> A Herd of Ponies and Ungulates
>  by StatiZkyZ
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equestria is known to be a kingdom full of hospitality, and any esteemed visitors are almost always invited to the royal castle in Canterlot to have a formal audience with the two princesses that rules over the realm. Princess Celestia, while reading some reports from her trustful assistant Raven, is making her way to the throne room for such an audience.

"Six individuals... They're called 'The Champions of Foenum'." Raven speaks with princess Celestia as they enter the room.

The alicorn of the sun reads the papers given to her silently, learning about her visitors. It's only a month ago when explorers under Princess Luna's wing discovered a new continent across the vast western Celestia Ocean. It's nowhere as big as Equestria, but the land is inhabited by numerous species of ungulates, united under the banner of 'Foenum'. After some visits from envoys, Equestria were to expect some visits back from their new friend. Although princess Celestia invited the leaders of Foenum, they sent their 'Champions' first instead. Six ungulates, each a representative of each species in Foenum.

 "Thank you Raven." Princess Celestia gives her assistant a warm smile. "We are to expect them shortly, yes?"

"Yes, princess. It's almost time for them to arrive." Raven receives the report papers as the princess gives it to her. "Should I make myself scarce?"

Due to certain circumstances, the meeting is only to happen between the two princesses and the six champions. Well, besides the royal guards that's guarding the room. Just as Princess Luna enters the room, Celestia dismisses Raven to let her do more of her work. The lunar princess, however, seems to be more nervous than usual.

"Luna? Is something bothering you, sister?"

Princess Luna made her way to her throne right next to her sister's, sitting on it before replying.

"...I suppose you already know the group we're expecting?" Luna asked, as she saw Celestia walking to her throne.

"More or less, Raven had shown me. Is it something about them?"

Luna's expedition was the first to make contact with Foenium after all, and knowing her secretive wing, her elite night guards would've sent more ponies to learn about this new civilization across the seas. Maybe the princess of the moon knows something Celestia doesn't based on that fact.

"I am just slightly nervous, especially for our plan for them." Luna confesses as princess Celestia sits down. "The last time we tried to approach another kingdom, they almost declared war on us."

Despite her having to keep her regal posture in front of her guards, Celestia's eyes twitch very slightly. It was quite lucky that Twilight managed to solve the problem with the Yaks, otherwise she's pretty sure that after hearing what the Yaks did, a lot of ponies would actually consider going to war.

"I'm sure this one... doesn't smash things Luna." Celestia chuckled. Though this doesn't seem to ease Luna too much.

"No, but from what I have gathered, they are capable, sister. Their six champions that's coming are supposedly the Foenum's finest warriors." The younger alicorn said. "It's still wise to not upset them."

It doesn't take long before a guard enters the room to inform the princesses of their visitor's arrival. As Celestia orders to let them in, the golden double doors of the throne room opens wide to reveal six... no, seven creatures walking on the carpet leading to the throne.

There are two of them in front of the main group, one seems to be a dark coated unicorn with a long and rather arched horn, arguably as long as the princess' own horn. A strange book is floating in front of her, similar to when a unicorn would hold one with their telekinesis, except her horn doesn't glow. Next to her is a light brown reindeer, walking with her head held high, oozing, for a lack of better word, arrogance, as if she owns the place.

On the right of the group, there's a brown calf, curiously looking around in awe of the castle walls and not really looking where she's going. Close to her is a strange light green creature with fires coming out on it's head and rear, shaped like mane and tail. It has characteristics of a dragon, except it's a quadpedal and having hooves. She seems to walk in a straight posture, almost like a soldier.

The main thing that caught the princess' eyes, though, is a rather tall figure, probably as tall as Celestia, that looks like some kind of dark eldritch horror. The only thing about it's form that's comprehensible is it's head, shaped like a goat's skull with four horns. The body looks like dark fire with purple outlines, forming two forelimbs to cradle two more creatures in it's embrace. One is a fluffy... creature with a thick yellow wool, seemingly giggling happily to the creature carrying her. The other one is a sleeping... lamb? Her eyes are closed, and her body is not moving, even with a black puppy continuously licking her face innocently.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had seen a lot of things, but it looks like even after a thousand years, there's still some things that can surprise them.

"Champions of Foenum." Princess Celestia called with a voice that's barely not quivering. "As the princess, I welcome you to Equestria."

Out of the seven, only the dragon and the unicorn reacts in time. The former clap her hooves together before bowing, and the later simply nods her head. The calf seems to have just snapped back to reality as she stumbles on her legs slightly, before finally giving the princesses her attention.

"We are humbled under your presence, princess." The dragon speaks first.

"Or, princesses, should we say?" The unicorn adds. "I see that Equestria is also ruled by more than one leader."

The dark unicorn glances at Luna, who had been looking back at her with a gaze filled with unease. Like advanced magic users, Luna can sense another creature's magic, and what she sees in this unicorn puts her on edge. She's filled to the brim with dark magic! Not to mention that demon looking entity tailing them...

"Yes, you are correct." Princess Celestia either ignored her sister's visible concern, or just plain unaware of it, chuckling as she continued the conversation. "You may address me as Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna is my own sister."

"It is an honor, princesses. As you know, we are the Champions of Foenum." The dragon continued. "And I, Tianhuo, is the champion of the Huoshan Empire."

"My name is Oleander, champion of the Woodlands" Unlike the dragon next to her, Oleander doesn't even look at the princesses when she tells them her name. Instead, she's simply flipping the pages of her books.

"I see." Princess Celestia nods with a smile, but she notices only two of them are talking. The calf seems to be a bit nervous in front of them, and the reindeer is showing a bored expression, like she does not want to be here. The alicorn then shifts her eyes to the calf, who eventually speaks.

"O-Oh! Ah'll be Arizona! Proud champeen of ta Prairie!" She said with pride.

Princess Celestia simply smiled at the cow, before turning to the reindeer next to Oleander. However, instead of talking, she simply turns her head away and turns her body to the side. Oleander rolls her eyes at the sight.

"This is not a place to show off, Velvet." Oleander chided, before turning to face princess Celestia. "Pardon her, she's Velvet, the champion of the Tundra."

"Ze champion at everything, really, but I'm being humble." The female reindeer said with a thick accent, and a thick dose of narcissism. Just as it seems like Oleander and Velvet is about to bicker, princess Luna suddenly speaks.

"I should ask the obvious, but we're under the impression that there's supposed to be only six of you?"

The princess of the night points at the strange demon-like creature cradling two more members of the group. To this, Tianhuo volunteers to explain.

"This dark one is the companion of the forsaken unicorn. Such is the price of following the path of dark magic." The dragon explains, giving Oleander a look that the unicorn can't stand.

"Ugh, I thought we agreed that my dark magic helped to save Foenum, and thus you'll tolerate it." Oleander sighs, before returning to the princesses. "This is the entity that resides in my book. He goes by a name, but we call him Fred."

"Hi, I'm Fred." Said the demon himself, way too casual for such a lovecraftian horror to act. As strange or unexpected his voice turns out to be, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna welcomes it all too well. At least it doesn't possess the throne room and turns the whole castle into a monster, or something. After that horrifying image went away, the alicorns can hear Oleander continuing.

"That... creature that keeps giggling like the half brained ungulate she is, is the champion of the High Plains, Paprika. And, with all due respect, princesses, do not ask how she managed to get that title, because she can't speak in comprehensible words".

"Oleander, ya have ta admit that fuzzball runs like a bull seein' red." Arizona said. "That weirdo almost managed to snap mah rope..."

"I'm afraid that our alpaca companion did frighten some of your guards, princess." Tianhuo admitted. "As much as it shames us, we need the demon to restrain her."

"I prefer to use the term 'keeping her company'." The demon replied cheekily, somehow not bothered at all by Paprika's constant giggling and attempt to hug him.

Princess Celestia took a mental note to make sure none of her guards are too mentally scarred to do their jobs properly, if her image of Paprika's... show of affection is accurate. The alicorn then points to the other member who's passed out on Fred's hands.

"And, her?"

The group seems to look around at each other, especially at Oleander, who in turn looks at Fred, as if hoping someone would explain the unconscious lamb with the puppy. In the end, Arizona is the one who speaks.

"Err... That kid is Pom, champion of the Meadow. She's all timid, so when that mons-- Ah mean, Fred, comes out, she got her lights knocked outta her..." The calf chuckles nervously. "Scared her off her wool."

Luna really wants to question how wise it is for the very thing that knocks her out to be the one carrying her, but holds her tongue. They're champions, so they should know what to do, right?

"Will she be alright?" Princess Celestia asked.

"She may be timid, but she is much tougher then we all think, princess." Tianhuo replied. "The young one will be fine."

"I personally will make sure that no harm will be done to her. After all, she's one of us." Oleander added, before she changes the subject quickly. "Anyway, Princess, are you aware of the reason for our visit?"

"Of course." The alicorn replied with a warm smile. "You have been sent on the behalf of the Council of the Ungulates of Foenum, are you not?"

"Yes... And they sent us here... to..." The words from the dark unicorn slows down and stops, as if she's reluctant to say it. Eventually Arizona finishes it for her.

"Leave a trail around Equestria! Er... explorin and stuff, and return to them afterwards."

"It vas their idea." Velvet said, speaking as if not caring that she's standing in front the two rulers of Equestria. "I vill only take ze scenic route, and it better be good."

"I'm sure you will be treated well during your stay." Princess Celestia smiles, though the deepest and darkest pit of her heart wants to give the reindeer a lecture on how to behave. "In fact, I was expecting this sort of thing, and had created an... arrangement of sorts."

"Oh?" Oleander raised an eyebrow.

The alicorn of the sun pulls out a scroll out of nowhere, and opens it in front of her. Even from learning who the champions are from the information she gets, princess Celestia knows that she knows some ponies that will be a good company for each of these champions, because they remind her of them a lot...
> The Champion of the Meadow and the Animal Caretaker
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though she was unconscious when all the champions met Princess Celestia, Pom had been informed on what's going on. The idea of meeting a complete stranger did put some... fear in her, though ever since she met the other champions and helped to save Foenum, she's not as shy as she used to be. Sadly, that doesn't mean she's completely willing to do it. Though of course, with her sheep dog puppy around, some extra motivation is always provided. Every time Pom slows down during her walk, a nudge to her rear would come.

The place Pom is supposed to go is a place just outside a town, and she noticed the simple dirt path she has been following leads into a line of trees. After a quick walk through it, courtesy to her puppy constantly giving her a boost, the lamb finds a large clearing with flowers, waterfalls, and what it seems to be wooden fences encircling it. It's quite a well treated property, so it must belong to someone. In fact, from how green the grass is and the flowers around, it almost reminds her of home.

"Stay wi' me, lad." The sheep said in her accent. The last thing she wants is for her dog to run away in another world and getting lost, that would be her scariest nightmare.

Eventually she found the entrance around a fenced grassland, and she saw a flock of animals. There's some ducks, birds, raccoons, and other creatures that's not predators. In the middle of the crowd, there's a yellow pony with a long pink mane, enough that it's noticeable from a distance. This made Pom stop in her tracks. Animals she can probably handle, since they can't talk back, but ponies? It won't be like talking with her fellow sheep kind. Of course, in that moment, her dog nudged her forward again.

"P-Puppy! D-Down! Sit!" She almost stumbled on her legs from the unexpected push, but because she said that, the yellow pony noticed her, and approached the lamb. Okay, stay calm...

"Oh, hello there." The pony greets her with a soft voice. "A-Are you the one that... Princess Celestia said will come to me...?"

Wha...? No bone crushing hug? No rapid kisses on the face? Oh, who is she kidding, only Paprika does that. Still, that gentle and soft voice... There's someone that's actually as timid, or maybe more timid then her? This eases the lamb slightly, but not enough to make her not tremble every so often at the pony's presence.

"Y-Yes... M-Ma name is Pom." The sheep tries to give a smile.

"Pom?" The pony looks away briefly, remembering the name of the champion she's supposed to meet. "I'm... Fluttershy."

Fluttershy might not be as shy as she used to be before she knew Twilight Sparkle, but she still has that side of her when meeting a complete stranger, especially since they're from a faraway land. In this case, she never met someone as shy as Pom, so she's being extra careful and taking things slow. There's an ice breaker though, as Fluttershy notices a puppy next to Pom's side. It's wagging it's tail and panting with it's tongue out at the pony.

"Oh, is that your... puppy? It looks so cute!" Fluttershy bends low to get a closer look on said puppy. For a second, Pom's stomach flipped, fearing that he'll attack Fluttershy as it does to most strangers. Thankfully, such a case didn't happen, and it amazes the young lamb. Her puppy doesn't just let anyone touch him...

"Uumm... Y-Yeah, they kynd of are, I guess." Pom flashes a smile of her own, though not without avoiding eye contact. That requires a bit more confidence then she has right now. Though she watches Fluttershy rubbing her hoof gently on the puppy's head, making him more excited the usual, his tail wagging even faster.

"I don't get to take care of dogs most of the time, except my friend's dog." The pegasus even managed to get the puppy to lay on his back.

That reminds the lamb of where she is. This fenced grassland has a lot of other animals living in it. Is this pony taking care of them all by herself? She must be quite the animal whisperer, compared to her who can barely control what her dogs do. Not only that, it's not only one kind of animal Fluttershy can seem to tame.

"Ye... Ye live here? With all th' animals?" Pom asked, something she herself is surprised. Her starting a conversation with a stranger? The fact that Fluttershy is quite gentle and loves animals seems to warm her up with the champion of the Meadows.

"He he, no, I live... further down the road." Fluttershy said, she herself slowly warming up to Pom as she keeps on playing with her puppy, gently of course. "This is an animal sanctuary that I take care of."

"There's sure a lot o' thaim here... Not like in Foenum." Pom said. As far as she knows, only her sheepkind have a pet of some sorts, the Sheepdogs. Not sure if the Reine Winter Sprites counts, especially since Velvet treats them as her servants.

"Oh? You have this puppy though." Fluttershy said as she looked at the puppy, pulling her hoof back. Some curious animals are looking and approaching the little sheepdog. Though he doesn't really mind it, Pom instinctively covers one side with her hoof, only to slowly retract it.

She gives it a thought, her relationship with her sheepdogs are... pretty interesting. They are protective pets for the lambs, but hers does more than protecting her, they saved the world. The young lamb herself can barely keep herself from fleeing when she sees a predator in a distance, let alone a fighter. Even though she somehow managed to get brave enough to face a predator, she's not that strong. It was thanks to her sheepdogs that she's able to defeat even large predators. They're more than just a pet for her. They're like... her heroes.

"Well... it's a long story, but... they changed ma life." Pom said. "If it weren't for thaim, I wouldn't be standing 'ere."

Hearing that, Fluttershy turns her attention to the lamb herself instead of her puppy, making Pom move her head back, startled. The mare had something in her mind, something... familiar, something that she herself had gone through.

"...Did.. t-they saved you when you became a... champion?"

That question brings Pom back to when her journey started. It all started when that dumb council of Baaaaah for once, didn't vote when the world needs them the most, while they have been voting for the most unimportant things before. Just because Pom shouted her opinion on the importance of choosing a champion, they all choose her because she speaks up. Her journey started then, and her sheepdogs helped her defeat a lot of predators along the way, eventually saving Foenum with the help of the five other champions.

"Y-Yes... it's a horrifyin' journey t-tae leave my town tae... save the world." The lamb's legs shake as she tells a short version of her story. "I... don't know how I did it, honestly... It's all because of my sheepdogs."

The lamb chuckles at the memory as Fluttershy listens. The mare smiles at Pom's words, because it also brings up some of her own memories.

"...Huh, that's... quite familiar." Fluttershy noted.

"Eh? What is?"

"Your story." Fluttershy slightly turns her head so that her mane is partially covering her face from Pom's sight. "It... starts like mine."

Another... reluctant individual who's tasked to save the world? Or, that's what Pom thought, at least. From what she had heard, Equestria is a fairly peaceful place, the predators never reached here. That doesn't rule out a new threat that she never heard of though, the lamb might be shy, but she's not naive. Especially after what she went through. However, just as they're about to speak again, growling can be heard from Pom puppy. It seems that he sees something behind Fluttershy, and the pony turns her head to look as well.

Is that... Is that...!?

"Oh, Harry~ Did you and Angel bunny finish--"

"BEEEAARR!!"

Pom's surprisingly loud yell startles not just pretty much everyone, but even herself. The animals that were around her and Fluttershy scatters away, making the mare fall on her rear. Pom's youngest sheepdog runs towards the bear, barking. Surely, this one doesn't look like the one in Foenum, but a bear is a bear, a predator. Trying to stop her puppy from getting hurt, the lamb runs forward quickly, and although she ends up tripping and falling flat on her face, she manages to grab her puppy's collar with her mouth, stopping him almost within the reach of the bear.

Strangely, to Pom's surprise, the bear didn't react aggressively. Instead, it seems to shy away, taking a step back as if it's... surprised? However, that's not the only thing that happened. A white bunny, slightly smaller then her pup, is on the bear's shoulder until it jumps down, and stares at the dog fearlessly, as if it's ready to hold it's attack. Do predators and non predators have a reverse role or something in Equestria?

"S-Stay, boy...! Sit!" Pom ordered through her half muffled mouth, pulling her puppy within the safe reach of her hooves.

"A-Angel!" Fluttershy herself quickly tries to stop the staredown that might end up turning into something worse. With her pupils smaller then they normally are, the mare stares at Pom and her puppy who's still barking at Angel and the bear. It's only when the big predator shows no sign of hostility that the sheepdog calms down, making Pom let out a breath of relief. Her heart felt like it was about to lunge forward too.

"I'm so sorry! S-So sorry!" The dog's owner is quick to apologize several times.

"It's... only trying to protect you... r-right?" Fluttershy herself is slightly panting from the sudden adrenaline rush she got briefly. Thankfully she understand most animal's behavior, including dogs, and concludes it just wants to protect it's owner. Though, as soon as she said that herself, Angel bunny takes his position next to Fluttershy, crossing his arms. He's less than pleased when he's greeted by 'a brat of a puppy', to put it in his words if he can speak.

Pom looks up to the bear, who looks... dejected. Now that's something she didn't expect to see from a predator. Though, seeing that bunny seems to be Fluttershy's pet, and it was with the bear, the lamb is quick to put two and two together.

"Y-Ye... own a b-bear too?" She asked with a shaky voice, to which Fluttershy nodded.

"D-Don't worry, Harry is... a nice bear." The pegasus does her best to show a comforting smile.

To follow up to his owner's words, Harry waves with his fingers... oh gosh, the claws! Pom almost covers her head with her hooves, but it seems her puppy doesn't react as hostile as before. Sheepdogs have the uncanny ability to tell when someone is no longer a threat, so that's a good sign. This does calm the Champion of the Meadow, just barely.

"S-Sorry a-about that... b-bears aren't always nice tae me a-at home." Pom let out a sigh in relief. "They are... predators."

"Predators can be good too. Harry never hurts anypony." Fluttershy tries to gently rub the tip of Pom's hoof in an extra effort to calm her down. "S-So does Angel..."

Good predators? At Foenum, predators are crimson black creatures that come forth from The Hold that will attack any ungulate on sight. Pom herself has lost count how many predators she defeated, or rather, survive, before the most recent predator crisis is solved. It's only natural she reacted like that when she sees a bear, and so does her puppy.

"I'm... just scared of thaim. they are why Foenum need c-champions." The lamb revealed, eventually able to stand on her shaky limbs.

"...Do you have to... get out there by yourself, until... you meet the other champions?"

"H-Huh? How did ye know...?"

Fluttershy then looks away from Pom, and she notices that Angel bunny is standing near the tip of the mare's pink mane that almost touches the floor, grabbing it gently.

"I... have to do that too... I was all alone, w-when... something happened... Equestria was attacked by... c-creatures that can change to ponies. I was so scared of them, but... I have to h-help somepony..." Fluttershy shies away from Pom slightly. Creatures that can shapeshift? That does sound scary...

"O-Only after I m-meet my friends... I'm brave enough to face it... well, sort off." As if he heard a cue, Angel puffs his chest forward proudly while closing his eyes, making Fluttershy chuckle. "...Angel helped me a lot to face... anything that's trying to harm me o-or my friends."

It's not only the rabbit, other animals start to flock around the pegasus too. Ferrets, birds, Harry the bear, and even some porcupines. Not only that her story sounds familiar, how she got plenty of pets helping her reminds Pom of her sheepdogs coming to help her anytime she needs them.

Two reluctant fighters with a group of animals helping them.

"...Wow. I've never met ye before, but we have so much in common." Pom smiles, even when a hint of nervousness is still in her.  

"I... guess we do." Fluttershy agrees. "And, looks like even the animals agree."

To Pom's surprise, Fluttershy's animals all show a cheerful face when they get close to her. What's more impressive is her protective puppy completely lets it happen. Even Harry is allowed to get close. Angel, on the other hand, seems a bit more reluctant. His face looks like he doesn't want to interact with the puppy. Not that he got a choice, though, considering the moment the little sheepdog saw the bunny, he went straight for him, giving the bunny a lick.

"Sorry about him, he, uh... does do that from time tae time." The lamb apologizes. "Especially if... they..."

Angel, at first, doesn't like the idea of some other creature's hoof wiping dog saliva off his cheek, but when Pom does it, his expression changes. Something about her hoof feels... so caring. Of course, not the same as Fluttershy's touch, but it's somehow familiar. A genuine smile comes across the bunny's face, silently thanking Pom. The pegasus also seems to notice this. Usually there's only one other pony then herself who's presence and touch can make Angel happy.

Two protective and clingy pets feeling comfortable at the presence of someone else.

"Pom. We might be... strangers, but I think, when even our animals know to get along well, we... will to." Fluttershy smiles.

Animals, for the lack of better words, don't worry as much as  Ponies or a Lamb from Foenum. If someone has a rotten soul, they'll sense it and  warn others to avoid them. Likewise, when someone has good intentions,  they'll feel safer around them and be less tense. There's nothing in between. Even Angel who seems to be demanding, ultimately cares for Fluttershy and values her even more than his own life. Yet there he is, taking a step closer  to Pom, who's standing right in front of Fluttershy. Gently tapping her  hoof with his paw, he seems to be giving her a chance for introductions

At the same time, Pom's puppy shows his trust for Fluttershy by laying on the grass in front of her, something dogs do to say that they mean no harm. When the mare offers a hoof, he gives it a quick lick, acting all friendly. Such an impressive feat of gaining the puppy's trust incredibly quickly is unheard of, even the other champions take some time to get close to the puppy. That's what she realized when her sheepdog already takes a liking to Angel bunny.

"I think ye are right. Animals are a-amazing, aren't they?" The lamb said. "W-Without thaim, neither o' us will be here, together, tae know each other."

"They really are." Fluttershy nods. "Nice to meet someone who's... like me, Pom."

"Likewise, Fluttershy." As Pom responded, one of Fluttershy's raccoons takes the initiative and rubs itself with one of Pom's legs, and the girl doesn't mind. In fact, she sits down on the grass, letting Fluttershy's animals get close to her, even Harry. Though the sight of a bear getting so close to her is something she has yet to get used to, the lamb knows he means no harm.

"So, do you think it's okay if I fetch some tea? I'm sure everypony loves that." Fluttershy offered, to which Pom nods.

"Oh, that would be magical! Er, I mean... great!"

Thus, as Fluttershy throws a picnic in the sanctuary, she and Pom spend the day simply talking to each other. They talk about each other, about the animals, about Equestria, about Foenum, and about their adventures. They smile and laugh at each other, and most of all, they have become friends. If either of them went back a few years ago and tell their past self about how they can become friends this quick, no one would believe them. It's all thanks to their pets that opened the road for their journey, and to allow new bonds to form.

Though, at the back of Fluttershy's mind, she can't help but wonder the following impossible scenario. If Angel and Pom's puppy were to fight, who'll win? Nah, of course Angel would win, he can launch his opponents to the air with a punch!

Meanwhile, Pom is wondering if Angel can stay on his feet when her puppy barks at him...
> The Champion of the Huoshan Empire and the Wonderbolt Rainbow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though her destination is originally Ponyville like the rest of the champions have been sent to, Tianhuo ends up being sent to a place called Rainbow Falls. According to Princess Celestia who coordinates all the meetings for each of the champions, the pony she’s meeting caused two problems. 

First of all, she doesn’t exactly have free time right now, her job takes her around Equestria, and the longma has to go where she’ll end up. Rainbow Falls is the place in this case. The second problem is Tianhuo’s lack of ability to stand on clouds. The first display of her trying to do so was… less than graceful. Maybe she’ll focus on mastering meditation until she can float on it.

As an addition, because she’s sent alone to a location pretty far from her associates, not to mention in a completely unknown land, she has received an ‘escort’, someone to keep her on the right track, and someone who’s a bit too eager to be with her.

“I wish I had those fire wings you have, they look pretty cool! Not that my wings aren't cool or anything like that.”

What’s a better companion to a half pony and half dragon race then a dragon that was raised with ponies? Spike was quite awed by Tianhuo when he saw her for the first time. She looks and acts like those wise dragons from the stories, those that have great power, but almost never show it because it’s not necessary. She also talks in a very mature way, a good balance for the young dragon. Although Tianhuo doesn’t talk as much as Spike, they eventually reach Rainbow Falls together.

“And, here we are, Rainbow Falls! Can’t miss it with all the rainbow waterfalls!”

Tianhuo scans her surroundings, noting how… otherworldly it is. As a residence of the Huoshan empire, the scene she saw at home mostly includes fire and brimstone. The clear skies, green grass, and waterfalls consisting of seven different colors flowing from white clouds are as different as it can be from a volcano. There are already some ponies here, mostly pegasus, but there’s still plenty of open spaces on the grassfield. 

“What a sight.” Tianhuo said, smiling. “I can’t even compare it to my own home.”

“Oh, you don’t have air shows at home? Look at them go!” Spike said with enthusiasm.

“Hm?” 

The longma realizes the little dragon is talking about something else. Following where his eyes are pointing, she sees a group of pegasus flying in the air, doing sharp turns and loops in the air. As someone who focuses a lot on one’s body and mind, Tianhuo can’t help but observe. Her kind can’t do something like that for sure. Yes, her kind can fly, but never that precise, agile, or complex. Immediately, the pegasus gains the half dragon’s respect.

“Quite the impressive display, indeed.” Tianhuo said as she continued to observe. “Are they from a certain group? They are wearing similar uniforms.”

“Oh, they definitely are! They’re the Wonderbolts, the most famous aerial acrobats in Equestria!” Spike said, his wings flapping to hover slightly over the ground.

Aerial acrobats? Could've fooled the longma. She thought they’re an elite group of soldiers with that kind of feat. If a mere group of… performers are this good, wonder how capable the soldiers of Equestria are? Perhaps this land is very peaceful because their skilled guards maintaining order. Of course, the Huoshan captain thinks even they can’t simply defeat her in a match of skills. 

Suddenly, as she watches the group fly straight down, one of them flies forward alone and suddenly bursts into a rather loud yet colorful sonic boom. The ring of air seems to look like a rainbow, and said member zooms back up to their group, leaving a trail of rainbow behind them. That immediately grabbed Tianhuo’s attention, and she focused on that one member of the squad.

“You know, the Sonic Rainboom never gets old.” Spike said, watching the spectacle alongside her. “Very few pegasus can do that.”

“I expected so.” Tianhuo smiles. She probably can’t do that. Anytime that she sees someone else doing something she can’t do, that someone gains her respect, it’s just something she learned throughout her journey. Speaking of journeys… 

“Anyway, when will I meet this… Rainbow Dash?” The longma was told of the pony she’s supposed to meet.

“Oh, I’m pretty sure she’ll come here soon, just after the Wonderbolts are done with their routine.” Spike said.



Indeed. Several minutes later after the Wonderbolt’s routine ended, their members seemed to go somewhere out of sight behind several tents already put up in the area. After waiting a bit more, a streak of rainbow, the same one that Tianhuo and Spike saw in the sky, come towards them, revealing a pegasus with rainbow mane and tail, wearing the Wonderbolt’s uniform.

“Rainbow!” Spike ran up to her, while Tianhuo held her ground, looking at the pegasus. “You did awesome!”

“Heh, when was the time I’m not?” The pegasus gives Spike a hoof to claw bump. She was quick to move her attention to the fiery half dragon behind him. “Is that her?”

The Wonderbolt was also informed by Princess Celestia herself to give Rainbow some time for this meeting. She knows who to expect, sort of. Something like a dragon pony that’s also a soldier. Looking at Tianhuo the first time, she can immediately see her as the one she’s supposed to look for.

“If you seek the Champion of the Huoshan Empire, it is indeed me, Tianhuo.” The longma bows down with her hoofs clapped together, her usual greeting.

“Perfect! I’m Rainbow Dash, the most awesome pegasus in Equestria!” Rainbow did a loop in the air. “Wonderbolt extraordinaire too.”

“So it was you who did the giant rainbow ring stunt.” Tianhuo recognizes the pegasus from the Wonderbolt show. Though, from the way she introduced herself, Tianhuo feels Rainbow is a bit full of herself. At least she has the skills to back her up… perhaps.

“Heh, you saw that? What do you think? Awesome, right?”

“Sure is!” Spike is the one who answered, not the longma. The dragon did nudge her with an elbow. “Right?”


“...Definitely something I have never seen.” Tianhuo said calmly, nodding slightly as she closed her eyes. She got the itch to bring Rainbow down a peg, the pegasus sounds like those who joined the Huoshan guards and think they’re the best, hotshots. The longma does not hate them, for all of them can be molded into a better personality through some means. She herself was given the same treatment when she was younger.

“By the way, you’re like… an awesome champion yourself, right? From what I’ve heard?” Rainbow asked.

“The title of ‘Champion’ means a heavy responsibility, young one.” Tianhuo said, calling Rainbow young not because of her age, but because of how she’s acting. “That is no… awesome matter.”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow hovers in place, punching and kicking her hooves at the air. “You get to beat up the baddies, and save the world! I would like to do that again myself!”

Again? Maybe the little dragon did tell the truth about how his friends are also a group of heroes. The fact that Equestria looks and feels much more peaceful then Foenum must’ve thrown her off a bit. Not that she immediately disregards the story, but a swarm of bug-like shapeshifters sounds like something that comes out from a legend. There’s also the detail that Spike told her about how Rainbow defeated the most of these ‘changelings’ compared to her friends. If that is true…

“You know, speaking of beating the baddies…” Rainbow Dash lands and hops on her hooves. “How about you show me what you can do?”

To this, Spike takes a step back, seemingly surprised, but Tianhuo perked up instead. Was that a challenge?

“Whoa, you mean… a fight? Here? Now?” Spike asked.

“I mean, she’s a champion, right? And I’m a hero. That’s the thing we do best, right?” Rainbow argued, flapping her wings a few times. 

The longma smiled hearing Rainbow’s confirmation. She will never turn down a test of skills with someone else, especially someone regarded as a hero. The slight pride on her side whispers that this shouldn’t be a difficult one. Judging Rainbow from her first impressions, she thinks she knows how to win already. Yet, she acknowledges that Rainbow is most likely skilled, and may have something she doesn't. 

“Are you sure, hero of Equestria?” Tianhuo said. “I will not back down from a challenge myself, but are you sure you want to proceed?”

“Of course!” Rainbow grinned, giddy for being called a hero. “Just make sure that we don’t end up sending each other to the hospital.”

“If you are truly as skilled as you claim, such a thing will not happen, will it?” Tianhuo’s forehoof kicks some dirt backwards. “Very well then, come and face me!”

“Umm… b-before you girls have at each other…”

Spike holds his hands out, before taking a few steps back, then gives the thumbs up.

“Okay, I’m in the clear! I’ll, uh, make sure neither of you went too far.” Spike said. He seems a bit worried, but part of him wishes he got popcorn. Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolt member and the Element of Loyalty, against a cool looking dragon pony with fire mane and tail? This is going to be better than the Power Ponies comic.

“Then this fight will start at the count of three! ...Three!”


With little warning, Rainbow comes dashing forward, both hooves in front. The longma is a bit surprised, yet her hoof managed to block both of Rainbow’s extended limbs. It pushes her across the ground slightly, absorbing the force pretty well. The pegasus doesn’t let up and throws a jab, met with one from Tianhuo. Their hoofs clash together, neutralizing each other’s attack, something that impresses the longma.

“Quite the strength.” She smirks, before her head lunges forward. Rainbow barely retracts her hoof as sharp teeth grazed her wonderbolt uniform, tearing a bit of the fabric.

“Hey!” The pegasus whips her hoof, now exposed to the air. “So, it’s gonna be like that, huh?”

The pegasus then twirls her body, stretching her leg out for a downward aerial kick, yet Tianhuo blocks it again with little problem, this time with her fiery wing, causing a bit of ember as Rainbow’s limbs made contact. She’s not done, however, and as her kick touches the ground, Rainbow quickly spins again to the left to deliver a roundhouse with her other leg. Again, it’s blocked by the longma’s hoof, but she notes at how quick and rapid the pegasus’ attacks are.

“So, you do possess skill.” Tianhuo admitted. “But…!”


The longma turns her body to her left and rushes towards Rainbow. Even though Rainbow does spin once more, her kick is blocked by her opponent’s hooves as she turns to face the incoming kick. At the same time, the mare is knocked off balance as Tianhuo bashes her with her shoulder. The longma ends her attack with a punch with both of her hooves right through Rainbow’s body, making the pegasus tumble back on the ground.

“Gah!” The pegasus’ hooves tremble as she tries to stand up again, almost buckling, but eventually she stands up straight. “What was that…?”

“A mistake, from you.” Tianhuo taunted. “Your attacks are strong, but they are not efficient, nor elegant.”

“Yeah, yeah, It usually gets the job done!” Rainbow argued. “How do you think I saved the world? I just need to punch the bad guys!”

The pegasus switches her strategy, getting a running start before sliding her leg forward for a low sliding attack. Tianhuo simply jumped and retaliated with a roundhouse kick of her own, but surprisingly, Rainbow dodged it. It seems like the mare is indeed fast.

“Then, your opponents are simply not capable. Such that there’s little to be proud of defeating them.” 

The moment Rainbow stops herself from the momentum generated from her evasive maneuver, she kicks herself from the ground for a punch. Only for Tianhuo to grab her hoof and throw the pegasus to the ground.

“Ngh!” 

The wonderbolt finds herself pinned down on her chest, as the longma punches her there once. Tianhuo spreads her wings over the pegasus.
“Your victories do little to make your strength grow, yet from this defeat, you may gain much more.” The Huoshan captain smirks, having the upper hoof in this fight already as Rainbow growls under her.

“I…”

Suddenly the mare swings her legs as hard as she can, hitting Tianhuo’s own leg. Although her stance is firm, she’s surprised when her limbs buckle under her. With a battle cry, Rainbow gets up and turns her body, going for a powerful hook. This time, despite the longma quick reaction to raise her hoof, her block is sloppy, and both her hoof and her cheek received a powerful impact, making her stumble backwards, reeling from the attack.

“Am not done…!” Rainbow then does the unexpected. She starts to unzip her Wonderbolt uniform. The suit is indeed to protect the wearer from the elements and help to make them more aerodynamic, but it’s not made to help them to do hoof to hoof fighting. She never used a suit to fight changelings anyway back then. Taking her uniform and tossing it towards Spike who’s unprepared to catch it, Rainbow rears up her upper body, her hooves dangling in front of her chest.

“Uh… I’ll ask Rarity if she can fix this later.” Spike said as he put the uniform down carefully.

With her more bipedal stance, the pegasus constantly flaps her wings as she moves forward to give her more stability and speed. This change seems to alert her opponent, unfamiliar in facing someone who stands up like that. Rainbow dashes towards Tianhuo again, before throwing another hook. Her stance allows her to punch faster and more effectively, yet Tianhuo still managed to block it with her wings, barely.

However, before anything else happens, Rainbow’s other hoof strikes, delivering an unsuspecting uppercut right under the fire wing. Tianhuo is caught off guard, mostly because of Rainbow’s speed. It opens her guard, allowing the pegasus to give the longma another roundhouse kick, causing Tianhuo to reel back. 

“Well done.” The half dragon wipes the side of her cheek with her hoof. “Now it’s my turn!.”

Turning up the heat, Tianhuo opens her wings, and for the first time, takes flight a couple of meters off the ground, followed closely by Rainbow. Again, the pegasus is the one on the initiative, flying forward with her hoof out, ready to strike. Unfortunately, she had become too predictable, so the longma knew the attack was coming and dodged it, one strong flap of her wing propelling her above the mare. The feisty mare tries again, but somehow, following Tianhuo blocking her charge, she manages to hold Rainbow’s hooves with one of her own.


“What the--”

The next thing Rainbow feels is a punch to her gut, then hooves on her shoulders, before she feels herself losing altitude very quickly...

“Crash!”

A burst of heat comes out after Tianhuo slams Rainbow to the ground, enough to make Spike wonder how did the longma generate fire like that. The attacker leaps away from the impact zone right after, expecting to see a defeated pegasus laying there. 

Except it’s only a pegasus.

Rainbow Dash is battered, and there’s even minor burn marks on her coat, but she’s standing. Even Tianhuo is surprised, for she usually only does that move when she’s certain it would end the fight. How can she stay up after that? 

“Is that… all you got…?” Despite her voice straining, Rainbow is still unwilling to surrender. Does she really want to keep going? Thankfully, Spike seems to share the same concern.

“Whoa, Rainbow, I don’t think it’s a good idea, you don’t look too good…” The little dragon walks next to her, trying to stop the pegasus.

“Heh, d-don’t worry, I won’t turn into… dust just yet.” Rainbow Dash seems stubborn as ever, but then, she smirks. “I haven’t had this much… challenge in a while, this is actually fun…!”


The longma doesn’t seem to expect that answer. She herself finds Rainbow to be a worthy opponent, even if she’s a bit predictable. Looking at Rainbow’s condition, the Huoshan champion is a bit reluctant to continue, so she asked a question instead.

“I was under the impression that you reject defeat simply because you hated it.” She said. “Then what keeps you going?”

Rainbow can’t answer right away. Indeed, she hates losing in competitions and such, but ever since she joined the Wonderbolts, that trait is slightly more mellowed out. However, one of the things Rainbow always wants to do is testing her mettle in a hoof to hoof combat. Heck, her fantasy dream is having a lot of changelings to hit. For obvious reasons she very rarely ever got a chance to do that, so to finally be able to do it with the longma awakens this fire in her, a fire she herself isn’t aware of until now.

“Heh, I thought you’ll know… To be the best! Sure, losing sucks, but being a wonderbolts taught me that… failure can make you improve!”

Hearing this, even Spike scratches his head. “Oh wow, Rainbow. If you said that before the changeling attacked, I would never believe you.”

“You know, you’re not the only one who grows up, Spike.” Rainbow chuckles as she turns her head to her opponent once more. “So, ready for… more?”


The pegasus rears up again, but Tianhuo is strangely not in her stance. Usually Rainbow would swoop in at the first sign of her opponent being slow, but she knows that the half dragon is no changeling, she’s much tougher than those bugs. Maybe her usual approach won’t work. After all, being in the Wonderbolt made her not only a bit more humble, it also gave her the ability to be willing to adept.

It’s one of the rare moments where the longma feels like she has misjudged her opponent. Though it’s true that Tianhuo is more experienced in combat, and probably her species is better made for it, she didn’t expect Rainbow to have a bit of… wisdom in her. Her main motive to engage a duel with her is to hone the pegasus’ heart, but it seems she doesn’t really need it. Instead of reengaging, Tianhuo simply lowers her head. Perhaps her pride had slipped out a bit too much.

“So, it seems you do like a good duel. I admit that I did not see that.” The longma said. Rainbow also felt taken aback by her attitude.

“Huh…? What do you mean?”

“...I am the captain of the Imperial guards of Huoshan, thus I have seen many kinds of individuals.” Tianhuo said. “Although all longma will be conscripted during their prime age, more than not, the drive for prestige shows how immature their hearts are.”

“Umm, you get what she’s saying?” Spike turned to Rainbow, giving her a little elbow nudge. The mare lowers her stance, standing on all fours again.

“...I think I do. She’s talking about… hotshots.” Rainbow said. “I know that some cadets are like that too. But what does that have to do with me?”

To this, the longma simply chuckled, not answering directly. If Rainbow is in the Wonderbolts, then she should know the answer. Perhaps her fast but reckless style isn’t limited to her combat skills.

“All it takes to humble someone and allow them to grow up to act like a proper soldier, is to learn through defeat.” Tianhuo claimed. “Including my younger self.”

Rainbow eventually puts two and two together, making her scuff. At the same time, she kinda likes how Tianhuo thinks. She didn’t exactly have a smooth entry to the wonderbolt herself, only after some… embarrassing incidents that she prioritizes teamwork over herself. It’s not a pretty experience, but look where she is now.
Two different combat loving individuals that went through the same change in the same way.

“Psh, I don’t think a rookie can punch you in the chin like I did!” Rainbow smirked. “You’re pretty freaking good.”


“That does require some skill, yes.” Tianhuo chuckled. “Something that only a worthy warrior is capable of.”

After the fight, both fighters just laugh together, recognizing each other’s strength. They found what they like, a worthy opponent to test their mettle with. The longma might have misjudged Rainbow, but she’s also glad that they share plenty of things in common.

“So, uh, that’s it?” Spike asked. “Not that I want to see more, totally not! Heh, but… who won?”


“We will surely clash again in the future, but for now, what do you say if I concede?” Tianhuo once again lowers her head.

“Fair enough, I suppose. After you rip my uniform, that makes us even!” Rainbow chuckled.

“Alright, I’m cool with that.” Spike holds his claws out together. “Hey, think I can be a good… champion too? I read Power Ponies comics all the time, so I know all their moves!”

As Spike cheesily throws some punches into the air, Rainbow and Tianhuo look at each other, before the pegasus responds by dashing behind Spike, much to his surprise. A nudge with her leg onto Spike’s knee causes him to lose balance and fall over.

“You still have quite the mountain to climb, young dragon.” Tianhuo chuckles, followed by Rainbow laughing as Spike blushes, but still manages to smile as well. He still got a lot of growing up to do it seems. Though if he needs someone to teach him, the longma will agree to be his mentor. 

Perhaps all the talk about friendship in Equestria is true. Even through combat, if it’s something both sides enjoy, they’ll develop a tight bond.
> The Champion of the Prairie and the Apple Farmer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arizona had been walking around Ponyville for a bit, getting some curious stares from ponies nearby. She was told to get to a place called Sweet Apple Acres, but seems like the cow missed her stop, or something like that. At least she can get around the Ponyville market to see how them pony folks live. With how friendly the community is, it almost feels like the tight bond cattlekind have with each other. Not to mention that this town is much more simple than the Equestrian capital, just like how her folks live. 

The cow looks for anything that might give her a clue on her destination, and she noticed an apple stand with a pink pony with a deeper pink curly mane behind it. Apples… Sweet Apple Acres…

“Howdy!” Arizona greets the pink pony, and she leans forward to answer.

“Hi there! You must be the one looking for Applejack!” She said. “You know, funny thing is, Apple Bloom is supposed to be the one standing here today, but she suddenly has to do something in the friendship school, so she went looking for anyone that has a free schedule, and--”

The champion of the prairie may be a champion that can beat dozens of opponents herself, but she’s already having trouble keeping up with the conversation. This pony… The way she blabbered on and on makes the cow feel she’s listening to Paprika’s inchorentable alpaca noises.

“Umm, y-yeah… Applejack, isn’t it? Ya know where she is? Ah saw the apples, and…”

“Oh yeah! She’s in Sweet Apple Acres! Just walk down that way, keeeeep on going, and when you get to the dirt path, I’m sure you’ll know what you’re looking for!” The pony answered.

“Keep walkin’ until Ah feel good ol’ earth on mah hooves… got it!” The cow smiled.

“Good luck, Apple-- I mean, Arizona! You know, you really reminded me of Applejack! Or is it Twilight? Something about your voice sounds familiar! Speaking of which, I wonder what my successor is going to sound like! I heard that her voice does sound pretty close to--”

If the fact that the pony knows Arizona’s name despite the cow never telling her is spooky enough, another ramble is just the thing for Arizona to start going to her destination. Saying thanks one more time to the pony, the young calf walks away quickly, having a clear direction to go. She dared to look back at the pink pony again, and saw her mane swinging, saying…

“Oh! She’s here!”



Eventually, Arizona sees her destination, a farmhouse near an arch with an apple on it. This must be it. The scene is a bit familiar, yet so different for the cow. The rustic feeling reminds her of home, or at least this looks like a good place where the Cattlekind would rest their wagons. All the trees in the background kinda stick out though, there’s never that many rows of trees back at the prairie. 

“There’s more trees here than how many bales o’ hay cattlefolks have…”

Not long after she steps in and gets closer to the barn, a bright orange pony walks out from it. Seems like she’s carrying some saddle baskets, currently empty. Their eyes lock even when they’re still pretty far away.

“Howdy!” The pony called out, waving her hat. “Yer the calf the princess said was comin?”

Whoa, her way of speaking is exactly like her own and the rest of the tribes speak. Maybe the cattlekind have a distant pony cousin Pa never told her about?

“Ah sure am!” Arizona said with a smile. “Mah name’s Arizona! Champeen of the Prairie! This is Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Darn toothin! The best apples in Equestria came from right here!” Applejack puts her hat on with pride. “Name’s Applejack. Heard ya came from miles outta Equestria ta get here.”

“Heh, sure did.” The cow smiles. It’s not the first time she went through a journey far from home, and to be honest, she like doing this, meeting new individuals, and going on an adventure. Cattlekind ancestors often move together as a pack for a new home, and although she herself hadn’t needed to wander with her family to a new fertile land together for a while, the blood of her wandering ancestors is still in her.

“And if yer lookin for apples, yer just in time, Ahm bout to buck some apples fresh from their trees.” The mare said.

“Ya… buck apples? Right off the tree?” Arizona looks a bit puzzled. Perhaps because apples are not that common in the prairie, but if her kind got an acre this big, they might resort to headbutting it to make it faster, or something.

“Eeyup. Family and pony folks been doin’ it since the rooster learns how ta crow in the mornin.” Applejack turns so she’s facing the wall of trees in the distance. “Ya wanna see how it’s done?”

“Well, sure thing.”  Both females start to trot towards the trees.

It’s always quite the distance to get to some parts of the acres to harvest the apples, and coincidentally, Applejack is supposed to get to one corner of the acre that’s a tad further than usual. Arizona seems to have her eye on the endless trees, some with apples and some already harvested. The mare noticed that the calf is walking faster, so she picks up her speed to match hers.

“Ah guess ya never seen this many apple trees at home?” Applejack chuckles, it’s obvious that the calf is awed by it.

“He he, barely. Any trees we have around home are as brown as the ground.” Arizona said, not averting her eyes.

“Yer from the dry lands? Just like the town of Appleloosa. Jus’ dirt and no grass under yer hooves?” Applejack asked.

“Not really, that’s only the canyons. We got lots of grass at times.”

It was at this time that Arizona realized that Applejack went past her, walking faster. Seeing this, the cow picks her speed up more. Perhaps it’s simply in her nature to see it as a… challenge. Something in her drives her to walk faster than the individual next to her. When she passes Applejack, the mare picks up her speed too, seemingly having that similar drive in her. It continues for a bit until they’re trotting neck and neck, both quadpeds looking at each other.

“How fast ya think ya can run, Sugarcube?” Applejack gives the calf a glance, her eyes look as sharp as an eagle.

“Heh, it’s the only direction Ah know! And nothin gonna stop a cow when she starts running, less you get her horns!” Arizona gives herself a bit of a push, giving her a tiny lead before matching Applejack again.

Hearing that, Applejack smirks. “There’s an outhouse near where we’re supposed ta go straight ahead, first one there?”

“Ain’t nothin to it! Let’s stampede!”

With that said, both Arizona and Applejack started galloping, their competitive nature sparking against each other. Arizona, even though she’s one of the youngest of her kind in the prairie, she’s possibly one of the most powerful. In an environment where strength matters, she had brawled with other cattlekinds, bigger and older than her, and won, yet she still wants to be the best as she can. Even when she started to get together with the other champions, she wanted to be the strongest of them all.

On the other side, Applejack is no stranger to competition herself, having won multiple rodeo competitions, joined the Iron Pony challenge, and even had a go in buckball. A physically formidable mare herself, Applejack won’t make this easy, especially since this is her home turf.

The first part is going through some trees, and Arizona had to slow down to avoid running head first to them. However, at the corner of her eyes, Applejack is seen zipping around the trees much faster, either she’s indeed more agile, or she knows every location of every tree in this place. Snorting, Arizona doubles her effort, but there’s just no way to catch Applejack in this portion.

Soon, a large grassy clearing came into view, and Applejack is the first one to reach it, four seconds faster than the cow. As she slightly skids onto the grass, Arizona kicks it another gear faster. Now she’s slowly gaining on the earth pony, who notices her coming.

“The last leg is where things will be tough, sugarcube!” Applejack claims as their destination come into view, the outhouse near the trees on the other side of the clearing.

“That never stopped me!” Arizona smirks, taking longer gallops. However, to her surprise, Applejack starts pulling away again. Just as she almost crosses the finish line, the cow digs her hooves deep, and leaps forward, further than she usually does. She lands right next to Applejack, and right next to the finish line. They both skid into a halt, Applejack most likely had lost by a horn or a nose.

“Whoa nelly.” Applejack exclaimed. “Ya weren’t kiddin’ when ya say stampede.”

“Like mah Pa always says: “Y’all need one mighty leap ta stay in front!”” Arinzona grins. “...Now that’s done, we’re still doin’ them… applebuckin?”

The champion of the Prairie waited for an answer, but for some reason, it didn’t come out immediately. Applejack is staring at her in a strange way. It’s almost like she’s… a tiny bit sad? It’s that expression where someone gives you a soft smile, but one can tell the sadness behind it. Though it’s definitely not because she just lost a race… right? Eventually, she did speak, though.

“Right…” The mare tips her hat and walks to the first row of trees, Arizona following her. “Yer hooves are as tough as a rock, so that definitely helps. Watch.”

Arizona watches as Applejack turns around, getting a firm stance as she looks at the tree behind her. With a lift of her legs, the pony kicks the tree with a firm sounding ‘THUD’. All the apples that were on the tree just dropped into the pre placed baskets under them, stacking the apples pretty neat.

“...And that’s how ya do it here on the farm.” Applejack smiles, slowly turning to a grin as the cow looks pretty amazed.

“Golly, that’s… mighty cool!” She raised her forehooves briefly. “So, ya just give the trunk some kickin, right? Sounds pretty simple!”

“That’s the idea, but it ain’t as easy as it looks.” Applejack chuckles, remembering that none of her friends are able to do it like her, even though some of them had the strength.

Arizona looks up at an apple tree and the baskets already placed under it. For a moment she wonders how can someone put those baskets in the precise position where the apples would fall, but perhaps it’s not her main concern right now. All she needs to do is back up towards the tree, and give it a solid kick. Heh, should be easy, kicking is her two favorite things to do. Her legs are also the two of her most powerful weapon, even her fellow champions are wary of how strong her kicks can be.

The cow prepares herself, taking a deep breath, seeing Applejack almost effortlessly harvest another tree. She rears up, and gives the tree a solid kick, thinking it’s a predator that needs kicking…

Thud!

There’s the sound of falling apples filling the basket, and Arizona grinned.

“Whoa hey! That’s as easy as deliverin--”

Her celebration is cut short when she sees some apples are still dangling on the tree, swaying from the force she gave the tree. Though some did fall into the baskets, the cow did not get them all in one kick like the earth pony did.

“Aww, shucks.”

“That ain’t too bad for yer first time, sugarcube.” Applejack called from nearby, harvesting yet another tree with a kick. “Try ta give it another go.”

Something about the fact that Applejack is doing it so easily once again drives the champion to want to try to do better. It’s not jealousy, it’s pure motivation for herself to get better. Also, she’s a champion that defeats a horde of predators all by herself! How hard can making apples fall from their tree be? Giving up is never in her book.

Arizona gives the tree another strong kick, and the second one’s the charm. The rest of the apple falls to the basket, picking the tree free from its shiny red fruits. Though, she doesn’t feel exactly… satisfied. Two kicks needed to clean a tree, while Applejack only needed one. Not only is she faster, but it’s also much more efficient. The cow wonders if there’s a better way to do it… She only needs to make the apples fall, right? 

“...Ah wonder if…”

Moving to another apple tree that’s not harvested yet, Arizona stares a bit for a moment. Then, she rears up, lifting her upper body, before both of her forehooves firmly slam down on the base of the tree. It actually creates a rather powerful tremor that even Applejack can feel several feet away.

“What in tarnation…?” The mare turns her head, in time to see plenty of apples falling from the tree. Actually… that’s all of them! From a stomp? Even the nearby trees shake slightly, though no other apples fell. 

“Heh, done! Quick as a wink!” The champion seemed to be happy with her work, but she got another idea, something that’s probably even more effective. “Hmm…”

Her eyes lock on another tree in front of her that’s still not harvested. Digging her hooves into the grass, and launching herself towards it, Arizona ran head first towards the unsuspecting flora, literally. The one big thud caused by the impact of the cow’s horns, all the apples fell from the tree cleanly. As Applejack watches, Arizona just gives her head a little shake. 

“Whoa nelly, ya got one rock tough noggin’” She looks at the filled baskets under the tree. “Actually, yer just tough at everythin!”

“Like ma Pa always says: ‘Livin as countryfolks makes ya country strong and smart!’”

As Arizona is ready to move to another tree, she spots that expression on Applejack again. That strangely sad looking smile. The cow keeps her eyes on the mare, curious about if something’s bothering her. 

“Heh, that’s what probably mah Pa would say too…” Applejack notes. 

“Ya think so? Then, Ah bet me or mah Pa will be good friends!”

Applejack said nothing as she harvested another tree clean with a firm buck. There’s this eerie and kinda awkward silence in the air as both girls continue to harvest apples, not saying anything for a bit. When Arizona headbutts another tree, she’s doing as well as Applejack in harvesting the apples. Well, almost.

Eventually, Applejack decides to get a little break from all the work. Neither had noticed it, but they had been going for around an hour, clearing a good part of the orchid together. The mare tosses an apple to the cow, who caught it with her hooves, before taking a bite out of it. Arizona ain’t a picky eater nor a gourmand at all, but even she agrees how refreshing the apple tastes. Freshly picked fruits are the best.

“Hoo whee, feels like a cool breeze under the summer sun~” Arizona turns at Applejack. “Ya say yer family been growin’ this? Maybe mine should start somethin too! But… what can Pa make...? All the cookin stuff is done by mah Ma…”

“Ya sure love ya family, huh?” Applejack is suddenly already next to the champion standing beside her. 

“Of course! Pa and Ma deserve it for raisin me, Ah gotta make ‘em proud of me!” The cow said. “Ya get it, right?”

“Ah sure do, sugarcube… Ah sure do.” Applejack touches the tree behind them both with a hoof, giving it a slow stroke. “All the work Ah do everyday is ta honor mah family, and mah parents.”

“So, ya parents done this Applebuckin too? Sounds like a fun thing ta do.” Arizona said. Heck, if she can enjoy sparring with her Pa a few times before she managed to defeat him soundly prior to her being chosen as the champion, some applebucking sounds a better family activity. However, the cow didn’t expect the mare’s reaction is looking… sad?

“...Applejack?”

The earth pony’s eyes don’t have that fiery competitive tomboy look anymore. Instead, there’s a hint of sadness and melancholy, just a bit though. Arizona can still tell that Applejack is a tough mare inside out. Did she dig up some bitter memories or something?

“Ah live here with Granny Smith, mah big brother Big Mac, and mah lil sister Apple Bloom. Mah sis is still trainin, but me and Big Mac are the ones doin most of the work.” Applejack said. 

Arizona doesn’t have any siblings, she’s Ma and Pa’s only daughter, so she doesn’t really know how it feels to have a sister or a brother, but what made the cow curious is the fact that Applejack doesn’t seem to mention the two most important figures in any family. At least that’s how the champion sees them.

“And… yer Ma and Pa?” 

Applejack takes a deep breath, still smiling, but her eyes don’t lie, she’s feeling a bit sad. Wonder why…

“Mah parents are no longer here, sugarcube.”

“Wha…”

Arizona took a step back once she heard that. Applejack's sentence hits the champion of the Prairie harder than a fist of Fred onto his face. Her parents are ‘no longer here’? Does that mean…

“Ya mean, they… don’t live here anymore…?” The cow still tried to think positive, but her hopes are inevitably taken away by the earth pony.

“They went ta work on the orchid when Ah was just a filly one day, and never returned.” Applejack said. “Ain’t possible that they just up and left, mah lil sis was just born then.”

Some existential dread managed to creep their way into the usually unshakable, albeit a bit naive champion. A life without parents… If her Pa and Ma are never there again. It’s something that she wishes will never happen to her, or anyone for that matter. That must’ve felt horrible. What she’s impressed by is how Applejack seems to cope with it really well. Granted that it happened more than a decade ago, but she’s not breaking into tears. The cow would probably cry herself to sleep if she got reminded of her, stomp on wood, parents that had passed away.

“A-Ah didn’t know…” Arizona hung her head low, feeling bad that she reminded Applejack of a grim page of her life, something that Applejack noticed.

“Don’t feel like a wilting flower, sugarcube. If anythin’, it only reminds me ta always make em proud of me.” The mare said.

That’s something the champion can understand. Arizona feels like she always needs to live up to her parent’s name, especially since she’s the only daughter to the Head bull and Head cow of her Cattlekind herd. Somewhere deep inside her, she knows her parent’s presence is not going to last forever, and one day she herself might be the Head cow. Usually Arizona would tackle any problems, including facing ten predators one by one with confidence, but to live without her parents one day is something that she’s still trying to cope with.

At least as naive the cow can be, she already knows that ‘Nature gives us life, and nature can take it from us.’, just like her Pa said. Her Ma also taught her to always be kind as long as you’re still in this world. Her own adventure against the predators and with the other champions undoubtedly brings some… close calls as well, so in this matter, Arizona knows it quite well.

“So, Ah suppose ya can cope with it because… every day ya just want to make yer Pa and Ma proud, right?” The cow said. “Even if ya don’t see them every day?”

“Darn toothin’” Applejack nodded. “Ah can tell ya love yer ma and pa so much, so Ah know you’ll understand. Doesn’t matter if Ah was bucking apples for a livin, or go up against a bunch of bugs tryin’ to take over Equestria. Everythin Ah do is to make mah parents happy.”

“Ah gotcha, cause Ah’m tryin to do the same every day!” The cow said. “Family only deserve the best for raisin’ us! That’s why Ah’m willing to be the champeen!”

Applejack gives an understanding nod, impressed by Arizona’s will and how passionate she is when she talks about family. She really feels like she belongs in the Apple family. Hard working, and loves everyone in the family no matter how far they are.

Two country born individuals with very strong ties to their family.

“Oh, by the way… What’s the deal about bugs tryin to take over?”

The earth pony’s ear flicks up hearing the question.

“Oh, it’s the time when me and mah friends have to protect Equestria. These Changelin’s are like locusts tryin to ruin ripe crops, so we give em a favor, and beat’em up outta our place!” Applejack said, swinging her hoof.

“Huh, sounds mighty familiar when Foenum was attacked by them predators.” The cow said. “Ya gotta tell me more about it!”

Arizona’s eyes seem to sparkle, ready to hear Applejack’s tale. The apple farmer chuckles.

“Alright, but Ah’ll tell ya about it as we walk back. It’s gettin a bit late, why don’t Ah let ya meet the rest of the family while we’re at it?”

“Sounds like a plan!”



Thus, Applejack traverses the orchid once again together with Arizona on the way back, this time with no running or competing. Both of them had gained a mutual respect for each other.

“...They think they can take me down by jumpin on me like a dog that just saw a bone, but Ah just throw all four of em off me!”

The pony really reminds Arizona of herself. Heck maybe her silly theory of her being a far away cousin of the Cattlekind isn’t too far fetched. Applejack would get along really well with the herd.

“...Ah hit that bear as hard as a runaway train, and it’s just lights out for em!”

Meeting Applejack really helps Arizona to open her eyes a bit. Now the cow is going to work extra hard for her parents, maybe even spend more time with them. Her Pa may be a bit harsh, but it’s just a part of him that must be appreciated. 

“...We gotta do some good ol country brawlin one day, Ah’ll love to see what a champion can do!”

“...Oh yeah! Yer not the only one that’s born strong!”

For now, it feels like the Champion of the Prairie had just found found a second family, a home away from home.
> The Champion of the Tundra and the Fashionista
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One must give more credit to Princess Celestia's patience, as Velvet is quite the hoof-full of trouble. Thanks to her... refined tastes, the Princess must relocate where her plan will take place. Originally, the reindeer would've gone to Ponyville, but due to her reluctance of "Valking on a dirt path like some plebeian", she will stay in Canterlot. As much as Velvet is full of herself, she can at least admire the streets of the Equestrian capital.

In turn, the citizens of Canterlot can admire her.

The other champions don't really want attention from the pony masses, or trying anything to attract them in any way. Velvet however, is different. It is in her blood to be the star in a crowd, and that's what she's doing. With the winter sprites she brought from home for this journey carrying her through Canterlot, she caused plenty of eyes to turn towards her. Her sprites have to obey her order of not letting anyone near her, though. Some of them are actively moving to make ponies take a step back.

"You can look at ze floof as long as you vant, but don't touch!" The reindeer brushes her floof with her hoof gently, the part of her that matters.

Even though Velvet is a bit reluctant to go here, at least she enjoys this bit. If it is for Foenum and the world's fate, she would go through anything to save it. This is just some visit to another civilization. Well, any pony outside this city is probably not as civilized for her taste. Princess Celestia did promise her she'll enjoy the company of the pony she's supposed to meet, however, and she hopes it's true.

Her sprites halts in front of a boutique that has... pink colored walls. Seriously, first Oleander’s mane, now this? Is she the only one keeping up with the popular trend of NOT putting pink on everything? There's also the curious matter of why she's sent to a place like this. Clothes in Foenum aren't that common, though she suppose it's a bit like those hats Cashmare sells all the time, or that… clothing Paprika makes, whatever that is. Velvet herself doesn't wear clothes most of the time since a lot of them will just obscure or ruin her floof.

Telling her winter sprites to open the door, a small bell rings to indicate her entrance. The moment she steps in the building, this time on her own hooves, someone greets her immediately.

"Greeting, customer!" A blue unicorn greets from behind a desk. Seems like she mistaken Velvet for just another customer before she realized something. "O-Oh! Foulard and fluffs, miss reindeer! You must be the one to meet the owner!"

Miss reindeer? She has a name! The name that everyone should know! Who even is this… individual? Her coat of light blue is pretty nice, but that vermilion and amber mane isn’t exactly to Velvet’s taste, and do not let her get started on the eyeshadows…

“First of all, I am not a simple customer.” Velvet huffed, turning her head away in a snobbish way. “I’ll have you know zat I am ze champion of the Tundra herself!”

The unicorn, to her credit, does not faze at Velvet’s behavior. This is Canterlot. Ponies who are snobbish and rude aren't rare to come across. Sassy Saddles’ experience of being in business with the equestrian nobles and high class ponies only boosts her immunity further.

“Oh, excuse me, miss…”

“And second, if you’re not ze owner, where are zey?” Velvet continued. “It’s quite rude to give me an appointment, but zey are ze ones who're late!”

“I can assure you, Rarity… The owner is here, she just needed a little bit more time.” Sassy tries her best to make Velvet be patient. 

“Hmph. Zey better be here no later zen two minutes.” Velvet scoffed. Two minutes is enough for her to look at whatever outfits this boutique has. Though she doesn’t consider using outfits over her natural beauty, the topic does interest her. Maybe she had spent too much time around Cashmare.

There are a few mannequins on display, showing off various displays of outfits. There’s one with a white long translucent dress, a purple one with a black rose ribbon on the head, and what seems to be a noir inspired coat with a wide hat. Other than the white dress which is slightly not bland, the rest of the outfit is just… bland for Velvet’s tastes. 

“I assume zis outfits are made by ze owner as well?” The reindeer is about ready to drop the bomb. Whoever this owner is has a bad eye to choose pink as their boutique’s paint, late for their meeting, has an employee that didn’t even expect her arrival despite how important she is. “If so, zey are… Ze..! Most…!”

“Sassy, is that her?”

The purple curtains that lead to the back rooms, or whatever is behind it, part away to reveal a unicorn with light gray coat that’s almost pure white. Her mane is styled into a wavy shape, bearing a mixed shade of radiant indigo and mulberry. She’s also wearing what seems to be a brown coat with cream… floof on her chest. Now that grabbed Velvet’s attention. As much as she doesn’t want to say it, this unicorn is, without a doubt, the only pony she sees so far to radiate beauty. Of course, the fact that her floof is less than hers helps.

“...knowledgeable pony about fashion.” Velvet’s tone trailed down from being angry to surprise.

Even the way the unicorn walks feels like she knows she’s someone important, a class above the other ponies. Her posture, her gaze, and those azure eyes are alluring. Not alluring as the reindeer, of course. 

“Miss Velvet, is it? Welcome to Equestria.” The unicorn said cheerfully, but not without grace. In turn, Velvet stands in front of the mare with her chest out, almost like making sure she knows that her floof is bigger and better, something she almost always does.

“I appreciate ze greeting.” The reindeer rolls her eyes, still a bit upset that this unicorn was late to their meeting. “At least your sight is not as sore as ze other ponies.”

“Why, it’s nice to see someone to have an eye for beauty.” The mare said, though she would not use words like what Velvet just said. “My name is Rarity, miss Velvet. A pleasure to meet you.”

“I see you already know my name too, Rarity.” Velvet smiles, though for some it might look as a smirk instead. “Unlike… that associate of yours.”

Sassy, who’s preparing and measuring some fabrics, jerks her head back slightly hearing that. As snobby as her customer can be, this is very close to “rude” instead of snobby. The unicorn did not say anything, but Rarity knows this isn’t exactly a good situation.

“Oh, miss Velvet, why don’t we… take a walk around this lovely city of Canterlot?” Rarity suggested. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Sassy, keep the store running, please?”

“Of course, Rarity.” Her manager replies with a smile.

Walk around the city? There was a reason her winter sprites carried her! First of all, she’s an important individual in this pony capital, though she always has been someone important… Second, this isn’t exactly Reine, especially the temperature. If she doesn’t really need to walk, she rather not, simply to not get herself too heated. Failing to consider that might result in causing her floof to be ruined. Though, Rarity here is probably the only welcome company for the reindeer’s standards. Might as well choose her rather than risking getting worse ones.

“Enh, I suppose you’re the only one that’s not a sore sight for my eyes. Very well.”



Rarity always enjoys a walk around Canterlot, the high class environment is always welcome to her. Not that she doesn’t like a more rustic place like Ponyville, but to her, everything here is finely designed to just look stunning. From the ponies, buildings, even how food is presented. All of them have their appearance carefully made to look as presentable as they can be. Not to mention that she can meet other ponies she knows from her connections and such.

For Velvet, however, this is more like a chore if anything. Admittedly, Canterlot is on par with Reine in how sophisticated it is, maybe even more grand than the reindeer’s home city. However, she feels like this is all just beating around the bush, she wasn’t even listening at Rarity when she keeps talking about the city or herself. However, she does find some entertainment in  letting others know how good she looks. Seems like ponies are a bit easier to please.

As she’s walking, Rarity greets a cream colored earth pony with cyan mane. Something about the color of her hair kinda hurts the reindeer’s eye, but it could be much worse.

“Coco!” Rarity greets the pony, who’s eager to return the unicorn’s embrace. “Fancy meeting you in Canterlot! What are you doing here?”

“Miss Rarity! I’m on a trip to find new materials!” The mare greets Rarity, before her eyes slide to see Velvet. “Oh, are you with this mare? Um, I mean… Individual?”

The individual in question scrunches her nose. A mere individual? That will never be enough to describe her, the Champion of the Tundra!

“I’ll have you know zat I am not a simple inzividual! Please call me Velvet.” The reindeer points her nose high. Already, both Rarity and Coco can feel the atmosphere growing that much uncomfortable.

“S-Sorry, miss Velvet… Ehe he he…” Coco can only offer a nervous smile, trying to lift the mood up to no avail. “Are you an a-acquaintance of miss Rarity?”

“You can say zat.” Velvet isn’t even looking at Coco as she speaks to her. “Now, may you please be a dear and move along? I vant this walk to be done.”

For a second, Rarity’s eyes went wide, as if something struck her. Velvet didn’t realize it, but the white unicorn gives the reindeer a sharp glare. All of this gives Coco the cue to continue with her business. 

“O-Okay! I’m on an errand a-anyway! Nice meeting you miss Velvet…! And you too, m-miss Rarity!” The earth pony gives the two ladies a nervous grin, before walking around them to continue on her way. When Velvet looks at her escort again, Rarity is closing her eyes, taking a rather shaky, but focused breath. She seems to be regaining her composure before she speaks.

“Before this walk is done… I have one more spot to show, Velvet.” Rarity smiles at her, but Velvet thinks that the corner of her mouth seems to curve a bit too much. “Shall we?”

Velvet simply nodded, not wanting to waste any more time. She wordlessly follows Rarity as she moves along the main street towards the… gate? The unicorn is actually going to take her away from the city.

“Vait, are we leaving ze city?” Velvet questions. She didn’t expect this…

“Just on the outskirts of Canterlot, darling.” Rarity replied.

A slight uneasiness is felt by the champion. Like almost all of the reindeers, she’s born and raised inside Reine, a walled big city. The last time she stepped out from the city walls, vicious predators attacked her. She and most of the kind does not really go well with anything outside the walls of civilization, as they put it. Though Velvet had experienced life outside probably more than any other reindeer, it still worries her slightly. Rarity did not wait for her as the unicorn went outside. Before she does the same, Velvet turns to her winter sprites that have been silently following her. 

“Get me something to drink, and make sure nothing outside soils my appearance!”




Thankfully there’s still a small path outside leading to an area that’s a bit far from the walls of Canterlot. It’s an open grassy field with a cyan tent near some trees with a cart in front of it. However, what catches Velvet’s eye the most is a rather large hole that seems to lead into an underground tunnel. 

“Vat is this place?” The reindeer asked. Rarity turns around to face the Champion of the Tundra. 

“Showing you something that you cannot see if you’re only using your eyes..” Rarity starts to speak, her tone sounding more serious. 

“Vatever does that mean?” Velvet feels like something is afoot, keeping a close eye on Rarity as she takes off her brown coat before putting them somewhere into the tent with her levitation magic.

“I know you’re a champion, so forgive my words, but…” Rarity turns to face Velvet, speaking her mind. “I don’t think Canterlot nobles think highly of themselves as highly as you did to yourself.”

Her tone is calm, but that was certainly a jab. Not that Velvet felt it though. What if she is? Her history proves it all. She’s the daughter of Jarl Stronghoof Hoofstrong, the one who earns the title “Champion of the Tundra” after winning against hundreds of other reindeers, and she saved the world from the predators alongside the other champions! She deserves to be treated in a high regard.

“Enh.” The reindeer waves her hoof in a dismissive manner, looking away. “Vat is your point? I am simply ze best in everyzing. All of Foenum knows that.”

“I don’t know how things work in Foenum, but this is Equestria, darling. The pride that you have in yourself is unheard of! Not even that prince I met in the gala can compare.” Rarity said, chastising the reindeer by poking her chest, including her floof. Velvet wasn’t looking at Rarity, so she didn’t see that coming, surprising her.

“Hooves off!” The reindeer slaps Rarity’s hooves away. Now she got her attention. “How dare you touch my floof without permission!”

“Hmph, I may be a fashionista, but I know the times when appearance isn’t everything! Don’t try to change the subject!” 

Rarity and Velvet are now staring at each other's eyes aggressively. It seems even though both females are known to be civilized and lady-like by themselves, this situation throws some of their manners out of the window. 

“Vatch your tone ven you talk to ze Champion of ze Tundra! I don’t appreciate that!” Velvet snaps back. Surprisingly, Rarity shows a smirk.

“Champion… then I suppose if you won’t listen to my words alone, perhaps you will listen over a match.” Rarity said, subtly challenging Velvet. “It’s only fair if we settle this in a way that we both do best, won’t you say?”

Both? Hmph, all Velvet sees in front of her is a simple fashionista who, although she definitely has the looks, someone who would never match her in a duel! Well, she’s the one that challenges her, thus, her loss.

“Heh, alzough I agree wholeheartedly, just admitting that I am ze superior one will save us much trouble.” Velvet’s anger got doused down with a new wave of arrogance. “But if you insist…”

On cue, one of the winter sprites that has been following Velvet sprinkles some of the golden oats on her, something that the reindeer must do. Velvet bends her forelegs while she takes a deep breath, forming a sheet of ice from her hooves that starts to spread under her. Showing her expertise on ice magic, the champion whips her head up, making sharp icicles to erupt around her as she points at her upstart challenger.

“En garde!”

As ready as she is to deliver a humiliating defeat on Rarity, Velvet is not without honor. She waited for a cue from Rarity until she’s ready. Curiously, the unicorn levitates a rather long piece of silk, perhaps a scarf. Really? Is that her weapon? A flimsy piece of cloth? She’ll easily cut it along with the fashionista’s hope of ever winning!

“Then, it is on!”

Rarity wraps the silk with her magic and whips it forward like a whip. Velvet, already seeing it coming, dodges pretty easily. The champion’s finesse allows her to keep avoiding Rarity’s weapon almost effortlessly, as if she’s doing a dancing performance. Six attacks from Rarity, and six of them missed. 

“I’ll admit, you truly know how to move gracefully.” Rarity commented, rolling the silk with her magic to turn it into a cylindrical shape to swing it, but Velvet simply ducks under it.

“Do you expect anything else? I am perfection incarnate!” Velvet declares. As Rarity misses another attack, her hoof moves in an outward arc, summoning a fist of an ice sculpture to from just under Rarity. Luckily, the unicorn barely dodges the attack by throwing her head back, forcing her to do a backflip to return to her stance.

“I may be a fashionista, darling… but perfection is an impossibility.” Rarity then does a spin, pulling out a prism shaped gem from the ground, much to Velvet’s surprise. As it flew towards her, the reindeer managed to form a barrier of ice, making the gem pierce it halfway, millimeters from Velvet’s nose. So, this pony can fight, eh?

Desummoning her magical barrier and watching the crystal fall to the ground, turns out Rarity can call more gems from underground. Three of them line up by her side before it takes off towards the reindeer’s direction. Velvet leaps to the air to avoid it, creating an icicle that launches at her opponent like a missile. Rarity managed to dodge it easily.

“Zen I vill be ze living proof zat will contradict zose words!” Planting her hoof firmly, a long horizontal pillar of ice shoots parallel to the ground. Rarity took note of the champion’s movements, and jumps over it. However, to her surprise, as Velvet starts spinning, a strong wind seemingly out of nowhere blows the unicorn closer to her opponent. Seeing how Rarity is surprised, Velvet jumps to meet her, her hoof already grabbing the fashionista… Until a sudden flash of light blinds Velvet, allowing Rarity to escape her grab and land on her hooves, around the same time Velvet does the same.

“I do not buy it, dear.” Rarity whips her silk to the side threateningly. “Tell me, have you never lost a fight before?”

That… well, as Velvet ponders about it, she jumps back when she sees Rarity run up to her. When Rarity’s initial right hook misses, Velvet tries to counter attack with a punch, forming pointy icicles next to her hoof, but Rarity ducked under it. As Rarity swings her roll of silk upwards, Velvet dodges it with a flip, at the same time forming a big icicle over her to crash it down. Much to her surprise, Rarity managed to roll to the side in time.

“Hmph, admittedly zat is one zing I dislike, a mark on my records.” Velvet admitted. She remembers how she lost to Arizona in front of a lot of reindeers in Reine… how embarrassing.

“Then you would agree that no one is perfect, darling, not even both of us.” Rarity said. Velvet is a bit torn as she heard that. The usual part of her really wants to prove Rarity wrong at all costs, she is perfect! But… ever since she saved Foenum together with the other champions, deep inside she admits there is a truth to it. It’s not only how she had lost before, what about the strength tests during the Reine tournament before she was chosen champion? She only passed because she exploits the fact that technically there’s no failing the test. They never mentioned the minimum amount of logs she needed to pull on the sleigh.

“I will at least try. Just accepting it like zat sounds like admitting defeat! And zat, is something I’ll never do easily!” Velvet’s horns glows and sparkle, summoning a line of icicles in front of her hooves as it grows towards Rarity.

“That is fine by me!” Rarity counters with a similar move of her own, making sharp crystals to erupt from the ground to clash with Velvet’s ice. The attacks collided and caused a loud shattering noise. Even then it doesn’t stop the fight as icicles fly towards the unicorn, and crystals fly towards the reindeer.



They’re no longer sure of the time, the fight went on forever, and the landscape is living proof of the intense duel. Holes were formed from the ground whenever a crystal flies from underground, and some icicles are impaled all over the ground. Not to mention the tiny fragments of them when they’re used as projectiles, shot down before they can reach their target, or at least try to.

Rarity and Velvet are panting, greatly worn out from their fight. The reindeer’s coat starts to get damp from sweat, the heat getting to her. Rarity’s own mane and coat got pretty messy, especially when the former have frays all over. She's going to need a whole day to fix that.

Yet, through all that, as impressive if not downright miraculously, neither of them ever got hit. Velvet’s graceful moments and her ability to manipulate wind makes it impossible for Rarity to hit her, even her crystals were blown off it’s mark or clashes with an icicle. At the same time, Rarity can twirl out of any attacks that come her way, calling on her gems to shatter any coming projectiles, or using her silk to block physical strikes. It’s at this moment that Velvet questions the point of them fighting. As much as she hates to admit it, she’s not making any progress.

“Truly… you deserve… being called a champion… at least.” Rarity said between her breaths.

“”Hmph, you dare… doubt me?” Velvet straightens her posture. “Zough I admit… you are not a… simple… pony.”

“I suppose… we’re at an impasse... “ Rarity tried to do the same. “Shall we parley… for this time being?”

Velvet is a bit irritated that she can’t win, but technically she never got hit, so it’s a… win for her? If there’s a hollow victory for her, this feels even more hollow.

“A-Agreed.” Velvet looks away. “I am still… ze best, though… you are just… close. Closer than anyone…”

Though Velvet would fight for glory and further cementing her name with her champion title, probably something she picked up from her father, she knows when to stop, something she learned in her journey. The match against Rarity is really indecisive, she’ll only tire herself out if she keeps going. The unicorn seems to come to the same conclusion too.

“I’ll concede… D-Defeating you… isn’t my i-intention anyway.” Rarity said as she levitates a comb to make her mane a little bit more presentable. However, what she just said seems interesting to Velvet.

“Ex… Excuse me?” Velvet raised a brow. “You’re saying… zat was… for nothing?”

“Not really… That would be foolish of me… wouldn’t it?” Rarity said, slowly catching her breath. Hmph, foolish? It does feel that all Rarity’s been doing so far seems to be just beating around the bush, but now that the fight has ended, for some reason the reindeer feels like she understands the unicorn just a bit more.

“I admit, a fight is not what I… prefer as a solution, but at times I had my hoof forced to do it, like when… the Changelings invade.” Rarity said. “Same for you, darling.”

“Vat? Are you saying… I’m zis… changeling?” Velvet questions.

“Oh no, of course not…” Rarity walks closer to the reindeer. “You are much more sophisticated than… those things. Certainly not after conquering Equestria too.”

Conquering Equestria? The reindeer might have that kind of secret desire, to be the head of state that’s greatly admired upon. In turn, she would make her realm to be the most beautiful place to behold. Though, come to think of it, it probably comes with too much work for her to handle.

“It’s just so… you would listen.” Rarity smirks. “I need to gain your… respect first, and a battle is the answer… where both of us… do one of the things we do best.”

“...So both of us know vat… each other is like.” Velvet said, before smiling. “Admirable strategy.”

It’s messy, but it was how she got to know her fellow champions as well. Though she couldn’t care less, some did say she’s just a spoiled girl that doesn’t know how to show respect. The only way anyone can gain her recognition is to best the reindeer in combat, no matter how hard it is for her to admit she has lost back then. 

“Hmph, fine. You have gained my interest.” The champion said. “You said you brought me here to show me… something, vat is it?”

Now that Rarity has gained Velvet’s attention, she reveals her original plan. The unicorn levitates two mining helmets for herself and one for the reindeer.

“I was going to show you that what I’ve earned, beauty and my career as a fashionista, does come with a little… dirty work.” The unicorn smirks. “We are going into a mine, filled with gems and crystals, to gather them. I expect it will be quite a challenge for someone that thinks their appearance really matters, even more then how I see mine.”

The unicorn did plan to drag Velvet outside her comfort zone so that she would appreciate getting her hooves dirty. It would've shown the reindeer a lesson, that one have to work hard and dirty to achieve success. However, much to Rarity’s surprise, Velvet signals her sprites to put the helmet on her head.

“Hmph, you zink I’m afraid to go into a cave?” Velvet smirks. It’s true that she’s a bit reluctant to go anywhere without a proper stone path under her hooves, but mines? She has dealt with that plenty of times. Cashmere may be a bit annoying with her request for salt, but Velvet would still give her cousin a helping hoof if she needs it. Plus, they don’t have to enter through a dark portal to reach this one, so it should be safe from predators.

“Well, I’ll be.” Rarity smiles, glad that this is easier than she thought. 

“I prefer my floof to be intact and beautiful, but some dust von’t kill me. Zat vill not me ze best miner to ever live.” Velvet said, brushing her floof, much to Rarity’s amusement.

“Then, show me what you can do, Miss best miner.”

Thus, Velvet and Rarity learned to respect each other. The reindeer is definitely surprised that there’s someone out there that can be a match for her other than her fellow champions. Even as prideful and arrogant she is, she knows to take someone seriously if they have the skills to back up their words, this at least she knows. 

Still, she wonders if Rarity will allow her to… model for her a bit. How great would it be if Velvet, the Champion of the Tundra from Foenum, have her name widely known across Equestria?
> The Champion of the High Plains and the Party Pony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville is not ready for what’s coming for them.

Even after the town had experienced getting kidnapped by changelings, or almost let a nightmarish creature from the dreamscape escape, they still aren't ready for this.

Running towards the unsuspecting town in form of a yellow ball of fur at high speed is none other than the very creature that even the other Foenum champions fear, the one that caused some predators to flee from her, even the big bears. 

For her simple hugs contain enough force to pulverize a brick.

Her speed allows her to crash through six houses without losing momentum.

Her squeals can shatter eardrums.

For all she can do, she can eliminate ponykind in just one day if she wants to.

However, of course that’s not her intention. Paprika lives to spread happiness, kisses, and gifts of T-shirts to anyone with a heartbeat. Already, as she gets close to Ponyville, the first target is on her sights. A gray pegasus with yellow mane is walking at the outskirts of town, sees her with one of her eyes, and greets.

“Hello…! Welcome to--”

🍌🍺🎺💖🍩✨💖🍫🍨❕

At the next split second, said pegasus gets squeezed to the point she can barely breathe. Mercifully, Paprika finds another pony, making her let this pony go to chase her next target. The mare drops to the ground, completely fine, but confused.

“I just don’t know what went wrong…”



Mere minutes later, the streets of Ponyville have either ponies running away, or ponies on the ground trying to let their body recover from the hug they just received. Not even the fast earth ponies, teleporting unicorns, or flying pegasus can get away from the super fast alpaca. If ponies are lucky, they’ll somehow slip through their hug like a bar of soap, ending her embrace early. Paprika will think they already got their share of love, and moved to the next one.

When all hope seems lost, just as Paprika homes into a grey earth pony with a pink bow tie, something happens.

“Stoooooooopp!”

A bright red stop sign causes the alpaca to freeze mid air. Huh, why did she freeze? Even she’s not sure. Is it something about the stop sign? The color? The voice? Whatever it is, Paprika’s fruit fueled body just stopped working, apparently that includes stop receiving gravity as she’s still suspended mid animation. She’s not sure to stop what, after all, so “stop obeying the laws of gravity” is still a possibility that she can’t ignore!

“Okay, now stand!”

With the stop sign out of her way, Paprika stays in place, much to the relief of every single pony in Ponyville. The alpaca simply bobs her head on the spot, looking at the pony who managed to stop her with wide eyes. A pink pony with a slightly darker pink bubbly mane.

“Hi! I was told you would come here! And so did my mane! It went twitchy twitch then you entered Ponyville!” The mare said with equal enthusiasm.

Just hearing her voice makes Paprika bounce on the spot and giggle in excitement. Whoa, who is this pony? She looks fun! Does she want hugs? Gifts? Maybe a T-shirt?

💖🔆🍫✨⭐💋🌈⭐🍉💖🍩🍫⭐✨🍨👀🍓❕

“Paprika! That’s a cute name! I’m Pinkie Pie!”

✨🍎🍓🌟🎼💙✔❕  🎇🍥✨🍩🍪🏀💖🌻🍉🍌👑⭐🌌🌈💙❕

"Oh! Oh! That's pretty cool! I like making friends too!"

Wow, someone who understands her! The alpaca is so happy that she gives Pinkie a kiss and one of her tightest hugs she has ever given to someone to show her love. To her surprise, Pinkie feels different, she’s… less stiff? Her body seems to bend perfectly to her hug like… rubber? The pony even returns her hug albeit less powerful.

“He he! Wow, you’re so strong! I guess you’re not the Champions of the High Plains for nothing!” Pinkie commented, albeit with a few silent grunts between her words.

It’s her. She’s the one that deserves so much love and happiness! Tightening her hug even more, Paprika actually felt Pinkie’s body getting compressed around her forelegs. The pink pony strangely went a bit silent, and when the alpaca looks at the mare, her mouth looks like a wobbly line, her expression hard to read.

“N-Nice meeting you to, P-Paprika!” Pinkie said, still sounding cheerful. Oh, she’s okay, great! The alpaca stays close to Pinkie, slightly rubbing her floof on the mare. After the alpaca is satisfied with the hug, she lets go, standing in front of Pinkie, bobbing her head cheerfully. 

🍥✨🍩🍪🏀💖🌻⭐💋🌈⭐🍉💖🍩👀🍓❕

“Hmm, I got an idea! Why don’t we have a party for everypony? Two of us will prepare it together, and then we’ll show how much we love them that way!” Pinkie said, confetti flies behind her as she moves her forehooves into an arc. “What do you say?”

🔆🍫✨⭐💋🌈⭐🍉🍉💖🍩💙❕

“Great! I know the place where all the parties started! Sugarcube Corner! It’s this waaaaaay!” Pinkie said with a sing-song voice, before zipping towards her home in Ponyville, followed by the yellow alpaca behind her. Once the two of them had disappeared behind the door, the ponies in Ponyville slowly start to come out and resume their daily activities, yet they still worry for the floofy menace that might return to them…



As coincidental as it can be, Mr and Mrs Cup Cake are away, so Pinkie can focus on her alpaca guest. Ever since Paprika enters the building, Pinkie sees her looking around a lot like an alpaca in a candy store. Wait, technically, she is an alpaca in a candy store! Paprika herself felt like she’s in some strange paradise, so much delicious scent she had never smelt before! Raised in the highlands, the food she knows are only fruits and vegetables, so she has no idea what all the cakes and candies are made out of.

“All parties need a delicious cake, with lots of fillings and frostings! I’ll make sure I’m ready to--”

The next thing that follows is the sound of a plate hitting the floor, luckily in a way that doesn’t cause it to shatter. Paprika just planted her face on a cake with pink frosting, giving it a nuzzle and several licks. The mess she’s making is not alien to Sugarcube corner, but…

“Oh, wait! I see you want to have a taste already! Buuut, that cake isn’t the one for you, because the one I’ll make for you is going to be extra super delicious!”

Paprika doesn’t seem to mind as Pinkie returns the now empty platter onto the counter again. Unfortunately, the mess must be dealt with later. The pink pony can’t waste any time baking the cake, since Paprika already seems impatient. Stopping next to her, Paprika watches Pinkie as she… stirs something yellow in a bowl. What is that? The curious alpaca arches her neck over Pinkie’s shoulder, observing her. Eventually, The alpaca is getting too curious, and she sticks her hoof out slowly to touch whatever it is, but Pinkie moves it a bit out of reach.

“Wait, it’s not ready yet!” Pinkie said to Paprika, who seems to see baking as an alien operation. Oh, whoops, she didn’t mean to! Maybe a hug will make Pinkie feel better! Unfortunately, the time Paprika chooses to do it is when Pinkie is pouring milk into her dough. The sudden grab makes the pony squash the milk carton and spill all of its contents into the mix, and even making a bit of a splash.

For a brief second, Pinkie panicked inside, fearing that she might’ve botched the entire mix. Thankfully, the master baker knows how to compensate. Just make sure she doesn’t put more liquid, and add more of the… chocolate chips to balance the taste…

👀🍩🍫✨🍪🏀💖🍺🎺💖🍩🌻🌈✨🍨💙❕

Though, she’ll also need some personal space to do all that.

“P-Please… M-Move back slightly, Paprika…” Pinkie asks politely, gently pushing the alpaca away. Her face is showing some nervousness then last time. At least it works, Paprika is now a step away from the earth pony. “I-It’s okay, though, I can still finish the cake for you!”


For once, the Alpaca’s face doesn’t show her sweet and carefree smile… for around three seconds, at least. Working around the milk problem, Pinkie starts adjusting the ratio for her other ingredients. However, her head never said that a bigger cake is a bad thing. If she got too much milk for a medium sized cake, might as well add too much of the other ingredients and create a bigger sized cake! That’s it! No harm is done when she’ll just make a bigger cake, it’s much easier anyway!

Thus, this calls for more sugar!

As with all cakes baked by Pinkie, it will need lots of sugar. The mare just finished emptying a whole jar, then she takes another one and starts pouring it. Pinkie’s eyes seem to sparkle as she watches the white tiny crystals fall into the mix in a white waterfall. Except, the waterfall suddenly died down into a smaller stream. Strange, wasn’t the jar full?

When she moves her eyes up, a long tongue is gathering the falling sugar into it. Paprika also had no idea what this is, but it reminds her of that… thing in Reine. What did Velvet call it? Snow? Definitely doesn’t feel or taste like it…

“P-Paprika!”

Pinkie moves the jar slightly to the side and continues pouring the sugar, but then Paprika decides to share the sweetness she’s feeling with Pinkie, and kisses her all of the sudden. Even the mare who’s sometimes criticized for not respecting private space is getting overwhelmed. On the other side, the yellow alpaca is already quite having fun with the sweet taste, so why not share it? Through another kiss…


“Wait!” Except Pinkie stopped her with another hoof. “I almost forgot the vanilla!”


Said ingredient is on the other side of the kitchen, thus Pinkie zips away, leaving Paprika alone for a bit. Another attempt of showing her love had failed. Why though? The alpaca let out a sigh and one rather rare emotion to show on her face, but it didn’t last long, Pinkie return with the ingredient she needs, pouring a dash of vanilla to the mix, along with a few more ingredients that Paprika does not recognize.

Right after, Pinkie put the dough into a device that Paprika had never seen before, among other things. It starts to whir and seemingly mix the contents of the bowl together. Oh, the alpaca seems to understand it a little bit. So you put all kinds of food into the bowl, and it mixes them together? She doesn’t know what mixing them will do, but adding things into it seems like a fun idea! In fact, the champion might help with that!

Grabbing into her world famous floof, or at least Foenum famous floof, Paprika grabs… a broccoli. Why a broccoli? Even she doesn’t know, it’s just what she felt on her hooves first. She slowly tips the vegetable towards the bowl. It makes the mixer stutter slightly, as the broccoli gets slowly broken down and added into the mix.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

Pinkie shrieks in a rather exaggerated manner, but her concern is anything but exaggerated. Out of pure reflex the mare bumps to Paprika, pushing her away from the mixer to turn it off, and sees the result…

The broccoli is still mostly intact, but there’s parts of it in the dough, dotting it with some green color. Oh boy, Pinkie had seen a lot of funny looking things, but a broccoli cake mix is really something… strange. Even the master baker isn’t sure what to do with this batch, and she starts sweating. How do you fix this, how do you fix a mix with solid vegetables in it without throwing it away and starting over!?

“Ehe he he heh… I-I can still save it! There must be a way!” The mare laughs nervously, or what others might hear as an attempt to salvage a really bad situation. However, when Pinkie looks at Paprika as she’s trying to find something that can save her cake, her concern shifts from the mix to the champion.

Paprika is frowning, and not just frowning, but really frowning. She sighs as she sits on the floor against the kitchen’s counter. It’s a very unfamiliar sight for the normally happy go lucky alpaca not smiling, even though Pinkie had only met her around an hour ago. The mare can only watch as the champion sigh, and her fur seems to turn several shades darker.

💔🚀🍵🥒💧🌑🍄🍂….

Pinkie is rather stunned by the sudden transformation, kinda reminding her of herself whenever she’s depressed, however rare it is to happen. There’s also the words Paprika just said… After she takes the bowl away from the mixer, the baker decides not to finish her cake now, there’s something more important to do.

“What… did you not understand?” Sitting next to the sad alpaca, Pinkie listens to what Paprika had to say. Though, it’s more of a rant more than anything.

👎🥒🍂🍵👎🥀🍄🍵🥒💧💔🍄🌑💔…

Pinkie listens as Paprika speaks up with her, the mare just nodding a few times to make sure the alpaca knows she’s listening. She speaks about her life in her home, how others treat her, and how the other champions sometimes see her. It doesn’t take Twilight to see that Paprika can be seen as the… odd one out in the group of the six champions. The reason for that is something Pinkie is listening to right now as the alpaca tells her story.

“Oh, I see… You just want to make others happy.” Pinkie said. “Well, I can relate, really! Including the last part.”

Wrapping her hoof discreetly around Paprika’s shoulder, making the alpaca turn her head, even though her face looks unnaturally grumpy. It’s really weird… Ever since she’s more active in her alpaca community back in the Alpake Highlands, no one seems to be comfortable with her, something she can’t wrap her head around. What did she even do? All she did was give hugs, kisses, and gifts, all good things to make others happy! What’s so bad about that? Shouldn’t everyone want happiness?

Thankfully, Pinkie, too, has a similar view in life, to make everyone laugh and be happy around her, but in the process, she learned something important. Maybe she can share her wisdom. 

“You know, you are right, everypony wants to be happy in life! There’s nothing better than the feeling that wants to make you smile, isn’t it?” The mare seems to tone down her famous excitement as of now because of the rather… precarious atmosphere.

“But… as strange as it sounds, sometimes you can’t make others smile. That makes it super duper sad, isn’t it? For me, you, and them, right? So! After some digging… but not literally digging a hole in the ground, more like learning new things about them…”

Paprika was barely able to catch that last sentence since Pinkie spoke it out quickly. However, at least she’s listening, and despite her wool is still a darker shade of yellow, her lips don't frown as much. Something Pinkie said makes her curious about her story. Pinkie sighs, yet she still retains her smile as she continues.

“It’s just… everypony is different, and that means what makes them happy is different too. Yeah, a lot of ponies love parties, but there will be one that doesn’t. I know it might sound weird, but it’s just true. It’s just like some ponies love apples, and some don’t!”

The alpaca’s eyes widen almost dramatically, before she sighs. That… does that mean others don’t like her? Is that why she was thrown away by the rest of the alpacas in the highlands? Sure, it turned her into a champion that saved Foenum, and gave her six new friends that she now holds dear, but now that she think about it…

🍵🥒👎💔🚀🍵💔🍄🥀💧…

“N-No, silly! It’s not that they don’t like you! It’s more like… They don’t like what you’re doing.” Pinkie tries to reassure the champion. “Of course, you try to be nice, and that’s good! But you can try to be nice in a different way, in the way that they like!”

In the way they like…?

“...Speaking of which, I miiight have jumped on the baking a bit too quick.” Pinkie rubs her mane with her hoof. “I don’t think I have asked you what’s your favorite flavor, or what cake do you want, did I?”

In all honesty, that completely slipped Pinkie’s mind. An unintentional mistake, but turns into not exactly the worst thing since now she can use herself as an example. The mare’s cakes usually taste great that a lot of ponies don’t care what flavor it is since it’s still so tasty. So, Pinkie tends to just bake for her parties without a specific order. Hearing this, Paprika seems to understand, and starts thinking about her cake that Pinkie is going to make for her.

“So, what cake do you want? I’ll make anything for you! An upside down strawberry cake with a vanilla base? Or cupcakes baked on their sides with grape flavored frosting? Hmm?”

Pinkie puts her hoof in her cheeks, looking at the alpaca. Although it’s not sure if Paprika understands the message Pinkie is trying to tell her, the pony’s smile is… contagious, even though Paprika’s mood isn’t completely back to her old self yet. Her eyes might still only half open because some sadness still lingers in her, yet Paprika smiles back. For so long, she always tried to make others happy, and though she never expected anything back. Pinkie is… truly the first one that openly asked her what she wanted.

Someone who tried to make her happy. 

Almost shedding a tear, Paprika wraps her hooves around Pinkie into a hug, catching her off guard. It starts out soft, but it soon gets tighter, and tighter. Anyone else that got hugged in this manner would start suffocating, but somehow, like last time, Pinkie seems to be able to take it without too much problem, even though her body seems to contort slightly from it.

💖💖💖❕❕ ✨🍪🌈🍫🎺💖⭐💋🌈💖🌻❕

“T-Thank you too, Paprika!”

Pinkie hugs back, though nowhere as intense as the alpaca. Only now Pinkie starts to feel the effects of the hug, but thankfully it doesn’t last too long. As Paprika’s brighter shade of yellow returns to her, she lets go, and so does Pinkie. 

Two cheery individuals that always want to make others happy.

🌈🍫🎂💖💋🎆🎈👀✨⭐❕

“...Wait, come again?”

🌹🌟🍉⚽💖🙏🌕🍎✨🍰🎺💋🍫🌠💖❕

Pinkie’s hooves stretch to the side to grab some paper and a pencil, writing down that Paprika is saying. Something about the cake she wants. What was that? Using… that, as the main ingredient? Maybe with peanut butter… Oh, she wants some chocolate? That can work, chocolate always works! The garnish would be… That sounds great!

“Huh, I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve thought about making something like that!” Pinkie said, reading what she wrote one more time, before putting the paper into her mane. “I love it! You know what this means?”

With her hoof, Pinkie brings the champion closer to her, while her other hoof carries the bowl that contains the botched mix with the broccoli, or maybe it’s not exactly botched at all…

“It’s time… to bake!”





A banner is stretched across the roof of Sugarcube Corner, along with some other party decorations, making curious ponies flock to it. More party decorations greet them inside, balloons and confetti are everywhere. Most importantly, however, Pinkie is supposedly serving a new kind of cake and is sharing it with everypony as part of the “Welcoming Paprika to Ponyville party”.

The alpaca herself is standing next to the counter, her smile on her face is eternal as she looks around at the ponies here. She and Pinkie had planned for her to be the one giving the cakes to the ponies who want to try them, and the alpaca’s speed allows her to serve the tasty treats in record time. That way, she helps in making ponies happy too. Look at those smiles around this place! Paprika is so happy that she’s bouncing on the spot, sometimes giggling in joy as ponies express their gratitude to her for delivering a slice of the cake. 

During the little party, Paprika and Pinkie have to serve a brown stallion going to the counter to get a slice of the new cake. The alpaca quickly takes notice of the green bow tie he’s wearing, something about it is just so fitting with the cake she’s handing to her. The stallion is willing to get a sample first, but his smile afterwards says that he might be back for more.

“My word, Pinkie, this is quite an exquisite taste!” He said. “I can clearly taste the strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, but what’s this ingredient inside?”

Hearing the question, Pinkie looks at the alpaca next to her, and they both wink at each other.

“Our secret ingredient!” Pinkie smiles, and Paprika giggles in glee. It’s not the answer the stallion is exactly hoping for, but he’s not too disappointed. He has yet to learn about the science of food.

“Well, whatever it is, I hope I can still have some after I have done my errands. I’m sure Ditzy would love to have a taste of this too!” The stallion ate the rest of the cake. “I promise I’ll be back with her soon! Goodbye for now, Pinkie, and…”

As he turns his head to look at the alpaca next to the earth pony, the stallion sees one of Paprika’s hooves seem to reach out to him, but she stops midway.

“I think she wants a little hug!” Pinkie chuckles. “It’s all part of the party!”

Realizing that Paprika just loves to give hugs, Pinkie had made a little party rule. Whenever a greeting or goodbye happens with the Champion of the High Plains, a hug is the way to show it. Though, it must not be too tight, and Pinkie needed to explain this to Paprika multiple times, but she eventually gets it… maybe.

“Oh, I don’t see why not.”

Holding her breath, Pinkie watches as Paprika gently hugs the stallion for around three seconds, before they both let go. That was perfect! No sound of a powerful squeeze, and no struggle or choked voice from the pony! Even Paprika starts to see the value of giving softer hugs, they feel much happier receiving it! Pinkie smiles, almost like a proud older sister.

“Thank you, miss Paprika. I hope you have a good day in Ponyville!”

The stallion waves his hoof as he exits Sugarcube Corner. When he’s out of sight, Paprika reaches into her floof and pulls out a broccoli with Pinkie watching. Huh, the color does look the same, no wonder she looks there first. The alpaca playfully lobs it, and Pinkie catches it with his nose, showing an impressive balancing act.






Turning over to you, the duo wave their hooves.

🎂💖📑👀✅💖🙏⭐🌈❕

“She says, thank you for reading my chapter! Bye bye!”
> The Champion of the Woodlands and the Princess of Friendship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Now, be a good girl AND UNLEASH CHAOS OUT THERE! Or, whatever it is that you like to do.”

With one more stroke on her head, Paprika flees with great speed away from Fred towards the residents of Ponyville who have no idea what’s coming for them, except one certain pony. As the alpaca’s giggles fade in the distance, Oleander sighed.

“We’ve been on a journey together for quite some time, yet I still have difficulty understanding you, Fred.” The unicorn said as she and her demon companion continued to walk. They’re supposed to go to a place near Ponyville, not exactly the town itself.

“Don’t you worry your pretty head about it, Olly.” The demon chuckled, following the unicorn next to him. “I think you understand me well, but some things that I understand are just not meant to be for you.”

“Is it more of those, how did you put it… Something mortals won’t understand?”

“Hee hee, perhaps.” Fred chuckles again. “You are a smart one, Olly, but if you can’t figure it out, what are the chances that any other mortal can?”

“...Fair enough.” Oleander smiled slightly from the compliment. “We’ll leave it at that for now. Now, where is this place we’re supposed to go?”

Just then, the road they’re walking on splits into two paths, and there’s something very obvious down the road. It seems like a… tower of sorts made entirely from crystals that look like a tree. If it wasn’t made out of rocks or something shiny, it would’ve looked like the houses in the Woodlands the unicorn hailed from. She was told to go to ‘the castle just outside of Ponyville’...

“You know, I have a feeling that’s where we’re supposed to go, but I don’t know, just a hunch. A hint, in case you don’t see it.” Fred said, pointing at the castle.

“Right after you gave me a compliment on my intelligence?” Oleander rolls her eyes at the demon.

“Huh, you took that as a compliment?”

“You owe me a doughnut after this whole charade…”



Unlike the rest of the group of champions, Oleander was asked to meet Princess Luna before going on her journey for an eye to eye talk. At first, she already had a hunch on what it’s going to be about, and she can’t be, rightfully so, more correct. 

“What is that book that you wield, champion?” The princess of the night asked her, the very first thing that she said.

“A book called the Unicornomicon.” Oleander replied while flipping the pages. “It’s the source of my power, and where Fred resides.”

“Yes, a very cozy place, if I do say so myself. If only if it’s a bit more spacious...” The demon added. Fred is currently not summoned to the world, thus he stays in the book. Yet, he can still communicate.

“Where did you even get that?” Luna pressed further.

“...With all due respect, princess, that does not matter. Nor I feel it has any relevance.” The unicorn said rather bluntly. “May we just get to the point?”

Luna seems a bit irked by Oleander’s behavior. She’s trying to keep her subjects safe, darn it! The princess’s eyes stare harder at the unicorn, who doesn’t seem to be fazed.

“Then, you know very well I called you here. Dark magic is a dangerous path, even I received the repercussions for using it in the past.”

One of the two leaders of Equestria used dark magic before? Interesting. Wonder if there’s ever some kind of strife between the two princesses about it? Something like a conspiracy that involves the younger sister with dark magic trying to take the throne? Knowing where this was going the moment she stepped into this room, Oleander's mind stars to wonder to that little conspiracy theory she came up with.

“We don’t know what pact you have formed with the demon in the book, but from what we see-- Are you listening?” Luna nudged down the Unicornomicon so she could stare at Oleander’s eyes.

“...Ouch, lady. Your touch hurts my feelings more than my form.” Fred said sarcastically. Even though she knows what this is going to be about, she warned Fred not to try anything funny. Luna is still a princess, and the unicorn is not going to risk some kind of international incident that involves her.

“Again, with all due respect, princess…” Oleander pulled back the book. “None of your words are new. Even my fellow champions have a distaste for my dark magic, but if you ask any of them to testify, I used it to save many lives. I have a feeling you, too, understand that dark magic can be used for good.”

Luna looks down at Oleander with a face that still shows slight distrust. Though, it seems her heart wants to believe Oleander’s words. Why did she become a champion if her magic is harmful? Why did the Council of Ungulates choose her here if they know she’s a risk? The fact that she and her demon hadn’t wreaked havoc is a good sign too.

“...Fine.” Luna turns her head away. “We shall allow you to travel to the Castle of Friendship.”

Bah. The preposterous name aside, Oleander understands if anyone feels unsafe around her, especially in such a peaceful land like Equestria. The stigma of dark magic always follows her, and she’s not a stranger about it at all. Not to mention Fred’s presence, who is, without a better word, a demon following her. Getting the princess’ approval, no matter how forced she is to give it, will still help a lot.

“Most appreciated, princess. Thank you” Oleander bows her head, and slips in a little smile. That certainly will save a lot of time.

“We will give you our trust, dark one, but expect us to keep an eye on you.” Princess Luna said.

“Oh, you better, IF YOU DON’T WANT HER TO KICK YOUR REAR”

One of Luna’s nerves seems to have been struck by those words, her eyes suddenly glare at the floating book. However, before she can do anything, a smack on the Unicornomicon is heard, along with an unimpressed Oleander.

“...Ouch, that hurts my feelings too. Et tu, Olly?”

“Don’t do that again! And don’t call me Olly!”



One train trip later, and here she is. Standing in front of the castle doors with Fred next to her. Though the unicorn doesn’t have too much interest in going into this little meeting, she gave Fred a simple instruction to not touch anything. Thus, he took the liberty to knock on the door before Oleander could do so.

“I’m sure you don’t mind me being the gentleman and do the knocking for you, even though it violates our little agreement.” The demon said. As much as apathetic Oleander is on this trip, where she rather stays at home reading books, she does not want some kind of unpleasant incident to happen just because her demonic companion poked something that shouldn’t be touched by an entity of darkness.

“...Well, I suppose that does no harm…” Oleander turns towards her companion. “And before you think of anything funny, no, that does not make our agreement null and void! Do not touch anything else!”

“...Aww, you’re too quick, and no fun.” Fred seems a bit sad. That was his chance…

Soon enough, the door opened, and out comes a light purple unicorn. Her eyes quickly scan Oleander, before she moves over to Fred, and the sight of the demon causes her to take a few steps back.

“Oh, um… W-Welcome! I didn’t expect two visitors…” She said, chuckling nervously. Oleander simply chuckles at this. It’s only natural to not count Fred as a visitor. However, who is this pony? The princess said she’ll be meeting another alicorn, meaning they’ll have horns and wings, and judging from the other alicorns she had met, probably someone important. This pony is just a simple unicorn. 

“I wasn’t expecting a unicorn either.” The dark unicorn said. “Are you one of the alicorn’s retinue?”

“Oh! You must be looking for Twilight then! I’m, uh… Starlight Glimmer! I used to be her student, so… I guess…?”

“I see… Well, is the alicorn here? I would expect to meet her after going through quite the journey.” Oleander said, flipping the pages of her book.

“Same for me. Waiting in that book is boring, you know.” Fred added, though Oleander mentally chided the entity because of the fact that he’s almost always in his book. Right now he’s out in the mortal world simply because he was needed to bring Paprika to her destination safely without her flipping trains off the rails or bringing down the walls of Canterlot. 

“Sure! Twilight is inside… Follow me!”

Starlight guided Oleander and Fred through the castle halls, if not a bit nervously. No matter how you look at them, the duo does give this rather imposing aura. A unicorn that’s known as the Champion of the Woodlands that saved the world, but mastering dark magic and having a demon twice her height following behind her. If this is a comic book, the word ‘menacing’ would probably be written around them at all times.

“Interesting, I certainly didn’t expect this castle to be this big. It looks smaller from the outside.” Oleander thought out loud, lifting a bit of the tension away.

“I know… right?” Starlight chuckles. “Takes a while to get used to.”

“Hmph, it’s not so surprising, and I’ve seen better ones.” Fred snicker. “This kind of spatial paradox is not that rare, but there’s this one case where a mere red telephone booth has an interior with infinite possibilities. Now that was impressive.”

“What’s a telephone booth?”

The question comes from both Oleander and Starlight. The former waves her hoof as she looks at Starlight, giving her a small signal not to think about it too much. Starlight also seems to realize quickly, if Oleander, who is Fred’s usual companion doesn’t know what he’s talking about, what are the chances anyone else would get it? 

Soon, the two of them reach a rather large circular room, where the walls themselves are turned into big bookshelves. Even Oleander is a bit impressed. There are so many books, not even the library back home can compare. 

“Okay, I promise I’ll be back soon with Twilight!” Starlight said before she lights up her horn and teleports away, leaving Oleander alone with Fred.

“Teleportation?” Oleander thought out loud. She thought that it’s always a tricky spell to utilize, even by her who trains herself for years. The unicorn certainly didn’t expect the peace loving ponies to be able to master such spells.

“Heh, she didn’t even need a book for that.” Fred chuckles, making Oleander scoff. 

“What are you implying, Fred?” 

Before they went into this journey, Oleander and Fred just so happened to discuss how strong the ponies are. Though the demon doesn’t really care, and always thinks Oleander is the strongest ‘pony’, something that irks the unicorn. The Champion of the Woodlands is more curious on the subject, wondering if she can get a chance to research that topic.

“It’s still something you can do, Olly, but this makes them not that too far from your power.” The demon said. “So maybe it won’t be a landslide in your favor like what happened to the predators.”

Although Oleander is known to be really confident in her abilities, unlike when she started her journey as a champion, she’s now less arrogant, and more curious. It’s true that she’s really powerful and she knows that, but lately she seems to enjoy duels more even if it's only to see what her opponents can do. Going on a journey with six champions surprisingly had changed the unicorn a bit.

“I guess we’ll have to see what this is about, and I hope it won’t be as boring as I thought. After traveling through the ocean, I do hope to get a memorable experience here.” 

Several seconds pass as Oleander occupies herself looking at the number of books on the shelves, with Fred surprisingly not too interested. At least it’s better to keep an eye on him this way. What did catch his attention is a short flash of magic, revealing that unicorn from before, along with a purple… alicorn.

“Hello!” She said. “You must be… Whoa.”

The alicorn greets Oleander but stops when she sees Fred, making her turn her head up to see his head. Starlight pulls up next to her, whispering unintentionally loud enough that Oleander can hear it.

“I told you it’s a demon! How am I supposed to describe that thing…?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Oleander is the first to speak again.

`”O-Oh, right! Yes, I am! No need to be so formal though, just call me Twilight.” The mare said with a smile. “You’re the Champion of the Woodlands? Princess Celestia told me to expect you.”

“Correct. My name is Oleander, and this is… I call him Fred.” Oleander nudges her head towards the entity next to her, who simply wiggles his fingers at the princess.

“Well, um, nice to meet you too, Fred.” Twilight nods, albeit a bit nervous. She’s no stranger to an unusual looking entity, but Fred just emits some kind of… pressure. It’s almost like his very presence is corrupting the air with dark magic.

“Now, with the formalities out of the way, may I ask why am I sent here?” Oleander asked, idly flipping the pages of her book briefly. “You were expecting me, yes?”

“Oh, of course!” Twilight turns her head and looks at Starlight who’s behind her. The two mares nod, and Starlight’s horn shoots out a beam that hits the ceiling. The dome shaped room glows cyan briefly as if the magic is creating a layer. Oleander watches with some interest. Something as simple as a magic beam is capable of covering the whole room?

“I think I know what’s coming, and it would be a good idea to prepare yourself, Olly.” Fred said. “From our experience, magic barriers always mean one thing…”

Before Oleander and Fred do anything else, Twilight is seen levitating some books and scrolls near her, while Starlight is seen controlling her breath slightly. The dark unicorn can feel something is up…

“When Princess Celestia informed me that one of Foenum’s champions is going to meet me, I’m so excited!” Twilight said in excitement as she levitates some of the scrolls and books around. “And when I realize the Champion of the Woodlands is a unicorn with magic, I just have to see it for myself!”

Oleander raised an eyebrow. This alicorn is a princess? She might’ve fooled her from how… un-princess like she is. That kind of excitement and monologuing is more like an excited young adult. Still, if her… retinue unicorn is that skilled, to be able to teleport and create a barrier this size this quick, the princess’ potential power intrigues her. She has to be stronger, right?

“I admit that hearing you use dark magic is a bit… worrying. N-Not trying to say it’s bad, though! It’s just--”

“Yes, yes, I’m fully aware of the stigma, especially here.” Oleander waves her hoof dismissively. Fred seems to mumble something, but Oleander continues. “Carry on.”

“...Oh, sorry about that… I mean it’s completely okay if you saved a lot of ponies with it! That means you still have a good heart!” Twilight said. “I, uh, don’t mind it at all! In fact, I was wondering if…”

Before Twilight can continue, Oleander closes her book and eyes, while smiling.

“If I can show you what I’m capable of?”

Of course, that must be the reason. Why else would a barrier be created in the room? She is a champion after all. To this, Twilight seems to smile.

“Exactly! Though, let’s start it slow.” The alicorn turns to her companion. “Starlight?”

Upon hearing her name, the unicorn in question walks forward to face her Foenum counterpart. Twilight starts to write something down on the scrolls she’s levitating with quills. 

“Okay, as far as I heard, your magic is very different than ours despite the similarities of our race…” Twilight said, still writing something. Oleander’s face actually brightens up. Finally, someone who speaks her language. None of the other champions are close to her level of intellect…

“Of course it does, and she prefers it that way. Can you imagine her shooting rainbows out from her horn?”

Sadly Fred kinda ruins the mood. Oleander whips her head and gives her demon companion a squint with her eyes.

“Fred! Instead of yapping your mouth, do us all a favor and return to the book. We’re going fair and square for this little… test.”

"OH, WHAT FUN IS THERE IN GOING FAIR AND SQUARE?”

Unlike Twilight and Starlight, Oleander did not flinch one bit as Fred’s voice turns demonic as he shows his rather… unsettling side, which usually includes his sense of humor. Though eventually, the demon relents. Besides, as strong as Oleander is, she and Fred know that she can’t use his power for too long...

“Alright fine. This rainbow magic is making me uncomfortable anyway…”

With that settled, the demon seemingly vanishes from sight and returns to his residence inside the Unicornomicon. Oleander looks at the two mares, who seem to be a bit stunned, giving them a look telling them to continue.

“O-Oh! Right!” Starlight speaks up. “ Twilight wants to learn about your magic first, so she’d like to see how strong your magic is!”

The unicorn’s magic summons a circular shield, colored cyan and white just like her magic. Just from a glance, Oleander can tell it looks formidable, but why it has a star pattern in the center confuses her. Who has the idea of making their magic spells look fancy? Perhaps it’s because of her use of dark magic, but raw power is more important than having to make the spells look nice.

“You just have to hit Starlight’s shield with your magic, and I’ll observe!” Twilight said, getting a strange device. It looks like a magnifying glass held on by a beam, reassembling something dentists would use to see inside a mouth. Oleander has never seen something like that, but she can guess what it’s for, probably for measurement. When it’s in place, Starlight gives her shield a little lift.

“Whenever you’re ready!”

The unicorn widens her stance, bracing for impact. She can deflect Twilight’s magic bolts if she doesn’t use her full power, previous training had proven that her shield is strong, but not invincible. 

“So, it’s just this simple?” Fred speaks through the book. “You’re just going to attack the shield? Sounds too easy for someone like you, Olly.”

The dark unicorn smirks wordlessly. Using her retinue as a target dummy to test her power? Either Twilight had put too much faith in her apprentice, or they’re underestimating the Champion of Foenum. Time to show these Equestrian ponies what she can do! Feeling the raw magic travel to the tip of her horn, Oleander whips her head down and uses the most simple form of magic, her well known Shadow Spark. The projectile flies like a fireball right towards Starlight’s shield, and as it hits it, the shield remains intact, Starlight barely even flinched. Twilight, after seeing the attack, looks at the machine.

“Moderate power, really spread but uneven point of impact…” The alicorn mumbles to herself. “Very raw form of magic, state of matter similar to fire then the usual concentrated plasma…”

Oleander catches on Twilight’s words. How… studious. The unicorn has a sudden hidden desire to sit back with the princess and just talk about subjects that none of her companions would ever understand, but, like her secret love for puppies, she has no desire to say it out loud yet.

“Was that satisfactory? Although keep in mind that I was not even using a fraction of my magic.” She smiles. 

“Not a fraction?” Starlight raised an eyebrow, lowering her shield slightly. “I did feel like that can’t be all.”

Usually, Oleander can’t really be bothered to explain every little thing about magic… or anything, really. Considering her companions, Arizona and Paprika just, in the unicorn’s own words, don’t have the capacity to grasp anything more complicated than how a door works. Pom and Tianhuo might listen, but they are not really magic users and are kinda alien to the subject. Meanwhile Velvet would just walk away if she has to listen to any kind of explanation. This time, however, Oleander has a chance to do just that in front of a scholar princess.

“I just used my innate magic, the one that’s inside me. It is already, with a lack of a better word, corrupted, and thus the power is nothing out of the ordinary.” The unicorn then lifts her book so both Twilight and Starlight’s attention is driven to it. “But using the dark magic inside the Unicornomicon, I can power it up to triple of the strength of my magic just now.”

Though Oleander notices that Twilight seems to be intrigued, she notices that Starlight is looking at the princess, seemingly a bit unsure. Heh, perhaps she’s a bit intimidated, after all, she did feel that shadow spark first hoof.

“Oh my, really? Getting magic out of a book? I wish I had a book like that!” Twilight smiles widely. “Show me! Please?”

The princess might be a bit more enthusiastic than she thought, but Oleander takes the request well. The unicorn opens her book and her horn looms closer to the pages. Suddenly, a dark tendril latches itself to Oleander’s horn, almost like smoke wrapping around it, making the unicorn silently gasp. Oh, that feeling of gathering magic… gets her every time. The tendril stays there for several seconds until Oleander closes the book.

“Right. That ought to be all.” Oleander said. “Permission to unleash another shadow spark?”

She looks at Starlight, almost seems like her eye gives a glint. As Twilight moves back to her ‘magic measuring device’, Starlight braces herself again, though she looks a bit worried. 

“Okay, I’m ready! Do it!”


In her excitement, Twilight doesn’t consult Starlight whether she’s ready or not. What she just said is enough for Oleander, however. The dark unicorn fires her shadow spark once more, but this time it’s much bigger. Even before the attack connects, Starlight’s eye shrunk. Knowing what will happen, she whips her head up, her horn leaving a trace of a crescent shaped magic, just as Oleander’s spell breaks through her shield, shattering it. However, as it connects against the smaller crescent shaped barrier, it ricochets the dark fireball, making it slam to the barrier instead. 

“Now that’s an OP pushblock. Reflecting projectiles?” Fred comments in a nonchalant manner, and only now Twilight realized that might be a bit much on her friend.

“Starlight! Are you alright? Sorry, I thought you can block it, based on our…”

Starlight is on her back, the force of her shield breaking sends her to the floor, but she… chuckles? 

“I’m okay, Twilight! I just can’t believe I reacted in time.” The unicorn got to her hooves again. “If you can’t stop something, just deflect it somewhere else!”

“Quick witted.” Oleander nods, even she has to admit that was quite impressive. “Your apprentice seems to lack in pure magic power, but she’s a crafty one, Twilight.”

“That’s... “ Twilight looks a bit stunned. That’s exactly how her practices with Starlight concludes. The unicorn is able to master a lot of spells, making her really versatile. However, when it comes to pure magic strength, Twilight will beat her if she tries hard enough. 

“Correct, isn’t it?” Fred interrupts the conversation. “Olly here isn’t just about skill and power, but a smart one too.”

Usually, the dark unicorn will take the praise with delight, but the way Fred said it makes her slightly irritated instead. He doesn’t need to make it sound embarrassing, especially since he called her Olly again!

“Now, Olly, I do think this means you can use a stronger opponent. For example, say, the winged unicorn.” Fred suggested. “I do feel something about her.”

“Me…?” Twilight pointed at herself. “Is it really okay with you, Oleander?”

“I won’t be so confident if I were you…” Starlight added. “Even though Twilight hasn't beaten me… I can’t beat her either.”

Oleander noticed how Starlight smirks ever so briefly. The champion does expect the princess to be a formidable opponent. Her past self would probably accept the challenge after believing in her own invincibility given by her powers. Now though, just because she wants to gain power through experience… she accepts it.

“I’m sure I can handle it. Go ahead Twilight. My Fel Spark shouldn’t trouble you, right?”

“Well, if we must! It’ll be an honor to spar with a champion of Foenum!” Twilight said. 

The princess might be kind of a pacifist, but even Oleander can tell the alicorn has considerable magical power. Gathering magic from her book again, the unicorn shows another big shadowy fireball. She expects to at least damage Twilight’s shield with it, but the alicorn’s magic just… takes it. Not even a dent.

“W-What?” The champion looks mildly surprised, before squinting. “Let me try again!”

Another shadow spark is shot, and Twilight’s shield still takes it without much problem. Starlight is watching all this in amusement. Not even her strongest burst of magic can dent Twilight’s shield.

“Olly, if what you’re doing isn’t working, may I offer a more hands on approach?”

Fred offers a solution. If he asked that in the beginning the unicorn would’ve said no, but now she’s a bit curious about what would finally break Twilight’s shield, so she said yes.

“Don’t be too hard on her though, you know what we’re both capable--”

“DIE”

Without another warning, the book opens up and a big, dark claw moves in an arc towards Twilight, as if trying to smash her into the floor. Though Twilight is surprised, she puts even more power on her shield as Fred hits the magical force field with his claw. Despite that, the shield remains intact, just a small scratch remains.

"D-Dear Celestia..." Twilight exhales, casting her shield away once Fred's claw retracts back into the Unicornomicon. "That's some strong magic, the stability required to make something like that into a solid state of matter... And the force of impact..."

"Heh, she really reminds me of you, Olly, or maybe when you're a bit younger. Just like how you would mumble things you've read in a book."

Fred chuckles, much to Oleander's embarrassment. Too much information! Still, that doesn't take her interest away from Twilight. Though Fred's Doom Claw attack isn't unblockable, even with the element of surprise, Twilight's shield takes it like it was nothing. Speaking of her, Twilight smiles and slowly turns into a grin.

"I've never seen that kind of magic!" The alicorn's eyes twinkle, just like whenever she gains new knowledge. "I want to see more! If it's okay with you, Oleander?"

Official permission from the princess to face her? Oleander is all too happy to accept. It's about time she got a worthy opponent! As strong as her fellow champions are, sometimes they're too... predictable. A new kind of opponent is something that she's hoping to get for a while. There's a slight glint on the unicorn's eye before she replies.

"I thought you'd never ask, princess." Oleander raises her book slightly. "Ready to hit the books on the subject of facing the champion of the Woodlands?"

"Hit the books? Oh, ha ha ha!" Twilight let out a laugher, sounding a mixture of the slightest of nerves, genuine happiness, and is that confidence Oleander heard? "I'm always ready! Don't hold back just because I'm a princess! Starlight!"

As her name is called, Starlight stands up at attention.

"Yes, Twilight!"

"Make sure we don't... go too far, okay? Tell me if the barrier might break."

The alicorn gives Starlight a smirk. She knows that face. That's something she would usually show whenever Starlight is about to have a spar with Twilight. Twilight might teach the values of friendship and believes in second chances, but she's still a pony talented in magic capabilities, an alicorn no less. She might as well be the third most powerful pony in the entire Equestria. Knowing what's about to happen, Starlight takes a few steps back. Oh, she wishes she brought popcorn.

"Ok Twilight, you got my word." She looks at Oleander. "Are you ready?"

She doesn't answer in a direct manner, but her words already show her eagerness.

"...Fred, look alive!"




As the sun is starting to go down, Starlight wipes her forehead, which is kinda funny since her task is only to keep watch. However, the magic duel got a bit intense to the point that even the unicorn has to dodge or block things flying towards her.

The barrier is still standing... barely. Cracks are shown in several spots, something that very rarely happens when any equestrian ponies are training their skills inside it. Twilight meanwhile is still standing... barely as well. Her wings are flared open and there are some feathers slightly burnt from magic. Across her lays Oleander, panting as she's laying on the floor with her forehooves clinging on her Unicornomicon in front of her. Both are exhausted, both physically and mentally. That was the most intense magic duel they ever had in their lives. It only stopped because Oleander used too much of her dark magic, causing her to collapse from exhaustion.

If this is the Oleander before she bonded with the other champions, she would never get over this defeat, but thankfully that's not the case. Well, maybe she's a little frustrated that she didn't win, but it's still better than getting defeated. 

"I... think there's something... called... too much excitement." Twilight smiles nervously, before coughing. She doesn't look like it, but the alicorn is also at her limit.

Oleander stands up on shaky hooves herself, having to use the Unicornomicon to help herself up. 

"Excuse me."

Fred's claw slips out from the book and helps to pull Oleander to her hooves. It's a nice gesture, but Oleander groaned. Not because Fred touches her the wrong way, but it makes her look weak.

"You're welcome, Olly. I know you look annoyed, but there's no shame in getting someone to help."

She doesn't need to be reminded twice, that one time back in Foenum is already enough, and it almost costs her own safety. As much as Fred is... being Fred, sometimes he can give unexpectedly good advice.

"Your... I mean, Fred seems to care a lot about you, doesn't he?" Starlight asks as she tends to Twilight, before going towards the champion to check her condition next.

"We... went back quite a while." Oleander said, lifting her book. "Quite the... life changing experience, I would say."

Starlight casts a minor healing spell on the unicorn, her magic orbs slowly find wounds and healing them. Oleander seems to be more concerned about her shambled mane though, using her hooves to straighten them prim and proper.

"Life changing? You mean... you choose to use dark magic?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, princess. Surely you out of everyone knows how dangerous dark magic can be?" Oleander scoffs, but she shows a soft smile. As naive as Twilight can be by asking that, for some reason, the unicorn finds it a bit funny. "I'm not supposed to even have this fur color, alas, one of the things I have to sacrifice to wield it."

"It can't be just that, right? I don't think anypony will appreciate anyone to use dark magic near them..." Starlight said, mending one of Oleander's hoof before she raises her head to see the unicorn's face. "N-No offense, of course."

"It's what I have to do for the good of the world. Surely you understand." The unicorn said. "I'm willing to keep everyone save, even if that means I have to give something up."

"Even if it means getting out more from your room when you're little?"

"Fred!"

Hearing that, Twilight walks next to Oleander, chuckling. Not because of the dark unicorn's past, but because of how... familiar it sounds. "I know it's kinda... embarrassing, but there's the time where we thought that... going outside is something dumb, huh?"

"Oh? Do you know something about that?" Oleander raised an eyebrow

"I sure do." Twilight looks away for a brief moment. "It's... really fun, isn't it? Just spending time reading books alone, learning new things... Thinking that others will just be a distraction... Wonder if I'll be who I am today if I stayed like that."

Oleander seems to be a bit surprised. The princess of friendship... used to be a shut in bookworm? Though the unicorn cringes even recalling her youth, where she just spends the whole day in her house reading books and not wanting to meet anyone else, she finds it ironic that Twilight used to be a very different pony. An anti social bookworm that later became a princess about meeting up with others and forming a bond with them?

Two bookworms who had their lives turned upside down, but for the better.

"Hm hm hm, funny, isn't it?"

"Excuse me?" Twilight raised an eyebrow, to which Oleander flips the pages of the Unicornomicon briefly.

"You and I, our magic can't be any more different. We counter each other, we are literally light and darkness. But to think we came from the very same root, our eagerness to learn." Oleander says with a small smile. "I dare to guess that you're willing to be a princess to help keep everyone else safe?"

"Well, when you put it that way... I guess I do." Twilight said, though a bit uncertain. "I just want everypony here to know the value of friendship, and it's my dream that Equestria lives in harmony with everycreature."

"I can attest." Starlight added, as she finish looking after Oleander. "You fought... me to save the world, and gave me a second chance. You are definitely willing to... go through anything to save everypony..."

The unicorn's voice seems to be on the verge of breaking, but Starlight walks away before Oleander can confirm the cause. She has a good feeling on why though.

"So, Twilight... what did you get from our spar earlier?" Oleander asked

"Oh, a lot! You have been so helpful! Maybe you can tell me what you have learned too?"

"Hmm, why not? The day is still long."



Bonded through their love of knowledge, Twilight and Oleander spend the rest of the day comparing notes or telling something the other doesn't know. Twilight tells Oleander what she knows about Equestria, while Oleander tells Twilight about Foenum. Sometimes their curiosity makes them pursue something together, such as what will the combination of their magic result in. Starlight or Fred would even join them sometimes, though the former can't always stay because she has errands to do, and the demon can't stay in the world for too long.

Oleander wishes she got someone to do this with back when she was younger. Maybe friendship really is magic. Even though she still thinks how cheesy or silly it sounds. The dark unicorn can't deny she feels happy spending time with Twilight.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As it’s Luna’s turn to look after Equestria, the sun had just set over the horizon. However, there are at least a dozen notable individuals still awake in the busy city of Las Pegasus. It’s the city of bright lights and known as one big nonstop party, to the delight of Princess Luna for bringing life into the night. It also has places that offer high class food and one certain restaurant where it’s more crowded than usual, having to accommodate a large table filled with VIPs.

After the Champions of Foenum met the heroes of Equestria, or the Elements of Harmony, they are accommodated one night in the Canterlot castle under the hospitality of the princesses themselves. Only during the next day that they’ll start their journey home via the ocean. Since Las Pegasus is located on the western coast of Equestria, it’ll be a straightforward sail from there back to Foenum. It also gives the champions one more respite in Equestria before their journey home.

This time, they’re not alone, each is sitting with the pony they had bonded with. Pom and Fluttershy are having some fresh carrots and even a small chocolate cake. The young champion even tried out a bottle of soft drink, never having tasted one back home. Behind their chairs, Angel bunny is having a couple of carrots next to Pom’s puppy, who had some cans of dog food. They are really surprised when the restaurant said they even serve their customer’s pets.

Opposed to Rainbow Dash’s simple order of sandwiches, Tianhuo’s food is a bit trickier to get. She did order similar sandwiches, but instead of only tomato and salad, hers got fried eggs in it, a bit of an unusual food in a place where eggs are mostly used for baking. To further satisfy her appetite, there's even a bowl of salad and a glass of milk.

Knowing her high standards, Rarity suggested Velvet to get the Neighsar Salad, a rather exquisite dish with the price to boot. The unicorn herself orders something… in a foreign language that Velvet can’t really bother to remember, but it consists of vegetables, bread, and some small fruits. Their dishes look the smallest in terms of quantity, but they're here to enjoy some refined food.

Applejack and Arizona are sharing a big apple pie, though their drinks are different. Despite Applejack’s suggestion, the cow rather chooses orange juice over apple juice. However, later on, both girls order some apple cider after getting into a little bet among themselves.

Just like last time, Pinkie had to make sure Paprika didn’t just order everything to eat, or eat everything without paying. Anything sweet, be it cakes or fruits, seem to get along with the duo. Though interestingly, Paprika doesn’t shy away from vegetables. Not that it changes her table manners, just diving her face on her food seems to work, so why not keep doing that?

Finally, Twilight, not shying away from her strangely un-princess like appetite, got some hayburgers, prench fries, and even some onion rings. It's not just the kind of she ordered, but the amount of it, probably almost three times the amount other ponies would eat. Maybe all the talk about alicorn metabolism isn't that far fetched. Oleander also got plenty of donuts, but sometimes Twilight would share her food, something the unicorn appreciates. It's also a good thing for Fred since it means more donuts for him.

Yet, through all this, friendly chats can be heard around the table, each pair telling the experience they had together. The usually shy Pom isn't too nervous to talk about her dogs playing with Fluttershy's animals, especially Angel bunny. Tianhuo is interested to learn more about the wonderbolts, mostly thanks to Rainbow bugging her about it. Though the longma has little interest in their aerial shows themselves, she's more interested in their training method and techniques they use in the air. For a topic that's a bit more down to earth, Arizona and Applejack are retelling their dinner with the Apple family, something that even the young cow didn't find boring.

Though their relation started off rocky, Velvet and Rarity managed to find a topic they both like: Fashion. However, Rarity tends to avoid talking about the reindeer's own floof just in case, and instead more about clothing and hat designs from their homes. With all this talking, Paprika, for once is falling behind since no one can understand what she's saying. Thankfully, Pinkie is there to act as the interpreter while keeping the rather energetic alpaca in check. 

And then there's Oleander. Inside, she still doesn't really see the point of gathering together like this in a public place. Why can't they stay in a quieter room or somewhere else? Why a restaurant? All they're doing are making friendly talk. It took a while before Twilight can sway her with her words to appreciate this more than she currently is, that this is a part of creating friendship between all of them. The unicorn doesn't know if she'll ever warm up towards friendship soon, but admittedly she enjoys her time in Equestria. 



A couple of hours later, with their appetites fulfilled, the champions, accompanied by their pony friends make their way to the dock. It's only been a short time, but having to say goodbye now feels like it came too soon. Some of the champions share one more hoofshake, hoofbump, and even hugs as they made their way to where a ship should be waiting.

However, there is no Foenum ship.

"Huh, are you sure it's supposed to be here?" Twilight asked, looking back at the group. "There's no ship here."

"Hmph, they must be late or something." Oleander remarked. 

"Seriously? Can't zey do something so simple as to pick us up in time?" Velvet groaned.

"Umm, girls...?"

Being airborne, Rainbow seems to spot something in the distance. The pegasus spy a ship that doesn't look like to be from Equestria, as its design and colors are quite different. However, what stands out from the ship is as it speeds towards the port is the flag that's on the mast of the vessel.

"Yes, Rainbow?" Twilight asked in time to see Rainbow point to the horizon rather dramatically. 

"Loooooookkkkk!!"







The pirate ship gets as close as it can to the port, where the group can see a band of goats standing on the ship, some are wearing bandanas on their head. The ponies don't seem to know how to act as they have no idea who these are, but the champions on the other hand...

"...The thief followed us here?" Tianhuo looks displeased.

"Oh, for crying out loud...! I'm not in the mood to deal with her right now." Oleander is even less pleased.

"Ah thought we made it clear that we don't have the key! That kid is as stubborn as a mule!" Arizona stomps on the pier.

The pirate gang then makes way for someone to speak. It's a small goat with a bandana, dreadlocks, and a small goatee. She does a dramatic spin before landing on the side, her position is flanked by cannons.

"Yarr, good to see ye lasses again!" She said. "You all look salty too! I'll take it, as payment for me to sail you all back to Foenum!"

As the goat declares her intention, the ponies all look at the less than pleased champions. Well, almost all. Pom is still standing next to Fluttershy, the only champion that reacted the same way the ponies do, and Papika's smile is unreadable. Hers is a thin line of happiness from seeing one of her friends... or the sick desire to crush the goat's bones through a fluffy hug.

"Who might that be?" Fluttershy turns to Pom. "You know her?"

"T-That's Shanty..." The lamb meekly said. The goat pirate isn't a champion, but she had several encounters with the other champions in the past. All she desires is the key the champions were seeking, but not because she wanted to save the world from the predators. Even so, she slowly gains mutual respect from the others solely because of her skills. 

"Honestly, she would make a capable champion, if only she wasn't such a..."

"Ruffian?"

"Yes! Zat is the right word to describe her!"

Velvet and Rarity share a brief conversation as they seem to see eye to eye. A pirate, unless it's lead by a certain avian, is not exactly a pretty sight for the mare.

"I don't know what kind of payment tool yer ponies have, but I'll take charges too! Give me something of value, or--"

Bonk!

Shanty's words are cut off as something hits her in the head. It's an apple, and the culprit is quite clear. Paprika has her picnic basket out and she's waving seemingly innocently at the goat. Pinkie looks back and forth between them before she smiles and waves as well. Paprika's friend should be her friend too, right?

"Ay! I say parley! Unless ya want some, I'm not looking for a rumble!"

With another spinning flip that can rival Tianhuo's, Shanty jumps off the boat and lands on the pier, walking towards the group and Oleander, who's in front of the herd.

"Dare I ask what did you do to our original transport?" Oleander asked.

"Olly, I thought it's pretty obvious." Fred chuckles from inside the book. "She and her crew boarded it, take every grain of salt on board, make them walk the plank, and FEED THEM TO THE SHARKS. Must be quite the spectacle."

"Heh, funny, I thought of that, but I thought of something even better! I made 'em swab the decks! She got that extra sparkle today, doesn't she?"

Some sighs of relief can be heard, mostly from the ponies, though Rarity seems to gasp just as loud as the first time. 

"What is your intention here, little rascal?" Tianhuo steps forward. "And how did you even know we are supposed to be here?"

"Ooh, I love the salt coming from you!" Shanty mockingly waves her hoof near the longma and licks it. "And that's what I want, salt! There be eyes and ears for the Capricorn everywhere, hot head, so we jump at the opportunity!"

"...Dear Celestia, she would be good in negotiating, if only she uses more..."

"Refined words?"

"Yes! What a sailor's mouth!"

As Rarity and Velvet keep whispering to each other, it's Arizona's turn to step up to the goat. However, she brings Applejack with her too. The cow had learned something about the mare when they spend time together last time, and it'll be valuable in this situation.

"Now hold on one darn minute! Yer sayin you are our ride home? What makes ya think we'll trust you after what ya tried to do to us!?"

"Because, you don't have a choice. Do you see another ship that can take you home? Unless you all can swim, or fancy some boarding action on them Equestrian ships, we're not leaving till we get some booty!"

As Shanty said that, Applejack stares at her, close enough that they can smell each other. Is this pirate planning to raid ships in Equestria too? The ponies don't know about this goat well, but that's something that they don't want to happen if they can help it.

"Are ya threatening us? Ya didn't even answer the question!" Applejack pressed.

The goat seems to be taken aback just the slightest when a pony dares to get this close to her. From what she had seen, aren't ponies supposed to be all rainbow loving softies? That one pony that visited Foenum looked like he almost soiled himself when she smacks her mug on the table in an inn.

"Hmph, what? Or you're gonna break the parley?" Shanty doesn't seem to be intimidated. In fact, she smiles as she can hear more of the pirates appearing to the side of the ship.

A rather tense silence pass, with Applejack and Arizona staring at the goat. At the back of the group, Fluttershy and Pom shuffle closer together, as if they're ready to hug each other and scream when something horrible happens, though their pets seem to be ready to defend themselves. Meanwhile, Paprika and Pinkie are swapping the contents of their picnic baskets, seemingly oblivious to the standoff. The others are just nervously waiting for any response.

Eventually, however, Shanty backs off when she realized that these ponies seem to be close with the key wielders. "Alright, alright. I promise I won't do anything bad. Just pay up the salt, and they'll be home once the sun dives under the horizon."

Hearing that, Applejack backs off next to Arizona again.

"...She ain't lying."

"Good." Arizona walks back to Oleander, who's also next to Tianhuo. "Alright, Ah don't like this either, but at least she's our ticket home."

"Really? How can she tell?" Oleander is quick to voice her concern. "Even I would think twice before I trust this plunderer."

"I think there is merit. She sees the pirate in the eyes, and I know one can tell so much by doing that." Tianhuo reassures. "Even so, if she gets second thoughts..."

"Then we kick her off her ship!" Arizona boldly said, something that seems to stun Shanty a bit.

"Ay! Only I can make someone walk the plank, cow!" The goat replied, but seemingly in a more playful tone than a proper retaliation. "Let's hope you all are not rowdy enough to make me throw you overboard!"

"...Fine, we'll decide to trust you to bring us back home." Oleander walks forward towards the smaller goat, pointing her hoof at her. "But if you try to do anything funny, I'll make sure you'll never see the light of day again!"

"I swear I thought you tried to make me befriend her before..." Fred cheekily said.

Shanty, not intimidated by the threat, signals to put the ramp to the ship down. Like it or not, this goat is the champion's ticket home, for a price of course. As the champions prepare to get on the ship, the pirate seems to inspect them all, even though Pom is still quite close to Fluttershy, both still a bit more nervous than the other. Eventually, she stops at Velvet, much to the doe's annoyance.

"Got some good loot on ya?"

Ugh, Velvet knows what she's talking about, but why her? Why must be the one that must deal with this goat? The champions do have some salt that they don't end up using because Equestria uses bits, so they will have something to give. Normally, the reindeer would loathe to even touch Shanty, but with the rest of the champions looking at her to just get it over with, she gives the cue to her winter sprites.

"Fine, you plunderer...!" Velvet said in disdain as one of her sprites hands over three small bags of salt, which the goat giddily accepted. "Just get your nose avay from me!"

"I can't guarantee that, but get on board!" Shanty said as she jumps to the ship's hull. In an impressive display, she ran up on the surface and returns to the deck, still keeping an eye on the champions, who turn to their pony companions.



"I hope we meet again, Pom." Fluttershy hugs the lamb, and she's happy to return it. "I think your puppy would love it too."

"We had a great tyme, so I would love tae!" Pom replies, giving her puppy a pat on the head as she watches it lick Angel bunny. The rabbit can use a better interaction that's also less... wet, but he appreciates it.



"May the winds be on your side at all times, Rainbow Dash." Tianhuo bows with her hooves touching each other.

"Yeah, you too!" The pegasus gives the longma a salute, almost like she acknowledges Tianhuo as her superior in the Wonderbolts. "Betcha Spike still wants to see you again!"

"I will do what I can. The little dragon can use some guidance." Tianhuo nods.



"Guess this is goodbye fer now." Applejack takes her hat off as she faces Arizona.

"Golly, it's almost too fast, isn't it?" Arizona shows a mix of sadness, but still trying to keep her spirits up. "But this ain't the last rodeo fer sure!"

"Right as rain. Say howdy ta yer Pa and Ma!" The calf and the mare give each other a firm hoofbump.

"Likewise ta yer family, Applejack!"



"I really enjoy our time together, Velvet." Rarity said.

"Of course you do." Velvet replies, pointing her nose high. "Maybe next time, I can help you model for your creations."

"Oh, that would be wonderful, darling! Give me the word, and I'll make sure I'll make something that suits your taste and beautiful at the same time!"

"Zat vould be only befitting for ze Champion of ze Tundra. If I were to return, I vill dazzle ponies and ungulates alike!"



👀🐴🍓💘❕👁️‍🗨️💋🍹🎂💖👀⭐🌈❕

Even though she has to say goodbye, Paprika is jumping in place with Pinkie mirroring her movements in front of her. In one motion, they both jump towards each other and throws a hug. The alpaca thankfully hasn't forgotten about her new hugging standard, being much more gentle than before.

"I'll miss you too! Keep having fun and show your love, Paprika!"

🗻🌈🍎👀⭐✨🌈🌕🎉💖💖❕❕

"I will! Pinkie promise!"

With that settled, the excited alpaca gives Pinkie a kiss on the forehead, making the mare giggle and snort.



Twilight and Oleander are looking at each other a tad longer than the others before the former offers a hoof to the latter.

"I'm happy to get to meet you, Oleander. It's true that we are like two sides of the same coin..."

"Reassembling each other, but not facing the same side." The unicorn continues. "Indeed we are, but this experience is something I will remember for a long time."

"I'm glad you feel that way, Oleander. We'll meet again one day."

With that said, the dark unicorn shakes Twilight's hoof with her own, but suddenly a dark claw joins them.

"As a dark entity living in a non rainbow looking magical book, I now pronounce you..."

"Fred!"

As Oleander yanks the Unicornomicon book away, Twilight can't help but giggle.



"Arr, set sail! Foenum awaits!"

With the pirates and Shanty lifting the anchor and hoisting the sails, the Capricorn starts to move away from the port in Las Pegasus. All the champions watch as the six ponies they met stays on the pier as long as they can, waving goodbye. This is not just a journey about themselves, as this visit will surely improve the relation of Equestria with the tribes in Foenum. Who knows what the future will bring for both civilizations, and how does meeting the ponies will effect the champions in their daily lives at home? The magic of friendship that they had learned will surely change something for the better.

Looking at her passengers, Shanty wonders if this will mean anything to her relation with the champions too. As fun and exciting as it is, maybe there's a bit more in life then just plundering...