a smile. "Yeah, I did! But I do believe that something had gone wrong and it probably sent you somewhere else, yet you're somehow here!"

"Listen, this whole thing just sounds ridiculous! You aren't even sure that I'm the guy you're looking for!"

She shook her head again. "No, I'm right! You fit the description perfectly and that cutie mark you have matches the one on my summoning circle! You can see that I'm right if you follow me back at my place!"

"Wait, you've seen my mark?"

"While you were busy, I checked after I saw you!"

Roman stumbled back a little, his grip on his cane loosened. "By the brothers above! Does personal space not mean anything to you?"

"Brothers above? Are they like Celestia and Luna of your world?" She asked and ignored his original question.

A hoof found itself on Roman's face as he started to feel a little annoyed. At first he thought she was a threat, but nope, she was just some unicorn wizard of some sort who was meddling with things she may or may not understand.

"You know what? I'm leaving, don't follow me." With that said, Roman walked away from the unicorn.

"Hey, wait up!" She called out to him as she followed behind. "I have some more questions about your world! What's it like!?"

"Terrible! Now leave me alone!"

Roman started walking faster, but Twilight had picked up her own pace.

Roman looked back with a frown. He attempted to just fly off, but no matter how much he flapped his wings, he couldn't get himself off the ground. That's when he noticed the strange purple glow on his wings, he looked back at the mare and noticed her horn was glowing as well. His frown deepened into a scowl.

He held his cane with one wing and got on four hooves and started running. He dashed off and turned a corner, hoping to lose the mare in his tracks. But much to his disappointment, she was still behind him.

"Wait!"

His teeth were clenched even tighter. So he needed to act smart.

Roman looked ahead and saw a flower stand. He slowed down just a little so Twilight could be close enough. She showed no sign of slowing down which what Roman needed. Once he was just a few feet away from the stand, Roman drew his cane and pointed it towards the side as he skidded to a halt.

Twilight was just next to him when he stopped and Roman's plan had sprung into action as she tripped on his cane and flew right into the stand. Roman grinned as he took off into the sky now that he was free from Twilight's hold.

"See ya Sparks!" Roman mocked her as he flew away.

Roman could see an apple orchard in the distance as he soared through the sky. With his original objective in mind, he silently glided over. And Roman was hoping that the whole run with Twilight was ignored by other people. He doesn't need any curious ponies asking questions. Especially one that was only interested in his world.

But the fact that she was the reason that Roman was even here had really stuck on his mind. It meant that she had ripped him out of the afterlife and threw him into this world. Right in front of Trixie. He was glad about that, as well as bringing him back to life. And even though she saved him from death, Roman will not just talk about his home, unless he gets something in return.

So until he could think of something to ask for, he'll stay as far as he could from the unicorn.

But just as he was enjoying his time in the air, something heavy had landed on his back and before Roman could even react, he was sandwiched between the heavy object and the ground below. It happened so quickly that Roman couldn't do anything at all.




The ponies stared upon the golden statue of Celestia that just came out of the sky. A few guards as well as two cops were bewildered that such a thing had happened on a Sunday, a day where Derpy would not be working at.

"Is it Monday or something? And who ordered a large statue of princess Celestia anyways?" One guard asked the others.

"No, it's still Sunday. You think this came from Canterlot itself?"

"Now why would it come from Canterlot?"

The guard shrugged his shoulder. "My cousin got attacked by some science project from that magic school. So I'm pretty sure some kid had accidentally teleported a statue."

"Can we... sell it?"

"Excuse me!" The guards halted their series of questions and looked over to their side to find Twilight Sparkle standing there. "Have you seen a white pegasus with an orange mane in a bowler hat?"

"Oh yeah, witnesses say that he was flying around the area." The guard answered.

"Really? Which way did he go?"

Every guard present pointed their hooves towards the statue. "Down." The guards spoke at the same time.

"What!? Why aren't you guys helping him!?"

"Ma'am, we're the Iron Legion, we only help who's alive. And seeing as he got buried into the ground by our princess, it is out of our jurisdiction. But we are waiting for someone to come and remove the statue so the clean up crew could scrape what's left of your friend off the ground."

Another guard nodded his head. "And you don't have to worry ma'am, we'll be here to comfort you for your friend's passing."

"This is terrible!" She cried out. "Now how am I going to prove that other universes exist!"

The guards gave her a strange look after, confused as to why that was her response after learning of someone's death.

Just then, the statue started to shake.

"Oh god, the statue is angry!" One bystander pointed at the statue.

"What does it want!?"

"It had the taste of blood, now it wants more!"

"Everypony calm down!"

And with a blinding flash, the statue was tossed aside as if it was nothing. And standing in its previous place was a pegasus whose clothes were covered in dirt. A look of frustration was on his face as he panted heavily.

"It's a miracle!" A different pony spoke amongst the crowd that gathered.

"He's alive, but how!?"

"He... He's the Messiah!"

"Of course! The statue came from the heavens itself to judge that guy, and he had passed!"

"Our lord and savior have returned! We will finally be free of evil!"

"I'm not some kind of saint Oum damn it!" Roman nearly screamed at them. "Who in the world threw this thing at me!?"

The guard sighed. "Thank god he isn't dead, I don't care how as long as we don't have to do any paperwork."

Another guard nodded. "Alright, everypony go back to minding your own businesses! Nothing to see here."

The crowd slowly but surely dispersed, since they didn't really wish to oppose the guards. And Roman was glad that not a single one even recognized him.

"We are happy to see that your friend is alright ma'am, but we better get going. Alright men, let's take this statue and put it to good use!"

With that, the guards and the two cops had left with the golden statue. Leaving Roman with the last pony he would ever be with.

Before he could even run, his body became rigid and he was unable to move at all. "Gotcha!" Twilight quickly approached the thief with a quill and a notepad, an eager smile was present on her face. "Now, how did you get out of that unscathed!?"

Roman remained silent.

"Um, excuse me?" She tried to make him speak, but Roman was defiant. "Um, sir..."

Roman only glared at her, not saying a single word at all.

"Um... mister..."

"Pumpkin. Jack." He finally spoke, but he spoke as if he had something disgusting on his tongue.

"Oh, Pumpkin Jack... Will you answer some questions for me, please?"

"No." A very straight forward answer.

"But..."

"I will only tell you everything that I know until you give me something. First would be how you summoned me, and the second, we will talk about it after. These are my demands. Now tell me."

Seeing that there was no problem at all, she decided to tell him what she knows. "A few days ago, I discovered a spell through dimensions. I ran a few tests and managed to bring some interesting creatures, but none were intelligent as you and I."

"So you brought me to this world because you wanted something that could talk. But how did you know that it was me?"

"Because I saw what you looked like, a creature with no hair on their face that stood on two legs. What really showed me that it was you was your cutie mark, and back at the library is the exact same symbol carved on the summoning circle. As to why you were summoned somewhere else instead of on the circle, I don't know what happened, everything was exactly the same as previous tests."

"I see..." Roman muttered to himself.

"What's your second demand?"

Roman paused for a minute, silent as a statue and frozen like one too. Then his mouth opened to speak. "I want to eat meat."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"I'll tell you only this information until I get what I want. I used to be something called a human, and my kind are omnivores. And trust me, I have been here only a few days and I already missed the taste of meat. So my second demand is: Bring me a spell that would allow me to have an omnivorous diet. And then I'll talk." He grinned sadistically as he watched her squirm in place. "You're a unicorn who managed to bring me here, I know you can do it."

Seconds past as Twilight comprehended his demand. She thought about it for a while. It seems that Roman was serious with his wish to be an omnivore. He didn't even ask her to turn him back into a "human". No, he asked for the ability to devour other creatures. This was truly disturbing.

She couldn't do anything at all, she tried to think of ways to change his mind, but she couldn't think straight as she stared into his eye.

It was uncomfortable, the way he stared at her. As if he was judging her very soul.

"Fine." She whispered as she released Roman from her magic.

Roman walked past her once he was free, not even giving Twilight a single glance as marched away from her.

Not a single word was said as Roman parted ways with Twilight. He was still peeved off after getting crushed by a statue. So when she just held him in place, Roman became quite angry. He was mad that she cared more about his stupid home instead of him, sure he wasn't hurt, but Roman hated that she chose to satisfy her curiosity first. At least Roman had gotten some answers from this whole ordeal. And who knows, maybe she would be able to find a way to make him an omnivore with no problem, hopefully.

Of course, he could have asked for something else. Roman could try and take full advantage of her skills, but there are still some risks that even Roman is afraid to take. 

As for Twilight, she had started to wonder if she had done something wrong to bring such a person to her world. And a small part of her started to question if she should leave the pegasus free to walk on Ponyville. There was definitely something about him that made her skin crawl. All she could do for now was see if she could give Roman what he had demanded. Truly a bizarre demand. And maybe then he would be able to tell her everything.

Roman just hoped that his day was going to be better. All he needed to do was go to Applejack's place and lay low for a while, but nope, Twilight just had to be a bothersome mare. Sometimes he just wished that people would just stick to reading books or other junk.

"I really need a drink."
> The Night Beckons Me
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Music filled the air as the chandeliers shined brightly in the ballroom of gold. Hundreds of nameless visitors chatted and danced across the floor as they dined on the most expensive and delicious Atlesian cuisine while they mingled. All kinds of treasures were also present, so the visitors could see the numerous collections that the host had gathered from all his expeditions.

And just above it all, a man stood on the very top of the stairs. He was the infamous Roman Torchwick. The man of the hour, and the one who is hosting this party.

He ran a hand over his hair and straightened his fancy suit, he did not forget to make sure that his bow tie was comfortably around his neck. And with him were two beautiful ladies. One dressed in a lovely purple formal styled dress. While the other was in a simple waltz dress with the colors that reminded Roman of neapolitan ice cream. These two were the women that he trusted the most, Neo the silent but deadly henchwoman, and Trixie Lulamoon, his apprentice that showed great potential.

He snapped his finger and Trixie immediately offered him a cigar to which he gladly accepted, and Neo was happy enough to light it up for him.

He gave them both a nod of approval, satisfied with their short work.

"Mister Torchwick."

Roman looked away from the large group that mingled below and set his eyes on the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her hair was like a clear midnight sky with stars that glimmered in the darkness. She wore a lovely black Victorian styled dress that hugged her amazing figure, it was perfect for tonight's occasion. And on top of her head was a black crown, it showed that she was royalty by blood, not just by looks. 

Neo took a step forward as this mysterious woman gracefully ascended the steps. Roman held up a hand at Neo and motioned her to allow the woman to pass. And once this woman was close enough, Roman couldn't help but be in awe with such divine beauty. He had thought that she was pretty before, but now he knew that this woman was far from pretty. She was like a goddess that graced the ballroom with her eternal beauty.

"May I have some of your time?" She spoke, and Roman listened.

He smiled and bowed before her. "Of course. But to whom do I owe the pleasure?"

"You may call me, Luna."

Her name alone sent a shiver down his spine. "Luna, what a lovely name. May I have a dance with a ravishing lady such as you?"

"Very well, I do hope that thou shall not disappoint."

Roman raised a hand expectantly, and Luna accepted it. Both began their descent towards the floor, Roman glanced at his companions and gave them both a nod. Both of them nodded back before leaving to do as they pleased.

Once Roman had reached the ground with Luna, he wrapped his free arm around her waist and held her closer to him, but not too close. Her expression remained passive like a porcelain doll, yet her beauty was beyond comparison. She was far superior than the most perfect doll, all that and yet Roman had not seen her smile. He could just imagine how much of a treasure it is to see.

And now that he was close enough, he could finally appreciate her alluring eyes. Roman couldn't help but stare into such stunning orbs.

The longer he stared, the silent the world around him became, no longer could he hear the other guests, only the music that filled the room. As they both waltz across the floor, Roman began to feel warmth in her presence.

"So, mister Torchwick, is thou always so eager to be this close to a woman?" Her voice sent a tingle down his spine once more.

He smirked. "Only those who've really caught my eye, and I know a treasure once I see one."

"Am I just some treasure to add to your collection?"

"No, you're not some piece of gold that's meant to be displayed. You're far more than that, you're a goddess that deserves to be worshipped. Not on a podium, but on the altar in a white dress."

"You're such a charmer Torchwick, shame that would never likely happen."

Now Roman was really interested, such a calm yet sassy response, it really put a smile on his face. "Is that so? But you're already in my arms right now, and it looks to me that you're enjoying the fact that you're this close."

"You are mistaken Torchwick, I was just curious as to who you truly are."

Roman smirked. "So, what do you think so far?"

"You are dangerous." She spoke nonchalantly. "Yet you intrigue me, the way you performed in Manehattan, and the magic that you brought to our world. You Roman Torchwick, are an interesting creature."

Roman froze, his dance partner stared blankly at him and allowed the thief to absorb her words.

The world around them both shattered like glass, no longer were they in the middle of a ballroom, their surrounding was replaced by a grassy meadow under the shattered moon. Everything had become completely silent as the two stood there.

Slowly, his hands fell loosely to his side, and Luna took a step back to give him some space.

"This is a dream..." He muttered.

"Indeed it is Roman, I am sorry to disappoint."

Roman chuckled lightly and ran his hand on his hair. "Here I thought I fell in love with a pretty lady such as you! But woops, you ain't real." He chuckled again and brought both hands to his face.

"I am real Torchwick, currently I'm in Canterlot, but my mind is here in your dreams. I am princess Luna, the alicorn of the moon."

Roman peaked through his fingers and stared at the woman who claimed to be a princess. He withdrew his hands from his face and slipped them both in his pockets. "Are you really?"

"Do you wish for evidence of my title?"

Roman shook his head. "Nah, I believe you. I've seen some weird stuff in this world, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you really are Luna."

"I see."

Roman bowed towards her. "It's an honor to meet you then, princess. But I'm truly sorry that I cannot provide any drinks for you."

Roman sat down on the grassy field, he patted a hand next to him and motioned her to take a seat. But Luna chose to sit in the air instead, which had impressed Roman.

"Tell me Roman, why is the moon in your dreams always depicted to be shattered?"

Roman glanced at the subject of her question. He stared at the moon that reminded him of his origins, the world where he had to fight for his life. Where he clawed to the top of Vale's underworld just so he wouldn't starve to death. It would have been a pitiful death too.

"Because that's what I see in the night sky back in my world. No clue as to why it's broken, but there have been some theories. Some say it was the god of darkness, one of the two brothers who created my world, that destroyed it in a fit of rage. A few said that a goddess who lived on the moon had fallen in love with a man on Remnant, but he had died too young right before she could even confess her love, so her heart and the moon broke." Roman chuckled, Luna eyed him with curiosity. "They all sound ridiculous to be honest. But..."

Luna's eyes widened as she felt something in the air. Her attention snapped towards the shattered moon and there she witnessed, the bits and pieces started to move towards the middle. And soon enough, the moon had brought itself back together. She looked back at the thief, surprised that he had complete control over his own dreams so quickly.

"But," He started, but took another second just to stand back up. "I actually like it this way."

Roman then removed his jacket and placed it upon Luna's shoulders.

"What's this? You do realize that I do not feel the cold within dreams."

"Really? Oh right." Roman grinned cheekily. "Well since I can't really do much in this world, just take it as a thanks."

Luna became perplexed. "For what?"

"For allowing me to see such a beautiful moon every night. Thank you princess Luna."

Luna's cheeks began to redden, she had not expected this from someone such as him. Luna looked away from the thief, and frowned at the idea that he was this kind.

"You must understand Roman, that I cannot allow you to run free after what you did." Luna said bitterly.

The thief loosened his tie as he stared at the moon. "Then I'll be waiting for when we could finally meet Luna. And I'll even give you a hint, I'm where it all began."

"You're not currently in Manehattan?" Roman only answered with a shrug of his shoulders. "Then very well, I shall seek out the place you've originated from and will bring you to justice, Roman Torchwick."

She hopped off her imaginary chair to leave, but a hand found itself around her arm. She looked back to see a forlorn look on Roman's face.

"I'm sorry, but, can you perform a summoning spell?"

"No, I have not tried it before. Is this why you're here, a summoning spell? Do you wish to return to your home?"

Roman shook his head, he glanced over to the distance and Luna followed his gaze. In the distance was a table with two occupants, it was the women who were by his side earlier.

Roman sighed heavily. "The girl in purple is Trixie, she's currently my ally in this world. And the other is my friend back home, I just realized how much I missed her after all this time and I wanted to bring her here, a better world than my old one."

"Then why not look for your summoner? They may be able to help you with your problem." She didn't know why she had suggested something helpful to a criminal, who knows why she is even still in this place after she received a really good hint.

Roman frowned as he waved at Neo and Trixie. "Because I already met her, she's new to this summoning thing and I would rather have someone who knows better, like some immortal goddess."

So the summoner is a her? Luna could only guess what kind of mare had managed to summon such a dangerous thief. "Very well Torchwick, I shall see what I can do."

"Really? You'd help me out just like that?" Roman was actually surprised that she would even consider to help. 

"Yes, though the chances that you would be free will decrease once we bring this... creature into our world."

"Thank you." He said, overjoyed to know that there was a chance, even if the chances of failure are still high, he needed to hope, for Neo's sake.

"Alright then, does thou have other requests?"

"Yeah... Could you stick around, until I wake up that is..."

"A-alright..."

Luna raised a single brow, and for a second she was trying to understand his motive. But then she realized what he really wanted. Luna gaped at him, she knew that he had no self restraint, but this was happening rather too quickly.

Wait, he's just trying to distract me so we both have a fair start! Once he wakes up, then the true race shall begin! And Roman shall be brought to justice once I wake up! Luna smirked as she reasoned with herself, for the first time since they have met, her face had finally shifted. Very well thief, let's have a clean fight.

Roman didn't even notice her change, he only stared at the perfect moon above. How captivating it's true form was, far better than the one from home. No, this world is his home now, and the moon in the night sky will be the one that greets him at night, not the remains of a broken rock in space. But the beautiful moon that wishes to be a star in the night sky. This is what would keep him going. 

And as of right now, he promised to himself that he will show it to Neo one day.




Roman's eyes slowly opened, and the sight of green greeted him as rays of sunshine pierced through the small gaps between the leaves of the apple tree. He sighed deeply as he recalled his dream and questioned if it was real at all. He hoped it was, and maybe someday he could actually meet the princess face to face. Though his expectations are a bit low since she's a pony and all that.

His ear flickered beneath his hat, a set of hooves were headed his way and he had guessed who the owner of said hooves were. For a short second, it was quiet, but then he heard a grunt behind the tree he had slept on and then everything shook for a moment.

A dozen of apples fell off the branches and went straight towards the ground. Roman simply batted the ones that would've hit him.

"And good morning to you sunshine." He just casually greeted the pony behind the tree.

As he had expected, she would run around to check who it was. "Roman!?" Applejack was both puzzled and surprised to see the thief.

"Sup Blondie, thanks for giving me my breakfast." He said right before he took a bite off an apple on his hoof.

"Ah didn't know you were back here. Sorry if Ah dropped an apple on you."

Roman simply shrugged his shoulders as he stood up on his two hooves. "Don't worry, I didn't get hurt or anything. I heard you coming a mile away."

"Alright, Ah'm glad nothin' happened. Where were you anyways? You just up and vanished last night, and Ah heard that some golden statue crushed a pony in a bowler hat yesterday."

Roman frowned as he recalled the whole memory. "Yeah, that was me. But you don't have to worry, I'm tougher than a beowolf."

"You must have a harder head than RD if you can take on a heavy statue made of gold."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Now if you could excuse me, I need to find a way to pass the time."

Just as Roman was about to take off to the skies, his attention was brought back to Applejack as she loudly cleared her throat.

"If ya' got a lot of free time, then why don't you help around the farm? Ah'll make sure it's worth your while."

He thought about it, the thief doesn't really have anything better to do but practice his flying skill with Scootaloo later in the afternoon. So there's nothing really stopping him from accepting.

"You know what? Sure, got nothing better to do."

At least this way he could spend some time doing something instead of nothing. And maybe he could distract himself from the fact that he'd be in trouble once everyone knows about his crimes.
> A Sour Taste
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, was in trouble. In her hooves were two cards, a three of clubs and a joker, which was just a picture of Roman with the word "Joker" on the sides. There were also other ponies on it, but they weren't really worth noting.

And across her was the pony himself, Roman Torchwick, but he wasn't wearing his jacket. And he had only one card left in his hooves. Dash knew that this card was also a three since it was the last one, and to be specific, it was the three of hearts. And worse of all, it was his turn.

This was the most intense game of old maid Dash had ever played.

If he guessed it right, then this would be another win for Roman, and this would also be Dash's sixteenth loss in a row. She started to regret challenging Roman to this card game. By now, an ordinary pony would've accepted their defeat, but Dash is not just some pony. She's the bearer of Loyalty, and she will win this battle. Dash just needed to put her trust on the heart of the cards. Determined to defeat Roman and score a single win, Dash put on a serious face and dared Torchwick to make his move. She was confident that she could finally beat him in this card game.

Then her heart sank, right in front of her, just across the damnable table, sat a stallion who grinned sadistically at his opponent. And the strangest part was that the restaurant they were in was just allowing these two to play a card game, not one single patron had complained at all.

Roman just couldn't hide his bad side, this was going to be his sixteenth win in a row. And all that without even breaking a sweat. Dash's losing streak was all thanks to Applejack for inviting him for lunch with her friends. Currently, Applejack and two other mares that Roman was not acquainted with, or he simply forgot their names, were just watching the show. There was also another mare in the group that Roman nicknamed as "Vanilla", because it was the first thing that came to mind when he saw her.

Vanilla tried to correct him, saying that she preferred being called by her real name, but Roman didn't care. So Vanilla just accepted it after Applejack told her that it was how he is. As of right now, Vanilla was busy inspecting his jacket, to which he had allowed. At least he still wore his hat and "gloves" to feel less naked in front of other people.

Back with the card game, Roman slowly stretched out a hoof towards the cards in Dash's hooves. The pink one, Cotton, watched with eyes wide open. She couldn't help but bite the tip of her hooves as everything seemed to slow down while the rest, sans Rarity, were watching the two players and made not a single noise. Dash prepared herself, she made sure her face was unreadable as he was slowly inching towards the joker card. And the color on Dash's face drained, just as he was about to touch the joker, his hoof stole her only hope to win in one quick swipe.

Roman still grinned as he placed both cards down on the pile, and Dash could only stare at her opponent in silence.

"Are you okay Rainbow Dash?" The shortest one- or was she the tallest of the group? Roman couldn't really tell since she kept slouching. Anyways, the "yellow" one was concerned for Dash, especially when she was awfully quiet.

Pinkie gave Dash a light shove but received no reaction. "Hey Rainbow Dash, are you winning yet?"

"Hey Cotton, I really don't think she's winning." Roman had answered for Dash.

"How do you always win!?" Dash spoke with obvious frustration.

"Just that lucky, Skittles."

"I won't accept that! Let's go one more time, but I'll shuffle the cards!"

Roman chuckled lightly. "Oh Skittles, you're maybe faster than me, but I got tricks up my sleeves. So let's just move on."

"Fine! Let's play poker, right now!"

"Dash, Ah don't think it would be smart if you keep going. Ah believe it's better to just give up now." Applejack suggested to her friend.

"Don't listen to Blondie, Skittles, you might win this next round." Roman tempted his previous opponent.

And Dash was about to accept, but the waitress had just arrived with their food.

The waitress gave them each of their orders, the usual pony stuff that Roman refused to even try. That's why his order was just spaghetti and potato croquettes. And honestly, people growing flowers just to eat them seems alright since the ones back home in his world were just for decorations and other stuff that required flowers. It was as if you brought together all kinds of vegetables and made it into a food bouquet to eat for lunch, or making a perfume out of cucumber. Actually, that first one was a really good idea for business, Roman made sure to keep a note about it.

As he was enjoying his meal, a different pony had rushed over to their table. "Sorry I'm late!"

"Hey Twilight! I got you a salad, extra tomato!" Pinkie joyfully raised said salad for all to see.

Roman nearly choked, he had forgotten about the last member of their group and was not expecting her at all. And once their eyes had met, Roman couldn't help but feel a little irritated from seeing her.

"Hello Sparky." He greeted with his deceptive smile.

"Oh, Jack... I didn't expect you to be here..." Twilight slowed down as she reached the table.

"Jack?" Rarity raised a brow.

Twilight became puzzled when Rarity repeated Roman's fake name.

"Oh, just a nickname, Sparky here thought it was fair to give me one." He smiled towards Twilight, and then she was quick to understand that Pumpkin Jack was not his real name.

Now she just realized that even his own name was kept a secret from her, she finally understood that Roman would keep all the information to himself unless he gets something in return.

"Take a seat Sparky."

She then took a seat on the only vacant one on the table, right next to Roman. "Well, Jack, what are you doing here?"

"Well I was invited by Blondie, and I didn't really have anything better to do, so here I am." He gave her his best explanation.

"You've already met Twilight, Roman?" Pinkie asked him, and Roman knew she was a bit too curious.

Meanwhile, Twilight took note of his name, she was not sure if it was his real one.

"First time I'm hearin' it." Applejack eyed the thief suspiciously.

"Well, I was crushed by a statue yesterday, and Sparky here saved my life!" He had lied, but there was a bit of truth in his words.

"What?" The "hero" asked.

Roman leaned closer to Twilight just to whisper. "Listen, they don't need to know about us, to them I'm just some guy trying to go on with his life. So keep the alien stuff to yourself, and I'll tell you a few facts about my world later. Deal?"

This is what Roman had in mind of holding back information, they could be used as a tool to give people an upper hand. But in this case, to shut someone up.

Twilight thought about his offer, she would have been a fool to decline, so she had no other choice but to accept.

"Wait, so that was you?" Dash exclaimed. "You must have been so lucky that Twilight was close."

"Oh, dear... That would've been r-really bad if she wasn't there." The shy one finally spoke while making eye contact with Roman.

Roman nodded his head. "The idea of getting a hospital bill would be considered as bad."

This caused a series of laughter, everyone but Twilight and Fluttershy were laughing very loudly at Roman's humorous joke.

"Anyways Twilight," The unicorn looked over to Rarity. "Where on earth were you? Must have been really interesting to keep you busy. But that is nothing new I guess."

Twilight sighed. "I was just caught up with my research."

"Oh, right. The whole other world thing." Dash spoke, slightly interested in the subject. "How is it going actually?"

"Well Rainbow Dash, I just had a breakthrough!" Twilight held her head high. "Just need to do a few more things then I'd finally get some answers!"

Roman couldn't help but notice Twilight's gaze, and to be honest, he would have left there and then, but he had nothing better to do. But, he could still find refuge somewhere else.

"Welp! I'm gonna get busy for a minute, so watch my spaghetti please." He stood up and started heading towards the comfort room.

"Okay Roman!" Pinkie waved at the thief goodbye as he left the mares to themselves for now. And what's worth noting, his jacket was still with Rarity.

"So, what y'all think?" Applejack asked out of the blue.

"About Roman?" Fluttershy received a confirming nod from Applejack. "W-well... he seems friendly, a bit too f-friendly..."

"He is really annoying. I mean, how can he win so many times!?" Dash was still peeved off about her losing streak.

"He's... interesting." Twilight tried not to spill the beans.

"Well I think he is a charming fellow! Especially his taste in fashion, look at this jacket for example." She presented the piece. "Though he is a white pegasus, this jacket still compliments his style. The bowler hat is excellent for his orange mane, and those boots were just perfect for this jacket. But his cane, it really holds it all together! The main piece that makes it pop! One look at this stylish stallion, and you would have mistaken him for a mafia don!"

Rarity swooned at the thought of the dashing rogue sweeping Rarity off her hooves.

"Wouldn't it be romantic if he just takes me by the hoof and dragged me into an adventure full of love and danger?" Everyone only gave her a strange look, everyone but Applejack.

"Ah don't know Rarity, feels like a bad idea." Applejack huffed.

"Ha!" Dash laughed. "Sorry Rarity, but AJ already had eyes on him!"

"Really!?" Rarity exclaimed. The scenario that was in her head changed, she was no longer the main character of her own fantasy and was replaced by Applejack. "That is great!"

"Hey, I didn't get to say what I think about Roman!" Pinkie whined, but she was only ignored by the others as another subject had come up, a more interesting one at that.

Rarity reached across the table and held Applejack by the head and pulled her close. "Please tell me darling, what exactly do you see in him!? Give me the details!"

Applejack stuttered, she didn't know how to answer that, honestly. "Ah don't know what to tell ya' Rarity, but Ah just like him..."

"No, there must be something!"

Applejack pushed Rarity away and straightened herself on her seat. Her face was a little red as she thought about Roman. "Well... He's really nice, and very honest. Roman was really helpful at the farm this mornin', even gave me a few hints about farming, though I already knew about it, but it was nice to listen to him talk... And his hat is pretty... nice..."

Dash pretended to gag but was stopped by the fashionista with silent glare.

"That's wonderful!" Fluttershy whispered, but it was loud enough for them to hear.

"Darling, this is perfect! I promise, by my beautiful mane! That by the end of this day, that stallion shall be yours!" Said Rarity, her eyes filled with determination.

Applejack scratched the back of her head. "Aw, thanks Rarity! But, I'll be real honest with ya', Ah don't really know where to start." This may have been her own issue, but she had no idea where to start to be frank. She had no other choice on the table anyways.

But sadly, this love would never bloom, especially with what's to come in the near future.

As for Twilight, her thoughts on the subject are not about love, but about the fact that Roman was not even a pony. And there may be risks since he was still a mystery. Hopefully soon, he would shed some light to her about his origins. Speaking of which, Roman had just returned from doing his business. The table went completely silent as he returned to his seat.

Roman didn't notice the strange aura in the air, or maybe he simply did not care. He did see the weird glimmer in Rarity's eyes as she returned his jacket to him.

"So, anything interesting while I was gone?" Roman eyed everyone cautiously.

"Nothing that important darling! So... what exactly do you do Roman?" Rarity was quick to change the subject.

"I'm a street magician, it doesn't really pay much, but it helps me go by."

"Oh, just like Trixie!" Dash spoke, she was actually interested in his life.

"Trixie?" Twilight had asked.

"Yeah, she had saved Roman from a manticore! Do you believe that?"

The others who are just learning about Roman's story couldn't hold back a gasp, they were surprised to hear that Trixie had done something so noble and selfless.

"Did she really?" Fluttershy turned towards Roman.

Roman sighed, a smile now present on his face. "Yes. I was really knee deep in trouble, face to face with a manticore. But out of the blue, Trixie had come to my rescue and defeated the manticore by crushing it with her wagon! Really great to meet such a mare as her!"

The others may have thought that his story was both interesting and amazing, but Twilight was thinking about something else. And it was guilt, she felt that way because Roman's story implied that she brought him right in the manticore's maw. Maybe that is why Roman was indifferent towards Twilight. Or perhaps Trixie had been running her mouth about Twilight in a negative way.

Either way, Twilight felt as if it was her fault that Roman had to face off against a manticore.

"Excuse me!" All occupants of the table turned to face a young teenage pegasus mare standing a little too close to Roman. "A-are you R-Roman Torchw-wick!?"

Roman then knew who exactly this random mare was, and he felt a sense of dread as he screamed loudly inside his own head. Two of the few things he had prayed to the lord not to encounter is standing before him.

Quickly, Roman lowered his hat. "No idea who that is, kid, you should just move on."

"O.M.G!" She smiled widely as she was sure about who he was. "You're Roman Torchwick! O.M.G. O.M.G!"

Roman couldn't help but notice the stares that he was receiving, from the mares he was with and other patrons of this restaurant. This is just great! Oum damn it, if this ruins my chances of escape, I'm torching who ever started that fan club!

"M-mister Torchwick, could I h-have an autograph!? I'm a big fan of y-yours!" She stuttered a lot, clearly she was nervous around him, and Roman was also nervous with her around.

"If I give you an autograph, will please leave? I'm kinda having lunch with some friends."

"Oh, I'm so sorry mister Torchwick! I d-didn't notice!"

"Whatever kid, let's get on with it." The teen quickly gave him a notebook and a quill to write with. "What's your name?"

"I'm Albatross, sir!"

"Huh, named after a bird that's both a good and bad omen." He pointed out as he signed on the first page of her notebook. Then he flashed a smile towards the teen. "Hope you're here to give me a good sign."

The teen couldn't help but blush, she took back what was hers and bowed towards Roman, a bit too much if you asked him. "T-thank you mister Torchwick! I'll treasure this for the rest of my life!"

"Yeah yeah, now go on and show that to your buddies or something."

"Of course!" With that, she rushed out of the building as quick as she could, it was clear that she couldn't handle the pressure of being around him any longer.

"What was that about?" Dash of all people had asked.

Roman sighed deeply. "A girl from my fan club apparently. Jeez, I knew they would be annoying."

"Fan club, huh?"

"Yeah. And I should leave, I just remembered that I had something to do." Roman excused himself as he noticed the eyes of other ponies staring at him. This was one of the things he didn't need, and his true identity might be revealed. He didn't want that at all.

"Do you have to go so early dearie? We haven't really gotten to know each other yet." Rarity tried to keep him in his seat.

"Sorry Vanilla, but I really need to go." He then wasted no time and walked away from Twilight and her friends, he hurried towards the exit with his hat over his face.

"What do y'all think it was that made him go in a hurry?" Applejack asked her friends.

"Probably flying practice with Scootaloo, both are really close ever since they met a few days ago." Dash spoke as she returned to her meal.

"Or maybe! He had to go and talk to more of his fans!" Pinkie gave them her own theory.

"That reminds me. Why would Roman have a fan club anyways? I've never seen him doing anything cool." Dash had finally asked the question, and the others couldn't help but ask the same thing.

"Maybe Roman and Trixie made it big in Manehattan? Roman did say he's a magician as well, so that girl earlier must have been a fan from the city." Said Applejack.

"Oh! Now I really, really, really! Want to see him pull a rabbit out of his hat!" Pinkie smiled at the thought of the amazing magic trick that Roman could perform.

Twilight could only wonder, of whatever was going on in Roman's head.

"Anyways!" Pinkie started to speak. "What I think about Roman, is that-"




Roman was fuming, he had a very close call when that random fan had popped out of nowhere. And what's worse, was the attention he was getting right now. Roman had thought that he made sure that no one would ever know about his crime in Manehattan. But now that some random teenager who might have a crush on him just said his name in front of a lot of people, Roman believed without a doubt that one of them, maybe more, had recognized him.

He could only hope that he was wrong and he's just a bit paranoid. But he can't just deny that it was practically his mistake that he's tensed right now, if Roman had declined Applejack's offer and just hid in the farm, then this wouldn't have happened.

But Roman had a plan for this, everything was ready and he just needed an excuse to pull the trigger. And Roman was really tempted to just go out with a bang before anyone could even comprehend it.

"Excuse me?"

Roman groaned loudly, frustration grew bigger in his mind as he turned around to see who it was that called for his attention. It was Albatross again, but this time, she had a few other mares with her, and he could only guess that they were also his fans. Roman just wished that he was wrong.

"It's me again!" She chuckled awkwardly. "I-I see that you're not busy, and m-my friends wanted an autograph as well! So if you could..."

Roman tried to put on his best smile, as much as he disliked them being around him, he still had an image to keep. "Sure! Anything for my adoring fans!"

A series of excited giggles painfully pierced Roman's ears as they gathered around him, notebook in their hooves as they waited for their turn. As much as Roman hated this attention, it helped keep his mind off the fact that he's practically toast once a guard knows who he is. And maybe, he could spend the rest of the day free of negativity.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" The nameless pony violently shook his hoof after she received an autograph. "This is the best thing ever!"

"Mister Torchwick sir, I have a question! Are you single?"

Roman mentally frowned. Some people were just too nosey these days, especially the youths who have nothing better to do but to pry into some famous person's life. "No. And I'm not looking for someone right now." He answered.

But this was a big mistake, as the teen who had asked him the question stood a little too close for comfort.

"Really?" She then leaned forward, and Roman had to recoil away from her. It was clear that she didn't hear his whole answer. 

"Listen, I know what you're trying to do, and I'm flattered. But you're just too young for me." And she is also a horse, I may have been with a few faunus mutts, but this was still new for me and I am not prepared to cross the line just yet.

The teen looked dejected after he had declined her advances. The rest were also feeling the same and Roman took their heartbreak as a chance to slip away.

He ran as quick as he could and made sure that he was not followed by his fans. Once he was sure that it was just him, he took a seat on a bench which was strangely familiar.

As he rested his haunches on the wooden bench, Roman took out a cigar and quickly lit it alight. He breathed the harmful smoke into his lungs and released them after a short second. Finally, he had managed to get some time to himself, enough to relax even just for a minute.

Now he had no distraction, his mind has returned to the idea of being caught by the authorities in this small town. But that would never happen, he still had so many things to steal and Roman would be damned if he would just get thrown in prison so easily. He escaped Atlas, he escaped Vale. And you'll bet your mother that he'll definitely escape the law in this world.

"Could things get any worse?" He asked himself as he recounted his previous experiences today.

And just then, something had loomed over him and blocked out the sun. He sighed heavily as he feels a vein about pop. "Guess it was bound to happen- what...?"

Standing over him was one of the few things he would rather have forgotten, yet it was there to remind him that his past will always catch up wherever he was. Because right in front of Roman was something he had not expected at all.

Roman couldn't help but show a very angry grin towards his newest source of headaches. A fearsome manticore stands before him, and it wasn't an ordinary one, no, it was Grimm. Bones stuck out of its head to resemble a lion's mane, two horns pointed right at Roman as its glowing red eyes glared at him. A scorpion tale hovered above his head intimidatingly as its wings extended to the sides. It was pretty small, Roman had seen bigger ones back at his world.

"Shadow Beast!" Once a pony had pointed out the monster, everyone began to panic.

As for Roman, all he could say was, "You've gotta be kidding me."


Hunger

> One Bad Memory
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Trixie Lulamoon! We have the building surrounded! Release your hostages and come out with your hooves up in the air!"

Trixie peered through the window of the bank she was currently in, Manehattan's swat team had surrounded the building, heavy armored wagons were just at her doorstep with ponies in swat gear behind them. Her plan was not going smoothly, especially after her last solo heist, which cost her a golden statue.

The authorities were really serious, this was the effect of Roman's presence in the city. Security for each bank was increased and there were lookouts keeping an eye on every street. It was because of these pieces on the board is why Trixie is in this predicament.

"You'll never catch Trixie!" She yelled out as she pointed a blue rocket towards the authorities. She used her fireworks to keep them all back and away from Trixie and her hard earned money.

"Trixie!" One of her two hostages called out, but in truth, this was one of her accomplices, Flam, the one with the moustache. The unicorn struggled in his bind as he watched Trixie shoot another rocket out the window. "I don't think your plan is going too well!"

Flim was also there, as for why, it was all part of Trixie's big plan. Really complicated one at that. They were "roped" into all this because Trixie needed some help with her heists since Roman was somewhere else.

"Everything is fine!" She reassured them. "As long as Trixie and her number two are here, then these nobodies will never even set a hoof inside this building!"

"Uh Trixie? She's gone!" Flim pointed out that a pony was indeed missing.

"What!? Where did she go!?"

"She said she was going out for some snacks! I couldn't really stop her because of these ropes!"

"Those are just excuses you dolts! This is just great! Trixie will personally break her legs for this, that damn c-"

An ear splitting sound started playing in the room. All three looked over towards the shadowy part of the room, and then they felt their blood turn cold as they saw two glowing green orbs staring directly at Trixie. Then the orbs rushed towards Trixie and the mare couldn't hold back a scream as the sound got louder and louder.




Roman glared at the disintegrating corpse of the manticore and scowled from the sight of the monster. There was no doubt about it, it was a stinking Grimm. And Roman had not expected the monster to be here on this planet, he would've thought he'd see this ugly thing in hell.

It wasn't easy taking down the Grimm, it was troubling if you had to ask Roman, but he still managed to bring it down real hard. Just a few bullets to the face and one big swing of his cane, and now this Grimm is chasing rabbits in evil heaven. The only thing he should care about is that it's dead, but then it just tells him something really bad. There are more.

He sat back down on the bench, Roman was thankful that it was unharmed from the fight, but the cigar he had been smoking was eaten by the Grimm, and that leaves him with his emergency cigar. Everything is getting worse and worse by the minute. First that damn fan said his name too many times, and now Roman is just learning about the existence of Grimm in this world. Roman was just ready to blow up this town and make a run for it, but he wasn't that evil, just plain old cruel. He was also a very reasonable guy, so he wouldn't let something like a single Grimm ruin his day.

But then he realized something, there were spectators during that fight. His eye scanned around the area, and there he finally noticed the ponies that had stayed to watch. Now they were currently watching him with awe and admiration after witnessing Roman defeat the manticore single handedly. In truth, beating a manticore Grimm is something a hunter would actually be proud of. And from Roman's experience, it would make you very popular in a small school, like Signal.

A few ponies attempted to approach the thief, but were too discouraged by his display of power. There was an exception, and they were a group of Iron Legions. They arrived armed to the teeth, swords that looked like they could severe a head clean off, and spears that looked pointier than a beowolf's fang. They immediately inspected the rotting carcass, and stared at Roman with a watchful eye.

"You did this?" The guard questioned him.

Roman only spared the guard a single glance before leaning further back on the bench. "Listen, I'm not feeling it right now, so could you buzz off?"

"You dare disrespect us Legionnaires?!" A guard tried to leap at Roman but was held back by the others.

"I'm sorry for Private's little outburst, sir, but we kinda need some answers." The guard, who Roman presumed as the leader, wanted some answers, seems like they were curious as to how he pummeled a Grimm. "I mean, it's not everyday that you would hear a single pony go toe to toe with a Shadow Beast."

"Grimm."

"What was that?"

"They're called Grimm, soulless bunch of freaks whose only purpose is to wipe out everything that breathes." Roman explained.

The guard raised a brow. "You seem to know about these, "Grimm", care to tell me why?"

Roman groaned loudly, to show him how annoying he was right now. Please, someone get these idiots off my back before I do something really bad.

And as if Roman's prayers were answered, a loud screech was heard far above them. Then Roman realized that it was probably the devil who had answered him, and the evidence to that was the flock of nevermores circling the town, nearly blotting out the sun with their sheer numbers.

"We got ravens! Everybody move it!" The guard suddenly changed his priorities and began to give out orders to the rest of his squad.

Then everything turned into chaos as a rain of black feathers started dropping upon the town. Roman ducked under the bench to escape the deadly feathers that could skewer a man, thankfully, these nevermores were just the size of a cat. Their feathers are not big enough to go through the bench, or as a threat to Roman since they were too small.

The ponies scrambled about in panic, and the Grimm in the sky started to move aggressively.

Once the rain of death was over, the guards quickly herd the civilians away. The leader then returned to Roman to do his job.

"What are you doing!? Can't you see that there's a horde of Grimm in the sky!? We need to get you to safety!"

"Piece of advice buddy, be positive. The Grimm are attracted to negative emotions, and as long as you're not scared or angry, then you're almost invisible to these guys." Roman informed the guard, and he remembered that night on the Atlesian ship, the place where he had died on. Eaten by a Grimm because he was a little angry at Red.

"That sounds ridiculous!"

Roman only smirked as a random beowolf Grimm had come out of nowhere and tackled the guard to the ground. He struggled on the ground as the beast tried to chomp on his face, and Roman was impressed that the guard was able to last this long. But the bad thing is, the beowolf was a sign that there were a whole lot more Grimm monsters in town. So Roman wasted no time and placed a bullet deep into the wolf's eye and out on the opposite end.

"Gee, I wonder how they've got through your defences." The thief spoke aloud as he felt the ground beneath his hooves shake just for a short moment.

Roman looked around himself, he could hear the screams just around the corner, and the roars and howls of numerous Grimm beasts. The thief remained passive, though he was still a bit peeved off, he couldn't risk it and attract some unwanted attention from those soulless monsters.

"See?" Roman was still smirking as he brought the guard back on his hooves.

"Fine! But I still can't just let you go!"

"Are you forgetting that I had defeated a manticore all by myself?" The guard tried to argue back, but then he realized that Roman could handle himself, and he was needed elsewhere.

"Alright, just don't get yourself hurt."

"Will do sir!" Roman saluted towards the guard. He returned his gesture back before running off to do his job. "I really need a drink."

His throat was a little dry after his fight with that Grimm, so Roman had decided to just go look for a place to quench his thirst. As he walked through the streets filled with chaos, Roman had finally noticed the large horde of Grimm rampaging throughout the town. They all had somehow passed through the guards and attacked Ponyville. As to why exactly? Roman does not hold the answer to the question.

And all he cared about was his main objective, get a drink and let the authorities, as well as Applejack and her friends, handle this. He was an outsider and it was not his place to help, he's not some good samaritan that just ran to someone's aid. He's a criminal, one that only looked out for himself.

Besides, the Iron Legion were actually doing some work, sure they couldn't really handle two or more Grimms at the same time, but they were doing a great job with protecting any civilians in the mix. He had to commend them for that.

But it seems to be a losing battle, the horde of Grimm had just come out of nowhere and attacked the town. The guards were practically caught with their pants off. There were so many Grimm running around that Roman felt a little nostalgic. It was just like home, and he hated that.

He sighed as he ducked below an ursa's giant paw and shot it right in the mouth, killing it instantly with his explosive flare. The Grimm were annoying, that's true, but he paid it no mind as he continued his quest.

An explosion boomed in the distance, Roman only glanced at it once before ignoring it completely.

Just as he minded his own business, a very familiar scream had reached his ears. But before he could even move a finger, or hoof in this case, a cloud of dirt had kicked up right in front of him when something had crashed down into the earth. Once the dust settled, it revealed an injured guard, it was the one from before, the guard who was concerned for him.

Roman hadn't expected to meet him again so soon, but it was a small world after all.

He looked around and searched for anyone that could help the poor guard, but there was not even a single Legionnaire around, not even a Grimm was present. It was as if something had pulled the horde somewhere else. Roman shrugged his shoulders as he just ignored it, he didn't really care if the Grimm were at granny's house.

Now that he thought about it, where did this guard even come from? Must've been a beringel, probably even batted him from somewhere else and sent him over to Roman.

Roman shook his head clear, there was no one around to help the guard, so that leaves him to Roman's care. And as much as he wanted to just walk away, Roman had no other choice. So he hooked his cane on the guard's armor and started dragging him around like a corpse. Roman was sure that he was still alive, now that he thinks of it, he hadn't checked on the guard if he was breathing at all.

Roman just shrugged his shoulders once more, getting a drink is more important right now and this guard was only a side quest. At least this way, his body would be intact if he really was dead.




The door to the tavern was kicked open, a few ponies who were hiding in the building screamed. But their fear had faded away once Roman slipped inside with the Legionnaire on his shoulder. Without a word, Roman strolled straight over to the bar and set the unconscious guard on a stool before sitting next to him. The guard sat perfectly on the stool, and looked like a man who'd just lost everything. It was symbolic to Roman, so much that he chuckled silently.

He then gave the bar top a tap, and a mare peaked over it, she was definitely the owner of the place. Silently, Roman pointed a hoof towards the shelves where the bottles of alcohol were displayed behind her. The mare reluctantly reached for a single bottle and slowly brought it over to Roman, but just as the bottle was an inch away from his hoof, it slipped off hers and bounced once on the bar top then it went straight to the floor where it shattered in two. The other ponies cringed.

Roman raised a judgemental brow towards the mare, and she quickly redeemed herself by bringing another bottle, she was successful this time. A second after, the mare brought him a shot glass, and Roman gave her a generous tip for working during a monster attack. Even though she was hesitant.

He popped it open and helped himself with the booze, once he filled the glass he flipped the bottle over to read the label. Just plain old whiskey, not his first choice in all honesty, but Roman needed this right now. He checked the guard once more, he was still out cold.

Roman downed the shot as he scanned the room, there were a few ponies, not too many. And they were all just hiding below tables, but the way they stared at him showed that they were fearful of the thief. Roman couldn't blame them, he just waltzed right in with an unconscious Iron Legion guard by his side, and then he just went straight over to the bar for a drink. It was strange, sure, but Roman couldn't care less.

As of right now, he had a date with a bottle of booze, and right now the bottle was looking sexy.

"So," Roman started to speak and the mare behind the bar peaked over again. "could you tell me how long these Shadow Beasts were on this planet, bartender?"

"The Shadow Beasts?"

"They're called Grimm actually." Roman corrected her.

"W-well, I don't know what to tell you dude, the Grimm just popped out, like, before the sisters even appeared."

"So they were here for a very long time, huh?" Roman absorbed this new information. "Here I thought this place was great. Tell me, where do they come from?"

"The Eveefree Forest and a few other locations, no one knows where exactly, but they rarely ever leave the forest!"

Roman pondered about what she had just said. If it is only a rare occurrence, then why did so many Grimm is attacking the town? This question was on Roman's mind, he had tried to answer it, but he couldn't think of any. But after a short minute, it clicked.

"They were after me..." He muttered.

The bartender was puzzled, she heard him very clearly yet she couldn't understand.

Roman leveled his eye with hers and she flinched under his cold gaze. "They were after me."

"W-what!?"

What started as a light chuckle turned into a villainous laugh that echoed throughout the tavern. The other ponies stared at him, the fear they felt about him grew as they became puzzled as to what he had found so amusing.

Roman grinned on the stool and faced the others. "These so called Shadow Beasts are here for me! Ha! Can you all believe that!?"

"What did he say?"

"He said that these monsters are here because of him."

"What!? Then why are we just letting him stay here!?"

Roman raised his hooves in the air and made an attempt to steer this mess that definitely wanted him out. "People, calm down! Or else you'll bring those animals right at our doorstep! They are attracted to negative emotions, and if you keep going where I think you're going, then you'll be Grimm chow!"

His plan worked, the truth of the Grimm's nature had made the ponies reconsider. This way, they'll play into his hooves like two lucky dice.

"But... what should we do then?" A frightened pony inquired.

He smirked, from his jacket he produced a pouch that he had "found". "We enjoy ourselves!" Roman hopped on top of the bar, surprising the bartender in the process. "As long as we're happy, then those nasty Grimm won't ever come near us!"

"But why are they even here in the first place!? What did you do!?"

Roman sighed loudly. "Oum and the brothers above! I had an awful day yesterday! Some egghead kept following me around and I was nearly killed by a golden statue!"

The whole building was filled with the "Oh" from every single pony in the tavern.

"But, a lot of us get crummy days. But no Grimm-" Roman grinned as the name was catching on. "-had ever showed up! Unless there was some kind of trouble that really bothered everyone, but even then, there were only a few Grimm that came out of the forest! Not this many!"

"Well friend," Roman sat down on the bar top. "my soul is far different from anyone's, it's tastier than yours! Because I'm not truly a pony, more of a wicked person who got hexed into one!"

The group glanced at each other, uncertain of Roman's words. But soon enough, they began to believe that he was indeed different by soul.

"Then what do we do?"

Roman chuckled. "We, my friends, shall party and forget all the troubles that is happening today! Bartender, drinks are on me!"

The mood was quick to shift from gloomy to joyful, no longer did they doubt the thief as the bartender served them their drinks of choice. None were concerned about the time as they were too distracted by the mugs and shot glasses that were given to them. No longer were they hiding, now they all sat in their tables as they enjoyed their drinks.

And as Roman had planned, they were already smiling and chattering, the ponies had completely forgotten about the terror outside, and Roman was going to keep it that way until it all dies down. And the heroes would save the day like always. He scoffed, as much as he liked hanging out with Applejack, he realized that someday they'll both be at each other's neck.

Hopefully that wouldn't be today or this week, Roman really hoped that she and especially Scootaloo would never ever find out. But he knew it was coming. Roman grinned sheepishly, it wasn't like him to worry about something like this. Applejack was practically an enemy, yet he respected her as a friend. Maybe this world had softened him up after a few days.

Speaking of which, Roman had begun to wonder about Trixie and how she was doing. He doesn't know what that unicorn is up to, but he hopes that she isn't doing anything dangerous until he returns.
> A Dash Of Heroism
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The nevermore squawked it's last as Dash struck it with blinding speed. Rainbow Dash hovered above the clouds as she scanned for more. The skies were finally cleared of nevermores, but there were manticores and griffins just flying about. Dangerous creatures that she couldn't handle, even with the Iron Legions with her, the Grimm horde had the upper hand.

Her eyes followed one griffin that flew straight towards the town hall, but was immediately consumed by a beam of light just as it was close enough. Dash smirked, she knew who that light belonged to, Twilight Sparkle was helping the Legionnaires defend the town hall from the Grimm.

When the Grimm attacked, Dash and her friends were still in the restaurant at the beginning. But they were quick to take action, and within just five minutes, they had gathered every civilian they had found to the town hall where they would be safer. Now Dash was in charge of looking for more ponies and making sure they were safe. With her objective in mind, she tucked in her wings and dived straight down. Just as she was about to hit the ground her wings unfurled and halted her descent, and she was only a few feet from the ground.

Her head swiveled left to right, in search of anyone that was caught outside. No one was in sight, not even a single Grimm could be found. Dash could only wonder where they had all gone.

As she flew just above the ground, she noticed a discarded sword on the road. Upon closer look, the ground was different, as if who ever owned the sword was dragged off to somewhere else. Dash felt her blood run cold as she realised the implications, that the owner was taken away. As much as Dash knew that this pony was already a goner, she just had to see if she could save him. Dash couldn't just ignore this, she promised that she would help out with everything she could.

She steeled her heart as she picked up the sword and began to follow the trail.





Trixie was exhausted, she had just finished her job, yet she felt no joy. She plopped straight on her couch, tired and in pain. On her face was a bruise from her close encounter with a specialist that had snuck into the bank. Of course Trixie had disposed of them quickly, but not quick enough to put up her aura shield, which gave her a bad bruise on the face. Now she's just letting her aura heal it. 

"Wonderful work Trixie!" Lucky Spice commended Trixie's success as she read a newspaper. The rich mare sat on Roman's couch and was enjoying a cup of honey tea. Sweetened enough for her taste. "You truly are capable without Roman."

"Indeed she is ma'am!" A pony with a long blond mane and pinkish coat spoke as she served Spice some baked cookies on a tray. 

"Thank you Lavender Lace!" Spice smiled as she accepted the cookies with delight.

"Lavender..." Trixie groaned out loud as she struggled to move from her place. "Could you get me some ice? And where is Fuchsia Blush?"

"She went out to buy some peanut butter crackers." Lace informed Trixie about Fuschia Blush.

"Good girl." Was all Trixie could say as she learned about Blush's mission.

"A lot has certainly happened since you zapped Roman away." Spice commented as she flicked to another page.

Trixie groaned loudly once more as she recalled her mistake. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Why? This mistake of yours is for the better, since you've been successful on two heists, though there were a few problems but you've come out victorious nonetheless." Just before Trixie could say anything, she heard Lucky Spice gasp.

"What?" Trixie asked, worried for what's to come.

Her expression hardened as she met Trixie's eyes. "I know where Roman is."




Dash flew along the streets as she trailed the tracks. She kept an eye out for any Grimm that she would come across, and made sure that there were no civilians around. She needed to hurry, there could still be hope that she could save whoever got dragged away. There was still a chance, and it was a chance she would never throw away.

She was close, she could feel it. But just as she turned a corner, she was met face to face with a couple of boars. It squealed as it spotted Dash and alerted the other. With both now aware of her, Dash ascended to heights where the boars would never reach her. Oh how wrong she was, the boars performed a move where one spun straight towards the other, the one who didn't spin caught the spinning boar and tossed it at Dash. She was caught off guard by their combo that she only had a split second to react.

Dash grunted in pain, she failed to dodge the flying boar, she was stuck right in her stomach and was brought down so quickly.

She felt the wind kick out of her as she hit the ground roughly. And before they could even land a second hit, Dash rolled away from the boarbatusk's way as it spun forward. She got back on her hooves and attempted to take to the sky, but an intense pain from her right wing had told her otherwise, it was sprained upon the landing. She grunted as she jumped away from another spinning boar.

This was bad for Dash, she was grounded by some pigs that were pure evil. Embarrassing, she was glad that Roman was not here or else she would suffer both physically and mentally.

"So you want to be on even ground, huh? Well you'll be needing more than that to beat me!"

Yes, she was alone and unarmed, but Dash was still tougher than any other ponies. She fought these kind of Grimm a few times in her life, and she'll win like always. The only difference in this scenario, is that she did not have her friends by her side. But then she remembered, she had the sword!

Dash quickly equipped herself, her teeth around the handle of the sword, she was ready to fight.

Dash waited, and the boars squealed once more before charging towards her. Dash was unskilled with the sword, but this was her only hope in fighting the boars. Just as they neared, Rainbow Dash hopped over both of them and swung her sword against their backs, but it only bounced back and away from the hard surface of the boars. Just like their faces, it was armored.

She frowned once more, this indeed was proving to be a challenge. Before the boars could even turn and position themselves, Dash had charged forward, and the nearest boarbatusk didn't see the blade coming as Dash slashed one of its eyes. It squealed in pain and the other retaliated by swinging it's massive tusks at Dash. But she was quick to block it with her sword.

But the strength of the boar had caused the sword to slip out and rendered Dash weaponless. She skipped to the left as both boars attempted to strike but they hit each other instead of her. She grinned and took advantage of their misfortune and ran towards the sword. Just as she reached the sword with her hoof she heard the boar rushing towards her back. Quickly, she swung the blade and landed a clean hit on the attacking boar.

It squealed in pain, it was the one eyed one and was blinded permanently. It ran in a circle for a minute while the other boar only watched. Dash couldn't help but feel pity, that is until something far worse had come into the picture.

From behind her blindside, a large scarred hand had reached over and snatched the blind boar off the ground. Dash dared not to look, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. Her eyes went from the squealing pig in the massive hand and towards the source. A gigantic beowolf stood behind her, it was practically the size of two houses. Probably bigger than Twilight's library.

Scars riddled it's body, weapons of old and arrows from the past decorated it's back. The bones on this giant were worn out and chipped, yet it's claws and Fang's were sharper than any blade. Two red orbs stared into Dash's eyes as it brought the boarbatusk close to its face.

Then the monster ate it, one chomp and the head was gone. Dash swallowed down a lump in her throat, the same time as the wolf swallowed the boat's head. Dash didn't even hear it coming, it was terrifying that there is a gigantic wolf sneaking around town.

For the moment, they stared at each other, then the unthinkable, the wolf simply moved on and walked away from Dash.

Rainbow Dash was both frightened and puzzled. She stared at it's weapon riddled back as he walked away from her. Silent was it's footsteps as it moved. As if it wanted to be careful with every step. Dash had not seen a Grimm as big as this, nor had she ever heard of one that was passive towards ponies.

Sadly, her train of thought was derailed as she felt something in her back, a sharp pain shot through her body as she was launched off the ground. Her body became light as she screamed through the air, going straight towards a window, which shattered into a million pieces upon impact.




Roman and the ponies laughed as they drank and chattered, a few sang about the moon. One would believe that they have lost their minds during this chaos, but they have learned from Roman about the Grimm. And as long as they were happy, and a little bit more quiet, then they were in the safest place in town.

But their paradise was soon ruined when Rainbow Dash had entered through a window that broke. All eyes stared at her for a second, but the ponies just went back to talking with each other. Their voices mingled as the others sang.

Dash who had barely gotten out alive stared at them all with disbelief and confusion. She was baffled to see everyone so cheery like there weren't any monsters outside. They were just there, being as positive as Pinkie Pie. Then she saw him, sitting on a bar stool surrounded by mares and a few stallions was none other than Roman Torchwick.

"Then I said to him, I wasn't the father!" Dash watched him finish whatever story he was telling and witnesses the group around him burst into a series of laughter.

"Roman!?" Dash exclaimed.

"Skittles? Skittles!" Roman hopped off his seat and went over to her. "Hey, What'cha doin' on the floor?"

Roman quickly pulled Dash back on her hooves and wrapped an arm around her. "What's going on? Why aren't you guys at the shelter?"

"We got stuck here!" The bartender cheerfully spoke as she cleaned a mug. "But then Jack came by and liven up the place! Right Jack?"

"Yup! As long as we're happy, the Grimm pests won't take a step anywhere near us!" He shook her awake and grinned. "Come on, there's this bottle of vodka that is calling your name!"

Dash pushed him away. "Roman, what do you mean?"

"Skittles, don't worry! I'm an expert on these so called 'Shadow Beasts'. They're named Grimm by the way." Roman casually twirled his cane as he continued. "Grimm are attracted to negative emotions, and thanks to the fact that the whole town is panicking, we, my rainbow headed friend, are invisible!"

"But what about the others? Doesn't that mean that... They're going to the town hall!" Dash had connected the dots and realized that they were attracted to the town hall, the place where they kept the panicking citizens of Ponyville. "Roman, we have to do something!"

Roman raised his hooves just above his chest. "Woah there Skittles! I don't fight a battle that isn't mine."

"Wait... Doesn't that mean our friends are in danger?" One of the ponies spoke.

"No it doesn't, the Elements of Harmony and the Iron Legion will take care of this problem and we'll be back to our daily lives!" Roman tried to calm them down, he would not want any problems right now. "You need not worry 'bout that hullabaloo!"

Dash grunted, she honestly expected better from him. "Roman, why can't you help!?"

"Dash," Roman didn't use her nickname. "I'm just trying to go by, and enjoy my time in this town until I get a ticket back to Manehattan. So it would be better if you fly out of here and go help Applejack and the others. Also, take Greg over there, I think his friends are worried for him."

"But Roman, you said that you're an expert on these monsters, I need to bring you back and tell Twilight everything!"

"Oh, right, Sparky! Yes, I would love to see her right now!" Roman tapped the handle of his mug as he breathed heavily, the sarcasm in his voice was clear. "Listen, I have been stressed out since yesterday, and it's thanks to Sparky. Because of that, the Grimm were attracted to the negative emotions that I gave off, which brought them here today!"

"Roman, my right wing is sprained and I can't fly to the town hall! I- no, we need your help!"

"I said, this isn't my fight, Dash."

"Oh yeah? Maybe you're just scared!"

Roman gritted his teeth. "Really? You're taunting me now? That's my thing Dash, go get your own!"

"Yeah, I'm calling you chicken!"

The spectators couldn't hold their gasp as they watched the two argue, none had tried to break them up, they were too scared to even stand between them.

"Among your friends, I really like you the least, Rainbow Dash." Roman took a step forward.

Dash did not back down and mimicked his move, now both were glaring into each other's eyes. But due to Roman's height because of his stance, she had to tilt her head to even meet his eyes. "I want what's best Roman. Or should I say Jack?"

"Keep this up, and I'll snap your wings off and blame the Grimm." Everyone gasped once more, but Dash was unnerved by his threat.

"I'd like to see you try, Roman Torchicken."

Before Roman could even lift his cane, the door was forcefully opened, a very scary looking boarbatusk stood in the opening, and it's eyes were set right on Roman.

"G-Grimm!" A pony screamed, but before the whole room could crumble into chaos, Roman held up a hoof in the air and silenced everyone.

"Let me show you how it's done." Roman tossed up his cane and held it by the other end.

The boar squealed in delight, it had found what the whole horde was looking for, and it would be it's meal for the day. But Roman had other plans. The boar began spinning on the spot as it prepared to charge towards the pegasus. Roman smirked as it sped it's way towards him, he had expected it, that much is true. Boarbatusks were simple creatures, unlike the stronger ones.

As it got too close for comfort, Roman slipped the cane in its way, and with one quick motion, the direction of the boar was switched. Instead of the thief, it went straight towards the sky where it slammed roughly against the ceiling. And just as it was about to land on its back, Roman had shown no mercy and brought his cane down on its defenceless stomach. In just a short moment, Roman had already defeated the Grimm, though it was still alive, his power and strength was now known to everyone in the room.

Even Dash was taken aback by his skills, he had made quick work with the boar without taking a single step. Only his upper body had moved during his turn against the boar. The way it squealed showed that Roman was in control of the situation. 

"Knife." Roman requested from the bartender, to which she produced a kitchen knife in record time, then she simply tossed it over to Roman.

The thief caught it with ease, and now he had what he needed. He crouched right next to the boar and gave it a light shove. The Grimm was stuck on the floor thanks to its tusks, he smirked, this thing had no way to escape.

"Tell me Skittles, how do you kill a boarbatusk?"

Dash was confused that she was being quizzed on the subject of Grimm. "Uh, stab it with the sharpest blade, beat it till it doesn't move, or blow it up with a spell or explosives."

"That's good and all, but there are better ways to kill a boar." Roman traced the Grimm's stomach with the knife, he could feel the monster pause it's struggles for a second before it began to panic. The boar squealed even louder this time, and now the whole room couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. "Honestly, it's like you guys didn't do any research on these freaks. The easier way to kill a boarbatusk is it's stomach, the hide isn't strong around these parts like the one on its back."

Then with a flick of his wrist, the boar had permanently ceased all movements. Dash along with the other ponies in the room had flinched as Roman dug the knife deep into the Grimm.

"No need to feel bad everyone, these are Grimm, they're made to kill anything that has a soul." After that, Roman gave the knife to Dash. "You convinced me, I'll help. Even though I don't want to."

"Really!?" Dash watched as Roman placed a hoof onto her chest. "Uh, dude, why are you touching me inappropriately?"

"Everyone, cover your ears and whatever you do, do not listen to the words that I'm about to say! Same goes to you Skittles."

The ponies quickly did as they were told, none knew as to why, but it was what Roman wanted.

"Why do we need to cover our ears?" Dash questioned.

"Because what I'm about to say is too important, and I can't risk anyone hearing it. Or else I'll have to make sure that they stay quiet."

"Fine." Dash scoffed. 

Dash held her ears shut, she eyed Roman as his lips began to move. She was puzzled, his voice was too muffled to make out the words. But soon, her eyes widened as he had started glowing orange, the ponies around were tempted to hear what was causing him to glow. But none could gather the courage to even move. As for Dash, there was something warm in her chest, it was a strange feeling yet it felt natural to her.

Then it started, she had begun to glow as well, her eyes couldn't believe what she was seeing. And a new source of energy within her had surged throughout her body. Dash felt the pain in her right wing lessen and soon enough, the sprained wing was nothing but a memory.

The ponies were all staring at them with their mouths agape, they witnessed some sort of magic that none of them could even understand.

And once Roman was done, he retracted his hoof back and smiled. "Well?"

"I... I don't understand."

Roman rummaged through his jacket and pulled out a notepad, he shoved it into Dash's hooves. "Read it, and do it quickly, I'll be leaving soon."

Roman only sighed as he went back to the bar counter. "Take care of Greg, will ya'. He'll just slow us down if we bring him. And don't stop partying people! Now that I'm on the job, this Grimm problem would be done in a jiffy!" The bartender nodded as she brought out another bottle.

He looked back at Dash and found her staring at her own hooves.

"Ready Skittles?"

She smirked as she felt the power coursing through her veins, then she faced Roman as lightning had begun arching around her hooves. "I was born ready!"

"You better be Dash, I would rather not have to carry you to safety, and be sure you remember my notes, they'll keep you alive."

Roman tapped his cane on the ground and a part of the floor erupted in black smoke, once it dissipated, Dash was greeted by a strange looking door. It laid on the floor as if it was a part of it. It was not big, about the same size as a regular front door of a house. The door was definitely made of wooden materials, the design was just a simple one. There was a small window near the top, it was round with orange tinted glass, and Roman's symbol was on the window, showing all who owned the door.

There were also scorch marks at the bottom end of the door, a few scratches, as well as some bullet holes that only showed darkness on the other side. And the most interesting part, the yellow tape that went across the door, from the top left corner to the bottom right. Written on it was "Police Line Do Not Cross". Dash couldn't tell if it really was a tape, or just a part of the door itself. 

"Woah, you better tell me how you can do all these things, or else I'll make you tell me!" Dash smiled as Roman reached for the knob with his cane.

"Only time could tell Dash, and trust me, I would love to explain it now. But we need to have a crash course lesson with your aura training to see how you'll do against the Grimm." Roman pulled the door open to reveal the same bench he had sat on an hour ago.

Roman grinned as he met Dash's eyes, and she returned the grin back to Roman. The thief snickered as he prepared to jump through.  

"So let's take this door of opportunity, and break some legs."
> Bad Days Bites Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ursa tried to take a bite out of Dash, but the pegasus was too quick in the air. She flew circles around the Grimm until she slashed its throat with the kitchen knife in her hoof. It was pretty sharp, and it did the job. Another Grimm went down, all thanks to her new-found powers, which was given to her by Roman.

Speaking of which, the thief himself was just sitting on a decaying beowolf with a damaged book in his hooves. He was just reading it, not caring about her or the ursa she just took down.

"It ain't dead Skittles."

Just as he had spoken, the ursa shot back up and made an attempt to grab Dash with her back turned. Luckily, she was faster than the large bear and flew straight into the sky before plummeting down with the knife in front of her as she fell towards the ursa. With her weight and aura, the knife dug deep into the eye and Dash felt the tip touching the back of the skull.

With the ursa finally dead, Dash pulled the knife out with a grunt. Thanks to aura, she felt faster than before, as if she could fly across Equestria and still have the energy to do it again!

It only took a minute for Dash to learn about aura, not only that, she was also good with the knife. Roman told her to follow his stance and hold the knife with her right hoof. He showed her moves that she had never seen before, and what's more, he was quick with the knife.

Earlier when he was still showing her the ropes, Roman took the knife from her and he was quick when he encountered a random griffon, Roman had wasted no time and gutted the griffon with a series of slashes like it was nothing.

It is also worth noting that he insulted the griffin as it died.

Back to the present, Roman closed the half eaten book and made his way over to Dash. He poked the Grimm with his cane, and smiled.

"Nice work Skittles! You're a faster learner than Trixie!"

"Were those notes for Trixie or something? Because, it looked like it was for toddlers, the way you wrote it I mean."

Roman groaned for a second. "Yeah... Trixie is kinda... slow."

Dash snorted a laugh. "What, really? Give me a little detail of how bad she is."

Roman placed a hoof on his head and a frown had developed on his face as he recalled a memory with the unicorn. "There was this one time where she couldn't answer a math problem. And let me tell you, 3x3 is not that hard."

The pegasus before him burst into a fit of laughter as she learned more about Trixie. But she was quickly silenced when Roman whacked her on the face. "Ow! What's the big idea!?"

"Even if Trixie is a bit slow, she is still a better student than you."

"So wait, Trixie also has an aura?" Dash asked him, hoof caressing her cheek, the spot where Roman had struck her.

"Yes, and let's leave it at that."

The thief continued forward, he could see in the distance that some griffons were blasted out of the sky by a pillar of light. He knew that it was Twilight, but he wondered to himself of how long could the unicorn continue with the onslaught of Grimm.

Just then, a trio of beowolves had rounded a corner, they howled once they'd found the wicked soul that was within Roman. He smirked as he twirled his cane, watching them as they charged towards him.

"Skittles," Dash looked over to Roman. "Leprechaun Slam!"

Rainbow Dash grinned upon hearing his words, Roman dashed towards the charging wolves. Dash flew up high, a rainbow trailed behind her as she arced towards the three Grimm. Just as Roman was close, Dash blinked towards the wolves with speed that could be compared to light. She crashed into the small pack and a flash of lightning struck her with the wolves and flung the Grimm away.

Roman slid into the middle of it all and grabbed two by the tail with his hooves while his right wing held the last and brought them together with one mighty slam. And before they could even land on the ground, their throats were sliced open by Dash and her trusty kitchen knife.

And that was it, one quick combos that took the Grimm out in a snap of a finger. Dash was impressed with both of them, the way they executed the combo was like clockwork, a combo that was perfect for four beowolves that aren't too big for Roman.

"That. Was. AWESOME!" Dash couldn't hide her excitement, the adrenaline still present in her veins.

"Yeah, it was. Gotta say, we make a great team!"

"Heck yeah we do! And I can't wait to fight Grimm with you after this!" Dash was very giddy.

Roman sighed. "No can do Skittles, I'm more of an anti pony type of fighter. My cane is not made to fight Grimm, and besides, you can take care of them yourself by the time we're done."

"But you're so good at this! And you know more about them than any egghead on the planet, and trust me, if Twilight doesn't know, then nobody does." Dash had a point, he was great against the Grimm. "And let me tell you, Twilight is the smartest pony in Ponyville, even in Canterlot!"

"I know so much about the Grimm because I had studied on Grimm for three years of my life, and trust me, I know every Grimm that is recorded in history." He sighed. "I'll be honest, I wish that I could go back and tell myself to throw away the PhD I got because it is practically worthless."

"So wait, you're technically a doctor?"

"In Grimm History? Sure, why not. A doctor for a broken leg? Nope! I can keep the blood in, but that's pretty much it." Roman stopped just to face the pegasus. "And don't call me a doctor, the title doesn't fit me at all."

Dash just nodded as they continued towards the town hall.

"Hey, do you know where I can get some cigars? I only have one left..."

"Dude, don't smoke. They're bad for your lungs."

"Fine, but I still need something for my plan for later."




"Push them back!" The Legionnaire ordered his troops.

At the start of the attack, the mayor had ordered the construction workers to build a wall using materials that were meant for something else, and the results were perfect. Just within a few minutes, a 30 meter tall wall had been made out of bricks and the sturdiest rods of iron. It was enough to keep the ones on the ground out, but they don't know how long.

The guards held their spears with all they've got, a wall of pointy metal was the only thing keeping them away. They pushed and pushed, yet the beowolf on the end of their spears pushed them back instead. The Grimm had scaled the wall in an attempt to get through.

Twilight and Applejack had joined in and helped the guards with the Grimm on their doorstep. Applejack took the closest spear into her own hooves and pushed with all her might as Twilight charged up a spell. Once the Grimm was thrown off the wall, Applejack couldn't help but notice the number of Grimm outside. She didn't count, she just guessed that there were hundreds, and they're here to eat them.

For the first time in her life, Applejack had finally witnessed how much of a threat the Grimm are.

"Where is that reinforcement!?" The lieutenant questioned. "They should be here yesterday!"

"I have already sent a letter to Celestia, I'm sure the Royal Guards would be here in any second!" Twilight made an attempt to assure the lieutenant.

"We don't have seconds! Any moment now, those Shadow Beasts would bust through the walls like a waffle cone!"

"We just need to hold on a little longer! Keep them off the walls, I'll see what I can do to help us!"

"Incoming!" A guard warned the rest as dozens of fireballs rained down on them, a few unicorns in the mix quickly put up a barrier.

"Damn it! Someone get those manticores out of the sky!" The lieutenant demanded.

Twilight and Applejack quickly retreated back inside the town hall, where they saw almost every pony in the town, most were sent below into the basement. A room that was made spacious enough to keep half of the populace. While the rest were held up here on the ground level.

"Twilight!" Rarity rushed over to her fellow unicorn. "Rainbow Dash never came back yet!"

Twilight gasped. "What!? Then where is she!?"

"If she ain't here, then that girl is still outside!" Applejack spoke, and the others went wide eyed as they remembered where they had sent the pegasus.

Twilight quickly rushed over to the commanding officer who was busy patching up an injured guard with a dislocated foreleg. "Feather Storm, we need your help!"

"Can't you see I already have enough problems!?" The guard snapped at her as he snapped the injured pony's leg back into his socket.

"But Rainbow Dash is still out there!"

"You know who else? Our captain!" He said as he walked away to check on other things outside. "About an hour ago, Captain Bronze Oak went M.I.A. And we have no idea what happened!"

"Then he and Dash are still out there!" She tried to reason with him as she and her friends followed the guard. "We can form a search party!"

"And expose them to the enemy behind the walls!? I would rather kiss a Shadow Beast!" Feather Storm quickly climbed the ladder to the top of the wall and took
a look at the current situation.

The guard nearly fell off the wall as it shook, he was quick to regain his balance and looked over to the right to find a few beowolves slamming themselves against the wall. Storm scoffed as he watched them do it once more.

"Someone blast those wolves to next month!"

And as if the universe was insulting him, a manticore had swooped down and snatched the guard off the wall. Every Legionnaire on the wall could only watch in terror as the manticore wrapped its paws on Storm, and Twilight and her friends ran quickly as they could to aid the guard. But just as the Grimm was about to fly off with its new meal, it was struck by lightning and was shot out of the sky.

The Grimm fell right in front of Twilight and the others, Storm was free from its grasp. And on top of it was Rainbow Dash herself.

"Did somebody order a can of pure awesomeness?" Dash grinned as she glowed a cyan color. She stood on two hooves just like Roman, her forelegs crossed in front of her chest.

"Rainbow Dash!" Her friends cheered up once they'd learned that she was here, and she was safe.

"RD, you had all of us worried for nothin'!" Applejack said.

"Rainbow Dash, how did you do that!?" Twilight questioned.

"Hold that thought!" Dash hopped off the manticore and went over to its head.

There she raised the knife and quickly brought it down into its eye, killing the manticore instantly.

"Woah there RD, what's with the kitchen knife?" Applejack took a step closer.

"Oh, Roman told me to use it."

Applejack's eyes went wide. "Roman!? Wait, where is he right now!?"

Dash blew raspberry as she walked over the guard and towards the farmer. "Roman? There's absolutely nothing to be worried about! He told me that he has this big plan!"

"Alright..." The guard groaned as he rose back to his hooves. "Let's hear it then."

"Well, all we have to do is stay positive!"

They stared at her for a second, the noisy monsters could be heard from outside as the four became silent.

"No really!" She waved her hooves around. "Roman said that these Grimm monsters are attracted to negative emotions, and all we have to do is make everyone positive so the Grimm would leave us alone!"

"And what makes you so certain that this Roman guy is telling you the truth!?" The guard was skeptical, who wasn't?

"Because he's over there." Dash pointed a hoof towards a house in the distance, on top of a cloud stood a very interesting pegasus.

Roman had his cane hanging on his elbow as he fiddled with what looked like a megaphone. What was really strange was that no Grimm would even look at him as all of their attention was solely on the walls that kept them from the delicious pieces of meat inside the town hall. Not even the manticores and griffins give a single glance.

"By Celestia... it's like he's invisible..." The guard tried to understand, but his mind couldn't do so.

"Well I'll be a ripe apple in winter..." Applejack muttered.

Dash grinned as she faced her friends. "See!? Now where's Pinkie?"

As Pinkie's name was mentioned, a pink blur had zoomed out of the building and towards them. "Sergeant Pie, reporting for duty!"

"Pinkie, we need you to make everyone in that building smile! Roman told me that the amount of negative emotions here is bad for his plan!"

"What exactly is his plan?" Twilight inquired.

"Just wait and see." Dash gave her an answer before facing the party pony. "Alright Pinkie, get in there and make 'em happy!"

"You got it!" Pinkie saluted once more before buying away to do what was requested.

"This is gonna be awesome!" Dash couldn't hide her enthusiasm. "Keep this safe Twilight, I'll need it after I come back!" She gave Twilight a notepad and flew off towards Roman.

"Dash, wait!" Twilight tried to call for her, but the pegasus was already too far.

"Alright..." The guard grunted with displeasure. "Let's just get this over with!"

"Oh, my!" Rarity swooned over Roman. "What a courageous stallion! Don't you agree Applejack?"

Applejack smiled as she glanced over to Roman in the distance, something inside her felt warm as she watched him. "As much as Ah don't understand what's runnin' in that boy's head, Ah appreciate that Roman would risk his life out there. Just hope nothin' bad happens..."




Roman furrowed his brows. The whole picture reminded him of Vale, the night when the Grimm had finally attacked. The night where he died on top of the Atlesian airship. And it reminded him that Red had probably escaped, unlike him.

The thief stopped himself, he cleared out his mind of all negativity, or else the Grimm would notice him.

He still needed his plan to fall into place. His hoof had reached for the last cigar in his jacket, but he resisted the urge to use it. Roman only had one, and this wasn't the time to just pull it out. There was too much work to be done, and right now, he just wanted to finish it.

A flash of lightning caught his attention, and in the distance, he could see Dash speaking with her friends. He smiled, Roman was truly proud of her progress. Before they had met back in the tavern, Dash couldn't even handle something as easy as a boarbatusk. But now, she just snapped the spine of a very unlucky manticore.

And unlike Trixie, Dash was more interested in learning how to fight with a weapon in her hands hooves.

From what the thief could understand, Dash's semblance was lightning. She could generate electricity as well as becoming light itself which is solid enough to perform a devastating tackle. It was simple, yet impressive, though Roman couldn't really tell how the semblance affects her aura. He had seen her use it dozens of times, and she showed no sign of fatigue at all. And Roman honestly had high hopes for Dash, and he rooted for her. But he would definitely fight her soon, he had the advantage, so there was nothing to be worried about.  

"Hey Roman!" Before Roman knew it, Dash had returned. There was no trouble with her journey to Roman, not a single Grimm showed any interest for her as she flew. "I did what you asked me to, and Pinkie is already doing what she does best!"

"Cotton is such a sweet girl, it makes me happy just hearing about it!" Roman snapped his feathers like snapping his fingers, though he had no idea how. "Alright, time for phase 2!"

"Heck yeah!" She cheered, but then she just realized something. "Wait, what's the plan anyways?"

"Eh, I think you can already tell." That was his answer, the hoof that held the megaphone shook in front of Dash to give her an idea.

"Oh..." She said as she understood. "Before we do this, I have been wondering... What do you think of Applejack?"

"Well, when compared with you and the other four, she's the least appealing by looks in the group. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"What? No, that isn't what I wanted at all."

"Then what?" He raised a brow as he lifted the megaphone to his face.

"Ugh! Never mind!"

"Alright, let's just get this started!"




Twilight scanned the notes, her eyes couldn't believe what she was reading. Her brain was absorbing new information. Though the way it was written was strange, she was still very excited to read something like this. An unknown power within the soul, and from what she could tell, Dash had this power. And from the name that was written on the back, this notepad belonged to Roman Torchwick. She smiled as there was other information on it as well.

A few pages had some info about a place called "Vale", wherever that place is.

Childish doodles in some pages that depicted a shattered moon, and a stick figure of what Twilight guessed as Roman himself. There were also other doodles, such as what she could tell was a hooded girl, one that wielded a giant scythe. There were words on it, threats and insults towards the hooded doodle.

There was so much things on it that Twilight could not hold herself back. She brought out her own notepad and started copying every single thing on Roman's note. These were important, and she needed to find out how to achieve the power of aura.

Just as she touched the notepad with the tip of her quill, a very painful screech had filled the open air. All eyes were trained towards a cloud where the sound originated, even the Grimm had turned to face a pegasus with an orange mane.




Roman inhaled, the smell of dumb Grimm mutts was in the air. He took a second before his mouth opened to speak. "Why did the faunus get kicked out of the diner!?" His voice was heard by every single one, many guards gave him a strange look. "Because of cannibalism!"

Dash slapped her own face with her hoof. Twilight tried to understand what exactly a faunus was. And the guards, they were judgemental at first, but then they noticed the Grimm acting so strange.

"Really? Tough crowd!" Roman snickered to himself. "How about this! My ex-wife still misses me! But her aim is getting better!"

A lone guard chuckled a little, but was silenced by the glare from the others.

"Sheesh, what do you mutts want from me!? You want me to sing!? Sing about death, death, devil, devil, evil, evil songs!?"

"Roman, why are you doing this? You're embarrassing yourself!"

"Easy there Dash, just trying to have some fun before we get chased like rats." Roman grinned as he faced the crowd of Grimm that stared. "I hate Grimm, I hate griffons, I hate that everything on this planet is so colorful. I hate how this place is corrupting my head! I hate that I was zapped into this situation by Trixie! I hate that I had to stay up at night to do important things to ensure my survival! I hate that I only have my emergency cigar left! I hate that I don't have hands anymore! I hate that Red won in our fight and now I'm in this world! I hate that Cinder got her way and I got sent here! And I hate Twilight Sparkle for causing this Shadow Beast invasion!!!"

"What?" Nearly everyone asked as their eyes landed on Twilight Sparkle as she smiled sheepishly, not sure why it was her fault at all.

Then the wave of Grimm roared, it was so loud that it shook the earth itself. That was when Twilight and her friends knew that Roman had just planted a big target on himself. The horde wasted no time and had charged towards Roman and Dash.

"That's our cue!" Roman tossed the megaphone aside and flew off the cloud and away from the Grimm.

"I hate you." Dash muttered as she followed Roman's tail.

The Grimm horde that chased after them razed the buildings as they passed, hundreds of monsters destroying homes like it was nothing thanks to their numbers. Roman glanced back as he dodged a fireball, he clicked his tongue and shot the manticore that tried to burn his jacket. It was his only one on this planet, and he'd be damned if he loses it.

Everyone back at town hall couldn't believe it, what was once a field of black and white, was now back to its original state. No Grimm in sight as they all chased after Roman. Twilight then knew what Roman meant when he mentioned her. The day before, she remembered how the thief was irritated, so much that she saw a killing intent in his eye.

"Alright boys!" The guards turned towards Feather Storm. "Let's fix things up and fortify our defence!"

"What now Twilight?" Rarity spoke.

"We need to help Roman and Dash, but this would be dangerous." Twilight said with determination in her eyes.

Applejack traced the brim of her hat with a hoof, a smirk on her face. "Don't need to tell me twice, sugarcube."

"Rarity?"

"I'm sorry dear, but I don't believe I'm meant for fighting Shadow Beasts." Rarity sadly declined.

"I understand." Twilight nodded. "Let's go Applejack!"

"Not without us you aren't!"

"Feather Storm?"

Storm scowled, behind him were four Iron Legion guards. "That's right! Me and other Legionnaires can't just leave a breathing pony to those foul Shadow Beasts!"

"Your bravery is deeply appreciated." Twilight smiled. 

With that, the group set off to help Roman and Dash in their plan to rid the Grimm. And hopefully, Roman's plan would be a success. But something was within the horde, something different from the other Grimm beasts.
> What Big Teeth You Have!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grimm of all shapes and sizes snapped their jaws eagerly at the fleeing duo. The wave of darkness destroyed anything that came into their way, anything that would hinder their hunt for the orange one. The pony whose soul was as wicked as theirs, if they had one that is. Greedy like a griffon, and cruel like a heartless beast. This enticed them, it was rare for them to find such a soul as Roman's. There were only a few throughout history, and they envied those who were lucky to sink their teeth on such a fine meal. 

They bumped into each other and trampled those who were too slow or weak to death. It was how it is, especially when not a single Grimm would ever ignore a chance like this. 

Roman scoffed as he glanced behind him, there were too many for him to handle, and he doubted that he and Dash could even stand a chance. Red glowing orbs were trained on him, and he knew that Dash was not even on the menu, only him. He took a second to check his inventory, he frowned once he noticed that he barely had enough ammo to deal with everyone.

He looked over to Dash, she was flying the same speed as him, but he knew that she could go faster than him, yet she stayed by his side. Her concern was appreciated, and he still needed her in case something went wrong. 

Looking back, he saw a manticore preparing to spit out another fireball, but Roman did not have the patience to deal with that, so he blasted that manticore right in the mouth. He chuckled as the head was severed off from the explosion of his flare. 

"Roman! Where are we going!"

Roman looked back at Dash with the frown still present on his face. "Just keep flying until we reach the outskirts of town!"

Dash nodded, unsure if she could even trust the plan at all. But Roman just wanted to help with the Grimm problem, so she could only hope that this plan of his would work. 

There were a few boars that attempted to bring Roman down, but the thief was just too quick.

Roman glared at the horde behind him, just a little longer and the Grimm problem would disappear like those who tried to kill him back on Remnant. Humans and faunus he means, the people who tried to take his head for bounty, revenge, or justice. It was easy to dispose of threats like those, and Grimm is no different, by the end of the day, they're just another stain on his jacket that needs cleaning.  

A griffon dived through the air and tried to snap its beak at Roman, but Dash was quick, her right hoof became brightly blue as lightning arched around it and the hoof slammed the griffon's face with increased speed and strength. So much, that the head ripped off its shoulders. Roman gave her a look of gratitude, and she smiled in return. 

But there were still too many, and Roman really wanted to get to the spot where his plan could blossom. And if everything went smoothly, then he'd be gone before anyone could even notice. 

Roman grinned, over at the distance he could see a lone tree in the middle of a grassy field. They were out of the town and were close to their destination.

"Almost there Skittles!" Roman aimed his cane towards the horde behind him as he kept his eye on the tree. "Follow me!" Roman tucked in all five of his limbs as he pulled the trigger, the cane gave him a boost that made enough distance between Roman and the Grimm. 

Thanks to his weapon, he covered the gap and the tree was just an arm away. Roman dived down and landed next to the tree, followed by Dash after.

"Well, what's next!?" Dash inquired as the horde of Grimm grew closer. 

Roman wore a devilish smile, he gave the tree a good buck and out from its branches came a plunger, not for the toilet, but for something much more destructive. 

"Is that a detonator!?"

"Indeed it is Skittles! I have been planting explosives all around the area for the past two nights! I have them all! Gunpowder, fireworks, cans of hair spray that's highly flamable! And special crystals!" Roman cackled maniacally as he dug into the soil, looking for something important. He laughed even louder once he found the wires that he hid in the ground. 

Her eyes widened. "What!? Why on Equestria did you even do that!?"

Roman started plugging in the wires, his hooves moved fast as time was running out. "It was supposed to be a farewell gift from me once I leave this town, but then these mutts just had to ruin it! Don't worry, we're so far from town that it'll be like fireworks to them!"

"This is insane!"

"Skittles, I'm far from insane! But I'll be better than the Grimm after this!" Roman pulled the plunger up, his smile was villainous as he eyed the Grimm in the distance. 

He waited, just a little bit closer. He needed them much closer than that, or else he'd only take out a few. Roman laughed as they grew closer, his laughter filled the air and Dash couldn't help but feel uneasy. It was strange, yes, but the day was already chaotic. 

Once the Grimm was close enough, Roman grinned wildly. "Have a taste of hell." He muttered loudly, his hooves pushed the plunger down and... nothing. No explosion, no blast, none at all. "Oh you've gotta be kidding me!"

"What's wrong!?" Dash didn't like that she wasn't seeing any explosions, it was a sign that something was indeed wrong. 

"A wire is probably disconnected! I need to find it, but we don't have time! This thing is at least over eighty meters long!" Roman paced back and forth, trying to think up another plan, the Grimm was already over the bombs. "By the brothers above! Time is not on our side!"

A frenzied beowolf had managed to get to them faster than the rest, but it was quickly disposed of with a cane to the temple and a knife to the heart. If a Grimm does have a heart that is, but still, it did the job and the Grimm was dead. That's what matters.

"What do we do now!?" 

Our hero stared at the horde ahead. "I need to think, keep them busy!"

"How!?"

Roman began to rummage through his jacket and produced a few glowing crystals. "These are called 'dust', I bought them from some rock farmer and they're extremely unstable. Toss these towards the Grimm, zap 'em with lightning and they'll explode." He explained. "The blue ones will freeze the area, the red ones will burn them, and the yellow electrocute anything nearby."

Dash nodded and took the crystals into her own hooves with no hesitation. Quickly, she flew off the ground, her eyes set on the wave of black and white that was just ahead of her. Dash tried not to drop a single crystal, though she had no idea where they even came from, she could only focus on the enemy in front of her. The crystals clicked as she came to a stop, the pegasus was close enough to the horde.

Rainbow Dash took a second to breath, she needed to calm herself and allow her mind and soul to be at peace. As of right now, Roman was their prime target, nothing else caught their attention, not even a cowering pony. That meant that Dash was practically invisible, and to them, she's nothing but an obstacle keeping them from their meal. She raised a blue crystal, and used her I strength to throw the dust at the horde. Just as it was about to hit, she charged up her semblance directly on her hoof. She grinned as lightning shot out of her limb, the crystal was struck and it exploded into a freezing blast that froze a fee Grimm in place. She did this with another blue dust, a few more Grimm were out of the picture, yet there were still too many. 

Her brows furrowed, it looked like the crystals weren't going to be enough. 

From out of nowhere, a beam of light from the sky had cut through a handful of Grimm. Dash looked up, two Iron Legion pegasi pulled a silver chariot which held two of her friends, Twilight and Applejack, as well as three unicorn guards. Applejack waved at Dash as Twilight charged another spell, a few more Grimm were eliminated thanks to Twilight.  

Dash flew up to them with the crystals. "What are you all doing here!?" She asked as she flew with the same speed as the chariot.

 "We're the Iron Legion!" One of the pegasi spoke, it was the one in charge of the guards, Feather Storm. "It's our job to help those in need!"

"And we are friends, Dash, we would never leave your side!" Twilight added as she and the other unicorns blasted spells at the Grimm. 

"She's right, it ain't easy handlin' these varmints!" Applejack spoke, even though she wasn't helping at all, but she's doing her best. 

"Gosh, you girls rock!" The guards sent a disappointed look towards her. "I mean... Everyone rocks!"

"Whatever!" Storm scoffed. "What exactly is his plan!?"

"Well, he was gonna blow them all up with some bombs he had hidden in the field."

Everyone's eyes widened. Especially Feather Storm who nearly tripped on himself in the air. "Why the bloody hell did he do that!?"

"I'm a magician! It was supposed to be a good bye show when I leave, alright!?" Roman popped into the conversation from out of nowhere. "And before you ask, I have a permit from the mayor!"

"Oh, right, he works with Trixie..." Applejack spoke, still confused as to how the explosives would make for a great trick. 

"You're really something, aren't you!?" The guard glared at Roman. 

"Alright, whatever! Just listen, there's something wrong with the wires and I have no idea where the problem is! That's why I'm here to ask if one of you got a spell for something to track it down or fix it! So!?" He waited for the unicorns to give him an answer, but none could even give him any. "Fine, change of plans! Keep them busy while Skittles and I go fix the problem!"

Roman splits off and goes back to the detonator. Dash gave her friends a nod. "Keep them busy, and use these!" She dropped all the crystals she had into the chariot. "Throw them at the Grimm and blast your spells on it just as it gets close to the Grimm! Red is fire, blue is ice, and yellow is electricity!" With that out of the way, she went after Roman, back to the tree.

"Dash wait!" Applejack tried to stop her, but the pegasus was already at the tree. "Twilight, send me over to Roman so Ah can help!"

Twilight only nodded, she did as requested and Applejack was gone, once she was done with that, Twilight went back on blasting every Grimm in sight. 

"It'll take us hours, maybe a whole day to just find the problem!" Roman said as he and Dash attempted to brainstorm a plan to fix their problem. "Maybe we should-" Roman was cut off as Applejack popped out of nowhere and fell into Roman's arms. He caught her instinctively with ease. "Oh, hey Blondie."

"R-Roman!" She squirmed a little, embarrassed of her predicament. 

Roman snickered silently as he allowed her back on her own hooves. "We're trying to think of a way to fix the wires to blow up those Grimm, but we both just ended up stumped. Any ideas?"

"Yeah, and it better be quick, because we don't exactly have time!" Dash hurried the farmer as she fended off a boarbatusk with her semblance. 

"What exactly is the problem here?" Applejack questioned.

"Detonator ain't working, my guess is that a wire got cut off the main line." The third explained. 

Applejack tapped her chin with a hoof, she trailed the wire that connected to the detonator, then her eyes landed on the dirt where the wire kept going. From what she could tell, the wire was buried in the soil. Then it hits her. 

"You buried the wires right?" Applejack received a nod from Roman. "Then there's probably an exposed one, and some critter had chewed through it! Either that, or the real problem is underground... Anyways, why dontcha make Dash use that fancy magic of hers and try and see where the problem is!"

Roman's wing snapped its feathers. "That's an amazing plan, Blondie! Skittles, if you please? And make it shine!"

Dash grinned, she ripped off the wires from the detonator and wrapped it around her hooves. "2,000 volts coming up!" Electricity surged through her body and out of her hooves. She was energizing the wires like her life depended on it, enough that it could power at least two houses. 

Both Roman and Applejack smiled once Dash's semblance danced in the distance, it arched back in a random and unpredictable pattern. Feather Storm saw the light show and knew exactly what they were doing, and as quick as he could, he and the other pegasus pulled the chariot away much to Twilight's displeasure. 

"There it is!" Applejack raised a hoof towards the electricity. "Guess Ah was right, and lookit that! We got ourselves some time!"

"Alright, let's get to fixing and-" Dash's semblance went towards the nearest metal around, the copper wire that was supposed to be connected with the main line.

And with so much energy running through the line, the bombs were all triggered. "Oh..." Roman muttered as explosions started popping out of the ground, one by one they went. The field that the Grimm stood in was slowly reduced into a number of craters. 

Every monster on the ground was immediately concealed by a cloud of dirt and dust that rose up from the shaking earth. Dash and Applejack trembled as the ground below them moved due to the explosions. Roman stood proudly as he spectated his grand art of fire that shattered the earth. He wiped away a fake tear, his smile quivered as he tried not to cry from the majestic destruction that he had created. 

But there was still one more. 

Storm's eyes widened as an even bigger explosion that caused a devastating blastwave that sent the chariot off course. "Hang on!" He told the others as he tried to get the chariot back to stable condition. 

Meanwhile on the ground, Applejack saw a giant mushroom grow out of the blast, a strange sight indeed. Roman quickly pulled Applejack behind the tree and held her close, Dash followed him, unsure as to why. 

Applejack couldn't help but notice that she was close enough to Roman to smell the gunpowder off his jacket, she was confused as to why he had pulled her away. She felt her cheeks heat up as he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Soon her questions were answered, the blastwave pushed through air and towards them. The tree shook, and Applejack pushed herself deeper into Roman's embrace while Dash held onto the tree itself. The force was strong, and it nearly threw everyone off their hooves. 

Soon enough, the earth was still once more. The strong wind cleared out the sky of any flying Grimm and clouds. There was no sign of Twilight and the guards. 

Dash peeked around the tree and saw that the mushroom cloud was still growing. Her mouth fell open as she counted the destruction that was made. Grass was all pointing out and away from the source of the blast, small young trees were torn out of the ground. There were probably injured animals nearby, but that wasn't the subject. 

Applejack was still in Roman's arms, once she realised that it was over, she pushed off of Roman with haste and red faced. Roman noticed her strange behavior and smiled as an idea for later popped into his head. Both of them checked the damage, and they were in awe with such devastating results. But in all honesty, Roman was ecstatic. He was amazed by his creation, how the sky was emptied of Grimm or cloud. How it destroyed so many things in the area. This was supposed to be for something else, but now it was used to wipe out a pest, and he loved it. 

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Roman spoke with pride.

"Yeah, uh..." Dash tried to answer, but she couldn't find the words to go with. 

"So... What exactly were ya' plannin' on doing with those explosives?" The farmer asked the thief. 

"Oh, very simple, I stand in the middle and then when it starts popping, I show up behind the crowd." Roman lied as it was supposed to serve a different purpose. 

"Oh..." Was all Applejack could say. 

"This is why we don't divide by zero." Roman quipped. 

Before they could even celebrate, a deafening howl pierced their ears. All ponies in the vicinity could only watch with dread as a gigantic beowolf shot out of the cloud of dust. Then Dash knew, it was the same wolf from earlier, the one that left her alone. She was sure of it, the weapons that was on its back, the scars that riddled all over it. This beowolf was indeed the same one. 

"Move!" Roman yelled, and the three jumped away as the wolf barreled through with insane speed. It skidded to a halt and turned to glare at Roman specifically. "Why grandma, what big teeth you have!"

And then they heard it, the wolf started making some kind of noise through its mouth. Dash and Applejack felt their hearts skip a beat as they heard it make a noise that almost resembled a light chuckle. Then it stopped, eyes trained on the thief. Roman scoffed as he loaded his cane with a fresh bullet. 

Both glared at each other, man against wolf. Two cruel creatures that were out for each other's throats. Roman raised his cane towards the Grimm, and the wolf straightened its back, one could say that the Grimm was grinning that day. But all Roman cared for right now, was survival. 

"When I say run, we run."
> Big Bad, Meet Bigger Bad
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the repurposed warehouse down at the docks of Manehattan, is a very nervous mare. Her name was Trixie Lulamoon, and she was about to return to the place where her honor was tarnished by a certain unicorn. But today, she had worn something more than her cape and hat, a white ruffled blouse was added to the mix. And a belt around her waist with colorful vials the size of a small bullet.

She sat silently on top of her brand new wagon, a far better wagon than her previous one. No longer the yellow eye sore that reminded Trixie of her failures to win the hearts of those that ridiculed her. Now it was purple, just like her cape, and it had a chimney with a cute little hat that was the same as Trixie's. It was a decision that Trixie was really proud of, it was somehow poetic for her, like the idea of casting her old self aside and taking a new form and a new life, one that is great and powerful. 

One where she finally had a friend. 

"Miss Trixie, why do I have to wear this?" Trixie looked over towards a mare in a black suit with a red shirt below the suit jacket, which covered her body, black boots also on her hooves so no one could tell her fur color. Over her head was a balaclava, and on her face was a mask that morbidly resembled Trixie. "Uh, it's me, Fuchsia Blush."

"O-of course I know that it's you, Fuchsia!" Trixie looked away, embarrassed that she had made her confusion too obvious. "I should really put name tags on you and Lavender, but that would defeat the purpose."

"And that is?"

"Unlike you two, Trixie is a wanted mare. And as such, both of you must keep your identities hidden, or else you two would become criminals as well." Fuchsia made an "Oh" sound as she understood her reason. "Now, where's Lavender? We are about to head out."

"Sorry I'm late!" Lavender Lace rushed into the warehouse with a large suitcase over her back, she wore the same attire as Fuchsia, pants and all. Even the mask. "Flim and Flam were busy when I came by! And they were a bit unhappy after earlier today..."

Trixie immediately took the suitcase off Lavender as soon as she was close, she opened it to check its package, she frowned upon the sight. But this is what she needed. "Good, everything is ready. Let's head out!"

Her horn lit up, an energy coursed through her body as she pictured a small little town in her mind. And with a flash of light, the warehouse was gone, and Trixie and her assistants were in a grassy field. Trixie smiled, her attempt on long distance teleporting had been a success, and in the distance was Ponyville itself. Nothing looked different, everything was as Trixie remembered it. 

Though that strange looking mushroom shaped cloud in the distance was new. 




"What in tarnation is that!?" Applejack said as she took a step closer to Roman. 

"Another slobbering mutt!" Roman answered, his cane still trained on the wolf. "I would say that it's an alpha, but this thing is bigger. The biggest beowolf I've ever seen, in fact."

"What do we do!?" Dash asked the thief.

The Grimm eyed the thief, but it switched its gaze towards the mares. Dash and Applejack shuddered as the Grimm stared at them. It moved slightly and the mares took a step back, the Grimm let out a disturbing chuckle as it found their reaction very amusing. And that's when Roman realized it, he gritted his teeth and lowered his cane. The Grimm gave Roman a confused look, unsure as to why he had his cane pointed somewhere else. 

"Run!" Roman ran off, leaving the mares with the wolf. 

It took a full minute for Dash and Applejack to understand the situation, then both followed after the thief. The Grimm licked its teeth as it watched the two mares run towards the wall of dusts and dirt. Then the beast pursued. 

Roman grimaced, as the three entered the aftermath of Roman's art, they came face to face with a few Grimm who were all looking at the thief hungrily. Of course some had survived, their bone armor had probably protected them, or a Grimm that's bigger than them had absorbed all the energy. The latter was far more possible, especially when the three saw a large deathstalker that was barely even alive. The Grimm are a pest that's really hard to get rid of. If it was easy, then he would not have been so troubled with them back on Remnant. 

The Grimm, four beowolves, stood before them. And Roman could tell that more were coming as shadows shifted in the smoke. Red glowing orbs moved erratically, and the stench of gunpowder was strong. And the air was still warm from the heat of the blasts. 

The first beowolf pounced at Roman with its jaws opened wide, but the thief simply hooked his cane on its opened maw and pulled the Grimm over Applejack, who spun around to deliver a powerful buck towards the wolf's neck. Roman grinned as he heard the sickening snap and the wolf's body became limp.

The thief didn't just stop there, he used his strength and aura to toss the wolf at the rest. 

Dash flashed towards the next wolf, her hoof glowed and she threw a mean left hook that tore off the Grimm's jaw with one clean hit. Before the other could even make a move, the first wolf crashed into them and they became pinned beneath the dead wolf. Both Applejack and Roman took the advantage and eliminated the wolves who were easy kills. With the obstacles dead and gone, the three continued forward. 

As they ran through the field of devastation, more and more Grimm monsters had come out of their shelters. Many had survived, but luckily not all of them, the best part was that the amount of Grimm were much easier to get rid of. If they had help that is. 

Roman hopped over a few beasts that tried to grab him, he was glad that the Grimm were far apart. Or else they would have to take them all at the same time.  Applejack looked back to see a giant shadow within the smoke, then she knew that the monster was gaining on them. She could hear the heavy steps it took as they ran. Soon, they burst out of the other end, and Roman couldn't be happier to see the sun. Especially the town ahead. 

"Head back to Ponyville!" Dash opened up her wings and prepared herself to fly off. 

Applejack frowned as she noticed Roman doing the same thing as Dash. "Hey, what about me!"

Roman groaned. "I forgot! Skittles, she's your friend, so carry her!"

"What!? You're the stallion here! You carry her!"

"We don't have time for this, and I'm the one with the magic cane, I'll be doing the shooting!" Roman wiggled the cane in the air. 

"Fine!" Dash scoffed as she wrapped her hooves around Applejack. "Ready?"

"As Ah'll ever be!" The farmer answered.

The large wolf exited the cloud just in time to see his prey escaping towards town. A few other Grimm had also come out of the cloud, only to freeze under the glare of the large wolf. It growled and they took a step back, away from the larger Grimm. Then the wolf looked back at its prey, it howled before it went after Roman. Leaving the rest of the Grimm on the broken earth that was caused by Roman, then they felt something, it was anger and it came from the other side of the cloud. 




Feather Storm furiously kicked the broken chariot, he and the guards were lucky that they only received a few cuts and bruises. As for Twilight, Storm glanced over to the unconscious mare. Unlike the others, she had no helmet when the bits and pieces of Grimm pelted them like bullets, one single skull had struck her right on the temple as they fell. 

Storm cursed the thief for the creation of such a destructive bomb, just next to Ponyville of all places. He's just happy that they were far enough not to do damage to the town. But the blastwave had probably destroyed a few glass windows, but that's the least of their problems. 

He looked around himself, they were far from the destruction, that's for sure. But that's a problem of its own. They were completely far from help. 

A guard sneezed, Storm glared at him and was about to give him an earful. But one of the unicorns had raised attention towards something in the distance. Storm scoffed as a few Grimm beasts were headed for them. Too many for five unarmed guards to handle. Before he could even bark off some orders, a flurry of arrows had rained down upon the Grimm, turning every single one into a pin cushion. 

The Iron Legionnaires looked up, his guards cheered upon the sight of a dozen golden chariots in the sky, the Royal Guards had arrived armed with spears, swords, and bows. They had answered their calls, though it was a little late. But they can help clean things up. 

Storm sighed, he collapsed onto the ground as the chariots neared them, at least something good happened today. 




Roman was having a terrible day. First, a fan from his fan club had ruined his lunch with Applejack and her friends, then he had to deal with a Grimm problem, and now he's being chased by a very large beowolf. 

Speaking of which, the wolf was right on their tails, it was unnaturally quick for its size. And the worst part was, it had eyes on Roman. The thief scoffed, he attempted to take a few shots at the wolf, but the beast was quick on its feet. Not a single flare had landed, the Grimm dodged it with ease. 

"What's the plan!?" Applejack asked as she tried not to puke out her lunch as Dash kept moving around. "This is far worse than a rodeo... urp!"

"I'll distract it, while you two go find some flammable cans of hairspray, or a cleaning product!" 

"No more bombs!" Dash glared at him. "As cool as it was, I would rather keep my hooves intact, please!"

"Do you have a plan!?" Roman growled as they neared the town. 

"May Trixie suggest her great and amazing idea?"

Roman nearly tripped on himself as he registered the voice, he snapped his attention to his right and found Trixie on a brand new wagon that was being pulled by two oddly dressed ponies. "Trixie!?" Roman as well as Dash and Applejack exclaimed. 

"Yes, it is I! Trixie Lulamoon!" She stood on two hooves, and it was impressive of her to keep her balance with the speed that the pegasi and the wagon is going. "Notice anything different, Roman?"

"You're still an idiot." He wasted no time to answer.

"That's not what I'm trying to show!" She frowned as she raised her forelegs to the side to give Roman a clear view of her new style. 

"You got a shirt, what's different?"

Trixie huffed angrily. "I thought you had a sense of fashion!?"

Roman scoffed. "Oh honey, do you even see me right now? I'm bucking fabulous! And yes, that ruffled blouse looks good on you, I like it. But we have bigger problems!" He raised a hoof behind them. 

Trixie's attention was brought to the giant beowolf that was right on their tails. "What in Celestia's name is that!?"

"Miss Trixie, that is a Shadow Beast!" One of the masked ponies informed Trixie. 

"Have you not seen one before, miss Trixie?" The other asked. 

Trixie shook her head. "No, Trixie has not seen such a beast."

"Huh, makes sense." Roman commented. "But since we're all here now, got any ideas Trixie?"

Trixie smirked and brought up the suitcase. "We fight! Trixie is strong enough to defeat this vile monster!"

"Is that..."

"Yes indeed!" Trixie opened the suitcase and presented it to Roman, the thief couldn't hide his enthusiasm.

Inside the suitcase was extra Dust bullets for Roman, not only that, there were extra Dust crystals for an explosive attack. And right in the middle was a small silver orb. The Orb was far more interesting to Roman, because it was something he had been keeping a secret from Trixie, yet she had brought it here.

"Alright, did those two idiots tell you?"

"No, Trixie had persuaded them to tell me all of your plans!" She grinned as she took the small orb into her hooves. 

"Excuse me, but why is a metal ball so important?" Dash questioned. 

"Ah'm also expressing mah concern for the plan!" Said Applejack.

"Fools!" Trixie scolded Dash for questioning her. She raised the orb in the air and traced it with the tip of her right hoof. No matter how much she moved, the ball stayed where it was. "This is one of Roman's designs! A weapon that grants Trixie an upper hoof in battle!"

"Heh, so much for unicorn pride." Roman commented, but Trixie simply ignored it. 

Her hoof tapped the top, and a long rod extended from the ball, transforming it into a magicians cane. At the area where the orb and the cane connects, six slots had extended out of the steel orb. Trixie quickly placed the Dust vials from her belt into the slots. And it retracted back into the orb, it glowed brightly red for a second. 

"Woah!" Dash couldn't hold back as she was truly impressed by such a simple trick. 

Trixie held her head high as she presented her weapon, she gave it a twirl and showed off her skills with her hooves. "I present to you all, the debut of Trixie's finest weapon, Smoke And Mirrors!"

"Hey, I wanted Houdini's Whisper." Roman smiled, he honestly liked the one Trixie had come up with. 

"Why do ya need a name for it?" Applejack asked as they all had completely forgotten of the wolf behind them. 

Roman's expression hardened. "Weapons are an extension to your body, a tool you must trust as you jump into battle. A companion that you must never leave behind." Roman raised his cane higher. "By naming it, then you and the tool are one, a reminder that the sword in your hands is what separates you from those who've fallen. It is one of the things that keeps you away from death's embrace, and I would put my trust into my weapon, Melodic Cudgel."

The group were silent, none had ever expected Roman to give his opinion about weapons. He seemed very passionate about the subject, even the wolf at the back was intrigued from his words. Trixie had never seen Roman so serious, it was slightly disturbing. 

"Alright! Back at the matter at hand!" Roman swiped the suitcase from Trixie to collect the ammunition he needed and threw the suitcase into Applejack's hooves. "Skittles, put Blondie on the wagon and take Trixie off of it!"

"What!?" The two blue mares exclaimed. 

"Just do it!"

Dash quickly did as she was told, Applejack was out of her hooves and was replaced by Trixie instead. Much to Trixie's embarrassment and Dash's irritation.

"Now what!?" Dash waited for what's next as they entered the town.

Roman went over to the masked mares and hovered beside them. "Bring Applejack to the town hall, we'll deal with the beowolf!"

The mares only nodded, they did not question his plan. As for Applejack herself... "But Ah can help!"

"You don't have aura, and it's what keeps me, Trixie, and Skittles alive! No buts!" Roman argued back, he didn't wait for any response as he raised his free hoof in the air and struck one of the mares on the rear, causing her to run much faster. He didn't even apologize for hitting the mare, instead, he flew back to Dash's side. The wagon was already gone, far from Roman and the Grimm. 

"Hey, AJ could've helped!" Dash frowned at how he just cast aside her friend. 

Trixie frowned. "No she can't, she doesn't have an aura like us, Roman had already pointed this out."

"Then why don't you give her one!?"

"No can do Skittles, I already unlocked yours, and that took a big chunk from my aura!" Roman said as he motioned for Dash to follow. He glided down onto the ground and landed facing towards the Grimm. "And I need my aura more than ever." Actually, that's a lie, unlocking Skittles' aura was no problem. I would rather only have you with aura, but maybe...

The wolf stopped as well, it stood just a few feet away from Roman, its eyes stared deeply into Roman's. It grinned viciously and licked its claws excitedly. 

Dash released Trixie and dropped her next to Roman, the unicorn landed gracefully and struck a pose with her own cane floating by her side. Dash stood next to Roman and readied her knife. Trixie snickered as she saw her weapon. 

"Really Rainbow Dash, a puny kitchen knife?"

Dash growled towards her. "At least mine can cut through things!"

"Oh, Trixie's weapon could do much more than your tiny knife." She grinned as the cane made an audible click. Trixie charged forward, the Grimm tilted their head to the side as it watched her run on four hooves. 

The orb flickered red, then blue. Just as she was close enough, Trixie slammed the cane onto the ground and the area was filled with smoke. The wolf stared at the cloud, its attention now fully on Trixie, wherever she was. Out of the smoke came the unicorn, a prideful smile on her face as she blindly charged forward. 

"What is she doing!?" Dash questioned Trixie's plan and was about to intervene, but Roman held her back with his cane around her neck. 

"Hold on Skittles, let's see where this is going."

Just as Trixie was close enough, the wolf lunged with its claws raised, but when it was about to land a hit, a steel ball had intervened and struck the wolf right on its face. Dash gasped, the cane had extended into some kind of whip, or a flail. Roman watched the ball retract back into place, a peaceful smile on his face. Trixie took advantage of the wolf's confusion and slammed her cane between its feet, it flickered blue, and the ground froze. 

Before the wolf could even react, its legs were enveloped by ice as it grew from the ground. And just as it started, the ice had completely hindered any movement, making the wolf into a big target. Just in time for the smoke to clear out, Dash's eyes widened, in the middle of the dissipating smoke was Trixie herself. 

"Two Trixies!?" Dash was confused at first, but she then understood. Wait no, this is probably her semblance, or some unicorn magic... Nah, she's not that good!

"Hmm, makes sense that her semblance is creating a clone." Roman commented. "She was always so full of herself that she placed her pride above all. Even after she and I had become friends, she was still so self-centered. I was lucky that I even got through with her."

"So wait, are semblance supposed to be based on your personality?"

"Yes and no, it is a manifestation of your innate and personal power, which is almost unique to most people."

"So... I have lightning because?"

Roman smirked. "You're stubborn, always pushing forward without thinking. Just like a storm, you would never know where a lightning would strike, or if it would strike the same thing a second time. Yet, when times are right, one could harness the power of nature and use it to help the people, or destroy everything. Plus, you got a rainbow lightning on your butt."

Dash huffed. "Hey, AJ is far more stubborn than me! What about you, huh? Why's it a door?"

"That's easy, Skittles." Roman grinned. "I'm a coward."

The Trixie from the smoke raised her cane, a series of colors flashed for a second, and the ball ejected out the empty Dust vials. "For Trixie's next trick, watch as she obliterates this feeble mutt!" The cane clicked a few times, and then it collapsed into a limp, as if the weapon had melted. But in truth, this was the second form of Smoke And Mirrors, the flail. 

Trixie pulled back the flail and swung it like a whip, Smoke And Mirrors extended forward towards the frozen wolf. The Grimm grinned as it watched the steel ball approach them. Just as the very tip had made contact with the frozen surface, an explosion occurred. It covered the giant beowolf completely and it roared as the fire consumed it. Just like that, the beast was no more. Both Trixies quickly reunited with Roman and Dash, their heads held high as they awaited the praises from the thief. 

Only to be bonked on both heads, they recoiled away with their hooves on their own heads. "Trix' and... Trixie? Whatever! That was a total waste of Dust! Using it all for one big explosion is creative, yes, but it's not a good idea to throw away useful things. And worst, the beowolf is still alive!"

Just as Roman had said, the wolf was indeed alive, once the smoke had cleared out, it stood angrily and glared at the two unicorns. 

"Ha! Looks like dumb and dumber ain't all that!" Dash mocked them. Lightning had begun to arch her around her hooves and the knife. "How about we show her how it's done, Roman?"

Roman smirked. "Sure thing Skittles," He twirled his cane as he walked towards the wolf. "Stormy Night!"

Roman rushed forward as Dash powered up her semblance, the wolf pulled back its arm and swung forward for the thief. But he simply slid under the gigantic claws and right between his legs, but not before leaving him a present. As the wolf had been leaning forward, a door appeared below him after a puff of smoke, once it opened, he was greeted by an electric tackle to the gut. Dash grinned as she launched the wolf into the air with the power behind the tackle. 

But the wolf was unfazed, it grabbed Dash by the tail as they both descended back to the ground and pulled her away. Just as the wolf landed, a door had popped out of nowhere and out of it came Roman with a red Dust crystal in his hoof. 

"Eat it." He tossed the crystal towards the wolf, the Grimm recoiled and released the pegasus in its claws. The Grimm brought up its arms protectively as Roman raised his cane behind him, still keeping his eyes on the wolf through the door as he shot the Dust crystal. 

But Roman was too caught up with himself, that the wolf had jumped out of the smoke to wrap its dirty paws on him. Trixie quickly made a move to help her partner, she nodded towards her clone and hopped on top of the copy who had charged up her own cane. Both the orb and the clone flickered red, and Trixie felt a large explosion beneath her and the blast sent her towards the beast. Her weapon flickered yellow right before it was used against the wolf. The Grimm grunted as electricity coursed through them. It tossed Roman aside and tried to get the unicorn instead, but just as it was about to grab her, Trixie had literally split in two. 

The mares distanced themselves away from the wolf. Both had charged up another Dust vial, the orbs lit up with a dark orange color. With a single motion from both Trixies, a gigantic pillar of stone had risen out of the ground and went straight towards the beast. But the wolf was quick, and strong. With one swing of an arm, the pillar was destroyed. It was a mistake, as Roman had aimed at its eyes. He stood just next to him, there was no way for the thief to miss from this distance. A flare screeched through air and landed on the wolf's face, another explosion. 

Roman grinned, but then his expression fell as the wolf had revealed that it had protected itself with its massive claws. Though it suffered so much damage, the wolf did not stutter. Before Roman even knew, the wolf's intact fist had finally made contact to Roman's side. The thief had the wind punched out of him and was launched off his hooves. 

"Roman!" Both Trixies exclaimed. 

Once the thief had a very rough landing, his body flickered with a strange light for a second. His eyes widened. "Oh, crap." He muttered as he attempted to pick himself up, only to fall back onto the ground. Damn, that Grimm hits like a train! Took a really big chunk out of my aura! The pain was still present, but Roman had managed to stand up, his footing slightly off.

Dash prepped her knife, she zoomed in on the wolf with her weapon raised. In a blink of an eye, she dug deep into the wolf's chest. The Grimm stumbled back as it took the full force of the pegasus. The wolf grinned and swatted Dash away, leaving the knife deep in its chest. It gave the happiest chuckle a Grimm could make, the wolf found it amusing that Dash tried to kill them with a tiny knife. 

The Grimm would've been insulted, the weapons on its back were trophies of its previous battles. But even Grimm monsters know how to have fun, just like now. 

Dash flew across the street. "Lightning Thief!" She heard Roman as she flew over him. 

The handle of Melodic Cudgel shot out of the cane and launched itself towards Dash. Once her hooves had held the handle, Roman pulled her towards him, she sailed over the thief as her wings fluttered, Roman had begun to swing her around him. The speed increased thanks to Dash's wings and semblance, her body had begun shifting into light. Dash had made a few laps around Roman, her speed steadily increasing. The wolf knew what Roman was planning, so it took a step to put a stop to it. 

Only for its foot to be entrapped in ice, it looked back at the unicorn, the Grimm had forgotten that she was there. 

"That's right you dolt! Trixie and her number 2 is- wait, where did she go!?" Trixie had finally noticed that she was alone. "Not again!"

The wolf howled, it broke free of the frozen trap and continued towards Roman. The thief grinned as Dash made another lap, nearly hitting the wolf. But the Grimm had other ideas. The wolf reached over its back and plucked one of the swords with its gigantic paw. Roman's eyes couldn't believe it, the Grimm had just tossed an old rusty sword at him. Roman knew that the older the Grimm, the smarter they are. But this was ridiculous! 

Our hero had to dodge it, but his decision had shifted Dash's pattern, this in turn would cause the pegasus to fly off course. The handle slipped out of her hooves and she went flying straight into the nearby house, the amount of power she was using had even caused her to go through a few more buildings. Toppling them in within a single minute. 

Roman stumbled forward as he felt the pull from Dash's launch and came face to face with a very hungry looking monster. Roman grinned sheepishly as the wolf towered over him. But before the wolf could even sink its teeth on the thief, a door below him had popped out of reality and it opened to a different place. And just like that, the wolf's prey had escaped. The door was shut closed in a very rude manner.  

The wolf straightened itself, it glanced over to Trixie who froze like a statue under its gaze. Luckily for her, the Grimm had no interest. It sniffed the air for the familiar scent. Gunpowder and tobacco. If it had lips, the wolf would be smiling as it caught Roman's scent. The wolf quickly followed the scent to wherever the thief was hiding. The wolf ran faster than ever, its hunger motivated them. The wolf could tell that the unicorn was just behind it, the wolf would've taken a bite out of her, but he was saving its hunger for the orange headed pegasus. 

A minute later, the wolf rounded a corner, and there it found its prey. The beast howled, catching Roman's attention. 

Roman frowned as soon as the monster had made itself known, he was so caught up with a very disoriented Rainbow Dash, that he didn't hear the monster coming. "Trixie!" The mare behind the Grimm stood attentively. "Shooting Star!"

Trixie smiled, her horn lit up as she waited for Roman. The thief took aim and fired a shot. But just as the flare left the base of his cane, Roman had flipped his weapon and hooked the flare itself and shifted the cane down. Changing the ordinary flare into a wave of Dust energy. Roman repeated it two more times, sending three waves of Dust. 

The wolf had stepped to the side as it all passed, but it didn't take account of Trixie. The unicorn grabbed the crescent energies with her magic and whipped it back towards the wolf. It tried to dodge in the last second, but the Dust waves had already landed on its damaged fist. It yelped as the explosion had finally consumed the hand, leaving the wolf with only one. It growled viciously and charged towards Trixie, it raised its claws in the air, but found that they couldn't move it. 

Roman smiled as he watched the Grimm struggle, his cane had launched the handle and it wrapped around the wolf's arm, which prevented it from harming Trixie. But then the colors on Roman's face faded when the wolf snorted a laugh, it used Roman's tiny little strength to propel itself towards the thief. Roman tried to move away from the giant black shadow that approached him faster than a car. But the Grimm used his current state to pull him towards it, the Grimm grabbed him with its good hand once he was close enough. And Roman felt light for a second, before being smashed into a nearby building. 

Trixie gasped and made an attempt to save Roman, but the wolf used the thief himself to bat away the showmare. It gave another chuckle before it smashed Roman once more into a different building. And just as it was about to do it again, a sharp pain in its back had caused it to throw the thief away. The Grimm looked behind itself to see Dash clinging on its back, a rusty spear in her hoof as she attempted to pull it out with whatever strength she still had. 




Applejack tried to reason with the two masked ponies, but they held her back with the help of Applejack's friends, Pinkie and Rarity. "Let me go! Ah can help!"

"Really darling, Roman could handle things from here, you do not need to do anything!" Rarity tried to get through AJ, but the farmer was too stubborn.

"Miss Trixie's partner had told us not to interfere!" One of the masked mares spoke. 

"But that's the thing! That varmint is as big as this here building!" She motioned a hoof towards the town hall. "Three ponies with magic and explodey rocks! Ah've seen that thing comin' out of Roman's big magic trick! And trust me, that thing is dangerous!"

"But Applejack, what if you get hurt?" Fluttershy spoke as she hovered nearby. 

"What about RD? She's out there fightin', and Ah'm here busy talking when Ah could help!"

"Unlike you Applejack, they got aura! Whatever that is..." Pinkie reminded Applejack about Roman's magic. 

But from what Twilight had told her during the ride with the Iron Legion earlier, Roman was able to give his power to anyone as long as they have a soul. All this information was thanks to Dash for giving Twilight the notepad that Roman owned. 

"Then Ah'll get Roman to give me one!"

"That would be a problem." Pinkie pointed out. 

"Why's that?"

Pinkie raised a hoof towards a small indescribable shape coming towards them, soon enough, it crash landed right at their hooves and the unknown shape was Roman Torchwick. He groaned painfully as his aura flickered, a sign that it was about to break. "Hey... Blondie..." He greeted her weakly. 

"Roman, what happened!?" She quickly came to his aid, she removed his hat and propped his head over her hoof. 

"That mutt was smarter than the average Grimm..." He muttered loud enough for everyone to hear. 

"Roman!" They heard Trixie call out as she ran through the open gates, she rushed to his side quicker than everyone thought. "Roman, are you okay!?"

The thief chuckled. "Better than my parents, heh- ow!" Roman cringed as he felt a sharp pain in his chest, something must've been broken after his experience as a makeshift sledgehammer. His aura was weak, there was definitely a short moment where it didn't protect him as he kissed a brick wall. 

"Ah knew y'all couldn't handle it! Ah should've just stayed!" AJ frowned.

"Maybe... but you don't have aura..." Roman pointed it out, like Pinkie had done recently. 

"Yeah, what would you even do?" Trixie scoffed. "You're as useful as a sheep acting as bait! Maybe we should've kept you around for the wolf!"

Applejack glared at her, then she faced Roman with determination. "Give me aura, Ah can help!"

"No." He denied her the opportunity to prove herself. 

"But Roman!"

"Can't you take a hint!?" Trixie took a step forward. "We have a giant wolf thing chasing after Roman!"

"Then let me help! Ah can fight!"

Roman smiled. "Nah... I got a plan, I thought it up while I was having some good air, right before I crashed here."

"Then what if it doesn't work!?" Applejack pressed further. 

"Applejack, dear, you should really listen!" Rarity tried to pull her friend back, but Applejack shrugged her off. 

"Just give me a chance!"

"Is this how a hero like you should act, Applejack?" Trixie grinned. "How pitiful."

"Hey!" Pinkie frowned, she and Rarity shared the same emotion after Trixie had practically insulted their friend.

As for Applejack, she simply ignored the prideful unicorn, she placed her hooves on Roman's shoulders and pressed him down. "Ah want to help! Why can't you just let me!"

Roman pushed her off, his face was passive. "You want to help? Then go bake a pie or something. I'll be hungry as soon as I deal with the Grimm."

"Look out!" The guards by the walls warned everyone as the beowolf Roman was fighting had returned. It barreled through the barrier like it was nothing, destroying it as if it was made of waffles. 

I just can't get a break. Roman pulled himself up. He had struggled for a second, but he managed to get himself up. His cane supported his weight as he limped towards the beast. 

"Roman, you shouldn't go!" Trixie stood in his path, but the thief only pushed her aside and continued. 

Many Legionnaires had gathered around the monster, weapons raised. But the wolf raised its hand towards them and revealed to all the battered pegasus. 

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack gasped along with her friends. Rarity nearly fainted. 

"I-it has a hostage!?" A guard exclaimed, many of them were unsure if they could believe their eyes. 

"Trixie, you have to do something!" Rarity pleaded to her fellow unicorn. 

Trixie clenched and bared her teeth. "Trixie can't fight without help, this beast is too strong for Trixie!"

The guards shifted a little, the Grimm stretched out its index finger before it positioned it to Dash's neck, a single claw threatened to take her life. "Damn it, no one moves an inch!"

"Let me handle this." Roman pushed his way through the guards. 

"What do you think-" A simple glare from Roman had silenced the guard, they quickly shut their mouth and stayed back in line. 

Roman limped his way towards the beast, the Grimm tilted its head down a little to simulate a smile. Everyone could only stand and watch as Roman took one last step closer to the beast. "I'm here, I'm the one you want." Roman tossed the cane aside, his hooves fished out a last cigar and a lighter out of his jacket. He kept his eyes at the beast as he flicked his lighter open, his cigar glowed brightly as he inhaled. 

"Roman... run!" Dash struggled in the wolf's fist. 

"No can do Dash, I can't just let you die here." Roman smirked. "I owe Twilight big time for what she had done."

"But..." Dash tried to speak, but the wolf tightened its grip to silence her. 

It took a step towards Roman, an evil glint in its eye. "Shame," The wolf paused its advance. "I had a lot of fun back there, it reminds me of the old times..."

The wolf eyed him quizzically.

Everyone watching was fearful and confused, especially the Iron Legion, they had expected the beast to chomp down on the thief. But instead, it was listening to Roman, as if it could understand what he was saying. 

"Darn, I sound old..." Roman chuckled. "So grandma, how old are you anyways? Those weapons on your back are practically dust, so you must be at least... a thousand."

"Roman, what are you- gah!" Dash was once again silenced by the wolf. 

"Now that I think of it, metal doesn't really last that long. So you must have been fighting everyday just to flaunt your collection." Roman complimented the beast, and it earned him a very disturbing chuckle. 

"What's he doing!?" A guard questioned Roman's method. 

"Wait... he's stalling!" Another whispered. 

"The Royal Guards would be here soon..."

"That stallion is a genius!"

"Welp, now I'm just stalling! Go on, just finish this." Everyone was thrown off by Roman's decision, it was not what they had expected at all. 

The wolf shrugged its shoulders and opened their maw, they inched forward towards Roman. The thief gagged as the smell of death had assaulted his senses. 

"Shame, that we can't do it again, the chase was fun while it lasted." The wolf froze, then it pulled itself away to stare at its prey. "Aren't you gonna eat me?"

"W-why did it stop?" Fluttershy asked as she hid behind her friends. 

"I don't know dearie, Roman had probably said something to make it reconsider..." Rarity said as she tried not to faint, this kind isn't really new but monsters are still terrifying. 

"Roman..." Applejack muttered, she tried her best to understand the thief, but she couldn't really. He was unreadable, one moment he was calm and annoying, then he became furious and deadly. Try as he might, the thief was obviously quick to anger. 

"Hey, you seem to be busy." Roman stared back at the wolf. In truth, the Grimm was thinking, and Roman knew it was. The beast was still for a second, then it raised its fist towards Roman. The unthinkable happened after, the Grimm had released Rainbow Dash from its claws. "What?" Roman cocked a brow. 

Roman's spectators were caught off-guard by the wolf's action, none had attempted to aid him as they were too confused by this phenomenon.

The Grimm raised a finger to give Roman a gentle tap on his chest, it chuckled once more. Every pony who was outside the town hall was mentally panicking, not once had any of them witness an intelligent beowolf. It was simply unheard of. 

He chuckled loudly. "Heh, guess you had fun also, huh? The name is Roman Torchwick, you better remember that!"

The wolf gave a guttural laugh that broke the silence. It was loud enough to shake the building near them, the windows shuddered as the wolf laughed. Then it stopped, the Grimm stared at its prey once more. "R-Ro-ah..."

It was Roman's turn to be caught by surprise, his smile turned into a nervous one. His mind raced to understand what had just occurred. Holy brothers above... it spoke! Not completely, but still! "Yes," Roman was still smiling nervously. "that's my name, and I sure hope that we will... meet again..."

The wolf laughed once more, then it ran. Leaving the thief and the ponies with questions. The guards near the gate allowed the Grimm to pass with no complaints, closing the gates after it had left. 

"W-what was that!?" Dash questioned as her friends and a few guards rushed to Roman's and Dash's side. 

"That was amazing!" A guard said as he attended to Dash's bruises and injuries. "I have never thought a Grimm could speak!"

"Same..." Roman said before crumbling down to the ground. "I thought it was all a rumor, but apparently it's all true!"

"Roman, are you alright!?" Applejack tried to help the thief, only to be shoved aside by Trixie. 

"Roman, you idiot!" Trixie slapped him right on the face. "You could've died!" Before she could even do anything, Roman had struck her with his hoof in return. She stumbled back as she felt the pain in her gut. Trixie was caught off guard, her aura was not ready for Roman's surprise attack. 

"Shut up! I'm not into those sappy moments!" Roman pushed himself up, his body feeling a little heavy. "First you slap me then you hug me like those crappy movies..." Roman scoffed. 

"Sir, you shouldn't move!" A guard attempted to keep him still, but failed to do so as Roman bonked him on the head. 

"Trixie, grab my cane, we're leaving!"

"R-right away Roman! You heard him, we're leaving!" Trixie told her assistants before she shuffled off to pick up his weapon. 

The rest of the Elements of Harmony quickly blocked Roman's path. "But Roman, you need to rest!"  Fluttershy tried to stop him, but a slight movement of Roman's hoof silenced her, forcing the pegasus to hide behind her friends. "I-if that's alright with you..."

Applejack huffed as she glared at Roman. "Fluttershy is right Roman, ya need rest just like Dash!"

"I'm fine." He shifted a little, his ears moved under his hat and he stared off towards the closed gates. 

"Really darling, you need to lie down and get some help, you look like such a mess!" Rarity wanted to use her magic, but that would be rude to Roman after he had saved Dash's life. 

Once Dash was mentioned, the thief immediately rushed over to her side, and Applejack quickly followed. "Dash!"

"Roman..." She greeted him weakly. "I feel terrible!"

"Your aura is broken, too much strain on the soul as a result." Roman leaned closer to her. "Listen carefully, your semblance is like a muscle. The more you practice with it, the stronger it will become. But if you only focus on one aspect of it, if you fail to test the limits of what you think is possible, then you'll never truly grow."

"Why are you telling me this?" She asked him. 

"Because, I've decided!" He smiled. "This isn't really my thing, but... Rainbow Dash, give me a challenge, show me how strong you are!"

"What...?" Even Applejack was confused as well as the rest. Before anyone could even speak, Roman pulled her over his shoulder. Her eyes widened as Roman whispered into her ears. By the time he was done, Trixie's assistants had returned with Trixie's wagon.

"See ya next time Skittles!" Roman dropped Dash roughly on the ground and made a run for the wagon while everyone was distracted. "Let's go! Run through the gate with all you've got!" He ordered the two mares as he climbed up on top of the wagon, Trixie blindly followed. 

"W-why?" Both mares asked, unsure if they should follow his orders. 

"Just get to the exit!"

"Roman!" Dash tried to get up, but she did not have the strength. "G-get back here!"

"Roman, you shouldn't move!" Applejack warned him.

"Don't let him get away!" Confusion returned, none could understand Dash with what she was meaning.

Before any questions could be asked, the gates opened to reveal a few golden chariots escorted by Feather Storm and his troops. Their eyes widened as Trixie's wagon rushed through them, nearly destroying a few chariots. "That's Roman Torchwick!" One of the Royal Guards had recognized him faster than anyone in town. 

"What!?" A stallion in white uniform exclaimed, he stood out among the guards. "Go after him!" A few chariots broke off from the formation to give chase. "Why didn't you tell me a criminal is in this town!?"

"We have not known, sir!" Storm answered. "He suddenly popped into town just a few days ago, none of us are informed about him!"

"Hold a darn second! What do y'all mean he's a 'criminal'!?" Applejack rushed over to their side. "And who are you, anyways?"

The stallion straightened himself. "That pegasus was Roman Torchwick, a stallion who had robbed a bank at Manehattan with his partner Trixie Lulamoon! Who had also done a few robberies without Roman! He is a wanted pony, guilty of his crimes to the peaceful city. As for who I am, that doesn't matter!" The guard pushed her away and continued towards the town hall. "I'm gonna need a full report of his influence on this town and everything he has done! Where he slept, what he had for breakfast, give me everything!"

Storm growled. "I knew that guy was trouble!" He muttered as he passed Applejack. 

She looked towards the distance where Roman had gone followed by a few chariots. She couldn't really see the chase, but she could hear the explosions. Applejack had a strange feeling in her chest as she registered the information about Roman. She could only wonder what he had said to Dash to make her hostile towards him. 

Maybe he had told her the truth? If so, then why? To taunt the pegasus? 

All Applejack could think now was how the thief had deceived her. How he had used her kindness to his advantage. Then she felt strangely cold, her hooves quivered as she bared her teeth. 

"Roman... you dirty stinkin' crook!"

And thus, an enemy was made. Roman's lies had been uncovered and the truth had been revealed to Applejack's eyes. As much as she wanted to believe otherwise, the guard's words were honest. Her opinion of the thief had changed so quickly, this was the result of Roman's deceptive nature. 

What Roman had whispered to Dash is still unknown, he had told her more than they all would expect. More than the truths of his crimes in Manehattan. Soon, Dash and Roman shall face each other again, but not as allies, but two warriors with conflicting ideals. One was the hero of her country, while the other is a threat to the livelihood of many. 

The future is a mystery, and Roman is still on the loose.
> A Heartless Stallion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Roman Torchwick. 
Menace Or Hero? 


Roman scoffed as he read the headline of the newspaper as he used his scroll's flashlight to read since it was already dark. The sun had disappeared over the horizon and the only source of light other than his scroll was the crackling campfire that had one of the mares that worked for Trixie was sitting close to the fire. The pink haired pony was heating a kettle of water, Roman had no clue for what she had planned for dinner. It is worth noting that the mare had discarded her disguise for comfort. It had only been a few hours yet every news company had flocked to Ponyville for some eye catching news. 

The paper in his hooves was inaccurate, yet the truth was still there. Reports of his good deed were everywhere, eyewitnesses claimed many things. A few were just absurd, but most are pretty close to the truth. 

There were a few statements from a number of people, one was even from the mayor herself. Meh, I don't like politicians. Roman scoffed as he skipped over to the next one. His eyes landed on a picture of Rarity, and below it was her own statement. It retells her experience with Roman and how he had masterfully deceived Rarity and the rest of her friends. Yet the way it was written was strangely odd. But seeing that the fashionista had something to say, Roman started looking for a particular name. 

As his eyes skimmed through the page, he found himself at the end. Roman sighed. Guess Blondie doesn't like to be bothered.

Roman looked away from the newspaper and set his eyes on Trixie in the distance, she was practicing her combat skills with her weapon. She moved across the grassy field gracefully, she mimicked Roman's stance and held the cane with her hoof instead of her magic. Trixie used the weight of the orb to deliver powerful swings as she skipped along the field. Roman smirked proudly. 

Then his eyes landed on the mare near the fire. "So what's your deal?"

The mare across him winced when Roman spoke, she eyed him carefully as she leaned back. "W-what?"

"Who are you exactly? Never really got your name." Roman smiled. "And I'm curious about what exactly you are doing here."

"Oh... um..." She scratched the back of her head. "I'm Fuchsia Blush, I work as Trixie's assistant."

"A little bit more details, Pinky, I want to know more about you and the other one."

"W-well, Lavender Lace and I are responsible for counting and managing Trixie's earnings from her heists as well as some work around the hideout. Like cleaning and cooking. Miss Trixie is a talented mare, but her skills with cooking is..." She held a hoof over her mouth to whisper. "not that great."

Roman snickered a little. "Tell me, why are you working for some wanted criminal like her?"

"You see mister Torchwick-"

"Please, just call me Roman, or Torchwick. I'm fine either way."

She smiled sheepishly. "Alright, Roman. You see, Lavender and I met at Candlewick Corp for an interview for a job opening. We were supposed to meet with the two ponies in charge, but miss Trixie had burst through the doors wearing a sombrero and a fake moustache. She just went straight into the room where the two were holding the interviews then out in a matter of seconds, and she just kidnapped us right then and there."

"And then she gave you both a job offering."

Fuchsia nodded. "Yes, and she had offered us an amazing pay! We would be stupid to decline her offer! Especially when I really need the money right now..."

Roman sighed, then smiled. "So what is it, college debt, or loan sharks?"

Fuchsia looked away dejectedly. "I... t-the latter..."

"Heh, alright, I know how you feel Pinky."

"Really?" A glint of curiosity flashed in her eye. 

"Yup, during my days of thieving, I worked for a loan shark and was the damn best debt collector in the street!" Fuchsia shrunk a little after learning a little about Roman's past. He smiled with pride as he held his head high. "Heh, people used to call me the Cyclops, not because I only show one of my eyes, but because I liked to give people a little reminder."

"T-that's interesting, Roman..." She sat silently as she waited for the kettle to boil. 

"I'm back!" Lavender made herself known as she trotted to Fuchsia's side. A bowl of freshly peeled and chopped potatoes laid on top of her back. "I got the potatoes!"

Roman smirked. "So Lisa, can I call you Lisa? So Lisa, why did you accept Trixie's job offer?"

Lavender smiled. "Well Trixie's partner, I was new to Manehattan and was jobless. When I heard that Candlewick Corp was looking for ponies, I just thought I should try! But who knew that I'd find gold when I was looking for copper!" Lavender sighed softly. "This is honestly far better than working in some cubicle, I even got to see a Shadow- I mean- a Grimm up close!"

"And how can I trust you both?" The mares went quiet, both stared at him with obvious confusion. Roman stood up and leaned on his cane, his eye gave them a judging glare that pierced their souls. "How can I trust you two? For all I know, you could have been talking with some very annoying type of people."

Fuchsia stared at him with widened eyes, but in a split second, her expression hardened. "I may not like the danger that comes with my occupation, but I would never ever stab Trixie in the back! Because of her, my debt is starting to lighten, and soon enough I'll be free of it!"

"Like I said, miss Trixie's partner, I love my job! Even if I just bake a few cookies, at least I would have fun doing it!" Lavender frowned. "And I would do anything to keep it."

Roman eyed them both carefully, then smiled. "Guess she picks them better than me." He said before sitting back down. "I mean, did you girls meet the Flim Flam brothers? Those guys just accepted my offer because I have really great ideas stored in my head. And all they want is to use those ideas for profits."

Lavender tilted her head to the side. "So, they're just doing it for money? They seemed really loyal when Fuchsia and I talked with them..."

"Well Trixie says that we should just kick them both out of Candlewick!" Trixie chimed in, her assistants were caught off by surprise. "Trixie is sure that we don't need those two idiots and we can run the company on our own!"

"Hey get back here!" Roman and the mares looked away from Trixie and stared at... Trixie as she rushed towards them. "Quit randomly leaving, we were supposed to be training!"

"But Trixie is bored, and tired!" The obvious clone whined, then she wrapped her hooves around Roman's foreleg. "Roman~ please tell her that it's time to rest..."

Roman pushed the mare away with a disinterested look on his face. "Trixie, when will Greeny be here? I'm already tired of waiting."

"She said she'd be here later tonight, I think around midnight." Trixie explained to him before glaring at the clone. "Now let's go back to training!"

"But Trixie is hungry!"

"By Celestia, am I that annoying?"

"Yup." Roman grinned. 

Trixie groaned loudly. "Fine... Lavender, Blush! What are we having?"

"Potato stew, miss Trixie!" Lavender informed her. "It'll take a while though since we are waiting for the kettle. So could you hold on a little longer miss Trixie's clone?"

"Fine..." The clone scoffed. 

The three regular ponies and the two oddities sat quietly as they all waited for dinner. Roman gave both of Trixie's assistants a watchful eye. It was not because he did not trust them yet, but he was curious about the mares. He can find a way for them to be useful in the future. 




The soft muffled voices spoke, Twilight's eyes fluttered open and was greeted by the sight of friends sans Applejack and an Iron Legionnaire chatting with a grey stallion in a white uniform. Though her vision was still blurry, her eyes had quickly recognized the stallion, she shot up on bed and gasp, alerting everyone in the room that she was awake. 

"Easy there Twilight," Dash gently pushed her back onto the bed, the pegasus showed no better than Twilight. Her body was covered in bruises and bandages.

After scanning the room, Twilight had concluded that she was in a room at the hospital. "Rainbow Dash, what happened?"

"There was this big giant wolf! Big as a castle!"

"It wasn't that big, darling, don't over exaggerate the whole thing!" Rarity interrupted the pegasus. "The wolf was large, yes, but it wasn't colossal."

"Then I used my lightning magic to fry the monster, but the wolf was tougher than I thought!" Dash completely ignored Rarity. "And Roman-"

"That would be enough," The stallion put a stop to Dash's ranting before it got out of control and made his way towards Twilight. "all you need to know is that the pegasus you were with is a criminal, guilty of his crimes. And I need everything that you know about Roman Torchwick."

Twilight gasped upon the discovery. "Criminal!?"

"Just a few days ago, a bank in Manehattan was robbed, and the culprit was none other than Roman Torchwick himself. Slippery crook had managed to get away."

Bronze Oak the Captain of the Iron Legion took a step forward. "And there was also his accomplice, Trixie Lulamoon. She was just here as well as two unidentified ponies, we have no leads on them both. Not even on the criminals."

"And though he had saved my cousin, I cannot just let that thief go." The stallion sent a disappointed yet understanding glare at Oak. 

"Yes sir, I will not let his action affect me either way and will see justice upon this criminal." Oak promised.

"Roman Torchwick, a pony that came out of nowhere. There is no information about him, no one knows who he is or where he came from. All I could say is, that this guy is a ghost that came out of nowhere." The nameless stallion spoke calmly. "His partner, Trixie Lulamoon, was a different case. It was easier to find information about her, but Roman is a tougher problem."

"I... I'm sorry..." She said as she realized that whatever crimes Roman had committed was because of her. "I'm so sorry..."

"There's nothing to be sorry about, you didn't know who this pony was, it is understandable." He cleared his throat for a second. "We have reports from a few of my guards saying that every news outlet in town was bribed by an orange maned pegasus. The description that they received is connected to Roman himself. From what I understand, the criminal had been keeping anything from Manehattan out of everyone's reach, this giving him a sense of anonymity in this town. Now, I don't know what exactly he had wanted here in Ponyville, but I'm sure it was something sinister."

He turned to leave, a few steps were taken before the stallion paused just as he reached the door. 

"I will come and see you for questioning as soon as you recover. Until then, I'll leave everything to you Bronze Oak." With that, the stallion left. 

The room was silent, Dash waited for a minute until she was sure the stallion was out of earshot. "So who's mister tough guy, and what's with that piece of metal on his head?"

"You don't know?" Twilight asked her friend, surprised that Dash did not have the information of who the stallion was. "Dash, he is the Iron Legion!"

"Who what now?" Pinkie tilted her head as she was confused just like Dash. 

Bronze Oak cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention. "I may be Captain of the Iron Legion regiment, but that stallion that had just left is the direct descendant of Thorn Hoof, the founder of the Iron Legion." Oak stared off towards the door. "General Iron Hoof the Terminator." Oak said with pride in his chest.

"Pfft!" Dash attempted not to laugh, a smile crept up on her face. "The 'Terminator'? W-what kind of title is that!?"

Twilight glared at the pegasus. "You don't understand Rainbow Dash, Iron Hoof is proficient against Grimm, his tactics and plans never failed him once. Every mission he had been sent to, he always comes back with no casualties. And he was the youngest pony to join the Iron Legion at the age of twelve!"

Dash's smile dropped as she realized something. "Wait, does that mean he fought Grimm at a young age?"

"Oh dear," Muttered Fluttershy. "he must have gone through so much..."

Rarity couldn't help but feel pity for the pony in subject. "I'm beginning to understand a little bit about him now."

"Some may say that he was too young," Bronze Oak spoke. "but there is a rumor that is backed up by numerous ponies, even his parents support this rumor. They say that at the age of six, he popped a Grimm wolf's head clean off its shoulders. And I'll be honest, I believe it all after my first few years in the regiment and what I've seen on the field." Oak smirked. "And that small plate above his right brow? It's a communicator that connects him to every Iron Legion outpost, every single one would quickly report to him when the first sign of danger is sighted."

"Dang, he's really hardcore..." Dash had to be honest, she was surprised to hear about the real leader of the Iron Legion. "So why does he want Roman anyways? He kept asking so much questions about Torchwick, that I'm pretty sure Iron Hoof wants something from Roman."

Twilight raised a brow, but before she could even open her mouth to speak, Rarity had beaten her to it. "Why not? Roman is a criminal that needs to be captured, and the General needs all the information he could get." Rarity answered. "I just can't believe that he had the nerve to lie to us."

"No, not just that." Oak cuts in. "Roman showed knowledge about the Grimm, so much that he knew better than anyone in this town or even those armchair Generals in Canterlot. The Iron Legion was made to fight against these monsters, and for countless years we have not been able to find out where these monstrosities come from. None of us even knew that these beasts were attracted to negative emotions. Roman holds the key that would give us the advantage to fight these monsters and the General wishes to get every information he can find to fight against the Grimm."

Oak glanced out the window, the darkness of the night greeted him.

"Well then, since we're all settled in, I'll be heading back now." He nodded towards them. "Take care of yourselves and rest well Rainbow Dash." Bronze Oak then left the mares to themselves, his steel armor clattered as he walked out of the room. 

"Anyways, where is Applejack?" Twilight inquired about the farmer since she was not in here. 

Rarity sighed dejectedly. "I think that the truth about Roman had affected her the most, the poor girl was really mad about it."

"Yeah, and I hundred percent understand!" Dash scoffed. "Thought he was kinda cool, but then he just turned sour! Leaves a bad taste in my mouth just thinking about him."

"Don't worry Dashie, some good old sweet cupcakes will wash it off!" Pinkie cheerfully chimed in. 

"Thanks Pinkie, at least I can trust you."

"What do you mean?"

"It's nothing... Anyways!" Dash hovered over Twilight. "So there I was! Charging up my semblance, over 2,000 volts of energy ready to-"




Applejack breathed heavily, sweat ran down her face, soaking her grime filled hair. She grunted loudly as she threw her fore hoof at the tree in front of her, the bandages that wrapped around them were torn from continuous use. Applejack huffed as she struck the tree once more. 

After a few more jabs, she stopped. 

Applejack sighed deeply as she leaned forward and rested her head against her training partner. The farmer huffed as pain flowed through her body. Her hind legs were tired, her back aches because of her training. Her body is not used with the way she stands, Applejack tried to mimic Roman's combat stance, but it was foreign to her. 

Ever since the truth was made known earlier this afternoon, Applejack had been training nonstop. There was only one reason, it was to get stronger. 

Unlike Rainbow Dash, Applejack was an ordinary earth pony, heck, before Dash even had aura Applejack was physically the strongest in her group of friends. Now, Dash could snap a Grimm in two with ease. It was unfair, and if she faced Roman off in the future, then he had the advantage. 

Applejack felt a shiver as the cold wind breezed pass her. The leaves around her shifted, the only other noise besides her breathing and her own heart that thumped in her chest loudly. Sweat dripped down and off her face, she wiped some off with her hoof before pushing herself away from the tree. The farmer glared at the tree, she took a second to breath, then she charged forward with a grunt. 

"Trying something new, miss Applejack?" Applejack's hoof stopped an inch away from the bark of the tree, her eyes snapped over to a grey stallion in a white uniform. 

"Oh, it's you..." She huffed and frowned, her hoof was planted against the tree to keep her standing. "Mister mystery... How'd ya know Ah was here?"

"Your brother." He answered.

"Oh... So what do you want?"

"I'm just here to tell you that your friend Twilight Sparkle is awake, I'm sure she would be happy to see you. It's not too late to check on her, visiting hours is still open." He explained his reason to be here. The stallion approached the tree she was using and examined it. 

"Ah'm busy..." She glared at him as he eyed the damage she made. 

"Why are you doing this?"

She scoffed. "To get stronger."

"Why?" He asked calmly. 

"None of yer business."

"Is it because of Torchwick?"

"What about him?" Applejack growled. 

"Reports say that he possesses a power unknown to anyone, and not only that, he gave your friend Rainbow Dash this power. So I believe that you don't stand a chance against Torchwick."

"Are you tellin' me to give up?" Applejack took a step back, her fore hooves hung limply on her sides. 

"As an earth pony like you, I hold a disadvantage against Shadow Beasts. I don't have wings or a horn on my head like the other races." He traced the surface of the tree with his right gloved hoof. "But you don't need magic or wings, there are reasons why swords and spears or any weapons were invented. We use whatever we can to fight the horde of Shadow Beasts."

He took a few steps back, and lowered himself close to the ground with his right hoof raised close to his chest. 

"Cannons, bombs, even nature itself. We use what we can." In a blink of an eye, the stallion pounced on the tree and swung his hoof at it. Applejack's mouth was agape as he tore a chunk out of the tree with nothing but his gloved hoof. "We are the Iron Legion, anything useful against the Shadow Beasts are welcome." He turned to face her, determination on his face as she witnessed such a powerful attack. "You can train if you want, but if you want to deal some real damage, then come to the headquarters tomorrow."

The stallion walked off towards town, he had done what he wanted, maybe even more than he wanted. 

"Hold on sec'!" He paused and turned to face her. "Who are you?"

"I'm the one making sure things are running normally with the Iron Legion regiment, General Iron Hoof. Though I much prefer to be called by my birth name..."


"Ironwood."

> In The Right Hands
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman smiled at the canvas in front of him, the unfinished painting of Beacon sat waiting for his brush. He looked over his work to see the school itself and a total of seven people that stood in front of him. It was Red and her friends along with Ozpin, Glynda, and the tin man himself, James. Roman raised a thumb and stuck out his tongue. 

"Um, Ozpin, a little to the right..." He requested, and the old man followed his directions. "Now, Red, could you smile a little wider?"

The young girl did what he asked and smiled as wide as she could for Roman. A few more things were said and many more of his models had shifted about until they reached Roman's expectation. The thief smiled and continued painting. He moved his brush along the canvas, the school was almost identical, and his models in the painting were perfect. So much that it looked exactly like them. 

After a few more strokes, he smiled at his art. He took a step back to admire his work. Roman sighed with satisfaction, then he motioned a hand to his models and called them over. 

Red quickly used her semblance to cover the gap. "Wow!" She gasps, completely awed by Roman's work. "This looks amazing Roman!"

"I know, I know..." Roman raised his lighter towards the cigar in his lips.

"Is my forehead really that big?" James asked as he placed his gloved hand on his head. 

"You don't have to worry about that James." Ozpin reassured the General. "I'm sure Roman's hand slipped, that's all."

"If you say so..." James could hear Roman chuckle and sent the thief a glare.

"I don't like it." The Schnee gave Roman her opinion. 

Roman frowned. "Why the hell not, Ice Queen?"

"Well for one, I am not a horse." Schnee pointed at herself in the painting, she was indeed a horse instead of human. 

"Yeah..." The blonde one agreed. "I look great though, but why do I have a long face? Huh? Huh?" She wore a goofy smile after delivering her little pun. 

Everyone groaned loudly, especially Kitty Cat. "Yellow, that was terrible."

"Couldn't agree more Kitty Cat." Roman sighed as he inspected the painting, he didn't really understand their complaints, the picture was fine in his eyes. Everyone stood on two legs, not four, they had hands instead of hooves. "I don't see what you guys see..."

"I say it's fine as it is, Mr. Torchwick!" The very alluring voice of Cinder had graced his ears. Roman turned on his heel to greet the woman, but he had only found an empty space in front of him. "Down here, Mr. Torchwick." His head tilted down to find an ash grey unicorn with raven black mane in a beautiful red dress. She gave the thief a sultry smile. 

"What the hell?"

"Roman, what are we supposed to be anyways?" He heard Red ask him, Roman glanced behind his back. His eyes widened, everyone had transformed into a bunch of horses. The painting was fine, which was great. 

"Oh..." He said as he finally understood, everything wasn't real. "I'm dreaming!"

"Indeed you are Roman." A tall mare spoke as she stepped into his line of sight. "Good evening, Torchwick."

Roman grinned and straightened himself. "Well, hello to you too." But then his composer faltered. "Oh, you're a horse."

Luna's face formed a frown. "I am a pony, not a horse."

"Po-tay-to po-tah-to." Roman wave a dismissive hand. "Is this gonna be a regular thing in my dreams now?"

"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I will only come and keep an eye on you on a daily basis."

"Is this mare bothering you Mr. Torchwick?" Cinder the evil horse took a defensive step in front of Roman. 

"And who's this?"

Roman rested his hand on Cinder's head with a grin on his face. "Oh, this was my old employer back in my world, she isn't as nice as this one... Jealous?"

Luna scoffed. "Should I be, Roman?" She glanced over to the mare and eyed her carefully, but then she noticed a peculiar sight. A grey stallion in a white uniform conversing with a brown unicorn with a white mane. "What exactly did she need from a thief like you?"

Roman cupped his chin with his free hand. "Let's see... She needed Dust, so I robbed the city for them. And then she made me in charge of some terrorist Nazi group. To be honest, all you need to know is that she was practically a super villain." Roman covered Cinder's ears and leaned forward. "She once threatened to cook my family gems when I tried to run away." He whispered. 

Luna's face grimaced. "Dear mother above, she must have been a nightmare."

"You wouldn't believe it," Roman chuckled as he released the mare. "she had her hand on my throat everyday waiting to just snap my neck for one mistake. And the worse part is that she probably got what she wanted."

"Mr. Torchwick, would you like some cookies? I baked them specially for you." Cinder presented a tray of cookies from out of nowhere. 

Luna cocked a brow. "And this is how you see her in your dreams? A submissive admirer?"

Roman shrugged his shoulders. "Trust me on this, she deserves it." His eyes widened as an idea popped into his mind.

"Here Roman, a hamburger!" Red generously offered him a juicy looking hamburger. 

"Thank you Red!" Roman graciously accepted the burger. 

Roman eyed it hungrily, the scent of meat was strong and alluring. The lettuce between the bun and the party was beautiful, the melted cheese that compliments the burger was appetizing. It was everything he had remembered, and he already knew that it would taste just like home. One quick bite out of the burger was all it took to defeat the thief, a tear ran down his cheek as he savoured the burger and chewed slowly to lengthen his moment.

Torchwick stumbled back into a random couch, his knees were weak but his mind and soul was stronger than ever. For the first time ever since he had awoken on this planet, Roman was the happiest man ever. And before he even knew, the burger was already gone. Yet the taste is still present on his tongue. 

"That was certainly an interesting show, Torchwick."

He turned to face Luna who sat next to him on the couch. "You wouldn't understand." He said as he waved another hamburger in the air with his hand. "My kind are omnivores, and I already miss the taste of meat."

"Oh Roman," Cinder hopped on top of his lap and snuggled deeply on his chest, much to Roman's disapproval. "I can give you more if you want." She traced a hoof on his chin very uncomfortably. "Maybe I can even give you something different." She whispered. 

Quicker than Red's semblance, Roman shoved the mare off him. "Gross." He muttered aloud. 

"What's wrong Roman, didn't you like her this way?" Luna asked. 

"I just have some standards when it comes to females, more preferably, women."

"Oh, is that so?" Luna smirked. "There are no humans on this planet, and I can't say you are human since you have an equine body. It is better to give up and accept your new life such as it is."

"I'll accept it once I give up, and let me tell you how stubborn I am." He turned to face pony Cinder. "Hey, how about you go to the store and buy some headlight fluid?"

"Of course Roman!" With that, she went off to fulfill Roman's request. 

Somehow, the two had become alone in Beacon's courtyard. Red and her buddies were not around anymore, and Ozpin and his secret Illuminati team are nowhere to be seen. "So..." Roman began. "I never expected the Grimm to be on this planet."

Luna glanced at him once before going back to admiring the school. "What do you know of them?"

"They're nasty, soulless, and annoying. Really bad for business."

"They pose a threat to Equestria ever since the races were united, throughout history, they have been attacking settlements across the country. To fight them back, Captain Thorn Hoof had banded together mercenaries, warriors, and bandits to fend off these beasts. They were later known as the Iron Legion."

"So that's what they are meant for," Roman leaned back on the couch. "I gotta say, I'm impressed. They aren't like hunters though."

"Hunters?"

Roman smirked. "Back in my world, we have an occupation where you hunt Grimm for a living." He pointed a thumb over his shoulder and at the school behind him. "Behold, Beacon Academy, the most prestigious Hunter academy in all of Remnant. This is the place where you polish up what you've learned as a kid, and become an official Hunter/Huntress."

"So they teach you how to hunt these beasts? And you've studied on the Grimm from this school?"

"I spent three and a half years in this dump learning how to be a Hunter, and I was the top student when it came to Grimm studies." Roman grinned as he eyed the tower behind him. "Back when I had to use an oversized garden tool."

"Wait, three and a half?" Luna became quizzical. 

"Yeah," Roman sighed. "I dropped out of school before I could even graduate. Didn't get me my Hunters license, but I learned more things from that school, honestly."

"And what would that be?"

A villainous smile crept on his face, he gazed into Luna's eyes as his smile stretched side to side. "I learned how to fight a human. My real goal when I entered this school was to gain the advantage against humans and faunus. The best part is, I succeeded more than I thought I would."

"I see, truly, you are despicable." Luna glanced at the school once more. "I would like to learn more of this school and how it works."

"Visit me tomorrow, I'll tell you everything I know." 

"The Grimm as well?"

"That information ain't cheap, Luna."

Luna scoffed, she knew that she wouldn't easily get through him. It was better left as it is. "Aura, I wish to learn more about aura."

Roman paused for a second, he pondered about it. Then shook his head. "I just can't let that happen Luna, aura is priceless. In the wrong hands, who knows what they'll do."

"Hands like yours, Roman?"

Roman stuttered, he smiled at her. "Heh, touche."

"You must understand Roman, that aura is useful in more ways than one." She hopped off the couch and onto her hooves. "This could save lives Roman, the Iron Legion may be fearless against the horde of Grimm, but with aura, they can fight with more than their spears and swords. Roman, please."

Roman stared into her eyes, his expression was blank. After a second of silence, he answered her with an irritated groan. "Listen, I stand by what I say. Wrong hands, bad." He cleared his throat and sent his hand into his jacket. After digging through his dream items, he produced a piece of paper. "So how about you go find someone better than me."

Luna reached for it with her magic, she quickly scanned over the paper and read the contents. Her eyes widened. "Is this..."

"Those are the keys needed to unlock someone's aura, but it's useless to someone like you. Dash on the other hand..."

"Roman," She smiled. "I thought you would never give it up so easily."

"You're gonna bring Neo into this world, I just want to show you that I can be trusted. But I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?"

Roman's face hardened. "I want you to promise me that you will only unlock the aura of those you trust the most."

"Very well, I have a few ponies in mind." She cleared her throat. "Roman, I pro-"

"Royal promise, promise with your crown and title that you'll fulfill our deal."

Luna smirked. "I promise by my crown, my heart and soul, that I will only grant aura to those I trust the most."

"And leave Twilight out of it, don't give her aura until I give my say!"

"Why's that?" She felt a little confused. 

He only shrugged his shoulders. "I just don't like her that much, to be honest."

"Granted, I shall not unlock her aura. Though I am a bit confused that you would be indifferent with Twilight, she is the one who've summoned you here."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Yeah but... Wait, did she already tell you?"

"No, it was just easy to figure out." She smirked victoriously towards him. "Twilight Sparkle is a talented mage, maybe the only mage in Ponyville, so it would be no surprise that she could open a rift between worlds. You should be grateful, with her knowledge, I can bring your friend to this world even quicker."

Roman stopped to think about it, and as much as he disliked the unicorn, Luna's point did make a lot of sense. "Alright, I'm happy, but I still don't want her to have aura. Maybe Applejack, but not her."

"I shall fulfill your request." Luna turned to leave, but then she looked back as her hooves stopped. "Roman... what do you plan on doing when I summon your friend?"

Roman grinned. "We play a game."




Roman awoke with a sharp gasp. He had pulled himself off the desk he had recently acquired with all sorts of paper and blueprints littered on top. He groaned loudly as he wiped the drool off his cheek and groaned once more when he noticed the stains of his saliva on the blueprint he was working on.

"Mr. Torchwick sir!" Lavender sang as she approached him, he turned towards her groggily, still slightly asleep. "The Flim Flam brothers are here!"

Roman groaned one more time before digging through the mess on his table. After a few seconds, he fished out a few blueprints from under the pile and yawned. "Give them this... get me some coffee after..."

"Yes sir Mr. Torchwick!" She welcomed the number of blueprints on her back and made her way towards the exit where the twins waited.

Roman sighed as he tried to keep himself up, there were so much things to be done. "Boss!" Roman groaned. 

"What is it, you idiots?" The thief now fully awake, glared at the twins as they rushed over to his side. 

Both quickly skidded to a halt once Roman's glare landed on both of them. "B-boss." Flim stuttered. 

"We're sorry if we are bothering you boss, but, my brother and I are just glad to see you again." Roman raised a single brow. 

"Flam is right, when you left, Trixie had been hounding us with orders!" Flim almost cried, but he was man enough to keep the tears from dropping. "It was so stressful that we considered running away!"

"But we didn't, boss. We knew that you'd come back!"

Roman groaned, but then he smiled. "Alright boys, enough with the reunion. I miss you too. We got a lot of work ahead of us and you guys got a job to do. So hop to it and bring in the money!"

Flim couldn't hold back anymore, he broke down to tears in front of Roman. "W-welcome back, boss!" He said between sobs. 

Roman only chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, Lavender tried not to stare at the crying unicorn. As for Flam, he was fighting his own battle against his emotions as he patted his brother on the back. 

"There, there, Flim, our boss is back and Trixie can't hurt us anymore." Flam reassured his brother. 

Roman then glanced over to Trixie, the mare immediately jumped behind her wagon to hide from the Roman's gaze. 

"So what's on the agenda boss!" Flam brought up the blueprints that were given to them, his eyes scanned over it curiously. 

"You and your brother are going to do some business, a different kind of business that is." Roman grinned. 

"More than Dust powered toasters?"

"Yup."

"But boss, we've just started our company! We can't just do something like this!" Flim waved the blueprint in the air. "This just seems too much!"

"Listen, I thought Candlewick was just gonna be a simple source of income. But then I met those Grimm monsters at Ponyville." Roman chuckled. "Some may see the attack as a tragic event, but I see it as an opportunity. So you boys get started with this project, and I'll prepare the letter."

The twins looked at each other, for a second, it was if they were conversing with each other telepathically. Then both nodded before facing the thief. "On it, boss!" Flam saluted. 

"We won't let you down!" Flim promised to Roman before the two unicorns rushed off to the exit with the blueprints, leaving Roman's hideout for now. 

Roman returned to his work, a simple schematic of a VTOL bullhead. Unfinished, yet he was almost done. Roman checked his scroll for reference, a regular bullhead was his main reference. Soon he would be done, and only the future could tell him where he would go after. But the hardest part of this project was the materials, it just costs so much money and he doubted Lucky Spice would invest on it alone. Roman needed more support, and he knew exactly where to get them.

"Sigh... Lisa, where's my coffee?"
> Armed With Wings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What a poor display!" Ironwood commented. 

Dash huffed heavily as she got up from the ground, her body bruised and her soul weakened. She glared at the Legionnaire in front of her, Feather Storm was his name. The guard had been sparring against Dash the whole morning, here in the open field just in front of the headquarters. 

She roared as she charged towards the guard with speed faster than anyone could predict, but Storm just did the impossible and dodged her attack. Then he punished her with an elbow to the back. Dash came crashing down against the dirt, a cloud of dust kicked up as she drove through the grassy field and away from her opponent. 

"Pitiful," Ironwood scoffed. "looks like by the end of the day, you're just a weathermare."

Applejack could only watch as the General himself barked at her friend while a few guards spectated. As much as she disliked it when people insulted her friends, this was just how a stallion like Ironwood showed love, or so what the other Legionnaires said. 

It was only yesterday they had started training, she had come to the headquarters located at the southern side of Ponyville and it was there where she met her friend Rainbow Dash. They were both invited by the General to make use of their strengths, especially Dash's aura. The first day was simply an endurance test, Applejack and Dash were ordered to run a few laps around town and some obstacle course in the training room of the headquarters.

Now both of them are back, and already the General threw Dash into the grinder. Earlier she had to fight three other guards, she won flawless with her aura. But with her fight against Feather Storm, Ironwood had told her not to use her aura. The results were what he had expected, Dash was no match against a guard like Storm. 

As for Applejack, Ironwood has put her on a different training. "Applejack, eyes on the target." She heard Bronze Oak direct her. 

"Sorry." She apologized as she held the crossbow tightly. The weapon was propped up on a table to help her aim. A target stood a few meters down the grassy field.

It wasn't her first choice, though she was strong, the other weapons that the General had showcased were too much for Applejack since she was just a regular farmer. She wasn't like the mares in the regiment, those tough gals who were as strong as a bull. And it made sense that their weapons were big and heavy, they had to fight Grimm very frequently. So she ended up picking a crossbow, made with lightweight materials so she could carry it around. 

This was not what she had expected when she had returned to this place today, of course she had thought that she would get some sword, but everything was too darn heavy. Applejack couldn't even comprehend how strong the guards must have been to be lugging around heavy chunks of metal.

"Miss." Oak called her shot, and it was a disappointment. "Is there something wrong Applejack? You seem out of it."

"Sorry, Ah just got stuff on mah mind, that's all." She said as she reloaded her weapon. 

"I understand, it's not everyday that you would find yourself here." Oak sighed. "You don't join the Iron Legion actually, the Captains and the Generals at Canterlot decide if you got what it takes. If they didn't notice your skills and experience, then consider yourself lucky."

"What'cha sayin'? That I'm here because Ironwood wanted me in the regiment?"

"Yup," He said as another arrow was launched. "he had been trying to get you in for a long time now, especially Twilight Sparkles, but he knows he can't touch her. Hit, adjust for wind, going east." He directed her, the grass changed its stance and pointed towards the east instead. 

"Now why would he want some farmer and a stubborn weathermare?"

Oak smirked. "You're a hero, you and Rainbow Dash are two of the mares that defeated Nightmare Moon and all sorts of monsters. Iron Hoof saw potential in you both, and the rest of your friends as well."

"Fluttershy doesn't like conflict, and Rarity is not one for fightin'." She informed him. "Ah've seen Pinky bury a Grimm alive, but Ah don't think she can do more."

"But the General sees something in all of you- Miss -and the only reason he couldn't really recruit you and your friends was because you mares are just civilians. This doesn't include Twilight though, if she wasn't Celestia's personal student, then he would've thrown her at a scorpion Grimm."

Applejack sent a glare towards him. "Guess Ironwood just thought Roman was enough of a reason to bring me in."

A flash of light caused Applejack to miss her shot, Oak and the trainee snapped towards the sparring area and found a smoldering spot in the grassy field. Storm was just an inch away from it. A few guards murmured amongst themselves. 

"What do you think you're doing!?" Ironwood stomped his way towards the pegasus. 

"Using what I have! Isn't that your motto or something!? 'Anything to help save lives'!?" Dash said as she stood defiantly. 

"I specifically ordered that you don't use your aura!" Ironwood glared. 

"Yeah, but you aren't my boss!"

"So just because I am not your CO. gives you enough reason to nearly fry my Legionnaire!?"

Dash glanced over to Storm who was glaring at her with furrowed brows. "Oh..."

"That would be enough, General!" A voice boomed through the field, all eyes snapped towards the source to find princess Luna herself. With her was the rest of the Elements of Harmony, and two very familiar and almost identical unicorns. There were also a handful of Luna's guards surrounding them, keeping an eye out for trouble and escorting the princess. 

"Flim and Flam?" Applejack muttered confusedly. She couldn't really tell why they were here and why Flim was pulling a small cart with a tarp over it. But she smells trouble, and it was stinking up the place. 

"Your highness." Ironwood quickly bowed, so did the rest of the Iron Legions. 

"Rise, Iron Hoof, we have pressing matters to attend to."

"Of course," He turned towards Bronze Oak. "prepare the meeting room with haste."

"Right away sir!" He saluted before running through the doors of the headquarters.

"Hey guys!" Dash flew over to her friends. 

Twilight gasped at Dash's current state. "Rainbow Dash, what happened!?"

"Dash, do you need help?" Fluttershy spoke with concern. 

"Just when you've recently recovered from your injuries!" Rarity sighed. 

"Pfft! This is nothing! Just got a little rough when I was fighting that Storm guy." Dash reassured them. 

"Ah got a bigger question: what the hay are those two doin' here!?" Applejack questioned as she approached the group with her crossbow on her back. The ponies in question were the two regular stallions among them. 

"Hey there Applejack!" Flam smiled and tipped his hat. "I didn't know you were a guard. Does the farm need money or something?"

"We would be happy to take it off your hooves for awhile until you have stable income!" Flim offered. 

"Keep talkin' stupidly and Ah'll turn ya both into a porcupine." Applejack shook the crossbow to intimidate the twins. 

"Ahem!" Flim cleared his throat nervously. "W-we are merely here for business, nothing else!"

"Business?"

"Yes," Flam supported his brother. "we had started a small company at Manehattan and are here to speak with the General!"

"Is that true General?" Luna faced Ironwood with a single brow raised. "I thought they were just simple salesponies."

"Yes, they've sent me a letter yesterday and are offering me something interesting." Ironwood confirmed their claim. "I'll call for you Candlewick ponies later. Right this way your highness."

"No, our meeting can wait." Luna had decided, she eyed the twins with an unreadable look. "I am curious as to what these two would say."

The twins smiled. "Thank you your highness, we are lucky to be in your presence!" Flim said before pulling the wagon to a better position. 

"Truly, you do care for your people." Flam bowed for her. 

"Very well," Ironwood nodded his head. "please begin your presentation."

The twins started setting a few things up and made sure a few things were ready. Flam had taken a few boxes out of the wagon and placed them on a table that Flim had prepared. 

"So, what's all this?" Dash questioned. 

"Something that will change the war on Grimm." Ironwood said ominously. 

"Okay." Pinky smiled as she bounced on the spot. 

"Ah don't like it already." Applejack scoffed. 

"Applejack dearie, why don't we just give these boys a chance?" Rarity spoke. "I know how they had tried to steal your farm, but let's see what they are planning."

The twins rushed their work to save some time, tables, banners, and even a pie chart. Everything was prepared for their presentation. They both turned towards their audience, none of them had expected to present in front of the princess, they had thought the only ponies that would watch were some war veterans riddled with scars and such. Not Luna and the Elements.

Flim cleared his throat and fixed his bow tie. "Tell me General, what weapon do you use when the Grimm is just too far from the reach of your sword?"

"Cannons, bows, magic?" Flam listed. "Catapults?"

"Well General, my brother and I have come to you with a far better solution!"

Flam opened a very long box and took out a strange weapon. "May I introduce to you the future! Presenting the Atlesian Assault Rifle!" Flam quickly motioned it to Ironwood. 

The General took it into his own hooves and his eyes widened. "Excuse me, but could you hold this in your hooves for a second?" He had asked Twilight.

"Uh, sure..." Twilight reached for it, once the weapon was placed on her hooves, Twilight was shocked to find out how light the weapon was. "It's... not as heavy as I thought!"

"Woah, really!?" Dash tried to take the weapon, but Flam had quickly retrieved it. 

"Hold on there Missy, this isn't a toy!"

"My brother is right, this ma'am, is a weapon that could tear a pony apart with a single pull of a trigger! Made with lightweight materials and easy as well as quick to craft! Thirty rounds of pure Dust bullets, enough to turn an ordinary Grimm into swiss cheese!"

Flam grinned as he showcased the gun in his hooves. "Let me tell you, a crossbow only shoots a single bolt and you're out of ammo already! Well let me tell you something different," He pulled out a small box from the gun. "Like my brother said, thirty rounds of power ready to be chambered! No longer do you need to pull back the string of a crossbow," Flam pushed the magazine back in and pulled on the slide on top of the gun. "just pull, aim, and shoot! It's that simple!"

Luna was silent, as were the rest of the Iron Legion. They watched the unicorns curiously. 

As for Ironwood, he was definitely interested in the weapon. Lightweight, simple design. It was mentioned in the letter that it only took a day to craft a single weapon with six workers. If so, then we can make more in just a week. Enough to equip a small number of guards, maybe more. He thought to himself. 

"Now, would anyone like to try our weapon and show all what the future looked like!?" Flim waited for any guard brave enough, but none had raised their hooves, only two were in the air and they belonged to Pinkie and Dash. 

"Ah'll test your fancy weapon!" Applejack stepped forward, her crossbow was dropped to the side. "This better not be some scam, or else Ah'll bury y'all alive!"

The twins smiled nervously and presented the gun to her. "No scam, just honest business!" Flam assured her. 

"We'll see about that." She scoffed before taking the weapon into her hooves, she was also surprised at how light it was.

Applejack brought the gun over to the table she was using earlier and propped the AR on the surface. She pressed the end of the gun close to her as she eyed the target ahead. She exhaled for a second, then with her hoof, she pulled the trigger. Three thunderous claps had filled the air. Her eyes bulged out of her sockets as the recoil hit her, the power was so strong that it nearly threw her off the table along with the gun.

Her friends gasped as a single round rips a hole at the target in the distance. No... It wasn't just one... Applejack was awed by the small destruction the weapon had made, far more devastating than a crossbow.

Ironwood eyed the target, then he glanced over to the twins. "How is this possible?"

"Well General, it is all thanks to the magic of spring mechanism and gas power!" Flam pulled out a see through gun with its gears, springs, and ammunition revealed to all. "I can explain more later! For now, you can browse our weapons and get a first pick!"

"No need." Ironwood declined the offer. "Applejack, would you like something?"

Applejack was taken aback by his sudden question. "Ah think Ah'm fine with this one, sir." She motioned the gun in her hooves. 

"That's basic infantry type!" Flim scoffed. "For you Applejack, we have more in our inventory, so pick whatever you please while my brother and I speak with the General!"

"Alright then..." She walked over to the table where the rest of the weapons were while the twins started conversing with the General. The rest of her friends had come over to her side to see and sate their curiosity.

"Aw, why can't I get to pick one?" Dash whined. 

"Maybe he's still mad about earlier."

"About what?" Rarity inquired. 

"Dash nearly fried one of Ironwood's guys."

"Rainbow Dash, how could you!?" Rarity scolded her friend. 

"Hey, it was reflex, okay!?"

"I think you need to see someone for those bruises, Dash..." Fluttershy meekly said. 

"This is certainly an interesting design." Twilight spoke as she inspected the weapons before her. 

"This all seemed familiar..." Luna approached the six mares. "Somehow, I feel as if I've already seen these weapons. But from where?"

While Luna tried to recall where she had seen these objects, Applejack was looking at the weapons on the table. There were so many things, swords, spears. and guns. Yet they were not ordinary in any way. Her eyes then landed on an open box, two guns were inside it. 

One was a short over-under styled double barrel shotgun with a pistol grip. She took it into her hooves, instinctively, she pulled it open to see two empty chambers. Not only that, she could see a tiny miniscule gap in both barrels just an inch or so away. There was also a strange wheel on both sides of the top barrel, they were connected to some sort of thin piston that was attached to the grip under both barrels. A railing on top of it, yet it didn't look like you should put something on it. There was something more, the barrels were separated and just at the end, there was a joint that holds both of it together. The handle was strangely loose, the grip under both of the barrels was smooth.

She returned the gun to its place so she could check the next one. 

A lever action rifle with a revolving chamber. Unlike the smaller and similar ones on the table, this gun doesn't take small bullets, the cylinder was just too large. The strangest part about the gun was the barrel, or the lack of it. What's in its place was what other people would call a snub nose. The lever was interesting, with every swing the cylinder turns, it also pushes the hammer back making it ready for the next round. It was odd, but alluring. 

Her eyes landed on two smaller boxes next to the box the gun originated from, they were ammunition for the guns, she could tell it was.

Taking both of the guns and a handful of ammo, she brought it over to the table she worked on earlier. Unconsciously, she flicked the cylinder open and loaded in the bullets that were called 7.62.

Pressing the butt of the "rifle" against her shoulder, she stared down the railing on top of the revolver. A reticle flipped up from the snub nose, Applejack whistled as she looked through the small sight. She placed her hoof just under the barrel, though she shouldn't really, but it was safe enough for her hoof to be there. A second later, she pulled the trigger. Her body shook as the bullet exited the barrel and towards the target, only to hit the dirt instead of the target. 

Applejack furrowed her brows as she loads in another round. The lever made it easy, and the cylinder moved when she pushed the lever forward. Far easier than a crossbow. 

"That's for close range, Applejack." Just before she could even fire another round, Flim had suddenly spoke. "And the shotgun as well."

"Then what's the point? This seems like the kind you use fer the far targets." Applejack pushed the gun towards the unicorn.

Flim grinned as he raised the weapons up into the air. A click was heard, then the shotgun just started shifting. First, its grip sinned into the gun, the two barrels disconnected itself from the weapon and both of them snapped together thanks to the joint. Then it slid over the railings of the shotgun with the grip following as the piston transformed it into its second form. The trigger had also retracted into the gun. Once the handle was far over the gun, the two chambers were exposed. 

The next part was simpler than the shotgun, the muzzle just flipped over and acted as a scope. Finally, Flim connects the two guns together to create a long barreled rifle. Then he handed it to Applejack who was in awe. She brought it around to stare into the barrel, it was narrow unlike before, she noticed that there was a mechanism that pushed the surface together to create a smaller barrel to allow the bullet in the revolver to ride smoothly through. 

"This just seems a little over excessive."

"Applejack, it's not about being over excessive, it's about style! And destruction!" He cleared his throat. "Separated, you have two ways to fight when the enemy is too close. The shotgun for some devastating damage while the 'rifle' is for mid range. Together, then you got yourself a sniper rifle!"

"Ah'll take your word fer it."

"Just press the button on the side of the shotgun, and poof, an extended barrel for your rifle." With that, Flim left to reunite with his brother. 

Applejack stared at the weapon, it was heavier than before, obviously with both weapons together. She peered through the sight, the short barrel serving as a scope for Applejack yet it did not increase her vision. All she could do was trust her instinct with aiming.

She exhaled, her hoof pulled the trigger. Her body was ready for the recoil. But there was no thunder. Applejack was confused, the weapon had only heard a quiet pop from the weapon. "What?" She asked herself. 

"That's right Applejack!" Flam had popped out of nowhere nearly scaring the mare in the process. "The shotgun barrels also serve as a suppressor! Use this rifle and no one would be able to pinpoint your location!"

"So, you think that this gun is it!?" Flim entered the scene.

Applejack stared at them, then at the gun in her hooves. A smirk found itself on her face as she heaved the weapon over her shoulder. "Got a name for the pretty girl?" She had remembered everything Roman had said about naming a weapon, an extension of yourself, and a tool to separate you from the dead. 

"No name, it is entirely up to the buyer." Flam grinned. 

AJ pressed a hoof on her chin. She stared off to the space next to her. Then she waved her hoof. "Next time. So, Ah can just have this?"

"Yes indeed!" Flim raised a waiver and a quill right in front of her. "Just sign here, here, and here!" His hoof darted across the paper pointing on the blank spaces. "The Candlewick Corp. is not responsible for any injuries caused by our Dust products or our new manufactured weapons, and we are not liable for weapon malfunction during combat against Grimm. We will provide a pamphlet for proper use of Dust and Dust ammunition, as well as guides on weapon maintenance to keep the weapon of your choice in top condition free of charge. Sign up for our newsletter and we will give away a Dust powered toaster for free!"

"And if you order our brand new Mini Dust Generator right now, you get a 50% discount and free delivery!" Flam added as he showed Applejack a strange looking plastic box the size of an apple with an outlet. 

"Alright..." She took the quill with her teeth and signed the waiver. 

"Perfect!" Flam dropped a box right in front of her. "Here are your first rounds of Dust ammunition, your toaster, Mini Generator, and a complimentary Dust key chain!"

"Here's your bill." Flim slapped the bill on her face. 

She groaned loudly before ripping the piece of paper off her face, she took a good look on it then her face blanched. "W-what!? Ah don't have that kind of money!"

Flam grinned while his brother ran off to speak with the others, a few Legionnaires window shopping their products. "Sorry Applejack, but you've already signed the waiver! Dust is a rare crystal that is hard to find, and the ammunition is high quality! Our motto is 'Quality over quantity'!"

"You good for nothin' swindler!"

"It's alright Applejack!" A voice that demanded respect cuts into the conversation. Ironwood had taken a step next to the unicorn. "We will cover the expenses, just leave it to us. But try not to buy too much in the future."

"Thank heavens." Applejack sighed. 

"And you," Flam flinched as Ironwood's gaze landed on him. "I will not take kindly to your type, the Iron Legion had its fair share of scams. So it would be best if you keep it genuine."

"Y-yes sir General!" Flam scuttled away from the imposing leader of the Iron Legion. 

"Thanks, General Ironwood." Applejack smiled. 

"You may call me Ironwood, you're not affiliated to the regiment, and I need you in top shape Applejack, you'll play a big role in capturing Roman Torchwick." The General started walking off towards princess Luna. "Now, we have other business to attend to. Follow me Applejack."




Roman stared blankly at Trixie, his sombrero sat on his head loosely, the moustache nearly falling off his face. "You have to be joking!"
> Two New Threats
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You have to be joking!"

Roman's eye twitched a little as he stared at Trixie who had a sheepish look on her face. His sombrero slipped a little to the side, his fake moustache nearly fell once he learned something unbelievable. Trixie was also wearing the same disguise as Roman, fake moustache and all. 

Both criminals were just enjoying their time in the city, they were leisurely walking about Manehattan, getting some fresh air and stretching their legs, Roman had enough being cooped up in the hideout. 

Humiliated by the subject, Trixie slipped her sombrero down to hide her face. "Trixie doesn't even understand how it works! All Trixie knows is, it just does!"

"How is that even possible!?"

"I just don't know, okay! Let's just forget it..."

"So, that time you showed up at Ponyville was because of her?" Roman's mouth twitched a little as he tried to understand. "I thought you had been practicing your magic."

"Roman, can we forget the subject and just go for some peanuts?" 

Roman sighed. "Yeah, it would be better."

As both were walking through the city minding their own business, a random stallion had rudely ran through between them, his saddle bags shook loudly as he dashed away. Trixie quickly turned to complain at the stallion as he ran further away. 

"Watch it you idiot!" She yelled, but her words couldn't reach the stallion. 

"Some people just don't have manners in this city." Roman scoffed. Before he could even say another word, his eyes had landed at a street light that he had passed a second ago. Right on top of it was a small nevermore, Roman's face contorted into a grimace. You gotta be kidding me. 

"Hey, that's a weird looking bird!" Trixie pointed out. 

"That's a nevermore Grimm, as to why it's here, I got a hunch." Roman continued forward, ignoring the Grimm that watches him with red glowing orbs. "That damn beowolf is smarter than it looks."

"You mean the one we fought?"

"There's only one reason why a Grimm isn't pecking someone's eye out right now, it's to keep an eye on me." Trixie's face blanched upon Roman's theory. "Damn wolf is probably waiting outside the city for another chance."

"Should we inform the Iron Legion? They are adept against these Grimm beasts. Or so I heard."

"And be forced to wear orange? God no!" Trixie flinched a little from the sudden increase of volume from Roman's voice. "I rather not risk it, there's no telling what they can do."

"Alright..."

"Let's just get some peanuts, I need some salt right now."




"So what did you wish to tell me, your highness." Ironwood spoke, he stared at the alicorn across the large oval table. 

Twilight and her friends sat on one side while a few Legionnaires sat on the other. The guards wore a hardened look as they awaited for their princess to speak. Bronze Oak and Feather Storm stood on Ironwood's side, as it was customary for every meeting held in the headquarters. Oak was Ironwood's right hand man, while Storm was his personal scout. Both were his most trusted guards in the regiment, good soldiers who followed every order and command. 

Applejack had her brand new weapon with her, the deadly shotgun rested on her shoulder as she sat comfortably on her chair while her pistol/rifle was placed on the table. This garnered some respect from the Legionnaires across her. Some even gave her a light nod and a smirk to show her that she was welcomed to the regiment. While a few gave Dash a very peeved off look. Dash returned the favor by sticking out her tongue at them, this increased the tension between her and the small number of guards. 

Luna was about to speak, but a pony in a grey uniform had just entered the room pushing a trolley with a steaming kettle. The room was silent as the pony served them the tea, Rarity eagerly accepted and gave a quiet "Thank you." to the pony. 

"Coffee. Black." Ironwood ordered as the pony reached him. They quickly prepared his order and served him a hot cup of strong coffee. 

Once finished with their task, the pony quickly but carefully leaves the room. 

Luna cleared her throat, then she spoke. "I have been speaking with Torchwick."

This caused an uproar with the guards. The Legionnaires spoke loudly to each other and to the princess. Their voices clashed as they gave their opinions and suggestions. The Elements were taken aback by how chaotic the guards became with each other. One had even tried to stand up, but instead they had slipped and slammed their own face against the table spilling hot tea on themselves. The others simply ignored the unconscious guard and continued to bicker with each other. 

"That crook!? Then we should just drag him into jail right now!" One spoke. 

"No, it's better to conscript him, he showed both skills and knowledge!"

"Are we taking criminals in now!? I thought the Legion knew better!?" Another argued. 

Ironwood's hoof slammed against the table and the guards went silent as a mouse. 

"May I ask how and why, your highness?" Ironwood leaned forward on the table, his eyes hardened as he listened intently to Luna. Applejack did the same, her friends followed as everyone had been curious to Luna's explanation. 

"A few days ago, I had discovered his realm of dreams. There we conversed." Ironwood cocked a brow. "At first, I was simply curious as to who this pony was. But then I've discovered more than I expected." Her eyes shot towards Twilight, the unicorn froze under her gaze, none had noticed this as they were too focused on Luna. "Roman Torchwick is not from this world."

The whole room gasped, the guards nearly erupted once more but we're quickly silenced by Ironwood. 

"What the hay?" Applejack cursed. 

"Wait, that kinda explains a lot of things..." Dash pointed out. 

"An alien?" Pinkie frowned. "But Roman isn't even green."

The three were quickly hushed by Storm. 

"Elaborate." One single word, Ironwood was straight to the point. 

Luna nodded. "A unicorn had meddled with reality across the dimensions." Dash for a second did not have a clue to who the unicorn was, that is until a light bulb lit up in her mind, she was not alone, the rest of her friends had swiveled their heads towards the only unicorn strong enough to commit something so grand. Twilight then flashed her friends with a sheepish smile before Luna continued. "Roman Torchwick was summoned here by a powerful unicorn, not only that, he is not even a pony. But a strange creature that is called a 'human', the summoning spell tampered with his body and transformed him into a pegasus stallion, giving him a sense of anonymity among the ponies. Using this new form of his, he is able to hide among us."

"Do we have a lead on who this unicorn is?" Ironwood inquired. 

"Yes," Luna nodded, she stood up on her hooves and turned towards the cause of Roman's appearance. "isn't that right Twilight Sparkle?"

Half of it was already staring at Twilight, now all of it was focused on her. She shrunk on her seat as everyone stared at her, then she shyly grinned at them. 

"I have to say Twilight Sparkle, I knew you had great potential," Ironwood complimented her. "but never have I thought you could bring an alien into our world. Show me."

Twilight's eyes widened, Ironwood's gaze quickened the pace of her heart. "R-right now?" She asked. 

Ironwood stood up then took a few steps back. "Yes." The guards followed their leader, the chairs they were seated in screeched as they got off of it and moved away from the table, their hooves tapped against the floor loudly and then it went silent as they stood waiting. 

Luna mimicked Ironwood's decision and stood far from Twilight. 

Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat as Ironwood and his guards waited, a sweat ran down her cheek as she nervously climbed off her seat. A hoof was placed on her shoulder, she looked to her side to find Dash standing next to her. Dash gave her a nod as the others chose to stay by her side. She smiled meekly. "Thanks..." She whispered. 

"No problem!" Dash smiled back at her. 

"Really darling, did you honestly believe we would leave your side?" Rarity smirked.

"Besides," Applejack spoke. "you look like a badger stuck in a tuba!"

"Ha!" Pinkie snorted a laugh. "Tuba."

"Anytime now, Sparkle." Ironwood frowned. 

Before Dash could even say a word, Twilight had raised a hoof to stop her. "Alright, General. I will now attempt to summon a creature from Roman's world. Any requests?"

Ironwood pondered for a second, then he met her eyes with a passive look. "Bring me someone who could talk."

Twilight nodded, her horn glowed for a second, then poof! She was gone. But before anyone could say a word, Twilight had immediately returned, but she had brought with her a book. She quickly flicked through the pages before stopping at the one she was looking for. Twilight laid down the book on the table, her horn flickered alight. 

Luna waited with curiosity, she wondered what kind of creature Twilight would summon, all she could do was watch. 

Twilight started muttering something under her breath, words that were foreign to Ironwood. Twilight's horn started sparking, a purple lighting arched around the room as everything started to glow pink, then red. The lightning from her horn struck the table, and as if it was a pen it drew a circle on the table itself. The guards muttered amongst themselves as they saw it carve a symbol on the table. 

Ironwood eyed it carefully, it was a head of a beast, one that looked ferocious, three claw marks were cut into the symbol. Giving it an intimidating design. That's when Ironwood had a strange feeling in his gut, somehow the symbol reminded him of Grimm, the way it looked as if it was owned by savages. The General glanced at his two trusted soldiers, they nodded back at him and drew their weapons out. Noticing this, Applejack quickly hopped away and raised her pistol towards the middle, her sudden shift had caused the rest of the guards to prepare their own weapons. 

Dash and the rest of her friends were too busy being awed by Twilight's performance to notice the change in the air. Luna simply waited for the results. 

Soon enough, the lightning stopped and started forming a ball of purple light. Luna's eyes widened, her horn lit up and the light changed to blue, this almost broke Twilight's focus but she simply continued with the spell. 

And with an anti climatic pop, the light vanished. In its place was a brown stallion with a short chestnut mane, he wore a simple white shirt and a green apron. The stallion stood on his hind hooves and held a broom on the other. A pair of round glasses was on his snout, and his cutie mark was also just a pair of round glasses. What was really worth noting was that he had a pair of floppy ears on the side of his head, giving him a total of four ears. 

He stared at Twilight for a second, then screamed loudly as he defensively raised his broom. "Oh god, what the hell!?" He screamed. 

"Calm down now! I know this looks weird, but we can answer all of your questions if you just put down the broom." Twilight tried her best not to look menacing, but somehow it failed as the strange stallion bonked her on the head with the broom. 

"Hey!" Dash scowled, only to be slapped by the same broom. "That does it!" Before she could even pounce on him, Ironwood had simply ripped the broom out of the stallion's hooves. 

"That's enough." He frowned. 

That's when things turned weird. The stallion screamed as tears rolled down his cheeks, he quickly dived to the floor and bowed before the General. All eyes were on him as he cried. "I'm sorry!"

"What?" Oak cocked a brow as he stepped closer to the weeping stallion. 

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry,  I'M SORRRRRRRRYYYYYY!" He apologized. "Please don't kill me, General Ironwood!"

"How do you know my name?"

The stallion raised his head, eyes red from the tears. "Y-you don't know?" He rose back to his two hooves, but quickly shifted to four. "Now that I think of it, you aren't James Ironwood."

"Enough with the riddles."

"So-sorry... Wrong guy." He smiled sheepishly, then it just clicked. "Wait, this isn't Vacuo! And you guys aren't even human or faunus!"

"Who the heck are you anyways!?" Dash asked as she tried not to jump at the stallion and slam her hoof on his face.

"I'm Perry..." He paused for a second, his eyes caught the symbol etched on the table. "Are you guys White Fang?"

"No," Ironwood answered. "We are the Iron Legion, the main line of defence against the Grimm."

"Oh, you got Grimm problems too?" 

"What can you tell me about the Grimm?" Ironwood glared at Perry. 

Perry simply shrugged his shoulders. "I never studied on Grimm..."

"I see."

Luna then enters conversation, starting with a question for Perry. "Do you know who Roman Torchwick is?"

Perry froze, then he stared at her intently. "He's alive!?" A smile cracked on his face. "I knew it!" Then he frowned. "Great, he's alive..."

"You seem to take this situation rather lightly." Luna pointed out. 

Perry shrugged his shoulders. "Life sucks back home. Maybe this place is better. No humans right?"

"None, unless you count Torchwick who is a human in pony skin. Just like you."

Perry scowled. "I'm not a human lady, I'm a faunus! And what do you mean just like-" His eyes wandered down to see hooves instead of hands of feet. Then he fainted. His body came crashing down against the hard floor with a loud thud, Fluttershy and Rarity flinched while the others only watched him land on the solid ground. 

The General sighed. "Take him to the infirmary, and interrogate him once he wakes up, find out anything useful from this... creature." Ironwood motioned for his guards and gave them his order. 

"Aren't we gonna send him back?" Twilight questioned. 

"Can you?" Was all it took to silence the unicorn. In truth, Twilight had not even tried to reverse her spell, not once had she thought of it. The idea had never crossed her mind once. 

"This will be important Twilight." Luna returned to her seat. "Everyone, return to your seat. Ironwood, I would like that your most trusted stay in this room while the rest leaves."

Ironwood nodded at her, then he nodded to the other guards, most had left, leaving only three guards in the room, not counting Storm and Oak as they stood where they belonged. Once the door closed and the last guard had already left, Ironwood faced Luna expectantly. 

"Applejack?" Luna called out to the farm pony. 

"Yes, princess?"

"What do you know about aura?"




"And then Trixie slammed the ninja against the wall, right after I dodged their attack!" Trixie playfully swung her hoof across her as Roman listened to her story. "Then the ninja ran away and Trixie shot them with a rocket! Flim and Flam gasped as Trixie escaped through the doors of the bank, right into enemy territory!"

"But Lisa told me you had a bruise on your face when you got back into the hideout. I'm pretty sure the ninja got you back there."

Trixie scoffed. "She must have thought wrong! Trixie was probably just tired and she had mistaken the bruise for something else!"

"Deny it all you want Trix', by the end of the day, your magic skills are below-"

"Shut up!" She hissed. "I am better than her, you'll see! Trixie will outshine her and then I will be the one who defeats Twilight Sparkle, not that damn- hey, it's that guy!" Her hoof shot up and pouted itself towards the stallion from before, he was occupied with speaking to some peanut salesman that he didn't notice the two criminals approaching him. 

Once he was done ordering some peanuts, he turned around and was met with a very angry Trixie with a moustache and a sombrero. "Oh dear..."

"'Oh dear' is right buster!" She glared at him and her horn lit up under her sombrero. "Someone outta teach you some manners!"

"I-I would like to advise you not to do that, miss. Attacking a poor defenceless pony such as me would truly tarnish your reputation." He said. 

"Tri- I mean... Cobalt decides to do whatever Cobalt pleases!" But before she could even cast a harmful spell, her hoof slipped on something and she came down with a loud thud, her face planted against the pavement. 

The stallion took this moment to run away, Trixie launched off the ground to tackle him, but her hoof was just out of reach. Roman only watched as Trixie face planted on the pavement for a second time, he chuckled lightly as the stallion escaped.

"Having fun down there?"

"That damn dolt got away!"

"That's your problem." Roman shrugged his shoulders. "At least we got something out of it."

Trixie cocked a brow, she got up to her hooves and made sure her disguise was in place. "What's that?"

Roman raised a sketchbook up. "I tried to steal his bits, but I only managed to get this."

"Ooh! Maybe we can steal his art!" Trixie swiped the book from Roman and opened it to see what sketches it holds. 

"You do that while I go buy us some peanuts."

"Roman wait!" Trixie jumped into his path and shoved the sketchbook onto his face. "Look!"

"Damn it Cobalt! What exactly is so important that-" His eyes widened, his breath hitched, and his heart quickened. The beat was so loud in his chest that he could practically hear it in his ears. "What?"

The sketch that really had Roman's attention was something he had not expected in this world. On the page was a detailed sketch of a human, more accurately, a girl with an oversized garden tool. It depicted her standing over a decaying nevermore that had its head severed. 

"Red..." He muttered, then he noticed a name written on the top right corner. "Ruby Rose? What a dumb name."

"That's a human right? Just like from what you described!" Trixie asked as she leaned against Roman's face to get a good look at the sketch. Trixie used her magic to turn the page, her eyes widened as she saw what was on it. "That looks like you!" She exclaimed. 

Roman scoffed. "That is me. As much as I am happy to see my handsome face, we have bigger problems to solve." Roman shoved the book into Trixie's hooves and stared off towards the direction the stallion had run. "And I want some answers."
> Thunder Blossom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack stared at her work, six bullets inside the red circle. A perfect bullseye, she had to pat herself on the back for this one. When she first started training her marksmanship yesterday, she was but a newbie. But after the guidance of Bronze Oak, she almost called herself the best. If she wasn't humble that is.

Then there was Rainbow Dash, she was just nearby leaning against the wall of the headquarters with a notebook. The pegasus was busy writing or doing something in the notebook. The pencil in Dash's mouth scribbled loudly, curiosity got the better of AJ, so she decided to go over and see what the pegasus was doing. Applejack noticed that the notebook had a name written on the cover, she furrowed her brows as she easily understood that the object doesn't even belong to Dash.

"Dash, what'cha doin'?"

Dash looked away from the notebook and glared at her friend. "Shush, I'm trying to focus!" She shushed Applejack before continuing with whatever she was doing. 

"And what exactly is so important, that you had to hide here?"

"I'm not hiding!" Dash shot up from her spot. "I'm just taking a break, you know how Feather Storm is, he's so strict and boring!"

"Dash, he literally tossed you through a wall, built by the Iron Legion no less!" Applejack sighed. "You're just scared of facing the rest of the guards, aren't you?"

Dash groaned as she slumped against the wall. "He's saying that I need to fight against large numbers, like I'm gonna be fighting the Grimm."

"Dash, you might know about this, but Oak told me that ever since we defeated Nightmare Moon, Ironwood had been tryin' to recruit us."

"Wait, really?"

"Eeyup, he just couldn't since we ain't part of the military, and Ah'm pretty sure he saw Roman as a good enough reason."

"Well, he better not expect me to stick around once we catch Roman!"

"Same here, sugarcube... Same here."

"Oh, speaking of which!" Dash dropped her pencil as a thought came into her mind. "So how do you feel about all this? The fact that Roman is an alien thing, I mean."

"Ah don't know what to think," Applejack shook her head dismissively. "All Ah know is that we need to throw the book at 'em and show Roman that his way of life is just no good."

"Pfft! That sounds boring!" Dash grinned. "You know what I think? Me and him are gonna have an epic battle! His weird explodey cane thing, versus my cool weapon!" Dash then showed Applejack what she was doing, the notebook opened and revealed to the farmer a very interesting doodle.

"You gonna go fight Roman with that?"

"Heck yeah, and I'll look awesome as I do so!" Dash held her head high as she presented her rough 'sketch'. "I present to you, Thunder Blossom! Very very awesome!"

"Dash, this just looks like a child drew it. And Ah can't really tell what exactly is goin' on."

"Whatever! Just help me talk to the blacksmiths inside so I can ask them to make it."

"Ugh, fine. Ah'm done training anyways."




Down below the headquarters of the Iron Legion, a forge was built, a place where weapons and armor are made or fixed. The Legionnaires rarely visit the forge since every guard in the regiment is well drilled on weapon and armor maintenance. And for the first time ever, Dash and Applejack felt as if they got lost in a desert. The heat was bearable, but it was so bad that both mares started sweating down from their brows. 

As they traveled through the hallway, getting ever closer to the forge, the heat got even stronger. 

And once they had arrived at the entry of the forge, Applejack started to feel as if she was melting, and Dash had to wipe her face with her wing. "Hello?" Dash called out as she and AJ entered. "Anybody here?"

"Welcome!" A voice boomed through the room and blew the sweat off their faces. "I didn't expect anyone to come by today!" A very large stallion spoke as he came out of nowhere. "But... you two ain't Legionnaires."

Applejack cleared her throat. "Well, we aren't. We are just helpin' the General with catching a thief. Dash and Ah aren't here for long."

"That's too bad..." The stallion grumbled. "You two look like some tough cookies, not like the mares I've seen around here though. They can lift a sword bigger than them!" He laughed as he pulled the two towards the middle. "No need to introduce yourselves, I have heard of you and your friends and how you saved Equestria! I'm honored to be in your presence. I'm Crimson Forge, the proud owner and master of this forge you see here!"

He pointed a hoof towards another large stallion, but this one had a big metal jaw on his face, and he stared at them strangely. 

"That's my partner, Ratchet. But the others started to call him Lockjaw on the account of the metal... you get the picture. And don't mind him, doesn't really talk much." Crimson sighed deeply. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Oh, well..." Dash opened the page where her weapon was drawn on and showed it to Crimson Forge. "I kinda want to have this idea of mine made."

Crimson stared at the drawing, then grinned. "If you want it, then you have to make it yourself!"

"What, why!?"

"'ecause," Lockjaw started speaking, but something was odd about the way he spoke. "ed-ry eh-on a guard awnts is aid ay enselus."

"What?" Both mares asked. 

"He said 'Because every weapon a guard wants, is made by themselves.', sorry, Lockjaw lost his lower jaw along with his lower lip, lucky for him he didn't lose his tongue. Can't really say the letters that need both lips." Crimson translated for the two and explained Lockjaw's predicament. "Anyways, he's right, any Legionnaire that comes here wanting a weapon, they have to make it themselves. We only do maintenance, and any orders from the General. We will also provide you with every material needed to make this... weapon. I have to be honest here, I have never seen this design all my life. And I've seen those strange guns that the General bought."

"But, I don't know how to use a forge, let alone know how to smith a weapon!"

"'e can teach yu." Lockjaw offered. 

"Yeah, we can teach you! It's been awhile since we had a newbie in the forge!"

Dash groaned loudly as she hung her head low. "Dang it, I don't want to work."

Crimson pulled Dash closer and lifted her tiny body in the air. "Don't worry, with us around, you'll be done in no time!"

"Applejack, help, I don't want to work!" She pleaded, but the farmer was already gone, leaving her alone to face her responsibilities and make her own weapon. "AJ you traitor, I'll get you for this!"




Lucky Spice stared at the sketchbook that was placed on the table in front of her, she looked up to see the deadly look in Roman's eye, it was obvious he wanted something. She glanced over Trixie, the showmare was also focused on the sketchbook. Then Spice looked over to Trixie's assistants, the two mares were busy preparing coffee for everyone. 

Spice took the book into her hooves and brought it closer, she inspected the sketch, it depicted a man sitting on a throne with guns and swords pointed at the man. The most interesting part of the sketch was the fact that it resembled the resident criminal. Spice guessed that this is what Roman would have looked like if he had kept his original form. 

"May I ask what this means, Roman? It's just that I am a bit out of the loop." Spice leaned back against the couch and waited for Roman to explain. 

"You might have guessed that this handsome fellow is actually me, well, an accurate sketch of me."

"I've noticed. But what exactly do you need of me?"

Roman sighed. "I need you to find the pony who owns this sketchbook."

"Well Roman, I would need more detail than that. For starters, what is their cutie mark?"

"I didn't see, I was too focused on stealing from him, that I didn't really care. Thought he was just a nobody."

"And then you thought wrong." Spice grinned. "So a stallion? What race?"

"Oh, he was an earth pony!" Trixie informed them. 

"Yeah, and he has a brown coat. His mane is also brown but in a darker shade." Roman listed off what he knows. "This is pretty much what we know by appearance, but from what I found..."

Roman flicked the pages until it landed on a very interesting sketch. It was what a human would call a biplane. Not only that, there were many words and paragraphs that some would think that this was a sketch design for a plane that has yet to be invented. "What is it?" Spice asked. 

"This is what my kind called a plane, a vehicle made for flight. This is an old invention in my people's history. And from what this tells us is that this pony is an inventor." Roman explained. Then he flicked to a different page. "And this sketch is a zeppelin, it is already invented in this timeline of yours, but the design is what makes this zeppelin a lot different than yours."

The two assistants had finished their work and started serving the three coffees of their personal taste. Simple white coffee for Trixie, and black for Roman and Spice. 

"This particular blimp was used during the Great War, owned by the faction Vale. They used this to sneak through enemies defences and drop bombs on top of them, this thing was silent as a mouse, and really big. This means that whoever this guy is, he's from Vale specifically."

"You seem to know a lot about this zeppelin, Mr. Torchwick!" Lavender pointed out. 

Roman shrugged his shoulders with a grin. "Well that's because I broke into a museum once, and trust me, it was a boring night."

"I see... And you request that I find him?" Spice looked expectantly towards Roman. 

"Yes."

Spice shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I am going to decline your request."

Roman groaned. "Alright... what do you need?"

The old mare smiled as she brought her coffee to her lips. "My cousin was supposed to make a deal with another... 'association', but they decided to say no and stole both my money and my products."

Roman was silent for a second. "Are you dealing with drugs?"

"What!?" Spice looked appalled as the rest of the mares in the room had their eyes widened. "Heavens no! I may have done a few shady businesses here and there, but my associates and I do not deal with drugs!"

"Wait, so you run a mafia or something? First time I'm hearing it."

"Do I look like a cruel ruffian in the streets? Roman, we are not some kind of gang, we are just a group of friends and family working together for our own benefit. Just trying to live on this planet where chaos and destruction is just around the bend." Then she cleared her throat. "The ponies who stole my money on the other hoof, they are what I would call a mafia."

"Meh," Roman shrugged his shoulders. "I don't care either way, so give me the details."




Dash huffed loudly, her body ached a little, thanks to her aura, she didn't have to feel the full fatigue of working in a forge. She wiped the sweat off her brows, the heat was practically melting her, but she kept pushing. She lifted the hammer high and brought it down one last time at the glowing piece of metal. Sparks flew as the hammer struck the heated steel. 

Crimson whistled proudly as he watched Dash working on her weapon. Lockjaw simply slept at the corner of the room, under this scorching heat. 

Dash sighed and plunged the molten metal into water, it hissed and steam grew. "I think... I'm done..." She huffed as she placed the final piece on top of a table with other parts of her weapon, there was only one last thing to do before she finished. 

"Fantastic work! Though there were a bit of... mistakes, we can work around that. Now it's time to assemble it!"

"Can't I take a break!? I have been working on this for hours!" She whined. "Can't you at least help me on this?"

Crimson shook his head. "Nope, you drew it, and I had to redo your 'rough' sketch just to make it work. So... Thunder Blossom? Sounds too girly."

"I'm a girl you know..."

"You are?" He said with obvious disbelief. "I thought you were a stallion!"

Feeling insulted, Dash growled at the older pony with a glare that could be compared with the heat of the forge. "I'm gonna pretend that I didn't hear that." She said as if she was spitting poison. 

"Alright, whatever. Let's just focus on your wea-"

"Done."

Crimson needed to take a second to understand, just a second ago, bits and pieces were scattered on the table, and now it was all together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. The final product now laid on the table, the Thunder Blossom. Crimson could tell why she picked the name, it was a simple design, yet Crimson had never ever seen it before. 

"Can you tell me, what inspired you to make this thing? It's kinda... excessive."

"Well, you might have heard of that unicorn that hangs around Roman, right?" The large stallion nodded. "You might not believe me, but she has this small ball made of steel, and a rod that extends out of it and it turns into some kind of magician's cane."

"Is that all? Kinda sounds a little too simple."

"Not just that, the rod thing breaks apart but is connected to some cable, and now the cane turns into a flail that could stretch really far."

"Now that's something I have to see!" He said excitedly. "Anything else?"

"The ball thing also holds some tiny bottles of what I think are Dust. She could do some cool stuff like making ice from nothing."

"Tell me about Roman! I heard he has some magic cane, but I'm more of a science kind of pony."

"Next time, I just need... wait, what time is it?"

Crimson looked over to the wall clock. "3:22..? Didn't we start around 1:pm?"

Dash paled. "Oh god, we've been here for hours... That means I practically spent a whole night making this thing!"

With the knowledge of the fact that she had been working for so long in the heat, her body and mind had finally registered everything. She slumped over and planted her face on the dirty floor. Her mind went blank as sleep took over, the stallion sighed as the room was filled with the snores of a very tired pegasus. Crimson decided to pick her up and placed her on his back, the mare did not stir or move, she was completely deep into her sleep just seconds after her eyes closed. 

Lockjaw had awakened from his own sleep and had begun to follow his partner out of the forge. The two had ascended the stairs to get to the ground floor and traveled through the hallways of the headquarters, soon enough they had arrived at the destination Crimson had in mind. The large stallion motioned for Lockjaw towards the door. 

Lockjaw gave the door a soft knock and was quickly answered by a mare who looked alright for waking up at three in the morning. "What is it sir?" She asked. 

"Shush, the little pegasus is trying to sleep." Crimson turned to reveal the sleeping mare on his back. "I know you got a free bed in there, and she had been working on a project for a whole afternoon, and she just finished. So could you let her rest until she wakes up? And try not to disturb her when you start your morning routines."

"Yes sir." She saluted, though she didn't like the idea, Dash was still Ironwood's guest, so she had to oblige. She made it sure she was careful as she took the mare off the Crimson's back. She gave the two blacksmiths one more salute before retreating back into the room with her other guardsmares.

Lockjaw sighed. 

The blacksmith rolled his eyes at his partner. "I know, we shouldn't be disturbing the others, but that Rainbow Dash girl needed a soft bed after the back breaking work she did."

Lockjaw shook his head.

"Wait, you're not concerned about that? Then what's wrong?"

"My problem is, do I have to talk like an idiot every time a newbie comes to the forge?" Surprisingly, Lockjaw spoke perfectly fine.

Crimson grinned at his partner. "Yes, yes you will."
> Dust To Dust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman sighed deeply while Trixie was running around the hideout with a look of fear written all over her face. She rushed to one side, then the other. Seemingly ignoring the thief as he stood there with her assistants. She had been like this all morning after he had woken up. And to be honest, Roman had no clue of why she was so much in a hurry. 

It couldn't be the current task given to them by Spice, no, this was something else. 

Roman sighed again as he walked over to a cabinet containing Dust ammunition and some cigars. He tried to tune out the random mumbling that Trixie was giving, but then she started shouting, asking about some trivial things like "Where's my blouse!? Where's my makeup kit!? Why is this place so unclean!?" and so on and so on.

This started to thin out Roman's patience, but he needed to keep a cool head so he could devise a plan to infiltrate Canterlot. After a few more seconds of the mindless shouting, Roman brought out a suitcase and started stripping his clothes. Though he was slightly uncomfortable without it, he needed to make sure that no one in Canterlot would recognize him. Luckily for him, his cutie mark was never seen, only one pony knows what it looks like but he doubts that she would ever be in Canterlot right now. Hopefully. 

He packed his clothes into his suitcase, but not before giving his hat a kiss and promising it that he would bring it back to its rightful place on his head. Once he was done, he set it aside and turned to face Trixie. He caught her just in time as she ran in front of him, his hoof stepped on her cape and she was harshly pulled back to Roman. 

"Did you pack your things yet, Trix'?"

She scrambled to her hooves with eyes wider than a plate. "Oh my gosh, the mission! I'm so sorry Roman, Trixie had almost forgotten about it! But the thing is, Trixie can't come with you, something came up and it needs Trixie's full attention!"

Roman sighed once more. "It's alright, you can go do whatever it is..."

"Y-you're not mad?"

A confused look now adorns his face. "Now why would I be mad?"

Trixie pressed the tip of her fore hooves together as she averted her eyes from Roman's gaze. "It's because you usually get really mad when something doesn't go the way you wanted... sometimes..."

"What, why would you say that?"

"Well, remember that time on our first heist, and you found out that they tripped the alarm..." She glanced at Roman to see if he was listening then she stared at the floor. "You almost hit that mare that was stalling..."

"Alright, I get your point." Roman lifted up the suitcase. "Guess I'll be heading out on my own then."

"Wait!" Trixie pulled Fuchsia over to her side. "Take Fuchsia Blush with you!"

"Wait what!?"

"Aw, I wanna go..."

"Trixie, why would you send Fuchsia?" Roman asked her as he lifted the suitcase up with his wing. 

Fuchsia took a step forward. "Um, ma'am, I am also kinda curious... why me?"

Trixie huffed loudly. "Because! Trixie trusts her the most. Sorry Lavender."

"I don't mind!" Lavender smiled. 

"Well, alright then." Roman sighed deeply before moving towards the exit. "Don't really care much. I'll be waiting outside Pinky, so hurry up!"

Fuchsia looked over to her employer. "I'm honored to help miss Trixie, but I don't think I'm the best option for the mission. I'm sure Lavender could do better than me."

Trixie rests her hoof on Fuchsia's shoulder. "No, Trixie knows that you'd do better. Because Trixie needs Lavender here, and somepony needs to watch Roman's back. And Trixie couldn't pick anyone else."

Both stared at each other, a full second had passed before Fuchsia smiled and nodded her head. Trixie grinned in return. 




"Where are we going?" Roman inquired to the pink mare who was currently wearing a saddle bag on her back. 

"I just need to do something before we go to my apartment." Fuchsia gave him her explanation. 

Roman eyed her carefully, wondering what was so important for the need to make a detour to Fuchsia's home. He tried not to think too hard, there was a chance that it was something minor and unimportant to him. Both of them trotted along the sidewalk, hundreds of ponies passed by as he moved through them with a devilish smile. Roman felt proud knowing that his simple disguise was working, not a single pony gave him a single glance seeing that he did not resemble his usual look. The hat really made his appearance, it was all he needed to remove and then he became invisible. 

After walking for so long, Fuchsia stopped just in front of an entrance to a dark and shady looking alleyway. "Stay here please, and I'll be back soon." With that said, she walked right into the alleyway leaving Roman by himself. 

And as much as he wanted to wait, curiosity had gotten the better of him. He waited for a second before entering the alleyway. He trailed after Fuchsia with light and silent steps, his rogue skills were like an instinct to him. No matter how much he moved, no sound would ever come from him. And best of all, Fuchsia had no idea that he was following her. But whenever she even looks back, he would step into the shadows and hide behind anything that was big enough to cover him. 

His existence was like the wind, undetectable to the common pony. Only one with skills would be able to feel Roman's presence. And luckily for him, Fuchsia was just an ordinary mare. 

After following her through the maze-like alleyway, Roman stopped just a few feet away from Fuchsia. He hid behind a dumpster and peered around it to spy on her. Seconds passed until something different had come. A very large stallion had arrived, his eyes landed on Fuchsia who was staring at the ground. 

"Did you bring the boss' money?" The stallion questioned. 

Fuchsia only nodded and then she placed her saddle bags down. She took a step back after to allow the stallion to examine the bags. He checked its contents for a moment, Roman couldn't really see what was inside but he knew it was bits from what he had heard just now. 

Then Roman frowned. 

"Alright..." The nameless stallion muttered. "Seems like you got the money, better be back with the rest or else you'll be in big trouble."

"I'll get it in time, I promise." Fuchsia said, eyes still glued on the ground. 

"You better, and don't be late."

Fuchsia only nodded as the stallion turned and left. She waited for a minute until he was gone, then she started making her way back to Roman with her head hung low. She prepared herself to face Roman with her usual nature, yet her mind still lingered on the memory she had just made. One that is just like those from before, where she enters this shady alleyway meeting the debt collector.

It's dangerous, sure, but she was absolutely sure she was safe as long as she paid her debts. Not many ponies really go through this alley, not even the homeless would consider going through here. And just as she entered the streets, she saw no sign of Roman anywhere. Not a single trace of him. Before she could even start looking for the thief, a random pony approached her. 

Fuchsia cocked a brow as the pony cleared their throat. "Are you Fuchsia Blush?" They asked, and she simply nodded. The pony produced a folded piece of paper and gave it to Fuchsia. With that done, the pony left with no more words, leaving Fuchsia to herself with the piece of paper. 

Not questioning it at all, Fuchsia quickly unfolded the paper and began reading it out loud to herself. "Dear Pinky, I have left for something important and will be gone for awhile. Meet me back at your apartment and then we can depart for Canterlot after. So pack your things when you get home."

Fuchsia could only wonder what Roman needed to do, but then something else came to mind. One that made her feel both confusion and dread. 

"He knows where I live!?"




All was silent in Twilight's basement, there was no natural light in the room and the only source was from the candle on her desk. Notes, books, and Dust crystals were littered across the table. Twilight herself examined the crystal and compared it to an ordinary gem. With her was Pinkie Pie, a daughter of a rock farmer, her skills proved useful for Twilight's project. Though she was not so keen with looking at rocks, Pinkie could never say no to Twilight. 

Hours had passed ever since they started, Twilight was busy testing the crystals while Pinkie was just sorting the crystals by color. As for Spike who was also there, he was trying hard not to consume a single crystal, no matter how tasty it looked to the young drake.  

He was in the shadows with a blue Dust crystal, Spike stared at it intently. His eyes were glued on it so much that the world ceased to exist for Spike. It whispered, calling for him, the voices beckoned him to take a bite. But Spike steeled his will and resisted the blue siren. Sadly his hunger got the better of him and the crystal was no longer in his hand. Sent to an adventure that should not be told. 

Then he belched out his usual green flames, but with a twist. The fire once it was turned into a frozen art piece that really surprised Spike. 

"Spike, I told you not to eat my samples!" Twilight scolded the young drake.

"Sorry!"

With a nod, Twilight went back to her experiment. 

"So Twilight," Pinkie began. "where did you get all these crystals?"

"Well, a few of these are from Candlewick, and most of them are from Roman. The one Dash gave me." Twilight explained.

"So why did you need me?"

"Well, you have experience as a rock farmer, and thus have some talent with rocks and gems. So I just wanted to confirm something." Twilight motioned a hoof calling Pinkie over and led her to a comparison microscope. 

Pinkie leaned over and looked through the scopes. It was there where the party pony learned something truly odd. "They're the same!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"That's right, and I asked the Flim Flam brothers about the origins of these crystals. But none of them gave me the answers I wanted. I have been looking for traces of these 'Dust', and not a single one of my books ever mention any of them." Twilight groaned loudly, bringing a hoof to massage her head. "These things are a total mystery, just like the Grimm and aura! And from the results of my experiments, they are quite dangerous, unstable, and very destructive."

"And they sure are tasty!" Spike added. 

Twilight only frowned at Spike, while Pinkie went on with trying the crystal out for herself. Before Twilight could even protest, Pinkie had already brought a blue Dust crystal to her face and ran her tongue over it. 

"Hey, that tastes like it's from Snow!"

"Yeah, the blue ones are very minty." Spike commented. 

"So you're saying that these Dust are from areas with lower temperature?" Twilight tried her best to understand what her friend was trying to say. 

"No silly," Pinkie smiled. "Snow! She was a neighbor of mine back home!"

"Wait, how did you get that from licking an explosive crystal?"

"Because! It got that taste, that taste of taste, the taste that you would know, the one that really reminds you of the taste. It tastes like home, but it also doesn't!"

Twilight was silent, her mind was still absorbing what she had just heard. It sounded so absurd, yet coming from Pinkie, Twilight could only accept it. 

"Guess we're leaving." Was all Twilight could say before she started walking away, and then she ascended the steps to the ground floor. 

"Hey wait!" Pinkie followed her friend. 

Now the basement was vacant of ponies, leaving a small young drake alone with a number of Dust crystals. Colorful, tasty, tempting crystals. 

"One gem... wouldn't hurt..."




Ironwood sighed deeply, his back was bare and his uniform was spread out on his desk. A large clean cut ran across his right sleeve. Recently made after a confusing moment from earlier this day. Ironwood tried not to be upset over it, but the uniform on his desk was his favorite one. And now it was damaged after all these years. 

"Don't worry old friend, I know somepony that will help us both..."

"Are you speaking to your jacket, sir?"

Ironwood scrambled to his seat and straightened himself. His eyes landed at the pony on the other side of the table. Ironwood cleared his throat and gestured a hoof towards the pony. "Is there something that you need, Feather Storm?"

Storm cleared his throat as well and avoided eye contact. "Yes sir, I have many things to report to you, General Iron Hoof."

"Continue."

"Our spy is on route to his mission. No complaints from the freak at all if I may add."

Ironwood scowled. "Feather Storm, what do we say about our recruits?"

The pegasus stammered back a bit. "T-that as long as they prove useful, they have a place in the Iron Legion..."

"And...?"

"And all have use to the Iron Legion." Storm completed.

"Good, Perry may not be a pony at heart, but as long as he doesn't step over the line, we don't have any problems." Ironwood paused for a second. "Continue."

"Rainbow Dash's new instructor is... harsh on her. Constantly sending her straight into danger, and teaching her how to properly use her new weapon. But to be honest, I don't think he's fit to be her trainer at all, sir." Storm submitted a folder to Ironwood. "Here's his reports for today."

Ironwood flipped it open and scanned the contents, then scoffed. "This pony is really getting on my nerves."

"Quite a wild card, isn't he?"

"He's more of a rabid dog than a wild card." The General corrected. "But it was my decision to put Rainbow Dash into his care, I'm just hoping I won't regret it." Ironwood nodded for Storm to continue. 

"Lastly sir, it's about Captain Butcher of the Rockville outpost."

The mention of the name brought a smile to Ironwood's face. "Ah, Butcher! How is that war dog? It has been a long time since I've heard from him! That guy, that guy is always the guy that really brings a smile to everyone's faces! Let me tell you Feather Storm, that guy can really take a hit! Bandit axe straight into his shoulder, but he was still standing and pulled the axe out like it was nothing! Truly a model soldier that the Legion needs. So, what is good old Butcher up to now?"

"He's dead sir."

"Come again?"

"Dead, sir, Private Cobalt confirmed it."

"Oh..." Ironwood sighed. "I-it was bound to happen someday, guess that day is today... His old crew were always facing danger like it was a part of their daily lives. Though they were a bit too competitive with each other, Butcher was not interested in their game. He only cared about the team, especially about his last one... So, I'm guessing he went down fighting a Shadow Wolf? Maybe a Shadow Bear? Wait, the only thing that would really be a fair fight for Butcher is with a Shadow Manticore!"

"He died of a heart attack, sir."

A vein nearly pops on Ironwood's head. "But Butcher was as healthy as an ox! How in Equestria did he get a heart attack!?"

Storm winced from the sudden rise of volume from the General. "The d-doctors said it was an allergic reaction to... aspirins..."

"Aspirins?" Ironwood tried not to collapse into his chair, still absorbing this new information. "Aspirins..." He muttered to himself. "You're free to go, Feather Storm... I'll just... pass the time here in my office..."

With no more words, Storm scurried off to the exit, leaving the General to himself.

"Oh I almost forgot, sir! He's been dead for three months!"

"Why am I getting the report just now!?"
> Rock Out!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The train ride was silent, Fuchsia sat on her seat while her eyes scanned the empty car. There were no other ponies besides the one sitting behind her, and that was the stupendous thief himself. Roman Torchwick. It is important to note that he was not currently dressed, all his clothes were inside the suitcase he had with him. And his mane was slicked back to reveal a crimson eye beneath his bangs. 

Fuchsia glanced over her shoulder but couldn't see the crimson orb that filled her with curiosity. The words "heterochromia iridum" came to mind as she tried to recall the first time she saw both of his eyes. 

"Eyes forward Pinky."

Fuchsia snapped her face towards the other side of the car. She decided it was best to think of something else while she waited until they reach Canterlot. Her memories started to replay the moment Roman had shown up at her apartment, her saddlebags was on his back and a pouch of unknown contents in his teeth. Then there was that smile, he smiled twistedly as he marched into her apartment before he discarded the pouch back into the hallway. She did not question it all, and she will not question it now. 

It was easy to piece it all together, Roman was there when she paid that debt collector. And all she could do was accept it. Though he was not facing her, Fuchsia could feel his stare, those green and red orbs eyeing her. 

"You're curious about the eye aren't you?"

Fuchsia nearly yelped in surprise, her head nodded without looking over to the stallion. 

"We can get to that after I give you your assignment." Before she could even ask, a book fell from the ceiling and landed next to her. 

She stared at it for a second before taking it into her hooves. There were colorful page markers in the book. She flipped it open to one of the markers and saw a picture of a statue in the middle of a fountain. "What's this?" She asked. 

"Read the notes when we get off the train. Anyways, this statue is one of Canterlot's landmarks. Rumored to be created by Starswirl The Bearded using a spell that pieced together the statue using scattered rocks and built it literally from the ground up. And of course it is a statue of his likeness."

"Why do you need me to learn about this?"

"We're being followed." He said ominously. "I don't know how, but ever since we entered the station back in Manehattan, I had this feeling of being watched. Someone unsavory is on this train right now and it would be best if we split up. This way they can't connect you to me."

"But how will I know where you are if we go different ways?"

"I've listed some time slots in the book, there are many locations on it that I will also visit, but not all of them. We will meet at lunch, so don't be late. Then we will sleep in the hotel Greeny booked us in, good thing she got two separate rooms for us." He explained. 

The car became silent once more, allowing the noisy train to take the stage just for a few seconds. 

"So..." Fuchsia tried not to sound rude. "What's up with your eye?" But it sounded as rude as she thought. 

"It runs in the family, the only other person who's in the same boat as me is my grandma and sister. Back when I was still starting my criminal life, I used to cover my green one and let everyone around see the crimson red eye that reminded everybody of the Grimm. Helps scare my victims."

"Victims, such as my debt collector?"

Roman smirked. "Of course you'd be curious as to what had happened. Well, let's just say that they won't be bothering you anymore. And that they had the taste of how The Cyclops do things his way."

He laughed loudly while Fuchsia could only scoff at the thought.

"Should've seen their faces when a pegasus with a glowing red eye just crashed into their office. Screamed like a bunch of pansies." Once his laughter died down, he let out a few silent chuckles before wiping a tear away. "And let me tell you about how my eyes literally saved my life."

This earned a curious glance from Fuchsia. She stared at the back of his orange head and waited for what tale he would tell. 

"It was a cold winter night in the city..."




The train came to a full stop, those who had business to do in this side of the country flooded out of the train. And a very interesting group had also come out as well, a young small drake, a lavender colored unicorn, and a pink earth pony. Together they took in the fresh air of Rockville.

Pinkie Pie bounced about the station excitedly. "I'm home! I'm home! I am hooooooome!"

Twilight could only smile and shake her head at her friend. Before she could even put a word in, she noticed two ponies walking towards them. One was an old stallion, grey mane and all. On his head was a hat and around his neck was a simple tie. The image of a hard working stallion. 

The other pony was a mare with a grey coat while her mane is a lighter shade of grey. Both had what some would call a passive face, but Twilight noticed the slight hint of a scowl forming on the mare's face. 

"Pa, sis'!" Pinkie waved at them enthusiastically. In a matter of seconds she cleared the gap faster than Rainbow Dash could and embraced the two ponies in a warm hug. 

Both yelped painfully as they felt the air get pushed out of their lungs from the sudden hug attack, but the two managed and returned her gesture. "It is nice to see you again Pinkamena." Her father spoke as she released them both. 

"Yeah, nice to see you Pinkie." Her sister took a second to compose herself. "Please tell me you aren't bringing that lizard breath back home?"

"He has a name you know." Twilight said plainly. 

"I can speak for myself Twilight." The young drake cleared his throat and raised a hand out to the two ponies, mainly towards Pinkie's sister. "The name's Spike. Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue, mares love it."

Twilight could only stare at her assistant with disbelief, not once in her life had she ever expected him to introduce himself in such a manner. Especially to a mare that isn't even Rarity.

Pinkie's father took a step between the drake and his daughter and scoffed. "And I am Igneous Rock. It would be better if you held your tongue, dragon. Especially when you address my daughter, Limestone Pie." Spike answered only with an awkward smirk as he backed off. 

Limestone scoffed at Spike before facing her sister. "So what's up sis'? Why'd you called us out of work?"

"Oh, me and Twilight- this is Twilight by the way-" Pinkie gestured to the only unicorn around. "-are here to visit the Snow family!"

Pinkie's father was surprised to learn of their intention for visiting Rockville. "Now what do you all need from them? This better not be about those magic gems they started making. Honestly, first they cut ties with the Iron Legion, and now Rocky Snow started selling these unnatural crystals."

"Cut ties with the Iron Legion?" Twilight asked. 

Igneous nodded. "Back before Rocky showed up, the Snow family mainly sold their rocks, gems, and other products to the Iron Legion. But after he married into the Snow family, he decided that they were better off selling to the Griffins instead. Leaving me no choice but to accept deals with General Ironwood."

"Wait, so your family supplies the Legion of ores, gems, and building materials?"

"Indeed we have, but like I have said, it used to be the Snows who worked with the Iron Legion."

Spike then raised his hand. "Wait, you said Ironwood and not Iron Hoof... does this mean you two are close?"

"Close? I have worked under him back in my days with the Legion, I was one of his trusted advisors and was the Captain of the Rockville outpost before I retired to raise my family."

"Wow, really?" Spike went star eyed as he saw Pinkie's father in a new light. "Do you have any cool and heroic stories!?"

"Yes. But we will have to speak of it another time." Spike adopted a look of dejection and slumped slightly after being denied any epic story. 

But Pinkie thought of another way. "Don't worry Spike, I know somepony at the Snow family that was also a Legionnaire, I bet he has tons of stories to tell!"

At the mention of another retired guard, Igneous scoffed. "Forgive me Pinkamena, but I wish not to even take a step near that pony's home or his family, I shall leave Limestone to help you with whatever quest you have. And don't let that dragon near our farm, ever. Farewell." With that, Igneous started making his way back to the farm. Leaving his two daughters alone with a unicorn and a baby dragon. 

"See ya pa! Tell Marble I said hi, and oh! Tell ma also!" Pinkie waved at her father as he leaves for home. 

"What's his deal?" Spike asked as he climbed on top of Twilight's back. 

"Pa just doesn't forget things so easily." Limestone answered. "And besides, there has been an increase of Shadow Dogs around here ever since the Snow family started growing those strange gems. So it is better if he stayed near the farm just in case one shows up."

"Shadow Dogs?"

"You know how Grimm comes in a variety of animals, right?" Twilight began her short lecture to Spike. "Well, there are also a kind of Grimm that resembles Diamond Dogs. But slightly taller than the usual ones, and covered in bone armor like any Grimm monsters. But these Shadow Dogs aren't attracted to any pony that comes their way. No, they are only attracted to gems, which is seen as their primary food source. Unlike other Grimm beasts that we know of. But it was easier to learn about the Shadow Dogs because of that, since they usually ignore any ponies that were too close as long as there were gems to feed on."

Limestone groaned for everyone to hear. "Can we cut the chit chat? Let's just get this whole thing over with so I can get back home. I'm not exactly fond of the Snows as well..."

Once Limestone was far enough, Twilight leaned closer to Pinkie to whisper. "Is there something I should know?"

"Nope!" Pinkie answered before bouncing after her sister. 

Twilight sighed tiredly before following the Pie sisters with Spike on her back. Speaking of which. "What was that about anyways, the way you introduced yourself back there."

Spike only shrugged. "I read that rock farmers grow and sell gems, as we have just been told. Figured I could try and sweeten my way to some tasty snacks. Also I'm trying out my dragon charms to see how well my practice is going."

"You're practicing how to ask girls out?" She spoke with disbelief.

"Yup! And as you can tell, Limestone is attracted to my handsome features."

"I don't know Spike, she seems peeved off about you."

Spike waved a dismissive hand at his adoptive sister. "Nah, she's just playing hard to get! And if all goes well with my training, then Rarity will be swooned off her hooves by yours truly!"

Twilight only rolled her eyes at the young drake as they continued following the two Pies towards the Snow family rock farm. 





"And I have been thanking god for making me this way. Anyways, I would have perished that day if it weren't for my eyes." Roman had just finished recounting his adventurous tale of danger and riches. 

"I don't understand, honestly... Is this Neo character even... 'human'?" Fuchsia admitted. 

Roman chuckled softly. "I know how you feel, and even after all this time, I still can't fully understand as well. I can barely read her at all, she is quite unpredictable, especially in a fight. Just to warn you, she's a bit of a sadist, likes to play with her food if you know what I mean."

"Oh I get it..." And just as she was about to ask another question, the train came to a full stop.

Roman hopped off his seat and stretched, his joints made a series of soft pops as he moved. "Welp! Here we are, I'll get off over there, you go the other way. Remember, just follow the markers I marked on the book, build an alibi. And don't get caught."

Roman stumbled a bit as he tried to take a few steps. 

"Huh, did I forget my morning coffee? I feel kinda dizzy..."

"Probably train lag." Fuchsia offered her insight. 

"Maybe..."

Roman wasted no time and ran off with his suitcase. Fuchsia could only nod her head before picking up her own luggage and make her way to the exit. But unbeknownst to her, a figure of a shady character was silently observing the mare as she leaves. 




Roman stared at the building in front of him. It was a simple pizzeria called "Tommy's". This fine establishment before him was the place where the pony that took Lucky Spice's money and... whatever she was trying to sell.  He was uninterested with the details, unless they are something that really catches his eyes. 

He glanced over his shoulder to a coffee shop across the street, and inside was Fuchsia sitting on a table closest to the window. He gave her a nod and she returned the gesture. The plan was that she would act as lookout, keeping an eye for any guards that would come by. There was no way for the two to communicate, but if the guards do ever show up she would simply just fake a heart attack to distract anyone getting too close.

And if all goes well, she didn't need to attract unwanted attention to herself. 

Roman then entered the pizzeria, he didn't waste time on checking the place out, he had walked monotonously towards the restroom. The cashier eyed him carefully, unsure why anyone would just go straight over to the restroom without asking. That was not most people would act, so the cashier knew there was something fishy going on. 

And much to the cashier's horror, what came out of the restroom was not the pegasus from before, but the infamous Roman Torchwick himself. The thief simply busted through with Melodic Cudgel aimed at the pony manning the cash register. The patrons had no time to scream as Roman blasted the wall behind the cashier who nearly fainted from the power of the blast alone. 

"Nobody move and keep quiet! Just enjoy your meals and I'll be out of your hairs in a second." He addressed the crowd before facing the cashier. "I'm not here for the cash register. Big Tomato, I was told that I could find him here."

"He's down in the basement. Can I take some money from the register and say you took it?"

"Knock yourself out buddy. As long as you don't call the cops. And that goes to everyone here! Keep quiet and none of you will have to pay a hospital bill!" With the information that he needed, Roman stormed off to the basement. He felt a lot better walking on two hooves, being on four was a bit natural to the thief. 

He went through the pizzeria without a peep, the patrons behind him were fearful of the thief. None dared to scream or else they would suffer the punishment from the criminal. 

Roman was quick to do business, he needed to finish as fast as possible so he could get more information about this mystery pony. He descended the steps down into the basement like a wraith. He was silent yet quick. 

"Hey, what was all the noise!?" He heard someone speak as he hit the last step, there was an accent in his voice that sounded familiar to Roman. "Hey Stacks!? Hello!?"

There was a hallway and three doors, one was wide open and there was a source of light coming from it. It was also the same room the voice originated from. Roman dashed to the shadows and waited for a second. A smile found itself on his face once the words he expected were said. 

"Hey Linguine, go check that noise out!"

"Sure thing boss!"

Roman heard a chair move, then the hooves of something big. Lo and behold, a stallion that was bigger than Applejack's brother went through the doorway. The giant shuffled towards the steps, his hooves almost shook the building as he walked. Roman was glad he decided to hide, something like this could've ruined his plans. 

There's one thing fighting a mindless monster, fighting an obvious knucklehead was another. Roman knows his type, dumb but strong, might even take awhile to whack him with his cane until he's unconscious. 

Roman waited for the large idiot to climb the stairs, and just as he was almost to the top Roman sprung into action. The handle of Melodic Cudgel launched itself towards the large pony. It hooked itself on his right foreleg and Roman pulled with all he's got. The results were as expected, the giant slipped and slammed hard against the stairs and his weight plus momentum brought him back down to the floor. His chin bounced on every step as he slid down.

Once he reached his final destination, Roman made sure that he would never wake up for a while. 

"Linguine, did you slip on the stairs again!?"

"I'm afraid Linguine is unable to answer right now," Roman stepped out of the shadows and into the light. His cane planted down with a loud thump as the three other ponies in the room gasped. "but I will be happy to do so in his place."

The room was lit up by a single light bulb, under it was a table occupied by three stallions. To Roman's right was a tall but lanky looking pegasus, his coat was brown and his mane was black with a yellow streak. On the left was an earth pony with an average build, his coat was blue but his mane was orange. 

Lastly was the one across the table, Roman knew it was Big Tomato due to the fact his coat was bright red and his mane was lime colored. What really surprised Roman was that BT was bigger than Linguine back at the steps. His shoulders were broad, and his chin was chiseled. He wore a white tracksuit jacket stained with grease. His teeth were clenched around a cigar. 

It looked like Roman had disrupted their poker game, each had cards in their hooves and there were some poker chips on four sides. It was worth noting that one seat was vacant, must have been Linguine's. "You all wouldn't mind if I just join in on your game, right?" Roman grinned.

BT grinned back. "Roman Torchwick! Never thought I would ever meet a stallion such as you."

"Well, guess my reputation precedes me."

"That's right, and I'm guessin' that it was you who made all that racket up top. So what, you robbin' honest business ponies now? Thought a stallion like you would be more interested in makin' a big show out of it!"

"Oh don't worry Tommy, I'm just here to take back what isn't yours."

The two stallions on the sides of the table stood up. BT cocked back a brow and sighed. "Roman, Roman buddy. I can tell that Lucky Spice was not happy about my... decision. The only pony that comes to mind with the guts to even come after me is her. And let me tell you buddy, I can pay you double for what she's paying." Under all that muscle was some brains after all, he was quick to connect the dots and he understood why Roman was even here. 

BT then smiled devilishly and awaited an answer, but Roman only answered him with a loud and very unnerving cackle. It was short, but BT knew that Roman had already made up his mind on the offer. 

"Sorry, but for these kinds of jobs I don't take money as a reward. No, it's a job for a job."

"So what you sayin' is that you and that old hag are doin' a 'scratch my back' kind of deal? What do you need with her?" BT chuckled. "How 'bout you and I make a deal of our own. I have seen you work Roman, a guy like you could really help my business. And whatever you ask, I can give it."

Roman only pretended to think about his offer. He had a job to do, but no one said anything about having a little fun. "Well, let me hear about it first."

"There's this gal, wearing the prettiest gems around her pretty neck. She lives in the villa west from here. You get what I'm sayin'? Nab that for me, and you can ask anything you want in return."

"Sounds too simple."

"It ain't as easy as it sounds. The villa is right next to a Royal Guard checkpoint and trust me buddy, they don't take kindly to those who don't belong. Not even me."

Roman hummed as he approached the table. The two goons tensed up as he moved. "Well, that sounds fun. But what is so important about this necklace?"

BT smiled even wider. "I knew you'd ask, this necklace was said to be owned by princess Celestia herself from hundreds of years ago. She even confirmed it herself when it resurfaced, but she didn't take it back, instead it went to the daughter of the one who found it. That necklace would certainly give us a good sum of bits in the black market."

Roman had heard enough, with two swift swings, he knocked the two goons out without breaking a sweat. BT gritted his teeth and stood up on his hooves, he was certainly tall, but Roman could easily bring him down. "Sorry Big Tomato, but I wasn't even planning on accepting, but I'll certainly check this necklace out for myself after I finish here."

"B-but I haven't even given you a name you idiot!"

"I have connections, and there is a good chance that the story about the necklace would be in a tabloid or a newspaper. So thanks for giving me my next project." His expression darkened. "Now back to business. Where's Spice's products and her money?"

"Hey, I got thems fair and square! They're mine now, and I won't let some pumpkin head take it from me!" BT cracked his neck with a loud pop. "I'm 'bout to show you how my family takes out the trash."

The thief felt a very imposing presence looming over him from behind. "This guy giving you a problem, boss?" Linguine spoke as he towered over Roman. 

Roman sighed. "Guess I'll have to break something more than someone's pride today... Let's go."
> Red Dead Revenge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuchsia took a sip of her chocolate almond coffee. She sighed contentedly as she relaxed into her seat. She had to confess, there were some perks of being lookout, and it was this. Some good old jazz music being played by some indie band, a nice brew of coffee in her hoof, and some time to herself. 

The best part was that it looked like Roman had it all under control. Not once had a pony come running out of the pizzeria ever since he went in, she guessed that they were too scared of the criminal to even run. So here she was, just waiting it all out. As much as she disliked being sent to Canterlot, she was starting to enjoy it. 

"Excuse me," Fuchsia cursed under her breath, interacting with other people was the last thing she wanted to do right now. She straightened herself before facing whoever the pony that disturbed her was. 

And much to her surprise, it was an oddly dressed pony. He wore a black hood with no sleeves and a white vest. The most notable part of the pony was the mask they wore, and the pair of round glasses on the mask as well. The pony who had a brown coat sat on one of the vacant seats on the table and stared at Fuchsia silently. 

Fuchsia eyed the masked pony carefully, her eyes darted to the exit and back to this mysterious and awfully dangerous creature. Her hoof reached towards the book that she received from Roman and prepared herself to run. But before she could even execute her plan, the pony began to remove his mask and hood, revealing an odd feature that should not be there. 

Then he scowled deeply. "I will only ask you once, where is the human."

"H-human? I don't know what you're talking about..."

He sighed. "Don't play dumb, I saw you interacting with him many times throughout the day." He fished out a couple of pictures from his pockets and presented them to the mare. Fuchsia's eyes widened, they were all what he had claimed. Pictures of Fuchsia and Roman interacting. "I have easily lost him countless times, but you are much easier to find. So just point the way and I'll be out of your hair."

"Excuse me," A random pony who looks to be a worker of this cafe had approached the two. "but is there a problem?"

"Official Iron Legion business." Fuchsia's interrogator pulled out a badge and showed it to the pony. "If you have any complaints, take it straight to the General himself."

"O-of course, sir! I'm sorry for disturbing you..." The pony staggered back a little as she back tracked away from the two. 

"The Iron Legion!?" Fuchsia exclaimed. 

"Shh!" He hushed her. "Listen, I don't want to cause any trouble. But it is important for me to speak with Roman. If you don't tell me where he is right now, then you're going straight to HQ for a proper interrogation."

Fuchsia was frozen stiff, she was contemplating if she should sell out Roman right now to save her skin. Would he understand? Maybe, maybe not. 

Roman was the kind who would give up his own to escape from what she understood from his stories from his own world. As much as he was a snake, there were moments when he showed a bit of compassion, only to be drowned in a pool of his own selfishness.

She sighed, there were clearly no other options. Either she tells the mysterious pony or get a free ticket to meet the famous General of the Iron Legion. 

"Fine," She had finally decided on an answer. "He's-"

Before she could even point the way, an explosion rocked the streets and the windows of the pizzeria nearby shattered to a million pieces. And the patrons of the pizzeria flooded out in terror once the world stopped shaking. The nameless pony bounced into action pulling up his hood and donning his signature mask, he dived straight through the window and ran towards the pizzeria like an action star heading towards his moment of awesomeness. 

Left with a coffee filled with shards of glass, Fuchsia was frozen once again. Then at the corner of her eye she saw the same pony from before approaching her. Without even thinking straight, Fuchsia hooped through the broken window and bolted off to another direction leaving the scene. She passed by a few Royal Guards but they didn't even bat an eye as she ran through since they were too focused on the destruction ahead. 

Fuchsia could only hope the Roman would understand her decision today.




Roman gritted his teeth, the two larger ponies still stood in front of him as if those bruises they sported were just birthmarks. They were tougher than your average pony, so much that Roman was sure their skulls were thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. It's like fighting two bulls with a stick, which is honestly what is happening right now but the stick could blow things up. 

BT huffed before charging straight towards the thief for a tackle, Roman quickly launched himself over BT only to receive a devastating left hook from out of nowhere courtesy of Linguine. Roman slammed on the ground with a thud and was not given any time to rest as Linguine attempted to stomp the lights out of Roman but he missed him just by the hair. The thief rolled away as quick as he could and stood back on his hooves. He growled softly before dashing towards the duo with his cane pulled back. 

BT didn't see the hit that came as he was smacked right on the face knocking down to his knees. And while BT was still down Roman quickly thrusts Melodic Cudgel into Linguine's throat. 

Linguine coughed violently as he held his throat recoiling away from the thief. BT had finally recovered and gave Roman a clean right hook to the temple sending Roman's hat off his head. Roman glared at his assailant and spat into BT's eyes blinding him. 

"Gah!" Cried BT. "You dirty player!"

"All's fair in love and war my friend!" Roman said right before slammed the handle of his cane on the side of BT's face.

Then Roman sets his eyes on Linguine, the only remaining one since BT was practically out of the game. Roman wasted no time, he dashed over to Linguine and performed an axe kick on his head. His hoof came down hard on Linguine's melon probably killing some brain cells, but hey, the dumb muscle don't exactly need it.

Roman huffed tiredly, the fight took longer than he imagined and it really surprised him that these two held out for so long. He turned back towards BT and noticed that he was stirring awake which was what Roman needed. The thief grinned and sauntered over to the down pony. BT's eyes opened then widened after once they stared down the barrel of Roman's cane. His eyes then ran up the cane and glared at the one who held it. 

"How are you not bleeding like an idiot!?" BT questioned. "Linguine and I were pounding your face in but you ain't even spitting blood!"

Roman grinned. "Because I have something that gives me an advantage against you ponies, I have aura."

"Aura!?"

"Yes, a form of magic from my world but let's not talk about that, I want Spice's products and money."

"Over my cold dead hooves!"

"I was hoping for that." Roman grinned. His hoof went into his pocket and fished out a small knife, the blade shimmered under the light as Roman approached the stallion. "Like it? I got this from some unsavory kinds of ponies. A bunch of loan sharks that thought they could take advantage of one of my employees."

"W-what are you gonna do?" BT whimpered as the knife grew closer. 

"Wanna know why they used to call me the Cyclops?" Roman grinned viciously as he pinned BT down and held the knife just an inch away from his left eye. 

BT tried to shrug Roman off but the thief proved to be troublesome as he held on, then the gangster froze completely once the knife started to move. 

"Alright, alright!" BT cried. "You win, alright!?"

Roman chuckled before releasing BT from his hold. "Talk." He demanded. 

"It's in the room across!" BT pointed the way. "Just take the money and the damn product and get out of my sight!"

"Poor choice of words Big, I could've blinded you here and now." Roman smirked just before he slammed down his cane knocking BT out once more. 

Roman then sauntered out of the room and went straight towards the door where BT said where he hid Roman's objective. One swift kick and the door was wide open, and Roman's prideful smirk turned to a frown. Inside there was a table and on top of it was a suitcase of what Roman guessed is the money BT owed Spice. Then there was the small box, opened to reveal what looked to be a Scroll. Not a roll of paper, but the smartphone that originated from his world. 

Roman eyed it carefully then scowled. "Greeny." He growled out Spice's nickname. 

Instead of taking the product, Roman opted to blast it with a special bullet he had been saving for a certain Grimm. The explosion was so strong that Roman was sure the whole street was shaking from the blast. Dust that was stuck on the ceiling fell and any object in a shelf in this building fell off, Roman even heard a few stuff on the ground floor making a series of thuds. 

"Roman!"

The thief snapped towards the doorway and his eyes widened once they landed on someone he was sure was dead. "Perry? But... how?"

"Boss..." Perry approached. "I need to talk to you... but we don't have time!"

"Perry, how are you here? I thought you died on that train!"

"I'll answer everything when we are safe, boss, the Royal Guards are heading straight for this place as we speak!" Perry explained. 

"Damn it... fine! Grab the suitcase, I have a plan!"

"Sure thing boss!" Perry quickly swiped the suitcase off the table. "Ready when you are."




Derpy Hooves, Ponyville's resident mailmare who was currently in a cafe in Canterlot was happily enjoying her tea. Derpy sipped her beverage with a smile, completely ignoring the sirens that wailed just a few streets away. She was curious at first, but then she remembered she had tea so all her curiosity was washed away. 

Then she felt confusion as a door had appeared just above her, that's when the silence turned to chaos as the infamous thief of Manehattan had come out of said door along with a pony in black. Both gracefully landed on the ground next to her then they ran as fast as they could from the cafe filled with confused ponies. Next were a couple of Royal Guards that slipped through just before the door closed and ceased from existence. The table she occupied was broken to pieces as the two guards crashed down. 

"Sorry ma'am!" The guards apologized before they ran after the thief and whoever that pony was. 

"Aw... my tea..." Derpy whimpered, then her eyes filled with determination as she glared towards the direction where she last saw the thief. "Vengeance shall be mine!"

Back with Roman, the thief once again hopped through another door he had just made. But this time he was sure he lost the guards that were after him. He huffed tiredly, he had just been in a fight yet he had no time to rest. Especially when the sirens are getting louder. 

"Persistent!" Roman growled as he brought up another door to go through followed by Perry. Now both non ponies find themselves in some sort of doll shop which was currently open. 

Perry simply raised a badge in the air and said. "Official Iron Legion business! You may return to your lives!"

And just as he advised, the ponies just went  on with what they were previously doing. 

"Iron Legion?" Roman asked as he eyed the silver badge that Perry had in his hoof.

"That's what I wanted to talk about with you boss, I need help. Let's talk somewhere a little... private." Perry said as he eyed his surroundings.  

"Just follow me, I know a place." Roman dropped down another door and it opened up to another scene.

This time the two aliens found themselves in some sort of bar which was empty at this time of day. The blinds were closed yet the lights were on, most of the chairs were propped on on the table and a lone pony was sweeping near the exit. She looked up from her work and stared at the duo, confused as to how they had entered without using the only entryway in the building. 

"Are you Lemon Tea?" Roman inquired.

The mare nodded. "That I be, are you the friend the boss told me about?"

"That I be!" Roman smiled. 

Lemon groaned tiredly. "I wished that you were a no show instead. Right this way gentlecolts." She dropped the broom and walked over to the bar top then around it. 

Roman followed her over and took a seat on one of the many stools available, Perry did so as well though he was unsure why he was taken here and who Lucky Spice was. The thief motioned for Perry to hand over the suitcase to Lemon and the faunus did much to his confusion. 

Lemon quickly opened the suitcase once she had it in her hooves, she inspected its contents with a careful eye making sure that everything was in order. "The product?"

"It blew up when I was having a bit of trouble with Big Tomato." Roman lied. 

"Damn it." Lemon cursed under her breath. "Great, just great. Couldn't you have stolen it from them first? She's gonna take compensation from my pay, you know?"

"Who are you guys talking about?" Perry asked them both. 

"Is he in the loop?" Lemon asked Roman. 

"No, so watch your mouth and try not to give out some vital info." Roman explained. "Now, Perry, what exactly is going on?"

"Listen, Roman, you might not believe this but there is a pony here who looks exactly like General Ironwood. He's in charge of the Iron Legion, really tough and serious like the one on Remnant."

Roman stared at him silently for a second, then his face cracked a grin. "Jimmy? No way! There's a pony here that looks exactly like Jimmy!?" Roman tried not to laugh but he couldn't hold it in. His voice filled the room and he could be heard from outside with how loud he became 

"Not only that," Perry continued. "but he acts like him too."

"Oh?" Roman smiled. "Does the tin pony not have a heart as well?"

"I don't know about that, but he got this personal vendetta against the Grimm. Like, I was just taking a stroll around their base and found stuff I would rather not have discovered." Perry sighed. "I need to get out man. Somewhere Iron Hoof wouldn't find me, I'll take a new name if I have to."

"How did you even get here? This world I mean."

"Twilight Sparkle," Perry noticed the shift of Roman's smile that shifted into a deep frown. "Not fond of her?"

"Not in the slightest."

Perry then shared Roman's feelings towards the unicorn in question. "Understandable, she just wouldn't stop asking about our home world."

"Did you tell her anything?"

"Nope! I don't like her one bit, and as much as I was glad to be here and not on Remnant, I would rather not speak about that stupid planet."

Roman chuckled. "I would drink to that, but I'm trying to keep sober until I'm back at Manehattan. And I see you would also rather stay on this planet even if you aren't fully a faunus. Anyways, what do you need?"

"A new start boss, I could really use it." Perry  requested.

"My answer is no." Roman said without even thinking of it. 

"What!?"

Roman raised his hooves defensively. "Now before you start yammering, listen to my offer first."

Perry growled. "Fine."

"You're deep inside the Iron Legion, for what I don't know, and I don't care." Roman shrugged his shoulders. "So what I'm about to say is; Wanna work with me for old times sake?"

"As a spy...?" Perry simply guessed. 

"Bingo!" Roman grinned. "I need an inside man, you know? Some eyes and ears where I can't reach. I need to get some info."

"What if I get caught?"

"Then I'll bust you out of whatever prison they got you in, and you can finally start a new life!"

"Sure."

Roman choked on his own saliva and he glanced over to Perry with his eyes wide open. "Y-you'll do it?"

"Yeah, why not?" Perry simply shrugged his shoulders. 

"I expected you to say no, and I kinda had this whole speech planned but alright. You begin now." Roman took out a piece of paper and handed it over to Perry. "Contact me via letter using this address, any info you have on the Iron Legion, I'm talking about the number of outposts, most Grimm activity throughout the history. And finally anything about the top members of the Iron Legion."

Perry swiped the piece of paper and pocketed it. "Alright boss, but that new life better be worth it." He said before he stood up and started heading towards the door. 

"Oh it will." Roman smirked. 

And just as Perry reached the door he stopped, he glanced once more over to Roman and his expression darkened. "Roman, I'm not the only White Fang member on the planet. Twilight brought in a few others who would love to tear you apart. And trust me Roman, they will uphold the White Fang cause and wipe out any trace of humanity on this planet."

"And I'm the only human around..." Roman frowned. "Anything else, Perry?"

The faunus smirked. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." He said before he left completely. 

Roman stared at the door for a second, confused of what Perry had meant. "Is it Red?" He simply asked himself trying to answer what riddle the faunus had given him. Then his frown turned to a scowl as he finally understood. Perry wasn't the only faunus around, which would mean something far worse is here. 




Perry stopped just by the alleyway that was only a few streets far from the bar where he had last seen Roman. He peered into the shadows and tapped his hoof against the wall. 

"Did you do as planned?" A deep gruff voice came from the darkness. 

"Yes, Roman seems to suspect something, but I'm sure it would pass." Perry sighed. "Just hope I don't get the bad end for this... So what's next LT?"

Then a large imposing White Fang who wielded an even larger chainsaw sword had stepped out of the shadows flanked by two White Fang grunts. LT slammed down his chainsaw and grinds the pavement with its chain. "Continue with the plan, and we shall soon corner the human and drown him in his own blood. He will pay for the disrespect he had given us under his command."

Somewhere out there, a certain redhead who's heart was filled with hatred was waiting patiently for a chance, a chance for vengeance against the human race. He would stare at the moon and make a promise of how he shall cleanse this planet of human filth. Every trace of it shall be burned in the embers of hatred and malice.
> Snow Dust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Sparkle never thought that she would see something so, bland. Everything around her was just dirt and rock, barely any grass. The sky was just cloudy and every time she saw a pegasus flying by, they carried a cloud with them for the collection. She and her friends along with Pinkie's sister were walking for an hour now, and they had just reached a big gate with a large fence to go with it. 

But the odd thing was that there were ponies in white suits and fedoras that stood near the gates. They eyed them carefully as the group approached. The ponies acting as guards simply opened the gates and allowed them access, no questions asked. Twilight couldn't help but wonder why, it was strange as if they expected them to come, allowing the group to walk on a stone path towards the Snow residence. There was also a fact that these guards were armed by weapons that were clearly manufactured by Candlewick Corp. 

Their hooves held Atlesian models and were ready for an attack if it ever comes. 

Just ahead of them lies a house, Victorian design and painted white. It was surrounded by hedges and statues that was something Twilight would not expect in a rock farm. A sparkling fountain was just to the side and a statue of Celestia stood beautifully at the center holding a jar with water flowing out of it. 

Once the group had finally reached the door, it was an amazing craftsmanship of a door. Pure mahogany from the looks of it, and the design was truly something to appreciate. Pinkie bounced up and gave it a good knock. 

"Who's there?" A stallion with a strange accent answered from behind the door.

"It's me, Pinkie Pie!"

"It's me Pinkie Pie who?"

Before the group could even make sense, another stallion started speaking and scolded the first one. "White Stone you idiot, enough with your useless jokes and go help my son with the tea! The guests are here and yet you dawdle!" The door quickly opens and a white unicorn stallion with a white mane and a moustache greeted the group. "Twilight Sparkle, it is an honor!"

"I-it certainly is." Twilight stuttered back a little, surprised that they were truly expecting them. 

"Come in, come in!" Without any protest, the stallion pulled all four of them inside and took them to a nice and clean room. 

Three blue couches now occupied by three mares and a young drake. A small coffee table was set in front of them, and all around the room were decorations made completely out of ice. The room itself was a mix of blue and white, seemingly going after a theme. 

"Excuse my brother in law, he is just obsessed with his knock knock jokes. Ahem, I am Rocky Snow, the owner of this fine farm you stand on." The stallion now known as Rocky Snow bowed. "It is truly amazing to meet the fabled Twilight Sparkle."

"Thank you, but-"

Before Twilight could even finish Spike went on and cut her off there. "Hey, can I have some of those Dust crystals? I'm hungry."

Rocky eyed the young drake, with a reluctant hoof he called over a White Stone to bring in some crystals. He was a unicorn as well but his mane was black just like the moustache on his face. "Take it as an offering of my kindness, we have plenty of Dust to go around." Rocky generously gifted Spike a basket filled with a perfect cut of Dust crystals. 

"Really!?" Spike said excitedly.

"Yes," He smiled as he watched the young drake digging into the basket for those dangerous crystals. "White, where is the tea?"

"On the way, Wheat will be out any second now." White simply assured Rocky. Then the stallion simply backed up towards the doorway to the kitchen and simply stood there, watching them with a careful eye. 

"While we wait, I have a few questions about these-" Once again Twilight was cut off, but this time it was a pony slamming the door wide open. 

"Sir! We have a problem!" The pony cried out as he ran up to Rocky.

Rocky groaned deeply before facing his guests. "Forgive me, but I must see this problem immediately. I cannot trust my brother in law, so I will leave you with my youngest daughter."

With that, Rocky and the pony who was a worker for the Snow farm had left to see what was the cause for concern. And seconds after the stallion had left, another unicorn had entered the room. Her mane was platinum blonde in the style of a side ponytail. She wore a white dress which was bluer as around the hem.  And a bell sleeved bolero lined in red with a ruffled collar. 

"Pleased to meet you," She gracefully bowed her head. "I am Weiss Schnee. If you have any questions then I am happy to answer."

"Oh, very well. I am Twilight Sparkle, and this is my assistant Spike." She introduced herself and Spike. 

"Weiss!" Pinkie bounced up from her seat like she always does. 

Weiss sidestepped away, dodging Pinkie's tackle. "Pinkamena, I would say it is a pleasure to see you again but then I would be lying. Limestone."

"Weiss." The earth mare greeted back as she narrowed her eyes. 

"Weiss!" They heard Rocky call out from the outside. "Be nice to the guests or else!"

"Yes father!" She answered much to her silent protest. "What do you wish to know?"

Pinkie quickly raised her hoof in the air. 

"No Pinkamena, I won't be your best friend." Pinkie retracted her hoof. "Any other questions that are important?"

Spike raised his own limb. "Yeah I got one, what's with the guards? They honestly looked like they were ready for a big fight."

"As a rock farmer, there comes a risk of Diamond Dogs raiding your land for gems as well as the dark creatures of Grimm, the Shadow Dogs. My mother and her brother as well as my sister could take on the Diamond Dogs easily, but the Grimm are far beyond our strength alone."

"But doesn't this town have Iron Legionnaires?" Twilight questioned, it was obvious that it did, which was the norm for every settlement as they are the one thing that keeps the Grimm at bay.

"Yes..." Weiss dragged on the S and made a long hiss with a face that was expressing fatigue as if her body was drained of energy just to go on. 

"The guards in Rockville are a bunch of idiots." Limestone spoke out her mind. 

"By Celestia, they are a bunch of idiots." Weiss agreed with the Pie sister for once. "They focused on some pointless conflict with each other most of their time and whenever they do fight against the Grimm, the town spends more time on rebuilding than cleaning because they always go overboard with their assault."

"Really?" Twilight asked with disbelief.

"Yeah," Pinkie confirmed it. "just last month while I was visiting, there was this big bear Grimm and the Iron Legion blew up the candy store!"

"Wait, they did what? What happened to the Grimm?"

"Oh it fell into a sinkhole where the candy store used to be. We filled that hole with dirt, gravel, and other things we didn't really need which was a nice bonding experience!" Pinkie sighed softly as a tear ran down her cheek. "I'm gonna miss that candy store..."

"Woah, that sounds awesome!" Spike said enthusiastically.

"Spike, not awesome!" Twilight was quick to correct her assistant. "These Legionnaires sounded like they are not qualified for the task."

"That is why my mother hired personal guards instead." Weiss gave Twilight the reason why. "And before you ask, she is busy right now speaking with a friend."

"I see," Twilight pondered for a second, she understood that keeping some guards around was a great idea, but something about it was strange to the unicorn.

The guards were armed with weapons made by Candlewick, that is reasonable since they are pretty much the main buyer for the Dust. Then... 

"Where did Dust come from?"

Weiss did not flinch, her body was still and unloving. Her face was like a doll, emotionless and vacant of any life. "I am afraid I cannot answer that. You must speak with my mother instead, but sadly she is busy."

"Well, when can I speak with her?"

"My mother is a busy mare, the only free time she has right now on her schedule is in two years. I believe it would be best to make a letter instead so she can read it in her short breaks between work. She will surely answer it when the time comes. Will that be all?"

"Yes..." Twilight sighed leaning back on the coach. 

"We're done here?" Limestone asked, she was eager to leave and would rather not stick around. 

"Before you all go, please enjoy this tea that I made!" A young stallion suddenly entered the room with a tray holding a tea set and a teapot floating by his side. "Uncle, would you kindly help serve our guest?"

"Of course!" White Stone was happy to help.

"Oh, very well..." Twilight did not wish to be rude so her only option was to accept. 

The only one who did not accept the offer was Limestone who simply glared at the youngest of the Snow family to which he was happy to accept her choice. And as Spike was busy eating his crystals, Twilight had hundreds of questions. These would have to wait for now, and hopefully the answers she desired would come to her one day. And hopefully, Roman would soon be brought to justice. Speaking of the thief, she wondered what he was doing right now. 




"Just one more!" Fuchsia cried out as she held on the slot machine as if her life depended on it. "I can win it all back!"

"This was not part of the plan Pinky!" Roman, who was in his disguise which was just him being naked, was trying his best to pull Fuchsia off the machine as a crowd gathered around them both and spectated the show. "We have to go now, Oum damn it! I have a lot of work back in Manehattan!"

"No, I can do this! Just one more!"

"Grimm attack!" A pony near the entrance screamed, much to Roman's displeasure.

"You've got to be kidding me!" The thief silently cursed at the gods above for putting him into another situation like this. In the middle of the city of all places. How in the world did they get into Canterlot!?

The whole room turned to chaos as a couple of Beowolves stormed in and attacked anyone that their eyes landed upon. Even though the destruction was very close to him, Fuchsia still refused to let go. The casino was already on fire even though the attack just started. And as the chaos and destruction continued, Roman  swore he could hear the gods above mocking and laughing at him in his predicament. 

"I need a drink..."
> A Bit Of Spice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a cold morning in Manehattan, the shadows still exist due to the towering buildings all around Roman. The sun was just behind this wall of concrete and glass.  The streets were still empty at this time of day, though there were a few ponies out and about but none of them even paid a glance at Roman. He was already wearing his usual clothes, and yet none reacted when their eyes landed upon him. They weren't even curious as to why this thief was out in the open. 

All Roman could think of right now was getting back to his hideout as soon as possible, there was so much things to do, so many questions to ask. Especially the Scroll he had discovered back at BT's pizzeria. Speaking of the tomato, BT was found guilty of so many crimes that really surprised Roman. Smuggling, thievery, and against his own words, conspiring with the infamous Roman Torchwick. 

Roman chuckled at the thought of BT getting interrogated by the Iron Legion, the guard regiment that wanted Roman alive. 

All in all, the job was done. He even got himself an inside man for the Iron Legion. And Perry had delivered. Just before he had hopped onto the train out of Canterlot, Perry had given him a map filled with the location of every Iron Legion outpost. There was one so close to Manehattan, something Roman made sure to remember. With this new ally, he will be one step ahead of Ironwood's doppelganger.

But then there's the final reason why Roman was in a hurry back to the hideout, Adam Taurus. He and his fanatics are in Equestria, and there is obvious bad blood between Roman and those mutts. One thing, Roman had never ever met Adam, which he was thankful for from what he heard about the mad bull of the White Fang. Dangerous, cold, and terrifying. These are the words those White Fang grunts would use to describe Adam, Roman thought it was nothing but every story has a beginning. 

A reputation like Adam's is something to be concerned about, Roman was just a crook, Adam was a damn terrorist. There were times Roman had used explosives but Adam and his previous jobs were broadcast all around Remnant. Roman scoffed at Adam's motivation, the extinction of humanity.

Roman hated humanity as much as the next guy but he didn't want a complete genocide, he had a business with those idiots. But there is the fact that he no longer works with humans, no, he works with candy looking horses in another dimension. Yet Roman worries for the ponies, Adam is unhinged from all the rumors he had heard of, cutting down any traitors and humans alike.

For now, he needed to get back home as quickly as possible. 




The entrance to the hideout went up wide open. Roman stomped right in and discovered the twins sitting on his couch while Trixie, who was tied up in a coil of rope, sat on hers. Roman quickly scanned the room and noticed Fuchsia was already here, working in the kitchen making some breakfast with the help of Lavender as well as... Trixie? Must be the clone, or the real one. Roman couldn't really tell sometimes. 

The thief walked over to the twins with an unreadable face, he had also noticed a strange look coming from Trixie who was all tied up. "Morning boss!" Flim greeted. 

"We have some great news, the Dust powered toasters are selling like hot cakes and the General of the Iron Legion started an investment with the Candlewick Corp! We now have enough funds to begin our project. The Bullhead will be ready as soon as you give us the word!" Flam spoke enthusiastically.

"Put a hold on that project!" Roman snapped, the twins recoiled back a little. "We have a problem that I should really deal with. Repaint all Atlesian weapons to black, and don't ever answer if they ask about where Dust comes from! Also, tell Greeny to call the Snow farm and increase their defences!"

"Yes sir!" Both twins answered. 

Roman turned towards Trixie but just as he was about to even say a single word he bit down his own tongue in shock. The mare that sat on the couch wasn't Trixie, but someone who looked just like her. The coat was in a shade of orange and her mane was blonde. Her face and mane style, with slight alterations, are the same as Trixie's. The thief stared at this mare, a unicorn just like the magician, and wondered who this was. He couldn't really ask since the mare had duct tape over her mouth. 

"Trixie?" He called out to the one in the kitchen area suspecting that she was the one true Trixie. "Who is this?"

The magician leaned out a bit to see "Oh, that's Trixie's mom."

"Why is your mother tied up like this?"

"I... I don't know..." She stuttered a bit. 

"Trixie." Roman demanded an answer. 

"It's nothing, okay!?"

"Don't make me come over there!" He threatened.

"Trixie is telling the truth!" She tried to convince him, but Roman simply raised his cane towards her. She stuttered back a little, her eyes were focused on the weapon and her heart raced as he pointed it at her. "Okay! Alright!" She cried out in defeat. "I kidnapped her! There! Are you happy!?"

"Kidnapped her!?" Roman exclaimed. "Why the hell did you kidnap your own mother!?"

"It's complicated, okay!?"

Flim leaned closer to his brother and whispered. "I hate it when mommy and daddy fights." To which the twins started chuckling amongst themselves. 

"I heard that you idiots!" Roman shot a glare at them. "Now Trixie, just tell me why and I won't scold you." Roman spoke softly and reassured Trixie that he wouldn't be mad about her decision,whatever it may be. 

"Fine!" The unicorn stomped straight over to her mother and glared at Roman as she did so. "My mom was invited here in Manehattan for an interview and to give her opinion about my current... career, she accepted and was about to start until I snatched her away yesterday. And I was not about to let that happen!"

"Alright," Roman nodded. "How did you even know about that?"

"Lucky Spice told me, she had someone working in Manehattan's post office and they managed to discover a letter being sent directly to my mother." Trixie shrunk a little and she looked away from Roman. "Are you mad?"

Roman placed a hoof on her shoulder and smiled warmly. "No I'm not Trix', I just wished you had told me about it before I left for Canterlot. Then I could've helped you in some way."

"Thanks Roman." She said as she raised her head. 

"No problem, now let's untie your mother and give her a proper greeting."

"Did you realise that it was Trixie's mother and not her clone?" Flam asked his brother making sure he was unheard by the others. 

"Nope, I thought that was Trixie herself and she was practicing magic again as well as her stage act. You know, because apparently she is still a magician by heart." Flim answered. 

"Quiet, both of you!" Roman silenced them both. 

Trixie was undoing the ropes as quick as she could and slowly peeled off the duct tape, realising her own mother from the prison Trixie had put her in. Once the tape was off, all hell broke loose. 

"How could you do this to your own mother!?" She scolded Trixie just seconds after her voice could be heard. "I thought I raised you better, Trixie Lulamoon!"

"Mom!" Trixie whined.

"Excuse me ma'am, I am Rom-"

Trixie's mother silenced the thief with a hoof straight to his cheek, everypony in the room recoiled, shocked that the mare had the guts to assault Roman just like that. "I know who you are," She scowled. "you're the stallion that influenced my daughter!"

"Mom!" Trixie exclaimed before she stepped forward and stood between the thief and her mother. "I'm so sorry Roman, she didn't mean that!"

Roman scowled in return. "Trix', I'm gonna go cool off." Roman practically growled like a dog, he gave Trixie's mother one last glance before leaving. 

"Ooh, someone's in trouble!" Flam teased as soon as Roman was out of the building. 

"Shut up you donkey!" Trixie snapped at the wrong twin, then she faced her mother. "Mom, why did you do that!?"

The mare who shall now be known as Sunflower Spectacle, only adopted a look of disappointment. "Why shouldn't I? He led you in the wrong path and now you're a wanted mare! Honestly, if I knew you would end up like this then I would have brought you back home myself!"

"Mom, please!"

"You know," Flim began. "my brother and I have work to do, so we will just be on our way and let you and your mother catch up!"

"That's right, so off we go!" The other agreed, and just like that the twins were gone, leaving Trixie alone with her mother.

Fuchsia and her coworker opted to stay in the kitchen area trying not to make a sound as they prepared breakfast. 

Sunflower glared at the entrance where the twins went through. "And these unicorns you hang out with, they act like a couple of swindlers! It's bad enough that you are in cahoots with that crook, but those two don't look like honest stallions! Those mares on the other hoof are fine."

After being mentioned by the older mare, the two earth ponies couldn't help but feel flattered and glad that they were on Sunflower's good side. 

"Mom!" Trixie whined.

"Don't 'mom' me! Listen young lady, do you have any idea how I felt when I read that you and that- that hooligan robbed a bank!? I was worried sick!"

Trixie shied away. "Mom, please, Roman isn't some hooligan."

"I was worried, Trixie, about where you are! And I was afraid that something bad could've happened! Not only that, but a friend of mine told me about your visit in Ponyville, and how you were almost eaten by an Ursa Major!"

"Mom, I can explain..."

"You are not talking your way out of this Trixie Lulamoon, I am bringing you straight back home right now!"

Trixie gasped. "What!? You can't!" Even the two mares in the kitchen were afraid. Taking Trixie away just like that? It's something they were scared of, Trixie leaving completely. Especially for Fuchsia.

"I can and I will, a mother would never want their own child to end up in prison! This way I can keep an eye on you and make sure that you're as safe as ever!"

"You can't just do what you want!" Trixie argued back. "I am a grown mare who is old enough to make her own decisions!"

"Well this mare made some terrible decisions if you ask me!"

"You know what!? I shouldn't take this from you! I am an adult, I can do what I want and there's nothing you can do about it!" With that, the magician threw down a smoke bomb and was consumed in a thick blue cloud, once it dissipated, the unicorn was no longer there. 

"Trixie, what did I tell you about using smoke bombs to run away from me!?" Sunflower sighed with defeat, she knew that her daughter was no longer around. She could've just left, but her daughter needed her, Sunflower was sure of that. "Where did I go wrong with that girl?"

"Um, excuse me miss?" Sunflower heard Lavender's call for her attention. In her hooves was a plate of today's breakfast. "Would you like some egg toasts? We made them for everyone but... they kinda left."

"Of course, thank you very much." The older mare sighed as she accepted the plate, it was just plain old toast and a fried egg on top of it. Nothing fancy, just basic food to fuel a pony for the whole morning. "This is truly lovely," She smiled.

"Thanks, we hope that you would enjoy your stay here." Fuchsia bid her farewell for now and returned to her work. 

As Sunflower took a bite from her toast, she couldn't help but feel worried for her daughter, she wondered where that mare is right now. 




"Thought I'd find you here." Roman perked up from the stool he sat on, a cold glass of vodka was held tightly in his hoof as he leaned against the bar top. He looked over his shoulder to find his partner in crime just standing there with a gloomy face. "Isn't it a little early to be drinking right now?"

It was indeed too early, seven AM in the morning to be accurate. And yet here he was, in some bar near the hideout drinking his time away. Thankfully, the bar and the pony who runs it was in Lucky Spice's territory, which meant that the bartender was one of Spice's underlings. Since it was early in the morning, there were no other patrons, only Trixie and Roman. 

"If you were in my shoes, then you'd very much invite a bottle of vodka to a romantic dinner in some 5-star restaurant." Roman quickly downed the glass and asked the bartender for another. "Besides, I'm waiting for Spice so I can have a little chat. Would you like a drink? I'm paying..."

"I would rather not, but I will have juice as an exception." Trixie took a seat on the stool next to him, Roman waved over to the bartender and Trixie was given her order. A simple and sweet lemonade, no alcohol. 

"So, how's Sunny?"

"Sunny?" Trixie cocked a brow. 

Roman shrugged his shoulders. "Her mark is a sunflower, so I figured that would be her name also."

"Correct, but her full name is Sunflower Spectacle."

"Right, last names don't really matter much to a lot of ponies in this world. Would've thought it was Lulamoon."

"We aren't like humans, though our culture has a few things in common, we are still ponies and you, an alien."

"Hear, hear." Roman raised his glass in agreement. "And you know the thing that separates us both the most?" He asked rhetorically. "Violence."

The mare chuckled. "Don't have to tell me twice."

"That's also the thing I wanted to talk to you about," His voice shifted to a deeper tone. "there's also a race called faunus in my world, they looked like us but the thing that separates us were the animal features that the faunus' have. Talking about half man, half slobbering mutt, and those mutts have some bad blood with humans."

"Let me guess, you have some friends over for dinner." She smirked. 

Roman grinned back at her. "Right you are Trix', and they aren't just some teensy weensy problem, they're a whole different story. The fricken White Fang."

"Trixy is confident that they would not possess a threat to Trixie."

"It ain't the grunts I'm scared of, it's the stinkin' bull I'm worried about. He was the leader of the White Fang of Vale, brutal and very short tempered. He's pretty strong too, and I rather not charge straight at him in a fight."

"As if you should be afraid, Roman. Remember what you taught me? Just be faster if he's stronger, be smarter if he's faster."

Roman chuckled softly. "I sure am a great teacher. Get ready Trix', I'm gonna train you even harder. And trust me, you'll need it for the near future."

Trixie leaned against the bar top and let out a snort of a laugh. "Trixie is ready, and Trixie will be triumphant against whatever you throw at me!"

"That's the spirit!"

"That is indeed, the spirit. Never give up Trixie!" Both thieves quickly recoiled in shock, caught off guard by Lucky Spice who stood behind the bar, she leaned over it with a smirk. "Oh, was I interrupting?"

"Spice," Roman hissed, Trixie made a note of the lack of nickname, meaning Roman was mad. Of what? Trixie will have to find out. "I couldn't help but notice that you never told me what this product of yours was, and I am a tad bit curious about it."

Spice didn't not waver, she was unfazed by the strong aura of anger coming from the thief. "Well, it wasn't important, all you had to do was bring it to me. But sadly, it had been destroyed, just as you had said. On the bright side, Big Tomato will be gone for a long time, which means I can start my business in Canterlot without a problem."

"Glad that you got something out of it,"

"But you'll get something as well," She produced a letter and placed it on the bar top. "information is money. Or so you say."

"The sketch artist..." Trixie gasped. 

Roman was about to reach for it, but Spice pulled out a dagger and slammed it down on the letter with a loud thud, Trixie nearly fell off her stool as she recoiled. Roman then glared at the earth pony. "What is this?"

"This, my good sir, is a dagger of my own design. Currently, it chambers a red Dust round, I'll let you connect the dots." This was an odd scene for Trixie, never would she have thought that Lucky Spice would bring Roman to this. She was threatening to destroy the letter and withhold information from Roman. 

"You're making a big mistake, Spice." He scowled. 

"Am I? I'm sure you would never harm a single hair on my head, I am the only lead you will ever have. And if anything, I can destroy you, Roman Torchwick."

"It's like today is the day the women in my current life were given a chance to slap me right now." He sighed in defeat. "What do you want?"

"My friend told me about a strange scene in the basement of Tomato's pizzeria. In one room, there they found the unconscious bodies of Tomato and his goons. In the room across, was a room that was covered in ash and soot. There was also reports of an earthquake, and putting two and two together, I figured that there was no possible way to destroy the product from another room unless the door was open."

"You guessed right, Spice. I destroyed that Scroll you made." Roman admitted to his crime, and though Trixie had no idea what he meant, she did understand what Roman meant when he said 'Scroll'. She had the displeasure of being humiliated by the Scroll, and Roman still had the pictures to show for it. 

"I see." Spice smiled. But it was hollow, Roman could see past it, deep down he could tell that she was seething. For the first time since they met, Roman had finally seen her inner workings.  

"If you ever steal from me Spice? Then I am not at fault for whatever punishment comes to you." That was enough for Trixie to shift a little, she adjusted herself for what is to come. Her eyes focused on the letter under the dagger. 

"Is that so?" Spice still held the same smile. "I fear that our partnership might have some problems..." Her hoof twitched for a second, Trixie nearly jumped at the mare but she kept herself from doing so. One wrong move, and poof, the letter is ash. 

"Oh is that so?" Roman cocked a brow. "Then maybe this will fix it." From out of nowhere, a beautiful necklace was slapped onto the bar top. It was made of gold, and the design was simply awe inspiring. With a large ruby in a cut of an emerald right in the center of it all. There were a total of six sapphires that complimented this amazing accessory.

"That can't be..." Spice gasped. 

"A necklace that was previously owned by the princess of Equestria, Celestia herself." Roman held his scowl, his face did not soften one bit. "This would be a perfect exchange for the Scroll, and it is far more valuable."

There was a whole minute of silence, Trixie did not dare to disturb, she only spectated the whole scene. Frozen by the outcomes of every turn that was done in quick succession. It had seemed that Spice was intent on burning the letter, yet now, she herself was stiff as a statue. Roman waited, but he knew that Spice was already in the palm of his hand, and it was only a matter of time before he would close his fist. 

After another minute, Spice pulled the dagger away and swiped the necklace off the bar top. "I am glad that we have come to a better end for this whole situation."

"Whatever, Spice, just don't steal from me ever again."

"Oh Roman, like I would ever dream of it." Her smile then shifted to a scowl, she gave Roman a final glare before leaving with the necklace. 

Roman could only hope that this would be the last time he and Spice would have some conflict with each other. Hopefully she learned her lesson and would think twice before stealing from him again. How she got the idea of Scrolls is beyond him. All he knows is that he should be more cautious around Spice. 

"Hey Roman?" Trixie finally spoke after his talk with Spice. "Can my mom crash at our place for  a while?"

Roman sighed, finally letting his face relax. "Sure, why the heck not?"
> Devil On His Shoulder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silence, devoid of sound. There was no wind, the trees that surrounded him did not move nor would it rustle. Not even a single woodland critter made a squeak. This forest was empty, as if it was untouched by life for so many years. He was alone in this clearing, Adam Taurus was alone. Or so you would believe. 

From out of the shadows a multicolored streak flashed towards him, the faunus was quick to intercept this light with his sword unsheathed. Adam was pushed back, but he stood his ground. The faunus grunted before pushing the multicolored menace away. With the two now separated, Adam inspected the attacker, it was none other than Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty. 

She stood on two hooves, but her body hunched forward like a predator who was about to pounce on their prey. She wore a pair of iron gauntlets on her fore hooves, two thin multicolored blades were attached to the sides of each, and her cutie mark decorated on the gauntlet where the base of the blades were. This was her weapon which she forged on her own, with some guidance from the blacksmiths of the Iron Legion. It's name was Thunder Blossom. 

Her weapon wasn't really equipped with any way to house Dust bullets/vials. She would rely on her claws alone, and her semblance. 

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, her eyes focused on the red head in front of her. The two began to circle around the gap between them, tempting one another to make a move. After so much rigorous training, Dash had transformed into a warrior, something that would surely catch Roman by surprise. And it's all thanks to Adam.

Just before anyone could even make the first strike, the ground behind Adam was kicked up as bullets from out of nowhere slammed into it. Distracted for a second, he didn't see Dash taking the first step. Sadly it was predictable, she launched herself and aimed for his legs to which Adam countered with a step to the side then slamming the sheath into her back. Dash couldn't change her direction quick enough and was brought down by Adam.

And before the pegasus could even bring herself up, Adam instead flipped her back into the air using his sword. At first she was confused, until she felt numerous things hitting her back and sending away.

Dash crashed back down just a few feet away from the faunus. Fuming with rage, she shot up and shouted towards the treeline. "Damn it AJ, shoot him, not me!"

"Ah'm tryin'! That bull is just slippery!" Applejack replied from her perch on a sturdy branch. Around her torso was a bandolier with rifle rounds at the front and a shotgun holster on the back. At her right thigh was a holder for some shotgun shells. Unlike the pegasus, Applejack was stacked in ammo and was ready for a meeting with trouble. 

"If you two have time to bicker, then you both have time to fight!" Adam scoffed bitterly. 

"That's it! I had enough of you!" Dash bared her teeth as lightning started to dance around her, it arched about and singed the grass under her hooves. And her claws, oh how beautiful it was, the electricity danced around the blades, skipping from metal to metal. 

"You never learn." Adam sighed. 

Once Dash had enough energy, she shot it all at Adam, and as fast as literal lighting, he caught it with his blade which was barely even out of its sheath. And once it was all over, Adam snapped towards Applejack's direction and unleashed his semblance. The sniper's eyes widened as a red crescent wave cut through the tree she was in and felt the world turn sideways. After a loud thud, Applejack crawled out of her hiding place, for a second she was shocked, but then she felt even more so after seeing the devastation Adam had created. With a single swing of his sword, the clearing they were in extended even further. 

Rainbow Dash felt her knees weakening, the portrayal of strength made her doubtful of her own power. "Pitiful," Adam commented. "this is the second time it happened. You blindly attack with no purpose, continue to do so and you will end up in the stomach of a Grimm."

The pegasus did not speak, she only frowned as she glared at her tutor. 

"We ain't fightin' Grimm, we're just gonna go after Roman." Applejack explained their true intention. 

"Ah, yes, Torchwick." Adam scoffed once again. "Do you honestly believe with the rate you are going, that you have the slightest chance against someone like Torchwick?"

"Hey," Dash took offense. "we have what it takes, and I bet that I can bring him to Luna now!"

"With your current state, I doubt it."

Dash scowled deeply, her semblance charged up once more. Seeing this, Applejack did not speak a single word, instead she split her weapon apart and holstered her revolver on her back. It didn't belong there but AJ needed both her hooves right now. Adam simply scoffed, but readied himself. He stood still as a statue, unknown to the mares, his eyes were scanning both of them. 

The first to move was AJ, she held her weapon close to her and dashed towards her opponent. Adam turned to face his attacker and was greeted with a shotgun to the face. He snapped to his left, dodging the pellets that would have surely dealt a number to his aura. He hooked the sheath of his sword around her hind leg and pulled it towards him, throwing Applejack straight down. 

This was the moment Dash waited for, in a blink of an eye she was already on top of Adam. Her claws raised over her head, she strikes. Too bad the faunus predicted this and simply plunged the sheathe into her gut. Rainbow Dash gasped as the air was pushed out of her lungs. 

AJ has already recovered from her short defeat, she blasts Adam once more with her last shell, this time it hit the target. Disappointingly it was only his shoulder. Adam grunted not in pain, but simply because he was impressed that she managed to land a hit. Applejack flipped away from the imposing faunus and pulled her revolver out of the shotgun holster then quickly fused her weapons together. It was the full potential of Outlaw's Redemption. A sniper rifle with a suppressor.

Seeing the threat that she is, Adam dashed towards her with his hoof resting on the handle of Wilt And Blush. Only to draw the sword against Dash who had zapped towards him once more. Now fighting two fronts, Adam decided to upped his game. Two clicks, the sound of the hammer striking the pin, the faunus blocked the bullets with ease. The pegasus roared as loud as thunder, Adam matched the pace of Dash's speed. A flurry of blades deflected so easy. 

Unlike these two mares, Adam was a true warrior. Whenever he sensed Applejack's attempt, he would push Rainbow Dash away to give him time to block any bullets. Then he would return to the silly little game he and Dash were playing. Every swing was either parried or dodged, every bullet would be cut in two or be deflected towards Dash. All in all, this wasn't a fair fight. And now he will finish it.

First, Adam pointed his sheathed weapon towards the sniper and pulled the trigger sending the sword right at the blond mare. Applejack had no time to react, she froze like a deer staring straight at oncoming headlights, which then she suffered a heavy hit on her head. The sword bounced off Applejack and straight into Adam's hoof. Now armed with his crimson blade of justice, he swung it over his head and down at his final opponent.

Dash held her claws together in a cross and caught the katana between it. She made a small silent yelp as she felt the full strength being brought on her. She held herself like a real fighter, the ground below her started cracking, a sign that Adam was no mere faunus. Sadly, it was not fate for her to win this fight. She was left with no other option, she would need to use her ace. 

Her weapon hissed, the gauntlets started expanding out and the blades extended slightly forward. The last thing she needed was some space to fully transform which means she needed to push her opponent away. Adam saw this and knew that this fight would last even longer. So before she even knew it, Adam had slammed his sheathe into her chin and blasted her with a round of fire Dust. 

And with that, the battle has been concluded. Both mares had taken a number on their auras, while Adam only had a small fraction taken from his. This was an example of the gap between him as a veteran fighter and them as a duo of rookies. 

"You both show progress, I am especially impressed that you managed to land a hit on me, Applejack." He commented before slamming his sword back into its sheath. With that, he went down on all four and left the two to do other things. 

Once Adam was through the thicket and finally gone and out of the clearing, Dash sighed in defeat. Pummeled down into nothing for the sixth time, she couldn't believe that she was barely progressing at all. They come and attack, Adam beats them, then he gives his opinion and leaves. That was what happened the first five times, and only Applejack had landed a hit. Dash would've been happy for it, but she was too distraught to congratulate her friend. 

Here the duo are, out of breath and feeling the pain. 

Both mares stayed like this for another minute before the two pulled themselves together. They then glanced at each other, none of them could say anything as the wind howled past the two mares. With another sigh of defeat, Dash retracted her claws. "I'm hungry." She said. 

"Right, I'm also peckish for some apples." Applejack shared the same feeling. 

With that said, the two would walk side by side into the forest, heading straight back home. None of them said a single word for a while. Too caught up with their defeat to do so. They both thought they could've done it better, both wanted to win just once. They had a plan before, but it quickly crumbled when the fight started. It was a short one too, which disappointed the mares even more. Applejack's ear flicked as the sound of gunfire rang out, she could tell that Adam and his White Fang were clearing out some Grimm. They had been doing so ever since they were summoned.

At first it was Perry, then Adam. Then the red head requested for his troops to be summoned as well. Which then created the newly founded White Fang of the Iron Legion. A small group acting as a reserve for emergencies and other situations. For example: Roman Torchwick. 

Dash doesn't know much about their plan, but it seems that they managed to find a way to communicate with the thief and they're using it to find the location of Roman's hideout. There was some progress, or so Perry claimed. But Dash was inclined to believe it anyway. 

"Ya think we did better than before?" AJ asked out of the blue. 

Dash smirked, clearing her head of her previous thoughts. "You kidding? You hit him!"

"Just the shoulder, it ain't anything to celebrate about." She argued. 

"Are you serious!?" Dash's peppy side returned, gone was the silent and gloomy Dash who just lost a fight. "You hit him for the first time since our training started, I'm pretty sure that's an achievement in itself!"

"Aw shucks, RD. Ah'm sure if our plan was going the way we thought, you could've landed a few hits yourself."

"Yeah, I know! But he's just too fast, as fast as me!" Dash grinned. "But he isn't quicker in a race, I bet!"

"Ah believe so too," AJ was against stroking Dash's ego, but for once the pegasus needed some morale boost. "but try not to challenge him or anything, doubt he'd even race at all."

"Yeah, he's such a grumpy pants." Dash sighed, then she glanced over to AJ as a question came to mind. "Hey... why didn't you use your semblance?"

Applejack became silent, she paused on the spot to stare at her hoof. "Ah still don't get it right just yet," She raised both her fore hooves and brought it down. The earth shook for a second, but it stopped just as it started. "see, Ah can shake things up but nothin' else."

"Hey, you make earthquakes, I'm sure when you're good enough you could crack a mountain!"

Applejack chuckled. "Well 'ere's hopin'."




"Roman Torchwick... I call for you!!!"

Roman's eyes snapped open, he was in a foreign world surrounded by death and destruction. He looked down to see he was human once more. But the question was... 

"Is this real?" He asked as he examined his hands, complete with all ten of his digits. 

"Yes... and no." Roman looked up from his hands and paled when he discovered who exactly was calling for him. A dark silhouette of a man stood in front of him, his imposing form towered over the thief. His eyes landed on a man who had no face, yet Roman could feel the burning glare that was set on him. It was then that roman would notice the pair of horns that was on the silhouette's head, then he remembered who this man was. 

"Oh Brothers above, help me...."
> Agents Of Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You're dead Lisa!"

Roman declared as the handle of Melodic Cudgel connected into Lavender's chest, a barrier of light flashed before she was sent flying away. The thief sighed as he glanced over to Fuchsia who trembled on the spot. Roman raised a brow and waited, he even gestured a hoof for her to make a move. But the mare stayed where she is. Seeing that she was reluctant, Roman decided to take the first step to which Fuchsia answered by fleeing.  

"I didn't sign up for this!" She cried out as she ran. 

Roman groaned loudly and pointed his cane down to his hooves, with a hop and a pull of the trigger, a loud boom launched the thief towards the mare. Before Fuchsia could even register what had happened she felt a heavy blow against the back of her head which brought her face into the floor.

Fuchsia laid there, moaning in pain as the thief towered over her. "You're dead Pinky." Roman said with a frown. 

"It hurts..." She groaned out. 

"Of course it does, I just whacked your melon."

"Trixie to the res-" Roman twist on his heel and batted Trixie who attempted to strike Roman while his back was turned. The unicorn gasped sharply as she felt the weight of his cane slamming into her chest. She bounced twice against the floor before landing on her back with a loud thud. Her aura flickered for a second trying its best to fix whatever problem Roman caused. 

"And with that, the whole team has been wiped out." Roman's wing punched the bridge of his snout. "Time and time again, I explained that teamwork is important when in combat! You three showed none of those." He pointed his cane at Lavender who was slumped against the wall. "You keep getting distracted by unimportant things allowing others to strike first!" Then he moved it towards Fuchsia. "You are not even fighting back! What's the use of me unlocking your aura if you don't even do anything with it!? And then there's you Trix', I told you that you need to take charge and lead these hopeless duo against me. But instead of planning and acting like a leader, you chose to use them as a way to divert my attention away from you. And yet you failed, horribly."

Trixie sat up with a frown on her face. "How in the world would we even be able to take you down!?  You're stronger than all of us combined!"

"Trix'," Roman began as he pulled Fuchsia back to her hooves. "Sometimes sheer numbers could bring down a mountain. Of course experience is superior, but I learned from my own experience that with the right training, an army of peasants can still take down a knight."

"Is violence all you could ever think about? Honestly, you should put your time and experience to better use!"

Roman felt a vein pop, a scowl formed on his face as he turned towards the mare that just spoke. "Good morning to you too Sunny."

"When you're here, it isn't that good of a morning." She huffed before facing her daughter. "Breakfast is ready Trixie, I made egg and haybacon sandwiches for everyone, help yourselves with some freshly squeezed orange juice!"

"Really!?" Trixie shot up and rushed towards the kitchen area followed by Fuchsia and Lavender who were equally hungry as Trixie. Roman sighed once more as he followed with Sunflower just behind him. 

As the three mares got to the table where the sandwiches are, they wasted no time and began filling their stomachs with much needed fuel to give them enough energy to go through the day until lunch time. Roman noticed that there were two extra sandwiches, but instead of taking one, he opted to go to the fridge instead. There were some vegetables, some sodas, and a half eaten cake. 

"What's wrong, don't you want some sir?" Lavender spoke up, curious as to why Roman was at the fridge instead of the table. 

"And what, risk getting poisoned? I'll pass."

Sunflower was appalled by his implications. "And why in Celestia's great mane would I poison you?"

"To get rid of me, that's for sure." He said as he fished out the half eaten cake. 

"My mom wouldn't do that!" Trixie spoke with a mouth full.

"Trixie, swallow before speaking!" Sunflower scolded Trixie and the magician did as she was told. "And you," She turned towards the thief. "you put that cake back in the fridge and eat the sandwich, or else!"

"Or else what?" He chuckled. "You can't possibly do anything to harm me."

"Don't you test me young colt, I have a few magic spells that would certainly singe your mane!"

"Roman, could you please just eat the sandwich?" Trixie tried to convince him. She stared at Roman with her best puppy eyes she could muster. She even had her lower lip quivering to add to the whole look. Roman was honestly disturbed. So much, that he instinctively returned the cake back into the fridge. 

"Fine." He answered, Trixie smiled proudly as she mentally patted herself on the back. 

Roman sat down on one of the few vacant seats in the table. He stared at the sandwich in front of him on a plate. Lettuce, scrambled egg, tomato, and hay. Those were the contents of this sandwich, and Roman wished that there was no hay. Ever since he woke up on this planet, there were many things that he was reluctant to try. One of them was hay, just next to flowers. His diet consisted of normal stuff that he would find appealing enough to eat, such as pastas and bread. He missed meat, he wished he was able to get a spell that would allow him to be an omnivore again. But that seems impossible now. 

Feeling his own stomach growling, Roman wrapped both his hooves around the sandwich and brought it closer to him. The thief stared at it for a second, he tried not to think of the hay, it was basically a BLT sandwich. Sunflower did say it was haybacon. Swallowing down his pride, Roman lowered his jaw and leaned towards his breakfast. But then he pulled away, he just couldn't do it. He had standards, and hay just doesn't seem appetizing. With that in mind, he instead removed the hay and discarded it back onto the plate. This action earned a glare from Sunflower, but she held her tongue.

"Um, Roman?" Fuchsia asked for his attention. "Why do we have to train with Miss Trixie, anyways? Like I had said, Lavender and I did not sign up to be fighters."

Roman smirked. "And yet, you and Lisa were there in Ponyville, knowing the risks that comes with the job. Think of it as a promotion of sorts. You will be able to defend yourselves when we aren't around. With this training, Trixie and I can depend on you both when the time comes. For example, they discovered our hideout and you along with Lisa are the only ones here."

"I get it!" Lavender said before taking another bite from her sandwich. 

"See? She gets it, and besides, if you two participate in some of our heists, I am willing to give you two twenty percent of my share."

Fuchsia spat out her juice. "Twenty percent!?"

"Yes, I usually get around fifty thousand bits, and I don't really use it much. So it's alright for me to part with most of it." Roman sighed. "But there is still the problem of your identity. We can work on that after training. There's still much to do."

"Trixie surprise attack!" Roman managed to face the unicorn just on time for a plate to break on his head. He slumped forward and off the chair he sat on and fell down onto the kitchen floor. "Gotcha!"

The mares looked over the table and at Roman's body. They waited for him to stand, but he laid there with no signs of any movement. 

"Roman?" Fuchsia called out to him, yet there was no answer. 

Then all eyes focused on the magician, she stared back at them, unsure of what to say right now. It was like this for a minute before Lavender would speak. 

"Did you just kill him?"




"Roman Torchwick I call for you!!!"

"Oh Brothers above, help me..." Roman prayed as he stood across an imposing silhouette. The devil from before he woke up on Equestria, he had somehow found his way here and was now demanding Roman's attention. "How are you here!?" He asked as he clenched his fists. 

"All will be answered shortly. First, I must speak with you, child."

"Oh no, when I said I would sell my soul to the devil for a corn chip, I was just joking!" Roman tried to take a step back, but somehow he had not moved from the spot. No matter how many steps he made, the distance between him and the devil was still the same. 

"Your disrespectful behavior will be noted, Roman. You prayed to us for so long, yet you do not recognize that one of the gods you call out to is standing before you."

Roman gasped. "You... are one of the Brothers? But, I thought you'd be a dragon?" His shoulders almost relaxed upon the discovery, he was still wary of what this god was capable of. "Years..." He gritted his teeth. "For years I have been praying, for so long I have been waiting, just for help. Yet you're standing here right now. Do you know what I've been through? You have some nerve to show up now!"

"Calm yourself, child. My brother and I would've helped if we were present. But even then, we would've simply given you some strength to overcome your challenges."

"What do you mean?" He hissed.

"Remnant is far older than you would believe. Before you or the faunus, there were only humans with power to create and destroy."

"What does this have to do with anything?"

"Everything, Roman Torchwick. For you see, the Grimm are my creation, and the animals you know are of my Brother's. I made my children of darkness specifically to destroy life. But then we came together and united our powers to create, man."

"Big mistake." Roman quipped. 

"Your hatred is justified." The god sighed. "I will cut to the chase if you are in a hurry. There was... a complication with a distraught widow. She wanted something that was against my brother's will, but we denied the woman of her wish. So she rallied every human and stormed into my brother's home and sacred ground to attack us both. And you see in the night sky above, it did not end well for humanity."

Roman noticed the pause the god had made, it was for him to figure out what the god meant. Then he understood it. "The moon..." Roman muttered. 

"With the destruction of the moon came the extinction of man, yet I spared only the Grimm and allowed them to take over the lands. This in turn birth a new age, one with no magic to fight off the hordes of Grimm."

"You killed all humans, because they rebelled?" Roman felt his lips form into a smirk. "Why not make a sequel?"

"Do you detest your kind so much, that you wish them ill?"

Roman shook his head. "No, I'm not thinking straight. I'm guessing that's why you guys never answered. Who knew the gods were the parents, and we, the humans, are their children left inside the car hotboxing in the parking lot under the summer sun. Continue."

"You may doubt what I will say next, for the widow still lives until today as a punishment. And as time passed on, humanity evolved out of the shadows to rule once more. And until now, my brother and I have not set foot back on Remnant."

"And why are you here then, how are you even talking to me?"

"The Grimm is my creation, as I said. So you may understand what I am meaning to tell you."

Roman pondered once more, trying his best to answer the silly riddles he kept spouting out. "Equus, this planet is also your creation!"

"You are indeed correct. But this world is more of a small experiment that my brother and I created which was simply long forgotten."

"But what does this have to do with me!?"

The world around him shook. The once dusty ground turned grey for a second before becoming a steel material. Then the sky darkened, the shattered moon returned once more and shined upon him. The stench of blood and gunpowder filled the air. And finally, the shrieking caws of the griffins assaulted his ears. He was back on the ship, where his legacy both ended and began. Roman stared at the god, his eyes wider than before. Pupils shrunk into green dots in a sea of white. 

"You were supposed to die here, Roman Torchwick." He said menacingly. "That night, when the prodigy performed the summoning spell, I tried to stop it. But she proved too strong for her kind, and managed to pull you through the dimensions. I was displeased, but I am not allowed to do anything for this world is no longer in our control. That is why she succeeded against me. After so long of searching, you made the mistake of stepping into my sacred grounds which allowed me to make a connection with your mind. I do not know how long I am able to speak with you, but I am sure that we have time."

Roman soaked in all the new information he had just received. Everything would've sounded ridiculous, but he had seen so much that he was inclined to believe every word. He gritted his teeth, the god wanted him dead, yet he is still alive. There was also the thing about sacred grounds, which meant that there was a place where Darkness was stronger. Then it clicked, Roman's mind returned to the city of Canterlot, the one place where he felt "train lag". Which was strange. 

The only good thing is, he won't die just yet. "Ha! That means you can't kill me, can you!?"

"I very much can, child." Roman recoiled back. "But it would be against my brother's wishes to harm you. Even if it was to correct the mistake. Don't count yourself lucky just yet, Roman. For I will be sending out agents to dispose of you."

"I would like to see them try!"

"The first one had already failed me. He had many chances to strike, yet he chose to spare your life instead. A shame, he is the strongest one in this world. Just as strong as the rulers of Canterlot."

"Heh, is that right?" Roman grinned. "Maybe I can bring him over to my side then?"

"You may try, but then you'd risk encountering my other agents." Just then, something big landed behind Roman. 

The thief snapped towards it, and his face drained of any color. "Grandma..." He chuckled. "What big eyes you have!" It was indeed the very same one, the gigantic Grimm that was riddled in scars, rust and blood stains really suited the beast well. Especially in this kind of environment, where chaos and destruction reigns. Roman cared not how it got inside his dreams, he just knows that the god had something to do with it. 

The Beowolf stared deeply into his eye, it licked its fangs hungrily. "Rrrrromaaaaan!" It growled in a woman's voice, raspy and high pitched, sounded like how a snake would sound like if it spoke. 

"H-hey there, Grandma, been awhile."

"Hungry!" It or she said. 

"Fascinating, isn't it? My creations only grow smarter by age. This one lived to see the rise of the alicorn sisters. Grandma as you have decided to name it, fought in many battles. It became the alpha in a single night after devouring the previous one. Stronger, bigger, yet faster. This one, I am truly proud of. It had taken a liking to you Roman." The god spoke while the Grimm circled the thief. 

"Yeah, I can see that." Roman decided it was best to ignore the beast, it was not like it can hurt him in the dream world. "You said there were more? Who else is after me?"

The moon turned blood red, the embers became rose petals that fluttered through the wind. The Beowolf vanished from sight. The steel beneath Roman transformed into soil, and numerous thorned roots grew out of it, one even wrapped around his left shin causing the thief to hiss in pain. And out of the roots came roses which burst into flames. At first it was a beautiful scene, from an artist point of view, it could be said that there was a hidden meaning. And Roman already knew what that meaning was. 

"Adam Taurus." He named the other agent of darkness as he pulled his leg free. 

"A peculiar mortal indeed. His hatred towards humanity is far greater than yours."

"Hey, I am a man who believes in equality! So I equally hate everyone on Remnant, except Neo."

"Nonetheless, the faunus race was a strange evolution from the destruction of man. My brother and I were curious about how they came to be. None of us even tempered with the human genes, so their existence is merely life flourishing on its own. But I must admit, they are far superior than humans, being able to harness the power of other animals. Such as the ability to see through the darkness."

"You brought him here, Adam I mean. You definitely sent him here to kill me." Roman simply concluded, he easily understood it all.  

"Indeed, I had intercepted one of the summoner's attempts to reach into the world of Remnant and brought Adam Taurus here. If he succeeds on vanquishing you, then I will grant him his wish."

"And what's that?"

The god paused for a second, the world shifted once more, the sky literally melted away leaving nothing but the ground under Roman's feet. "Power," The god answered. "He will become strong enough to destroy an army all on his own. I just fear that with his wish, comes the second extinction of humanity."

"Huh, guess gods truly are just pricks." 

"There is still one last thing Roman, I-"

"Begone foul beast!" Luna's voice boomed out from above, both man and god looked up in time to see a pillar of light slamming down upon the brother of darkness. A thick cloud of smoke exploded out, shielding the god away from sight. 

"Luna!?" Roman exclaimed as she touched the ground, her wings still extended out, ready to take flight in case the creature she had just smited is still alive. 

"Roman, I was planning to call for you, but then I felt a presence I have not felt before! I knew you had something to do with it!" She explained herself. "And here I see a demon invading your dream world! This shall not go unpunished!"

"Uh, Luna? He's not the devil." Roman coughed into his fist. "He's one of the two Brothers, the gods that was said to be the creators of my world, which honestly surprised me since they were depicted as dragons."

"H-he is?" She stammered. 

"Yeah, and apparently, he and his brother also created your world. And the evidence to that is the fact that Grimm exists since it's basically his kids. Crazy right?"

"He is!?" Luna exclaimed. Then she stared at the large smoke, and while it slowly dissipated, she paled. The color slowly faded off her as a large dragon made of darkness now stood in the god's place. "Oh, dear mother above."

The dragon snorted a laugh which sent shivers down her spine. Even Roman was paralyzed in fear. Both were speechless before the god who destroyed the moon. His dragon form radiated with power. This was the god Roman knew, the one who is the father of all Grimm. 

His skull lowered down to level with Luna's, she gasped and took a step back, in fear of what this being was capable of. "Luna, princess of the night and deity of the moon. You are as beautiful as my children claimed." He said softly. "My little pony, do not fret, there will be no punishment. For I understand your reasoning. You were simply defending Roman from an unknown entity."

"Yes... I am." She admitted to the truth. "So, Roman claims that you created both of our worlds."

"His, my brother and I were merely using our powers to the fullest. Yours? This planet was simply a small project long forgotten, a planet where the sun itself orbits around it. Long enough that your kind and many others grew. I would love to explain everything, my child, but my time is short. It is best to be on my way now." The dragon turned to leave, his footsteps were silent, no sound was made as he slowly vanishes. Leaving a fearful thief and a princess who regretted her mistake of assaulting a god who said had created the planet she stands on. 

When enough time had passed, Roman finally released all the air he held in his lungs, his shoulders relaxed, yet his body was still slightly tensed. "Great, of all the things to come after me, I never thought it would be a god."

"What do you mean?" Luna asked, broken free of her own short prison. The thief dismissed her question with his own, he chose not to inform her about the agents that were after him. Instead, he asked what was so important that she wanted to speak with him tonight. 

The two stood there, Roman listened to her words. Receiving new important information, the thief couldn't help but widen his eyes. His mouth opened to speak, but he found himself speechless. His body sagged forward a bit, his palms shook from excitement. 

"What...?" He whispered. 

Of all things he would discover today, this one was the best thing he heard after waking up on this planet. It felt like it was happening so quickly, and Roman felt his knees weakening under him. The world around them both started shifting. The sky turned to an orange hue as a grin crept up to his face. Luna was unsure what to think of it, her mind still lingered on the god from earlier. And when everything was still, the grin on his face transformed into a manic smile and the sky shattered along with it. 

"Guess it's game time, isn't it?"

That day, Roman awoke with a violent cackle that literally frightened his partner. It was a day to remember as Torchwick began planning for the near future.
> A New Page In Her Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman waited patiently, he sat upon a comfortable recliner in Lucky Spice's home. It was what one would expect from a mare who almost had it all. The room he was in was painted turquoise, the floor had velvet carpeting. And paintings decorated the room, some of which were perfect conversation pieces. A butler would come by a few times to offer Roman some refreshments, but the thief simply declined. 

He was here for business, nothing else. Both he and Spice still remember the moment that transpired back in the bar where she threatened to hold back information he had rightfully earned. There were complications between them. But hopefully Roman would resolve this problem quickly. 

"Oh, when they said that you were here, I thought they were simply lying!" Roman turned towards the doorway where Spice stood. She wore a smile that hid her true emotions. Ever since their first conflict with each other, Roman had managed to break through the wall of lies that Spice had built. He could easily tell if she was honest with her smile. 

"You expected me to avoid a friend? You are mistaken, my dear Spice." He spoke as the mare took a seat just across him. 

"Well, friendship is magic, as many have claimed." No matter how much she hid her true self, Roman could see it in her eyes, that malicious intent. He made sure that he could see her hooves right where he wanted them. 

"And I believe it, it was friendship that allowed me to make a name for myself in this crazy bizarre world of yours." Roman paused the conversation just so he could light a cigar. He took a short drag and huffed out a cloud of smoke. "And where would I be without our friendship?"

"Enough with the formalities Roman," Her smile shifted from fake to vicious. If the person in front of her wasn't a hardened criminal they would've soiled their pants. Good thing Roman found it more like a cute little gesture. "just take your order and be on your way. I have other business to attend to."

"No, you don't." Roman silently chortled. "I checked your schedule and you have nothing planned until tomorrow."

She huffed. "That is quite rude to simply invade a lady's privacy."

"Listen, Greeny, I know that we are having some issues between us. That's why I wanted to make amends. Ten percent."

"Ten percent of what?"

"You aim to make a profit out of my scroll. I have no idea how you managed to make a copy, but I don't care anymore. What I do care about is that you tried to sell it without my consent." Roman sighed. "I understand that a scroll would make tons of bits, and you wanted to keep it to yourself. But that won't do at all. If you plan to make some money out of my own property, then it would be better to give me a small share of the profit. So ten percent, take it or leave it." With that, Roman raised his gloved hoof towards Lucky Spice and waited for an answer. 

She stared at his hoof, contemplating for a minute.

Roman growled for a second as he rolled his eye. "Fine, I'll give you fourteen months before you can start giving me my share."

"Deal!" She caught his hoof with hers and shook it like she was trying to rip his limb off its socket. "Oh Roman, I am so glad that we came to an understanding, I was planning to reveal your hideout to the authorities!"

Roman smirked as he retracted his hoof away, free from Spice's gorilla-like grip. "And I don't have to kill you! Imagine that, where would I even buy the things I need for my heists? Also, the code to disarm the bomb under your chair is the month and day we first met."

"The bomb?" She mimicked his smirk. "Do you mean the one that had been defused by my butler right after you planted it?"

"Oh, you clever girl." Roman wasn't even mad, he was indeed impressed by Spice's workers. Always the best for her. "Alright, with that out of the way, let's begin our business. I require some blueprints for a place I plan to hit soon. But there is a possibility that you won't be able to provide. Can you do it?"

"Roman, with my connections, I am sure that I can provide."




Trixie ducked down in time to dodge Fuchsia's wooden stick. She raised Smoke And Mirrors over her head and brought it down only to be blocked by Fuchsia. The earth mare grunted as she stuttered back a step. With a press of a button, her cane retracted back into the orb allowing it to fall past the stick. Once it crossed Fuchsia's defenses, Trixie used her magic to activate her cane once more, grabbing it by the end she immediately slammed it into Fuchsia's face. Defeating the earth mare. 

Trixie's opponent recoiled back and keeled over with a flop. The magician stood proudly on her hind hooves, her cane rested against her shoulder as she triumphed over her enemy. "Trixie wins again! Huzzah!"

"That's five to zero with miss Trixie in the lead!" Lavender Lace announced for the audience, the Flim Flam brothers. "What an embarrassing display, right folks?"

"Trixie is just far superior to the two of you. I have more experience!" The magician gloated. 

"Yeah..." Fuchsia Blush moaned in pain, she just wasn't getting a break at all. "I'm gonna rest here... Lavender, I'll take my cigarette break right now."

"But you don't even smoke." Lavender pointed out. 

"Let her, she had enough of my grand performance!" Trixie smirked with pride. "And maybe when we have the time, all three of us can practice some magic acts! Trixie always wanted some lovely assistants to help me on stage."

"Oh, I would love to be sawed in half!" Lavender was eager. 

"You hear that? She called me lovely..." Fuchsia was happy for the compliment. "That's going to the vault, yup, never gonna forget this moment."

Flam laughed with his brother. "Hear that Flim? Maybe we can hire those two to perform for our company! Imagine the motivation our employees would have, imagine the profits!"

"I believe so as well, dear brother of mine!" Flim agreed. 

"Really!?" Lavender zoomed towards the twins. "That would be totally awesome! I wanna do so many things like pulling a rabbit out of a hat! Or maybe escaping a tank full of water!"

"Well, as long as you have the training of course!" The moustachio informed her. 

"Hold on now Lavender!" Trixie walked ups to the eager mare's side. "We have to practice first! Allow the Great and Powerful Trixie to help you! With her guidance, you will shine bright like a star! -Not as bright as me though- Forget the simple rabbit trick, think bigger! Let me run a saw through your guts!"

"Yeah!" She cheered while the twins blanched. "Cut me up!"

Flam leaned over to his brother. "We should make sure that no one gets hurt if we ever do go through with it. We would rather not have some problems towards the company." To which his brother nodded with agreement.

Just then the shutter doors were opened and in came Roman, several rolled up blueprints under his arm. He strolled calmly over to the twins and dumped the blueprints in front of them. Trixie tried to greet him but was ignored. "Finn, Dan! I need you two to study my plans over and over!"

"Sure thing boss!" Flam said as he picked up and unrolled a blueprint. Then his eyes bulged out of his head. "R-Roman, this place is..."

"Impenetrable? That's where you two come in! Just read up the plans and do some practice in front of the mirror. I'll be needing you to do a part soon and I need you to be flawless." Roman grinned. 

"But boss, this just seems dangerous, even for us!" Flim said warily. 

"I know, but if this plan works, then the order for Dust would increase! Think of the profits boys, imagine the bits just rolling into our hands!"

And as easy as it was, the twins were swayed over by Roman with his silver tongue. He didn't even need to tell false promises, money was the only thing he needed to mention. He trusted these two to do their part for his upcoming heist. So with nothing else to do, he marched towards the exit. 

"Roman?" Trixie tried to get his attention, but the thief just breezed past her, his eyes stared forward towards space. For the first time since they met, Trixie saw a glimmer of determination in his eye. And for the first time since they met, she felt weird. She stared at Roman as he left, her eyes focused on the thief solely. Even after he was out of sight she stayed frozen. Staring at the entrance where Roman was. "Roman?" She muttered. 

"Trixie?" Lavender was first to notice her odd behavior. She leaned over to her partner. "Hey, miss Trixie is acting weird."

Fuchsia who was still recovering looked over to her partner. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know, she's been really nice ever since Roman came back. Remember when we first started working as her assistants?"

"She was always so confident, proud of her own success even if it is just a minor one. But hold on, she didn't really change much... Though she does become a bit friendlier when Roman is... around..."

"See? Now look at her, I'm starting to see something." Lavender said. 

"No..." Fuchsia found herself in the same wavelength as Lavender. "Oh, no."

"On my god!" Lavender said aloud but she quickly covered her mouth with her hooves. 

"Is something wrong you two?" Trixie asked them.

"Nothing's wrong!" Lavender assured Trixie. "We should do something." She whispered to Fuchsia. 

"Why?" Fuchsia whispered back. "I don't think this is our problem. We should just forget it."

"That's crazy, we're her only friends other than Roman."

"We are?" Fuchsia was doubtful. It had only been weeks, so Fuchsia couldn't tell all that much. Of course, Trixie once treated them to a fancy dinner in one of Lucky Spice's restaurants after Trixie's first solo heist, and Fuchsia enjoyed her meal so much that she became a frequent customer. And it's thanks to her current work that allows her to indulge in such a fancy place. 

"Duh, and plus she helped us a lot. So it's only right for us to pay her back."

"Ugh, fine." Fuchsia finally agreed. 

"Seriously, what are you two doing over there?" Trixie asked. 

"Miss Trixie!" In a blink of an eye Lavender had covered the distance between her and Trixie. Lavender held Trixie's hooves with hers and stared deeply into the magician's eyes. "I promise that Fuchsia and I will help you!"

"Help me? With what?"

"We'll help you earn Roman's affections!"

There was a short pause, Trixie's face was frozen for a second or two. Then her face turned red as it shifted into a look of Shane. "What!?"

"Oh don't pretend you didn't know, I saw how you look at him," Lavender said.

"No seriously, WHAT!?"

Fuchsia, who had finally recovered from her short break, walked up to the two mares. "She's right you know, you always act so passively when Roman's around."

The magician's face flushed red. "That doesn't mean Trixie desires his attention! No, he is simply Trixie's best friend! Trixie is more comfortable around Roman because Trixie trusts him with every bone in Trixie's body!"

"And now Trixie is being defensive." Lavender teased.

"That's it! Trixie will deduct your pay!"

"Go ahead, but that won't give you any chances with Roman!"

"Trixie is warning you!"

Fuchsia sighed, her head dipped down. "If that wasn't the case, then why were you so bummed out when Roman ignored you?"

"Wouldn't you be sad if Lavender ignores you!?"

"Woah, take it easy Trixie. Besides, Lavender and I aren't best friends, we're just coworkers."

"Aw, we aren't?" Lavender asked with a fake frown. 

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure you'd feel a little angry about being ignored, and not act like a deer staring at a laser beam," Fuchsia said. 

Lavender stared at Fuchsia with a strange look. "That's oddly specific, I have not heard of that phrase before."

"A deer freezes up when a laser beam is coming right at them. I've seen that happened twice and- don't just change the subject like that! We have to talk some sense into Trixie!"

"Trixie will not hear anymore of this! Trixie shall go and sharpen her skills elsewhere." Trixie huffed. 

"You can't just run away Trixie, sooner or later you'll have to face facts," Fuchsia said blankly. 

"She's right," Lavender stood in Trixie's way and prevented her from escaping. "if you just bottle up these feelings then it'll become an unhealthy obsession. For all we know, he might actually like you back!"

"And if he doesn't!?" Trixie's aura flashed, her teeth bared at them and her brows knitted. The pair took a step back, surprised by her sudden outburst. Trixie acted so defensive that she practically admitted right in front of them. 

"Sheesh," The three heard someone else speak, yet the voice belonged to one of them. "Might as well scream it to the world at this rate."

All heads turned towards Trixie's clone who was unconsciously brought into reality.

"Honestly, Trixie has more control over Trixie's feelings better than you, and that says a lot because I'm the clone." Great, now there are three of them. Trixie, the original, started to feel furious at all of them. "Just say it and move on, Trixie is hungry."

"Twoxie is right, we can't help you until you ask us," Lavender said. Trixie glared at them, her teeth started to grind with an audible squeak. 

"Of course I'm right, I am indeed the Great and Powerful Trixie. Where exactly did these emotions even start?" The clone wondered. "Hmm, knowing you, it probably started when he offered you his friendship. And then the whole peanut butter crackers, I'm sure that made you like him more. We do love those crackers. Maybe it was the time-"

"Shut up!" Trixie struck her own clone in the face with the rod of her Smoke and Mirrors. The clone was launched into the wall where she bounced off the surface and landed on the cold hard floor with a painful thud. "Fine! I like, like him! So what!? I don't even know when it started, I just woke up one morning, and then he just started to sparkle whenever I looked at him! He's my friend, my only best friend in Equestria! I just... I just don't want to lose him!"

"See, was it so hard to just admit to your feelings?" Lavender asked kindly.

"I don't want to lose him..." Trixie muttered. She ignored Lavender and collapsed onto her stomach, tears started to form in the corner of her eyes. "He didn't even say hello..."

"Woah, okay," Fuchsia raised her hooves. "I didn't think she'd start crying."

"It's a normal reaction for a mare you know?" Lavender glared. "It's as if you haven't fallen in love."

"Love!?" Trixie said before she began to choke on her saliva. "I don't love that dolt! I like, like him! There's a total difference!"

"I'm just glad that you won't cry anymore. That was kinda sad to watch." Fuchsia said blatantly. "The thing is Trixie, he isn't your only friend. Lavender and I are technically your friends even if we barely did anything, and I'm sure the twins can be your friends also if you set aside your differences."

"Yeah, you're right," Trixie said, eyes stared down at the floor. "But you girls weren't there... I... I used to be someone. I was just Trixie the Great and Powerful, not Trixie the Foul and Mischievous. Back then, all I did was perform on a stage in front of crowds. They would marvel at me with hopeful eyes. Praise me, love me, they all wanted more. It was like that until I arrived at Ponyville... That's when my reputation was ruined by a purple unicorn."

She paused for a second just to subside her emotion. Trixie felt something just from thinking about a certain unicorn. 

"After Ponyville, ponies started to treat me differently. People would boo and hiss during my shows instead of cheering. Money started to be a problem, I noticed that it was harder to come by now that ponies avoided my shows... I was alone, I had no one to turn back to but my mother. Yet I didn't dare to go home as a failure. I knew that my career was over... but I still kept going forward. Then I found him, just sleeping in the middle of the road. My first thought was that I'd steal any money or valuables on him and I almost did, but he caught me red hoofed."

Trixie chuckled, Lavender and Fuchsia listened intently and absorbed this new information about their boss. 

"But instead of yelling at me like a common thief, he challenged me to a game for the gems he called Dust. Whoever manages to hide the joker card, wins. At first, I thought I won with no issue, but he had used a loophole in his own rules and I lost all without the aid of magic on his part. After that, Roman tricked me into a state of desperation, he used my moment of weakness to beat me. And I have to say, looking back at it now, I'm actually impressed. That's how he and I met, and from then on, I followed every word he said. I trust him more than anyone in my life."

"Wow, so that's how you two found each other." Lavender was honestly moved by Trixie's story. 

"Guess that's how it started for all of us, huh?" Fuchsia smiled. "Without Roman, the three of us wouldn't have met, so we have to thank him for the friendship we have right now."

"Oh, I knew you'd come around!" Lavender said as she wrapped her arms around Fuchsia who tried to resist only to fail terribly.

"Get off!" Fuchsia said. "We need to focus on Trixie, not whatever this is!"

"Thank you..." Trixie muttered, but it was loud enough for the two to hear. 

"No problem," Lavender smiled brightly. "With us, Roman will be looking at a whole new you!"

With that, the trio began to think up ideas of how to help Trixie in the newest challenge in her life. And what a dreadful challenge it was, there will be some obstacles for sure, but with the power of friendship, they will overcome any problem that comes their way. 

Unbeknownst to the three mares, there was a fourth pony in the building, technically a fifth if you counted the unconscious clone. This mare, older than the rest, had been eavesdropping on the three from behind the wagon, away from their gazes. She sighed deeply as she leaned against the purple wagon. 

"My baby is growing up..." She whispered. 

She was worried, unsure of what she should do. The mare only had a few options, there was just no other way. And all she can do is either accept and allow fate to decide. Or intervene at one point in the story. Sunflower Spectacle hoped that she would make the right choice for the betterment of her daughter's life. A tear ran down her cheek, the idea of Trixie suffering on the road had struck Sunflower right in the heart. She wished that she was there when Trixie was at her lowest, just so Sunflower could embrace her daughter.

But the present is now, and it would seem that Sunflower herself needed to make a choice of her own.
> Caught In The Jaws Of The Beast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why do you even like Roman?" Fuchsia asked as she and Lavender set up some training dummies. 

"What don't I like? He's as great as Trixie, he helped me back on my hooves. Trained me to be powerful." Trixie paused as she thought of more things to list. "He is also kinda cute now that I think of it." Her cheeks became red as she imagined Roman holding her hoof. 

"Gross," Fuchsia would've barfed if it wasn't for her strong will. 

"So how are you gonna confess to him?" Lavender asked. 

Trixie froze just as she raised her cane to strike the dummy. Her cheeks grew even redder. She shifted on the spot and her eyes darted around. "I w-was thinking about waiting for him t-to make the first move."

Fuchsia placed a hoof on her face and felt a little discouraged for Trixie. "But what if he doesn't like you."

"You don't know that!" Trixie snapped at her. 

"Calm down Miss Trixie," Lavender placed a hoof on Trixie's shoulder. "just focus on the dummy and clear out your mind."

Fuchsia clicked her tongue. "But still, Roman might not feel the same way as you." She received a glare from Lavender. 

"He might not?" The unicorn turned to face Fuchsia with her bottom lip quivering. 

"Yeah, so that's why you gotta make the first move."

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Oh, what would you know? Have you ever dated before?"

"Yes," Fuchsia answered honestly. "my last date is the reason why I have a gambling addiction. I mean, who brings their date to a casino?"

"That's what Trixie's father did once," Sunflower suddenly chimed in, the three younger mares were taken by surprise. "Now, what's this about dating?" She asked, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. 

"Oh, n-nothing!" Trixie giggled awkwardly. The last thing she wanted right now is her mother finding out about her little thing for Roman, the man she currently despises the most. 

"Yeah, Lavender is just asking me tips on how to ask a guy out." Fuchsia lied. 

"Oh, that's great!" Sunflower smiled. "Oh Lavender, don't be afraid to ask me. I got some advice that I'm sure would work."

This gave Fuchsia an idea actually, she smirked as she pushed Lavender towards the older mare. "Really? Then would you kindly help us, ma'am?"

"Of course!" She smiled. "But, where is Roman anyway? I have not seen that ruffian since yesterday."

Trixie sighed a sorrowful sigh. "Sadly Roman has somewhere to be, something about seeking out answers and finding some Grimm. I don't understand him sometimes, to be honest."

"I see..." Sunflower hummed as she stared at her daughter. 





It was raining heavily, a stallion was caught in the storm and was forced to seek shelter. He ran through the open road, lights could be seen just ahead, a beacon of hope just a few feet away. He hurried, his body was soaking and the mud under his hooves stained his already brown coat. 

He reached the light and behold, an inn located in the middle of nowhere. He smiled widely as he rushed inside. A mare greeted him from behind the counter, there were only a few ponies around as well as a couple of griffons. Everyone was inside and away from the storm that raged outside. A few sang some songs to drown out the hard rain that pelted the roof. 

A pegasus even offered to buy everyone in the building a few drinks, such a kind gesture. Must've been celebrating something. 

The owner was kind enough to offer a towel to help the stallion dry off. And seeing that it was raining too hard and he'd be stuck in the inn for the whole night, the stallion asked for a room. And what luck he had, it was the remaining room available. He thanked the owner and made his way to his room, he would need to freshen up before coming back to try the owner's cooking, the mare had some mouth-watering meals that he was sure to enjoy. 

But just as he entered the room, his eyes widened. Someone sat on the end of his bed next to some folded towels, a pegasus in stylish clothing. But what caught his attention was the cane that was pointed right at him. 

"Please, come in. Do close the door also." It was then the stallion recognized who this was. Roman Torchwick, the thief of Manehattan.

The stallion did as he was told and closed the door behind him. He sighed as he approached Roman, he tried not to run or panic. That isn't what he does. 

"What do you want, Mr. Torchwick?" The stallion demanded to know. 

"Straight to the point, aren't we?" Roman chuckled but then he bared his teeth at the stallion, an ill intent flashed in his eye. "Oh, you know what I want. Who are you?"

The stallion was unfazed, he only stared at the thief with an unreadable look. There was a short moment of silence between the two. 

Roman continued. "See, I know who you are and what you did. Wonder child, born with a cutie mark of unknown purpose. A miracle to many believers. You were a graduate of the University of Canterlot, a straight-A student. And plus, you are an independent inventor who sells his patent to several businesses. For example, you sold a hay-powered engine to the Iron Legion to help carry their cargo with cheaper fuel. Kinda silly if I'm being honest, but this world is really bizarre."

Roman aimed his cane right between the stallion's eyes. 

"But what I want to know is how you know about Remnant. Now tell me this," The muzzle pressed against the stallion's head, Roman glared into his eyes. "Who the buck are you, Time Turner!?"

Thunder cracked outside and illuminated the room just for a second. 

The rain tapped against the window, they could even hear the patrons below singing their hearts out. The stallion, who is now known as Time Tuner, sighed. 

"Put that thing away," He bumped the cane away with his hoof, Roman stared at him, slack-jawed. Turner did it so casually that it stunned Roman. "you'll surely poke your own eye out with that cane of yours. Now if you excuse me, I have to dry myself."

And just like that, Turner walked over to some towels that laid on the bed. 

"Hey, I asked you a question!" He once again raised his cane towards Time Turner. 

"You did," Turner hummed. "but I am busy for the moment, I'll get to you as soon as I finish."

Roman was tempted to pull the trigger now and be done with it. But he wanted answers, and he'll get it one way or another. Roman scowled as stomped towards the stallion with the idea of smacking some sense into the pony. But much to Roman's shock, the stallion ducked under his cane and dodged the first swing. Frustrated and peeved off, the thief decided to throw away common decency and just break some bones.  

Sadly, no matter how quickly Roman acted or how swift his moves were, Time Turner simply dodged every attack. To make things even worse as it already is, Turner was using the fresh towel to dry himself off. It was as if Roman was a measly little fly to Time Turner. 

"Unless your plan is for me to catch a cold, I suggest blowing a hole on the roof instead." Turner chuckled. "That would certainly be much more effective than what you're doing right now."

"Why you," Roman took a step back, he did not expect such agility from someone like him. That was Roman's first mistake, he underestimated Time Turner, the one thing he should've avoided the most. 

"This weather is quite awful," He commented as he stared at Roman with the same expression as before, just blank. "The pegasi downstairs are from the weather team on this side of Equestria.  Interestingly enough, they seem to be celebrating something. Perhaps it is about the weather?"

Roman flinched, his eye widened as he glared at the Equestrian.

Time Turner hummed. "A storm where it is supposed to be only cloudy. Pegasi are also known for their strict weather schedules. So the fact that they are downstairs buying everyone a drink just means that someone had paid them a hefty sum of bits just to bring in a storm. Am I right?"

"You talk too much." Roman had enough, the answer isn't worth it anymore. 

The stallion in front of him was far above intelligent, he was like a computer containing every bit of information in the world. Time Turner managed to figure out Roman's tricks in just one mistake. The day before this fateful meeting, Roman had intercepted a letter for Turner and discovered that he was leaving Ponyville to visit a farm just nearby. 

Roman did everything right, he checked the distance between the train station and the farm he's visiting. That's how he discovered the inn, it was on the same road as Turner's destination. Then he paid the pegasi below to make a storm. Thus forcing Turner to seek shelter in the inn. Yet the whole thing proved useless since he couldn't even land a single hit on the pony. So he was left with no choice but to dispose of him in a much louder way. 

But just as his cane moved up to aim at Turner, Roman felt the sharp edge of a dagger pressed against his throat. "Don't move." A mare behind him spoke.

Roman was furious, he was caught off guard because he focused on Turner. How did he let his guard down? And where did she even come from? Those were just two of a dozen questions he was asking himself.

Another thunder boomed, and with it, the cane blasted Roman's attacker. But he missed completely and only managed to separate him and the mare. Now there was a hole in the roof and the rain was pouring through. He backed away from his new opponent, walked right onto some broken shards of glass. That's when he realized where she came from, and to support his conclusion, another thunder flashed across the sky. 

He glared at the mare, she wore a black bodysuit along with a black mask and a pair of red goggles. It was like a Grimm was staring at him, it sent a chill down his spine. 

"Who are you?" Roman asked as he took on a battle stance. 

"She isn't gonna answer that," Turner said. He was done and ready to go down to have a warm meal among the creatures below. "Though you've come here with the intent to hurt me, I am actually glad that we have met once again Mr. Torchwick."

Roman arched a brow. "We met?"

"Of course!" He chuckled as walked over to the mare's side. "Beacon academy, you were quite an extraordinary student if I recall correctly. You had the highest score in Grimm study which is a feat one should be proud of."

"Who are you really?" Roman was calm on the outside, but inside, he was in full panic mode. He was sure that he never met Turner before. He would've remembered a face easily, especially someone from Beacon. He inched towards the window, it would seem he was at a disadvantage right now. To fight would be a death wish, especially when the God of Darkness said that this Time Turner was the strongest agent he had sent for Roman. This stallion could've killed Roman back at Manehattan, that is for sure.

But before Roman could even prepare for his escape, Turner cleared the gap between them just in a matter of seconds. The thief couldn't do anything as he was tossed towards the floor where the mare would then kept him pinned. 

"I'm sorry for that, but you were always a slippery chap. Hard to catch and all that hullabaloo." He chuckled. 

Roman felt his heart beat faster, he was stuck, somehow caught by two ponies within his well-thought-out plan. "Who the hell are you?" 

Turner picked up Roman's cane and examined it closely. "Time Turner, but some call me the Doctor. As for you? You may call me Ozpin."

There was a moment of silence, nothing but the storm could be heard, Roman eyed the pony before him. Unsure what to say at the moment. But one thing was running through his mind right now, and it was the name, Ozpin. This guy is claiming to be the headmaster of Beacon. This pony who is currently in his early twenties is claiming to be some old man with a caffeine addiction. There were another few seconds before Roman finally uttered a word.

"WHAT!!!???"
> Great And Powerful
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Are you sure of this, your highness?"

Luna glanced over to General Ironwood, he sat behind his desk and adopted a stone-faced look. His two most trusted Legionnaires flanked him, unlike the General, the two guards were flabbergasted. They were caught off guard by the information they had just received, but only Ironwood was the one who kept his composure. He showed no signs of weakness as if he is a cold heartless automaton. 

"Yes, Roman Torchwick will strike soon and it is a chance that we must take. Or else he will be harder to find." Luna said calmly. "This is a mission that requires your full attention, General. If we are to succeed, I suggest that we make use of Twilight and her friends."

"If I recall correctly, only two have accepted Aura, though Twilight is simply just curious about this magic. Even so, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are trained to fight, not the others." Ironwood argued. 

"Yes, but Twilight is still a talented mage, she could defeat Roman with the help of a few spells."

"I understand that Twilight Sparkle is a very powerful mare, she is indeed quite skilled with magic, but the rest are to be reconsidered." He said. "Fluttershy can communicate with the wildlife, a useful talent I admit, but she is not made to fight. Rarity seems like the kind of mare who doesn't wish to dirty their hooves. As for Pinkie Pie? From what Igneous has told me, she is quite the fighter. My only issue with her is that she is too much of a loose cannon and I fear that she will cause too much trouble. But I do hire her sometimes to help with morale, she is quite the party planner."

Luna smiled. "I understand your reason, General. But these mares have been through so much more than some thieves. They have fought for the peace of Equestria and went through countless hardships. And they all came out victorious. These mares are heroes, even with their flaws."

Ironwood hummed, he was deep in his thoughts. It was correct, despite being a group of civilians they had managed to defeat Nightmare Moon, a victory that kick-started their path towards their destiny. Whatever it may be. Ever since Luna's return, their lives changed forever. Twilight and her friends cannot escape their destiny, Ironwood knows how it feels, the weight of responsibility that comes with the title. Heroes, those who are selfless, it's something Ironwood liked about the mares. 

He could still remember the first time he had ever learned their names, Ironwood was at his lowest, the Grimm attacked Ponyville and ravaged the streets. When all hope was lost, the Grimm vanished, and out of the Everfree came six mares and the two sisters, reunited to rule Equestria together. 

"Very well," He finally said. "We will allow these mares to help with the plan. I shall call for them soon, but I must suggest that Fluttershy unlocks her Aura, for her sake."

Luna nodded. "Of course General, and thank you for allowing them to help. I promise you that they will do their best to catch Roman."

"And once we have him," Ironwood's expression darkened. "We will extract everything he knows about the Grimm. As much as I appreciate the White Fang, none of them are as knowledgeable as Torchwick."

"Yes," She turned away. 

"Is something wrong your highness?"

"No, I just remembered that I have important business back in Canterlot. It was a pleasure speaking with you General, I will return to aid you with Roman."

"Goodbye you highness, I wish for safe travels."

"Thank you, I will see you soon General."

Luna stood up to her hooves to walk towards the door, once she was out of the room, a frown formed on her face. She turned to face a young guard that waited for her, there was a disturbing smile on this guard, Luna couldn't tell what this mare was even happy for. But what Luna could tell is that there was a dangerous aura enveloping the guard. 

"I will go speak with Twilight Sparkle, and I ask that you behave while I am gone," Luna said as she walked past her. 

The guard didn't move, she only smiled. Only when Luna turned the corner did the guard move, she turned to face the door of Ironwood's office, the smile shifted to one that could only be described as dangerous. Then it happened just for a second, her eyes flashed pink and brown.




Roman was sweating bullets, he sat quietly on his seat just next to the mare in black. Across him was the pony that claimed to be Ozpin, the supposedly old man who was too busy enjoying his coffee to even notice how uncomfortable Roman was. Though there was a knife pointed at his neck, none of the other patrons of the inn seemed to notice his situation. 

"So," Roman began. "Who's short, dark, and ugly?"

"Hmm?" Ozpin hummed. "Oh, her? She's my stalker."

"I am not your stalker!" She snapped at Ozpin. 

"You watch my every move, and you would always keep notes. Now, why wouldn't you be my stalker?" Ozpin asked smugly. 

"I'm not a stalker, I'm a spy!"

"Well, there are many similarities between the two." Ozpin chuckled. 

"No there isn't! The difference being one is a job and the other's a mental sickness!"

Roman slammed his hooves against the table, and yet the ponies around him still didn't notice. "Okay, I have no idea what's happening! How are you even Ozpin!? The guy is like, a thousand years old!"

"Young man, I am far older than that." Ozpin chuckled. 

"What does that even mean!? You know what? I don't care!" Roman breathed heavily. "Prove it, prove to me that you really are Ozpin." He demanded evidence. It was just impossible that Ozpin would be sitting at the table with Roman, impossible indeed. 

"Very well, Mr. Torchwick, I will." He cleared his throat. "Your transcript was forged, I confronted you about it on top of the school rooftop after a whole year. You tried to run but I stopped you from escaping, you asked me why I kept you in Beacon for so long even though I knew from the very beginning. Why didn't you boot me out yet? You asked me."

Roman stiffened, his eye widened and his skin paled. Slowly, he retreated back to his seat. "What did you say?"

Ozpin smiled warmly like a caring parent. "I didn't expel you because you are a talented young man, and we need that more than those who lived a life of comfort. It would be a waste to just throw you out, Mr. Torchwick."

Roman was shocked, no one else knew about his transcript, heck, no one even knew that he went to Beacon academy. Roman had done everything in his power to erase any traces of him, a task that only succeeded because of Ozpin. Even to this day, Roman couldn't understand Ozpin no matter how hard he tried. 

"Ozpin..." Roman finally accepted the truth, the old man was actually here. How? He'll just have to find out. 

"You must have dozens of questions, Torchwick. Allow me to answer a few of them." Ozpin took a moment to take a sip from his brew. "What's your favorite story?"

Roman arched a brow. "You asked me this before, my favorite story is Pinocchio."

"Ah yes, I remember now." He laughed softly. "Just wanted to get into the subject. Have you read the book about the man with two souls?"

Roman nearly choked on nothing, he easily understood what Ozpin was trying to say. "You have-"

"More than one," He answered gleefully. "And not just two, I have more than you can count, Mr. Torchwick."

"So I'm gonna believe you, just like that?" He was doubtful for obvious reasons. 

"Roman, do you believe in gods?"

There was a pause. "Yes," Roman answered truthfully. "I met one just recently."

Ozpin's eyes glanced over to the left. There was a short second before he sighed softly, one second he scowled, the next he was back to his smiling self. It was an odd moment that stuck out to Roman, he was unsure as to why. "Then you know what he wishes for me to do?"

Roman nodded. 

"Roman, you do not have to fear, I will not fulfill the task. Though if you force my hoof, then I will not hesitate." He said. 

For the next few minutes, Ozpin spent his time drinking coffee while Roman was held at knifepoint. He looked around to check on the other patrons of the inn and noticed that they still had not given them a single glance. As if the picture of a pony in black holding a knife wasn't an odd scene. A few seconds more had passed before a pony came by and placed a couple of plates filled with hay right on their table. 

Roman was unsure why Ozpin would even order hay with the fact that Ozpin was technically human. Though the thing that really disturbed Roman was that Ozpin didn't hesitate and began eating the hay that was served. It was so odd, he was more of a pony unlike Roman. He would have thought Ozpin would keep more semblance of his humanity. But there he was, eating hay like a farm animal.

Though something was running in Roman's mind, a simple question he was curious to see the answer to.

"Ozpin, why?"

The Doctor arched a brow, unsure what he meant. 

"Something is bugging me, and I just want to understand. Why aren't you helping with the Grimm?"

Ozpin looked away, guilt flashed in his eyes. The mare besides Roman glared at the thief as if he had just insulted her mother. 

Roman continued. "They still called them Shadow Beasts when I found out the existence of Grimm in this world. If you are here, then why aren't you doing anything? I mean, a guy like you should be teaching stuff, I'm just curious, that's all."

The mare didn't waste a single second and smacked the back of Roman's head, a bit too hard to be honest, could've given Roman a concussion if he didn't have Aura.

"Hey!" He whined. 

"Roman," The thief stopped before he could attack the mare. "I'm retired." That was his reason.

"What?"

Before Roman could even ask another question, a dejected look formed on Ozpin as he faced Roman once again. "I have died more times than you could ever count, every life cycle I am plagued by my past. So much that even to this day I could barely ignore my decisions. And Roman, I've made more mistakes than any man, woman, and child on Remnant."

Roman had not seen Ozpin like this, he looked so disappointed, not at Roman but himself. 

"I have lived on Remnant far longer than anyone, I remembered something only I and another could... the beauty of the moon. Long before your ancestors have ever taken a step on land, there was a world of magic, both good and bad. I believe the Brother of Darkness had told you of this world, am I correct?"

"Yes, a land that is definitely better than what Remnant is now."

Ozpin sighed softly. "You are free to try and understand my reason. Roman, I am tired." His shoulders slumped and his head dipped, his image was no longer a confident man. His eyes developed a thousand-yard look as if his sins had caught up to him. In a way, it technically did in the form of Roman. Ozpin thought about it as he eyed the thief carefully, there was a time when Roman would seek his wisdom, for Roman's personal gain of course. Ozpin knew that, he knew Roman would end up like this. He just thought maybe some powerful words would knock some sense into Roman. 

Ozpin tried, but in the end, he failed to reach out to him. 

"As I have said, I have lived and died many times before. And yet... I have not truly lived." Another sigh escaped his lips. "My first death was when I was still at my prime, I fell ill and became too weak to recover. It was over before I could even achieve something greater than myself. The only time I would say that I "lived" is with my first reincarnation. When I met her again..."

Her? Roman asked himself. But just as he questioned, the answer was quick to enlighten the thief. The widow...

A small smile formed on Ozpin's face as he stared blankly at his hooves. "I had four beautiful daughters... They were everything I had ever wanted..."

Ozpin became silent, no words were spoken for a minute. The mare kept her weapon pointed at the thief, but Roman could tell that she was not paying him attention, she was too focused on Ozpin. And perhaps, Roman could escape while he has the chance. But something compelled him to stay, something about seeing his old headmaster in such a state made Roman think twice. Ozpin looked vulnerable, anyone could try and strike him down, but that wasn't what Roman was thinking. He thought more about how he felt sympathy for the old man. Though it was short, Roman could already understand the hardship Ozpin had gone through. 

Roman's shoulders sagged, he was unsure of what to do. 

"I met another god, one that I have not known of." Ozpin suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "He offered me a chance, one that I was not expecting. I was ready to cross over to the afterlife, I was finally done, I was free from my curse. I wanted to see my daughters again, the only descendants of my bloodline. But he offered me one last chance... to finally live a real life."

"So that's your reason?" Roman scoffed, the mare in black turned towards him with a purpose to maim written behind the mask. 

Ozpin was surprised, to say the least, he expected him to run during the summary of his life. But yet Roman stayed to listen, and for that Ozpin felt some gratitude. 

"The great and powerful wizard of Oz, so much for that title." Roman stood, the knife still pointed at his neck. "You know, all my life everyone was always out to get me. People who would stab me in the back the moment I show just a little bit of weakness. Except you, you were the kind of guy who wants his students to do their best even if it's a crummy day. If I'm being honest right now, though I had talked trash behind your back, I respected you."

That was what caught Ozpin off guard, never would he have expected these words from a man like Torchwick. Though you can argue that the thief was simply lying, Ozpin could easily see that there was no deception in Roman's words. 

"You spent your life doing nothing about the Grimm knowing how much of a threat they are. You and I both understand that because of our lives back on Remnant. They are a force of destruction, and I'm surprised that these ponies lasted so long. Maybe it's because of magic, who knows. But what I do know is that someone like you should do something about the Grimm."

Ozpin slammed his hooves against the table, and yet no curious eyes went their way. "I am retired Mr. Torchwick. Of course, you wouldn't understand the troubles I had gone through. I want nothing to do with anything from Remnant, Equestria is my home now and I am happy to be a simple nobody among the crowd. You should consider doing the same, Mr. Torchwick, this world is a chance for a second life."

Roman scowled. "Unlike you, I don't just forget who I am. I'm bucking Roman Torchwick, kingpin of Vale's underworld. And I'm aiming for a bigger title right here on Equestria."

"I see," Ozpin sighed. "This is not about the money, but simply a way of life of yours."

Grinning mischievously, Roman chuckled loudly with delight. "I was just sending a message, Oz, telling the world that I mean serious business."

"If I can't change your mind then you are free to leave."

"What!?" The mare exclaimed, Roman noticed an odd shimmer around him just for a second. "But Doc, this guy is dangerous, we can't just let him go like that! We should just turn him in to the authorities, and as an agent of SMILE, I must uphold the peace of our country."

"I would like to see you try agent Black." Roman growled.

Ozpin raised a hoof. "I said. Let him go." He ordered the mare to stand down, and though he was simply a civilian, she had complied. Knowing who Ozpin is, Roman understood that the old man was not someone to be trifled with. "Feel free to leave Roman, I will not stop you or any future guest of yours because it does not concern me, yet."

"Hmph, I wish I hadn't come to this stinking inn in the first place." With that, Roman walked away, he had nothing more to say knowing he had the final word, for now. He knew that they'll see each other again in the future, they would meet again. Roman just hoped that it would not end in bloodshed. 

But the thief noticed something else, every eye in the inn started to watch him as he walked away from Ozpin. One last glance towards the professor told Roman everything. There was no sight of the mare in black, only the old man in pony skin. A semblance perhaps? There was no time to think about it, his spectators started to catch on and his name left some of their lips. It would be bad if someone called the guards, so Roman wasted no time and bolted out the door with nothing but a look of frustration on his face.  

"You can't be serious!" The mare snapped at Ozpin. 

"Bon Bon please, calm yourself." He said just before he took a sip from his coffee. "You are free to do as you please next time. For now, I just wish to wait out this storm so I can visit my friend."

Ozpin sighed. 

"And you," He faced towards his left with a scowl. "I want nothing to do with you of all people."

"Ozma, I will send a thousand warriors to correct the mistake of this universe. I fear that this world will be in danger all because you do not act."

"Never again." Ozpin said as he rose to his hooves. He continued to glare at God for another minute before he retreated to his room. This is not his fight, he has the right to live his life with ignorance and bliss. Ozpin is no puppet to be used, he was not a slave of any sort, he was human. And nothing will ever change that.
> Seeing Blue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Focus Twilight!" Luna said as she channeled her magic into the circle.

Both mares worked tirelessly to keep the spell from collapsing. It was a difficult task, one wrong move and it could only end in disaster. 

The library shook as the circle pulled everything towards it. The air became thick with magical energy, it was getting hard to breathe in the room. But they cannot stop, the summoning must proceed. Though Luna was reluctant to do so, she made a promise and she shall keep it. 

This spell required more magic to succeed, but Luna and Twilight had some practice. This is evident with the White Fang they've summoned successfully. All of it led to this moment, something Luna was looking forward to. One she was sure to give her an advantage over Roman. 

As everything sets in, a flash of light blinded the two just for a second. Once it subsided, Luna could not help but gawk at what came out of the summoning. 

There standing in the middle was not a pony, but a human. She stood taller than everyone in the room, fashioned with three colors that stood out. Pink, brown, white. It would seem to be a common pattern for this human. The same woman Luna met in Roman's dream. Neo was her name. 

The girl scanned her surroundings with a careful eye, being found in a mysterious land caused her to be defensive. An aura of death filled the room causing both mares to freeze. This was no ordinary human, she was dangerous and Luna finally regretted her decision on bringing this human into her world. Especially when those eyes of hers locked with Luna's. Then in a blink of an eye, the human shattered into a million pieces to reveal... 

"Your highness?"

The princess was snapped out of trance, no longer was she in a room with Neo, neither was she in Twilight's home. But instead, Luna found herself in her stagecoach. It would seem that she lost herself in her thoughts about the past. She entered the eyes that stared at her soul, it was like a wolf looking down on a defenseless sheep. 

Back to reality, her guards were checking on her. It looks to be she has returned to Canterlot, it would be best to do what she was here for. Luna still has business back in Ponyville. 




Dash dodged and ducked as much as she could, with Adam's blade just trimming the ends of her mane. Numerous Legionnaires watched with fascination as the two warriors battled gracefully. As if she was a dancer, Rainbow Dash weaved around Adam looking for an opening. But the faunus was a skilled swordsman, he barely had any openings for a rookie like Dash. On average, he was just as fast as Dash without her semblance. This played a part in this fight, if he was not careful then she could land a hit on him. 

He needed to end it quickly.

Dash lunged forward after finally seeing her chance, but she did not realize that it was part of Adam's plan. Quicker than anyone could predict, Adam jumped under her and slammed his hooves into the dirt, propelling himself into her stomach head first. Dash was launched to the sky as if she was hit by a real bull. 

It took a second before Dash crash-landed back to earth, which concluded their battle, and Adam being named the victor. The guards applauded him, the White Fang members cheered and howled like animals. And Dash? She suffered on the ground as pain shot through her body. 

"Too eager to see the trap laid out in front of you." Adam began to educate Dash on her mistake. "You attack and attack like a mindless idiot, no signs of progress on your part, which is just disappointing."

"Alright, I suck! Can I go now?" She said holding no interest in hearing his comments.

"If you do not grow as a Hunter, then you have no chance of defeating Roman," Adam said. "I will give you time to train, but if there is no progress in your skills, then I will have to increase the difficulty of our training."

He did not wait for an answer, Adam simply left Dash on the ground to do important things. The gathered guards started to disperse while the White Fang stayed. 

"Great... I'm starting to miss Roman's training..."

"Not much of a training Dash," Applejack approached Rainbow Dash before helping the pegasus back to her hooves. "was more like readin' a how-to guide."

She wasn't alone, with her was Forge and his partner, along with Captain Bronze Oak, Applejack's mentor. It would seem that the group had just returned from training in the shooting range, but Dash wondered why Crimson Forge and Lockjaw were covered in soot. To which Dash brought it up.

"Oh, this?" Forge chuckled. "We were testing out our guns but instead of working properly, the bullet blew up and ignited the rest! Would've been injured if it weren't for our aura! Any comments Lockjaw?"

"Neksh tine, uwet 'e duh eet." He said "normally".

"Aye, you always had careful hooves."

"So those guns of yours working great?" Dash asked. 

"Yeah, it worked out better than I thought!" Forge said proudly. 

"Anyhow," Applejack cleared her throat. "you up for another round Dash? Been itching to let loose, and these guns of mine are achin' for some action."

"Sure, let me take a breather first. Need to get a drink before I go another round." Dash said. 

But before she could even search for some refreshments, Dash cane face to face with a very short bat pony with familiar colored eyes. She froze immediately once she stared deep into those eyes of this bat pony, unsure why she was locked in a trance. There was just something about the color that bothered her the most. Was it magenta? No... They weren't violet or anything, it was a bit reddish. Perhaps they were ruby? 

No...

It finally hit her, the reason why it looked so familiar. Cerise. That was the color of the bat's eyes. And most important, hers. They both shared the color and the oddest part was that this was a bat pony. Their race has only a few eye colors, such as gold or crimson red. Sometimes green. But this bat had cerise. 

"Uh, hey?" Dash greeted but received no response. 

The bat was wearing the Lunar guard armor, which indicates that she was one of Luna's. Odd thing was, Luna left yesterday. And surprisingly, the bat was awfully short for one. 

"You need something?"

The bat smiled and raised a bottle of cold water, and she offered it to Dash. Which Dash gladly accepted to quench her thirst.  

"Thanks!" Dash quickly downed the drink and felt her body rejuvenated from her previous battle. "What do I owe ya?"

The bat pointed a hoof at Dash, then at her gauntlets. 

"You want a fight?"

Hearing this, a few Legionnaires stopped and looked towards the group in the center of the field, curious and attentive. Even the White Fang was watching, eager to see what happens next. 

"I kinda got a match waiting for me..."

"Well actually Dash, Ah feel like we should book ours for another day. Just wanna see how you'll hold up against one of Luna's guards." Applejack said, eager to watch another fight. 

"Well, if you say so." Dash turned towards the bat pony and took on a stance, right after she tossed the bottle aside. "Ready when you are!" Dash stated a fact, she was up and running for another round. Her blades extended out of her gauntlets, Thunder Blossom, so sharp that she could rend an ursa in two with just a single move. 

The bat pony smirked, she unsheathed a simple steel sword, not as sharp as Dash's weapon but just good enough.

The two stood waiting for the other, a chance to end this fight in one decisive move. Quickly, the White Fang members started betting on a winner while the guards spectated so they could learn a trick or two from a Lunar guard. Applejack and the others had taken a few steps to avoid being caught in the crossfire if things got a little chaotic. 

What some don't know, Ironwood was just passing by before he too became curious. None of his guards noticed him as of yet, something Ironwood hopes would last until the end. 

The bat held her sword with one hoof while keeping her three hooves planted on the ground. Her blade rested on her shoulder, her eyes focused solely on Dash. Slowly, she approached the pegasus, the crowd waited with anticipation.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was in a panic. All her training goes against what she was witnessing. The bat was just walking towards her, not rushing. Her mind was on overdrive trying to predict the bat's next movement. And once again, she froze under those eyes. They were just an inch apart, Dash couldn't look away from her opponent. But then, the colors changed. This was the exact moment where the guard swept Dash's legs with one kick.

Instead of hitting the ground, Dash felt a hoof around her wing and was tossed into the air. Dazed and confused, the bat took advantage of Dash's state and attacked with a flurry of jabs. Only when the bat was satisfied did she allow Dash to hit the ground. 

Every legionnaire couldn't help but applaud the Lunar guard with how quick she dispatched Dash. Even the White Fang was impressed. All except Perry. He stood there with his eyes wide open underneath the mask. His mouth agape as his heart beat like a drum. 

"No..." He muttered. 

Dash recovered quickly, glaring at the short guard, Dash activated her semblance. Electricity danced around her as she charged up for a lunge. With one step, she cleared the gap with her right claws pulled back. 

Her weapon arched across but hit nothing as the guard ducked under Dash's limb. The pegasus tried with an uppercut, but her opponent stepped to the side. There Dash could see that the guard was playing with her. Especially with the way she smiled at the pony. Her eyes were back to being cerise, but Dash knew something was up. They were exactly pink and brown when she first struck. 

Using another method, Dash blasted the area around her with enough electricity to fry a beowolf. To which the guard simply dodged by taking a step back. But that was what Dash hoped for. Before they could land, Dash launched herself at the guard and swung her claws at them. 

They connected with the steel sword, and the smile on the bat grew. 

Dash's speed grew with swing after swing. Her claws only managed to hit the flat side of the sword. Duck, dodge, and block. That was all the guard was doing which only frustrates Dash even more. Their blades echoed through the field as time went on. 

And then finally, Thunder Blossom had gone through the sword and connected on the guard. Everything became silent as the two stood there, all eyes focused on both. They watch with bated breath. 

Then the guard flashed her usual smile before walking away, with her broken sword raised. Dash was frozen in place, her claws held in the air attacking nothing. 

Applejack approached to inspect. "You okay Dash?"

"Yeah..." Slowly, Dash lowered her limbs and retracted the claws. A hoof reached up to her throat. "I won..."

"You sure did," Applejack said proudly. "almost lost it but Ah knew you'd bounce back."

"Yeah..." She repeated like a broken record. Her eyes glued on her shaking limb, a single red stain smeared on her blue hoof. The source was a small cut on her neck, one caused by the bat pony. 

"Woah," A Legionnaire spoke to his friend. "Those Lunar guards don't mess around, huh. They fight dirty, but kinda fitting."

"Right? They got this roguish image, being stealthy and such. Maybe we should get some of those guys in the Legion, wouldn't mind having that cutie around."

"I'll take note of that." Ironwood finally spoke, surprising every Legionnaire on the field. 

Quickly, they gave a salute and excused themselves. All scrambled to look busy in front of Ironwood, but many failed as they slipped on themselves. The General sighed as he too returned to his business. Though his mind lingered on Dash's battle, something happened so fast that he had almost missed it. Dash's aura broke just when the sword did. Then the Lunar guard caught a single shard and threw it at Dash with a flick of her wrist. One could argue that the guard missed, but Ironwood saw that she intended to leave a small cut. 

The guard was dangerous, and Ironwood started to question princess Luna and her decisions. He just hoped that her plans would succeed, or else...
> A Promise Of Thieves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, the gazebo is on the way, and the band and catering are booked for the night," Roman spoke to himself. "Did I miss anything?"

He did not look as fancy as he usually does, his jacket was covered in dirt and stains that would take too long to remove. His hair was disheveled and his face was free of any makeup. There were some tears on the ends of his jacket and a few holes here and there. 

But finally, he is back in Manehattan, tired and hungry. Sadly there was no time to rest, work to be done and such. He's just happy to finally be back, especially after his encounter with Ozpin. Who would've thought that the man of great potential was among these ponies, and yet he did nothing but watch. 

"Living a normal life, my flank, ha!" He said bitterly. "A boring life if you ask me, you wouldn't see the Stupendous Roman Torchwick dead living a life like that."

"Speaking to yourself is not healthy,"

Roman nearly shot at Sunflower Spectacle, his cane was already directed at her face, but she was not intimidated.

"I could've killed you Sunny, don't just sneak up on me like that."

She scoffed. "You're one to talk."

"I am not in the mood." He warned her. 

"You've been busy, three days you have been missing and I was hoping you'd be gone for good." She sighed. "What happened to your clothes?"

"Went looking for Grimm, got a little too wild for my taste."

Sunflower pouted. "Take it off, I'm going to fix it."

"Oh, no way I'm letting you touch my only jacket. This thing is important to me and I don't want anyone messing with it." 

She rolled her eyes at him. "Don't be such a child, I am trying to help but you still act so hostile to me. Just give me the jacket so I can get this over with."

"Ugh, fine." He groaned. "But don't you dare ruin it."

Took a second, but Roman shrugged the jacket off before handing it over to the unicorn. After receiving the jacket, Sunflower began working once she summoned her sewing kit. Roman was sometimes impressed with unicorns, they had spells to help with their daily lives. Magic was just so helpful.

"Thanks," He said reluctantly. 

"You don't have to thank me, just take care of my daughter."

His brow rose. "That's new, you sure you're not sick?"

"I'm as healthy as a racing pony," Sunflower shot a glare at the thief. "It'll be done soon, so go get cleaned up."

"Heh, alright mom." He teased. 

Sunflower would've shown him her disgust if she was not busy. 

He entered the hideout unannounced, he found his number three and her assistants gathered by the coffee table. The whole building reeked of perfume as well as it was cluttered with makeup and beauty products. Though Roman did not mind what Trixie spent her earnings on, he was slightly disappointed that she would waste bits on such things, especially when there were too many of these nameless brands. Roman does his make-up on his own, only the best for him of course, so he'd know a thing or two about the subject. 

The three were too occupied to even realize that he was present, Roman didn't care, he instead went straight over to his couch for a nice long rest. 

Silently, he climbed onto his destiny to finally earn his sleep.

"So why are we doing this?" Lavender asked, Roman was then curious as well. 

Fuchsia shrugged her shoulders. "Trixie's mom might have said that it's not about makeup or fancy clothes, but that doesn't mean we can't have pretty a mare. Besides, from my experience, a stallion likes it when you get some red on your lip."

"I wonder, what kind of mare do the twins like?"

Fuchsia gagged a bit. "Why would you ask that? Those guys are one of the slimiest crooks I've ever met, second to Roman."

"I don't know, I think they're cool."

Trixie sighed. "All they do sit in an office and do paperwork like corporate slaves. By definition, they are the opposite of cool, and Trixie should know, she's the best."

"They actually help with the designs of Candlewick products, surprisingly they are very good with machinery." Lavender said. 

"Thank the Dust for that," Roman popped into the conversation. 

The mares recoiled in fright as soon as they realized that they had an unwanted member of their little circle. 

Trixie especially scrambled to hide their makeup materials and other belongings right under her cape. The other two tried to run but only managed to get caught in each other's way. 

Honestly, it was a pitiful display, if this was an attack then Roman was sure that he'd lose everything. All that training for nothing, disappointed Roman was. He wanted fighters, not girly girls trying out makeup and talking about boys. 

He understood that Trixie was ignorant of the threat that loomed over them all. With the Iron Legion breathing down his neck, the White Fang waiting for him to pop his head out, and the fact that something as powerful as three typhoons is walking on the planet. He's the most wanted pony in Equestria, and he needed someone to watch his back. 

Sadly, there is only one person who is qualified for the job, and she's locked away in a fortress designed to take on the wrath of ten dragons. And that wasn't an exaggeration, he saw the blueprints and design, it was built with the idea to repel any invading forces. With that in mind, he really needed an ace in his sleeves. 

As the three mares scrambled to their hooves, Roman was struck by grief, fried of the fact that he had a lousy roster in his crew. Two rookies, a magician, scammers, and the snake of a pony who'd stab him in the back if given a chance. 

"What are you three even doing?"

"Nothing..." Lavender answered. 

"Just, mare stuff," Trixie said. "You'd be uninterested, well maybe if it's about makeup and junk."

Roman scoffed. "You know my brand, the best eyeliner in Equestria."

Fuchsia rolled her eyes at him. "Roman Torchwick ladies and gentlecolts, only stallion in Equestria to use prench beauty products."

"At least I'm prettier than you, with or without makeup."

"You look like a pampered pumpkin."

"And you wear cheap knockoffs bought from the street."

Fuchsia smiled. "Good to have you back, Roman. Where have you been?"

"Working, this next heist is gonna be big!" He boomed. "I'm talking explosions, drama, and intrigue! This will be one for the history books, and they all shall remember my name!"

"Don't you mean our name?" Trixie cocked a brow. 

"Trix', I'm too tired to think straight." He reasoned. "Been out preparing for the heist, after I met our sketch artist."

"Oh, so who is he?"

"Some immortal from my universe." This only earned him a few odd stares from the mares. "Let's just say he's a dangerous threat, so let's keep our heists kid-friendly."

"What do you mean?" Lavender asked. 

Roman felt a brow twitch in irritation. "Something you lot can't do, which is murder."

"W-what!?" They squawked.

"Shut it," He groaned loudly. "as long as I don't kill anyone, we are fine. It's his lackey I'm worried about."

Trixie shuffled in her place. "Can you explain who this guy is?"

"His name is Time Turner, Doctor extraordinaire, but I know him as Professor Ozpin, the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz."

"He stole my title!?" Trixie exclaimed. 

"Unlike you, he actually earned that title." He shot a glare at Trixie which calmed her down with fear. "Ozpin is stronger than me or anyone in the Iron Legion, so it's best to keep us on his good side."

The three mares remained silent, they watched as Roman began to stare off into space. Then he started pretending to choke a pony with enough rage to burn through the winter. 

It was scary at first, but then it changed to weird, strange it was to see Roman act like this. He was always the snarky, calm, jerk that would talk down on them like they were animals. But he showed care and concern for his subordinates as well as his partner Trixie, he might call the twins a duo of idiots, but he recognized their skills as scam artists and inventors. He held no opinion on Trixie's assistants, but he was honest with them at least. 

Though the only one he'd considered an enemy among them was Spice, she was dangerous. If he wasn't careful then he might end up in prison because of her. 

As for Trixie... Wait, inventors? 

Roman shot up from his idle form, an idea appeared in his head as he remembered the existence of the twins. Flim and Flam were inventors who had a knack for machinery. 

Out of the blue, Roman flew off the couch and towards the bookshelf nearby. He filed through the collection with a speedy eye. Then there it was, the one thing he searched for. He chuckled to himself as he reached a hoof towards it. 

Ozpin's sketchbook...

Though it had some worthless drawings, not counting Roman's, there were of course sketches of machines from his world. Even some strange contraptions of mysterious purpose. But the boys will be able to figure it all out once he sends them the sketches. 

One thing in particular gave Roman a grand idea, and he hoped earth ponies were as good as they claimed to be. 

"Um, Roman?"

"What is it, Trix'?"

She shuffled a bit, he had just realized that she stood behind him, a bit too close. Trixie glanced over her shoulder and at her two assistants who motioned her to continue. She gathered the courage to speak, but when Trixie saw his emerald eye, she faltered. 

Her cheeks flushed red and her hooves felt sweaty, she was nervous, unsure if this was a good idea at all.

"Oh..." Roman muttered to himself, not loud enough for Trixie to hear. 

"I was just wondering if you'd like to... uh...  join me for some dinner?"

"That's the spirit, Miss Trixie." Lavender whispered a cheer for the showmare. Fuchsia shushed the mare in fear of ruining the moment. 

"Dinner...?" Roman hissed. 

"Yes, Trixie- ahem, I was thinking that we could go check out that new restaurant that opened near the eastern docks, Lucky Spice said that we can reserve the whole place for one night."

Roman had his eyes wide open, he chuckled lightly as he pulled back his bangs and revealed his heterochromia to the others. Bullets of sweat started to form, his mind raced to form an answer. 

This was honestly an outcome he could not have predicted, Roman is not blind to any signs of affection. His own number three, infatuated? This was bad for several reasons, one main thing was that it would serve only as a distraction to him. 

Problems would arise if he allowed this... whatever she felt- to bloom. 

Roman would be wise to reject her offer, but that in turn will make things difficult in the near future. But there is an idea that could work, one that is surely a safer option. 

"Great idea Trix'!" Roman laughed.

Trixie turned even redder. "Y-yeah?"

"It is!" Roman watched her as she trembled on the spot, it only got intense once he had his hoof on her shoulder. "Bet the boys would even be thrilled with the idea!"

"What?" The room became dead silent, the three mares were static.

"This is truly the greatest idea you've ever had Trix', a dinner to celebrate our success! Well, right after we finish our heist of course. And you know what? I'll even go talk to Greeny!"

Roman then went off to do as he said, he did not allow Trixie to correct him.

"Was he... Was he always that dull?" Lavender wondered. 

"Smells fishy to me." Fuchsia scoffed. 

Lavender turned to Trixie. "Wait, what was wrong with his eyes? It was like, two colors..."

"I blew it!" Trixie cried. "But Trixie won't surrender, she shall be triumphant!"

Meanwhile Roman leaned against the wall of the warehouse, a frustrated look on his face as he felt the stress coming in. "This is bad..."

"I was honestly surprised she asked you to dinner, I would have thought she'd wait a little longer."

Roman glared at Sunflower. "You know?"

"She's my daughter, as if I would leave her alone for a whole hour."

"How come you don't ever rat on me? We let you walk around freely, in and out."

Sunflower huffed and turned her nose upward. "To call the authorities on you would put my daughter in more danger. And besides, Lucky Spice would make sure that I don't ruin her 'entertainment', such odd friends you have, Torchwick."

Roman only gave her a smirk. 

"So what do you plan to do with my daughter?"

"I'm gonna try and downplay the whole thing. Be denser than a rock, her feelings will be bad for business."

"Are you cold-hearted, Torchwick? Maybe it is for the best, I would rather not see her with a pony like you."

He chuckled. "I feel the same to be honest, she could do better than me, and that speaks a lot."

"Glad we actually agree on something." Carefully she gave Roman his jacket back. "I'm done, by the way, try not to ruin it again."

"Sunny, with this line of work of mine, my jacket isn't safe."

"And Roman, please take care of my daughter..." 

He watched her enter the hideout, silently he fished out his cigar and lit it alight. One drag and the stench of tobacco already surrounded him. His nerves relaxed a bit. His eye found itself locked with the moon above, stars barely visible due to the pollution of light in the city. He could hear the lullabies that mothers would sing to their children. He was afraid, not the same fear he felt before when he met the woman who ruined his life in Vale. This was different, one he had no understanding of.

"Can't promise that... But I'll do my best, Sunny."
> A Doctor's Appointment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ugh, why do we have to come with you?" Dash inquired with the guard. 

On this fine morning, Dash and Applejack shadowed the captain of Iron Legion. Their destination? It was unsaid for some reason, the two were blind to the task and simply followed without question, until now of course. 

As the three marched along the road of Ponyville, it did not take that long for Dash to voice her complaints and doubts about their little mission. Applejack remained passive as she trailed behind both. A few wandering eyes followed them, a lot of these ponies had a look of concern, it must be because of Applejack's weapon. The shotgun and revolver were holstered on her back, many had already learned about the destructive power it possessed, most ponies in Ponyville were loyal customers to Candlewick, and word of their dealings with the Iron Legion wasn't really a secret. 

The General and the corporation joined together to fight the endless tide of Grimm, and to catch the infamous thief of Equestria. But that doesn't dissuade the consumers from buying any Candlewick products. Though many are frightened by the weapons for good reasons, that wasn't much of a concern to the Element of Honesty. 

These guns of hers were one of a kind; they were the only ones on Equestria. The Flim Flam brothers had originally planned to give it to the General as a gift, but Ironwood showed no interest in any of their guns, so instead, they sold it to Applejack. She was almost scammed as well if it weren't for Ironwood. Who would've thought that a gal like her was going to be armed one day, heck, the guns made her feel a little complete. Something about the idea of her on a mountain of Grimm, posed with the weapons still hot from all the action, a handsome stallion in her hooves... 

Applejack slammed her face into the dirt as a flash of orange nearly blinded her, the earth quaked when her head shattered the ground. Luckily, Dash and Bronze Oak were too far ahead to notice her sudden outburst. Sadly she could not say the same with the onlookers.

She rushed to follow her friend with her hat over her red face. 

"You didn't have to come..." Bronze finally spoke. "All I said I was going to Ponyville to check on someone, but you two decided to just follow."

"No we didn't, you asked us to come." Dash claimed. 

"Miss Applejack?"

"Dash just wanted to skip Adam's training just for a day, she is scared of him." Applejack finally told the truth, like always. 

"No I didn't!" Dash denied the fact. 

Bronze simply sighed. "Understandable, Adam seems too much in my honest opinion. If anything, I don't mind if you two want a break, just call me and I'll bring an excuse."

"So, where we goin'?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Oh, a friend of the General's, he's odd, so be warned."

This piqued Dash's interest, she hovered over to Bronze's side. "Oh, what are they like?"

"Like I said, he's odd, he was also the inventor of the hay-powered engine. Which we still use despite the new engines from Candlewick Corp." Said Bronze. "Ah, here we are!"

They came upon a strange house, they'd of course seen it countless times, it always stood out unlike most buildings in the neighborhood. But Dash always wondered who lived in such a house. It was like an observatory mixed with a clock tower. A giant yet silent generator was attached to the back of it, and it was apparent that this house was not connected to the main power grid. 

The mailbox was shaped like a miniature phone booth, Dash being the mischievous mare she thought it was a grand idea to see if it housed a letter. Her mistake did not go unnoticed as hundreds of letters flooded out from the small mailbox. 

Bronze glared at her for invading someone's privacy, and without speaking, he ordered her to clean up her mess. With a sigh, he knocked on the door and waited for an answer. 

"I had just sat down!" A voice whined before the door opened. It revealed that the owner of this home was none other than Time Turner, Doctor extraordinaire. "Oh, Bronze, can this wait until tomorrow? I'm a bit on edge..."

His eyes landed on the two mares who were shoving his letters into his mailbox. There was an awkward silence shared amongst them. 

As if the scene itself was not a strange one, Turner opened his door and welcomed them. "Come in, I have some coffee if you all would like. Just leave the mailbox, it's mostly junk mail anyway."

"Oh, thank you!" Bronze smiled as he entered followed by his two companions. 

They avoided Turner's gaze as they passed by him. 

As he had promised, Turner brought some coffee for everyone as well as some milk and sugar. They sat upon a comfy chair and took in the aura of this house. Certainly messy to some people, but it was also well sorted out, Turner had no problem looking for anything he needed. 

What caught the attention of both mares was the toys that decorated the wall, all sat neatly on shelves that spanned from one side to the other. There were hundreds of them, made either with plastic or wooden materials or metal. It ranged from miniature wooden griffon soldiers to metal ships. It was clear that this was a hobby of his, and it was not the end of it. 

On the table was an odd toy, Dash felt a strange attraction towards the toy as if she was familiar with it. 

"It's a plane if you're wondering," Turner told them, and they looked over to him with curiosity. "Though it is a toy, on a grander scale, this plane would allow ponies without wings to fly above the clouds."

"What?" Dash could not produce any other word. 

"Oh," Bronze smiled. "Are you going to invent another amazing machine, Doctor?"

"Yes, but... I am trying something for sure..." He said as he inspected a strange tool. "So, do you need anything, Bronze? I doubt that the General would send you here for nothing. His check-up is on Wednesday."

"Right, excuse me, the General was wondering if you would be interested in some weapons and some magical crystals."

"Ah, yes, the Dust from Candlewick Corp. I don't really hold any interest in such things, magic is too much of a shortcut for me." He said as he snapped the tool open, it was then that everyone realized what he had in his hooves, it was Applejack's shotgun. 

"What the!?" Both mares exclaimed. 

"Sorry, I was just examining your weapon, and I have to say, this is one complicated gun." He stared down the dark barrel and noticed the strange mechanism inside. He then inspected Applejack's revolver, though they all did not even understand how he managed to steal the weapons from Applejack. "I may suggest a simpler design..."

"Hold on now, who said y'all could just take a mare's belonging just like that!?" Applejack nearly crushed the table with her unbridled strength. 

"Someone who knows what they're doing," Bronze claimed. "Let him be Applejack, the General trusts him more than anyone, so I'm sure you can do the same."

Without even flinching, the Doctor snapped the weapons together. "Hmm, too bulky..." He commented. "Though the barrel combining together to increase the range of its rifle form is an interesting design. But I can do better."

"What does that mean?" AJ asked the guard. 

"It probably means he'll fix up the guns you have."

"I'll be back..." Time Turner would then walk away from his guests. 

Confused and unsure if they made the right decision, Applejack could only drink her coffee as Dash and Bronze conversed. 

"So what does this guy do?" Dash asked. 

"He's a freelancing inventor, but I barely see much of his work because he prefers to keep his designs and inventions unrelated to him." He answered. "Though the Doctor did make his hay-powered engine public, so I can't really say."

"He sure makes a lot of toys..." Dash hummed. "So how long have Ironwood and this Doctor guy been friends?"

"Over ten years I believe, they have known each other ever since they met in a gala. They were pretty young back then, the General was but a Captain, and I was still a rookie. Time Turner simply walked up to him and offered his first invention, and I tell ya, it was weird." Bronze chuckled. "He brought with him a shield that would explode outward if it gets hit. He called it reactive armor, and you could put it on any surface. He got weird looks from the other guests but the General had a different face, it was a curious one. Before I knew it, he and Ironwood were drinking their night away, and I honestly can't remember the rest because I lost consciousness."

Dash whistled. "Huh, he must be a big deal then!" 

"No joke, the General has been trying to recruit him into the Legion, but the Doctor just has other plans."

"Hey, what's this?" Dash noticed something underneath the table, she reached for it and discovered a strange device. It was a handle attached to some kind of cylinder. Must be a toy. 

"Alright!" Time Turner returned with a much cleaner version of Outlaw's Redemption. 

"What'd you do, exactly?" Applejack inquired as she received her weapons back. 

"I've changed the cylinder of the revolver to take in .50 Beowulf rounds. But you can switch back if you'd like, just a simple process. The shotgun I've also added a function to shrink so it could be more compact." He explained. "As for the shotgun, I have added two modes, one for 7.62 rounds, and the .50, I also added this new joint for the two barrels."

He pointed at the end of the shotgun, on both sides a plate to keep it from malfunctioning which was a design she'd never push away. She opened the gun and noticed how easy it was to do so. The shotgun was smaller, she could tell, was lighter too. 

One quick move and she fused the guns together, and boy was she surprised how easy for her to move thanks to Turner. 

"You know a lot about guns..." Bronze pointed out. 

Turner chuckled as he sipped from his mug. "Well when I found out that a new invention is taking Equestria by storm, I was curious. I may have been conducting experiments..." Applejack knew that was a lie, but she could not bring up a good reason for him to be dishonest. 

There was no point in lying, and he proved that he knew so much about the weapons. This only confused Applejack far too much, so she instead chose to ignore it. This information did not benefit her in any way. 

"So, what else do you need?" The Doctor asked Bronze for the reason for their visit. 

Bronze Oak coughed awkwardly into his hoof. "Well, Doctor, the General would like to hire you for a small job, nothing permanent. We simply ask for something that would be used against the Grimm, using the Dust crystals of course."

"So you want a weapon," He hummed. "I only make inventions that would help society, and a giant bomb or other destructive devices will not do. I can of course create something to defend you, Legionnaires."

"Any help is appreciated, Doctor."

"Yes, but may I ask why you have a very dangerous individual amongst your guards?" 

Bronze was taken aback by the question. "What do you mean, if you don't mind me asking?"

Turner stared into his mug, the black brew was like an empty abyss that stared back at him. "Never mind, I will be able to invent something with the Dust crystals, but I will only make one invention. I must be honest here, Dust is something I'd rather not tamper with."

"I see..." Bronze said, confused that he said something about Adam, it was clear who he meant by 'dangerous individual'. But he did not know Turner's perspective because Bronze thought that ponies like Turner are always odd. "Very well, but may I have some light on what you plan to do?"

"The cyan Dust crystal can be used to create hard-light which will be of use to many of you, after some tests it will be ready tomorrow."

"That quick!?" Dash was taken by surprise. "H-how long have you been researching Dust?"

"A day, only because I wish to be done with them. They are like magic in many ways and I much prefer doing regular science." Another lie, but with a partial truth.

"Twilight hasn't even gotten a breakthrough with those Dust crystals!" Dash claimed. 

Turner only stared at Dash disinterestedly. "Bronze, I think you've all overstayed your welcome, I will see you and Ironwood soon."

"Oh, then I must thank you for your hospitality, Doctor. Come on Applejack, Dash, I'm sure Adam would be fuming by now." Bronze thanked Time Turner for his time and proceeded to the door. 

"Uh, thanks, Doc..." Applejack smiled warmly. 

"Wait,"

All three froze, they turned around to see a killer look in Turner's eyes, and it was all focused on Dash. 

"Please drop my cane, Rainbow Dash."

"Cane?" Then Dash realized the strange toy she had found. With an embarrassed smile, she quickly placed the supposed cane down and rushed out after giving Turner a small apology. "That was a cane?"

She asked the others once they caught up with her. Bronze tapped his chin as he thought about it. 

"Honestly, I've only seen him use it as a screwdriver for years now, but I think there were a couple of times when he used it as a cane..."

"He's a weird one, that's for sure." Applejack huffed. "Feels like it ain't gonna be the last time we'll see him."

"Hopefully he'll help us tomorrow night as well, it would certainly make things easy." Bronze said. 

This got Dash curious and she wondered what else the Legionnaires needed from a pony like Time Turner. It started to feel like the guards were dependent on Turner as if he was the messiah. Either way, the day was still young, and both Applejack and Dash will have to face Adam's wrath soon. Hopefully, he'll go easy on them.
> Dinner Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ironwood stared at the invitation he had just received, princess Luna and his most trusted guards were present in his office, Luna held a similar letter from the local mailmare. 

Perplexed, Luna sat on a comfy chair with a curious look on her face. She was not the only one who had received the letters, it appeared that Adam Taurus as well. But the most important detail is that the pony who sent it to them was none other than Roman Torchwick. Many of the Legionnaires were unsure how to react, this was a strange gesture on Roman's part, or perhaps he was so confident of his skills that this was his way of gloating. 

"This is obviously a trap to keep us out of my fort," Ironwood concluded. "Roman seems to believe that I would go to this... dinner he had planned."

"Located on the edge of the Everfree nonetheless!" Feather Storm pointed out. "I have no clue what goes in that crook's mind, but there is clearly something diabolical at play."

Crimson Forge chuckled loudly. "Honestly, I'm a bit curious! Wonder what he will do, perhaps it's another of his giant explosions!" Lockjaw could only scoff at his partner. 

Ironwood turned towards the faunus in the room. "Your thoughts, Adam?" 

Adam eyed the letter carefully, his, in particular, was written differently. There was an address where the dinner would take place, but there were additional sentences that made something clear, and that is the fact that Roman knew of his existence. Well, there was the fact that he sent Perry to track down and spy on Roman, sadly there was no progress yet. The most annoying part was that Roman was making fun of Adam, if he had not kept his temper down he would've torn the letter into pieces. 

"You're ugly!" Roman wrote in big red and bold letters. Adam was mad. 

"We go," He answered to the General. 

Luna arched her brow. "Pray tell, why would you think it is a grand idea to humor Roman and his little dinner?"

"This will be a big chance for us to catch him by surprise, and set up a few guards around the location, especially in the border of the forest. It is obvious that he plans to use the Grimm from the Everfree on us, the letter said that we must bring only one friend."

Luna pointed at the letter with her hoof. "But it is said that we cannot bring any guards, so if we are truly attending this dinner, I suggest that our plus one shall be Rainbow Dash or Applejack."

Ironwood shook his head. "No, if the three of us leave my fort, then we must keep the two mares here to protect this place without us, under Bronze's command of course."

"Mayhaps we could instead bring Twilight?"

Adam shook his head at Luna. "It is written here that unicorns who delve in summoning spells aren't allowed... I think he meant Twilight, so it would be better to bring someone who can defend themselves when the time comes."

"We don't really have many options here," Ironwood said. "Why does he demand we bring someone, and will he not show if we do not satisfy the requirement?"

"Excuse me!" The door flew open, a strange stallion waltzed right in without a care, he brought with him a draft tube and an odd device. "Sorry if I was interrupting anything, but I am not really in the mood to wait." He said casually as he walked up to the General. 

"Ah, Doctor!" Ironwood smiled. "Right, we were busy, yes, but I'm sure this will be quick."

"We don't have time, General." Adam hissed as he approached the stranger. "And you, who allowed you in here!?"

"Easy Adam, the Doctor is a friend of mine. Princess, this is Doctor Time Turner, he is the inventor of the hay-powered engine. And many more of our protective equipment."

"Time Turner?" Luna scrutinized the stallion for a moment. "What have you brought us?"

"The invention I promised," Turner said as he wore the odd device on his left foreleg. With a click of the button, a large solid light appeared from the device, a shield made out of energy. "I brought the schematics as well, and this concludes our business and I shall no longer work with Dust."

"As always, Doctor, you deliver!" Ironwood smiled even wider. "Thank you for your service, and I hope that we can continue our partnership soon."

"Hold on, you harnessed hard-light Dust?" Adam was surprised to learn about Turner. "This quickly... You must be quite the Inventor." This little device somehow piqued Adam's interest, now his attention was focused on Turner. 

"Well, if you are all done with me, then I'll just drop this off in your armory and leave."

Adam stepped into Turner's way. "Are you a fighter?"

"Why do you ask...?" Ironwood wondered as he rose to his hooves. 

"If what you tell me is right, then this pony is the one responsible for the many machines you have in this fort?"

Ironwood tapped the metal piece on his forehead. "Well, he was the one who created the communication orbs that connect to this device in my skull."

"How come I am just learning about this pony now?" Luna inquired. 

"I'm sorry your highness, I just prefer to be anonymous, the attention is not something I desire." Turner explained. "So I best leave now..."

"No, wait..." Ironwood hummed loudly. "Doctor, you're very athletic, correct?"

"What are you suggesting, my friend?" 

"I'm also curious, General." Adam glared through his visor. Luna remained silent, she only stared at Turner.  There was something about him that was stranger than most. An aura came from him, so powerful that it almost frightened Luna. 

"I don't think this is wise, General." Bronze believed, the other guards agreed. 

"You are wrong," Ironwood chuckled. "The Doctor has several inventions that could be of help to us, and I have seen him on the field before."

"Ironwood, could you please not bring me into this problem of yours."

"Doctor, for days you continue to do nothing for the greater good of Equestria, I offer you chances to be greater, and I offer them to you now. Roman Torchwick is a threat that even you cannot ignore, his deeds harm the common folk with his robberies, and if you help us, then I am sure as the dawn that we will catch him."

"If the General speaks so highly of you, then I must implore you to join us, Doctor." Luna said. "He claims that you have inventions that may help us, and you must understand that this higher calling is for you alone."

He was left in the spotlight, Turner felt all their eyes on him, so silent, none spoke as they waited for a response. There was a voice in the back of his head, a voice that wanted to set things right. But he did not want this opportunity, Ozpin... Ozpin wanted to keep himself away from all this trouble. And now the princess asked him to join them and attend Roman's dinner. 

He knew the purpose of this meeting, Turner had eyes and ears everywhere. The letters that were sent to the three leaders were not a secret to him, anything that was related to Roman needed the attention of Time Turner. He knew not why he bothered, he wanted to be done with Roman and move on. But found himself here. 

He sighed, then he brought out the Dust shield and tinkered with it on the spot. Before anyone could ask, Turner tossed the device in the air and once again surprised all. The shield created a bubble of hard-light, it bounced once then shrunk. 

"I suppose my answer is clear... I will join just this once."

Ironwood wore a smile that rivaled Pinkie's as he left his desk to meet Turner at the center of the room. "Doctor! You've finally come to your senses, I am glad that you and I will finally have a chance to actually work together, my friend!" He said to Turner as he shook their hooves together. 

"Don't make me regret this..."

"So that's our plus one... Don't slow us down, or else I'll leave you to the Grimm." Adam said. 

"Ha, the Doctor will not disappoint, just like always!" Ironwood had pride in his chest. 

But for Turner, he was honestly disappointed in himself. He could tell that Luna had her eyes on him like a watchful owl. He knew the culprit for this turn of events was Darkness, he stood there in the corner the whole time, using what power he had in this realm to force Turner into the whole thing. This was a bad idea, and worse of all, Roman was already in town. 




Scootaloo wondered to herself how life had brought her here, she asked what her purpose was. Her wings were too small for her to fly, and she started to doubt herself if she could even learn one day. A lot of bad things happened lately, everything just got worse after that full-scale Grimm attack, something this town had never seen before. 

"Scootaloo, come on down and have some snacks!"

One of her aunts called out to her, she stopped what she was doing and rushed down to enjoy whatever her aunts had prepared. But she came to the scariest scene in her life yet, Roman Torchwick sat at the same table as her relatives. Both mares looked terrified just like Scootaloo, while Roman simply sat in his seat with a newspaper in his hooves. 

"Hey there, Scooter!" Roman laughed as he greeted Scootaloo. "Grab a seat, I brought you some Manehattan pizza, still hot!"

"Roman! W-what are you doing here!?"

"Please, don't hurt us!" Auntie Lofty begged, but she was answered with a cane pointed at her face. 

"Shut up, I'm here to talk to the kid." Roman said blankly. 

"Don't hurt my aunts!"

Roman smiled widely. "Scooter, I ain't here to hurt anyone! As long as no one gives me a reason, of course." He said that last part as he sent a glare at the older mares. "Sit down, grab a slice and tell me about your day."

She did as she was told, she took the swat at the center, right between her aunts and Roman. There was indeed pizza on the table, still warm. As much as she was afraid, Scootaloo was still a child, she could not resist the temptation of the unhealthy pie. 

"How was your day, Scooter?"

"Uh..." She paused for a moment, Scootaloo glanced over to her aunts for a moment before she answered. "Well, my friends and I tried to see if we could get a cutie mark from bomb-defusing... It didn't end well."

"Ah, well kid, you'll find out what your special talents are someday!" He said with a tone that said he was interested in her tale. "Well, how's that gift I gave you a long time ago?"

"The Aura?" Scootaloo received a small nod from Roman. "I... Did everything written on the notes you've given me. But I don't understand why you gave me Aura in the first place..."

Roman fell silent, he unconsciously grabbed himself a slice of pizza, even motioned for the mares to take some as well. He took a moment to eat the slice before he spoke to Scootaloo. "You remind me a lot of myself. There's just something about you, kid, that made me like you. I unlocked your Aura to protect you from this world, and I want you to train until you're invincible."

Scootaloo looked away. "Rainbow Dash said I should never ever talk to you again, because you threatened her life and that you're a crook."

"It's true," He said bluntly. "the moment she was unable to move, weakened by our battle with the biggest beowolf on Equestria, I told her everything. Her missing bits in Manehattan, the robberies that I committed, and with my confession, I broke the trust we built with each other."

"Why would you do something like that?" Aunt Holiday wondered out loud. 

"I'm not here to talk to you," Roman snapped at them. "You're lucky you both are Scootaloo's aunts because I would've-" He pretended to slice his throat with his wing, the two then believed that it was best for them to remain silent. "But I'll answer you for once. You see, Dash is the Element of Loyalty while Applejack is Honesty, I'm the opposite of both. I lie, cheat, and steal, it's what I do best. Deception and betrayal, that's my element. I needed her to be motivated, I am the cause and she is the effect."

"That doesn't make sense to me..." Scootaloo muttered. 

"You'll understand when you're older, anyway, just wanted to check on my buddy and see how you're doing!" He chuckled. "I got a few heists going on and it would be great if you could do something for me."

"I can't..." Scootaloo cowered away in fear of antagonizing Roman. 

"It's just a simple one, something I'm sure you can do."

"But..."

"Scootaloo, I know you can do this. I just need you to answer something for me." He acted as friendly as he could. "I just need to know, if you could tell me where Twilight lives..."




"Did you have to follow me!?" Trixie questioned her clone as she struggled to get comfortable in a small space she was currently in. 

"I wanted to grab some snacks first! But no, you had to lock yourself in the box early!" Twoxie complained. 

"Shut up in there, we're almost at our destination!" They heard the muffled voice of Flam from outside their little prison. 

"Hurry up, Roman is probably going to start his part of the plan!" Flim told his brother. 

"Hey, watch it! Get your elbow away from my ribs!" By then, the twins knew not who was complaining, and they were glad that people could tell them apart as well. Unlike Trixie and her clone. 

The stallions paused as they stood upon a hill which gave them a good view of the Iron Legion Headquarters, they and some trusted employees pulled the cargo of Dust and two Trixies towards the fort. This was Roman's plan, and they need to execute it flawlessly, or else failure shall be their result.
> Interlude: Coffee Demon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roman sighed as he held a cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee lovingly in his hooves. He relaxed on the comfiest chair in the world, Lucky Spice paid no expense when it came to pleasing her customers. 

And this is also the first time Roman had learned why Lucky Spice was named, apparently, she had started as a barista and her talent was making coffee with spices. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, and many more spices he'd never heard of before. Such as star ticklers. Roman was reluctant to try that one.

Anyway, he was just there after a long day of stealing. Still, a few more heists to go, especially his biggest one yet. 

So he was just relaxing so he could face his next job full of energy. He even had it all planned out flawlessly, and Roman was sure that no problem would come as long as the twins do their part and Trixie does hers.

Imagine this, a chessboard with all its pieces. Everyone had a role to play but Roman was the king on his side, he knew how badly Ironwood wanted him captured. But Roman had a plan, and he did not doubt it. It was simple, draw out their leaders by inviting them to a suspicious dinner near the Everfree, which would allow Trixie to infiltrate the Iron Legion headquarters and attack from the inside just like the Trojan horse. 

Suddenly, someone sat down on the seat across from him, his mind trailed away from his plan as he looked upon a young mare with orange hair. She wore clothes, which was normal for Manehattan ponies, and had a smile that reminded Roman of the crescent moon. 

"Howdy, Roman!" She greeted him. 

"You a fan?" Roman went straight for the possible answer. 

To his surprise, she laughed. "No silly, I just wanted to see how you've been!"

His brow cocked. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"You and I haven't met, because that would be strange, and honestly it would have been awesome! Because I'd get the chance to fight a real criminal and act like some heroine with a sidekick who makes pancakes!"

"Right, could you get to the point?"

"Well I haven't met you before, but my friend Ruby knows you, and it sounds like you and she got real history!"

Roman nearly spat out his coffee as his eye bulged out of its socket. "You know Red!?" This only meant that this mare was no pony, but someone from Remnant, a friend of his nemesis as well. He pretended to be unbothered by the discovery, and simply returned to his coffee with a soft smile. "Did some purple unicorn bring you to Equestria?"

"There are unicorns here!?" Her smile grew wider, Roman swore it could split apart if she wanted to. "OMG! This place is like, the best! I always wanted to be friends with unicorns! Oh, are there pegasi too!? Oh, I will really make use of my name if there are! I'm Nora Valkyrie by the way."

"Uh, you're a pegasus, just like me." Roman pointed out. 

"What!? No way!" Her wings unfurled and nearly slapped a customer. "Wow, I can fly!"

Except she couldn't, she tried to but failed greatly. Roman watched as the girl fell and planted her face on the floor. 

"You need to learn how to first, Smiley." Roman told her as she rose back to her hooves. If it weren't for the fact that these ponies in this coffee shop were part of whatever business Spice runs. If not, then Roman and this Nora girl would be the center of attention. 

Before he could even take another sip from his coffee, Nora grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and pulled him to her face. "Well, you better teach me now, buster! Or else I'll break your legs, and you got four!"

"Hey, watch the clothes! Alright, fine! I'll teach you!" Nora released the thief upon his decision. "Ugh, not like I have anything better to do until tomorrow."

"Oh, are you doing your cool heists tomorrow? Can I come? I can be an awesome muscle if people act mean to you!"

"I thought you were a good guy?"

"I am, but I'm also bored!"




Roman watched as Nora flexed her wings, she moved them around just so she could get used to them. Soon enough she started to hover above the ground. She looked towards him with pride as if she had discovered a new way to break legs. 

"Look, I can fly!" She said as she hummed The Ride of the Valkyries.

Nora flew around at a slow pace since she had just started learning how to fly, Roman watched as she hovered about the empty lot they've used for Nora's little practice. Honestly, Roman would've left much earlier before while she was distracted, but a few factors kept him from doing so. One was that this world made him soft, another is that she was from Remnant and her reason to be in this world was not caused by Twilight. 

"Hey, this is like learning how to ride a bike! But instead of a dad, I'm being taught by a criminal! Also, I don't know how to ride a bike..." She said the last sentence with a bright gleam in her eyes, which was directed at Roman. 

He scoffed at her. "Oh no, I ain't teaching you how to bike, Smiley. You've already wasted enough of my precious time."

Nora drew out Magnhild in its hammer form and threatened Roman with it. "Don't make me turn your legs to dust! Play the father role or else!"

"Or else what, brat!?" Roman took on a fencing stance, he jabbed Melodic Cudgel in the air to show he meant business. "Unlike you, Smiley, I know a thing or two about duels between hunters. I don't think you've even graduated."

"Ozpin in Oscar's head said you didn't graduate either!" She snapped at him. "That doesn't matter! Get ready to eat food through a tube!"

But before the two could even begin what would have been an epic battle between two gingers, their attention was stolen by a passing ice cream vendor. The two froze there in the center of the empty lot, eyes solely on the pony who stared back. Roman and Nora then locked eyes and gave each other a short nod. 

Soon after, the two sat on the curb with ice cream in their separate hooves. Roman with his Neapolitan on a waffle cone, and Nora who had strawberry popsicles, popsicles because she asked for a dozen. Roman is still amazed that someone other than Neo could eat frozen confectionery without suffering a brain freeze.  

Honestly, this world was changing Roman for the worse. 

"So, Smiley, if Twilight didn't bring you to Equestria, was it the God of Darkness?"

Nora shook her head. "Nope, I just had coffee!"

"You're kidding..."

"I wish, ha!" She laughed. "Ren was making coffee for my other friends, but left it unattended after! So, being the sneaky thief like my dad-"

"I'm not your dad."

"Oh shush and let an orphan dream! Anyway, I stole the whole pot of coffee, and there were three!" She laughed again, but this time she added "mwa" at the start to show her new dad that she was also evil like him. "I then drank all the coffee and found myself here."

Roman took a moment to soak in the information. At first, he doubted it, but after what he went through the past few weeks, he was inclined to believe her outlandish story. 

"But I still don't believe you..."

"Want me to prove it?" Her face adopted a psychotic look as she brought out three pots of coffee. 

But this only worried Roman. "Easy now, kid, let's not do anything hasty."

Too late, she chugged all three pots along with her popsicles, the amount of sugar combined with caffeine knocked the girl onto the ground where she convulsed violently. Roman acted quickly and tried to keep her stable, but the girl dug her grave, now she must lie in it. Or so he thought, as Nora continued her coffee reaction on the ground, she started to glow brightly. 

Something powerful slowly pulled Roman towards her. He ran off somewhere safe just so he wouldn't get sucked into whatever magic Nora had conjured. Roman's eye widened as he watched the girl being consumed by light. And soon enough, in just a flash, she vanished. It left Roman confused and worried. 

There was no sign of her, only the popsicle sticks that she discarded, the ones that were not pulled into her strange gravity field. He wondered if he was just seeing things, or if he had lost his mind finally after so long in this world. 

Well, the only thing he knew was that he was not going to talk about it. 

"This story is just getting weirder and weirder..."
> Reservations And Retribution Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna was ready to finally meet Roman for the first time outside the realm of dreams. 

She, along with Adam and Ironwood was chaperoned by two ponies who had brought with them a stagecoach for four. It was worth mentioning that Time Turner was there as well, but he wore a sour look as if he had not wanted to be with them for reasons beyond Luna. Something about him was odd, yet familiar, it was as if she had met him somewhere. 

Curious, she questioned Turner, this went unnoticed by the other two who had also taken an interest in the Doctor. The General who had known Turner longer than the others was more interested in Turner's earlier achievements. One could say that Ironwood saw something else unlike Luna and Adam. To Ironwood, he saw no ordinary pony, he saw Doctor Time Turner, the stallion of tomorrow. 

He had so much to say about Turner and all of it was good things. His reputation in the Legion was positive, many would even admit to giving their life for him if the moment comes. 

Luna was unsure how this image of his was made, she wanted to ask about it but fell silent when the stagecoach stopped completely. The doors opened to reveal a beautifully built gazebo large enough for a party to dine in. Much to their surprise, there was a band as well that played as soon as Luna and her group arrived. There was also an outdoor kitchen where a few ponies worked, so much food was already prepared for the dinner that Roman had planned. 

"Ah," Everyone turned their heads towards the sky, and there they finally met the crook himself, Roman Torchwick. "So glad that you all could join me!"

But he went silent as his eye was drawn towards Turner.

"Oh, I expected that you would bring Dash or Applejack..."

"Is that who you expected?" Adam huffed. "As if we'd allow someone who is clouded by their own justice near you." This earned the faunus a few sharp glares from the Equestrians.

Roman grinned at Adam. "You're one to talk," But before he could say something snarky, Roman stopped himself. "Alright then! Let us continue if you all could follow me please!" 

The wings on his side folded which caused Roman's hover to cease, he dropped onto the space before them before he stood up with a welcoming smile. 

"If you all would please, follow me so we can begin our little party."

Adam was reluctant, as were the others, but he felt something wrong with the whole picture. As Roman closed his wings, he heard an audible click, as if something was triggered as the thief did so. And yet despite the nagging feeling, Adam followed the ponies towards the gazebo.

Everything was a mixed feeling for Roman's guests, Turner simply wanted to get this thing over with, while Ironwood waited for a chance to finally capture the one pony on the planet who held the information needed to battle the Grimm. As for Luna, she simply felt a sense of intrigue, this was the first time the two had met face to face. 

Roman brought them to a table which was big enough for everyone, it even had seating arrangements that had the guests on one side of the table and Roman on the other. Unicorns soon arrived at their table with plates of exotic delicacies, some of which were fish, a truly odd choice since they were all herbivores. All was set for dinner to begin, Luna couldn't help but notice how Roman had kept his eyes on her during the process. Though she noticed another thing, Roman was far different than he was in the dream realm. Shorter, and his voice sounded a little scratchy. If anything, it was like meeting a different person. Perhaps it was because she had only met his human form, not his Equestrian. He looked so much like a mare in some angles. 

"I do appreciate that you could join me tonight! And princess," He sent her a mischievous grin. "You sure are a looker."

"Flattery won't lessen your sentence." She coldly told him. "Though you are not what I expected, forgive me if I'm being rude."

He simply chuckled. "Nothing you say can offend me, your highness. I'm just happy to finally meet with you."

"Enough games," Adam slammed his hoof against the table, the catering staff flinched as Adam became aggressive. "What are you planning?"

"Straight to the point," Ironwood commented as he glared at the thief along with Adam. "I'm also curious about how you'll stop us from just capturing you now."

Roman grinned, he simply waved a waiter over who placed a plate with its contents hidden by a cloche. The waiter then pulled the shiny dome to reveal what was underneath.

"Roman," Luna hissed as the threat made itself known. "You truly are a coward, just as you have said."

"I aim to please," He said smugly. 

Ironwood retreated into his seat, even Adam resisted the urge of tearing Roman apart, as for Turner, he was silent. 

There was a detonator on the table with a timer and a keypad. The three leaders all had the same guess, there was a bomb threatening not just their lives, but the innocent ponies that were roped into this.

"I paid them a king's ransom, and promised them that as long as you bunch behave, then the bomb won't go off." Roman explained, as he did so, his hoof punched in a code on the device. "I also have to reset the bomb now and then, or else- KABOOM! So it's best that you all don't do anything, also the code cycles through several combinations, now, let's enjoy our dinner!"

As the catering staff served the food, Roman couldn't help but notice how Turner wore a smile on his face, as if he saw something the others didn't. 

"Uh, if you'd excuse me for a second..." Roman snatched the detonator and rushed somewhere out of earshot. The forest was perfect to get some privacy. He made sure to check if he was alone. "I think he saw through it!" He whispered to himself. 

Suddenly, a pony appeared out of nowhere, dressed completely in a ghillie suit that hid their identity. Until they lifted the veil to reveal that it was Fuchsia Blush.  "What do you mean?"

"The random guy that came with them!" Roman spoke, but his voice changed completely, yet again the truth was revealed that this was Lavender Lace. "Oh no, my semblance... You still there, Roman?"

"Yeah, still here." He answered through her. "What can you tell me about them?"

"A stallion with an hourglass cutie mark and-"

"Ozpin," Roman hissed. "Listen, he's unpredictable and I doubt that he's serious about capturing me, so relax and keep your distance. If anything, he probably knows that there's no bomb."

"What do we do?" Fuchsia asked him. 

"Inform Trixie and the twins that Dash and Applejack are most likely still in the headquarters. Then continue with the distraction. If everything goes sideways, you're up, Fuchsia."

"Ain't gonna disappoint you or Trixie, count on that."




"I'm glad to hear that," Roman smirked, the real Roman Torchwick.

His location? Atop the town hall of Ponyville where he could see his objective, Twilight's library. This was his grand plan, Trixie and the two swindlers were currently inside the Iron Legion base, ready to pounce the moment he called for it. As for him, Roman had a score to settle with, and a meeting that was due for far too long. 

"Um, Roman?" He looked down to his side where Scootaloo was latched onto his leg as she tried not to slip off the roof. "What were you doing?"

"Ah nothing, just pondering, that's all." He answered nonchalantly. "So, Scooter, have you found your semblance yet?"

"Uh, not yet... Do I have to?"

Roman smiled at her innocence. He liked that about her, reminded him of his own childhood. Sadly there's about to be a harsh lesson to be learned. "It is important, but you can take your time, it'll come soon enough."

"Why are we out in the dark, anyway? My aunts aren't gonna like it that you took me..." 

"I asked for their permission, it's not kidnapping." He argued back. "I'm above that, professionals have standards."

She doubted him greatly, Scootaloo was there when Roman threatened for their signature on the permission form. What purpose he had for doing such a thing, Scootaloo knows not of. It was just something only the thief knew, and perhaps she would soon learn of the truth.

Or perhaps, Roman knew another truth.

Either way, she was stuck in the ride to chaos with Roman behind the wheel. And it would seem to Scootaloo that Roman had set his sights on Twilight's house. Scootaloo panicked, the only reason he'd ever take a step closer to this place would be something evil. She raced to think up a plan to escape and warn Twilight of the threat.

But she was stuck on Roman high up in the air, she clung onto him tightly or else she'd meet the painful ground. 

Roman slowed to a glide, the two descended towards the entrance of the library. Scootaloo planned to scream out for help once she got back down. It was a simple idea, and most importantly, she would run for her life. 

But before she could have the chance to initiate her heroic plan, Roman stopped just as he was about to touch the ground. That was when the filly felt the ominous presence that almost suffocated her with malice. There, standing right at the foot was a pony clad in all black, with eyes red as blood. 

Roman set Scootaloo aside as he touched the ground, a smirk grew on his face as well. "Agent Black... I'm guessing we won't be disturbed?"

The mare gave a short chuckle. "So you know about my semblance? Guess you're as clever as the Doc says." She drew out her combat knife and a suppressed pistol. "If you already know how it works, then let me explain it to you better. My semblance affects the mental mind of everyone outside a six-meter radius from me, anything happening within the radius would be seen as ordinary to everyone."

"You can shrink that circle," Roman noted as he remembered the time back at the inn. "But how big is the other part of your semblance?"

"Let's just say the whole town... Though I have to tell you that anyone outside would hear us if we were to be... loud."

Roman scoffed. "Guess I'll just bash your head in. But how did you find out that I'd be here?"

"You'd think I'd be alone?" A red light blinded Roman just for a moment, once he recovered his sight he noticed a red dot on the ground. "A team of certified hunters is here to capture you under my leadership."

"Ozpin has hunters?" Roman was shocked to hear that. 

"Lisa! Inform Trixie of a possible third party!" Roman gritted his teeth. "Did Ozpin order you to capture me?"

Bon Bon growled. "No, but I'd be damned if I allowed you to walk freely in my town."

"Scootaloo..." The filly looked away from the scary mare. "I need you to sit still while I deal with Black here."




"So I said to the guy, 'That's not my wife, that's a can of tuna'!" The whole room erupted in laughter as Flim delivered his jokes to the Legionnaires. 

The twins and some employees of Candlewick were all gathered in the cafeteria with some guards. Ever since they arrived, Flim and Flam did nothing but told jokes, all of which were greatly received by the guards. 

They had just delivered a very important package and a lot of Dust to the Legion. Now they were just enjoying themselves. 

At the corner of the cafeteria sat Applejack and her friends, the farmer kept an eye on the twins while her friends simply chatted amongst themselves. 

"Will Spike be okay alone at the library?" Fluttershy asked Twilight. 

"Spike can take care of himself, I trust him to keep the place intact." Twilight said. 




A window shattered as Roman dodged several shots from Bon Bon's pistol. Spike continued to eat Dust crystals despite the fight outside the library. Of course he heard the noise, but he waved it off as raccoons in the trash again. 





"Something ain't right..." Applejack hummed. "Why the hay are those two here?"

"Oh, they're here to make sure the Dust storage is up to code." Twilight explained. "Apparently they were impressed with the Iron Legion's work."

"Ugh," Dash groaned loud enough for her friends to notice. "I'm tired of waiting! Roman is out there having dinner with the princess, but we're here doing guard duty!"

"Now, now, dearie," Rarity said, "Nothing wrong with a little break after all that tiring training you've both done."

"Yeah!" Pinkie shoved herself into Dash's sight with her usual smile. "We can finally hang out! That mean red guy kept you busy too much, but now that you're doing nothing, we can all have a little party right here and now! I brought confetti~!"

Dash was about to object, but then realized how much she missed the crazy parties. "You know what, Pinkie? Sure, I want to let loose for once!"

"Need Ah remind y'all that we are on duty?" Applejack told the rest.

"You two are, not us." Rarity corrected the farm mare. "I don't understand why the rest of us are even in this place..."

"Because Roman is back and we need to be ready in case he escapes capture. Which means all six of us must stay alert for any-" Twilight explained. 

An explosion was heard, and the blast shattered every window in the fortress. Every guard that was relaxing in the cafeteria immediately ran to see what caused the explosion. Before the six could follow, a thick smoke started to fill the room. 

"Fire!" A guard yelled. "The armory is on fire!"

With that, the six mares jumped into action. Unbeknownst to them, the twins both wore similar grins as they watched the chaos unfold. Though this would spell disaster for Roman, the explosion was too early in his plan. But he did not let the opportunity pass, Ozpin's agent was distracted for just a moment which allowed Roman to slip away with Scootaloo. 

But now, Ironwood and the others couldn't help but ask what exactly happened. As for Lavender Lace, she felt vulnerable, especially when she was in reach of Adam's sword.