As Sombra continued his tirade over his victory, DJ simply hung like a lifeless corpse in the chains. He just couldn’t believe what had happened before his very eyes; because of him, a dear friend had her parents taken away from her forever, not to mention right in front her as well. DJ felt like a failure and he could do nothing to stop the thoughts.

Deep within his mindscape, the mental form of Malice was walking over to DJ’s inner consciousness. In their combined mind, Malice had the form of his old, black-and-grey human self; the only downside being that his mental form always mirrored his partner’s body as well. Now, Malice stood over DJ’s mental image, one that simply sat on his knees on the ‘ground’. His head was hung, face pale, and his breathing was ragged.

You gotta snap out of it Punk! Malice calls to the immovable form of his partner. Are you just gonna sit there and let that son of bitch get away with that?! COME ON! Move, man!

Malice walks right up to DJ’s mental body, grasps his shoulders, and begins to violently shake him in an attempt to get him back. Come on, get it together! Come on, DJ! DJ! DJ!!!

As Malice continues to yell at him, DJ’s consciousness begins to sink into the past, tuning out the demon’s yelling completely. Memories of better times start to flow through his mind’s eye, taking him back to his early days in Equestria.

*****Two Weeks after Arrival in Equestria******

Today was gonna be a good day, he could feel it! DJ has now had two full weeks to adjust to his new life in Equestria and he has loved every single second of it! Twilight and her family got used to his presence around the Books and Branches Library after the first few days or so. They started out by watching him carefully as he roamed the aisles, straightening and organizing the books. He was still a new creature in this world, after all, so they were very cautious about him still. That all changed, however, when Twilight caught him slacking off with his chores. She wasn’t too terribly mad at him due to the fact the reason he was sitting around was because he found several books that he thought were interesting and just got engrossed in them. His punishment was to read them all by the next day. Ha! Some punishment!

The others took the rest of the week for them to be completely comfortable around him, except for Pinkie and Fluttershy. DJ and Pinkie’s lessons were going off swimmingly; as now one could call for DJ and he could pop out of anything nearby. Ditzy really didn’t appreciate it, though, when he popped out the mailbox she was about to deliver to, but them’s the breaks. It was completely accidental, too. I was trying to come out of the box in front of Sugar Cube Corner; not Quills and Sofas. Gotta work on that! After helping out at Fluttershy’s a few times, she really enjoyed having him around. DJ was always good around animals, no matter what kind. Animals and Children! They just love little ol’ me! Surprisingly, even Angel Bunny seemed to warm up to him after a little while; completely unexpected for him considering how that bunny reacts to everything else.

Applejack took a little more convincing, but seemed to grow fond of him after a while. Every now and then, she would come around the library to hear DJ practice due to him only practicing country songs at the time. It wasn’t often, but occasionally DJ would catch her bobbing her head to the beat or tapping her hoof. AJ always got flustered when he did and she would deny it entirely, getting a friendly laugh out of the human. Rainbow and Rarity took even more time, but as it was said, by the end of the first week, they all felt like friends.

One thing still bothered DJ, though. In the show, more often than not, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were going around town trying to earn their cutie marks with some cockamamie scheme. Usually resulting in explosions, pain, and tree sap. Even after two weeks, though, DJ had yet to see any of them save for Nyx and Dinky Doo, who, he learned, was inducted into the CMC a few months before Twilight’s coronation.

DJ pondered on their absence as he walked through town. Twilight had asked him to go take care of some of the grocery shopping, considering he pretty much ate everything in their refrigerator and half of the pantry. Turns out Pinkie Powers include a stomach that can rival that of Shaggy and Scooby. Who knew? The next thing he did know, was how Equestrian dirt tasted. DJ was face first in the dirt; at first he thought he hit something, until he realized that something hit him. Then he heard the voices.

“What do ya think it is?” said the voice of a young southern belle.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s an alien!” came a squeaky, yet adorable one.

“Do you think we’ll get our cutie marks for alien catching? What would that even look like?” spoke a huskier voice, but was still clearly female.

“Probably a little green dude with big black eyes underneath a net,” said DJ, answering the question. This got a gasp of surprise and awe from the three beings on his back. You know, this is the third time something has hit my back this week! I am beginning to see a pattern here.

“IT CAN TALK!?!” they shouted in unison. First thought: Ow! My ears! Second thought was spoken aloud.

“Yes, he can. Now could you please get off my back? I am tired of being in the dirt now, thank you!” He gets the feeling of tiny hooves making their way off of him and he starts to feel lighter. One the last of them is off, he stands up and begins to shake the dirt off his clothes. If this keeps up, I am going to have to see Rarity about a new wardrobe sooner rather than later.

“We’re sorry about that mister. Ya just looked so strange and we thought…” said a small yellow filly with a deep red main that had a large bow tied in it.

“Don’t worry, Apple Bloom,” DJ interrupted. “No harm done, except now I need to go get the taste of dirt out of my mouth,” he says sticking out his tongue. He looks down and sees the three infamous fillies staring out him in surprise that soon turns to suspicion.

“How do y’all know mah name, stranger?” she asks in that heavy accent. This causes DJ to smile at them and give a small laugh in return.

“I happen to know all three of you actually. Well, I know of you to be more precise. Apple Bloom,” he says pointing at the yellow filly, “younger sister of Applejack. Sweetie Belle,” now moving to the white coated unicorn with a purple mane, “younger sister of Rarity. And Scootaloo,” now at the orange pegasus with small wings, “the protégé of Rainbow Dash and the most awesomest filly in Ponyville.”

To his help, the flattery did indeed word on Scootaloo. “Well, at least you got that part right,” her voice dripping with egotism. The others two roll their eyes at her. “Now who and what are you? And you better answer or Rainbow Dash will kick your butt!”

DJ laughs at her threat, especially when said pony is currently above them, resting on a cloud. He noticed her rainbow colored tail hanging from when he stood up, and now DJ was glad he did. He pursed his lips together and let out a loud whistle, calling up to the cloud. Seeing the mare on top shuffle a little and then looking down, he smiles and waves to her. “Mornin’ Rainbow! Ya mind coming down her for a sec?”

Not even a second later, the faster flyer in Equestria is floating right in front of them. “Whassup DJ?” she says offer him a hoof bump which he returns in kind. “This better be good, you know I don’t like missing my late morning naps!”

“Heh, heh. I certainly do, RD. I just thought since you were nearby you could maybe help me explain a few things to fillies here,” he says pointing down at the CMC. Scootaloo in particular was agape at seeing her ‘big sister’ being so friendly with a strange creature.

“OH! No problem, big guy,” she responds with a smirk. “Guess we never did tell the little ones about you. Sorry ‘bout that.” Rainbow then turns to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and gives a brief explanation on DJ. “Girls, meet DJ. He’s a friend of mine and he’ll being staying here in Ponyville indefinitely. I know he looks kinda weird, and acts kinda weird come to think of it, but he’s pretty harmless.”

The girls nod their heads in understanding and then they get curious. “So what exactly is he?” asks Sweetie Belle.

“I am what is known as a human, Sweetie. You see, I come from another world where things are not as great as they are here. So, I’ll be staying here long term. Even got a room at the library that Twilight is letting me use,” DJ answers.

“How did you know that I am the most awesomest filly in town?” questions Scootaloo. DJ figured that they didn’t need to know about the show, so he came up with something.

“Simple. I heard it around town and after meeting you, it seems that they were right. You definitely give off an air of awesomeness,” he replies with a smile.

“You’re alright, DJ,” Scootaloo says trying to mirror her idol. “Hey, you wanna help us out? We’re trying to get out cutie marks because we’re…”

“THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!” Since they said it unison and at a very high pitch, DJ had to cover his ears and let them heal for a second before attempting to carry on conversation.

“Okay, first, ow. You girls make the perfect sonic cannon, ya know that? Second, I’d love to help you girls out, but first I gotta take care of some errands for my land mare. I’m sure we'll have plenty of time for crusading another day, though.” DJ turns to Rainbow, “Thanks for backing me up, RD. Means a lot.”

“No problem, dude,” she replies with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “I never leave my friends hanging. Now, if you will excuse me, there is a cloud up there with my name on it.” Then she looks down at her sister, “And our next lesson is tomorrow at three Squirt. Don’t be late.” With that she takes off and lands back on her cloud, probably going to sleep instantly. DJ looks back down to see Scootaloo bouncing with glee about her next lesson with her idol. The sight brings a small chuckle to him.

“Well, it was nice meeting you girls, but like I said, I got some shopping to do. See ya around,” DJ turns and walks away from the CMC. He waves his hand back to them without turning around and yells, “Y’all stay out of trouble now, ya hear!”

“Bye DJ!”

“Have fun!”

“Catch ya later, dude!”

All three gave their own farewells and then ran off to continue crusading. DJ smiles and laughs a little to himself. Definitely an interesting day. He then begins to wonder what else is in store for the Equestrian human that he is.

As that particular memory begins to end, another starts immediately.

*****Seven Weeks after Arrival in Equestria******

The wind came rushing through DJ’s hair as he sped along down the rural road leading into Ponyville. The thrill and excitement were rushing through his veins as he picked up speed. He bent his knees even lower, allowing his skateboard to rocket down the path even faster. He looked over to see his opponent still with him on her scooter.

This was another dream come true for DJ. He was racing Scootaloo through Ponyville with the first to get to the library being the winner. It started as a friendly challenge, but now it was an all-out competition between the two, with neither being able to gain the lead. They were neck and neck all the way, continually gaining speed as the town came into view. The plowed right on in, not stopping for anything and only bobbing and weaving around when absolutely necessary.

The pair were already long past the half-way point and were now coming in for the final stretch. Being taller, DJ spotted their target first and smirked, knowing that their race was about to end. To keep it fair, DJ had refused to use any of his lightsabers abilities, also due to not mastering anything that would help at the moment yet. After a moment, Scootaloo saw the library, too, and looked over at DJ as he did the same. They shared a knowing look and focused entirely on the road in front of them. Waiting at the finish line was the rest of the CMC, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie, with Nyx holding a checkered flag in her mouth, ready to wave it for the winner. As the two racers approached, they tried everything they could to get just that little bit more they needed to pass the other.

Next thing they know, the two rip right through the finish line ribbon and come screeching to a halt on their respective vehicles. DJ and Scootaloo are both completely winded from the race and are sitting on their respective haunches as the spectators approach them, all with big smiles on their faces.

“That was awesome you guys!” exclaimed the fillies in unison, causing DJ to cringe a little because of the pitch. He still finds some way to smile, though.

“I give it an easy awesome for the both of you,” Rainbow says while nodding proudly. DJ notices that Scootaloo’s smile grew several times at her compliment. “Unfortunately, it was way too close to call, so the race is a tie. Good try, though.”

DJ and Scootaloo look at each other and give a good hoof bump of respect. Then a motherly voice calls out from a good distance away. “Scootaloo, time for dinner! Time to come home!”

Scoots perks up. “That’s my mom; gotta go everypony. We need to have a rematch sometime, DJ. I won’t let my reputation be ruined by a draw.” With that little quip, the orange filly races off towards the sound of the voice. Something was nagging to DJ about it, though, and he turns to Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Dash?” The pegasus turns to him, “You think you might be able to introduce me to Scootaloo’s parents? I’m pretty sure you remember why.” Indeed she did, as her eyes grew wide as she recalled the memory of DJ’s first day in Ponyville and the conversation they had on the way to his welcome party. She smiles warmly at him and nods.

“Sure dude. I think that can be arranged. Come on, I’ll take ya to them now!” RD then takes off after Scootaloo, with DJ sighing in exhaustion, but still running after her.

An hour later, DJ and Rainbow are sitting on a couch in the living room of Scootaloo’s home. Sitting across from them is a pair of earth ponies. The stallion was brown coated with a blue mane and an American football for a cutie mark. The mare had a light olive green coat and a red mane with a pompom as a cutie mark. This was Long Run and Peppy Cheer; Scootaloo’s parents.

Initially, the two earth ponies were frightened by DJ as he approached their home, but with Rainbow Dash explaining who he was, they immediately calmed down and told him that Scootaloo spoke about him a few times. The two went on to tell DJ about themselves. Apparently, Long Run was a former pro hoofball star from Canterlot who fell in love with one of his team’s cheerleaders, Peppy Cheer. After winning the Equestrian equivalent of the Super Bowl roughly twenty years ago, he settled down in Ponyville, which was Peppy’s home town. Peppy turned out not only to be a cheerleader, but also an expert gymnast and dancer; DJ was able to notice that several of the many trophies that decorated the room had her name on them as well. Definitely explains Scootaloo’s athleticism that’s for sure.

They went on to tell him about their relationship with Rainbow Dash. The two of them were actually very grateful towards her. With them being earth ponies, they had no way of teaching Scootaloo to fly, so they were thankful that Rainbow was willing to teach her as well as supporting the idea of her being like a big sister to their daughter. But then they asked about why DJ was so concerned with her as well, so DJ explained the best he could.

“Did Scootaloo ever mention to you two about how I knew about her and everypony else in town?” he asks them. It took a while, but DJ did eventually tell the Cutie Mark Crusaders about the existence of the show. Unlike their sisters, they were excited by the idea of being characters in popular entertainment.

“Yes she did. We didn’t understand it at first, but when she said you were from another world, we figured it had something do with that,” explained Long Run.

“Well, the reason that I have such an interest in Scootaloo is because she is my favorite filly from the show,” says DJ.

“Wait, I thought you said Nyx was your favorite filly?” asks Rainbow.

“Nyx is my favorite filly and pony overall, but, as I said, she is not a part of the TV show. Back home, Nyx was a creation of the fans that grew to a good size popularity. If we are just talking about the show, then Scoots would be my favorite filly. I have always admired the daredevils that will do whatever it takes to get things done.”

Peppy giggles a little at his remark. “That certainly sounds like our Scootaloo.”

“Yes it does,” Long Run agreed. “But that doesn’t answer the question in full, though.”

DJ sighs in defeat. “Well, the thing is that neither of you two have ever appeared on the show in any form. This has caused fans to believe that Scootaloo is, well, an orphan.” This causes Long’s eyes to go wide and Peppy’s mouth is agape with shock. “In turn, many different theories came into existence about her and not all of them were happy like the Scootadopt stories. Those were the tales where Scootaloo was adopted into a loving family. No the ones that worried me were the Scootabuse theories where either Scoots came from an abusive home or was abused by others at the orphanage. Rainbow here can attest that it was one of my first questions when I came here.”

The two ponies look to Rainbow and she nods her head solemnly in agreement. Neither of them knew exactly what to say, but Peppy did speak after a moment of thought. “That is quite disheartening to hear, DJ. To think that others would come up with such stories about our little Scootaloo is just disturbing.” Then she reaches over and puts a hoof on his shoulder. “I thank you, though. For having out daughter’s safety in mind so early into coming here. It means a lot to us knowing that you really care for her.”

Long Run then chips in. “Yes, DJ. It really does warm my heart that even if we weren’t here that at least somepony would look after her. So that brings me to a question my human friend.” DJ looks at him in suspicion and motions him to continue. “I would like you to promise something to us; would you promise us that should anything ever happen to us, that you will take care of our daughter? I know it’s a hard thing to think about, but I feel that you would be able to handle such a thing.”

DJ looks at them, mouth agape at what they had asked. He closes his mouth after a minute and lets his gaze turned hard. “Long Run, Peppy Cheer. I promise you with all my heart that I will watch over Scootaloo should the worst come to pass. I cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” He went through the movements as he did so to complete the promise. They look at him with appreciation and returns it with a warm smile. “Not like anything is ever gonna happen, though. Seriously, I highly doubt anything life changing is gonna happen around here. Ya know, besides me, that is.” The four of them share a good laugh together and bid good night not too long after.

Once again the memory begins to fade and other memories begin to poor through DJ’s mind as he thinks back on Scootaloo.

*****The Present*****

As the memories begin to fade, DJ manages to pull out of his thoughts for a just a moment. Just long enough to overhear Sombra speaking to Scootaloo through the portal.

“…blame all of your sorrows on your dear friend…DJ Sparkle!” he hears Sombra say.

These words strike a chord deep within his mind and it begins to work. He begins to feel again, his body starting to wake from that awful daze. And there is only one thing on his mind: to take Sombra down!!

Deep within his mind, Malice notices the sudden change in the ‘air’ around him, and it is not one that feels right. He turns towards DJ’s mental form and sees that it begins to stand, head still hung, but face now covered in shadow.

DJ? he asks nervously. Something was definitely off with his partner as he was no longer emitting the same emotions as DJ usually does. Whatever was goin on, it wasn’t going to be good.

Back outside his body, DJ finally knows how this all must end and he was going to be the one to do it. With the memory of that promise made to Long Run and Peppy Cheer motivating him, DJ makes an ultimate decision. He whispers over to the omnitrix on his shoulder, “Saiyan up.” DJ feels the change immediately as his muscles begin to expand and the feeling of power rush through him, that and the sudden tail he could feel behind him. Thankfully, there was no transformation light because he was already in his human form, and now he was ready for a fight. Except he needed one last thing, the one thing he would need to win.

“Malice,” DJ says under his breath. It doesn’t matter as Malice can always hear DJ, no matter how soft or loud he talks.

Kid? Kid! Are you alright in there? Thought we lost you there for a second. Now come on, we gotta—

“Malice, give it to me,” DJ says, interrupting Malice.

What? is all that Malice can say in return. This causes DJ clarifies his statement.

“Give me all of your power Malice. Give me everything!” he says with a new found fire in his eyes.