“Come on Twi it’s not much further and the sooner we get done with these tests and treatments the sooner you can join Nat in the medical wing,” I said guiding Nat’s Twi to my shop. “ I still don’t see why you can’t treat my wound in the Medical wing with Nat. Yeah it hurts like all Tartarus, but it’s not even that bad,” commented the interdimensional unicorn.

“As I said in the throne room, you were injured with alchemagic. It is not simple magic or alchemy but a highly complex technique that combines the two together. Alchemagic uses magic to strengthen the alchemy in both construction and deconstruction. Malice had charged its claws with a deconstructive charge in order to get through your shield. Which means you also got hit with that charge when the claw went into your shoulder. I don’t trust Malice in the slightest, that’s why I want to treat your wound myself, and there are only three to four beings that can treat a wound as such as this.” I explained while we arrive at the doors to my shop.

“Why is it that only three to four ponies can treat this wound? Shouldn’t alchemagic be known throughout your Equestria?” Twi asked. “No Twi it’s not. Outside of myself, only Tia and Luna know how to use it and my Twilight is learning its basics, but I haven’t started to let her use it yet.” I explain leading her into the shop.

“Why isn’t alchemagic taught here?” she asks out of curiosity and fear. “Because I didn’t think it was the right time to introduce it into this world. We were in dark times back then Twi. Something these new generations of ponies don’t understand. Even with the return of the villains of old. I know Nat has given you information on future events and I must ask you to keep them to yourself while you’re staying in this world.” I stated seriously, directing her to a medical bed.

“Now things are going to get a little embarrassing but I must ask you to bear with it. Step over to there and take off your shirt then lay down on the bed. If you need some help I’ll go get one of the maids.” I said, pulling out a few instruments from one of my work tables. Then there was a knock at my door. “It's unlocked, come on in.”

The door opened to reveal none other the Luna, Cadance, and Shining Armor. Perfect timing actually. I sent Cadance to the back to help Twi with getting onto the bed, and I had Luna and Shining help me set up the equipment. It didn’t take long for us to get started with the examination. It was all going rather smoothly until Luna and I started to look at the effects that the deconstructive charge had on the wound. It was still active and running through Twilight’s arm. If we didn’t put a stop to it before it reached back to her body then she wouldn’t survive for more than a few days at most.

The way I saw things we only had two options for her to live at this point. So Luna and I sat down with Twi and explained what was happening with her. I had Shining sit next to her for moral support. Even if she’s from another Equestria, she was still technically his sister.

“So why can’t you just stop the charge in her arm Ed?” asked Shining with worry. “ You see Shining, alchemagic is in equal parts alchemy and magic, as the names states. But unlike alchemy that utilizes the tectonic energy of the planet for the reaction, alchemagic uses the magic in the body for the process.” I began to explain.

“What exactly does that mean?” he asked in irritation. “It means Captain Armor, that unless the connection is severed before it reaches her body then young Twilight will undoubtedly die from this wound as the alchemagic works its way through her body using her own magic to do so,” said Luna in a stern voice.

“What are the options I have?” asked Twi in tears while she clung to Shining’s arm. “There are only two options Twi and neither of them leaves you with keeping your arm. The first thing we have to do is amputate your arm before the charge reaches your main body. If we don’t then we won’t be able to save you, period, and you’ll be dead in a week at most. The first option is after we operate you're left with nothing but a missing limb.” I said looking at the floor.

“What’s her second option Uncle Ed?” asked Cadance coming from the back of the shop. “The second option is this,” I say pulling up my sleeve to reveal my automail. “But I would do a custom set specifically tailored to not only your body but also to your magic. My magic weaving would allow me to map out magical pathways in your new arm which would allow you to use the magic through the arm much like your horn.”

“Well, that could give me better control over my Solid Script Magic.” she says quietly, sniffling a bit. She begins to sadly chuckle a bit. “Guess it is a good thing I am ambidextrous.”

“Don’t worry about having lessened motor skills Twi, automail functions in the exact same ways that a normal limb does. Tell you what I’ll do as a bonus. I’ve been working with prototypes of different versions of my crystalmail, and I found that amethyst conducts magic rather well. I intended to use these techniques to craft wings for the pegasi and horns for unicorns. Good news is that I can make you an amethyst arm that’ll not only boost your magical output but will be like your old arm in color.” I explain with a smile.

Twilight smiles back before cringing a bit and holding her shoulder. “Alright. If we are going to do this, we better do it soon. I think I am already starting to lose the feeling in my arm.”

“Alright, Cadance and Shining Armor will stay with you while Luna and I teleport over to Ponyville to get the supplies I need for the operation. I’m also going to grab the local Time Pony as he is the only other doctor skilled in advanced automail mechanics. After we remove your arm you’ll have to heal up for around a day before we can implement the next series of the surgeries. You and Nat will be staying in this world for the next two to three weeks for your rehabilitation.” I said getting up from my seat.

Twilight nods and lays back on the bed again, just looking to her arm. I sigh at her look but leave with Luna.

“How do you think Natali is going to react?” Luna questions as we walk down the halls.

“With any luck, there will be at least one wall left in the castle,” I respond. Luna nods and lights her horn, the magic energy of her teleportation wrapping around us. After a second, we find ourselves in the automail shop in Ponyville. I look around before spotting Time in the back, working on one of the wing prototypes.

“Hey Time working on one of the prototypes I see,” I say walking over to Ponyville’s resident Doctor. “Oh, Mr.Elric, I wasn’t expecting an inspection today,” said Time Turner in surprise.

“Not here for an inspection Time, we’re here for you. We have a pony back at the castle in need of serious and immediate medical care. Then we’re going to perform a crystalmail graft on her once she’s recovered,” I explained as I began to collect the various items from the shop.

“But Edward the crystalmail is still in the prototype phases. The only successful trial run we’ve had was your own magic nullifying variant so far.” Time said in shock. “ I know that Time Turner, but I don’t have time to argue as this pony’s life is in immediate danger. So I must act now!”

“Do you have what you need Ed?” asked Luna stepping forward. “Yea, now let’s get back to the castle, you to Time. Twilight needs us now,” I said, grabbing on to Time’s collar.

“Very well,” huffed Time Turner.

With a blue flash, we were back in the workshop with the others once more. Looking around, I see that Twilight has fallen asleep, Cadance next to her bed. I don’t see Shining anywhere but I hear the door open, Shining walking in with my versions of the elements.

“Edward. Is she ok?” Twilight asks. I don’t give a response and put all the stuff I brought onto the work table.

“I thought you said that this was for Twilight?” Time asks. I just point to the bed, Time going wide-eyed as he sees the other Twilight. “No, absolutely not. I will not get involved with another version of Twilight Sparkle. I specifically told you I don’t mind helping you with your Displaced problems but as a Time pony I must stay out of the issues of other Displaced.”

“Time Turner you won’t be helping in the first operation to save her life, but you will be helping me in the second to graft her new arm,” I said getting in his face. “All I want you to do is craft the necessary parts out of amethyst. You won’t be directly involved in the surgeries in any other way, shape or form.”

“And if I still refuse?” snarked Time Turner. “Alright Time, if you’re that adamant about it then you can go home. I was hoping you’d at least help me out by crafting the amethyst pieces for me while so I can do the graft.” I lamented.

“Haha. Alright, as long as I don’t have to deal with her directly then I’ll help, but I’ll only get involved in the surgeries if I absolutely have no other choice. Why couldn’t you have gone to one of your other engineers for this anyway?” He asked as he made his way over to a workbench.

“Because you're the only pony who has the skill set even remotely close to mine in terms of automail mechanics and your also the only other pony in all of Equestria that knows how to craft crystalmail pieces other than me as well. But thank you for doing this for me my friend.” I sigh as I go to Twi’s side, she was still sleeping next to Cadance. I nod to signal it’s time to wake her up so I can perform the operation.

“Wha. What's going on?” asked the drowsy unicorn. “It’s time to get you prepped for your operation Twi. Shining why don’t you and Cadence walk her down to the medical wing. I’ve got a few more things to take care of, then I’ll join you. Luna, make sure that the medical team is only the most trusted of doctors and nurses we have available. The ponies here know of the Displaced but they're not entirely comfortable with other versions of things. Even if they're only slightly different. Lastly, Time Turner, you’ll stay here and craft the amethyst pieces for the crystalmail.” I said giving everypony individual orders.

“Come on ODLS,” said Shining Armor to the Nat's Twi. “ODLS? What's that mean?” said Twi tilting her head. “ It’s short for other dimensional little sister. You may be another version of Twilight but that doesn’t make you any less my little sister in my eyes.”

“I think Uncle Ed is starting to wear off on you a bit Shiny,” Cadance says with a snicker. “So you two are married in this Equestria aren’t you?” asked Twi as they moved down the hall with the couple.

“Yea Twily, we've been married for about two days now, and we have no doubts that your Shining and Cadence will get together too. Now let's get you ready for your surgery.” Shining said with a smile trying to easy Twilights nerves.

“Okay, ODBBBFF,” said Twilight with a slight smirk. “What have I done,” commented Shining. The group all laughed aloud in agreement as they exited the workshop.

“Glad that’s over with,” commented Rainbow Dash. “So Ed, what’s this about the other Twi having surgery?”

“Yes, darling, do tell us, please. She seemed very put off by it,” added Rarity with concern in her eyes. “Yea, did somethin happen cause of her wound?” asked the worried farm pony.

“She gonna be alright, isn’t she Ed?” asked Spike with a crack in his voice. “The poor thing was practically depressed when she left,” added Fluttershy. “Yea Eddie, Twilight's gonna be okay. Nothing life threatening is it?” asked Pinkie her mane already slightly deflated.

“Look, girls, you know I’m not going to lie to cause there’d be no point in trying. Nat’s Twilight is in a very dangerous position. When she tried to block Malice’s last attack it went through her shield and straight into her shoulder. What you didn’t see happen was the alchemagic charge that the demon had used to get through the shield in the first place.” I explained in a somber tone, still gathering my medical tools.

“Oh no, Edward you mean Malice was using a deconstructive charge when it attacked the other Twilight?!” gasped Twilight when she realized what was going on. “Yes Twi, and it’s exactly what you’re thinking too. Luckily the charge is contained solely to her left arm for the time being,” I say, checking to make sure I have what I need before heading to the door.

“What going on Twilight? Why are you so serious about this all of a sudden?” asked Rainbow as she got in Twi’s face. “You see girls, the way alchemagic works is that it uses the magic in a pony’s body to strengthen to object big form, but this is also true for the opposite effect as well. Instead of strengthening an object you’re actually tearing it apart, and if you let the charge reach back into your body then you’ll end up tearing apart your own body in the process,” explained Twi as the girls and drake all gasp in horror. “And the worst part is since alchemagic is powered by magic it won’t stop until all of the magic in the body is completely used up. Even if the pony in question is already dead.”

The Element all began to plead and demand the I had to stop it from killing their new friend.

“Look, girls, you all need to go out for a bit and calm down. I won’t let Twilight die but with the being said her life won’t be the same either. Now, as time is essential I need to get out of here and down to the medical wing asap. Twilight come with me I have a few things I must discuss with you,” I say dashing out of the workshop with Twilight in hand.

“Ed what is it you wanted to talk about? Does it have something to do with the other Twilight?” Twilight asked.

“Yes and no Twi. I wanted to ask you a question. Do you know why I never opened your Gate of Truth and had you study alchemy instead?” I asked as we moved swiftly through the halls. “I thought it was because you wanted me to learn at my own pace and not take shortcuts before we moved onto alchemagic,” stated Twi as she tried to keep pace with me.

“You right about that Twi but I’m sorry to disappoint you. I never intend to teach how to use alchemagic.,” I said as we suddenly stopped. “But why? Am I not strong enough? Did I not study enough?” she started to rant frantically.

“Calm down Twilight. I didn’t intend to teach you alchemagic because your affinity with magic is too strong right now. I wanted to wait until you had better control over it so you didn’t end up in the same situation the other Twilight is in now. It’s the same reason I didn’t open the Gate of Truth for you Twi. It’s not that you didn’t study, or that you're not strong enough. If anything you're too strong right now Twi. Just take your time and learn what Tia and I have to teach, but don’t try and get ahead of yourself.” I said placing my hand on her shoulder.

“After seeing you come so far in your studies in the last few months makes me more than proud to call you my student Twi, but I'm also trying to look out for you and do what best for you as a member of my family. Now you should go and talk to Tia on getting to some more spell book for high-level magic. Especially ones the deal with detailing and finely tuned control.” I say with a soft smile.

“Okay Ed, and I’m sorry for overreacting there for a minute. You know how I can get when I think I’ve disappointed someone, especially one of my teachers,” She said smiling as she ran towards Tia room.

“All right time for me to get my ass to the OR. At the rate Nat’s Twi’s arm was being deconstructed I don’t have more than six hours to get that arm off before the charge reaches her body,” I say as a dash to the medical wing of the castle.

I met up with Luna, Cadance, and Shining as they were waiting for me at the entrance to the main OR. I asked them how Twi was holding up and things weren’t as bad as I had previously thought, but we still didn’t have as much time as I would have preferred. Cadence told me the Twi had lost all feeling in her arm just as they got to the doors. It was long after they found out that she’d started to lose motor control too. I looked at Luna and spoke.

“Are the doctors being prepped?” I asked in all seriousness. “Yes, they’ve all been sworn to secrecy with a binding spell. If they ever mention what goes on without your, my, or Tia’s permission they will be stripped of the medical licenses,” answered Luna

“Good, for a moment I thought you were going say the spell would kill them,” I huffed trying to catch my breath.

It seems the match with Nat and Sora was finally taking its toll on my body. I couldn’t let that stop me as I had somepony depending on me. I went to the changing room to scrub down. I wanted to check on Nat in the infirmary but there simply wasn’t enough time. I looked to Shining this time.

“Have you heard anything on Nat from Polearm? Any change in her condition no matter how small must be reported to me, Celestia, or Luna immediately.” I said as I start to enter the OR in my surgeon’s garb.

“Yes sir,” answered Shining trying to mask his fear with his captain of the guard mentality.

I opened the door to see Twilight on the operating table completely sedated. The pony doctors had done what they could in my absence, but I was here now and it was time to save her from my own stupid mistake.

“Alright Twi, just hang in there. Ed’s come to save you,” I said, entering the room.

Things were running smoothly as I had begun to sever the skin and muscle tendons above the initial wound on Twilights arm. Thank Truth for giving me an update on current medical techniques. That thing might be a sadistic bastard but it seems to have a sympathetic side to it too. I glance over to Twi unconscious face and think aloud.

“Doing great kid just hang in there a little while longer,” I said, trying to calm myself.

I’d managed to cut off the blood flow to the lower parts of Twi’s arm. There wasn’t a lot left to do, but I only had around two hours left to finish up. The hardest part of Twilight’s surgery was coming up and it was normally a process that took a couple of hours by itself. I’m referring to separating the bone and blood vessels in it. I had to rush this but I also had to be very meticulous in this endeavor. Not the best of combinations when someones life is in your hands, and that’s why I couldn’t focus on the negative aspects of this task. Twi was counting on me to get her through this and so was Nat and Sora.

I started to saw into Twilight’s bone when I came to the first set of blood vessels. I quickly had the doctors start to kremp the blood vessel while I continued to cut through the bone. Twi was incredibly lucky in the fact she’d only lose her arm and not part of her shoulder. She was still going to lose the whole arm though. I wish we could’ve left a stump at least. That would have made it a lot easier for Twi to regain her motor control, but it simply wasn’t doable. The damages from the deconstructive charge were too great and if I didn’t get the arm as a whole, then this would all be for not.

The surgery was almost done now. I’d been successful in removing Twi’s left arm with minimal damage to her nervous system. Which would bode very well for her in the long run. I cut it extremely close towards the last few steps in the amputation. The deconstructive charge had begun to speed up as I was near the last few nerve endings along Twi’s back. I can only suspect it was because her body was going into a little bit of shock for losing a pretty good chunk of its magic.

“Alright Twi, you’ve done great so far. Now we’re in the home stretch,” I smile at my unconscious patient.

“We’re ready to start on the temporary stitching on her shoulder sir. Are you sure we should be doing temporary stitching though? Won’t her wound just open back up?” asked the doctor pony named Cross Stitch.

“We only need the stitching to hold up while she’s rested Cross. I plan on having her back in here after she recovers enough of her strength.” I said as the others started to work and closing up the rest of Twi’s wound. “Once you’re done with the stitching and she’s ready to be moved put her in the same room as the pink hair girl in the infirmary. Try to keep a steady stream of pain dampening spells applied to her so she won’t move around too much. I plan on watching over the two of them personally. That's all for now.”

“Yes sir,” nodded Cross Stitch.

I made my way out of the OR to the scrub station to wash the blood off my hands and change back into my regular clothes. I then met up with Luna and the others so I could give them all the good news.

“She’s going to be okay everypony. I’m going to watch over her and Nat through the night to makes sure nothing goes wrong.” I say with a smile. “Luna if you could please keep a close eye on Twi’s dreams I would really appreciate it.”

“Of course Ed. I was planning to do it anyways,” she answered.

“What are your plans for her now Ed?” asked Twi. “I’m just going to keep an eye on her, Nat, and Sora to makes sure nothing goes wrong. If everything goes well for Nat’s Twilight, then I’ll be able to graft her automail shoulder by no later than tomorrow evening,” I answered still smiling.

The group started to cheer but before the could get too loud they were promptly hushed by Tia. She quickly calmed everypony down and had them head out towards their individual rooms while she and Luna stayed behind.

“I’m so relieved that you were able to save her Ed,” Tia says with a few tears in her eyes. “It was my fault she got hurt in the first place, Tia. Just like Malice said when we were all in my mind. I wanted power and it gave it to me and like the drunken fool, I kept calling for more. In the end, my own stupid decisions got someone hurt. At least I was able to do something before it ended up killing them.” I said, plopping down on the floor against the wall.

“Ed, it wasn’t your fault. The only one to blame here is Malice and nopony else,” added Luna. “The fact that I bought into its bribes doesn't change the fact that I could’ve put a stop to the fight and I didn’t,” I said looking up to my wife and sister.

“I’ll do what I can, for Twilight and Nat, for now, that’ll have to be enough. I’m not entirely sure of it but I’d like to keep a close eye on Sora and Nat. Malice did something and Sora took the brunt of the assault in trying to shield her sister from the demon,” I say getting up from my spot. “What do you want to do?” asked Tia.

“Simply have the castle staff keep an eye on them for now. I would prefer a couple of the elite guard to stay close by, just in case something bad happens,” I explain. “You think Malice might have tried to brainwash them somehow?” asked Luna.

“Malice did try and influence them in our fight with it. So I would keep a look out for this, but that's not the reason I want the elite to watch them,” I say as we walk towards The Displaceds’ room. “Could it be because you want to want to simply keep an eye out for a worst-case scenario, Ed, or is it because you'll be busy with making Twilight's new arm?” implied Tia.

“I’ve got to agree with you on both fronts Tia, but it’s more that I’ll be busy with Twi’s rehab. Nat and Sora won’t be leaving her side through just about any of it but I know they won’t stay by her side all the time either. They're going to be here at least two weeks maybe three. I don’t expect them to stay cooped up in the castle the whole time they’re here. I was actually going to see if our Twilight’s parents would mind if they stay with them for the duration of their stay,” I explained.

“I see, you think a more familiar environment might take some of the stress off Twilight,” interjected Luna. “Yea, but the real reason I want the elite guard to watch them is if anything bad happens to either of them, they can be brought to the castle immediately.” I continued as we arrived at Nat, Sora, and Twi’s room.

I enter to see Nat’s three pokemon all asleep at the trainer’s bedside. I look over to see Twilight as she started to stir from the anesthesia. I looked to Luna and then Tia. We each took our turns to see how she was feeling. Twi could only stare at where her left arm used to be.

“Look Twi, I’m sorry for what happened and I know I won’t be able to completely make it up to you but I’ll do what I can. For now, you need to get some more rest. I’ll be here to watch over you in case something happens and Luna will be here until it’s time for her to enter the dreamscape.” I say softly as I take a place in one of the chairs across the room while Luna takes the one next to me.

“How are you feeling Twilight?” asked Tia with tears in hears eyes. “I can’t say, I feel okay but I also feel incomplete at the same time Princess. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel the pain but I still know its there. Ed, thank you for saving my life,” Twi said as she looked towards me smiling.

I got up from my chair and walked over to the window and opened the drapes to reveal Luna’s night sky. The stars had a slight dazzle as if they were dancing while the moon had a pinkish glow to it. I looked to Twilight and spoke in an apologetic tone.

“I’m sorry this happen Twi and you don’t need to thank me for something I caused in the first place. Now you must rest for your procedure for tomorrow. It will be very difficult on you, physically and mentally,” I say, pulling the blankets over her to tuck her in.

“Princess Luna?” said Twilight looking toward my wife with the innocence of a young filly, “I don’t want to be a bother but would you mind sing me a lullaby to help me get to sleep, please?”

“I would love to young one,” answered Luna with a soft smile. “How about a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me and Tia when we fillies. It’s called 'Fear Not This Night’.”

Once Luna was finished a could tell Twi wasn’t going to wake up anytime soon so I sat back down next to Luna. Tia departed for her bedchambers after nuzzling Twi good night. I told Polearm to go and get some rest as well. The poor fellow looked like he'd been hit in both eyes by a couple baseballs.

“You can’t keep blaming yourself for the things that happen around you just because of your involvement in them. You know I’m here for you Ed, whenever you need me. Tia is here for you too.” Luna says placing her hand on mine. “I know Luna and part of me has accepted that but there will always be a part of me that will blame myself for these things. It’s just how we living creatures are. And I’ll always be here for you and Tia too.” I say as I gaze into her teal eyes.

I could help myself and leaned in to kiss her. We stay with our lips together for I don’t know how long. We broke off our kiss and looked back to the two sleep in the room.

“I’ll watch over them for now. You should take your own advice and get some rest for yourself or you won’t be able to perform the operation tomorrow on Twilight,” Luna state with a sympathetic gaze. “I want you to wake me if anything happens and I mean anything,” I say in lament as I give into my own fatigue.

I drift off into my dreams at the sight of my wife in her moonlight.

I must’ve been out for around five or six hours, maybe even longer, but I do know I felt much better once I got out of my chair. I looked over to the two sleeping in the beds and not much had changed there. Except that the pokemon were now sleeping at Nat’s sides on her bed. Twi looked as she was having a sweet dream to. I looked over to Luna who begun to stir from her dream walking a bit.

“You felt me stir from my dreams, didn’t you?” I asked her with a soft smile. “I’ve been keeping an eye on all of you since I started my dream duties.” she answered in a grogey tone.

“What’s Twi dream about right now?” I ask getting up from the chair to stretch a bit. “I believe it was what she and the other Elements refer to as ‘Pet Day’. She was with her Owl and the others playing with their pets. Nat, Sora, and their Pokemon were taking part as well.” Luna chuckled. “Ed there is something that I was wondering about?”

“What is Luna?” I say walking over to the window. “Is it possible for an Equestria to be influenced by another Displaced influence if they stay in it for an extended period of time?” asked Luna curiously.

“Honestly Luna, I have no idea if it’s possible or not. I do know that the Displaced can have subtle changes or drastic changes in the worlds in which they live in, but I would think that if another Displaced did decided to stay in another’s Equestria then the same thing could still happen. It’s only a theory for now, but it’s one we’ll all be testing over the next two to three weeks.” I say, going over to the other side of the room to check on Nat and Sora after I noticed a slight movement.

I felt like someone put me in front of a stampede with my head pointed towards the crowd. I guess I needed to practice more with my Sensory magic. Even though our eyes were closed, I could tell we have been out for a hella long time. I could hear Sora groaning in my head, probably from taking the brunt of the attack Malice sent our way.

‘Hey Sora? You ok over there?’ I question with concern.

‘Y-yeah Nat. I’m fine, just a bit of a headache. And...a stomach ache.’ She says with another groan. I don’t really blame her for feeling this way, yet, I don’t feel all that bad considering. I guess Ed’s attacks healed up faster than I thought they would.

I can sense someone to our left so with some effort I open my eyes and see a blank white ceiling above us. I could feel that I wasn’t wearing my clothes from before, but something loose. I look down and see myself in a hospital bed with a gown on, some bandages around my stomach, shoulder and head. I guess I got sent to the infirmary after I passed out. I turn my attention left and see a familiar alchemist sitting next to me.

“Hey Ed. What’s up?” I ask groggily, still tired.

“Hey Nat. How are you feeling?” He asks with barely hidden concern.

“All things considered, I feel pretty good. My gut doesn’t hurt anymore and my shoulder feels better. Though, Sora has a bit of a headache.” I try to sit up, several cracks going out as I move from my spot I have been in for who knows how long.

“Easy Nat, you’ve been out for a little over twelve hours. You used up quite a bit of magic in our fight and then you’re probably still mentally drained from our confrontation with Malice too. Speak of which, what exactly did the demon try to do to you two?” Ed asked with worry.

“Honestly, I am not a hundred percent sure. My guess is he tried to control our anger to make us join him or something. Gods know what would have happened if he got control over us. Good thing Sora and I are far stronger mentally than most realize.” I say, looking back up to the ceiling. Something pops into my head a second later. “Hey, where’s Twilight?”

“She’s right next to you two and has been since we brought her in here, but there was a complication with the wound she received from when Malice pierced her barrier,” Ed said looking towards the floor. “I did what I could for now but….Look and see for yourself Nat and just know I’m sorry for allowing this to happen.”

I start to get worried and to turn the other bed in the room and I could swear I hear glass shattering. Twilight. Her arm. It’s gone. She looks peaceful in her sleep, but….I am not sure how, but I sit up and swing my legs over the edge of my bed, my Vectors keeping me up straight.

“Wait, don’t move so much Nat!” Ed tries to stop me.

“GET OFF ME!” I glare at him, Ed flinching back. I get up from my bed, my Vectors holding me up. I slowly make my way to Twi. I kneel next to her bed, shakily placing a hand on where her arm should be. Tears begin to fall from my eyes as I continue to just stare at her.

“No….”I lay my head on her bedside and begin to sob.

“Malice put a deconstructive alchemagical charge in to its claws in order to get through Twilight’s shield. When she got hit with the spear that charge was then sent into her arm via the wound. Luckily it was contained to her left arm. If I hadn’t operated when I did she wouldn’t be here now,” Ed explained as he place a hand on my shoulder.

“Why? Why? WHY? WHY!?!” I begin to yell, my pokemon waking up. “Why did she get hurt!?! I am a Diclonius! I could have taken it! IT should have been ME!”

“Listen to me Nat. If you would’ve been the one to take that blow instead of Twilight, then I can guarantee you’d be dead instead of just missing a limb! Once a deconstruction charge enters a living creatures body it won’t stop until all of that beings magic is burnt up while it slowly tears you apart at the molecular level!” Ed yelled with tears starting to form in his eyes. “Twi is incredibly lucky that I was able to save her and she’ll need you now more than ever if she’s going to get through this!”

I stay silent as all this comes crashing down on me. It should have been me, I have better healing and control than Twilight. I am not sure if I would have survived, but she wouldn’t be hurt. I grit my teeth in a rage I have never felt before. I can barely hear Sora trying to talk to me. I don’t even notice as some kind of pink electricity is sparking around me.

Without warning I turn to Edward “You can beat the crap out of if you need an outlet but know that I regret having this happen and I’ll take the punishment you deem fit for. But I don’t regret the actions I’ve taken to save the pony behind me.” Ed says as he places his hand on his chest.

There was a two second beat before I appear in front of him, grabbing his face with my bare hands and slam him through two walls into what looks like an examination room. I don’t follow him after that, and merely return to Twilight side. I barely even notice as Luna goes to Ed.

“I promise, I won’t let anything like this happen again.” I kneel myself next to her side again and hold her hand, letting my anger fizzle out along with my consciousness as I rest my head on her bedside.

“Well that went better than I thought it would?” I said getting up with Luna’s help. “You think she’ll be okay?” asked Luna looking back at the couple.

“I think they’ll heal with time, and this will only make the love they have for one another all the stronger. Nat is going to have to step up with letting others know how she feels, though. Like me she buries everything. Trying to shoulder it all. I know there are things that even Sora doesn’t know about her sister.” I explained as I used my alchemy to fix the walls I’d been thrown through. “Isn’t that right Sora.”

A second later the girl in question appears, but her form is more transparent than she was before. “You said it. I could always force my way in her head and see what is going on, but that tends to piss her off.” Sora rubs her head with a slight grimace. “If mom and dad were here they would probably have called Lex’s uncle by now. He was our psychiatrist.”

“Luna is no psychiatrist but she is the Equestrian equivalent though. If you need help you can always come to her. While you’re here I wanted to give you the good news, seeing as Nat will probably beat my face in every time we meet for the next few days.” I say crossing my arms.

“I’ll try to restrain her. Funny, it seems our roles have been reversed. Anyways, what is the good news in all this Discord damn chaos. No offence Discord.” Sora says the last part to the side and I could swear I heard someone sneeze.

I go over to the wall and give it a hard punch. “OW!”

“You know we can both sense you. So there’s no point in hiding Discord,” I scoff. “Okay okay. I’ll come out,” said an all too familiar prankster.

“I got wind of another Twilight Sparkle and had to come see her for myself is all. Then I come by and see this delightfully chaotic scene,” says Discord as he pops out of the wall. “You’re going to want to watch your mouth Discord. Nat and Sora fought on par with me out in the Badlands. It’s nice to face off with someone who can match abilities for once. Next time no holdbacks due to fear though,” as I said this Discord winced back in fear as he laid eyes on the others.

Sora flew up to the spirit of chaos with a blank expression, Discord looking a little worried before she smiles and laid an arm around him.

“Relax Discord. Why would I want to fight such a master of chaos? Besides, this place is small potatoes compared to earth for chaos. Also, me and Nat may have been rather big fans of your humour back home. Just don’t mess with Twilight, AT ALL, and we will be good.” Sora finished with a somehow menacing yet comforting smile.

“Uh, sure thing.” Discord says with a nervous smile and tugging at his shirt. When was he wearing a dress shirt?

“You have nothing to worry of my dear. We, Discords, tend to play by most of the same rules by which the Time ponies do. Where we’ll help the Displaced of our Equestria, and tend to stay away from others, unless it’s absolutely necessary we get involved.” explained Discord. “Now that my business is done however I must depart. I need to update Fluttershy on this Twilight’s condition and the condition of her animals back in Ponyville.”

He finished speaking and with a snap of his claw he was gone. Sora looks back to her sister and Twilight with a slight frown, seeing their pokemon around the couple.

“So, what was the good news again? I think those five could use the info.” Sora asks, floating over and sitting on their bed.

“I told this to Twi before her surgery so no need to worry there,” I say removing my coat and upper jacket. “This is the good news I have for you,” I say, pointing at my right arm.

“Automail? I guess that would work. Though, it will take a while for Twi and Nat to get used to the fact Twi’s arm is going to be made out of….what, stainless steel? Iron?” Sora looks my arm over without trying to touch it. Before I can explain she seems to flicker and grabs her head again. “Damnit.”

“That’s right Sora this isn’t typical automail, but a new line that I’ve been working on for a little while now. I call it Crystalmail. This arm and my leg are mostly made of the same magic nullifying crystal that my swords are made of.” I say extending my arm out to let the moonlight shine through it.

“Damn, that is kinda awesome. I can only imagine how Spike and Rarity are going to react when we get back. Speaking of, how long do you think Twilight’s surgeries and rehabilitation will take? I can tell Nat in the morning and see if we can send a letter with our token.”

“The surgery will only take around six to eight hours. We did all of the prep work for the attachment grafting earlier. All that’s left to to connect the nerve ending to the circuitry. The rehabilitation will take roughly two to three weeks at most.” I explain putting my coat back on. Sora nods and begins to flicker again.

“Looks like my time’s almost up. I’ll tell Nat everything in the morning and have her send a letter to our world. Hopefully, time doesn’t flow too differently in this world then back home. I’ll see you two tomorrow, later.” With that Sora vanished into thin air and back into their body.

“They’ll be okay for now,” I say as Luna and I head out of the room. I turn to one of the guards outside, “When the pink haired girl has had a chance to wake up a bit bring her down to my workshop so we can run a few tests and I can explain where they’ll be staying while their here.”

“Yes sir, your highness,” said the earth pony.

Gods, I’ll never get used to that. “Luna I know you need to return to the dreamscape so I’ll let you go about your business and I’ll head to my shop for some more rest,” I say with a yawn.

“Sweet dreams Ed. I’ll see you in the morning,” said Luna with a smile.