I woke up the next morning as per the norm. Tia had yet to raise the sun but I rolled back over and went back to sleep, as I was still worn out from yesterday’s hectic events. A few hours later I was awoken by the usual hard knocking on my door by the castle staff to notify me that it was time for breakfast. Good, because I needed to speak with Shining Armor and my Twilight about Nat and her Twi stay with my worlds parents. I just threw on my coat for mornings around the castle as it was too much of a hassle to put on all of my outfit in the mornings. Then I wandered down to the dining hall to see my family and the Elements of Harmony as sitting at the same table, so I take my place next Luna. It looked as if I was the last to arrive his morning, but I didn’t mind and I know the others didn’t either, especially from the events of the past week.

“Morning everypony, and Discord. Sorry, I’m late. I guess I was worse off then I thought. Anyways let eat,” as I said this the server immediately started to dish out the meals.”So what’re the plans for you, eight, for today?”

“Me, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Discord, and Applejack were planning on heading back to Ponyville with Time Turner by this evening after the other Twilight’s surgery,” answered Pinkie. “ Yea it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t stick around to support her through this,” added Rainbow. “Ya think she’ll ever be able to move past losin her arm, Ed?” asked Aj.

“If she’s anything like the Twilight we have here then she’ll be able to overcome it and be stronger for it. Especially since she has friends exactly like you guys to support her back home,” I said with a small. “And don’t forget, she has Nat to look after her and Sora to dear,” added Rarity.

“I’ll be staying here in Canterlot to help the other Twilight for a few days, and I wanted you and Princess Celestia to teach some more advanced spells and alchemy techniques. Plus I still need to study Nat’s Pokemon,” explained Twi as she munched on a sandwich. “I’ll be staying here in Canterlot to oversee the opening of my new boutique. So don’t be afraid to drop by and say hello. I’ll also check in with the other Twilight while I’m here,” said Rarity.

“I’ll be staying with at her shop, but I’ll be here in the castle with Twilight when she’s won’t be studying with you or the princess. If you can’t find me with her then loo in the Training yard down by the barracks., “said Spike as he crunched on a sapphire.

“Might want to have Polearm with you when your training Spike. I think he's the only pony that’d be able to give you a decent workout,” I said with a chuckle. “I’m ready to go whenever you are Spike,” project my assistant from behind me.

“I’ll be in the library studying up on the cultures of Yakyakistan. I’ll pop in and check on Twilight, Nat, and Sora later on today.” I said Cadance. “I'm going to my periodic visits today. I was able to get on the Infirmary guard rotation for today,” added Shining.

“Oh, Shining. Twi. I need you to go to your parents and have them come by my workshop. This needs to be done immediately after you're done here. I would like to speak with them on a few things and just meet them as well. They are my family after all,” I say as finish off my eggs and toast. “Polearm come with for the time being. We’re headed over to the workshop to see what kind of progress Time Turner has made on the amethyst piece for Twi’s new arm, ”I say before kissing Luna on the cheek to bid her to have a good rest.

We left the dining hall and I started to go over what I had planned to today before Twi’s surgery. I also had to go by the infirmary to pick up Nat and Sora. I remembered back to last night when I was talking to Sora, she flickered a bit but I chalked it up to being the antimagic crystal of my arm for the time being. I still wanted to run a few tests on them to make sure they were okay. Of course, I’d have to have Luna help me with the mental tests as she was the only pony skilled in the realm of mental spells that, I trusted anyways. I also pondered if Twilight’s parents would even allow Nat, Sora, and their Twilight to stay with them. That's when I realized a crucial detail. I hadn’t even met them myself and I was asking them to do this. Gods have mercy on my soul, or souls, whichever comes first.

We arrived at back at my workshop in no time at all. Polearm and I enter to find Time Turner hard at work crafting the amethyst pieces for Twi’s arm. I don’t even know if he slept last night or if he’d took a break since he started yesterday. The Time ponies certainly lived up to the reputations of completing the tasks the start. This was one of his greatest strengths and faults all at once, which is why I had him usually oversee the things at the shop and only work on prototypes.

“Hey Time, how are things progressing?” I ask tapping the time pony on his shoulder. He set down the tools he had in his hands and turned to face me and Polearm while lifting his goggles from his eyes. “Things are coming along rather smoothly Edward. I should have all of the pieces ready by two to three this afternoon.” Time said with a proud smile.

“That’s great news. I’ll be able to assemble it by no later than tomorrow. That’ll also give Twi a little bit of time to heal up and adapt to the graft.” I say leaning on the table. “Look Time, I’m sorry to drag you away from your family and pretty much forcing you into this. I know you Time ponies don’t like to get involved Displaced even just a little, but it means a lot that you did this. Why did you finally agree to help me out anyway?”

“I’m a doctor first and foremost and if I ignore somepony in need of my help medically then I might as well not exist at all, even if that pony is a Displaced. Now if you excuse me, Edward, I must get back to the task you’ve entrusted to me if I’m to finish in the allotted time,” said Time Turner as he pulled his goggles back down and spun around to begin working again.

“Okay Time we’ll try not to disturb you too much, but just so you know I’m expecting a visit from some family members I’ve never met before,” I said as I walked over to the other side of the shop while Polearm followed me.

While we waited for Shining Armor and Twilight to bring their parents to the shop I decided to go through a few drills with Polearm to make sure he was keeping up with his training regiment. He was and I wasn't surprised at this at all. The pony prided himself on being a guard above all else, or at least he did before he met me. Now he took the utmost pride in being my friend and I wouldn’t want it any other way. We continued to run drills for around an hour when there was a knock at the door so I had Polearm get it while I put on my over shirt and gloves to conceal my arm.

Polearm came back with Twilight, Shining Armor, and two ponies I didn’t recognize. The first was an earth pony stallion ruffly around the same height as Shining and me. He had deep forest green eyes with a bluish foggy grey mane and beard. His skin tone was that of a very light tan leather. He was wearing heavy boots, dark blue jeans, and a black button-down long sleeve shirt. The other pony was as pegasus mare around Rarity’s size. Her mane was worn up in a bun and was a very deep purple that was could be mistaken as black in the wrong lighting while her eyes were a bright aquamarine color. She was wearing a lavender button-down blouse with a pink pearl necklace and a blue skirt that came down just past her kneecaps with a pair of tan strap heeled sandals. She had a light pink skin tone.

“Hey Ed we brought our parents by like you asked,” said Shining Armor as I looked on at the couple in confusion. This was definitely different from the show. “Let me introduce you. Mom and Dad this in my alchemy teacher slash uncle thought Shining, Edward Elric,” said Twi gesturing with her hand.

“Nice to meet you Mr.Elric, my name’s Mist Runner. I’m Twilight and Shining father,” said the stallion extending his hand. “Nice to finally meet you, my good sir,” I say taking his hand then we have a slight handshake. I then let go and looked over to his wife.

She noticed and immediately step next to her husband and introduced herself, “Hello Mr.Elric, my name’s Twinkling Skies, and I’m Twilight and Shining’s mother,” said the mare. “Nice to meet you, madam. Sorry for the delayed and forced meeting and you don’t have to bother calling me Mr.Elric, Your Highness, or even Edward. We’re family so just call me Ed, and I don’t want to be rude, but-” I started to say.

“You want to know why two unicorns were born to a pegasus and an earth pony,” interrupted Mist Runner. “It’s quite alright Ed. We get asked that question a lot.”

“You see on both sides of our families we had unicorn grandmothers,” added Twinkling. “We think this has a great deal to do with this.” I looked to Twinkling and shook off my confusion enough to speak, “I’m meant no offense by it and I’m not one to judge either, as I’m married to Luna and I’m not even a pony myself.”

“It’s alright Ed, and we meant to come by and introduce ourselves at Shining and Cadance’s wedding, but you and your wife looked like you were having so much fun,” says Mist as he seemed to relax a bit more. “You have a good eye, my friend and I thank you for your courtesy. Now, I’m afraid I must cut this a bit shorter than I'd like but I’m on a bit of a time crunch right now, but you’d like to follow me on the way to the medical wing I’ll explain what’s going on and what I would like to do as a personal favor for me.” I say as I begin to gather the necessary material for Twi’s surgery later today.

I felt….weird. Like last night I couldn’t really feel all that much pain, but I knew it was still there. I mentally sigh at this feeling. I could only imagine how Natali and her sister would or have reacted if and when they see me. Even though she was unconscious, I should have thought about her perspective on this.

I take a breath and notice several weights on my bed. Slowly opening my eyes, I let them adjust to the light within the room. The first thing to come to view for me was a small tuft of grey and blue fur. It took a second, but I saw the familiar Zorua on my chest, Selene sleeping rather peacefully. I smile and look to my left, seeing Topaz next to me and then to the foot of my bed where Chance in curled up by my hooves.

I go to move when I feel a slight weight on my hand. Looking right, I see something that both warmed and broke my heart. Natali. She was kneeling on the ground, holding my hand in spite of her own injuries. I look to her face and see some dried tear stains and the sad frown on her sleeping face.

“Nat?” I call quietly, managing to take my hand away and shake her slightly. I hear a yawn and see as Selene wakes up.

“Twilight! Are you ok?!” The little fox asks in worry, jumping up to me. I giggle a little as her fur rubs against my snout.

“Hey, Selene. I think I am ok.” I say with a reassuring smile, petting the little Pokémon’s head.

“Now we just need to worry about Nat then.” I turn to Topaz as she slides off my bed. “What do you mean?” I ask with worry. Chance gets up and begins to nudge Natali. “She went a little nuts last night when she saw you like this. She actually ended up throwing Edward through a couple walls.”

I look to my girlfriend in shock for her being able to do that. I knew she was stronger than most, but I doubt even Applejack could do that. I don’t get to question further as Nat begins to stir, a firm frown on her face until she sees me looking at her.

“Twilight!” I brace myself as she all but lunges at me, only to feel a pair of almost hesitant arms wrap around me. “Nat?” I look to her in shock. She was crying. In all the time I have known her, I don’t think I have ever seen her cry before, not even when Rarity convinced us to read that sad romance novel together.

“I-I’m sorry.” She says quietly, her head on my right shoulder. “For what? Nat this isn’t your fault.” I tell her, only for her to bury her head in my shoulder a little more. “I should have been faster. I should have protected you. You should have stayed home.” I frown and barely push her back, grabbing her face.

“Listen to me, Nat. I knew the risks when I came with you. I remember what Lex and Adam told me about their Equestria’s, I knew that there was a danger of fighting and getting hurt, but I wasn’t about to let my first girlfriend go into a potentially dangerous situation alone.” I look her straight in the eyes and see even if I say this she still blames herself. I sigh and get a bit of a grip on her head. Before she can question, I pull her in and kiss her on her mouth. She freezes for a second before giving in. I break apart after who knows how long.

“You don’t need to protect me all the time. I will get hurt, and so will you. But I know if we stay together we can help each other. So no beating yourself up while I am around, got it?” She looks to me with a sad smile. “I-I’ll try.” I see as her eyes shift a bit before another familiar voice rings out. “Besides, I will be here to make sure you two are ok too.” I smile at Sora before something pops in my head.

“Wait, why are you taking control of your body Sora?” I see her brow going up, my guess from Nat. “Well, something is going a little screwy with our Astral form so I decided to put it on standby until Ed gets here.” I can see Nat take control and frown a little. I guess she blames both herself and Ed for this. I sigh and place my hand on her arm, Topaz holding the other and Selene jumping on her lap.

“I know you are angry with Ed, but please just go through the tests. I heard about how Malice attacked you in the fight and I want to make sure you two are going to be ok.” Nat looks to me with a torn expression before sighing loudly.

“Fine, but I don’t see the reasoning for it. So far I haven’t sensed anything different about me and Sora.” I go to talk again before I see the door begin to open and Ed walks in.

“Good morning ladies. How are you feeling so far Twi?” Ed asked in concern as he pulled the chart from the base of the bed. “Nat. If you’re willing to put up with me then I’d like to so a few tests down at my workshop. It’ll only take around an hour and a half.”

I see as Nat it trying, and failing, to come up with some excuse before sighing and nodding. She gets up and stretches before cringing and grabbing her shoulder. I look and see that her wound from before opened up again. To our shock, Nat begins to undo the bandages around in.

“Nat, what are you doing?” I ask with worry. She finishes in getting the bandages un-tied, holding them in place before holding her hand out. I see as a Vector becomes visible before a familiar slime begins to drip out. The Virus. “What are you going to do with your Virus?” I question, wishing I had my notepad. Nat takes off the bandages, and before she can bleed much she begins to rub her virus on the wound. I look in shock as she actually stops bleeding and sees the wound closing faster than normal.

“I learned during one of my examinations that my virus can work as a healing salve to myself and likely other Diclonius when made into its liquid form and applied to a wound.” She explains.

“Interesting, it would seem that your virus acts in a similar way to stem cells,” Ed says while this is happening. “Still though, this is only a temporary fix for superficial wounds. I would like to use my alchehistry on you to see if you have any serious internal damage.”

“I doubt it. This wound is more superficial than it seems. I say it would only take a day or two before it is healed completely. Plus my virus will only increase the speed in which it will heal. My stomach may be another story though.” I grab my stomach a bit as I feel it grumble from hunger along with Nat.

“I understand, but it would give me peace of mind, and it looks like we need to get you two some food. We can stop by the kitchen on the way or I can pull something up with Arc if you want.” Ed said placing the chart back at the foot of my bed. “ And Nat there are a couple of ponies with me that would like to meet you. They’re already aware of what’s going on but you should try not to overreact when meeting them, okay. Twi your surgery for your attachment grafting is set for four-thirty to five and I’m going to warn your ahead of time you won’t be under for this but we will have a pain dampener spell on placed on. It’ll still hurt like all hell.”

“Why won’t you be putting her under this time?” asked Sora. “Because the nerve endings need to be receptive in order to have the best installation for motor control.” explained the alchemist. “I get it. It similar to how you test to see if something still has feeling in your fingers by poking it slightly with a needle” interjected Nat suddenly.

“Yes and no. You see like with any type of graft you have to have a fresh surface for anything to bond with which is why we usually have to remove scar tissue be for we can start to apply the grafts. This is why someone in Twi’s position has the best chances at recovering an moving through rehabilitation much quicker than someone who has had a limb missing for a few years. With automail, its similar to how the doctors on earth use computer chips for motorized limbs, but automail realize solely on hardwiring the prosthetic directly into your nervous system. It even allows the users to still feel pain in the false limbs if they're hit hard enough. Twi’s arm will be a lot more complex due to the detailed work I’ll be doing on it with magical weaving.” Ed continued to explain in a somewhat prod tone.

“What are you saying Ed? That Twi’s new arm will function exactly like her old one did?” Nat says as she gets a spark in her eyes. “ Not exactly like her old one I’m afraid. She still won’t have too much feeling in it, but she will still have some feeling, at least much more than most. She’ll also be able to channel her magic through it like she does her horn. If this arm functions how it’s designed to Then I’ll be able to start laying the groundwork for crystal horns and crystalmail wings for the pegasus here.” continued Ed.

“I really can’t thank you enough for all of the things you're doing for me Ed. It really means a lot too and I know it means a lot to Nat too. Now I think you three have spent enough time chatting here. Nat and Sora have some test that needs to be run,” I said softly. “You’re right Twi. I’m going to leave Polearm with you to keep an eye on you and to give you some company. And you three are staying here too,” Ed said looking to the pokemon.

“But we want to go with Nat and Sora,” said Selene jumping on Nat’s shoulder. “I’m sorry but having more than one Displaced in a room with the tests I’ve got to run is problematic. I wouldn’t be able to get an accurate reading on Nat and Sora’s vitals, You three are attuned to her being from the same Equestria as he is. I’m won’t affect the tests as I’m attuned to this Equestria.” Ed says as he rubbed Selene head before she jumps back over to me.

“You better not try anything funny on our trainers' buster or I’ll mega-evolve and kick your butt all the way to next week,” threatened Topaz. “Yea, that kind of goes double for me as I haven’t evolved, yet!” roared Chance. “You all have nothing to worry about these tests are only to confirm that Nat and Sora don’t need further medical care. There just to help give me peace of mind and then some for Twi and all of you. Now let’s get going Nat and Sora, need to get these done so you can get back down here as fast as possible before five.” Ed said turning back towards the door and walking out with Nat and Sora following him.

After we left Twi’s room we headed for my shop, well the kitchen then my shop. We ran picked up Twi’s Parents a let ways down the hall from the room. It was really funny seeing Nat and Sora’s reaction when they introduced themselves to her. It was probably the same look I had on my face too. After a brief stay in the kitchen, we made it to the workshop. We bid Twilight’s parents farewell until this evening when they were scheduled to come and pick up Nat, Sora, and Twi after Twi’s surgery. Twilight stuck with me to help with Nat’s tests while Shining went off to perform his captain’s duties and rounds.

Now that everyone was satisfied I told Nat where she could change and apply some fresh bandages. Time Turner paid us no heed whatsoever and continued to work at his station. I had Twi stay in the shop with Nat while I went down the hall to Luna’s chamber. When I went in I was shocked to find her awake as it was still only twelve in the afternoon. She must not of been able to sleep very well form worrying about Twi.

“Hey Luna, you going to be alright?” I asked softly as i set on the edge o her bed. “I’m worried about the young sisters Ed. Their fight with Malice and outburst on you last night after seeing what happened to their Twilight. It seems as if to have undone something in their minds. Their bond with one another feels like it’s fading away somehow.” Luna says as she grabs her legs.

“I worried to Luna. After Sora’s flicker episode last night my concern shot through the roof. At first, I thought it might have something to do with my arm, but I don’t think so after talking with the two of them on the way to the shop. Neither of them made an attempt to use their astral forms at all. They simply switched their minds using Nat’s body.” I explained getting up from the bed then turning to face Luna who was looking at me with just as much worry.

“All we can do right now is these alchemagic tests and hope, we find nothing wrong and if there is something wrong we’ll do everything in our power to fix it. I’ll let you go back to sleep. Try to get some rest and I’ll see you later. Love you,” I say heading to the door. “Alright Ed, love you too and let me know if something happens with Nat and Sora,” Luna said as she laid back down.

I head back down to the shop and find Nat and Sora were laying on the bed ready to start. Twilight had put on n of the lab coats I keep for just such occasions. I honestly think it makes high feel more like a doctor or scientists, whichever she prefers. I walked over to Nat and Sora and started to explain what was going to happen.

“I’m sure you can put the electrodes on yourselves but if you want help just as Twi. Don’t bother to about the pony at the workbench, That’s Time Turner he runner my automail shop in Ponyville and he’s the only pony who has automail engineering skills that rival m own currently. He’s working on Twi’s arm. What we’re going to do here are the standard physical checks and a few mental scans. Mainly x-rays to see what’s going on internally. The mental test is mainly for Sora’s sake as she took the main brunt of Malice’s assault,” I explained before I walked off to set up the equipment only receiving a nod from the Diclonius.

Ed gave me the electrodes and I carefully put them on my head, my arms and a couple on my chest, right where I remember I had them put when I was with my psychiatrist back on earth. It was odd, but I had a weird feeling about this, probably because our Astral form isn’t working right.

‘Do you think it is because of Malice’s attack?’ I question as Ed begins going over some basic reflex tests. Turns out my reflexes are better than I thought possible for me. Though having Vectors that can move at supersonic speeds can do that.

‘Maybe. For all we know it could just be a side effect of being in another world.’ Sora responds, and I notice something odd.

‘Uh, Sora? Your voice is echoing.’ I let Sora take control and can tell our eyes widen. But what was odd is the ‘window’ that I look out from was slightly blurred on the sides. That can’t be good.

We go through the basic tests Ed has set for us, finding nothing wrong physically aside from the obvious injuries. But when we went into the mental tests….

“Okay Nat I’m going to send a small alchemagic pulse through the electrodes to your mind alright,” Ed stated sending a small red pulse came down the wires. It reaches us, and I feel a small shock. Nothing happening to me in our mind for a bit, only for Sora to fall back and begin to yell in pain.

“Sora!” I quickly take over to try and take the pain, only for her to stay in pain and nothing to happen to me. I quickly detach the electrodes and Sora pants in our head. “What the hell was that?!”

“It’s exactly what Luna and I feared. Nat your bond with Sora is fading away. I think it has to do with the fact that my alchemagic is compatible with your Telepathy and Maguilty. It might have to do with the fact that our magic have the same origin source. I’m not sure what exactly is going on but I do know that Sora is in danger of fading away.” Ed said leaning on the machine in front of him.

I just look down in shock before closing my eyes and entering our mind. Appearing in the void, I see Sora just sitting on her side clearly in shock like me. I quickly go over and force my way in. Sitting next to her, I bring her in for a side hug, feeling her shaking. For I think the fourth time in my life, I see Sora is scared.

“Don’t worry Sora. We’ll figure this out.” She looks to me and buries her head into my shoulder, straight up crying. I can sense the tears falling out of my eyes as I hold my little sister. What happened next was actually really shocking. Sora began to shrink.

“Sora can you hear me, you must not give into this despair. Look at your sister child,” said a voice in the dark. Luna appeared in a flash of sapphire magic.

“Princess! Help!” I hold onto my sister tighter, Luna coming over and wrapping her wings around her. I can feel whatever is causing Sora to shrink begin to slow to a stop. I pull back and look down at my little sister. Now it is literal. Sora looks like a kid!

“She has regressed to her true self it would appear. Malice has done something truly horrible this time I’m afraid. Nat, you must hold on to Sora with everything you can muster right now or she will completely fade back into your mind and soul.” said Luna with worry.

I look down to my terrified sister with a determined glare. “I swear on my life, my soul and virus I won’t let you go.” I tell her. Sora hugs me tightly with not just her arms, but her Vectors as I do the same, keeping her herself. I look to Luna and nod to her, Luna nodding back and disappearing in a flash.

I look down at my sister again and begin to sing a little lullaby mom used to sing to us when we were kids. She smiles and lets herself relax in my arms. “Don’t worry sis. I promise I won’t let you go.” I lay a kiss on her head. She smiles up at me, reminding me of Nyu whenever she sees Kohta.

It was not to last long, as I feel a sudden pain on my head and my eyes shoot open. I make sure to divide my attention into keeping Sora calm and herself. I look around in anger and see a certain alchemist going nuts.

“DAMN IT ALL TO HELL! MALICE YOU FUCKING BASTARD! YOU USED THE SOUL CONSUMPTION TECHNIQUE ON SORA!” I yelled as I smashed my fist into the machinery in front of me. “RRAA!”

I started to throw anything that was in front of me. Once again my own action of asking for help had endangered another life. Malice had tried to devour Sora and Nat’s souls while they were connected to us through the link.

“Ed you need to calm yourself down,” said Luna as she flew to avoid getting hit by stray objects. “Edward please we’ll find a way to help Nat and Sora,” said Twi who was hiding on the other side of Nat’s bed.

“FUCKING DEMON!” I yelled as I now grabbed on to a heavy piece of equipment easily lifting it over my head. I then tossed it through several walls.

After this I was pinned to the wall, flailing like crazy. I look over myself, expecting a magic aura, but I don’t see anything. I look forward and see Natali a foot away from me with a glare that sent shivers down my spine.

“Calm. Down. Now.” I gulped at her tone and I figure out I am being pinned by a Vector. One wrong move and I could be in serious trouble. I look to Nat again and see her sweating and gritting her teeth.

“I’m calm down enough to think straight again Nat. You can put me down now,” I says trying to keep my cool. I could tell she was much worse off than me because she was only holding me back with one Vector.

She put me down on the floor and fell back on the bed. Twi quickly came to her side and wiped her face with a dry cloth. I turned to Luna and ask her to explain what she saw in Nat and Sora mindscape.

“Like I was saying Sora’s form has reverted to that of a seven-year-old child. Malice has eaten most of what made Sora herself. I can only determine that the young girl I saw inside Nat’s mind are her innermost thoughts. Memories, and feelings she holds dearest to her heart and soul,” explained Luna looking to Nat and Sora.

“Are you going to be okay Nat?” asked Twi.

“F-for now. I need to keep Sora calm or she’ll just go back into my soul. Easier said than done, but I won’t let my little sister vanish because of a stupid philosopher's stone manifestation.” She says with some effort, trying to keep her own composure. I can only imagine, she almost lost Twilight and now could lose Sora.

I started to think of a possible solution. That’s when it hit me. In FMA Edward sacrifice his arm to bond Al’s soul to armor. I didn’t want to try anything risky right away though but with the right preparations in place I could perform something along the same lines but permanent. ‘Temporary’ was the key word in this sense right now and I needed it ‘now’.

“That’s it!” I shouted running over to a bookshelf in the far corner of the shop. I tore through book after book pulling them all off the shelves while quickly flipping through them one after another. “Edward what are you doing?!” asked Twi still tending to Nat as she looked to Luna who didn’t have a clue either.

“HERE IT IS!” I exclaimed in joy as I reached into the book I was holding pulling out a shining golden stone that lit up the whole shop. I quickly dash to the nearest table and grab some gold chain. I clap my hands and in a flash of reddish-orange light the stone and chain a now a glowing pendant. I dash over to Nat.

“Here Nat, put this on quickly it can save Sora. At least long enough to where I can come up with a more permanent solution.” Nat doesn’t even hesitant and swipes the pendant from my hand and puts it around her neck. The stone begins to glow for a couple seconds before the light dims down and Nat opens her eyes again after a minute, panting a bit.

“Well, good news, sorta. It worked, Sora is stabilized. Only she is still a kid and she can’t take over now.” She says, lying back down again and wiping her brow with the cloth. All of us sigh in relief, even if temporary.

“Good but like I said it’s only a temporary fix. Now you can not and I mean absolutely can not take the pendant off. Not even for a second. It is the only thing that will keep Sora stable.” I say in relief. “Edward, was that some new type of Philosopher’s Stone?” asked Twi with Nat wincing at this thought.

“No Twi, this is a Sage’s Stone. Think of it as the Equestrian equivalent of a Philosopher Stone, but instead of being made of souls its made of pure magic,” I explained as I sat on the floor to catch my breath.

“Ed you give it to Nat didn’t you?” asked Luna. “Yes Luna I did, because there was no other way to save Sora and I’ll make another if I have to,” I said pulling myself up. Nat looks at the pendant around her neck and holds onto it with a nod.

“You said this was a temporary solution. Well, then I need to figure out a permanent one.” Nat said, getting up from her spot. “ I believe I may have one but it’s still only a theory at this point. I’ll tell you later though, for now, you need to go be with Twilight before her surgery okay” I say to the lonely looking girl in front of me. In all of two days, I’d managed to cause her so much pain. I couldn’t help but start wanting to beg her for forgiveness but I couldn’t. Not right now at least.

“Now go on. She needs you, and bring her some lunch while you’re at it, okay” I say point toward the door. Nat nods and goes to the door, but stops. Before we can ask, she rushes over and hugs me tight. “Thank you. For helping us.” With that said, she all but teleported out the door and towards the medical wing.

“Okay I wasn’t expecting that,” said Time Turner as he comes out of the corner of wherever it was he was hiding. “Anyways, I finished up the amethyst as promised, but I’ll stick around until after the surgery just in case I’m needed. If any pony wants me, I’ll be at the local Joe’s Donut shop. Good day to you all.”

With Time saying his goodbyes I looked over to his bench and sitting on was an array of deep translucent automail parts. “He did what he said he’d do. Now I have to do what I said I’d do.” I say walking over to the table place my hands on as I stare at the pieces before me.

“Not before you come with me for a while you need to rest and relax after your little outburst,” Luna said pointing at the gaping holes I made. “If I’m not needed I’ll be in the library for the remainder of the day,” said Twi as she nudged open door and went on her way.

I fixed the holes in the walls and followed Luna to her room and that’s where I stayed for the remainder of the day. In her arms I slept so soundly, it reminded me of when we would stay out and watch her stars back when we lived in the Everfree Forest.

“Alright Twi, are you ready to get started on the next step to getting your new arm?” I asked the nervous unicorn. “Would you like to have Nat with you this time around?”

“Am I allowed to have them in while the surgery is going on?” She managed to squeak out. “I let ponies sit in on their loved ones all the time, but it’s up to you. I know it would make her feel at ease at least. Especially, after what we found out in the workshop during her test.” I said, scratching the back of my head.

“If it’s okay with you then I’d like her to come in with me.” lamented Twi. “ Certainly Twi. While I go get Nat, Cross Stitch is going to apply the pain dampening spell. It won’t stop the pain but it will lessen it to where you won’t pass out from the pain.” I explain as I’m heading to the door to get Nat. “Is it really that bad?”

“You know that I’m as Displaced so my arm was changed as I came here, so I don’t know how painful it is personal as I’ve never had the surgery performed on me before. But, whenever I have to change my arm or leg it hurts like all hell just broke out.” I said before stepping out. “Hey Nat, she wants to come and sit with her during the surgery.”

Nat nods and gets up from her seat, her pokemon looking at me with ranging expressions of anger. I can see that Chance is actually sparking his electricity before Nat turns to them with a glare, the trio looking elsewhere immediately.

“I swear, you three have bigger protective instincts than I do.” I hear her mumble to herself before she walks past me into the room. I grab her arm real quick and whisper to her, “Twi is going to be an unbearable amount of pain Nat. Whatever you hear you must stay strong and you can not let her see you cry from her state of being. I know this is a lot to ask of you but it for the one you love and for your future with her. Always keep that ingrain in your heart, okay.”

“You could have just said I need to be strong for her. I had to be there when Adam’s sister went through a different operation. But, I know what you said is right. I know that I need to take it for her, and I intend to.” She says determinedly. I nod and we both head back in. “You're a lot stronger than you know Nat.”

“Alright Twi, I’m going to do a couple of poke test to see if you can feel them to see if the spells have taken effect, then we’ll begin,” I say as poke a couple of times around her wound all the while she doesn’t even know I’d started. “Okay, we’re good to go on your end Twi. All you have to do now is squeeze Nat hand and bear with the rest. Nat do you want earplugs?”

“No thanks. I can just use my Vectors if needed.” She says almost nonchalantly. Even though she is doing what I said about being strong, I can tell she is internally freaking out. “Then let’s get started,” I say pulling up my face mask.

“AHHHHHH!” screamed Twi as I attached the nerve clusters to the grafts. “You’re doing great Twilight just bear with,” I said as Cross Stitch wiped my face from the sweat. “YOUR WEREN’T LYING WHEN OUT THIS HURTS LIKE ALL HELL!” she yelled out squeezing Nat hand.

“You alright there Nat?” I asked trying to keep focused on the grafting while Twi was thrashing her legs. Nat quickly holds her down with her Vectors while I see her biting down on another Vector, Twilight having a death grip on her hand.

“As good as I can be right now!” She yells through Telepathy. “Hang in there, we’re nearing the halfway point but it’s about to get a thousand times worse. This is where we have to start the bone grafts. Sorry Twi, call me a bucking bastard and to go to Tartarus all you want. I’ll even let you sock me with your new arm when you have your strength back and that’s a promise,” I say as I put my full attention on the grafting.

Nat gets a determined expression and squeezes Twilights hand. Twi looks at her with tears but nods as well, taking a deep breath. I hated causing any type of pain to any living being, especially ponies, but if I didn’t do this Twi wouldn’t even be able to hold a simple cup of coffee. I dove into the bone apply the next graft. The duo both gulp and get ready for more pain.

“RRAHH! YAAHAH!” screamed the unicorn. “You bucking mother bucking son of a bitch!” I did tell her to curse me out. “Just a few more bone graft Twi. This pain will all be worth it in the end. If you don’t want to trust me then trust Nat,” I say trying to reassure her as best I can.

I can safely say this isn’t a position I ever thought I would be in. Ed finally finished the surgery on Twilight and for the most part, she is just tired from the adrenaline and screaming. Me on the other hand….I am left with a left hand that was worse than most would think. After Twi was finished with, I asked Dr.Cross to do a quick X-ray on my hand. Turns out adrenaline can make even the physically weakest pony species do the impossible.

So here I am, using a couple of my Vectors to literally reset some of the bones in my hand as well as reset my thumb and index finger after being busted by Twi’s grip alone. Now, maybe it was my own adrenaline or just a Diclonius naturally high pain tolerance, but I just needed to bite down on my Vector to stop myself from screaming and then after I set the bones I applied my Virus on them. Of course I had a cast put on, but otherwise, I was not all that worse for wear.

“I….still can’t….believe I was able to….break your hand.” Twi manages to say between pants. Honestly, if I wasn’t the ‘victim’ I wouldn’t believe it either. “Yeah, well that makes three of us,” I state as Dr.Cross finishes with my cast. I grab the glass of water next to Twi with a Vector and raise it to her lips, Twi drinking as fast as I allow her to. The last thing I want is for her to choke on water after this.

“The worst parts are over you three and by this time tomorrow, you’ll have your new arm in place Twi. With everything in place, you’ll be able to do basic movements with it too, but you're not allowed to lift on anything at all.” Ed stress as he stood up from his stool.

“Well, I guess it is a good thing I have a girlfriend with an unknown amount of invisible arms huh?” She says with a grin. Despite the fact I have admitted it, I can’t help but blush whenever she calls me her girlfriend. I hear scratching at the door and look to Ed who shrugs and nods. I use a Vector and open the door, letting my pokemon and this worlds Twilight in.

“Hey, guys,” I say with a smile and make the mistake of waving my broken hand. The four look to my hand in shock before my pokemon look to Ed and Twilight looks to my Twi. “Don’t look at me you three. I might not be your favorite Displaced right now but I didn’t touch Nat’s hand. It was actually Twilight during the grafting. Shocked the hell out of me that a unicorn could break a Diclonius hand,” Ed said putting his hands up. The group looks to Twi, my pokemon in shock, and the other Twilight with intrigue. Twi just blushes with a sheepish expression.

“Um….adrenaline is a great power potion?” She says, to which me and Ed laugh at her description. “Well, do you think you two can walk? My parents want to meet you two. They are all sorts of confused yet excited at the prospect of meeting another version of me.” Ed’s Twilight says. I nod and grab my purse from the side table before going over and helping my Twi to her hooves. She stumbles a bit, probably from not walking for a day and a half, but she gets her balance as we make our way to the door.

Mom, dad, and I were all waiting to see how the other Twily was handling herself. Mom was a bit more excited than Dad was at meeting another version of their daughter. Dad was just worried sick at the aspect that Twily got hurt, even if she was from an alternate reality. The doors to the operating room opened up as Nat and both Twilights stepped forward.

“Mom, Dad, you remember Nat from this morning and this is the Twilight from her Equestria and she’s also Nat’s marefriend,” said Twily as she gestured to the couple supporting each other behind her. “Oh, it’s so nice to finally meet you, uh what do we call her when our Twilight is around?” asked Twinkling.

Nat and Twilight look to one another, seeming to talk with just their eyes before they look back at us. “Dusk.” They say in unison. “It is another word for Twilight, so it will work whenever your daughter is around,” Nat explains. “Plus this way there is no way to mix us up as opposed to if we decided to call me just Twi or something.” Twilight, or Dusk I guess, says a second after.

“If I may make a suggestion,” said Ed now coming out of the OR. “While you're here why don’t you take up the name of your crytalmail model as well. I was going to call it, shine, in ways. So you could call yourself Dusk Shine.”

“I agree there Edward, Dusk Shine sounds like a fine name for our second daughter,” commented Mist Runner. Dad had always wanted Twily to have a sister. “It’s entirely up to you Dusk, of course.” Dusk seems to ponder for a second before smiling. “It would be a good alias if I ever go with Nat to another world aside from this one. Dusk Shine, it is, for here at least.”

“Sir Edward, I have the items you requested me to get from your shop for our guests,” said a guard from behind me. Ed gave him the okay to hand them off to me. “What is this Ed? He said it was for Nat and Dusk.” I said tilting my head. “These, Shining, are a few things that Nat and Dusk will find very useful over the next few weeks during their stay here while Dusk is going through rehabilitation,” Ed said as he took the first item, holding it up for everypony to see.

It was a black coat similar to the one the Ed wore himself. The coat shimmered with different shades of purple sparkles when it moved in any way. “This is a special amethyst infused coat for Dusk,” Ed said placing the coat around Dusk. “And your mark is on the back of it too. It's practically indestructible, and these are a set of Alchemist watches for the two of you to stay in touch with me or one another. Not that you’ll be too far apart from each other right now.”

Ed hands the couple each a shiny lavender pocket watch with what looked like Twily and Dusk’s mark on the front of it, but they also had what appeared to be Nat’s horns on them. The duo looks them over before opening them up, Nat seeming to focus for a second before I see the clock on Dusk’s change to some kind of screen showing Nat’s side.

“Huh, I wonder if I could connect this with Lex and Adam’s versions of your tokens Ed,” Nat says aloud before putting her new watch in her purse. “Normally you could Nat but these won’t have that function until you return to your Equestria. I don’t understand it myself but I can always lone you the main watch I have back in the shop if you want to talk with them while your here.” Ed explained as he went past us to meet up with Princess Luna, they then walked off together.

“Well enough stand around. Let’s get you to the house. I bet your both exhausted and would like a hot bath and a good meal,” said mom. “I agree, honey. Come on lovebirds lets show you to your rooms back at the house.” said dad as he took the lead.

“As much as I want to join you guys I’ll be headed to meet Cadance for supper. Have a good night sleep Dusk and Nat.” I said as I bid my family farewell. We all called it a night and went our separate ways.