> Metal Bat: Equestrian Adventures
>  by The reluctant fan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Big bro, you're finally home! What took you so long?"

S-Class, rank 15 hero Metal Bat walked into his home with a sigh. He hated to worry his little sister, but given his occupation as a hero, it was hard to keep a consistent schedule. 

"Sorry Zenko, I ran into a couple o' monsters on the way home and had to show em what for."

The 17 year old hero was gifted a pouty face as he went to hang up his leather jacket.  "Oh don't be like that sis. I'm doin a lot of good as a hero. Sure the situation might not be ideal, but I'm saving a ton o' lives doin what I do."

"I know. I just wish we lived in a world where monsters didn't exist. Then we could hang out more! And maybe mom and dad wouldn't have..."

"Hey, c'mon Zenko, let's not think about that right now. I wanna enjoy the night with you, and thinkin about that stuff won't help."

"Yeah, you're right bro. Sometimes I just... Uh, where are you going?"

Badd turned around, giving his sister an odd look. "...To the kitchen to make dinner?"

Zenko sighed and waked ahead of her brother. "Big bro, remember the last time you tried to cook?"

Badd shifted his eyes to the left. "I don't see what that has to do with-"

"You somehow managed to catch a salad on fire. A SALAD Badd. How do you even do that?"

"Hey, how was I supposed to know the stove was that hot?" 

Zenko just looked up at her brother unimpressed.

"Fine, fine. I admit I'm not the best cook. You can cook tonight if you think you need to. Just be careful on the stove."

Zenko huffed. "Badd, I'll be fine. I'm 10 years old, not some stupid toddler."

"Still doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful."

"Big bro, we do this every time I cook. I'll be FINE."

Badd sighed in defeat. "Yeah, I know. I just worry about ya."

Zenko's expression softened a little. "I worry about you too big bro. I know how dangerous your hero work is, and sometimes I worry that one day you won't come home."

Badd's eyes welled up a little before he knelt down and embraced his sister in a hug. "I'm sorry that you have to worry about your big bro Zenko. I want you to know that there's no way I'll ever let something as stupid as a wound or even death leave you without anyone. I'll always come home. ALWAYS."

Zenko wiggled a little in her brother's embrace. People thought her brother was a scary hot head who was never calm. What they didn't know was that off duty, he was a huge softie. A pushover even. Sure her brother had anger issues, but he didn't let that get in the way of his time with her.

"Heh. That's my bro. You better make good on that promise, or I'll come and drag you back to the world of the living myself! Now let me go, I need to prepare dinner."

Badd chuckled and wiped his eyes. "Alright sis. Make us some grub, I'm gonna go watch some TV."

Zenko went to go get ready to prepare dinner while her brother went to relax on the couch. Walking into the living room, Badd noticed that Zenko had set some of her little pony dolls up on the coffee table. He didn't quite understand why she enjoyed playing with the little plastic horses so much, but then again, he wasn't a little girl. He slid the dolls out of the way and kicked his feet up, surfing through the channels.

"Up next, an exclusive interview with Amai-"

Click

"Never fear, Justice Man will-"

Click

"Breaking news! A powerful monster, estimated threat level Demon, has been sighted wreaking havoc in the southern district of City S!"

Badd's eyes widened. That's where HE lived.

"The monster was last seen heading towards the residence of S-Class hero Metal Bat. It's reason's for-"

Badd had tuned the rest out. He rushed into the hallway and picked up his bat, ready to take the bastard monster on.

"Zenko! There's a monster heading towards our house! Go hide in the-"

CRASH!

Before the young hero could finish warning his sister, a large, dark humanoid creature burst through the front door. The monster was wearing a tattered grey cloak, and it had pitch black skin. Apart from that, it's features were all but indistinguishable. 

"Ah, Metal Bat. Just the hero I've been looking for. I've come to-"

*WHAM!*

Before the monster could finish it's sentence, it was greeted with a steel bat to the head, sent careening back outside.

"OI. You interrupted my evening ya bastard! I hope your ready to face the consequences."

The monster growled and spit out a bit of black liquid.

"Insolent worm! At least let me finish talking! As I was saying, I've come to eliminate you from the picture. Big things are coming, and humanity will fall. But for that to happen, you heroes must be dealt with first."

Badd scoffed. "If I had a single Yen for every time one of you creeps has said something like that. You all end up worm food in the end, and I doubt you're anything special."

With that, Badd ran towards his opponent, and struck them across the head once again. Well, he would have, if the monster didn't fade into smoke at the last second.

The young hero looked around confused before a voice called out from behind him. "You fool! You cannot defeat me with that stick of yours! I am-"

*WHACK*

Before the monster could finish speaking, Badd swung at seemingly thin air, the creature phasing into focus and slamming into the ground.

"Hey, pro tip. Someone with your kind of powers really shouldn't speak during a fight."

"You arrogant-"

Before the monster could get another word out, Badd slammed his bat into the creature repeatedly, digging a crater with his strikes. After he deemed the monster thoroughly thrashed, he let up and ran back into his house.

"Zenko! Zenko are you-"

"I'm in the kitchen bro! Is the monster gone?"

Badd sighed in relief. "Thank GOD. Now, I'll get the door fixed up and we'll-"

Badd turned back to the doorway to see the monster limping towards him and now Zenko who stood at his side.

"You have undoubtedly won this fight Metal Bat, but it shall be I who has the last laugh!"

Badd growled. "Big bro's sorry Zenko, but he's gonna have to break the no violence rule."

"I have one last trick up my sleeve! Say goodbye to this world you two! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The monster thrust it's hands out, sending dark energy crackling towards the two siblings. Badd managed to club the monster in the head, finally killing it, but the energy continued forward, wrapping around the room and closing in on the two. The space around them started distorting, and the room felt like it was spinning.

"Bro, what's going on!?"

Badd snarled, lashing out at the energy with his bat to no avail. "I got no idea, but it doesn't matter! I'll protect you no matter what!"

The world around them continued spinning, the energy getting closer and closer, until there was a bright flash. When the light died down, both Badd and Zenko were gone.



Badd groaned. His head felt like it was swimming. He briefly wondered if this is what it felt like to be drunk. His eyes opened slowly. He was greeted to a clear sky and the sun high in the sky.

The hell..? Where the fuck did that monster take us to? Wait, Zenko!

Badd attempted to sand up, but his limbs felt weird. He opted to instead look around at his surroundings. He first noticed that his trusty bat was laying at his side. That was good. He would need it in case they ran into trouble on their way home. It appeared he was in a field of sorts. there was bright green grass sprawled out all around him, with what appeared to be a forest in the close distance.

He next decided to look for Zenko. after a bit of scanning, he came across an unconscious figure. Badd did a double take.

"Did that monster make me high or somethin?" Laying a couple yards away from him was a small horse. It had a pink coat. That wasn't what freaked Badd out though. It's mane had the exact same hair style and color as his sister's. Right down to the flower hair clip. Oh yeah, and it had wings too.

Badd brought a hand up to rub his eyes with. What he was greeted with instead was a hoof. He blinked. "I swear I better be fuckin dreaming right now."

Badd spotted a small pond nearby. Given that his current situation made movement difficult, he was forced to crawl over to  it. Once there, he looked down at his reflection and twitched his eye. Staring back at him was a red coated horse with his signature Pompadour haircut. Badd attempted to pinch himself until he realized he had hoofs. He then promptly hit himself in the face. When he felt pain and still saw a hoof was when the problems began.

Let it be known that Badd was someone who knew no fear. Let it also be known there's a difference between fear and panic. Which was why Badd was screaming at the top of his lungs. When he finally stopped to catch his breath, he saw his reflection again, the process started again. But this time with a lot of swearing. Badd was very glad his sister was still asleep.
> Chapter 1: Exploration And First Contact
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After around five minutes of running (more like stumbling) around in a confused and panicked frenzy, Badd finally managed to calm himself down enough to think.

"What. The. Fuck. I'm a horse. Zenko's a horse with fuckin WINGS, what next,  fuckin UNICORNS?"

"Ungh... big bro, is that you..?"

Zenko stirred where she lay, attempting to stand up.  She stopped dead when she saw her new appendage. "WHAAAAAA?!" 

"Well your reaction was tamer than mine at least."

Zenko looked over to where her brother's voice came from to find a red coated pony that looked very much like him. "WHAAAAA?! Big bro, are we dreaming? Wait no, this feels too weird to be a dream, so that means... EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

Zenko's screech made Badd recoil. "Uh, what that a scared scream or an exited scream?"

Zenko didn't respond, she was too busy prancing around and inspecting her new body. How she managed to work out how to move so quickly eluded her brother. Zenko looked back and saw her wings. Her eyes widened before she promptly fainted.

"Zenko? Ah hell."



Once Zenko woke up again, and stopped repeatedly saying "I'm a Pegasus" Badd finally decided that they were ready to at least figure out what to do from there.

"Sigh, I guess we'd better start looking around to see if we can find any sort of civilization."

"Won't the people find two talking ponies weird?"

"Zenko, that monster said 'say goodbye to this world forever. That means we're probably at least on a different planet, if not a different plane of existence. Given we got turned into... what did you call us?"

"Ponies."

"...Right. Given we were transformed, it would make sense that this is the dominant species here."

"That makes... and odd amount of sense. Weird, coming from you."

"Stuff it Zenko. I'm not a genius, but I'm not an idiot either. I can have my moments."

"By the way bro, I'd expect you to be freaking out a lot more right now."

"Eh, did that before you woke up. Don't get me wrong, looking like this is both infuriating and humiliating, and I hate this more than words can describe, but dwellin on it won't get us anywhere. Now, how the hell am I gonna carry my bat with hooves?"

"You could hold it in your mouth."

"...God damn it that really is my only option huh."

Badd walked slowly over to his bat and picked it up in his mouth. "Thr. nw w'cn go." 

Zenko smirked. "What was that bro?"

Badd simply glowered at his sister as he started moving forward.



After about an hour or so of trotting, the two siblings arrived at the edge of the forest that Badd had seen off in the distance when he woke up. 

"Well, there's nothing in view for as far as the eye can see apart from this forest. Maybe there's something on the other side?"

"I don't know. This place looks a little... spooky."

"Aw come on Zenko. There's nothing in there that could pose a threat to me. It's just a forest. Worst case scenario we get attacked by some wolves or a bear or something."

"...Alright bro. I'm counting on you to protect me. Just... don't kill any poor animal that might attack us."

"Heh, I'll try my best not to."



About half an hour into their trek through the forest, Zenko was getting really nervous.

"I swear I just saw something move in that bush."

"Come on Zenko, you're not usually this skittish. I mean you've literally come to try and take me home during monster attacks before!"

"I know... it's just that this place is super creepy! It's putting me on edge."

"Come on Zenko, nothing's gonna jump out at us."

All of a sudden, there was a chorus of growls coming from all around the two. Glowing green orbs appeared all around them.

"Big bro, please never speak again."

A figure jumped out at Zenko, before being smashed to bits by Badd's bat. The creature's body went everywhere, but it wasn't blood and guts that went flying.

"Huh? Wood?"

At the destruction of one of their own, the other creatures snarled and emerged from the shadows. 

"Wolves made of wood? Eh, I've seen a lot weirder."

Badd gave his bat a couple of experimental swings in his mouth before he deemed himself ready and went to smashing the wolves as they approached. Zenko cowered behind her brother as he smashed the strange creatures to bits. Something she noticed was that the despite their numbers being dwindled significantly, they weren't backing off in the slightest. A normal pack of wolves would normally know when to flee and cut their losses. These were blindly throwing themselves to their demise. Zenko supposed they weren't too different from monsters in that regard.

Badd smashed through the final wolf before spitting out his bat. "Heh. And that's the last of em. You okay Zenko?"

"Yeah... but did you have to kill them?"

"Sorry sis, but those weren't normal wolves. I didn't know how dangerous they were, so I put em down. Sides, they were actin like monsters back home. They were pretty relentless."

"Yeah, I guess, it's just that... wait, are those twigs... moving?"

Badd looked behind him and indeed, the bits of wood from the wolves he had taken out were swarming towards each other, before forming back into a wolf shape.

"You gotta be shittin me... fine. C'mon Zenko. Stay close to me. I'll walk and smash."



Applejack was in a great mood. Not only was the Summer Sun celebration going to be held in her hometown Ponyville this year, but her family was in charge of food! And to top it all off, a ton of her extended family were coming to visit for the celebration! Yes siree it was shaping up to be a great week indeed.

The orange farm mare was out harvesting apples for baking when she heard some commotion coming from the Everfree forest. Knowing what lurked in that area, she immediately went on guard, ready to book it back to the farmhouse if need be. What she wasn't expecting was a little pink pegasus filly to come running out of the forest and a red coated stallion to follow. The filly slowed down to breathe once she realized that whatever it was that was chasing the two of them was gone.

Applejack inspected the two of them before they noticed her. The pink filly had a black mane with a flower hair clip. But it was the other pony that grabbed her attention. He had a black mane like the other one, and it was done up in a style she hadn't seen before. What was the most glaring aspect about him however was the metal bat he had in his mouth. Both he and the weapon were also covered in splinters.

"Uh, howdy?"

Both the filly and the stallion turned to see her waving at the two of them.

"Oh, another pony! are we close to a town do you know?"

Applejack bit back a look of shock. This filly was acting so calm despite having just run out of the Everfree forest after being chased by what she could only assume were timberwolves based on the splinters in both her and the older pony's coat and manes.

"Uh, yeah. Ponyville's just down the way. Uh, may ah ask ya'll a question if ya don't mind?"

The stallion spit out the bat and grunted. "Sure. Shoot."

"What were tha two a you doin in the Everfree forest? That place is one of the most dangerous areas in all of Equestria!"

"Really? Didn't strike me as that bad."

The little filly puffed up her cheeks. "Big bro! We got chased for miles by those wooden wolf things!"

"So? They weren't too dangerous compared to most threats back home. They were more annoying than anything. Bastards just wouldn't stay down."

As the two now revealed siblings bickered back and forth, Applejack officially decided that they were very strange. Still, if they had been chased through half the Everfree by timberwolves then they couldn't really be that well off, and it wasn't in her nature to ignore a pony in need.

"Uh pardon me, but where would ya'll happen to be from? Ah can see if ah can help ya get home if ya need."

The stallion looked at her and sighed. "Yeah, about that miss. Don't know if that's possible."

Applejack gave him a sad look. "So ya'll don't have a home then?"

"...Something like that, yeah."

"Well shoot, ah can't leave the two a ya to fend fer yourselves. C'mon. Ya'll can stay with me an mah family."

"Uh, you sure about that? I don't wanna be any-"

"Big bro she's trying to help us! Just say yes, it's not like we have anywhere else to go!"

"Sigh. FINE. I guess we'll take you up on yer offer for now miss. An if we're gonna be stayin with ya, we should probably exchange names. I'm Badd, that's my little sister Zenko."

Applejack gave a smile and shook Badd's hoof excitedly.  "Glad ya'll will be stayin with us! Name's Applejack! Nice ta meet ya pardner! Me, mah siblings and mah granny run this here orchard! Sweet Apple Acres grows the best apples in all o' Equestria lemme tell ya!"

"Uh, nice to meet you too Applejack."

"Hah! C'mon now Pardner! No need to be so shy!"

"Sorry. It's just that I've never met anyone quite as... welcoming as you."

Applejack gave Badd a strange look. "Really now? Say, where are Ya'll from anyway? ah know ya got no home, but ya have to be from somewhere."

"Um... We're from, uh..."

Zenko huffed and cuffed her brother upside the head with a hoof. "Just tell her the truth big bro! You're awful at lying."

"But she'll think we're crazy!"

"But she'll know your lying no matter what else you say and will probably keep asking until we tell her the truth anyway."

"SIGH. Fine. My sister is right. I really suck at lying. Just a heads up though. You'll probably think we're insane once we tell you where we're from."

Applejack chuckled. "It's fine sugarcube.  Ah've heard some wacky tales in mah life. I'm sure that I'll understand. C'mon. I'll lead ya'll back to the farmhouse. Ah was about done with my daily harvest anyway. We'll walk and talk.

"Hey Zenko, can you tell her? I gotta carry my bat."

"Sure big bro! So we're actually from another world!"

If Applejack were drinking anything she would have spit it out. "What?!"
> Chapter 2: New Home And A New Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So lemme get this straight. Ya'll are from another world, and ya didn't used to be ponies. Not only that, but in your world, monster attacks are a common occurrence. So much so that an entire organization of superheroes needed ta be formed to stop em."

Zenko scratched the back of her head with a hoof. Badd still didn't know how she got used to her new body so quickly. He was still having trouble with walking.

"Yeah. I know it sounds pretty hard to believe, but it's the truth!"

Applejack gave a small chuckle. "Ah don't know what's stranger, that story ya'll just told me, or that ah believe ya."

Badd's bat slipped out of his mouth in shock. "Really? Just like that? Yer not even gonna dig for more details or nothin?"

"Nah, no point. If ya'll were gonna lie about where ya were from, you'd probably come up with somethin a little more believable than that."

"...Fair."

Applejack gave a smirk. "Now ah've gotta say, it'll be durn interestin to have a bona fide superhero livin on the farm mister Badd."

Badd snorted. "Quit it with the mister stuff, I'm only 17. And I'm not a superhero, It's not like I got any powers or nothin."

Zenko rolled her eyes. "Seriously bro? You're way faster, stronger, and tougher than an average person, and you can recover from broken bones and major blood loss just by resting a couple of days. Not to mention your 'Fighting Spirit'."

At this point, Applejack was staring at the siblings, mouth agape. "Say what now?! When yer sister said ya were a hero, ah expected maybe some super strength, but super healing too? And what's this 'Fighting Spirit she's goin on about?"

"Ah, that. It's not anything complicated. If I get into a tough fight, my fighting spirit kicks in and helps me get strong enough to take out whatever monster I'm fighting."

"So in other words, my big bro's superpower is being really stubborn."

Badd groaned. "C'mon Zenko, cut me some slack!"

"What kind of sibling would I be if I didn't tease you?"

Applejack shook herself out of her stupor and smirked. "Heh, well even if that is true, he's still a nice pony, so ah shouldn't treat him any differently." She coughed to get the sibling's attention. "Alright ya'll, that's enough bickering fer now. We're almost back to tha farmhouse. Let's get goin so ah can get ya set up and introduce ya to mah family!"

"Yeah, uh, are we gonna have to tell em where we're from too? Cuz something tells me not everyone is gonna be as quick to believe us as you were."

"Nah, don't worry 'bout them none. Ah'll just tell em that ah found ya'll runnin from a pack a timberwolves and that ya'll need a place to stay. Granny Smith and Big Mac won't press none. Little Applebloom might, but she's young enough that she'll believe anything without questionin' it much."

"Well, that's a relief. We'll still have to spill the beans eventually if we're gonna be livin with ya, but hopefully we can wait until we've gotten to know each other a little."

"Mah thoughts exactly sugarcube. Now let's get a move on!"

"Please don't call me 'sugarcube'."



"Howdy Granny, ah'm back!"

The elderly pony who was napping in a rocking chair jolted awake with a snort. "Wahzat?! Oh, howdy Applejack! done already? Say who're those two ponies ya got with ya? Ah haven't seen em around before."

"Ah was actually just about to bring that up. Ya see Granny, these two came barrelin outta the Everfree with a pack o timberwolves chasin em. They said they ain't got nowhere to go, so ah was wondering if'n we could house em for a bit."

Granny Smith got up from her chair and walked over to Badd. The hero turned pony gave her a weird look as she circled him, her eyes tracing over his body.

"Uh, everything alright miss?"

"Handsome young stallion, nice strong build, ah like ya sonny! You an' yer sister can stay wit' us, all ah ask is ya help out with tha farm from time to time."

"Uh, thanks? I was kinda planning on trying to help out anyway. Gotta keep up my exercise and all."

"Well then we got no issue! Now ah know Applebloom will be thrilled to bits to have another young filly to play with! Ah don't believe ah caught yer name dear."

"My name is Zenko! The big oaf over there is by big bro Badd!"

Granny Smith gave a small chuckle as Badd huffed in indignation. "We'll it's nice to make yer acquaintance. We'll get ya'll set up in the spare bedroom as soon as Big Mac and Applebloom get home."

"They're your siblings right AJ? what're they like?"

Applejack smiled. "He's warming up quicker than ah thought he would if he's already givin me a nickname." "Well, Big Mac ain't much of a speaker. he's real nice, just quiet. Applebloom on the other hoof is a rowdy little thing. She's always gettin inta some sort of trouble. Don't get me wrong, she's the sweetest little filly you'll ever meet, she can just be a bit of a hooffull."

"Eh, as long as she doesn't go trying to mess around with my bat, she'll be easy enough to deal with."

Granny Smith raised an eyebrow at that. "Speaking of that, why're ya carrying that thing 'round with ya anyway sonny?"

"Self defense. Don't really go anywhere without it."

"...Well, suit yerself. I'll warn ya though. Some ponies in town might find ya a little threatinin if ya go trottin around town with it."

"Really? Well, fair enough I guess. Don't really have a reason to bring it out in public anymore anyway."

Granny cast Badd a confused look at that, but didn't question it further.

Applejack staged coughed to get attention. "Well c'mon Granny. let's go get dinner ready while our new housemates look around."

"Hey, I could help out if you-oof!"

Zenko lowered her hoof from the top of Badd's skull. "Trust me bro. They REALLY don't need your 'help' with cooking."

"Fine, fine. Guess I'll go look around the house then."



Applejack really wasn't lying when she said her brother didn't talk much. When he walked into the house and saw Badd and Zenko, he just stared before Applejack explained what happened. Then he walked over and shook Badd's hoof, said 'Howdy.', and went to go help with dinner.

About five minutes after Mac showed up, a little yellow filly walked through the door. "Hey everypony, ah'm home!"

Applejack stuck her head out of the kitchen to greet her little sister. "Howdy Applebloom! How was school today?"

"Boring like usual. Is dinner ready yet, ah'm starvin!"

"It'll be ready in a bit. By the way, we got guests who're gonna be staying with us for a while. Why don't you go and say hi?"

"Really? First ah've heard about it. Well whatever, where are they?"

Applejack pointed a hoof into the next room over. "In there. Why don't ya go an greet em? Ah'm sure you'll get along great!"

"Well if ya say so."

Applebloom walked into the other room to find a red stallion and a pink pegasus filly trying to solve a puzzle.

"Wait, so if this piece doesn't go here then... what?"

The filly rolled her eyes and plucked the piece out of the stallion's hoof and planted it into it's place in the puzzle. "Seriously bro, how are you this bad at puzzles?"

"Uh, howdy?"

The two new ponies looked up from the table to see Applebloom staring at them. The pegasus perked up and trotted over to her, the stallion following behind.

"Hi! You're Applebloom right?"

"Yeah? How'd ya know mah, wait, that's a dumb question, mah sister told ya about me didn't she?"

"Heheh, yeah. Anyway, I'm Zenko, and that's my big bro Badd!"

Applebloom looked up at the red stallion. He was shorter than her big brother, but he looked just as strong, and they had nearly the same shaded coat.

"Well howdy! Mah sis said you're gonna be stayin here a while? That's great! It'll sure be interestin to have ya around! Hay, maybe we can be friends too!"

"That'd be great! It's been a long time since I've had a friend!"

Applebloom's smile  turned into a frown. "But why? Ya seem nice, why wouldn't anypony want to be yer friend?"

"Well, back at my old school, most of my classmates were too scared to hang out around me because of my big bro. And the few that did try only wanted to get close so they could get an autograph or something from him."

"Huh, but why would they be scared of him? Hay, why would they want an autograph? Are ya famous where yer from?"

Badd glared at Zenko for letting that slip and sighed. "Well, kind of. I wasn't an actor or a model or anything, god knows I'd turn something like that down. I was a hero."

"Whoa! Like a local hero? What did ya do?"

"Well, a little more than local. I am-Sigh, was, part of an organization of heroes that protected citizens from monster and other disasters. I was also one of the most well known ones due to my ranking, so all those little jerks at Zenko's school saw her as 'Metal Bat's sister', and not her for who she was." Badd took a breath. "Sorry, got a little carried away at the end there."

Applebloom stood there in silence with her eyes wide, trying to process what she just heard. An organization of heroes? Monster attacks? "Just where the hay are you two from?!"

The two flinched slightly. "That's where things get a little complicated."

One explanation that will probably become routine later: 

"Wow... So yer from another world, and there's a ton of scary monsters there? And yer sayin one of them brought you two here? Wait, what if that monster starts bringing other monsters here?!"

Badd scoffed. "Doubt that thing'll be doin anything when it's missing it's head."

Applebloom's eyes widened. "Y-you killed it?"

"Well yeah. What'd you expect me ta do, let it roam free so it could wreak havoc on the defenseless masses? Kid, yer lucky you don't have a monster problem here. They're ruthless killing machines that won't stop causing violence unless they're put down. It's ugly, but it's reality. Well, reality where we come from anyway."

Applebloom sighed. "Ah-ah guess that makes sense, it just don't sit right with me."

Badd sighed. "Hey, if it'll make you feel better, I promise I won't do anything like that while um here." "Unless I have to of course."

"That would, thank ya Badd. The worst you'll see in Equestria is the creatures in the Everfree forest, and even they're really just animals."

Zenko shivered a little. "Yeah, but still. Getting chased halfway through there by those timberwolves was NOT fun."

"Wait, ya'll were IN the Everfree? Any you escaped a pack of timberwolves?!"

Badd rolled his eyes. "We literally JUST told you what our world's like. Those things were more annoying than anything."

Applebloom giggled. "Oh right. Forgot ah'm dealing with a real superhero here. So, you're really able to beat up scary monsters with just a bat?"

"Well yeah. Not every hero has some super crazy power. I mean, even in the S-class, there's a couple heroes that just use their fists to fight."

"Well ah guess that's why your cutie mark is a bat then, using that thing must be yer special talent!"

Badd's smile dropped and his eye twitched as he looked back at what he thought was just a badass tattoo. "What did you just call that?"

"Yer cutie mark? Don't ya'll have em where you come from?"

Badd stood up and walked towards the door. "Excuse me a minute."

A moment later, Zenko and the entire apple family heard a scream of pure agony.
> Chapter 3: Around The Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Badd came back in and apologized for his sudden outburst, (not before insisting that no one refer to his 'tattoo' by it's actual name ever again)  he and Zenko sat down with the apple family for dinner.

Badd and Zenko looked at all the food that lay before them. "Uh, wow. I know you're apple farmers and all, but are apples all you eat?"

"Nah, apples are a huge part of our diet, but we tend to have other things with em. The only reason we're havin so many apple dishes tonight is b'cause we're workin on perfectin our recipes  fer the Summer Sun Celebration. we're in charge of the food fer the party ya see."

"Summer Sun Celebration? That a holiday or sumthin?"

Granny Smith gave a smirk. "Ya must be from really far away huh? The Summer Sun Celebration ain't just a holiday, it's a national event! The ruler of Equestria Princess Celestia chooses one town or city to host the celebration every year, and fer the first time ever, humble ol' Ponyville is hostin it!"

Badd's face immediately went into 'What the fuck' mode. "This town is called 'Ponyville'. That's the most uncreative name I've ever heard."

"Big bro, the cities back home are literally named after letters of the alphabet."

"...Touché. Wait, I got another question. You said the ruler of this country goes by the title princess? I don't know how things work here, but back where we're from a monarch usually has the title of king or queen."

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, th' princess don't want to be called queen fer whatever reason. Nopony knows why, but then again, nopony cares or is brave enough to ask."

"Eh, fair enough. Was just kinda curious."

The rest of the meal passed in relative silence, with only the occasional question from Applebloom about Zenko and Badd's life back home. A few of the questions gave them some odd looks from Granny Smith and Big Mac, but they didn't question anything. After dinner was finished, Badd and Zenko helped Applejack and Big Mac clean up the dishes while Granny Smith went to get the spare room ready for them.

"So tomorrow ah thought that ah'd take the two o you inta town to help ya get to know th' locals."

Zenko perked up at that. "That'd be awesome! I was worrying we'd have to stay here for a while!"

"Shoot, we don't live that far away. S' only bout a 15 minute walk ta town."

"Huh, that's not even as far as I had to walk to get to school."

"In fact ah have a friend that ah know would be more than happy to teach ya how to use them wings o yers Zenko."

Zenko squealed and started hopping up and down. "You mean I'm gonna be able to FLY?! Yesyesyesyesyes!"

Applejack started laughing. "Well yer certainly exited."

Badd smiled. Seeing his little sister so happy always brought him joy like nothing else could. "Can't say I blame her. Being able to fly sounds awesome. One of the few things I was ever jealous about."

"Wha'dya mean Badd?"

"Oh yeah. There's this brat in the S-class Called Tatsumaki. Thinks she's real hot stuff and loves to put the rest of us down cuz she thinks she's the strongest. She's some sort o psychic and can pick things up and fly with her mind. As much as I wanna bust her skull in sometimes I gotta admit I'm kinda jealous she can fly and all."

"Well she sounds like a right bully. Guess yer kinda glad to be rid o her fer a while at least."

"For a while? I kinda got the impression that we were stuck here fer good. Then again, there is the possibility that either I'm high or this is some stupid long and super detailed dream."

Applejack laughed at that. "Yer a riot sometimes ya know that? Though ah don't know what bein high up has to do with any o this. But what ah meant by that was that ah was gonna suggest that ya talk to tha princess bout yer situation when she gets here for the celebrations. If there's anypony who'd know anything bout somethin like that, it'd be her."

"...That makes sense I guess. She rules the country after all, she would probably have someone who could look into it."

"Nah, ah mean her specifically. She's lived fer thousands o years, so she'll hopefully have somethin that can help ya."

Badd choked on his own spit in shock. "You mean to tell me that your ruler is thousands of years old?! Is she immortal or something?!"

"Heh, ah keep fergettin ya'll wouldn't know bout stuff like that. But yeah, Princess Celestia's lived for a long time. She's never said whether she's immortal or just real long lived, though almost all ponies believe the former."

"Wow, that... just wow. I didn't even know immortality was possible but here we are. Man, that must suck for her."

Applejack frowned in confusion. “Whad’ya mean sugarcube?” 

Badd groaned. “I thought I told you not to call me that. And well, it’s just that if she’s lived that long, how many friends do you think she’s had that have died? Living forever when everyone else around you has a set limit on life must suck.”

Applejack put a hoof to her mouth, eyes tearing up. “A-ah never thought of it that way b’fore. That’s terrible! How does she stay so calm and benevolent when she has to go through sumthin like that?”

Badd’s eyes widened. ”way to go jackass, ya made her upset.” “Hey, come on. It’s not our problem anyway. Besides, I’m sure she has ways of coping with it. C’mon, enough of the depressing talk.”

The orange mare wiped her eyes and gave a sad smile. “Yeah. Ah guess her right. S’ just Th’ princess does so much fer all of us, ah feel bad that she has ta go though that. Hay, she deserves ta be happy more than anypony else ah reckon.”

“Well you said she’s coming to this festival thing right? Maybe try telling her that when you see her there.”

“Y’know what? Ah think ah’ll do just that! Thanks fer openin mah eyes to how much th’ princess cares bout us Badd.”

“It was just a stray thought…”

“Well, it’s gettin pretty late. Ah reckon yer sister’s in bed by now.” 

Badd looked out the window to find it dark, night having taken over the sky while they were talking. “Damn, night falls quick around here huh? Guess I’d better get to sleep then if we’re headin to town tomorrow.”

“Well I’ll see ya in the mornin then Badd. Sleep tight.”



The sound of a rooster crowing snapped Badd out of his sleep. "GAH! Fucking hell!"

After he had gotten over the shock of his sudden wake up call, he looked down at his hooves and sighed. "Damn. There goes the last chance of this being a dream. Can't say I'm surprised honestly."

Badd rolled off the bed and walked over to the mirror that was in the spare room he and Zenko were using. "I need a comb. Hell, how am I even gonna use a comb without hands?"

Zenko giggled from where she lay on the bed. "Maybe this is what'll finally get you to stop wearing that ridiculous hairstyle."

"Hey, it's not ridiculous, it's badass!"

Zenko just rolled her eyes and hopped down from the bed. "Well I have noticed that our hooves are more flexible than they look. We can actually hold things with them. It's clumsier than using a hand obviously, but it should work well enough to comb at least."

"Wait, I can actually hold things? Hell yeah! I was worried I'd have to use my mouth to carry my bat everywhere."

"Well, sure you can use them to swing it, but I've noticed that it's pretty hard to walk on only three hooves. And I think walking on two is out of the question given how we're quadrupeds now."

Badd made a strange face. "Quadhuh?"

Zenko rolled her eyes at her brother's ignorance. "We can't walk on two legs because of our new bodies."

"Damn. Well, still. being able to hold things is good enough news for now. You head downstairs. I'm gonna comb real quick."



Applejack smiled and waved Badd over as he came down the stairs. "Howdy there Badd! How'd ya sleep?"

"That rooster of yours can go to hell."

"Ah-heh. Ah guess yer not a mornin person then?"

Zenko swallowed the piece of toast she was eating and spoke up. "He's really not. We usually wake up a lot later than this, so he'll probably be more grumpy than usual for a while."

"Ah see. Well we'll have ta fix that soon, cuz us apples rise with tha sun every mornin! Ah'll let ya two eat and wake up, an then we'll head down ta town!"

Badd grumbled. "Don't really see the point. Anyone sane is probably still asleep."

Applejack rolled her eyes at the comment. "Well, ah guess ya might have a point. We'll leave 'round 10 then."

"Whatever..."



When the time rolled around to leave, Applejack rounded Zenko up and found Badd practicing swinging his bat.

"Hey there Badd! We're bout ta head down ta town."

"aright. Let's get goin then."

Badd flicked his bat off to the side. The weapon went flying into a boulder and shattered it, kicking up a small dust cloud.

"Uh, whoops. Didn't mean to put that much force into it."

Applejack stared wide eyed at where the boulder once stood before shaking her head. "Right. Super strength." "Eh, don't worry bout it. Didn't have a use fer that thing anyhow. Now c'mon, let's get goin.



The walk into town was pretty uneventful, with nothing more than a little small talk. As they approached, Badd noticed that most of the buildings looked rather old fashioned. Nothing like the concrete pillars that made up the cities back home.

"Heh, well this is a nice change of pace compared to back home. Nice and humble."

"Yeah. Ol Ponyville is a quaint little town, but it sure has its fair share of charms. C’mon, ah’ll show ya around. Ponyville don’t get many new faces, so everpony’ll be a mite curious bout the two o you.”

Badd and Zeno spotted a pink pony who looked their way. She let out a long gasp before bolting away at insane speeds.

“Uhhhhh, is that a common reaction to strangers here?”

Applejack gave a laugh. “Naw, that’s just Pinkie Pie. She’s an odd one, but probably the nicest pony in town once ya get ya know her.”

Badd and Zenko looked in the direction where the pink mare had bolted off to. “I’ll… take your word for it. You sound like you know her well enough, what was that all about?” 

“That’s just her reaction ta every new pony that comes ta town. She knows everypony in Ponyville, and ah mean EVERYPONY. If a new pony shows up, she’ll do her darnedest to get ta make friends with em. She’s definitely planning something fer ya right now.” 

Zenko gave a wide grin. “Well she sure sounds nice. I can’t wait to see what she’s setting up!”

“Ah’m sure you’ll see later. C’mon, ah want ta introduce ya’ll to mah friend Rainbow Dash! She’s a Pegasus like you, and I’m sure she’d love ta teach ya how to use them wings o yers.”

“Really?! Awesome! Let’s go meet her right now!”

“Well, normally she’d be workin right about now, but as luck would have it, it’s her day off! She’ll probably be nappin in a cloud somewhere.”

Badd groaned at that. “Seriously? I’m not a logical thinker or nothing, but the lack of sense being made in this world is driving me nuts! Aren’t clouds just water or somethin? How the hell do you stand on one?”

“Well, ah don’t know the science behind it or nothin, but somethin bout Pegasi make it so that clouds act as solids to em.”

“That’s really all the explanation I’m gonna get huh?” 

Zenko snickered. “Now you know how it feels when you ‘explain’ your fighting spirit to people.”

“I… yeah, I guess this is some sort of karma fer that huh?”

“Look out below!” 

The group of three looked into the sky to find a rainbow blur heading towards them at alarming speeds. It crashed into Badd, sending both of them careening into a nearby tree.

The dust settled, revealing a cyan pegasus mare with a rainbow mane.

“Man, really gotta watch where I’m going… oh crap are you ok?!” 

Badd removed his skull from the new crater in the tree trunk with a groan. “Yep, nothing hurt here except for my pride.”

The mare gave him an cautious look. “You sure dude? That was a pretty nasty impact. Uh, sorry about that by the way.”

“It’s fine… I guess. Not the first time I’ve been tackled at near Mach speed.” 

“Hah! I like you! Name’s Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in Equestria!”

“So your Rainbow Dash. We’ve actually been looking for you.”

Before Rainbow could respond to that, Applejack came stomping up to her. “Consarn it Dash! What’ve we discussed bout payin attention when your flyin that fast? You coulda seriously hurt Badd here!”  

“Hey, I already apologized, and besides, he’s totally fine! So no harm done right?” 

“You slammed him inta a tree!”

“…ok, fine. I get ya AJ. I’ll try and be more careful. The reason I wasn’t paying attention was because I was looking for you! Pinkie stopped by and told me that you were hangin out with a couple of ponies she’d never seen before, so I got curious and went to find you!”

“Well, you’re meetin em right now, and ah can’t say you’ve made the best first impression.”

Rainbow looked back over to Badd. He was trying to get the splinters out of his mane while grumbling about needling to comb it again. Zenko was snickering at his less than successful attempt.

“Hey, uh, sorry that we got off on the wrong hoof. I can like, do something to make it up to you.

Badd sighed. “Well, i gotta ask first, do you crash a lot, because if you do, you might not be what we’re looking for.”

Rainbow glared. “Of course not! I was just distracted is all! I’m the best flier I know!”

“Hrm. Fine. Prove it.”

“In what way?”

“I dunno, do some stunts or something. Me and Aj were gonna see if you could teach my little sister Zenko how to fly, but I don’t wanna put her with some reckless amateur who can’t keep up with her own mouth.”

Rainbow dash gave a cocky grin “Oh it. Is. On. I’ll impress ya so much you won’t be able to speak for a week!”

With that, the prismatic pegasus bolted into the air and began to preform. She bobbed and weaved in between clouds and buildings, did loop de loops, and flew backwards, all at high speeds of course. After a minute or so, she came down, looking slightly winded. 

“So, how was THAT?”

“…huh, pretty good actually. I might not understand all the technical stuff about what you did, but it sure looked cool.”

Rainbow frowned. “Huh, I expected you to be a lot more phased than that. I must be off my game.”

“I doubt it. It just takes a lot to phase me.”

Zenko laughed at that. “You’re right about that big bro! You were over that whole alien invasion thing in like a day!”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at that, as did Applejack. 

“Say what now?”

Zenko widened her eyes a little. “Oh, probably shouldn’t have mentioned that huh?”

Badd groaned. “Ya think? Now we’ve gotta explain this stupid story for the third time! I swear, we should just make pamphlets at this point!”

Rainbow looked lost. “Uh, what are you guys talking about?”

Applejack chuckled. “I’d prepare yerself sugarcube. This is one heck of a tale yer boutta hear.”



"...Wow. That's... kinda a lot to take in. I'll be honest, if it weren't for AJ vouching for you, I probably wouldn't believe you. I mean, come on, superheroes and giant monsters? That sounds like stuff out of a comic book! And you're saying your one of those heroes too? Man, no wonder you weren't hurt from getting flown into that tree."

Zenko huffed. "Well if there's one thing my bro is good at it's taking a beating. I can't count the times I've seen him come home a bloody mess after fighting some monster and then seeing him good as new in the morning."

Badd rubbed the back of his head ashamed. "I'm sorry you gotta see me like that sometimes Zenko, it's just part of my job."

Rainbow was still ranting about how 'crazy' or 'awesome' it was that Badd and Zenko came from a world like that. "And you were talking about an alien invasion too?! Did you seriously fight aliens?!"

Badd rolled his eyes at the pegasus' enthusiasm. "Yeah, it wasn't some huge victory or nothin though. We only took em out after their ship blew up an entire city."

Rainbow and Applejack's eyes widened. "An entire city?! That's terrifying! How did ya manage to take out somethin like that?!"

"To be honest, no one's really sure about that. Me and three other heroes were fighting one of the aliens, a bastard with five heads who could regenerate. After we beat it, the ship started to fall. We thought it was because of the damage that had been done to the outside of it, but once the inside got looked at, it was a mess, and there were a ton of dead aliens inside. The running theory is that the number 1 hero Blast showed up and defeated the leader, but no one saw him so we can't be sure. Then again, there was that guy that was with Silverfang and the newbie Genos. Old man Bang kept saying he was super strong, and the newbie kept calling him 'Master' or something, and he disappeared after the city got destroyed, but it's kind of a stretch to think he took the ship down." 

Badd stopped and gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Sorry, I kinda went off on a bit of a rant there."

Rainbow was pacing in circles. "Wow, you took on aliens! That's insane! Alright, that settles it! I'll have to do something to top that in awesomeness! I gotta keep my rep as coolest in Ponyville! Hey, if you guys are gonna be checking out the town, you mind if I tag along for a bit? You guys are super cool. I can already tell we'll be great friends!"

Zenko gave a beaming smile. "Yeah, and you'll teach me how to fly right? That'll be so awesome!"

"Sure thing squirt, as long as your bother okays it."

Badd waved a hoof dismissively. "As long as I'm around to watch it. Not that I don't trust you or anything, I just want to be around to catch her if she falls."

"Protective eh? I get it, I'd probably be the same way if I had a little sibling. We'll start after I get off work tomorrow, kay squirt?"

"Yeah, that sounds great! Say, where do you work anyway?"

"I'm the captain of the Ponyville weather team! It's honestly kinda boring work, just scheduling and preparing the weather, but hey, it pays the bills. Besides, it's not like I can leave the town hanging."

Badd sighed. "Of course you can make the weather what you want here. To be honest, that's one of the least surprising things I've learned about this world. "

"You mean the weather isn't scheduled back in your world?"

"Of course not. We can predict it, but we can't change it to be what we want when we want. There's also some monsters that I've heard used weather changing powers, but they were always destructive with it, because, y'know, they're monsters."

"Huh, that's weird. I can't imagine living without controlled weather."

"Vice versa lady. It's gonna feel weird for a while."

"Heh, you'll get used it soon enough."



Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued to show Badd and Zenko the sights in town. They passed by the town hall, the library, and eventually ended up at the marketplace. 

"An this is where ya'll can buy any goods that catch yer fancy. Course we got a couple o actual stores in town, but the market is where you'll find most o the stuff."

"Oh! Applejack darling, there you are! I was wondering where you've been today."

Badd and Zenko looked towards the voice to find a white unicorn with a purple mane approaching them. 

"Howdy Rarity. Sorry if ya were lookin fer mah stand today. Ah took the day off ta show these two round town. They're gonna be stayin at mah place fer a while since they got nowhere else ta go. Saw em run outta the Everfree with timberwolves hot on their trail if ya could believe it."

Rarity gasped. "Oh how dreadful! You've been through quite a lot haven't you!"

Badd rolled his eyes at the drama. "More than you know."

"And I say! Something simply awful must have happened to your mane for you to have combed it into such a... tacky style! This simply will not do! Good sir, I insist you come with me to my boutique!" 

Badd found himself being dragged way before he could collect his thoughts. "Wha-hey! Hold on I never agreed to any of this! And what was that about my hair?!"

Zenko, Rainbow and Applejack laughed as Badd was carted away by the fashion police. He either hadn't realized that he could just break out of her grip or just didn't care enough to.

"Bye big bro, have fun!"

As Zenko and her tour guides went to move on, a carrot rolled up and bumped against her hoof. She picked it up and inspected it. As she was doing so, she felt a tap on her leg. She looked down to find a white little rabbit. He was tapping his foot on the ground and holding a paw out expectantly.

"Oh hello little bunny! Is this yours? Here you go!"

As Zenko was handing the carrot to the rabbit, a timid voice, almost a whisper, called out. "Oh, Angel, there you are! I was worried you'd gone and gotten yourself lost."

A butter yellow pegasus with long pink mane trotted up slowly and plucked the rabbit up with her wing. She shied back a little once she noticed the three ponies standing in front of her. 

"O-oh. Hello Rainbow, Applejack. Um, who's the little filly?"

"Howdy Shy! This is Zenko, she an her brother are gonna be stayin with me fer a while. Zenko, this is Fluttershy. She runs an animal shelter o sorts on the outskirts of town. Most of em are wild, but she likes ta take care of em."

Fluttershy gave a meek smile and nodded. "Oh yes. My house is open to animals of all kinds. Whether they need a new home or just a bit of attention."

Zenko hopped around excitedly. "That sounds great! I love animals, I've always wanted a pet, but big bro says we wouldn't have the time to care for it. Well, maybe we would now! Ooh, I'll have to ask him when he gets back from wherever that unicorn dragged him."

At Fluttershy's questioning look, Rainbow snickered. "Rarity showed up and dragged him away for a makeover. Can't say I envy the poor guy."

"Oh, well you could come over to my cottage and look for a pet. If that's alright with you that is."

"Oh, that would be great! I'd have to ask my big bro before I actually adopt one, but It would still be cool to look around. Besides, I'm sure I can guilt trip Badd into saying yes."

"Okay then. Angel and I will show you to our little home.



"What god did I piss off to end up here?"

Badd was being bombarded with floating combs and clippers as he desperately tried to keep his mane intact. "Jeez lady, what the hell is your problem? I like my hair the way it is, thanks!"

Rarity paused her assault and gave him an incredulous look. "But why? It is the definition of a fashion disaster! I'm sure you'd look much better with a different style."

"Yeah, no. Don't care. I like my hair the way it is, and whoever raises a complaint can piss off."

Rarity huffed. "Such foul language! Clearly you weren't raised with proper manners."

"Same could be said fer you! You've been chasing me around trying to mutilate my hair with scissors!"

Rarity sighed and put the scissors back on the table. "Fine. I admit I may have been a bit... insensitive to your wishes. If you wish to keep your mane the way it is, I won't object. no matter how... horribly tacky it may be."

"And it only took me telling you that four times. Can I go now? I gotta catch up with my little sister.”

“Oh but darling! If I can’t convince you to change your mane, you simply must let me design something to divert attention from it.”

Badd rolled his eyes. “Hate to break it to ya, but I don’t got any money.”

“Oh money won’t be necessary, I’ll do this for free!”

“… you must REALLY hate my hair huh?”

“That’s not it at all! I’m simply trying to be nice. Is there anything in particular you’d like me to make for you?”

“You for real? No strings attached or nothing? No ‘special favors’ I’ll end up having to do for you later?”

“I Pinkie promise. Cross my heart hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Badd deadpanned as he watched the unicorn go through the strange motions. “What the hell was that?”

“It’s a Ponyville thing. Trust me, nopony breaks a Pinkie promise if they know what’s good for them.”

“…I’ll take your word for it then. It’s just that I’ve never heard of anyone just giving things away like this.”

“I get that a lot. I take joy in giving to others. Now as I was saying, is there anything in particular you would like me to make darling?”

“Ok first, cut it out with the darling talk. And we’ll, a belt to hold my bat would be nice. And I am kinda missing my jacket.

“A belt for a bat? Are you a baseball player perhaps?”

“No, it’s mostly for self defense, but I have messed around in baseball once or twice.”

“Ah, I see. Well I should’ve guessed you’d own one given your cutie mark.”

“PLEASE don’t call it that.”

“…if you insist. And a jacket. What color and material?”

Badd remembered the cows he had seen on Applejack’s farm and how he had actually been able to have a conversation with one. Given that, he made sure not to ask for leather. “Black, with the toughest material you got.”

“Black hm? Simple, but it should work. Would you mind if I put your, ah, mark on the jacket? It would make it more personalized.” 

“Ya know, what? That’d actually be pretty badass. Go for it.”

Rarity wrinkled her nose at Badd’s language, but didn’t comment. “Very good. Now, I’ll just need a few measurements…”



Zenko squealed as Fluttershy’s cottage came into view, startling said mare.

“Oh my gosh! So many cute animals! Cats and chickens and squirrels and is that a bear?!”

“Oh yes. Mr. Bear might look scary, but he’s a real sweetheart once you get to know him.”

“Wow! You must really like animals miss Fluttershy! Your entire house is filled with them!”

“Well I have been told I am quite good with them. It’s my special talent after all.”

“Wow, that’s so cool! I wonder what my talent will be! I’m pretty good at—was pretty good at the piano. How am I supposed to play without fingers? Big bro will be so sad, he really loved it when I played.”

Fluttershy noticed Zenko’s smile drop and got concerned. “Oh dear, what do you mean you can’t play anymore? And what are fingers?”

“Well, it’s pretty complicated. The gist of it is my bro and I got dumped into this world after a monster he was fighting sent us here from our world. It also turned us into ponies. We used to be a species called humans, who have hands instead of hoofs.”

“Oh dear… so your not really a pony?”

“Well I am now. But yeah, the no fingers thing is going to be more annoying than I thought.”

Fluttershy hummed. She didn’t really understand a lot of what Zenko said. Different worlds? Monsters? Humans? She thought they were just fictional creatures that Lyra made up. But she had heard of pianos. They were an instrument used by griffons, given the dexterity of their talons could play the tiny keys. However, she had heard of a way some pegasi played them.

“Couldn’t you just use your wings to play?”

“Huh?”

“Well, it’s just that I’ve heard that some pegasi can play the piano by using their wings. I’m sure that with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it too.”

“Really? Oh that’s great! I was so worried that I’d never be able to play again!”

Well that cleared that up. Fluttershy smiled at seeing the filly’s smile return. She looked up at the clock in her cottage and hummed.

“Zenko, I was wondering, have you been to Sugarcube Corner yet? It’s the local bakery. We could go right now if you want. “I-of that’s alright with you.”

Zenko started to salivate at the the thought of baked goods. “That sounds awesome! Let’s go!”



Getting his measurements taken had been hell for Badd. He was forced to sit still while the prissy white unicorn measured every single aspect about his body. It wasn’t the end of the world though. She had offered to take him to the local bakery afterwards, and having quite a sweet tooth, Badd accepted without much hesitation. As he and Rarity approached the building that looked like diabetes incarnate, he spotted Zenko with a pony he hadn’t met.

“Oh Zenko thank god! I got tortured with combs, scissors and measuring tape! It was awful!”

His little sister rolled her eyes. “I swear bro, sometimes your super dramatic.”

The two bickered for a while until they finally noticed something off. “Hey Zenko, where’d the pony you were with get off to?”

“Huh. Rarity’s gone too you know.”

“Eh, they probably just went inside, c’mon.”

The two entered the bakery to find it completely dark.

“This is… odd. Kinda starting to wish I’d brought my bat with me.”

All of a sudden the lights flickered on and Badd and Zenko got a face full of confetti. 

“SURPRISE!”
> Chapter 4: The Welcoming Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"SURPRISE!"

Badd stumbled out the door in shock. "Gah! What the hell?!"

All of a sudden, two blue eyes sitting on a pink face were staring at the hero.

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! Were you surprised? Wereyouwereyouwereyou?"

"What the... I didn't even see you move!"

That didn't quite seem to register with the pink pony, who was now prancing around Badd in circles. Zenko laughed from inside the shop.

"Remember when I saw you with Applejack and I was all like 'Gaaaaaaasssp!' and ran away? Well I was really planning your welcome to Ponyville party because I know everypony in Ponyville and everypony deserves a welcome party so I can get to know them and be friends with them and make them happy and-"

Badd shoved a hoof to Pinkie's mouth. "Please stop talking. You're giving me a headache."

Pinkie just beamed. "Okie dokie lokie! Enjoy the party, I made sure to make it extra super special!"

With that, Pinkie Pie ran back inside and merged with the crowd. Badd looked at Applejack as she walked up to him chuckling.

"What was that? Is she always so... hyper?"

"Yeah, Pinkie's a bit of a character. I'm sure once ya get ta know her you'll be good friends. Celestia knows Pinkie won't stop botherin ya til that happens."

"Oh joy..."

"Oh, ye'll come around! C'mon, yer sister's already joined the party!"

Badd rolled his eyes but walked in anyway. He wasn't a big party guy to begin with, and the fact he knew almost none of the ponies here didn't help. The semi disgruntled hero walked over to the snack bar and poured himself a cup of punch. He perked up when he saw a familiar face walk over.

Rainbow Dash walked up to him with a smirk. "Not a fan of crowds I take it?"

""Eh, I'm fine with crowds, it's more parties. Not to mention you're one of the only ones here I've even met."

Badd went to take a sip of punch but stopped. "Pinkie doesn't spike this stuff right? I'm underaged."

Rainbow gave a laugh. "Nah. Pinkie doesn't serve alcohol at her parties. The foals come too you know. Besides, in case you haven't noticed, her parties are a little... kiddie."

Badd looked over to where some ponies were playing pin the tail on the donkey, or pony, in this case. "Yeah, that kinda suits her personality from what I've seen of her."

"Hah! Yeah, you're right there. Well, I'm gonna go do some dancing. I'll talk to ya later dude!"

Rainbow trotted off onto the dance floor, leaving Badd alone once more. He didn't really mind much, he was always more of the loner type. Mostly because his classmates at his old school were afraid of him, but that's besides the point.

About fifteen minutes passed, and another pony walked up to him. Badd didn't recognize this one, so he assumed they were just there for some snacks. He was proven wrong when they waved to him.

"Hi there! I noticed you were standing her alone, so I thought I'd say hello! I'm Lyra Heartstrings!"

"Uh, hey. Name's Badd."

"You're one of the new ponies right? I know that it's a little weird to have a party about you just for moving into town, I had one when I moved in a couple weeks ago too. I was so surprised!"

Badd figured this one was just a talker, so he let her ramble on. 

"I was pretty nervous, y'know? This big party for me with all the ponies I don't know attending. But then one of them walked up and started talking to me. We hit it off, and now we're best friends! "

"Mhm."

Lyra poked Badd in the side. "C'mon, loosen up a little! It's a party, and you're supposed to be having fun!"

"I'm not a big party guy."

Lyra frowned, then smirked. "If you don't start at least looking like you're having fun, Pinkie Pie will come bother you until you do."

Badd groaned and set his third cup of punch down. "Fine. Lead the way."

"There we go! Come on, I'll go introduce you to my friend Bon-Bon!"

Badd got dragged away into the crowd of ponies by the mint-green pony, already beginning to regret his decision. 

"Hey Bon-Bon! Meet my new friend Badd!"

"We literally just met two minutes ago."

A cream colored pony turned around with a smile and waved the two over. "Hi Lyra! And is this our guest of honor?"

"Yeah! He's a little shy though. I found him standing by himself at the punch bowl."

"Oi! I'm not shy, I just don't know anyone here!"

Bob-Bon raised a brow at the use of 'anyone', but shrugged it off. "Well that's why you go and mingle silly! What do you think a welcome party is for?"

Badd just grumbled.

"Oh, come on now. Hey Lyra, why don't you go on one of your rants about humans? That might get him to open up, or scare him off, but it's worth a shot."

"Hey, they aren't rants! I've done genuine research into humans, I'm sure they exist!"

Badd raised an eyebrow at that. "You know about humans? Thought they didn't exist in this world."

Lyra swiveled her head towards Badd and gasped. "You know about humans too? And you said something about 'this world'? Do you think they could exist on another planet?"

Badd groaned as Bon-Bon looked towards him in shock, and then exasperation. "Great, another human nutjob."

"Fine, I'll tell you what I know, but can we go somewhere more... private? Like outside?"

"Oh, hehe, sure! Oh, I'm so exited! You have to tell me EVERYTHING!"

The ex human sighed as he led the ecstatic unicorn outside. "What am I getting myself into with this one?"



Zenko had run around the party and met a lot of ponies, even some foals around her age! It felt good to talk to other peo-ponies her age without them being terrified of her, or rather her brother. She spotted another couple of fillies. One grey with glasses and one pink wearing a tiara. Smiling, she walked over to introduce herself.

"Hi, my name's Zenko! Who're you two?"

The two fillies turned around. "Huh? You, like, don't know who we are?"

The grey one leaned in to whisper to the pink one. "Diamond, she's one of the new ponies the party is about."

"Oh, you're new here. Then I guess it, like, makes sense. I'm Diamond Tiara, and that's Silver Spoon. We're like, the coolest and richest ponies at school."

"Oh, that's uh, neat!"

"I heard you were living with the Apples. Like, why would you want to live with a bunch of dirty farmers like them?"

"Huh? Why wouldn't I? They're super nice! They let me and my big bro stay at their house when we had nowhere else to go!"

"So you're like, homeless? Ew."

"What? No! My bro and I are just... really far from home. We actually had a really nice house!"

"Like, how big was it?"

"It wasn't a mansion or anything, but my bro had a really well paying job, so we it was pretty nice. It even had a really big kitchen!"

Diamond Tiara tilted her head. "Like, what did your brother do? Did he own a business or something? My daddy does."

Zenko was starting to get the feeling that these fillies were the snobby type, but she didn't want to give up just yet. "No, my big bro was a hero! One of the top ranking ones too!"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon stared at her blankly for a moment before they erupted into laughter. 

"A-a superhero? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard! Seriously, you couldn't come up with anything better than that?"

"Hey, I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! In fact, I didn't even have any friends at my old school because the kids there were afraid of him."

"Yeah, right. I bet it was just because you're a loser."

Zenko folded her ears back and backed away until she bumped up against something. Something tall and red. 

"OI. Were you two makin fun of my little sis?"



Badd had ended up telling Lyra and Bon-Bon everything about where he was from.

"Wow! Superheroes that fight monsters? Humans are even more awesome than I thought!"

Bon-Bon sighed. "Great. I'm in the company of a couple of wackos. Likable wackos, but still."

"And I'm in the company of somepony who used to be human, and a superhero? Amazing!"

Badd rolled his eyes at the enthusiasm. "Cool yer jets. You don't need to go freaking out about it for so long."

Lyra gave one last 'EEEEEEE!' before settling down. "Sorry. It's just that I've been researching humans for so long, and to finally have such a solid lead is so invigorating! Obviously I can't tell if you're telling the truth or not, but that sounds super hard to make up! I can already tell we're going to be great friends!"

"Yeah, ok. If you want to be my friend, first thing's first, don't treat me as just 'the human guy'. I'm me. Badd. Not something for you to research."

"Well obviously! You're also super fun to hang out with! Right Bon-Bon?"

"Besides the whole human nonsense, yeah, you are pretty cool."

"See? I don't want to be friends with you because of anything to do with humans, I want to be friends because you're cool!"

Badd rolled his eyes at the sappiness, but smirked despite himself. "You ponies are way too nice."

After a little more conversation, the three went back into the party. "Hey, I'm gonna go find my little sis. I'll talk to ya later."

"Okay, bye Badd! Nice meeting you!"

Badd chuckled and walked away. He spotted Zenko in a corner of the room talking to a couple of fillies. He noticed her backing away, and growled.

"OI. Were you two makin fun of my little sis?"

The two fillies looked up to see Badd's face. His mouth was twisted into a snarl and his eyes were bloodshot in anger. All and all, he looked very, very menacing. 

The two gulped. "N-no. We w-were just, uh... gottagobye!"

The two scurried away as fast as their legs could carry them. Seeing the bullies run away, Badd relaxed. "Hey, you okay Zenko?"

His little sister looked up at him with a frown. "Big bro! I don't want you scaring all the kids here too! You know how that went at school!"

"Sorry Zenko, I thought they were bullying you."

"Well, they were being a little mean... but still!"

"Alright alright, I promise I won't scare them next time. As much."

Zenko rolled her eyes at her brother's overprotectiveness, but let it drop. She noticed Applebloom running over and smiled.

"Wow mister Badd, that was amazin! Ah've never seen anypony make Diamond and Silver back off that quick!"

"Huh? are they a problem to all o you or somthin?"

"Yeah, they're the school bullies. Their parents never punish them, so they can get away with whatever they want."

"Well that's stupid. Maybe I should go 'Have a chat' with those parents of theirs."

Zenko glared at her brother. "Big bro..."

"I know I know. I'm not gonna do anything. But someone should. Brats like that shouldn't be able to get off scot free forever."

"Applebloom! There ya are! Oh hey there Badd, Zenko!"

Badd turned around to find Applejack walking over. "Hey AJ. What's up?"

"Nothin much, but ah was wondering if you an yer sis wanna come hang out with me an the girls."

"Uh, do I know any of 'the girls'?"

"Shoot Badd, ya met em all this afternoon! Well, not Fluttershy, but the rest of em!"

"Eh, what the hell? Lead the way AJ."

Badd and Zenko followed the farm mare into the crowd. Badd gave some passing thought as they walked. "This place is sickly friendly, but I guess that's a step up from disasters on the daily. I guess I could get used to it here."
> Chapter 5: Time Flies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the week passed by. Nothing was quite as interesting as Badd and Zenko's first day in Equestria, but that wasn't saying much. Rainbow Dash had started coaching Zenko on how to fly, and by the end of the week, she was able to at least fly slowly. Badd was rather jealous of his sister's wings, but he was also proud of her for adapting so quickly. 

As for how he himself was faring with his new body... well, it could be better, but it could certainly be worse. After a week of practice, he was able to run at full speed without tripping, and swinging his bat had become easier for him. It still didn't feel quite natural, but as long as the weapon hit and hit hard, he could care less. 

Of course, there were also issues. He had trouble utilizing cutlery. He was told he didn't need it and could just dig his muzzle into his food, but he would rather die than do that. He could hold a knife and fork, but actually getting a good enough grip on them was a lot harder than he thought it would be. Needless to say, he was often the last one at the table. There was also the first time he used a toilet designed for a pony, and he would bash anyone's skull in if they ever brought THAT incident up.

There had also been some things of note that had happened. Badd and Zenko had learned at their welcoming party that all of the mares they had met on their first day in town were friends with each other. A rather odd coincidence, but they didn't dwell on it. The siblings had also been informed that many of the extended Apple family would be arriving for the Summer Sun Celebration. Of course, this was after some of them had already showed up. Once all of them had arrived, the house was absolutely packed. As such, Badd became a little uncomfortable at all of the stares and questions. He supposed that since they were staying with the Apples, their relatives assumed they were part of the family or something. What he wasn't expecting was for Applejack to make an announcement and name he and Zenko 'Honorary Apples'. Badd didn't know how to feel about that. Of course, Zenko was as happy as ever. 

Zenko had been over to Fluttershy's once or twice to look for a new pet. Badd had of course been against it, and had even prepared for Zenko's puppy dog eyes. Of course, he hadn't anticipated that that tactic would be enhanced with her bigger pony eyes, He swore he saw sparkles in them. So that day Zenko came home with a new cat that she had named Tama. Badd had originally been indifferent towards the feline, but for some reason it seemed attached to him. The cat would rub up against his legs and hop up onto him. At first he was nothing but annoyed at the animal, but it was persistent, and eventually, he decided to give it some attention. His heart immediately melted when Tama rubbed up against his hoof when he pet her. 

Rarity had finished with Badd's belt and jacket a couple of days after the party, and Badd was honestly astounded at how well they turned out. The belt was nice and sturdy, with a holder for his bat that didn't sag. The jacket was incredible. His... tattoo... was emblazoned across the back of it, and when he put it on, he was immediately reminded of home. He knew the material couldn't be leather, but it was very similar. 

Badd had also been spending some time getting to know Lyra and Bon-Bon. The two lived together, and Badd was starting suspect they were more than friends. He didn't pry of course, it was none of his business. Bon-Bon ran a sweets shop, and Badd concluded that her baking was just as good as Pinkie's. There wasn't as much sugar in her sweets, but Badd honestly preferred that. For as much as he loved Pinkie's cupcakes, they tended to give him stomach aches. Lyra was always enthralled by his tales of his life as a human and hero. Bon-Bon was still skeptical, but she had to admit that some of his tales were very detailed. 

Badd and Zenko were also getting to know the Apples better. Applejack had put Badd to work, showing him how to do what she called 'Applebucking'. 

"Ya hit the center of the trunk with enough force ta knock all o' the apples out o the tree, like so!"

Applejack turned around, lifted her hind legs, and bucked the tree with a CRACK! The tree shook, and all of the apples fell down into the baskets below. She walked up to Badd with a smile.

“Now you try! Just give it a nice hard kick!”

Badd shrugged. It couldn’t be that hard. He walked up to an unharvested tree, turned around, lifted up his hind legs and…



“I didn’t mean to! You told me to hit it hard!”

“Ah didn’t know ya could uproot a tree with a kick! If ah did ah woulda told ya to take it easy!”

Badd had kicked the apple tree so hard that it had come out of the ground. It was currently laying on it side, a hole where it used to be rooted in front of it.

“Sigh. it’s fine Badd. Wasn’t yer fault, ya were just doin as ya were told. Ah can probably git it back in tha ground anyway. Just… don’t kick as hard from now on.”

Badd scratched his head in shame as Applejack lifted the tree upright again. She thought to herself as she was lifting it. “Ah never thought ah’d meet a pony that’d make ME feel weak. Ah might just have to do somethin about that.”



Apart from that little fiasco. Things at Sweet Apple Acres had been fine for Badd and Zenko. Big Mac had gotten used to them enough to the point where he said more than three words in their company, and Granny Smith had already started treating them like they were part of the family. Applebloom had hit it off with Zenko, and they went to play together every day. The little filly was also starting to see Badd as another big brother. She had even accidentally called him ‘bro’ once. She had been embarrassed, but Badd laughed it off and told her it was fine. He was secretly flattered that Applebloom already thought so highly of him. He had barely known the Apples a week and they were already treating them as part of the family. Hell, after Applejack’s announcement, even the extended family had been incredibly welcome. Ponies were certainly a lot nicer than humans, Badd decided.



It was the day before the Summer Sun Celebration and Badd and Zenko were walking through town with Pinkie Pie. The energetic mare was bouncing around and jabbering nonsense as usual. Badd had found it obnoxious at first, but had gotten used to it surprisingly quickly. As they were walking. They saw a chariot descend from the sky. Two pegasus stallions wearing armor pulling it.

“Huh, isn’t this princess supposed to be coming tomorrow? That looks pretty damn regal.”

The chariot came to a stop in the center of the road and a purple unicorn and a small green and purple lizard stepped out. 

“Well that’s not the princess I’ve seen in books and pictures. Maybe some sort of official to make sure everything’s in order?”

Badd and Zenko overheard the lizard talking to the unicorn ad they got closer. “Come on Twilight, just try!”

The unicorn rolled her eyes, but looked at the trio and opened her mouth.

“Um… hi?”

Pinkie got a good look at the unicorn and lizard and gave a loud gasp before bolting off.

The purple unicorn grunted. “Well THAT was interesting all right.”

Badd chuckled at that. “Yeah, that pony’s crazy as hell. Anyway, I take it your new here?”

The purple unicorn blinked at them, apparently not realizing they hadn’t left as well. 

“Oh, um, yes. I’m Twilight Sparkle. I’m here to check on preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration on behalf of Princess Celestia.

“Yeah, I kinda figured given the royal carriage thing. Anyway, I’m Badd. This is my little sister Zenko. The crazy pink one that ran off was Pinkie Pie. She’s probably off planning some sort of party to welcome you to town. I’d keep an eye out if you don’t want to be bothered.

Twilight blinked. She wasn’t expected to be warned about something like that. “I…see. Well it was nice to meet you mister Badd, but I must check in in the preparations. I need to visit Sweet Apple Acres to check on the food.”

“Huh, that’s where we live. Mind if we tag along, we’re just about done in town anyway.”

Twilight sighed. “If we’re going to the same place, I don’t see why not. Lead the way mister Badd, you would probably know where to go better than me.

“Eh, probably. Hey, who and what’s the little lizard?”

The ‘lizard’ crossed his arms and huffed. “For your information, I’m not a lizard, I’m a dragon! And my name is Spike!”

Badd stared at the little dragon for a moment before he collapsed in a laughing fit.

Twilight saw the spectacle and groaned. ”Great, and I thought I’d actually found somepony normal.”
> Chapter 6: Celebration Preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Badd finally managed to calm himself down enough to be able to talk. 

"Heh, sorry bout that. It's just, a dragon? Seriously? Aren't they supposed to be giant fire breathing monsters? Sorry to say kid but ya don't look anything like that."

Spike huffed. "Well for YOUR information I'm still a baby dragon! And I CAN breath fire!"

The little drake took in a deep breath, before letting a small stream of green flame spew forth from his mouth.

"...huh. Neat. Sorry bout that, didn't know dragons came that tiny."

"It's fine, not many ponies have seen a baby dragon before. We cool?"

Badd gave spike a fist/hoof bump. "Yeah, we're cool. Hey, what's up with the unicorn? She's actin a little uptight."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Twilight? She doesn't get out much. Scratch that, ever. The princess sent us to Ponyville to prepare for the celebration, but she also told Twilight to make some friends, and she's not happy about it."

“Well, I mean I wouldn’t be either. I agree that it’s healthy to have friends and all, but forcin it on someone isn't really the best option there, it’ll just make em hate the idea more.”

Spike thought on that. “That… makes a lot of sense actually.”

Zenko looked up her brother in awe. “Bro… did you just say something smart?”

Badd rolled his eyes. “C’mon Zenko, I may not be a genius but I’m not braindead. Everyone can be smart once in a while.”

Twilight had been listening in on their conversation. Her opinion of the red stallion called Badd had started to change again. “At least he understands that I don’t want to be forced to make friends. He’s more observant than he looks.”

“But yeah, as I was sayin, I agree that she needs to make friends, but not that she needs it forced on her. If she wants ta be left alone, then I’ll leave her alone. She’ll figure it out for herself eventually, everyone does.”

“Thank you.”

Badd looked to see Twilight smiling at him. “Uh… fer what? I was just speaking my mind.”

“For being understanding. It’s not that I’m against making friends, it’s just that I’m too busy with studies and other things to have time for them.”

“Man, you sound a lot like Child Emperor.”

Twilight raised a brow. “Who?”

“This kiii-colt I know. He’s a prodigy and graduated college at 9 years old. But he’s so busy with his experiments and his career that he barely has any friends. The only one he does have is equally lonely.”

“He finished his schooling that young?! How haven’t I heard of him?! A colt with that level of intelligence would be a worldwide celebrity!”

“Heh, well he is pretty popular back where we come from, but that’s a looooong ways away.”

“How fascinating! Where did you say you two were from?”

Bass’s eyes darted to the left. “Well… that’s a little complicated. We’ll tell ya once we get to know each other a little better so you don’t think we’re insane or nothin.”

Twilight gave Badd a confused look. “Ooookay? Well, we’re almost to Sweet Apple Acres. Could you lead us to where the food is being-“

“Yee-haw!” Applejack let out a holler, running up to a tree and bucking it’s apples free from the branches.

Badd walked up to Applejack with a smirk. “Hey AJ, we have guests.”

Applejack looked up to see Twilight and Spike standing off to the side. “Well howdy ya’ll, what can ah do ya for?”

“Um yes hi? My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I’m here on behalf of the princess to make sure that preparations for the celebration are in order. I heard that you were on food?”

Applejack took Twilight’s hoof and shook vigorously. “We sure as sugar are! Nice ta meet ya Twilight! C’mon, Ah’ll show ya where the grub’s at.”

The orange farm pony grabbed a triangle and rang it to garner attention. “Soup’s on everypony!”

Caught off guard, Twilight and Spike were dragged along by the crowd and into the kitchen area of the farmhouse. Applejack began listing off the names of every single pony in the room, and there were a LOT.

“And of course there’s mah brother Big Macintosh, mah sister Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith!”

Applejack gestured to the elderly mare who was asleep in the corner. “Granny, we have guests!” That startled her awake, and she came over to join the others.”

Twilight looked nervously around the room at all the ponies. “Oookay. Well it looks like the food situation is all taken care of, so we’ll just be on our way.”

The collection of ponies, minus Badd all sighed in disappointment. Applebloom looked up at Twilight with her puppy eyes. “Aren’t ya gonna stay fer brunch?”

Twilight gave the filly an apologetic look. “I’m really sorry, but Im really in a hurry.”

Badd rolled his eyes. “It’s barely 11 in the morning. You have plenty of time to check up on everything else.”

Twilight gave him a stink eye, and sighed. “Fine. I guess I could stay a little while.” There was an uproarious cheer at that.

As everypony began to dig in, Applejack pulled Badd off to the side. “Ah hate ya bother ya Badd, but that mare seems a little shy. Maybe if ya were ta be her guide round town she’d open up a tad. Ah’d help her mahself, but ah gotta git the food ready fer the celebration.”

“Uh, I don’t know how well you know me, but I’m definitely not the best choice to help her come outta her shell. I’ve been told I’m scary.”

“Ah’ll admit ya can be, but that’s only when yer mad. Yer a great guy Badd, im sure she’ll get round ta likin you.”

“If I didn’t know better I’d think you were tryin to hook me up.”

Applejack chuckled. “Nah, that’s more Granny’s thing. Ah just think she could do with some company.”

“Sigh. Fine, Zenko’ll probably wanna come along anyway.”

Twilight and Spike had enjoyed the food a lot more than they thought they would. Spike had eaten an entire apple pie, and Twilight had eaten so many fritters she had a stomach ache.

Badd walked up to the two of them and coughed to get their attention. “Hey, uh, if you two need a guide while yer goin around town, me an my sis could help ya out.”

Twilight gave a fake smile. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m sure we’ll be fine on our-“

Spike cut Twilight off. “Of course you can, that’d be a great help!”

Twilight glared at the dragon while Badd stifled a cackle. “Ok cool. I’ll go grab my sis and we’ll meet ya out on the road.”



“Ooh, I think I ate too much…”

Twilight and Spike were walking back into town, Badd and Zenko alongside them.

“Yeah, that’ll happen with that family’s cooking. It’s really damn good.”

Zenko was talking to Spike about their personal interests.

“Huh, I’ve never seen a piano in person before. You said you used to play one all the time?”

“Yeah, back home. My big bro would always get emotional at my recitals and cause a scene. It’s honestly really embarrassing.”

Spike grinned. “So he’s one of those ponies that acts tough, but is super soft on the inside.”

“Oh, yeah. Sure my bro can act scary, but he’s super nice! Well, at least to people who don’t make him mad. I’ve heard that he’s actually tried to fight some of his coworkers before.”

“Really? Where did he work?” Zenko shook her head. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Spike crossed his arms. “Try me.” 

“Well… my big bro worked for someplace called the Hero Association. He protected the public from disasters and monsters. He may not look like it, but he’s super strong! He’s not an S-class hero for nothing!”

Spike stared at the pegasus wide eyed “you’re saying that he’s a real life superhero? You're right, I don’t believe you.”

Zenko shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t. Stick around town long enough though and he’ll probably do something that’ll convince you.”

Twilight looked down at the list she held in her aura.

“It says here that there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the sky. Well it doesn’t seem like she’s doing a very good job of it.”

Badd rolled his eyes. “She’s probably off sleeping somewhere again.”

“You know her?”

“Yeah, she’s pretty cool. She’s actually been teaching my sis how to fly. Can’t say she’s a very hard worker at her job though.”

Just then, a cry came from above the two. “Look out below!”

Badd tackled Twilight to the side just as a rainbow blur slammed into where she was walking. 

“Good lord Rainbow, do you try to crash into every newcomer to town?”

“Hehe, sorry about that. Here, lemme clean you two off.”

Rainbow brought a raincloud above the two dirtied ponies and drenched them.

“Oh, oops. Here, lemme dry you off.”

Badd grunted and fixed his hair. “No thanks. I’m never experiencing your ‘Rainblow dry’ ever again.”

Twilight sighed and cast a drying spell on herself and Badd. Her hair was a little messy, but she was dry and that’s all she cared about.

“So you’re Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow smirked cockily. “Yep that’s me! What, ya heard a me?”

“My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I HEARD you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

The prismatic pegasus reclined on a nearby cloud. “Yeah yeah, that’ll be a snap. I’ll do it in a jiffy. As soon as I’m done practicing.”

Twilight raised a brow. “Practicing for what?”

“For the Wonderbolts of course!”

Badd groaned and put a hoof to his head. “Oh here we fucking go…”

Rainbow started ranting about how awesome the Wonderbolts were and how she was going to impress them at the celebration.

“The Wonderbolts? You mean the most prestigious flying team in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them!”

“We’ll I doubt they’d be impressed by a pegasus that couldn’t even keep the sky cleared for one measly day.”

Rainbow shot out of her cloud. “Hey! I’ll have you know I can clear this sky in under ten seconds!”

“Oh yeah, prove it.”

Rainbow burst into the sky at a speed only Badd could easily track. She zipped around the sky, busting clouds with bucks and came down in mere seconds. 

“Hah.. how was… that?!”

Badd gave a smirk. “8 and a half seconds. You beat yer record.”

“Yes! I knew that extra training was paying off!”

Twilight and Spike were staring slack jawed at the cyan pegasus, and Zenko was laughing at their shock.

“Buh, buh, that was insane!”

Rainbow laughed at the unicorns’ shock. “Hah, you’re a riot Twilight! I hope we can hang out more. I gotta go, I’ll talk to ya later!”

Rainbow took off into the sky. Twilight turned to Badd. “Why are you so calm about that? I’ve never seen a pony move so fast!”

“Eh, I’m used to it. Besides, don’t tell this to Rainbow, but I’ve seen faster. She’s fast, but nowhere close to being Flashy Flash fast.”

“Uh, what? Who’s Flashy Flash? And how fast are they?”

“They’re a ninja/hero. And as for how fast they are, I’ve never seen him go that fast, but he can supposedly run faster than light. I have seen him move fast enough to create afterimages though.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Okay, now you’re just making stuff up. Nothing can move at the speed of light except light itself. That’s basic physics.”

“We’ll then it probably doesn’t help that I failed physics class in high school.”

Twilight snorted and tried to suppress a smirk of amusement. Badd sighed. “Yeah yeah, laugh it up. I’m not a genius you know.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make fun of you. I just wasn’t expecting you to say that. Anyway, the next thing on the list are decorations. A pony named Rarity is in charge of them.”

“Huh, I know them too. She actually made my jacket and belt.”

“Really? Well they do look rather well crafted. Hopefully she’s as good at decorating as she is at sewing.”

The group made their way to the Carousel Boutique. Badd still hated that name. As they entered, Spike’s eyes immediately fell upon the  white unicorn in the middle of the room. “So beautiful!”

Twilight looked around the room, impressed. “Yes, it is rather elegant.”

“Not the decorations, her! How are my scales? Are they straight?”

Badd groaned in annoyance while Zenko just laughed at Spikes lovestruck antics. 

“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is—oh, Badd and Zenko, welcome! And who is-*GASP!* darling, whatever happened to your mane?!”

Badd rolled his eyes. “We-almost literally-ran into Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight sighed. “Yes. Well, I’m just here to check on the decorations. Once that’s done I’ll be out of your hair.”

“My hair?! But what about your hair? I simply insist you allow me to fix it up!”

Rarity dragged the hapless Twilight into the shop and began to fuss over her mane while fitting her into different dresses. Badd chuckled at her misfortune. 

“I’m not here to, hrk, waste time! I’ve been sent from… Canterlot to—“

Rarity dropped Twilight in shock. “CANTERLOT?! Oh I’ve always wanted to live there! The sophistication the glamour! Oh, you simply must tell me all about it!”

While Badd thought the scene was funny, he was feeling a little bad for Twilight. “Alright Rares, you’re kinda freaking her out. Give her some breathing room and let her finish.”

Raity blinked, before chuckling awkwardly. “Eheh, sorry about that darling, I suppose I got a little carried away. What was it you were saying?”

Twilight got out of the dress with a huff. “I was saying that I’m here on the princess’ behalf to check up on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I’m very sorry, but I don’t have a lot of time to waste.”

“Oh, I’m so very sorry darling! Please, don’t let me distract you from your official business. Although may I ask why Badd and Zenko are accompanying you?”

“They’re my guides. I’ve actually been able to make progress quicker because of their directions. So they’ve been rather helpful.”

“Well that’s nice of them. Well, you can go on your way darling. If you ever find the time, I’d love to design a dress for you!”

Twilight gave an awkward smile. “I’ll… think about it.”

Twilight dragged a love dazed Spike along with her as she exited the boutique. Badd and Zenko followed her out.

“Okay. Despite the distractions, we only have one thing left to check up on, the music. It says that a pony named Fluttershy is in charge of that.”

Badd raised a brow. “Why are all the ponies in charge of the preparations the ones in town I know? That’s a really odd coincidence.”

“Yeah, I guess. How long have you been here again?”

“Only a week.”

“Then yeah, that’s a really strange coincidence. Well whatever. Let’s just get this over with.”

Zenko trotted up next to Twilight. “Um, I think you should know that miss Fluttershy is really skittish. Try not to startle her.”

Twilight smiled down at the little filly. “Thank you for that information. I’ll keep in in mind.”

The group came upon a cottage on the outskirts of town. A chorus of birds could be heard from out back. They walked around to find a butter yellow pegasus instructing them. Zenko trotted up and gave a soft ‘ahem’.

“Oh! Hello Zenko, you startled me a little. How has Tama been? Well I hope.”

“She’s been great! But that’s not what we’re here for. The unicorn over there is here to check up on how the music is coming along.”

Twilight gave a friendly smile and waved a hoof. “Um, hi! My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I just wanted to say that the music sounds great!”

Fluttershy gave a little meep and hid behind her hair a little. “Oh. Th-thank you. My avian friends have been working very hard to get it just right.”

Badd spotted a tiny white rabbit glaring at him from a window of the cottage. He glared right back. He had been over to Fluttershy’s cottage once or twice and had met her little demon of a rabbit she ironically named Angel. If his shy friend didn’t care about the little shit so much, It’d be nothing more than a smear on his bat. The rabbit glared a little longer before hopping away.

“Badd? Badd!”

“Oh! Sorry what was that?”

Twilight sighed. “We’re getting ready to leave. Fluttershy discovered Spike and has been fawning over him ever since. I’m about ready to head to Golden Oaks Library where I’ll be staying. Can you help me with directions?”

“Oh. Yeah sure.”



Badd had never taken Fluttershy for a chatterbox, but when she wanted to be, she could run her mouth like no other, barring Pinkie Pie of course. It didn’t help that Spike was talking just as much. 

“And that’s the story of my whole entire life! Well except for today. Would you like to hear about today too?”

“Oh yes please!”

Badd was about ready to yell at both of them to shut the hell up when Twilight saved him from the outburst. “Oookay! Well here we are! It was nice to meet you all but I’ve really got to get Spike to bed. He’s super tired.”

“What? I’m not tired. It’s only 5!”

Twilight subtly pushed Spike off of her with her magic. “Aww! He’s so sweepy he can’t even keep his bawance! Thank you for being a guide Badd, I’ll see you at the celebration!”

With that, Twilight grabbed Spike and slammed the door.

Fluttershy went and flew into an open window of the library. Badd looked to Zenko. They shrugged and climbed through the window as well. They got in just as the lights flicked on. 

“SURPRISE!!!”
> Chapter 7: Return Of The Moon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Spike nearly jumped out of their skin at the shout. Pinkie Pie popped up next to Twilight. 

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! We’re you surprised? Were ya were ya?”

“VERY. Libraries are supposed to be quiet!”

Pinkie began rambling on and on like she tended to do. Eventually Twilight couldn’t take it anymore and went up to the concession table to grab a drink. She picked up a bottle and poured it into a solo cup with a sigh.

Badd raised a brow. “I didn’t take ya fer a spice junkie Twi.”

Twilight gave Badd a strange look. “What do you mean? I’m just getting a glass of juice.”

“Uh, actually that’s hot sauce.”

Twilight took another look at the bottle and sure enough, it was labeled as hot sauce.

“What the hay?! Who puts hot sauce next to the drinks! I almost burned my mouth off!”

Pinkie appeared next to the lavender unicorn and took the hot sauce out of her hoof. She then proceeded to drizzle it on a cupcake before eating the whole thing in one bite, much to the confusion and disgust of the ponies who saw. “What? It’s good!”

Twilight twitched her eye slightly. “Okay, you know what? I’m going upstairs. It was nice to meet you all but I really need to rest before the sunrise.”

Badd watched as she trotted up to the bedroom. “Hey Pinks? I don’t think a party was the best idea to become friends with ya. She seems pretty overwhelmed.”

“What?! That’s crazy! Everypony loves parties! I know you loved yours!”

Badd was about to tell the pink mare that he spent most of the party standing alone, but decided against it. He rolled his eyes and went to find a familiar face to talk to. Eventually he noticed Lyra and Bon-Bon and went over to converse.

“Oh hi Badd! Enjoying the party?”

“More than the guest of honor at least. She’s somehow more antisocial than Zombieman.”

Bon-Bon raised a brow. “Zombieman? Is that another one of those heroes?”

“Yeah. Guys pretty nice, if not reclusive. Dudes got the whole noir getup and everything.”

Lyra as always was fascinated by Badd’s mentions of his life and colleagues back home. “Why’s he called Zombieman? Is he undead or something?”

Badd chuckled. “Close. He actually has super healing powers. We were at a spa once, and one of the other heroes got drunk and impaled him with a sword.”

Lyra and Bon-Bon gasped in shock. “Well that pin-er-person should be kept away from liquor then!”

“That’s what I thought. Anyway the guy was up and healed in like ten seconds. I’ve seen the guy heal from having his head blown to bits, so a sword in the stomach really wasn’t much for him.”

Bon-Bon sighed. “Every time I feel like I’m starting to make sense of where you come from, you throw some crazy story like that at me. Do all of you heroes have crazy powerful abilities like that?”

“Well the S-class has a lot of heroes with weird powers. There are a couple that are just really strong and nothing else, but for the most part they do have some gimmick. “

“I forget, did you ever tell us if you had a special power besides being crazy strong?”

“Um, did I not tell you about my fighting spirit thing?”

“I don’t think so? What’s that?”

“So basically, if I’m in a tough fight, some sort of adrenaline will kick in that increases my power. I don’t really have a clue how it works, all I know is that it helps me win fights.”

Lyra tilted her head. “So it’s like adrenaline but it legitimately makes you stronger?”

“I guess yeah. Like I said I don’t really know how it works. Not even Child Emperor could figure it out. He stopped trying a while back, saying that I ‘don’t make sense.’”

Bon-Bon rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe that they have someone that young risking their life working as a hero.”

Badd smirked. “If ya saw some of his gizmos you’d understand. Kid’s the most talented prodigy in history.”

“I’ll take your word for it. So how are you feeling about the celebration Badd? It’ll be your first time seeing the princess in person.”

“Eh, I’m kinda indifferent. I guess it’d be cool to meet the one who’s ruling the society I’m in, but it’s not like I’m dying ta see her or nothin.”

“Oh… we’ll I hope you enjoy the ceremony regardless!”

Badd chatted with the mares a little while longer, before excusing himself. He was a little worried about Twilight. Spike was stumbling around on the dance floor with a lampshade on his head, and didn’t seem to notice his caretaker’s absence. Badd climbed the stairs and knocked on the closed door to the bedroom.

“Hey Twi, you in there?”

“Badd? What do you want?”

“I’m just making sure yer okay. Ya were pretty upset when ya went up here.”

“…come in, it’s unlocked.”

Badd opened the door and was met with Twilight staring out the window in a dark room.

“Hey, so as I was sayin, ya good?”

“Sigh. I could be better. All of you ponies are crazy! You’re probably the most normal one I’ve met today, and you keep talking about superheroes and monsters as if they’re real! No offense.”

Badd chuckled. “None taken. I get yer a little overwhelmed, but you should try to come down. You might end up enjoying yerself.”

“Sorry but no. I have a lot on my mind.”

“We’ll why don’t you tell me about it, it might take a weight off yer shoulders.”

Twilight appeared to debate that for a bit before letting out another sigh. “Well you’ve said weirder, I guess. Badd, have you ever heard of the mare in the moon?”

“Uh, you mean the shadow on the moon that looks like a pony?”

“Yes. Well there is an ancient tale surrounding that. Legends say that the mare in the moon is really an evil pony named Nightmare Moon. She was supposedly banished to the moon by Celestia 1000 years ago. The legend also says that on the 1000th year of her banishment, the stars will aid her in her escape. And that’s tonight. I don’t know. I know it sounds silly, but I can’t get the thought out of my head!”

“Eh, that’s not that hard to believe. Not nearly as BS as the prophesy Sitch expects us to believe.”

“Um… what are you talking about?”

“A couple weeks before I got dragged here, one of the Hero Association big wigs dragged me and the other S-class heroes to a huge meeting just to give us some stupid ‘prophesy’ that didn’t give us any information apart from that sometime in the next six months, a huge disaster will threaten the planet. And of course that was also the same day those alien bastards blew up city A. Even after we dealt with them, the association still thinks that the ‘prophesy’ is in effect. So yeah, this story is a lot easier to believe.”

Twilight blinked. “I’m not sure whether you’re somehow telling the truth, or just insane. But still, you really believe the story?”

“Yeah. I mean, legends have to have a basis right? So even if it doesn’t happen exactly like that, part of that story has to be true.”

“I guess you’re right. But still… I hope I’m just being paranoid…”

All of a sudden the door burst open and spike waddled in. “Hey Twilight! Oh, and Badd. Everypony’s getting ready to watch the sunrise, c’mon!”



Badd and Twilight filed into town hall. Badd located his sister and sat next to her. The mayor of Ponyville stepped up on stage and gave some boring speech that Badd tuned out before introducing the princess. The choir of birds sang their tune as the curtains were pulled back to reveal… nothing. 

Rarity walked out from backstage. “She’s gone!”

The ponies all gasped in shock while Badd offered a ‘huh.’ All of a sudden, a sparkling dark mist entered the building, swirling around the stage until it took the form of a tall dark pony.

The pony gave a dark chuckle. “Oh, my beloved subjects. It’s been SO long since I’ve seen your precious sun loving faces.”

Rainbow growled. “What’d you do to our princess?!” She tried to rush at the dark pony, but was held back by Applejack.

“What? Ah I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?”

Badd groaned. “Oh HERE we go with the monologuing.”

“Does my crown no longer count now that I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?!”

“I did!”

The dark pony looked to Twilight, who was glaring at her. “You’re the mare in the moon, Nightmare Moon!”

Nightmare Moon gave a dark chuckle. “Well well well. Somepony who remembers me! Then you also know what I’m here for!”

Twilight shrunk back a bit. “You’re here to… to… *gulp*”

“Muahahah! Remember this day ponies, for it was your last! The night shall last forever!”

As Nightmare Moon was giving the most cliche villain laugh ever, Badd finally decided to speak up. “Oi edge lord, yer plan sucks ass!”

“What?! Somepony dares talk back to me?!”

“Yeah. Hate ta break it to ya but your whole monologue was pretty boring. Not ta mention that you’re kinda failing to intimidate me in the slightest.”

As Nightmare Moon growled, Badd leaned down to his sister. “Zenko, get outta here. Things are gonna get violent.”

Zenko sighed. “Don’t hurt her too badly bro.”

“No promises. Not git outta here unless ya wanna watch the carnage.”

“I’ve had enough of your rambling you nobody stallion! Get ready to feel the wrath of Nightmare Moon!”

Badd jumped over a bolt of magic that was cast from Nightmare’s horn. It exploded violently where he once stood. The commotion finally managed to knock the ponies out of their shocked stupor and they began running out in a panic. 

Mayor Mare rallied the royal guard and had them rush Nightmare Moon, but she sent them all flying with an expulsion of magical force. Being distracted as she was, she didn’t notice Badd swinging his bat down until it was too late to cast anything.  She barely managed to move out of the way before Badd busted though the stage in an explosion of rubble and dust.

Unknown to Badd, his friends were watching the fight from below. “Yeah, beat her up Badd!”

“Knock her back ta the moon sugarcube!”

“Yeah! Beat the nasty outta queen meanie!”

Fluttershy and Rarity hadn’t been exposed to much of Badd’s stories about his life as a hero, and were just as shocked as Twilight that he had rushed in to fight Nightmare Moon with no fear.

“Oh dear oh dear oh dear. He’s going to hurt himself.”

Rarity blushed a little. “Running towards the enemy to confront them with no fear… just like a knight in shining armor!”

Lyra and Bon-Bon were watching in awe as well. “Wow! He really is just like a real life superhero!”

Bon-Bon watched with shock. “I guess I was wrong to doubt him… come on Lyra, it’s not safe here! We gotta go!”

Lyra was dragged out of Town hall by her friend, still watching Badd go at it with the ancient mare of the night.

Twilight was more shocked that Badd had managed to take out the entire stage with a single swing of his bat. “I… think I believe his whole superhero talk now… oh there’s no time for this! He'll never be able to beat nightmare moon on his own! I need to get back to the library!”

Twilight picked up an unconscious Spike and rushed out of town hall. The other mares watched her go with curiosity and suspicion. 

Badd missed another swing at Nightmare, making another crater in the wall. The evil alicorn growled and fired another magic bolt at him. This one struck him head on and sent him flying into a wall. He crashed right through it, and dust clouded up around him.

“Hah! That will teach you not to mess with the almighty Nightmare-WHAT?!”

Badd got out of the hole in the wall. He was a little scuffed up, but otherwise fine. “Okay, now you’ve officially pissed me off.”

Badd ran forward at a speed that caught Nightmare off guard. She fired a bolt at him but he swatted it out of the way with his bat. She growled and flew into the air to get out of his range, but Badd jumped up to where she was and smacked her down into the ground, creating a small crater where she landed. Nightmare Moon got up snarling, not looking much worse for wear, before turning into her misty form. 

“Count yourself lucky I don’t have time to waste on you, you insufferable stallion! When I’ve secured my rule, I’ll have you hunted to the ends of Equestria!”

With that, Nightmare flew out of the building. “Oi! Get back here you bitch! We ain’t done yet!”

Badd ran to pursue her, but couldn’t see where she had gone. “DAMN IT!!”

He spotted five mares he recognized trotting towards the library and sighed. “I should probably let them know I’m alright. Wait, Zenko! I gotta find her!”

“I’m right here bro. You’re okay right?”

Badd looked behind himself to find his little sister hovering with her wings. “Oh thank god you’re alright. Big bro’s fine, just a little PO’d that miss edge lord got away.”

Well why don’t we go let our friends know you’re alright first. They caught the beginning of the fight, so they’re probably worried about you.”

Badd have a sigh. “Yeah, you’re right. I think they were headed towards the library.”

Badd and Zenko trotted towards the library in the everlasting night. Badd looked up into the sky. “I gotta find that Nightmare bitch. I’m not sure how long the world will last without a sun.”
> Chapter 8: Journey to the Elements
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Badd and Zenko opened the door to the library and were greeted to six mares huddled around a book. 

“There are seven elements of harmony, but only six are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, and Courage. The seventh element remains a mystery.”

“Hey, uh, are we interrupting anything?”

The six mares looked up to see Badd and Zenko standing in the doorway. “Badd! You’re alright!”

They rushed over to him and bombarded the hero with questions.

“Did you beat Nightmare Moon?” 

“How are you so strong?!”

“Are you okay?”

“What’s your favorite flavor of pie?”

Everyone looked to Pinkie. “What? It’s an important question!”

“Relax, I’m fine. The bitch got away from me though. Lost sight of em after they left town hall.”

Applejack went over to Badd and Zenko and ushered them inside before shutting the door. “Well Twilight here was tellin us bout these Elements O Harmony. Apparently they’re strong enough ta beat Nightmare Moon.”

“Yes, it says that the last known location of the elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. The castle is in what is now known as the Everfree Forest!”

The mares all froze in shock and fear. Badd simply smirked. “So it’s close huh? Then they shouldn’t be a hassle ta get.”

The mares, bar Applejack who knew him well enough all turned to him in shock. “What do you mean?! The Everfree is one of the most dangerous places in Equestria! It’s overrun with monsters, the weather is completely unpredictable, and there’s a ton of dangerous plants there!”

Badd shrugged. “Doesn’t seem that bad ta me. I go in there every day ta keep my skills sharp. Those timberwolves make for great batting practice.”

The mares simply stared at him as if he were insane, but then remembered that he had gone hoof to hoof with Nightmare Moon and came out of it unscathed.

Twilight coughed. “Well given what you’re… capable of, I really don’t think we should use your experiences as a basis. In any case, the elements are located in the Everfree Forest, so that’s where I’m going.”

Twilight began to walk towards the door, but stopped when she noticed the others following her. 

“Look, I really appreciate that you’re all willing to help, but I really should do this on my own.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “No can do sugarcube. There’s no way we’re letting you go inta that dangerous place alone. Ain’t that right?”

When she got nods of confirmation, she turned back to Twilight with a grin. “Ya see? We’re stickin with ya ta the end.”

The lavender mare sighed and hung her head. “There’s no talking any of you out of this is there? Fine. Let’s just get this over with.”

Badd stoped Zenko from following the others out. “You stay here Zenko. This could get dangerous. I’m already nervous about the others coming along, but I don’t think they’d take me doing this alone too well.”

“Aww! I want to see the castle!”

“Don’t you remember how we got tailed through half the forest by those wolves the last time you were in there?”

“Yeah… I get it. Just make sure to tell me all about it when you get back!”



Badd and the girls stood at the entrance to the Everfree forest. Twilight gulped. “Well, here we go…”

The group of ponies slowly trudged into the Everfree. They looked around cautiously, apart from Badd who just rolled his eyes. 

“Ugh, this place is so creepy! Just look at it!”

“Plus this place ain’t natural. Ponies say that it don’t work the same as the rest of Equestria.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rainbow smiled sinisterly. “Nopony knows! You know why? Because it’s said that whoever enters the Everfree forest, never comes out!”

“Rainbow, you’ve seen me go in and come outta here literally every day.”

“Come on Badd, I’m tryin to spook em a little!”

“Why? They’re already on edge as it is.”

At that exact moment, the entire cliff they were on collapsed and everypony besides Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were sent falling down a cliff. The two pegasi gasped and raced down to catch them. Fluttershy caught Rarity while Rainbow caught Pinkie. Applejack managed to snag a branch with her mouth, but let go to help Twilight when she saw her dangling on the edge. 

“Applejack! What do I do!?”

The orange mare glanced below them and sighed. “Let go.”

“Are you CRAZY?! I’ll die!”

“No ya won’t. Everything will be fine. I’m tellin ya, just let go.”

Twilight gulped, before letting go of the farm pony and falling below to her certain doom… if she weren’t caught by Fluttershy and Rainbow.

The six mares regrouped on safer ground and sighed in relief.

“Wait a minute… where’s Badd?!”

A distant thump was heard from below the cliff and they gasped in horror.

“Oh sweet Celestia! He fell!”

Rainbow Dash raced down to the bottom of the ravine and saw Badd getting up from where he had fallen. 

“Great… I got twigs in my hair and my jacket’s all ripped.”

Rainbow sighed in relief, but at the same time she was awed.

“Dude! That was a fifty foot drop! How are you okay?!”

“Huh? Oh, I’ve fallen farther. There was this one monster I was fighting on a tower and it threw me off. Fell a couple hundred feet to the ground.
The thing decided to come down to gloat thinking it had killed me. Needless to say the bastard was missing it’s head a second later.”

Rainbow blinked and chuckled nervously. “Man, Have I ever told you how glad I am that you’re on our side? Anyway, let’s get you back up there. The others are worried sick.”

Rainbow flew Badd back up to the group and he was bam added by hugs of relief.

“Hey! Get offa me! You ponies are way too touchy feely for my tastes!”

The mares let go of him and giggled. “Sorry, we’re just so glad you’re okay!”

“Yeah yeah whatever, let’s just get going before anything else goes wrong.



The seven ponies continued their trek through the forest. Rainbow was recapping the events of the cliff incident in ‘dramatic’ detail. “And then me and Fluttershy swooped in and saved your butts!”

“Yes Rainbow, I was there.”

Badd groaned and gave the rainbow maned pegasus a glare. “This is like the third time you’ve been over this. I get you're bored but can you please for the love of god be quiet?”

Rainbow chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of her neck. “Sorry, guess I have been repeating myself a bit…”

Badd suddenly stuck a hoof out to halt the others. “Wait, I hear something.”

All of a sudden a great beast with the head of a lion, wings of a dragon and tail of a scorpion jumped out of the bushes.

“A manticore!”

Badd smirked and gripped his bat. “Finally, something I can smash!”

The manticore roared and pounced at Badd, but he jumped out of the way and smacked it in its side, sending it skidding back a couple of feet. The beast growled in pain and tried to skewer its attacker with its tail. Badd blocked it with his bat and followed up by slamming his bat down on the stinger, breaking it off from the tail. The beast howled in pain and reared back. Badd smirked. He brought the bat up over the manticore’s head and swung down. 

“WAAAAAIIIT!”

Badd reangled his bat to slam into the ground next to the manticore at the last second. The impact kicked up dirt and cracked the ground around it.

“What?! Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?”

“Don’t hurt it! Let me help it!”

Badd gave Fluttershy an incredulous look. “The thing is trying to kill us! Why would it need help?!”

Fluttershy didn’t answer, instead she walked up to the manticore. The beast slunk back growling, expecting another attacker. It raised its claws as Fluttershy got closer but stopped when the pegasus nuzzled its paw. 

“Shhhh. It’s okay.”

The manticore looked like it was about to swipe its claw done on her, but it flipped its paw around to show a sharp thorn embedded into it.

“Oh, you poor little baby.”

Badd’s eye twitched.

“Here, this might hurt for just a moment.”

Fluttershy plucked the thorn from the beast’s paw, and it roared in pain. The others reared back in fear and Badd got ready to defend her. He stopped when the manticore picked Fluttershy up and began licking her face. 

“Oh! You’re so very welcome. You’re just a big kitty cat aren’t you?”

Badd sighed. “Damn it! Now I just feel bad.”

Pinkie giggled. “Ooh! I get it! Because your name is Badd, so you feel like yourself!”

If looks could kill Pinkie would’ve been dead thrice over. “Not. Helping.”

Twilight looked at Fluttershy in confusion. “How did you know the manticore was hurt?”

“I didn’t. Sometimes we just need to be shown a little kindness.”

Badd blinked. “Guilt gone. Rage slowly returning.”



The group of ponies continued their trek to the castle. Rarity groaned. “Ugh, my eyes need a break from all this icky muck!”

They promptly walked under a canopy and fell into darkness.

“…well I didn’t mean that literally.”

Twilight groaned. “The ruins could be right in front of our faces, and we wouldn’t even know it!”

Applejack’s hoof stepped down and a squelching sound came from it.

“Ugh, ah think ah stepped in somethin.”

Fluttershy promptly screamed in horror.

“What? It’s just mud.” Applejack walked up to a tree and jumped away in fear. The girls looked all around them and saw that the trees had grown faces. They huddled around each other in fear and screamed.

Badd watched this with a look of utter disappointment. “How are you all this big of wusses?”

Rainbow looked at Badd. “Wait, why aren’t you scared?!”

“They’re fucking TREES Rainbow. They can’t even move, let alone hurt you.”

All of a sudden, they heard laughing. They looked to see Pinkie giggling and making faces at one of the trees. 

Badd stared in confusion. “Well, it’s better than screaming in terror I guess.”

Twilight looked to Pinkie in shock. “Pinkie! What are you doing? RUN!!!”

Pinkie giggled again. “Oh girls? Don’t you see?”

Badd listened in horror as music started playing from nowhere and the pink mare began to sing. Eventually, the other mares fear ebbed away and the started singing along too. They laughed at the trees and the faces disappeared, after a couple of minutes they stopped singing and fell down giggling.”

Badd bit back a disgusted look. “….ooookay! That was the worst three minutes of my life. Can we get going before I lose any more testosterone?”

The mares looked at him and chuckled awkwardly. Except for Pinkie who continued giggling. “Right! The castle! Let’s get going.”



Still in high spirits, (except for Badd who was trying to permanently wipe the past ten minutes from his mind) the group continued on until they ran into a raging river. 

“How are we going to cross that?!”

At that exact moment, hysterical sobbing could be heard from down the river. The ponies went to investigate to find a sea serpent thrashing around while sobbing uncontrollably.

“Oh what a world what a world!”

“Um, excuse me sir, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s simply awful! I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky purple cloud whizzed past me and tore half of my perfectly kempt mustache clean off! Now I’m hideous!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Seriously? That’s what this is about?”

Badd grunted. “This guy’s the definition of a bitch baby.”

Rarity scoffed at Badd. “How rude! How could you be so insensitive?! Just look at you! Your fabulous luminescent scales!”

“Oh I know!”

“Your expertly coiffed mane!”

“Oh I know I know!”

“Your fabulous manicure!”

“Oh it’s true!”

“All ruined by your mustache!”

“Oh it’s true I’m hideous!”

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “I simply can’t let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!"

The elegant mare marched up to the serpent and plucked one of his scales off. She then proceeded to use it to cut off her tail and fit it onto the serpent's snout.

“OH, my mustache! How wonderful!”

“You look smashing!”

Badd raised a brow. “Did you really just cut off your own tail to give him a mismatched mustache?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that darling. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.”

“So would the mustache!”

The serpent took that moment to speak up. “Well regardless, it was the act of generosity that mattered! You ponies are trying to cross the river aren’t you? Allow me to help!”

The serpent adjusted his body to let the group across, and waved them on their way.



As the group of ponies came upon another clearing, a dilapidated structure came into view. 

Twilight gasped. “There it is! The ruins that hold the Elements of Harmony! We made it!”

Badd smirked. “Yeah, that sure seems to fit the ancient ruins feel.”

“Come on, let’s go!”

Twilight ran towards the castle, and promptly fell off a cliff. She yelped in surprise and fear, before being caught by Rainbow Dash. 

“What is it with you and falling off cliffs?”

“Aheh… whoops? I really should be more careful. But how are going to get across this gap?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Duh, have you forgotten that there’s pegasi here? I’ll just fly down and fix the bridge up. I’ll be back in a jiffy!”

Rainbow flew down into the chasm and back up. She started tying the bridge, before three figures emerged and began talking to her.

“Oh no! Are they trying to trick her?”

Fluttershy gave a meek smile. “I’m, maybe they’re just trying to say hello?”

Just then, one of the weird ponies glared over at them and obscured the group’s vision with fog.

Badd growled. “Yeah, that’s a hell of a red flag, I’m going over there.”

Twilight widened her eyes. “Are you crazy? That’s a 15 foot… actually never mind, it’s you we’re talking about.”

Badd got ready to jump the chasm, but just as he was about to get a running start, Rainbow came back across, revealing the bridge to be rebuilt.

“Oh. Damn, I was looking forward to kicking their asses.”

“Rainbow! You’re back!”

Rainbow scoffed. “Of course I am! I’d never leave my friends hanging!”

With the bridge operational, the group crossed the gap to the ruins.




Upon entering the ruins, the first thing the group noticed were six stone spheres sitting atop a strange statue.

“There they are! They must be the elements!”

Rainbow and Fluttershy flew up and brought the elements back down.

“But there’s only six! Where’s the seventh one?”

Twilight trotted over and leaned down. “The legend says that when the six elements are present a spark will cause the seventh to be revealed!”

Badd grunted. “This legend really couldn’t be less vague about it huh?”

“Don’t worry, I have an idea. Stand back everypony.”

Twilight sat down and began to focus her magic. Applejack motioned outside.

“C’mon y’all, she needs to concentrate.”

Badd rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, leaving her inside the creepy castle alone when moon bitch could come in at any second and attack her. Great idea.”

Applejack was about to retort, but stopped when she noticed a swirl of mist come in and wrap itself around the elements.

“Wh-what the?!”

The mist swirled into a twister, enveloping the elements and creating a gust of wind.

Twilight gasped. “No, the elements!” She jumped in to grab them, and both she, the mist, and the elements disappeared in a flash of light.

“Twilight!”

Badd snarled. “Shit!” Was all he said before bolting towards the stairs leading higher in the ruins, the five mares following behind.
> Chapter 9: Climax and Resolution
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Nightmare Moon began charging each other. What the latter didn’t know was that Twilight had charged up a teleportation spell that she casted right before they collided. Swirling her head around, Nightmare Moon saw the unicorn next to the elements, trying to activate them.

“Foolish mare! You truly think those artifacts will listen to your command?!”

Before the evil Alicorn could move to stop her however, her head was slammed through the floor courtesy of Badd’s bat.

“Badd?! What are you-“

“Just focus on what you’re doin! I’ll take care of her!”

Twilight gave a worried glance back, but nodded and turned back to the elements.

Nightmare Moon lifted her head out of the hole in the floor, looking furious. 

“You damned interloper! This marks the second time you have crossed me! Know that it will be your last!”

The dark alicorn fired a magic blast towards Badd. The hero managed to jump out of the way as it blasted through a nearby wall before exploding in the sky above the Everfree. 

“Know this fool! Since our last encounter, I have recovered much of my strength. You stand no chance against me now!”

Badd gave a laugh. “Man, if I had 5 yen for every time a monster said something like that to me before I caved their skull in, I’d have my own private island! Bring it on moon bitch, I’ve taken down worse than you.”

Nightmare moon snarled, and cast a spell. Dark mist swirled around her horn before it took the form of a war hammer. 

“Since you seem to enjoy swinging that stick of yours around so much, I’ll break it in two with my own weapon!”

“I’d like to see ya try.”

With that, the two charged forward, clashing their weapons when they met. Badd grunted a little and recoiled back a little from the impact. That was all Nightmare needed. The war hammer in her magical grip, she slammed it down on Badd’s bat again and again. Small shockwaves were released every time the weapons met.

As Nightmare Moon kept hammering into Badd’s weapon, the hero was backed up against the wall. 

“I will admit, I expected that flimsy rod to have broken by now. But it matters not, since you will be the one who is broken soon enough.”

Badd went to land a hit on Nightmare, but she smacked the bat out of the way and swung the war hammer into Badd’s chest at full force. The impact produced an audible crack from Badd’s chest and sent him hurtling through the brick wall and across the sky.

“BADD!” The five other mares had arrived just in time to see their friend be seemingly defeated by Nightmare Moon.

Twilight was in a cold sweat, refusing to look behind her. The elements weren’t reacting to her at all, and Badd had just been thrown across the Everfree. Before she could have another thought, Nightmare Moon’s hammer came down and turned the elements into dust. 

“NO!”

The dark alicorn cackled in victory. “It’s over! The elements are destroyed! That infuriating fool is dead! And now no one can prevent my glorious eternal night! But just to make sure of that, I believe that I need to dispose of you nuisances. Permanently.”

Twilight and the others stepped back in horror as Nightmare Moon began charging up a blast. Twilight went to charge a blast in retaliation, but she knew it’d be futile. 

“BEGONE, PESTS!”

Nightmare Moon fired off the blast towards the six mares who looked on in terror. But before it could reach them, a red and black blur shot in front of them and sent the blast up through the roof.

“WHAT?!”

Badd was standing in front of the group, bat in his hooves. His mane was a wreck and he was covered in dirt. He appeared to have coughed up some blood, if the dark red stain on his muzzle was anything to go by, but he was still standing. 

“Badd! You’re alive!”

“Course I am! Nothin like that’s gonna put me down. But what the hell was that?! Are you all seriously giving up just because she destroyed a couple rocks?”

The mares looked to each other, before narrowing their eyes in determination. 

“Yeah! What was I thinking cowering like that?! I’m Rainbow Dash, I don’t fear anything!”

“This meanie pants has got to go! We can’t have any parties with her in charge!”

“A lady must stand up for herself! I can’t be accepting defeat so easily!”

“It would be just terrible if the sun never came up again. My animal friends need it to survive! I can’t let them down!”

“Y’know what, yer right! What would mah family think if they saw me givin up just like that? Thanks fer that Badd, I forgot what ah need to be protectin!”

Twilight looked to the group around her and saw them take up a stance against Nightmare Moon alongside her. A spark flashed in her eyes.

Nightmare Moon had recovered from her shock enough to speak. “YOU INFURIATING INSECT! What must I do to be rid of you!? It matters not how many times you oppose me, without the elements, you are doomed to fail!”

Twilight looked to Nightmare Moon, confidence in her eyes. “You think you can destroy the elements of harmony just like that?”

“Um, yes? I just did. What point are you trying to make, fool?”

“You’re wrong! The spirits of the elements of harmony are right here!”

The remaining fragments of the elements began to swirl and rise into the air.

“What.”

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of honesty!”

“Fluttershy, who teamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of kindness!”

“Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of laughter!”

“Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of generosity!”

“Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her hearts desire, represents the spirit of loyalty!”

“And Badd, who stood to face incredible danger and impossible odds to protect others, represents the spirit of courage!”

The fragments of the elements began to swirl around the six ponies. Nightmare Moon looked terrified.

“These spirits of these six got us through every challenge you threw at us.”

“B-but the spark didn’t work! You still need the seventh element!”

“But it did! A different kind of spark! It worked the very moment I realized how happy I was to be with you! How much I cared about you! It worked the moment I realized you all are my friends!”

A bright glow emanated from above Twilight. Nightmare Moon flinched away in shock.

“You see Nightmare Moon, when those elements are ignited by the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the seventh element! The element of magic!”

The six ponies were lifted up into the air and a bright rainbow flash burst forth from them. The rainbow swirled upward, before coming eight down on Nightmare Moon. 

“NO! Damn it! Damn it all! I was so close!”

The rainbow enveloped Nightmare Moon, her scream of terror and rage dying out from within.



Badd lifted himself up from the floor once the light had died down. 

“Ugh, my head.”

“Everypony okay?”

Upon seeing that his friends were fine, Badd sighed. “Well that has to be the weirdest way I’ve ever won a fight.”

Badd looked down and realized that he was now wearing a necklace that has the same symbol as the one on his flank. “I am never wearing this thing ever.”

Applejack chuckled. “Well Ah’ll admit Twilight, I thought ya were just spouting a load a hooey, but ah reckon we really do represent the elements of harmony.”

“Indeed you do.”

The seven ponies looked around in confusion trying to figure out where the voice came from, when a bright glow emanated from in front of the rising sun. As the glow died down, a large white Alicorn was revealed. Twilight gasped in surprise, the others bowed, while Badd just looked on confused.

“Princess Celestia!”

“What.”

“Twilight Sparkle. I just know you could do it.”

“B-but, you told me it was just an old pony tale!”

“I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more.”

Badd kind of tuned the rest of the conversation out. This was apparently the Princess Celestia he had heard about. If anyone could help him and his sister get back home, he assumed it would be her.

Before he could approach her however, the Princess shifted her attention over to the other side of the room.

Laying in the middle of the floor, surrounded by fragments of what was once Nightmare Moon, a small blue alicorn lay.

“Princess Luna. It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. We were meant to rule together sister, can you accept my friendship?”

“Sister?!”

The now named “Luna” flinched back and shut her eyes, before grabbing Celestia in a hug. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I’ve missed you so much sister!”

“I have missed you too. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

“And I have some questions I need to ask.”

The two Alicorns looked over to see Badd approaching them. Luna squeaked in fear and hid behind her sister. 

“Hey, Uh, Luna, is it? I don’t really know what’s goin on, but if you’re cool now, I’m not gonna attack ya.”

Celestia sized Badd up with her eyes. “Ah, you are the one who represents the element of courage are you not? I apologize, but I do not know your name.”

“It’s our first time meeting, so it’d be weird if you did. I’m Badd. I have some pretty important questions to ask and I’ve been told you’re the best one to answer em.”

Celestia chuckled at Badd’s bluntness. “I suppose I could hear you out, but I believe we should get back to town first. There is no sense in staying in these dusty old ruins now is there?”

“Fair enough.”

Pinkie Pie jumped in excitement. “Ooh, this calls for a party! There’ll be cake and games and music and streamers and-“

The group laughed while Badd rolled his eyes. Just a little longer and hopefully he would get the answers he needed to get him and his sister home.
> Chapter 10: The Afterparty and a Way Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun had finally risen and the citizens of Ponyville were celebrating the safe return of Princess Celestia, as well as the return of her sister Princess Luna. Pinkie Pie had set up a huge celebration in record time, and everypony was enjoying themselves to their fullest.

Celestia and Luna stood at the center of the celebration, the former taking questions from anypony who asked. Luna trying her best to appear happy and engaged, but she was still a nervous wreck, and often hid behind her sister whenever anypony so much as glanced her way.

Badd stood beside a tree, waiting for his chance to have a conversation with the solar princess. Celestia had stated that she would talk with him in private before she and her sister left for Canterlot. The other element bearers had gone off to mingle and enjoy the party, even Twilight, much to everyone's shock. 

Badd had checked in on Zenko the moment he arrived back in town, and found his little sister asleep in the library, her head laying on a book about ancient legends. Lyra and Bon-Bon had also found him shortly after and asked him a plethora of questions about his venture into the Everfree. 

"You're kidding me! You fought Nightmare Moon again?! And you're also the element of courage? I didn't think you could get any cooler, but you continue to surprise me!"

Badd rolled his eyes at Lyra's flattery. Bon-Bon gave Badd a curious look. "Um, are you sure you're okay Badd? I think I see some blood on your muzzle."

Badd widened his eyes. "Oh yeah, I gotta get that cleaned off. Nightmare bitch got me with a nasty hit to my chest. coughed up some blood and broke a couple ribs. I'm fine now though. Twilight cast some sort of healing spell on me."

Lyra and Bon-Bon winced at the description. "Well, I'm glad you're okay now. And hey, now that you're an element bearer, you have some proof to back up your claims about being a superhero!"

Badd chuckled. "Eh, I don't really care 'bout fame or anything like that. I'm just good at smashin' things, and I figure I should at least try an' help with what talent I got, ya know? That, and I enjoy a good fight."

The two mares gave a small laugh at that. "Well, it's good to know we have such a noble hero protecting Equestria! Lyra and I were planning on hitting the dance floor, so We'll leave you alone for now. We'll have to find a good time to talk again!"

"Yeah, I'll see the two of you around then." 

Lyra and Bon-Bon disappeared back into the crowd, and Badd was left alone to himself. For about two minutes. Rainbow Dash walked up to Badd with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Hey, what's up Dash? Enjoying the party?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Badd narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Tell ya what?"

Rainbow's expression morphed into one of frustration with a hint of anger. "That you're faster than me! Back in the ruins when Nightmare Moon was about to hit us with that magic beam, you ran in front of us and smacked it away before I could even realize what was happening! And you had been flung into the forest right before that!"

Rainbow growled. "You had to have broken the sound barrier! Do you have any idea how long I've been trying to do that!?"

Badd leaned back, not having expected the rant. "Uh, jeez, Dash. I didn't know you'd be so upset by that. I wasn't tryin to show off or nuthin, honest."

Rainbow's eye twitched a but, before she took a deep beath and hung her head. "...yeah, I get it. Sorry for blowing up at you like that. I mean, you saved our lives and everything! It's just, I've always prided myself on being the fastest pony in Ponyville! Maybe the whole world, if you don't count the princess. So, being shown up so suddenly kinda bruised my ego a bit, ya know?"

"...I get that. I know I'd be upset if some guy I just met came out of nowhere and beat me at what I was best at. I've noticed AJ and Big Mac givin me looks from time to time whenever I'm practicing with my bat. I think they're jealous of my strength or somethin. Like I said, I'm not tryin to show off, I guess I'm just stronger than average, ya know?"

Rainbow gave Badd a stern look. "How fast are you?"

"Eh?"

"How fast are you? Like, your top speed. I need to know what I gotta aim for."

"Well, I don't know exactly, but Child Emperor once recorded my speed back when he was trying to figure out my fighting spirit. Creepy kid even spied on me when I was fightin' monsters. I think he said my top speed was like Mach 10 or something? Then again, I remember that was a real rough fight, and my fightin' spirit had gone inta overdrive. Without my fightin' spirit I think I'm like Mach 4?"

Badd could have sworn he saw a blood vessel pop in Rainbow's head. "...I'm tripling my training's intensity. Nah, more than that. I'm cutting my naps out of my schedule too. I'm not gonna rest until I can pull of my Sonic Rainboom again! And after that, I'm upping my training some more! I'm gonna surpass your speed, even if it kills me, ya got that?!"

Badd laughed. "That's what I'm talkin' about! Glad to see that motivated ya instead of discouraging ya! Just, try not to actually kill yerself, got it? I kinda like you."

Rainbow tried to keep her glare up, but it ultimately melted into a smile. "Yeah, I'll make sure to take care of myself, ya dork. But still, you better be prepared to have some competition soon enough. By the time fall rolls around, I'll be leavin you in the dust!"

Rainbow Dash trotted away, claiming she was going to start training as soon as the party was over. Badd smiled as she left.

"Hope she can come through on that claim of hers. It'll be nice ta have some friendly competition. I'll need some kinda challenge without any strong monsters ta fight."

Badd returned to observing the party, not all that interested in participating the festivities himself. Eventually, he spotted a familiar tall figure trotting over to him. 

"Greetings, Badd. I apologize for putting our conversation off for so long, but I needed to tend to the worries of my subjects and assure them that my sister was no longer the menace that plagued them earlier. Speaking of my dear sister, I hope you do not mind that she joins us for this little conversation. Dear Luna did not feel comfortable being left with the crowd alone.

Badd looked down to the side and saw Luna standing awkwardly. She didn't look quite as afraid of him compared to when she first awoke, but she still seemed nervous about his presence.

"Hey, uh, princess, I know you're kinda scared of me, but I'm not gonna hurt ya. It's not like you're that crazy Nightmare edge lord from earlier. Pretty sure they got destroyed."

Luna took a little breath. "We know. However, we still have the memories from our time as the nightmare. You art... quite terrifying in combat."

Badd raised a brow at the smaller princess' dialect, but didn't mention it. "Oh, yeah. Didn't realize you'd share memories with that thing. Sorry bout that, I've been told I get like that when I fight."

Princess Celestia smiled. "I am glad to see the two of you getting along. Now, Badd, I believe that you said you wished to discuss something with me?"

"Yeah. So, believe it or not, me an' my sis aren't actually from this world. We're lookin' for a way back home, and I've been told you're our best bet."

Badd explained the whole story about how he and his sister arrived in Equestria, as well as his occupation as a hero back home. Celestia and Luna were quite shocked at the story and were very engaged by the end of it.

"Hmm, if you are looking for a way to return home, then there is only one possible way that I know of that could work."

"Huh, you think there's actually a way for me an' my sis to get back home?"

"Indeed. It is an artifact known as the Crystal Mirror. It opens a gateway to another world once every thirty moons. The gateway stays open for three days, and then it will close again until the next cycle. However, the issue with this is that the world in which the portal opens a gateway to varies every cycle. I have dabbled with the mirror to see if it is possible to keep the world consistent, but I have not done enough research to make any definitive progress. However, seeing as this may be your only way back home, I shall dedicate more time to trying to stabilize the mirror."

Badd sighed. "I'm guessin that's gonna take a while though." 

Celestia nodded solemnly. "Indeed. This will most likely take a very long time. However, if it does work, then we may be able to open a stable connection between our two worlds. Of course, I would need to find a way to access your world specifically, and that will only be possible after I find a way to make the Crystal Mirror consistent."

"So, in essence, this is gonna take a long ass time to figure out."

"I apologize for this inconvenience, Badd. If there were an easier solution, I would pursue it."

Badd laughed at that. "There ain't no reason for ya to be apologizing to me! You're goin out of your way to help me an my sis out when you already have ruling a country and raising the sun on your daily agenda! If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you!"

Celestia gave a laugh at that. "You are certainly considerate of my own time then! I look forward to meeting you again, Badd. Unfortunately, the time has come for my sister and I to return to Canterlot. I will send you any updates on progress that I make with the mirror."

"Thanks princess. I appreciate it again."

"Think nothing of it. It is my duty to tend to the needs of all my citizens, and while you reside here, you fall under that category. If nothing else, think of it as repayment for helping to save my sister."

With that, Celestia and Luna trotted off, preparing to depart back to the castle. There was an emotional moment with Twilight deciding to stay in town. Badd did not appreciate being pulled into a group hug against his will, but it could have been worse. After all, he had found out that there was a way home for him yet, and besides, there were certainly worse places to be stuck.