The group of ponies, pokemon, and Displaced all arrive in the Badlands just outside the fort that Edward had used for his training grounds. The group started to wobble as they started to separate from one another.

“I must say, that is a very different aspect of teleportation from which I would never get used to dear,” said Rarity as she stumbles to get her bearings.

“You said it,” says Spike with a face plant on the ground.

“It was different, to say the least,” remarked Celestia.

“I agree with you, sister,” added Luna while Edward held on to her to keep her from falling.

“You two think this is bad, then trying falling through a void portal and usually landing on your back, or how about being blasted in the chest with a beam of magic while walking through one of those things. It really hurts you know,” Edward commented.

“You fall through the portals whenever you’re summoned?” asked Sora with a confused look.

“Please don’t ask me to explain, because not even I know how I screwed that up,” Edward said with a downturned gaze.

“I’ve tried unicorn teleportation and whatever that’s called-” Polearm said as he wobbled forward.

“Fiore magic” added Sora.

“Thank you Ms.Sorano, I prefer unicorn magic over that stuff,” continued the guard pony.

“Where’s Rainbow Dash?” asked Applejack as she rubbed her eyes.

“Down here,” said the pegasus lying flat on her back.

“Nat, Sora, other Twilight, and pokemon, let’s get everybody to my Fort over there and let them catch their breath. While their bodies readjust from the Teleport we can go over some ground rules for our spar. We can also set up some prep work in case things go south. I’ll head to the fort and get some help. You six stay here with the others.” Edward explained as he ran off toward the fort while he allowed Luna to lean on Celestia.

Edward was only gone for a few moments. When he returned he was followed by the army of training golems he’d created for the training camp. When the group had left the fort Edward had reprogramed the golems to man the site and keep it in working order. They maintained the facility while no pony lived there. Nat’s group had been dead paned at the Edward army before them.

“What are those thing and why do they all look like you?” asked Nat’s Twi with a rekindled curiosity.

“I’ll explain what they are in detail later, for now just know they’re a type of smart golem I created for training purposes. They’ll take your orders no questions asked. Now let’s get these ponies into the fort for a bit of rest and some food. I bet we can whip something up in a flash,” said the alchemist with a smile. Natali smiles as well before digging into her purse again and taking out some odd looking berries. The pokemon look excited at the mere sight of the fruit in her hand.

“How about an Oran and Lum berry salad?” Nat suggests.

It didn’t take long to get the group together, but it did take a while to get everypony to the fortress as they were constantly tripping over themselves due to after effects of the teleportation. Once there Edward showed Nat and Sora to the mess hall so they could start to fix everypony a meal. The pokemon and their Twilight were left with the others to make sure they took it easy and for Twi to recover from the magic strain.

“Is there anything specific any of you girls would want? Food has no limits thanks to Arc of Embodiment. I’m going with my usual fish and eggs.” asked Ed lighting a fire on the stove.

“Yeah, can you summon some lettuce, celery, and carrots? I have plenty of berries we can use. I may cheat every now and then, but I prefer my vegetarian diet.” Nat says, grabbing an apron and her purse before taking out about a dozen of both types of berries. Ed raises a brow at this, Sora noticing his inquisitive look.

“Twi enchanted the purse to be able to hold far more than spatially possible,” Sora explains. Ed nods and allows his magic to flow, creating the vegetables requested. Nat smiles and grabs several tools like knives, shredders and the bowls for mixing in her Vectors before beginning to cut up the vegetables and shredding and slicing the berries. Ed begins to cook his own food as well, staying a little bit back from Nat as she focuses on making the salads for everyone.

Sora for her part just kept an eye on all the ingredients, checking to make sure none of them fell or got mixed up. After a couple minutes Nat makes a plate of the salad for each of the others and herself, one bowl of the berries for each her pokemon while Ed finished making his fish and eggs. Nat smiles once she finished making all the food before turning to the door to call the others and running into a stone Ed.

“Nyu!” Nat says in alarm, falling over.

“You ok there Nat?” asked Twilight, coming over to help her up. “Sorry about that. I pre-programmed these guys to patrol the grounds before we left this place empty.” Said Ed.

“You said they were a type of smart golem you made for training purposes. I get having one by why make so many?” asked the lavender unicorn. “This was an old fort years ago. I took the Elements of Harmony, Shining Armor, Spike, Polearm and the now elite guards out here for training. As I couldn’t oversee every aspect of everyone’s training at once I made the golems to help with that. They were made to be a teacher slash practice dummy.” explained Ed.

“I think I get that part,” said Sora.

“What do you mean Sora?” asked Nat getting up from the ground.

“Think about it for a minute. Ed is your teacher and he’s the one to drag you out into the middle of nowhere to whip your butt into shape. What better way is there to learn and let off a little steam then to hit the one who caused it all.” said Sora pointing at Ed.

“Bingo. I made these guys for that very reason,” added Ed pointing back. “Of course their look is out of date but I’ll deal with that some other time.”

“Sorry, but would you mind explaining how you made those things in the first place?” asked Twi.

“Not at all Twi, but let’s bring the food out to everyone and I’ll explain while we’re eating. Sound good to you?” Ed said as he motioned a few stone Eds into the room the help distribute the food.

The group all meet up with the others, the other ponies looking at the salads curiously as they have never seen the fruit before. They see as Nat give the pokemon their bowls of diced fruit and their happy expressions when eating. They then see Nat’s Twilight with a happy smile as she eats some of the Oran berries. They all begin to eat their salads as well, all of them enjoying the unique flavors of the berries, Pinkie all but wolfing them down. Nat chuckles and passes the pink mare a full Lum berry.

“Thanks, Natty!” She says with a smile, storing the berry in her mane. The others barely even bat an eye at that.

“So Edward, can you go over how these stone versions work?” Nat’s Twi asks, a notepad and pencil in her magic as she continues to eat. Ed smiles and begins to go over how they work, Twilight writing down nearly every word. The others laugh quietly at her attentiveness, even Ed’s Twilight. Natali just smiles and look to her mega bracelet. She didn’t even notice Ed’s Twilight and Cadence scooting closer.

“So?” Nat looks to Cadence. “How long have you and Twi been together?” Nat is barely able to stop herself from choking on her food, Sora patting her back with a Vector. Nat fumbles for the right words, not really finding a good way to say it as everyone but Ed and her Twi are looking to her before sighing and taking a breath.

“A-a week.” She says quietly, Cadence, Rarity, and Fluttershy smiling wide.

“How did that happen anyways? I know for a fact I am not a fillyfooler, so how is it you and her are in a relationship?” Ed’s Twilight asks.

“Honestly, I have no idea. I never thought of myself as a lesbian, or even bi really. It just sorta happened. Twi and I just seemed to fit. We’re both scientists wanting to learn all we can, I helped her in getting the girls back to normal after Discord switched them and after that, we just spent a lot of time together. Heh, we have had quite a few little adventures together.” Nat says, sighing and leaning her head on her hand with a small smile.

“Come now, there must be more to it than that!” Rarity says, making sure not to disrupt Ed’s conversation.

“Well, there is the fact she probably saved Nat’s life,” Sora says, the others going quietly.

“Say what now?” Spike says after a second. Nat sighs and puts her fork down.

“You guys remember how I said that Diclonius have some mental and emotional issues of our own?” The group nod. “Well, it is a little more complicated than that. You see, Diclonius, when they are born, actually have multiple personalities. It isn’t like me and Sora though. This other personality, the DNA Voice, is the natural instinct of a Diclonius personified. Their purpose is to spread a virus we are capable of producing into other humans, making it so they could only birth other Dicloni.” The group all look to Nat with wide eyes and scoot away a bit.

“Relax guys. The Virus can only be administered by our Vectors, and even then, it has to actually come in contact with the target's bloodstream for them to be infected. You can’t get the virus just from being close to us.” Sora says. The group immediately turned to Applejack, who raised a brow at them.

“They're telling the truth.” After a second everyone goes back to their spots.

“Okay, but what is this about your Twily saving your life?” Shining asks. Nat and Sora both sigh.

“I am really dense when it comes to seeing others emotions, and even my own. I was confused, and a little scared when I started falling for Twi, and I didn’t even know that was what it was, making me even more scared. After Lex gave me my magic, some of it was absorbed by the DNA Voice. A week after, we met another Displaced named Simon who straight up told me how Twi felt about me. I just couldn’t comprehend it. So I retreated into my mind to try and sort it all out. That is when the DNA Voice showed up. It started whispering about how I wasn’t good enough, how I was dangerous, how I don’t feel that way and would only hurt her..” Nat trailed off, clenching her fists. The others look worried so Sora took over.

“After that, the Voice just fed on Nat’s negative emotions and insecurities, trying to take over completely. Luckily me, Twi and Simon were able to enter her mind to try and help. Simon and I were able to hold off the shadow that was the Voice while Twi talked Nat out of her weird negative trance. Twi ended up telling her some important information and snapped Nat out of it by telling her how she felt. After that Nat was able to destroy the Voice herself. I passed out before that so I don’t really know what happened after that.” The others turn to Natali and see her blushing while looking at her bracelet again.

“I...I told her I wouldn’t mind trying this out. Neither of us had been in relationships before, so we both were unsure, but we were willing to try.” Nat gained a small smile as she remembered, Sora going wide-eyed as she sees the memories. “We...took each other first kiss.”

“YOU WHAT?!?”

“You and Twilight were in a similar situation to Edward and Luna many years ago,” said Celestia as she sat next to her student. “How so?” asked Nat, Sora, and Twi in unison. “It was the first time Edward went berserk, during the Minotaur Wars. He’d been tracking a band of raider that was burning villages in this area. When he came across them in the act Ed lashed out at them. He snapped and this is when Starswirl, Luna, and myself had to intervene. It took two weeks before we got word of the happenings that had transpired. During the two weeks, Ed created this wasteland that you see before you now.”

“You mean Ed made the Badlands of your Equestria,” Sora said with shock. “Yes, he did Sora. Ed’s Philosopher's Stones take in the ambient magic around him whenever he wishes it, but when he’s out of control the ability acts more like biology and can’t be turned off,” explained Celestia looking out to the Badlands. “I get how that first part is similar to Nat, but how does Luna tie into this?” Sora asked again. “Luna admitted how she felt about Ed before we left the castle to deal with him, and it was only after we managed to wear Ed down enough to the point he recognized her that he finally stopped.”

“So what you’re saying, princess, is that Luna had feelings for Ed and vice versa,” responded Sora. “Correct, Sora. Of course, it wasn’t until after Ed took on a whole army after fight our fight and managing to make it back here that he admitted he loved Luna as well. This fortress holds a lot of sentimental value for the two of them.” Celestia continued. “I understand what you’re saying now. Ed and Luna feel for each other like Nat and Our Twi did and just like them they were too afraid to admit their feelings for one another,” added Sora.

“Ed must have thought he wasn’t good enough to be with Luna at the time,” interjected Nat as she fiddle with her food. “You’re more right than you know Nat. Because of the time, we lived end even if Ed hold told Luna how he felt it would have only made things harder for them to try and be together, but fate intervened and Ed became the next Minotaur King. With his new title, he not only stopped the war, but he laid the groundwork that allowed the Minotaur Kingdom to flourish as well as to allow them to integrate into Equestrian society. The best part that came from this was it finally allowed Ed and Luna to see each without having drawbacks, and eventually, this led to their marriage.” explained Celestia looking on at her brother and then to sister.

“So, that’s why Ed was sitting next to Luna at the castle,” said Sora pointing to the sky. “It also explains why Ed has so many negative emotions towards himself and how Malice way created,” added Nat. “What you mean?” asked Twi. “Think about it this way Twi. Sora was originally a defense mechanism in my head until she developed into who she is today. Ed’s case is similar but very different at the same time. When he went berserk the first time the stone connected to his anger taking control of his mind.”

“I don’t quite get it yet,” said Twilight scratching her head.

“Malice controls Edward’s body through his negative emotions Twilight, and while his love for Luna helps him control Malice. It is also his love for Luna that created the hatred in his heart towards himself,” commented Celestia with tears in her eyes. “You’re talking about when he was sealed in stone,” interjected Twi while Nat handed a handkerchief to the Princess with one of her vectors. “Thank you, Nat, and yes Twilight. You see like with Discord Ed was still completely aware of what went on around him. It wasn’t until after his return that he told Luna and I of his bout of insanity. Fortunately, he was able to come back from this, but unfortunately, it was also before Luna became Nightmare Moon. Ed was forced to watch his wife succumb to her jealousy and hatred.”

“That means he also was forced to watch you seal her away on the moon,” added Nat placing her hand over her mouth in shock. “Ed has gone through so much already. He’s only been free for six months now and things have only gotten worse for him since his return. In the past few days since his death and return from Truth, I sometimes find myself wishing he would have returned to his homeworld,” lamented the solar princess.

“A snowball's chance in Tartarus that’ll happen.” All eyes turned to Sora. “Ed is strong, but he is also vulnerable. He is afraid of giving in to his emotions, his rage, his wrath, and because of that, Malice will continue to live on. He is clinging to this world and his loved ones while pushing away his darkness. What most don’t seem to realize, is without darkness, there is no light.”

“She’s right. While obviously, wrath and other emotions are dangerous in excess, if used correctly, they can be the force to drive someone to do the impossible. I mean, look at me and Sora. We were able to beat Discord because we can control our anger and focus it onto a target. The draconequus in question was being controlled by someone else, so we knew we could just kill him. All Ed need’s to do is accept his darkness, and show how the light needs them.”

“Easier said than done,” Selene says, wiping her muzzle. The others nodded as well.

“Well, that is why we’re here. To help him through it.” Nat says, finishing her food. She grabs her plate, as well as those of the ones who are finished and bring them to the kitchen while Sora just stays at the table.

“I can tell, you two have been through a lot,” Luna says suddenly, Sora nodding after a second.

“Yeah. Even though I have only been around for seven and a half years, it feels like Nat and I have always been together. I would do anything for her. I am not sure if that is just my defensive origin and instinct, or if it just who I am as her sister.” Sora sighs and disappears, back into Nat’s head. ‘Love you too sis.’

By the time the Diclonius came back, everyone was done their food and Twilight had four pages worth of information written down and was brainstorming ways they could replicate it in her Equestria.

“Okay I do believe that everyone feels a lot better now,” said Ed with a smile. “Now let’s lay down some ground rules for the match. First, I want to point out the is an all in no holds bar type of deal. So if you two were even thinking of holding back on me you better put that thought out of your right now. I took on your brother after all, and while Adam was as strong as I could only put him on the same level as the Minotaur King from over a thousand years ago, and that’s pretty strong by this Equestria standers.”

“You got a better comparison. One that’s a little more current,” said Nat’s Twi. “Yes. I do actually. From what Nat has told me she can sense the magical powers and other similar powers that living things emit.” stated Ed pointing at Nat. “What would like you to to do is use your abilities to gauge Polearm over there and then compare it to what you got from Adam. You should probably take a look at the others for good measure too.”

Nat nods and extends her Vectors, vibrating them to view their magic strength. She compares each of the others with the ponies and other Displaced she had met over the months.

“Hmm, well. From what I could tell, Polearm and AJ would be a little bit weaker than Adam when I saw him last, but not by much. Rainbow is actually on par with Penny and that is rather impressive. Rarity and Fluttershy are a little weaker than Penny and Pinkie….yeah I can’t even get a read on her.” She then turns to Twilight and her eyes widen a bit.

“Woah. You're actually as strong as Loki’s Sunset!” The others look a little confused while Celestia’s eyes widen. “Take it easy on that subject Nat. The empire still sleeps here.” Ed said placing a hand on her shoulder. “Same in my world”

“Sunset?” Celestia questions quietly.

“Long story short, the first Displaced I summoned was another draconequus named Loki, who travels the void with his version of Sunset Shimmer and a pet wendigo. The reason I am so shocked by your power Twilight is that Sunset was an Alicorn.” The others all go wide-eyed, especially Twilight for being as strong as an Alicorn.

“I’m not surprised I told Tia something similar before I took Twilight for training. Around three months ago she was just below Luna when we first met over a thousand years ago,” said Ed patting his Twi on the back. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they ponies in this Equestria had a higher fighting potential than yours. We saw a few more wars and spats in the last few years before my stone nap. I am glad that it stopped though. Anyways, let’s get back to the power gauging.”

Nat nods and focuses on Edward, only to fall back at the power she is sensing.

“Holy Crap! I-I don’t even...I can’t even describe this level of power. Though, I guess having two philosophers stones would do that. You practically dwarf Celestia right now.” The others look to Ed with both pride and worry. “Sorry but I’m not one for boast on how strong I am because not even I know that at this point. Also, I try not to use my stones in order to preserve them. I’ve been around for a long time which let me pick-up many ways of fighting but I digress back to what we’re doing”

“Well normally I would give you some info about me, but I can’t actually gauge my own power. I honestly have no idea how strong Sora and I are.” Nat says apologetically. Her Twilight nods as she pats Nat’s back.

“Truth be told I am curious about how strong I am now that I can use my Solid Script Magic.” Nat looks to her for a second before nodding and viewing her magic. Nat has a slightly worried expression before taking a breath.

“My gauge, right now you are a little weaker than Rarity. Though I can tell you, you have more power just waiting to be unleashed.” Twi raises a brow but still nods. “You’re both pretty strong as far as this world’s standards go. You could easily give our Discord a run for his money” Ed gestured as he pulled up a power chart with Arc of Embodiment. “Just remember that there will always be someone stronger. Especially when it comes to the Displaced.”

“In terms of power Lex could’ve easily beat the crap out of me when we first met. Adam could’ve have won our match if he could’ve strategized more on his feet. I gained a few abilities from this demon summoner Oz that compliment Arc nicely and if I would’ve had more time to practice then I wouldn’t have had to try as hard as I did.” Ed explained.

“Yeah, that sounds like those two. Adam always has been the best fighter out of all of us, and Lex is one hell of a mage.” Sora says. “ When it comes to fighting you have to remember that it’s not just power but also how you can best use that power to your advantage. Take me for example, while I have a ton of power I don’t throw it around. Instead, I use it in combination with my abilities and knowledge of various techniques for a chain of attack.” Ed said bringing up a few odd weapons.

“I also used my alchemagic to come up with my own skills. As I only have Arc of Embodiment as a magic I tend to use a variant of elemental alchemagic. Like my crimson lightning and crimson flame alchemagic.” Ed said clapping his hands to conjure up a fire flame in his right hand and red electricity in his left. “I do this by modifying my clothing via elemental fibers i weave into them. All I have to do is spark the reaction. You should know I don’t need to clap my hands to do this either. It’s more out of habit than anything.”

Nat nods in understanding and grabs one of the bracelets on her arm before moving it up and clamping it onto her right forearm. The others look in confusion before they feel some high heat above them. Looking up, they see three different arms made of fire.

“That makes two of us,” Nat says with a grin, the others seeing the Vectors are coming from her back. They all look in wonder at the flaming arms before Nat retracts them back into their back. “ This is one of my favorite types of weapons to use, but these pair in comparison to the original back at the castle,” Ed said bringing up a crystal sword and throwing it to Nat, the Diclonius actually holding it properly.

“So this is the magic-nullifying sword Adam told us about. Pretty cool. And kinda heavy.” Nat says. “And yet you don’t seem bothered by its weight.” Ed points out. Nat shrugs and places the sword on her shoulder. “Well Diclonius are naturally stronger than normal humans, plus I have a regular workout schedule back at home.”

“Did Adam also tell you he faced the original Minos Claymore variant while it was charged with crimson alchemagic,” added Ed. “Yes for me, no for her.” Sora states. “Although, he mentioned something about how you said he had enough magic to overpower it if he had the proper training.”

“Ok, not to sound impatient or rude, but can we get ready for the fight now. After hearing about what you two have done back in your world, I really want to see you two throw down now!” Rainbow says, munching on some of the Oran berry bits.

“I just have one more thing to add. Adam was right about my sword if you have enough magic it won’t be able to completely nullify your magic, but you’ll still have one hell of a time trying to use it. I want you to know these things are more dangerous when I use my technique Sword Burial. I charge the blades with alchemagic and add my skill Mars Bane which turns one attack into four with one weapon. So the more weapons coming at you the more times you get hit.” explained Ed.

“Well then, it looks like Nat and I are actually going to have to take out all the stops,” Sora says, walking to stand by the door.

“Another heads up I haven’t told you all of my tricks and I told you two no holds bar. I want you to come at me as if you wanted to kill me. Cause you know I plan on doing just that.” Ed said with an evil grin. To the others shock, Nat let her hair cover her eye and gave a glare that sent shivers down their spines. “Very well.”

“Then to quote Pinkie ‘Let’s get this Party STARTED!” Ed said as he charged forward with a punch.

Once Ed said that all of us began to head out to the field outside the fort. Honestly, I was kinda worried about this fight. I know that Ed may very well be the strongest person I have faced, yet I had to remind myself this was to help him get better control over his darkness. It was kinda funny really, me and my sister being summoned to help someone else with their alternate personality.

‘You think this is a good idea Sora?’ I ask her within my mind.

‘Whether this was a good idea or not, we are still going through with it. Besides, from what I could tell, this is probably Ed’s best bet for getting Malice under control.’ She responds.

‘Do you really think you can convince that thing to work with Ed?’

“Maybe, maybe not. But I do know that Malice isn’t just his namesake. And I will do what I can to make him realize that.’ I smile as we get to our area with my pokemon and Twi with us.

“Be careful Nat. This is going to be tough.” Twi says in worry. I just smile and hand her my jacket.

“I know Twi, but if fighting him means that I can help, then that is what I’ll do.” She still doesn’t look convinced so I get a little closer. “Hey. Don’t worry. I am not going to let Malice hurt me or Ed. Besides, we still have to figure out how to tell the girls back home about us.” Twi smiles a bit and gives me a light kiss on the cheek.

“You so owe me after this.” I smile back as she and my partners head to the others. I stretch a bit and make sure my bracelets and AR are secure and focusing on my magic styles. I look across the field to Ed, the Alchemist talking to Luna.

“Edward, I’ll do what I can.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Luna. “It hasn’t even been a week since the altercation with Malice.”

“I don’t really have much of a choice Luna. This is how Displaced do things. Besides if Nat and Sora can help me get Malice under better control I won’t run the risk of hurting someone from just saying the wrong thing by accident.”

“I can see there’s no point in talking you out of this, but just know we’ll do whatever it takes to bring down Malice if it comes out,” she said with her serious face.

I could tell this thought was genuinely scaring her though. “I won’t let it come to that. I’ll only use the demon form until I feel its strain then I’ll deactivate it.”

“I’d preferred that you not use it at all, but that’s pointless too as this match is to help you gain control of it. I’m going to go over and get the other Twilight so we can head back to the others together. I’m curious to see what else I can get out of her,” Luna said with a wicked smirk.

“Alright, but don’t be too pushy about it. She might freeze up from to much pressure.”

“ALRIGHT NAT, SORA,” I yelled out taking my stance. “YOU READY TO MEET MY DEMON!”

Sora and I look towards Ed and nod, getting into our stance. I knew that this would be intense. For the first time since I was Displaced, I was worried about who I am facing. Ed nods back before red lightning began to erupt from his body. His body starts to glow red as what seemed to body shadows started to erupt from his right side. The shadows started to cover Ed’s face but only halfway. The fabric of his right sleeve and glove was suddenly torn to shreds at the steel underneath started to change as it twisted and grew into a red demonic metal arm. The shadows now covered half of Ed’s form and eyes began to pat at us from across the field. But the most horrifying thing was the singular large eye that had kept a constant gaze on use since it had appeared across Ed’s chest. Sora and I couldn’t stand it so we tried to keep our own gaze on Ed’s face, but it wasn’t much better as the shadow covering the right side now had three eyes where on should’ve been, all the while it smiled with a sharp toothy grin.

No matter what, I couldn’t think of anything I have seen before that could compare to this creature of darkness. Not Grimm, not monsters, not evil, just darkness. I furrow my brow and frown, regaining my focus.

“Well, this is certainly surprising, I honestly wasn’t expecting you to look like that,” I say to him, Ed chuckling a little bit. Before he can speak, however, I become covering in a pink aura, my magic flowing through. I raise my arm above me, several of my swords appearing.

“Maguilty Sodom.” I look to him with a glare. “Go.” I point my hand to him, the swords being launched at high speeds towards him. Ed doesn’t even bat an eye as his red lighting sparks, the stone beneath him rising to form a wall. The swords are blocked by the wall, barely even passing into it. I tisk at this failure. Should have known that wouldn’t work.

‘So much for that.’ Sora thought to me.

Ed looks to me and smiles a wicked smile, crouching to launch himself. I barely have time to prepare before he does so. I can barely keep track of him! He appears in front of me and goes to punch back before I release a gale force wind in his face, launching him back again.

“Nice one and here I was gonna say ‘to slow’,” Said Ed with a laugh. I don’t join in and allow the wind to wrap around my legs. I jump higher than any could normally and hover in the air with my wind.

“Sorry Ed, but speed is something I know a lot about.” With that, I launch myself at him with my wind, one of my swords in my grip. He raises his arm and blocks my slash, the limb not even giving a little bit. I smile though and summon a bunch of sword behind him.

“You know these eyes aren’t just to creep you out, right,” He said grabbing my leg and spinning around flinging me into my swords. “And jumping in the air, not your smartest move either. Especially since my Sword Burial attacks from every direction.”

I frown as I get back to my feet and look at his eyes. I can see them all moving independently from each other, no clear blind spot. Good thing I made my swords intangible to myself. I look at him again and try my other style of magic. I focus, the matrix appearing beneath me as the wind begins to blow faster and faster, wrapping me in the air. “Storm Mail!” I rise a couple of feet into the air again, but I focus on my wind this time. I can see his eyes moving around, looking for my attack only for them to look straight at me.

“You may be more experience in combat than me, but you have never faced someone like me before.” I summon a dozen swords around myself, all of them pointing to him. As I launch them, I make a tornado around him, the swords being tossed around him, covered by the dust and dirt in the cyclone. I fly above the eye and enter the cyclone myself, landing and staring face-to-face at Ed.

“You said this was to help you control your demon form, but so far I don’t see you having any problems,” I say. “A two-minute scrap in this form is nothing. I’d hoped you were in this for the long hall. My stamina can outlast a normal human’s by leaps and bounds. Adam and I fought for around six hours before I was even remotely started to sweat.” he said as he continued to grin.

I raise a brow, my AR showing his soul not even trying, but I could still see him holding back the darkness. I sigh and dismiss the cyclone, allowing all to see us.

“You’re scared.” He looks to me. “You’re scared to go all out. You told me beforehand that this was a no holds back, fight. And yet, you continue to hold yourself back. I can’t help, if you don’t take this seriously.”

“Okay, you got me there. I’m not playing by my own rules but just so you know this time I’m showing you a controlled form. Do you really want to 100% mode?” he asked in lament.

I just look to him with a blank expression before grinning. “100%? What other way is there to go through life with?” I use my wind and appear a dozen feet away in an instant. I summon a bunch of swords again, but I keep them behind me. “Let’s go.”

“Fine then. RAAAAAA!” he shouted as the area began to glow around him in a red hue. The red metal and shadows started to encased his body in a thick armor. Ed size grew to easily dwarf Celestia. Various weapons started to appear behind him.

“Let’s see if you can handle my Arc of Babylon.” said the now demonized alchemist in a multi-toned voice, his head completely covered by shadows and eyes and a fanged smile.

I lower my head somewhat, my hair obscuring my face. I tilt my head to the side slightly, before opening my eyes and giving my own mad smile. I barely notice the others shivering at the sight.

“Two can play that game!” I raise my hand again, the matrix appearing beneath me as I summon a multitude of swords to match Ed’s numbers. We both smile to each other and lower our arms.

“Go” at that, both Arsenal’s are launched at each other, not a single one getting past the others. The two of us continue to make more weapons that are repelled by the others. I look through the AR and see Ed is still dividing his focus between me and Malice. I frown and add a little more stress into the stalemate by launching blasts of wind at him.

“OOOO. Drafty, guess I should light a fire, Crimson Flame!” Ed yelled as he launched a wave of red flames at us. I retaliate by focusing and making a more compressed blast of wind that seems to stall the flames. I look to him and see his grin had seemingly turned more demonic. Good.

I smile and burst away with the wind, appearing behind him again. I knew he could see me so I blast the wind into the ground and make a dust cloud. I close my eyes and focus on my MVV. It wasn’t hard to find Ed, the alchemists magic being the largest in the area. I speed around the area, blasting him with wind and swords when I can while dodging his own blasts. I can see the souls within him becoming more restless as the battle goes on, and I try to think of a way to push him farther.

“Try this on for size!” I send a small beam of magic at Ed that he blocks with his steel arm. But before he can try to hit me I blast more and more small bolts at him, each bolt moving faster than most can track. I can barely hear him growling in frustration and smile. He suddenly claps his hands, the dust in the area being solidified into blocks and getting rid of my cover. ‘Damn.’

“There you are!” He yells and I am barely able to get out of the way as he launches a torrent of fire at me. Unfortunately, I hear some screams behind me. I quickly open my eyes and turn to the sound, seeing the others behind Twilight as she summoned Guard with her magic.

“Crap! You guys ok?!” I call out, dodging another couple of swords.

“For now! I can only block so many of those attacks!” Twilight yells to me, keeping the word up. I nod and look back at Ed, seeing him actually grit his teeth beneath all the shadow. I fly into the air, Ed’s weapons following me.

“Storm Shred!” I launch the high-pressure wind, the weapons being pushed back and Ed dodging the bolts of wind. I fly over him and focus the wind below him.

“Rising Tornado!” A category 3 tornado appears around him, Ed somehow staying on the ground. I summon a bunch of swords and send them through the wind, Ed blocking or dodging in the limited space he has. He releases a roar and dissipates the tornado with his electricity. I frown and fly around him as he releases more electricity. I keep dodging through the air as Ed releases more power and electricity to try and zap me. I manage to keep up with the bolts and dodge them before landing and smiling at him.

“Whirl Shock.” Ed quickly turns and raises his arms to block a fast blast of condensed wind. As he is turned I run up to him. I see the sparks of a transmutation and slide down, barely dodging a slash as he turned his right arm into a sword. “Oh, won’t you use those elemental vector little girls?” sneered the demonic alchemist. I just grin, confusing him.

“Who said we haven’t?” Sora and I say. Before he can react, the ground beneath Ed collapses and he falls into a hole Sora had been digging whenever I was close to the ground.

“HAHAHA! EXCELLENT, SIMPLY MARVELOUS!” yelled Ed from the hole, his voice becoming more splintered. “I want to try having multiple limbs to. Seal one Pride RELEASE!”

I go wide-eyed as I hear this and zoom back. I see a shadow beginning to leave the hole before several eyes and saber-toothed mouths appear. I furrow my brow as Ed gets out of the hole, the shadow around him also having the eyes and mouths. I check my AR and see Ed is straining to keep the other souls back as he uses this power.

“Alright. Let’s see what your shadows can do against my Vectors!” I call before summoning a dozen Vectors and vibrating them to become visible. He gains a crazed smile and the shadow begins to rush at me with near blinding speeds. I meet them halfway with my Vectors, pushing each bladed shadow back with a punch or miniature explosion. I begin to slowly walk towards him, my vectors continuing to protect me.

“This is a match. Can’t remember the last time I used Pride’s shadow. Let’s throw some more powers into the mix, shall we? Seal six Wrath and Seal seven Sloth release.” Ed said as the pupils on the eyes dilated. I go wide-eyed and focus carefully as I see the shadow begin to retreat to the main body. I don’t react time, however, when Ed appears in front of me and lands a hard punch to my gut, sending me back. I bounce on the ground a couple times before regaining control and using the wind to reorient myself.

I dodge right as Ed zooms towards me again, barely able to stay at a distance. I try to launch a few Vectors to wrap around him, but he manages to dodge or block them with his shadows. It took me a second, but then I remember what Wrath’s power was. The Ultimate Eye that can see nearly everything. Including the spatial disruption of my Vectors moving.

“No chance to get away little girls. Seal three Lust RELEASE!” shouted the maddening alchemist. The nails on both of his hands started to extend to the length of swords. “ Let’s have some more fun,” said Ed charging forward at top speed.

I can barely see that he is using both Sloth and Lust at once. I boost myself with wind and my Vectors, dodging to the side, his nail barely stabbing into the side of my shoulder. Not enough to damage, but enough to hurt as I rip it out with my dodge. But what I hear next makes me freeze.

“TWILIGHT!” I look to the others and my eyes shrink to pinpricks. The nail went past me and straight through the Guard, stabbing into Twilight’s shoulder. She looks to me and Ed in shock for a second before the pain registers and she screams.

“No!” I zoom over to her. I don’t even care about Ed and Malice at this point and focus my Vectors to explode, destroy the nail. I rush to Twilight as she is clutching her shoulder.

“Twilight! Oh, my gods are you ok!?” I ask frantically.

“Rule one in fighting never take your eyes off the enemy,” whisper the demonic Edward from behind my head. I quickly turned to only see a giant with glowing crimson eyes with its right-hand’s nails full extended in the air. He swipes down, only for the sound of metal banging against metal to go out. He looks at his claws and sees them stopped by a pair of Vectors.

“You hurt her,” I whisper. He just chuckles a little and gives more strength to the slash, my Vectors beginning to give a little. “You hurt Twilight.” At this point, a dark pink and lavender aura began to cover me. I open my eyes again, both of them completely dull.

“YOU’RE DEAD!!” I scream and punch the demonic alchemist in the face, sending him back. Before he can get up I am on him, a Vectors being launched and blowing up his left hand.

“HAHAHAHA! MORE MORE FIGHT US MOOORREEE! WE WANT TO BE FREEEEEEE!!!!” yelled a chorus from the demonic being on the ground. There was a sudden whirl of red shooting in every direction coming from the demon. I cover my eyes a bit from the release of energy and frown.

“Malice.” Sora states. I pause for a second before nodding, Sora taking control of our body. The demon gets to his feet again, but before the can even move, I see as one of Ed’s eyes come back to normal.

“We… have… to … stop.” answered Ed with strain. “ I… can… hold … them. Back anymore.”

“You won’t have to,” I say from behind him. The demon turns to see me, then back to Sora.

“How?”

“Astral form” Sora states before beginning to vanish. I quickly clap my hands, two different spell matrix appearing, and place them on Ed’s head.

“Combination Magic Maguilty Invasion!” With that pink, red and blue lightning erupts from us, Malice roaring in pain, me and Sora yelling in determination. All our visions go white for a second before I sense it was complete.

I open my eyes again and find myself not in the badlands, but in a white void similar to the World of Truth. I get to my feet and look around before feeling a tap on my shoulder. I turn and am face to face with my sister.

“I cannot believe that worked.” She says before frowning and slapping me across the face. “What the hell was that Nat!?! I thought we agreed not to hurt Ed, even if Malice took control.”

“I-I, he just hurt...what..even happened? All I saw was red and then, I felt you bring me back.” I stumble a bit as I recover from the hit and the memories come back.

“My guess is you were lost to the Diclonius Bloodlust for a second. That combined with our natural protective instincts caused you to go a little nuts there and blow up Ed’s hand after Twi got hurt. Thank gods he can regenerate.” Before I can say anything I feel the ground shake a bit. I look around and see a door that was the same design as the portal of truth but it was only regular sized and seemed like it was divided into three parts, each a different color. I look to Sora who nods and we enter the door, but not before setting up a link between us.

Yeah, my wind magic seems like a literal breeze compared to this tempest of souls. Sora and I walked in and immediately felt an intense pressure as we see all the souls being tossed around. We remember to stay close and I focus on one of the souls in front of us.

“Excuse me? Do you know where Ed and Malice are?” I ask it. The soul just looks to me before nodding to the left. I see that while it looks like it is constantly moving, the souls are actually forming what looks like a hallway.

“Hey, thanks, dude. Or is it dudette?” Sora asks. The soul just looks at us before turning and going into the tempest. We both just shrug and walk through the hall of souls, each soul we go by seeming to ignore us, but I do notice a couple staring at us from time to time. I am not sure how long we were walking for before we hear a commotion ahead of us. We both rush past another corner and see Ed and who I guess is Malice going at it. Malice actually looked a bit like Father if he was using the Ultimate Shield.

“I won’t let you out again you bastards,” Ed yelled at his demon. “We are already for thanks to you releasing the Seals like a drunken fool. You wanted power and we gave it to you and once we place you in our cage we’ll consume those humans first and then move on to those ponies you’re so fond of.” hissed Malice. “

“I WON’T LET YOU!” yelled Ed as he started to throw punches at Malice while the demon only laughs at his attempts.

“Ed stop!” I call out as I wrap a Vector around him, Malice looking shocked as Sora and I are here. “What the? Nat? Sora? How are you two here?” He questions. “One of the spells I have been working on. It’s a combo of Maguilty Sense and my Telepathy spell Invasion. Invasion lets me and Sora enter a person’s mind normally, but by combining it with Maguilty Sense lets us go a step further and actually interact with their soul.”

“Is it meal time already? You shouldn’t have come here little girls it only makes it easier to devour your souls,” laughed the demon. “He’s right you two need to go,” added Ed.

“And you two need to stop.” We say together, confusing both of them. “Malice, humor me, but say you manage to get free and take control of Ed’s body. What exactly do you mean when you are going to ‘devour everyone’s souls’?” Sora asks and I barely notice a couple souls watching us.

“We will allow you to know this before your deaths,” spat the demon with a snicker. “ We will continue to consume souls until we’ve gained enough power to break free of this pathetic human and be human ourselves once more or whatever we were.”

“I’ve tried to tell you, you bastards. You don’t have bodies to return to and you can’t simply make new ones and or force your way into a body,” yelled Ed.

“He is right you know. Even if you had bodies, there is a very real chance you wouldn’t bond with them, resulting in your untimely demise and one way trip to the afterlife.” Sora states.

“And even then, why do you want to be human again? It is obvious you guys don’t want to say, see your loved ones, because they aren’t in this world.” I ask, and take note a couple more souls watching than before.

“We don’t care if it's our world or another’s world. We want freedom from this bastard or keeps us chained up! And once we’re in control again we’ll make him suffer be forcing him to watch as we consume everything in this world that he cares about!” Malice laugh toward the nonexistent ceiling.

The souls around us began to smile from every direction. I look around and have a feeling that the smiling ones are the ones that agree with Malice. But I do notice a couple of them frowning. I look to Malice before feeling my Sensory Link. I then look to Sora who nods to me. As Malice is gloating to the fake sky I use my Link and connect Edward with me and Sora. He raises a brow as he feels the connection and looks to me as I am looking at one of the souls. It was a smaller one than the others, one I could tell was young, and I could tell it was worried.

“Don’t worry. Though, I may need your help.” The soul tilts before I face Malice and focus my emotions and magic. The demon could sense the shift and turns to me as a pink aura surrounds me, Sora and Ed.

“You call yourself Malice, and say you are the embodiment of negativity. Well, since you have shown what and how you feel, I will show you the power of what we feel! Sensory Burst!” The bracelets on me, Sora and Ed begin to glow bright, each soul in the area stopping and seeing us. A beam goes out and connects to Malice head.

“What’s this for? It tickles us. We don’t like it,” said the demon as it tried to pull off the cord from its head. “What’d you do to us, you bitch!”

I begin to get a headache, but I ignore it and allow more magic to flow, connecting from soul to soul within Malice, allowing them to become connected to me and my friends. I focus harder, each soul seeming stronger than the last before I can sense their all connected. I then focus on my emotions and memories, letting each of them see what I have been through. The first thing I focus on is when I first met Lex.

I was going out for recess at school when I was nine. I found a nice spot under a tree and got out all the food my parents made me. I pulled out some cookies when a trio of boys came by. They wanted to steal my food, but before they could do anything, Lex seemed to pop out of nowhere and bonked each of them on the head with her book. After that, we met up every lunch and became friends.

“WHAT IS THIS!? STOP THIS WE DON’T WANT THIS! MALICE NEED ANGER, FEAR, GRIEF, RAGE. YES, WE SMELL IT IN YOU, THE RAGE!” yelled the demon.

I can feel Malice trying to use the Link but Sora ‘gets in the way’ and pushes him back before they can do anything. I smile and switch quickly with Sora, letting her pick the next memory. I smile as I see it, the day we met.

I was around thirteen, and I had a run in with a new group of bullies. I was so scared, I didn’t want to get hurt. That is when Sora took control for the first time and beat them, even giving one a bloody nose. After that, our parents took us to a psychologist where she was still trying to protect me when I was placed into a trance. After that, the doctor put us both into a trance and we met one another for the first time. It was so great to meet her, both of us becoming sisters for the first time.

“NO GIVE US RAGE! THEY ATTACKED YOU YOU MUST LASH OUT! MALICE DEMANDS REVENGE! WE MUST HAVE HATRED! WE WILL FIND YOUR HATRED!” the demon screamed as it started to move towards us.

“You two keep up whatever you’re doing. I’ll hold the bastard back as long as I can.” Ed said stepping forward to meet his demon’s charge. He called forth a large sword while malice extended is nails like in the physical plain. I nod, but before I can try and think of another memory, I feel someone else with the connection.

‘C-can I try?’ I look behind me and see the same soul as before. I smile and offer my hand, the soul wrapping around me. I allow her to go through the Link and into my mind. I can see it, a little girl, playing with her big brothers and their friends and them actually struggling against her. I laugh a little at the playful memory.

“You dare turn on Malice. Fools, it matters not if you pull all of the passionate ones to your aid. We will continue to be for we are him,” hissed Malice. “ I understand you want freedom but you can’t have it any more than I can turn back time to stop Luna or Celestia,” said Ed as he fended off a slash from the demon.

I smile and look to Malice with a grin. I focus and find an event that happened not too long ago.

I remember the emotional tempest that I was in when Simon told me how Twilight felt. I was lost in my own negativity, my doubt. The Voice, it’s ensnaring whispers trying to control me. I don’t know how long I was in that state of turmoil before I heard them. Sora, Simon and her. Twilight. What she told me, how much she knew from our bad habit. When she said those words, that she loved me, I couldn’t even stop my own emotions if I tried. I smile with a blush as I let our first kiss play out in my head.

“WE HAVE HAD EEEEENOOOOOUOOOGGGGGGHHHHH!” shouted Malice as it sent a surge of red electricity through the cord attached in its head. “ BASTARD! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” Ed yelled as he swung his sword at the demon.

I saw the energy coming through the connection and began to panic before it just stops. I raise a brow before I hear screams echo around me. I see that several souls are screaming as well as Sora.

“SORA!” I try to move, but I can’t. Looking down, I see a couple of souls wrapping around me. Before I can try anything, they begin to whisper.

“We’re with you. The others and your sister will take the strain, but we don’t have long.” The one on the left says.

“We will tell the others to hold him, then it’s up to you and Edward.” The other says. I look to my sister in worry, but she glares at me with the other souls with her.

“GO FOR IT!” They all scream to me. I nod and allow the souls to cover my arms and summon two swords.

“WHAT?!” Malice can’t react before I slash at him, sending him into the wall of souls.

“I think I get it now. You won’t stop existing even if we beat you here. Like you said earlier, ‘We are him.’ There was no mistake the ‘him’ in that statement was me.” Ed said as he approached the pinned demon. “What you’re saying is as long as I continue to hate myself for feeling any type of negative emotions whatsoever you’ll still be here.”

“So the fool finally understands why we even exist in the first place. Yes, you’ll never be rid of Malice, we will linger even if you manage to separate or confuse us.” Laughed the trapped demon. “The thing is I’ll never be able to completely forgive myself for what happened, but I will continue to be here for all of you and my family. If you can find it somewhere down the line to forgive me for keeping all of you prisoner then I’ll gladly accept it,” Ed said with an apologetic smile.

I smile and allow the Link to dissipate before the brunt of the strain hits me and Sora. The two of us smile to the other souls as well let ourselves lose our connection. I could swear that they were waving at us.

I look to Malice as it was still pinned to the wall. I then looked to the souls swirling around me.

“I meant what I said to all of you. If you ever want to talk I’ll be here for you no matter what. We’re family after all.” I said with the torrent around my starting to fade to white. “Oh and Malice your power is now mine to use as I see fit. So no more mind games for a while, okay.”

Malice only smiled its evil smile back at my flashing its fangs it said, “Till next time Allan Ferris.”

I came to, seeing Nat and Sora standing in front of me.

“What the hell are you two staring at?” I ask in confusion. “Are two gonna stare at me cause the way I see it we have two options. We can either finish our little fight our we can stop.”

The two of them start to falter a bit.

“Hey, you two okay? Come on say something.” I said raising my voice a bit.

As I do Sora shuts her eyes and fades back into nat’s body. Nat soon follows her sister’s example. I jump forward managing to catch the Diclonius Queens before they hit their head.

“Take good long rest kids. Gods know you‘ve more than earned it.” I said smiling at them. I get up and carry them bridal style and walk over to our friend,

“Let’s get back to the castle everyone some of us need medical attention and rest,” I say looking at Nat’s Twi. “Sorry about the shoulder Twi. I’ll give you a personal session in my workshop at the castle and Nat and Sora too. Malice did something to them and I don’t like the vibe I’m getting from them right now.”

“You think that thing messed with their head or something, don’t you?” said Twi as she held her shoulder.

“Yes but let’s hope it’s not to serious, okay,” I say with a slight smile.

“Let’s go then,” Twi says as the imagery around all of us shifts back to the throne room.

“Polearm, please take Nat and Sora to the infirmary and stay with her until she wakes up. Then bring her to the workshop after she’s had something to eat,” I said giving my assistant the sleeping Diclonius.

“Yes sir,” said Polearm.

I look to see Nat’s Twi start to follow them.

“Sorry Twilight, I know you want to go with them but you’re coming with me to my workshop. That wound you have was caused not only by Malice but the Ultimate Spear charged with alchemagic, as well,” I said stepping in front of the unicorn.

“Why can’t I go with Nat?” she asked with a quiver in her voice.

“You were wounded with alchemagic and you can only be healed with alchemagic. Now let’s go and I’ll take you to see Nat after you’ve had your treatment,” I said leading Twi back to my workshop.