For the past few days now Nat, Twi, and myself had been working with Dusk on her magic control with her arm. She was slowly making progress with her natural magic, but she was blazing her Teleportation and Solid Script. I was concerned about the dark magic sealed inside her though. I already knew who gave Dusk this magic, as its signature matched my Arc. It had to have been Lex, but if she saw it fit to give her this power I wouldn’t question it. There was a problem with the seal, however. Over the past few days of practicing with her new arm the Seal on Dusk magic had started to weaken and the more magic she used the weaker it became. I needed to talk to Nat about this and see if she would go to Tia to allow Dusk to become Luna’s night apprentice while they continued to stay in our world.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I sensed a sudden surge of void energy wash over the area of Whitetail near Aj’s farmer. I look over to Nat.

“Did you feel that?” I asked in concern. Dropping the clipboard I had in my hands I pull out the void stone from underneath my shirt. Sure enough, it was glowing. “Yeah, and whatever it was felt familiar. Almost like when….” Nat trails off and looks to Chance, the Luxio just sitting by Dusk with a curious look. The unicorn in question gets up from her spot as she finished her exercise for now.

“So, is something going on?” She asks.

“We just felt a mass of void energy come from Whitetail near the Apple Family farm. I don’t recognize the energy of what came through the void but whatever it is they were forced here,” I said put the stone back under my clothes. “Twi You go to Tia and tell her that Nat and I are going to investigate. Nat you think Dusk is well enough to teleport us to Ponyville at least?”

Nat looks to Dusk, and I can tell they are having a telepathic conversation. After a minute Dusk lights up her hand, covering me, Nat and the pokemon. After a second the imagery shifts, and I see we are at the entrance to the farm. Dusk wavers a bit and Nat grabs her for support.

“Does that answer your question?” Dusk says with a grin. Nat just rolls her eyes at her marefriend’s response. I noticed lately Nat hasn’t been as sarcastic or even just happy and seems a little tired. Must be the stress from keeping an eye on Sora.

“Dusk you go to the Library to rest for now. Spike there with Owlowiscious and Peewee. He’ll take care of you while Nat and I deal with the Displaced. That jump took a lot of magic and you're tapped out for now.” I said with a serious look to her and then I looked to Nat. I clap my hands and red lightning spew over the nearby ground as a pull cart formed. “Get in Nat.”

She raised a brow before looking to Chance. “Go with Dusk and make sure she rests.” The Luxio nods and they head out towards the library as Nat and her other two Pokemon get into the cart.

“Hang on,” I say getting behind the bar of the cart as I take off at top speed to Aj’s place. “While I have a moment with you I want to know why you didn’t tell Dusk about her dark magic Nat.” I see her tense up and look to me with a blank expression.

“It was not necessary at the time. Lex gave Dusk that power so she could protect herself and her friends if needed. However, we didn’t know how Celestia would react to her prized pupil having darkness magic. For all we knew, she could think Twilight was becoming the next Nightmare Moon. And I would not hesitate to destroy her if I had to protect Twilight. I’d rather not take that chance until I know Celestia’s position for a fact.” She explains.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news Nat, as that seems to be my new title, but Dusk is running out of time. The seal on that magic is breaking and the more she uses her Fiore magic the weaker it gets. Dark magic like all magic is neither good nor evil. All magic corrupts and I want you to know that Tia is very understanding when it comes to this concept when it’s explained to her in other realities. Here dark magic was never banned from being learned. So here’s what I suggest you do. Go to Tia and tell her what’s going on and while you’re here have Luna teach Dusk as a Night Apprentice. My wife is the only master of dark magic around these days, but she’d be more than willing to help,” I say as we come in sight of the apple farm. I can tell Nat is still a little iffy on the dark magic subject so I don’t press it any further.

Once we stop on the outskirts of the farmhouse I let Nat and her pokemon get off the cart. We look around for less than a second before we hear loud barking and Nat sees a rainbow streak in the sky. “Celestia damn it Rainbow.” She mutters to herself. We quickly run toward where we hear the barking and see Rainbow flying around. We enter and see a clearing of trees where I see Winona, Applejack, Big Mac, Applebloom and Rainbow facing off against….oh you have got to be kidding me.

I can see Nat’s eyes widen as she sees what the others are facing. One was a quadrupedal feline with Snow White fur and black claws and skin, a part of its head in the shape of a scythe. The other was a type of bird that was bipedal, its wings a dark metallic grey, almost black with white spots and a Red Cross shaped crest. It also had dark forest green feathers on its head, looking like a hood that covered a darker green beak with a single white feather on the back of its head.

“You have got to be kidding me. An Absol and a shiny Decidueye!?” Nat says in shock.

“How the hell did those two get here. Not important right now Nat can Topaz and Selene take those two on?” I asked in shock and awe. “I’ll get those four out of the way. Pokemon for Pokemon aye Trainer,” I say with a smile. Nat nods and looks to her pokemon who actually look excited. They run up as AJ seems to get ready to attack.

“Selene, Shadow Ball! Topaz, Crunch!” The others look to us and the orb of darkness hits the Absol in the head, knocking it back as Topaz chomps hard on the Decidueye leg and swings it around, sending back with the other one.

I quickly run by and grab ahold of Applebloom and AJ, dragging them with me and behind a tree. “You two stay here. This is their fight. I’ll get Rainbow next. Big Mac, make sure they stay put.” I ordered in a stern tone. I look over to see Rainbow ready to charge in but before she can, I release Seal 7 Sloth. “This is going to hurt,” I say as I tackle the pegasus into the barn.

I cringe to myself as I see Ed tackling Rainbow into the barn with Sloth speed. That is going to leave a mark. I shake my head and focus back to my opponents, seeing the two pokemon get up from their spots.

“Sol, Absol.” My AR beeps and activates. “Impressive. That was a powerful Shadow Ball, especially for a none-evolved dark type.” It translates. I quickly check their stats while it is calm.

Absol. Female. LV: 32. Attacks: Hyper Beam, Psycho Cut, Night Slash, Agility.
Decidueye. Male. LV: 36. Attacks: Spirit Shackles, Aerial Ace, Razor Leaf, Synthesis.

Wow, those are some pretty good movesets. Considering how Absol is a special sweeper, Hyper Beam could be very dangerous. I look to my partners and get ready for a proper pokemon battle.

“So, are you two going to explain what you are doing here?” I ask the two new pokemon. The Decidueye walks forward with its bow wing drawn.

“Trying to get away from the likes of you humans. The moment they see me and my friend, they try to battle and capture us against our wills. You are the first to have tried to talk to us first in Arceus knows how long.” He says, still not dropping his guard.

“Yeah, I can see why. Considering how rare shinies are.” I say to myself, Decidueye nodding. I see as Selene and Absol are locked eyes, and I swear I can see a fire in their eyes. Decidueye and Topaz notice as well. We all can see where this is going.

“So, people are always trying to capture you immediately. How about we have a proper battle first.” I offer. I can see Absol grinning along with Selene and Decidueye just shakes his head with a smile.

“Alright. Let’s do it.” He says. I nod and step a few feet away as my pokemon stand a bit in front of me. The duo in front of me looks to my pokemon with excited expressions as mine look back. I place two fingers on my head and connect with Selene and Topaz mentally.

‘Ready girls?” The duo nod to me as we all get ready. I smile and silently offer them to go first. Absol smiles and her scythe on her head glows before she sends a Psycho Cut at my pokemon.

‘Selene, cover Topaz and take the hit!’ Selene jumps in front of Topaz and takes the Psycho Cut head-on, the psychic move doing nothing against a dark type. ‘Now use Shadow Ball on Decidueye.’ The orb of dark energy is created in a second and sent quickly at the grass type. Decidueye counters with is Spirit Shackles, stopping the orb halfway to him. Selene rushes towards them with Faint Attack, Absol countering and pushing her back with Night Slash.

‘Topaz, Sword Dance then Iron Head on Decidueye. Selene Double Team and Faint Attack.’ They nod and Topaz uses her move, increasing her attack within seconds and rushes forward. The grass type tries to stop her by blasting several Razor Leaf at her only for her to rush through, Iron Head first and nail him in the gut sending him into a tree.

Selene multiplies and hits Absol multiple times with Faint Attack before she uses Agility and begins to run around so fast she leaves after images, taking out most of the clones with Night Slashes. They begin to go back and forth with Selene using Double Team and Faint Attack and Absol speeding around and using Night Slash.

I look and see Topaz doing a lot better against her opponent, using Iron Head and Poison Fang while he tries to counter with Aerial Ace and healing with Synthesis, but I trained Topaz to be relentless when she knows she has the advantage. With a dark type and a poison type move, she was having no problem with the grass and ghost type.

I look and see Selene struggling against Absol, both dark types not having good moves against each other. I see Absol looking annoyed and she jumps back before throwing her head back and energy gathers in it.

“Selene move!” The little fox manages to get out of the way as Absol released a Hyper Beam towards her, just barely missing her head. And now it is heading to me!

“NAT GET DOWN! SEAL TWO GREED RELEASE!” said Ed as he came flying from the barn taking on the full might of the hyper beam. I look at Ed’s greed form, looking just like the Homunculus, as his chest is smoking slightly from the blast but otherwise looking ok.

“Nat! Sora! Ed! Are you guys ok?!” Selene calls, running over to us. “Rule one never take your eyes off of the opponent Selene, FIGHT ON!” Ed yelled as the Absol charge at her. Selene turns on a dime and Faint Attacks her in the faces Absol not being able to do an actual attack because of recharge.

“How?! How are you so strong?!? You’re just a Zorua!” She yells, barely holding her ground. Selene growls and Shadow Ball’s her point blank in the face. “Did you seriously try to attack me when I was checking on my trainer?! How dare you!” Selene goes on to smash Absol again and again in the face with Faint Attack, Absol not being able to stop her.

I see as Decidueye fainted from Topaz assault, the Mawile panting from the effort. She turns and sees Selene going absolutely nuts against Absol. We look on as she continues her assault when she smirks and I go wide-eyed. “SELENE!” She doesn’t react in time as Absol releases another Hyper Beam, point blank and sending her through two trees, one of them falling on her.

“NO!” I go running over to Selene when they tree begins to shake and lift off. We all look in shock as we see a glowing white outline of Selene. She begins to glow brighter and grow, her hair on her head growing larger and into a ponytail, rising to her hind legs and becoming more bipedal, her muzzle and claws growing. Once the light begins to die down, Selene stands tall, revealing her grey coat, her purple hair darker than Twilight’s coat and her black chest fur.

Selene evolved into a shiny Zoroark. She manages to push the tree off of her and looks to Absol with anger, the rest of us just staring in shock. Before she can react Selene rushes forward with a Night Slash, slashing at Absol and sending her back. The dark type growls and attacks with her own Night Slash, only for Selene to smirk and raise her arms. I check her moves and see she learned two new one, this one about to be used going to be powerful.

Absol strikes Selene with her Night Slash, but then Selene spins and pulls her fist back. “COUNTER!” Selene lands a hard punch to Absol’s stomach, sending the dark type through a couple trees herself. I look and see that both Absol and Decidueye have fainted and Topaz has both jaws on the ground from the show Selene just put on.

There was a stunned silence in the orchard before a certain filly breaks it. “THAT WAS THE MOST AMAZING THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!” We all look and see as Applebloom runs up to Selene with an awed smile on her little face. I smile as well and head over to my pokemon partners. “That was great you two. You showed why you don’t mess with the Displaced.” We all group up and I grab both the unconscious pokemon in my Vectors. I place them gently against a tree and begin to treat their wounds with a first aid kit AJ grabbed from the house.

“What are you going to do about the other two Nat? I can’t have them roaming around Equestria. Something like this will happen again and either they or ponies could get seriously hurt. Do you have a few spare pokeballs on you?” Ed asks still in greed form.

“No, my pokeballs just appear in my purse at random, or at least whenever I meet a pokemon that wants to join my team,” I say as the two pokemon stir and wake back up.

“Jeez, you two are no joke. I think I may have finally met my match.” Decidueye says. Absol just looks to Selene with a neutral expression. Maybe it was just me, but I was starting to get a tsundere vibe from her. Gods I hope I am wrong.

“So, wanna explain why you two were fighting Rainbow and AJ?” I ask. “Well, what do you expect?! We just pop up in this orchard after running from an angry Hydeigon and then these two nutcases start yelling and attacking us like they were a Haxorus we stole from!” Absol yells.

“What have I told you two countless times during training? BE READY BUT DON’T ATTACK UNTIL YOU FIND OUT BY ASKING!” Ed yelled at Aj and Rd as he proceeded to knock them both dead center in the head. That had to hurt even if Ed wouldn’t have been in Greed mode. “Back to those two though. I think you can use these,” Ed says as two red crystal pokeballs appear in a red flash of light, “If they want to join your team Nat then uses them. If not, tell them to go to the Everfree or come with us.” Ed says as he hands me the pokeballs.”NOW! I have students to chew out some more.”

I watch as he drags RD and AJ away by their feet and barely hold in my laugh at their situation. I then turn to the two new pokemon who are looking at the pokeballs in my hand with disdain. “Like I tell any pokemon I meet, I won’t force anyone to join up with me. In the end, it is your choice, so I will respect it.” I say. The duo looks to me and sees my serious expression. After a second Decidueye gets up and nods.

“Alright, I’m in. If you can train that Mawile to fight. like that, then there is no doubt you are a great trainer.” He says. I smile and turn to Absol. She just looks to the side and nods as well, placing her paw on the crystal ball, Decidueye doing the same. They both are absorbed into the pokeball which shake three times and ding. I smile and turn to Selene and Topaz, the duo looking excited. I quickly toss the balls up and release the duo.

“Welcome aboard. Now we just need to think of some nicknames for you two.” Selene states. We all begin to think for a second before a voice I wasn’t expecting speaks up.

‘How about Pandora and Artemis?’ Sora asks. I actually jump because I thought she was asleep. I then consider the names she suggests and they would actually fit pretty well.

“Good call.” I smile and see the duo look confused. Instead of talking I use my Telepathy magic and show them what is up with me. They look at my head in shock, before tearing up a bit as they see my memory of the last week. Artemis actually lowers his ‘hood’.

“That’s rough. If there is anything we can do to help Sora, just ask.” I nod in thanks and our increased team goes over to the farmhouse where Ed is finishing his scolding of the two students. They see my new teammates looking calm and they look regretful.

“Hey, sorry about that. Ah’m just used to critters comin by to take apples from the orchard without permission. Ah, guess old habits die hard.” AJ says with a bow of her head. “Yeah well, I am used to being scorned by people,” Pandora says with me translating. The others look confused at her statement.

“Absol are known as the Disaster Pokemon because the horn on their head can sense vibrations in the world and they can detect when a natural disaster will occur. Unfortunately, it has become a common superstition that they actually cause the disasters themselves.” I explain. The ponies look to the feline-like pokemon with pity at her situation back in their world.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Absols myself. Like them, I was always judged before anyone would give me a chance. Although, it was because of my height. I eventually became the outcast of just about everything, but I never gave into the despair cause I had my friends. Eventually, we all formed our own group we called the ‘Outcast’ as we didn’t want to fit in with any one group of people. We embraced what made use different and it made us all the stronger for it. We welcomed any and all that wanted to join our group and if they wanted to leave we didn’t stop them. My point is I’ve been rejected a lot in life but I’m a better person for it,” monologued to the alchemist. I wonder if he realizes he still in Greed form.

“You must be an incredibly strong pokemon to take a hyper beam straight to the chest and still be standing,” commented Pandora in awe of the alchemist. “What, I’m no pokemon,” said Ed in confusion. “But you look like a pokemon to us,” added Artemis. “Ed, you’re still in Greed form,” I whispered to him.

As we were walking through town, my mind kept going back to what Edward said about Dusk’s dark magic. I know I was probably just being paranoid, but with all the events that have been going on the last week, I can’t help but worry. I know that darkness doesn’t mean evil, just like how chaos doesn’t mean destruction and peace doesn’t mean harmony. Yet, I couldn’t get all the thoughts about what Celestia back home would do. I knew that Nightmare Moon was just Luna’s jealousy and anger controlling her, kinda like Malice now that I think about it. Plus according to Twilight all the dark magic knowledge is either destroyed or is kept in the royal vault where only the princesses have access to them.

Just from what I have seen Celestia do back home, I can’t help but think about what she would do to Twilight if she learned she has dark magic in her. Celestia may be thousands of years old, but she has been shown to let her emotions control her, like when she let her pride blind her during the wedding invasion. Plus with what happened to Sombra and NM, I can’t help but see her banish them for just using darkness without hesitation. I-I can’t lose her, just like I can’t lose Sora.

Before long we make it to the library with some of the native ponies looking at our group with curiosity and some fear, mostly towards Pandora, Selene, and Topaz. Entering the tree, we see Dusk relaxing on the couch with a book above her head in her aura and Spike just sweeping the floor nearby. They notice as we walked in and go wide-eyed when they see Artemis and Pandora.

“Whoa! What are those things?!” Spike yells in shock. “Wait, are those more pokemon?” Dusk asks, getting up from her spot. I nod to her. “Yup. Meet our new team members, Pandora the Absol and Artemis the Decidueye.” Dusk smiles wide and takes out her notepad from her personal hammerspace and begins to quickly draw the two newcomers, the duo in questions looking at me curiously. “Yeah, this is my marefriend Twilight, but she is going by Dusk while we are in this world so we don’t mix her up with this realms version.”

“Well, while I would want to get there fast, I don’t want you to strain your magic Dusk, so we can take the train back to the capital,” Ed says. I nod and turn to the dragon in the room. “Hey, Spike? Can you send a letter to Celestia and tell her we are on our way back? Also….tell her I need to talk to her.” I ask. Spike nods and quickly writes down the letter before burning it and sending it to the castle. Dusk looks at me curiously but I just look out the window, looking at the castle.

‘Well, here goes nothing.’

I was sitting in the throne room, listening to the usual nobles complain about how they needed more funds and statues. Then as I was about to call for the next pony to start there doleful speech, a letter appeared in a wisp of green fire. At first, I thought it was an update letter for Twilight from Spike on the status of the of the library but then I saw my name. I unfurled the letter and read it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

This is the update from Nat and the group in Ponyville. We were able to wrap things up with very little commotion. It turns out it wasn’t a normal Displaced but a pair of Pokemon. My team and I were able to settle things with them and they joined my team. Ed scolded Rainbow and Applejack heavily for jumping the gun. I don’t think I’ve seen them more ashamed of their actions. Afterward, we returned to the Ponyville library to pick up Dusk before we return to the castle. Ed said we would use the rune transporter at the automail shop to return to the workshop in the castle. If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to take with you on a very personal matter involving Dusk when we return to the castle. It is very important that I speak with you, Princess. Ed said you would understand if I explained what was going on. I really need your advice and I don’t have a lot of time on the matter that I mentioned.

Sincerely.

Natali Basatin

‘I do hope Nat and Dusk are alright.’ I dismissed the nobles as I’d had enough of their babble. Polearm was with me as I ordered him to stay with me in case I needed to send out a message to somepony else.

“Polearm you are dismissed now. I just received a letter from Nat’s group from Ponyville. They will be arriving in Ed’s workshop, via his rune transporter. You can go and greet them if you like,” I said with relief,

“Thank you, Princess, but I’ll be heading back down to the lab for time being. I have a few experiments that I must see to. I also want to have Twilight help me with them while she’s here in Canterlot,” he said as his face turn a slight shade of pink.

Those two had grown rather close since their time together with Ed as their teacher. I wonder if they have feelings for one another. Perhaps I can set up a few scenarios for them. I do love to plan couples dates. I used to do it for Luna and Ed all the time. My attentions were redirected toward a pink haired girl that had been lead in by a couple of guards. I wish they wouldn’t treat Ed’s guest with such prejudice. I quickly dismissed the guards and turn my attention to Nat. She looked like she hadn’t been getting much rest. It would be understandable over the events of the past week, perhaps I should send her to see Luna after our discussion.

“Good afternoon Nat. I’m glad to hear that you and Ed were able to settle things in Ponyville. Now, what is it that you’d like to discuss about Dusk?” I say tiling my head. “Would you like some tea and cake while we talk?”

“Sure.” She says simply. I can tell already that whatever is going on is really bothering her. We quickly made our way to one of the side rooms that I use for personal meetings. I sent a quick letter to the kitchen staff who comes by not two minutes later with a kettle of tea and small snack cakes.

“So, what was it you wished to speak to me about?” I ask, handing her a cup of tea. I can see her contemplative look before she digs into her purse and pulls out a piece of paper with an odd symbol on it. “What’s this?” I ask, taking the paper in hand. I can tell it has some kind of a spell on it, but it isn’t like any I have sensed before.

“It’s a release seal. I assume Edward has told you about how things are going with Dusk’s rehabilitation?” She asks. “More or less. He told me that her arm is fully functional and that she has been making great strides in focusing her magic through it.” I answer. “So, he didn’t tell you about her other magic.”

“You mean her Solid Script and Teleportation?” I asked, confused. I can see her tense up and even though she has a rather good neutral mask, I can see a look of fear behind it. “No. Her….dark magic.” I look to her with slightly widened eyes. “Dusk has dark magic? Huh, didn’t expect that. So, this seal is to release the dark magic sealed within her?”

“Yes. Lex gave her a style of dark magic ironically called Heavenly Body magic. She gave it to her in case she would need the power to protect our Equestria. But she sealed it since it is an extremely powerful style and I was told not to unseal it until we thought she was ready. But….Ed told me that the seal on her is weakening the more she practices with her Fiore magic and with her arm.” I can see she is almost struggling to keep her mask on, her fear trying to take over.

“Why are you scared?” I ask suddenly. She tenses up more and her mask almost falls. I walk over and sit next to her, draping a wing over her back. “Natali, what’s wrong? In all the time I have seen you here, I have never seen you look like this.” She is silent for a while just staring at her hands.

“How do I know our Celestia will accept her?” She says quietly. “I must admit that dark magic did scare me when I was younger, but after seeing that it was the users and not the magic itself to blame for the corruption I had to seriously rethink my views on it. The Celestia of your world seems like she never had anyone to speak with on all of the good that dark magic can do,” I say getting up from and move over to the window depicting the defeat of Nightmare Moon.

“I don’t know if I could do that by myself though Princess. My Celestia completely banned the practices of dark magic after what happened to our Luna. She didn’t want anypony to ever be tempted by its allures, I guess,” Nat said with a quiver in her voice. “What if Celestia decides to banish Dusk just because she can use dark magic, and I can’t protect her,” she said as tears started to form in her eyes from the very thought of losing Dusk.

“I can tell you this Natali,” I say as supportive as I can as I walk over to her place my hand on her shoulder, “ you’re not alone in this. If your Celestia is at least similar to me she will listen to reason, and you’ll have Dusk, Sora, your Pokemon, and the support of all of your friends back home. Nat I can tell this thought has been weighing on your mind for some time. Probably sense Lex let you know about it, but she wouldn’t have given Dusk this magic if she didn’t think she could control it. Ed more than likely thought it wasn’t his place to tell me of Dusk’s condition because he wanted you to be the be the one to do it. Nat, I know it was hard to come to me about this but you still did it on your own, and that shows me you’re more than capable to talk with your own Celestia.”

“But what if she tries to banish Dusk and I have to fight Celestia to protect her. I don’t know what will happen, Princess, I’m so scared right now, for Sora, for Dusk for what I have to do,” she said breaking down. “I’ve never had to make these types of decisions on my own or for anyone else’s sake before. I don’t want to lose Dusk or Sora but I don’t know what will happen.”

“I can’t tell you what will happen either Nat, because I don’t know what’ll happen myself. I also can’t tell you what to do because that’s only something you can do, but I can tell you that you will have to face this but you won’t be alone and you will be prepared. If it still bothers you I recommended you speak with your sister as she had a similar experience in her Equestria with her Celestia from what Ed has told me. In the meantime, I would recommend you speak with Dusk on this matter Nat. She needs to know about her dark magic and this situation. It affects her just as much as it does you.” I say as I wrap my arms around her to comfort her. She really is a strong girl. I dried her tears with the sleeve of my dress before she cleared her throat to speak again.

“Princess, if I might ask another favor of you?” she asked. “Certainly, Nat, if it is in my power,” I say helping her up from the ground. “I was told by Ed that Princess Luna once taught dark magic to others and-,”

“You wanted to know if I would allow her to teach Dusk during your stay here as part of the rehabilitation. While I appreciate you asking me Nat, you should be asking Luna and Ed and not me. I have no problems with Luna teaching Dusk but you must ask Luna yourself. You must also tell Dusk of what’s happening to her,” I said as I return to my seat after helping Nat to set back down herself.

“I’ll tell her Princess. I just need to think of a way to do it,” she said stirring into thinking on the matter of how to break the news to Dusk. That’s when I remembered my thoughts on Polearm and Twilight’s possible feelings for one another. “I can think of a few ways that might be possible, but I would like you to tell her on your double date with Twilight and Polearm tonight,” I said with a smile while Nat still stared at me with her mouth hanging open. “And that’s an order from the Princess.”

“What!?” screamed Nat. “You heard me Nat, and don’t worry about anything except what to wear. I’ll plan everything out for the four of you. I used to do it all the time when Ed and Luna were dating. Of course, they didn’t know it at the time. Nat this will help the two of you grow closer and work things out, but it’s also to see if Polearm and Twilight have feelings for one another.” I say lacing my fingers together with a slight smirk. “I can already confirm that Polearm does have feelings for Twi, Princess. Dusk and I could also use this time to hash out a couple of other things in our relationship.”

“Alright, then it’s settled then. Now, I believe you should go and talk with Luna about Dusk learning dark magic and you should also talk with Ed on how to release her seal without causing complications. I would prefer that it be done so it won’t cause problems,” I say getting up from the table.

“Okay, then Princess. Guess I’m headed towards the Lunar wing now,” Nat said with a sigh. I hope Luna can help her with her other issues too.

I really should have seen that coming. Cadence told me a while ago that her aunt loved to play matchmaker. I check my watch and see it is only around two in the afternoon, so Luna would still be asleep. ‘Looks like I have some time to kill before I can ask Luna about teaching Dusk. I guess I should get a new outfit.’ I think for a second before heading to Ed’s workshop to use the teleporter rune. I figure Rarity would be my best bet for getting a new outfit.

As I am making my way through the halls, I figure I need to tell the others beforehand or Celestia may make it embarrassing for them. I focus my telepathy and find both Twilight’s in the lab as well as Polearm and my pokemon. Perfect.

‘Hey guys, can you hear me?’ I hear as Twilight and Polearm yelp and Dusk just sighs a bit. ‘Hey Nat. What’s up?’ Dusk asks. ‘Well, I just wanted to tell you guys I am heading back to Ponyville for a bit to talk to Rarity. Also, I hope you guys have some nice outfits for tonight.’ I inform them from a couple halls from the workshop.

‘Why?’ Polearm asks cautiously. ‘Well, a certain princess decided to set the four of us up on a double date for some reason. So I am going to get Rares to make me an outfit.’

‘SHE DID WHAT?!’ Twilight screams, all of us cringing. ‘In all honesty, I don’t really mind. You and I have been together for a few weeks now, yet we haven’t had an actual date yet.’ I stop right in front of the door to the workshop as I realize Dusk is right. ‘Huh, I haven’t even realized that. Well, since I am going to Ponyville I don’t think my telepathy will be able to reach you, so I’ll let you guys know when I am back. Pray that Celestia doesn’t make this too embarrassing for the four of us.’

‘I swear, if the princess goes overboard, I am so telling Ed and Princess Luna.’ Twilight says. I chuckle a bit and stand on the teleporter. I focus my magic into the runes, each of them glowing brightly. After a couple seconds, I feel the magic flow across me and I appear in the automail shop in Ponyville. I go through the door to the main room, seeing the CMC and Zecora looking around. I just ignore them for now, seeing as they are actually invested in looking through the prosthetics.

Walking through the town, I notice as I get a few odd glances sent my way, probably because unlike the locals I don’t have pony ears or a tail, but otherwise, I am left alone while on the way to Carousel Boutique. At least for a while.

“Hey, Natali!” I look up and see as Rainbow flies over. “Hey RD. Are you doing ok? Ed went a little savage with his scolding of you and AJ earlier.” I ask. Rainbow sighs and rubs the back of her head. “Yeah. Me and AJ have a really bad habit of letting our instincts take over. And considering we live so close to the Everfree, we are used to a bunch of wild animals showing up.”

“I hear you. I had to help my AJ a couple times back home, like when a pack of Timberwolves got a little too close to the border, so I ended up turning them into kindling.” I say, still walking. “So, what are you doing back in Ponyville?” She asks, hovering over me. “Oh, I have a date tonight and I don’t have a good outfit, so I figure Rarity would be my best bet.”

“Really? Well, I guess you wouldn’t have many clothes since you aren’t from this dimension. I have to head over to Rarity’s too since she had to fix some of my shirts.” She says. I shrug and continue to the boutique. Not too much longer and the two of us arrive. Walking in, I see this worlds Lyra and Bon Bon looking around, with Rarity sitting behind the counter.

“Oh my! Natali! Good to see you, darling.” She says, coming over to me and RD. “Hey Rarity, I need a favor.” She tilts her head and motions to continue. “See, tonight I have my first date with Dusk and I don’t really have a good dress so-“I get cut off as Rarity teleports myself and her into the back room and immediately she has a bunch of materials and her notepad in her aura around me.

“Say no more, my friends. I will whip up something marvelous for you in just a minute. Now, what colors would you want it?” I am stunned for a second before looking at the materials floating around me. After a minute I grab two out of the air with my Vectors.

“How about this gold and midnight purple,” I say handing it to her. She nods and begins to draw several designs on her notepad, a couple more held in her aura. As she is doing that I look around the room and spot a long roll of purple ribbon. I get an idea and take the roll before measuring my head and horns. I quickly go over the length and cut the roll, then wrap the ribbon around the front of my head and around my horns. I check the mirror and see I actually looked like Nana from Elfen Lied.

“Oh my!” I turn and Rarity sees my ribbon on my head. She smiles and quickly hands me one of her sheets. I am floored by this design. It was of a beautiful sundress with the parts being labeled which color would be which. What was shocking to me was that she actually did a really good drawing of me wearing it. I look to her and nod with an excited smile.

“Well, I should make and finish the dress in about an hour or so, so you will have time to see our version of Ponyville properly.” She says. “Thanks, Rarity. I so owe you after this, so you need anything before Dusk and I leave, don’t hesitate to ask.” I say, heading out the room. She smiles and shakes her head, brushing it off.

I leave the establishment with a smile as I am actually excited for tonight now that Rarity can make me something great to wear. I can only wonder what Twi, Dusk, and Polearm are going to wear now. I just walk around the town, not really having any location in mind, when I find myself a near Fluttershy’s cottage. I wonder if Harry and Red exist in this world too.

I decided to check on the shy mare as I haven’t talked to her much while in this world. I walk up to the door and go to knock when I sense someone nearby. It felt familiar, like….

“Hello dear.” I jump back with a ‘Nyu!’ and fall on my rump. Looking up, a familiar chaotic spirit is sitting in one of the birdhouses attached to the cottage. “Discord,” I say with a slight glare before sighing and getting back up. “What’s up chaos lord?” I ask.

“Oh, just coming by for a tea party with dear Fluttershy.” He says, popping out of the birdhouse and blowing into his thumb, growing to his full size. “Cool, do you think she would mind if I pop in? I need to kill some time while Rarity makes me a dress.” I ask. “Well, only one way to know for sure.” He then snaps his fingers and teleports us into the room. I look around and see I am actually standing on the ceiling, my feet in a pair of plunger boots and my hair falling towards the floor. Good thing I am not wearing a skirt.

“W-who’s there?!” I look to the kitchen where Fluttershy is coming with a tray shakily held in her hands. I am about to say something when a lion's paw goes over my mouth. I look to Discord with a raised brow, but before he can try anything I hear her sigh. “Discord, I know it’s you. What are you doing?”

“Wow, how could you tell he was up here?” I ask. Fluttershy looks up and sees us standing there, going wide-eyed as she sees me. “Oh! Natali, what are you doing here? I thought you were still in Canterlot with Twilight?” She asks. I quickly attach my Vector to the ceiling and take my feet out of the boots, lowering myself onto the floor. “Yeah well, I have a date with her tonight, but I didn’t have a dress. So I decided to pop by and ask Rarity if she could make me one. It will take a while for her to finish so I decided to just hang around till then. Discord said he was here for a tea party and I wanted to see if it was ok if I join in.”

“Oh, well I don’t mind. I mean, if you want to.” She says quietly. I smile and nod, going into the kitchen and grabbing the other platters she has with my Vectors. She made mini sandwiches and some cookies, the tea I see is an herbal blend. Going into the living room, I see Discord and Fluttershy sitting in some floating chairs, another one is left empty. Discord goes to snap his fingers but I shake my head, lifting myself into the seat with my Vectors.

“Um, Nat? If you don’t mind, can you tell me a bit about your pokemon friends?” Fluttershy asks quietly. Good thing I brought my purse. I kept copies of the info about my Pokemon in them so I hand them to the mare while explaining them in greater detail. We spent nearly half an hour just talking about pokemon types, their advantages and disadvantages, then about my pokemon, in particular, Fluttershy being most curious about Chance.

“I must say, these are some rather chaotic creatures you have with you, Natali. Just imagine how things are like in their original world. Maybe I’ll plan a vacation there.” Discord takes a drink of his cup, and by that I mean he drank the cup and kept a hold of the tea. I giggle a little at his joking chaos. I look to Fluttershy and notice she actually has a very relaxed smile and an unnoticeable blush on her cheeks. I raise a brow at this and remember that most of the fandom back home shipped these two together. Oh, gods if Celestia finds out….may chaos have mercy on them.

“So Natali, how is Dusk?” Fluttershy asks. I think for a good way to answer that, what with everything else I have on my mind. “She’s doing a lot better than she was before. She’s gotten used to her new arm by now and she can already lift some relatively heavy things. Plus her magic control is awesome.”

“That’s good. But, what about you?” Discord asks. I look to him with a raised brow, silently asking him to continue. “I can tell just by looking at you that you haven’t been getting much rest, my dear. You’d think Lulu would be helping you sleep, but I guess she is snoozing on the job.” He chuckles slightly at his unintentional (I hope) joke.

“Well, I have just been a little stressed is all. What with Dusk rehabilitation and the situation with Sora. It is only natural I miss a couple hours of sleep. But it isn’t anything I haven’t faced before, a couple times I lost nearly an entire night studying for exams and such.” I say dismissively. I can see Fluttershy and Discord don’t look convinced, but they don’t dig further. I spend the next while just talking to the chaotic spirit and the pegasus about random topics, like some of the local animals and some of Discord favorite pranks. Before I knew it an hour had passed, so I excused myself and headed back over to Rarity’s.

Entering the establishment again, I see that now Berry Punch and Derpy are looking at some of the dresses, while Cloudkicker is looking at some of the shirts. I spot Rarity just coming out of the back with a proud smile when she spots me and motions me over. I nod and go around the back where I see she has a mannequin covered by a small tarp.

“Well my dear friend, I am proud to present your new dress for tonight!” She says taking the tarp off. Yeah, she definitely beat my Rarity in designs now. This sundress looks like something Celestia would wear! The main parts of the dress were the gold I picked out while the highlights and laces were purple. I saw the ribbon I picked out earlier on the head of the mannequin as well, so it looked like me. I noticed she also picked out a pair of black heels that would fit my feet. I almost forgot she measured my feet too.

“Rarity….I don’t….I can’t even describe how I feel right now.” I say with some tears. I quickly turn and bring the mare in for a hug. “Thank you!” I say, Rarity smiling and hugging back. “Well don’t just thank me, try it on darling!” I nod and carefully take the outfit off the mannequin with my Vectors and head over to one of the change rooms.

It took a couple of minutes, but I finally managed to change from my regular clothes and into my new dress. I was just putting the ribbon around my head when my purse began to vibrate and ring. I quickly dig into it and see it is my alchemist watch. Opening it up, the watch spins before showing Ed.

“Hey Ed, What’s up?” I ask, getting my heels on. “Hey Nat, Tia wanted me to tell you that Luna is awake now so you can talk to her when you get back.” He says. “Beautiful dress by the way. Luna will be in her chambers. All you have to do is come down the hall from the workshop.”

“Thanks, I have a sneaking suspicion a certain fashionista is going to pass out when she sees it. Anyways thanks for the update. See ya!” I close the watch and make sure I have everything before stepping out of the change room. I see Rarity with her eyes closed so I just chuckle at her look before she opens her eyes. Her jaw drops as she sees me in the dress.

“Oh, oh my! You look absolutely beautiful! If only you weren’t taken by Dusk and I would be trying to woo you myself!” She says dramatically. I chuckle a bit before her words actually register. “Wait, you’re a fillyfooler?”

“In a way. I am attracted to both stallions and mares, but I am waiting for the right pony to appear for me.” She says with a light blush. “Yeah, that definitely sounds like you. Anyways, this is perfect Rarity, so if you can get it into a bag or something, I am all set for tonight.” She smiles and I quickly change out of the dress and back into my clothes. Rarity puts my dress into one of those outfit bags so it wouldn’t get dirty or something. I thank her and leave twenty bits on the counter since I know she wouldn’t accept them outright.

“Well, looks like it's time to head back to the castle. I really hope Luna says yes to teaching Dusk.” I mumble to myself as I make my way back to the automail shop. I could tell the town was already used to my presence so I didn’t receive too many odd glances. I made it to the shop without any trouble and walked in, seeing no one in the front, but I did hear some tinkering of tools in the back.

Walking back and past the teleporters, I see the workshop of the store, a familiar time pony at the tables working on some odd pieces of automail. Looking over his shoulder, I see it is actually a metal wing prototype with some different gems in them.

“Wow, so that is one of the wing prototypes?” I say, startling Time out of his working trance. “Oh, Ms.Basatin you gave me a little fright there. What are you doing here? I thought you and your Twilight were staying in Canterlot.” he said calming himself. “We are, I just came by the town to get a dress for my date tonight. So, what’s up Time?” I ask, leaning on the side of the table.

“Not much really, just working on the prototype wing Edward and I designed based of the research that he and our Twilight had done on his crystal arm. Which reminds me how is our patient doing? No signs of rejection of there?” he asked scratching his chin.

“None so far. She has actually been making great strides in controlling her magic through her arm instead of her horn. Plus she has been getting good with lifting some relatively heavy objects with it.” I tell him.

“Excellent. I was rather worried that her body would reject the piece, as she isn’t from our Equestria. You know Ms.Basatin, as a time pony I have met quite a lot of your kind. Some were extremely kind, some did what they could to help, and others were less than desirable beings. You though are quite the enigma as far as Displaced go. You have many qualities that others possess but some that many don’t,” he said as he turned back to work desk.

“Well, I have only met a few Displaced aside from my siblings, so I don’t really know how others can be. At first, I just wanted to preserve the timeline and keep things as close to the original as possible. But, now with my relationship with Twilight and her injury, I think it is safe to say that is an impossibility. I am not really sure what I’ll be doing when we get back home, aside from being with Dusk and my sister.” I begin to really think about my involvement in the timeline back home. I already made a big impact by helping take down Discord as well as introducing some new scientific methods and the berries from the Pokemon world.

“Cause and Effect my dear. To quote another time traveler ‘Timey- wimey wibbly-wobbly’. Even if we know what’s going to happen it can as was be changed by this slightest event. You saw this earlier today when your new teammates showed up.” Time said as he picked up his tools and began working again. “My wife said she saw you earlier by the way. She wants you to come over for tea and muffins when you have time. It was nice to chat with you, my dear. Please let me know if something happens with Twilight’s arm.”

“Heh, it has been a while since I saw Derpy, in this world or at home. I’ll be sure to pop by before I go home. Also, my favorite muffins are blueberry” I say with a smile, heading to the teleporter. Before I know it, I was back in the castle and on my way over to Luna’s chamber. Arriving in front of her door, I see two of her night guards up front. I nod to them and they nod back and allow me to knock on the door.

“Enter.” I hear from the other side of the door. I open the door and walk in, finding Luna at her desk with some paperwork in front of her. “Hey princess. Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.” I say, standing near the center of the room. Luna looks back at me with a smile before motioning to one of the chairs by the coffee table. I nod and take a seat across from her.

“How are you doing today Nat?” she asked with a small grin. “Quite all right Princess, but I was hoping to ask you for a favor,” I say look at her and then to her desk. ‘Man this is gonna be hard’ I thought. ‘You can do it, sis, remember it’s for Dusk,’ says Sora in a happy tone.

“What is that the two of wish for me to do?” asked Luna, tilting her head. “Ed told me when we were in Ponyville earlier today that you used to teach ponies how to use dark magic. You see Dusk has a dark magic called Heavenly Body that was given to her by my older sister, Lex. Up until now, it was sealed but due to that past few day events, the seal was damaged in the fight with Malice. Now that she is using her Fiore magic again, the seal is starting to weaken the more she uses it,” I say look towards the floor catching my breath.

“You would like me to teach Dusk how to properly use her dark magic before you return home, wouldn't you Nat,” Luna said ask she got up from her seat to look at a painting of her mentor. “Y-yeah. I know it is a lot to ask, but I really would like her to unlock and control her dark magic before it has a chance to get unlocked by accident and go out of control. I don’t even want to think about what could happen to her if that happens. But I will be helping out too since I know some of the spells for Heavenly Body, even if I can’t use them myself.”

“I would love to teach Dusk how to properly use her magic Nat, but there is a problem with what you’re asking me to do,” Luna said in a serious manner sitting back down. “This magic is not Equestrian in origin. So I don’t know if I can help her use it, but I can at least help her understand its nature. Being a Displaced I know you have for knowledge of possible future and past events. So I’m sure you're aware of who Sombra is, correct.”

“Yeah, I know about Sombra and the Crystal Empire from the original timeline and me and my world’s counterparts have actually met Lex’s version of him. He was actually pretty cool. What I don’t know is if he is redeemable in this or my world.” I say.

“I’ll let you know the Sombra of this timeline was like the others at first. A kind-hearted stallion and benevolent king to his people. But he was not your usual pony. He was what we know now to be an umbran or a type of shadow pony. Eventually, his base nature took control of him and turned him into the tyrant you know of. After this, he started to delve into shadow and dark magic that further corrupted his heart, mind, and soul. My point being is you know all variants magic comes with is own corruptions, right,” Luna says looking me straight in the eyes.

“I am aware of that. Lex tried to give me a whole lecture about that fact since she is the master of her own wizards guild, plus I have seen quite a few stories about how more than darkness can corrupt. In all honesty, it was just my fear of how others would react that makes me worried about Dusk’s darkness.” I tell her.

“I can understand this all too well Nat. Ed was worried for the same reasons that worry you now. The reason I told you of the corruption leads back to the fact that the Dark magic is not one I’m familiar with. I will be counting on you to help Dusk with her spells while I help her with control. This will be very trying on both of you but will help you grow closer as lovers and partners,” Luna said as she looks to me with a loving gaze. I can’t help but blush and look down as she points all that out.

“Please don’t call me her lover. I am just her girlfriend, we have only kissed a few times, nothing more. I seriously doubt either of us will be going that far for a long time to come.” I say in embarrassment. ‘Natali and Twilight sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!’ I hear Sora chants in my head, making me blush more.

“It looks as if some else agrees with me,” Luna says with a chuckle. “Speaking of which, I heard from Ed that you two have your first date tonight, courtesy of my sister, and Polearm and Twilight will be with you.”

“Yeah. I honestly forgot that we haven’t had a date despite we were together for a week before coming here. After what happened with the DNA Voice, we just started being together. I just hope your sister won’t make too big a deal over this. The last thing I want is for her to reveal she reserved seats at a five-star restaurant or something.” I say, glancing at my dress on the back of my chair.

“Nat I can promise you that while Tia likes to help push others together, she doesn’t go over the top like some hopeless romantic. Ed and I know it was her that planned out our dates when we were younger. Tia actually likes the subtle approach to things. Garden venues, long walk on the beach, and other sappy things of the sort. She was more than likely going to send you four to Ponyville,” she says getting up from her seat while moving to my side. “Now why don’t we talk about why you haven’t been sleeping at all these past few nights.”

I tense up as I feel her hand on my shoulder. “I-its nothing Luna. Just stress-induced nightmares, maybe a side effect of keeping Sora happy.” I say with a worried tone.

“Don’t lie to me, Natali. Sora has been very happy without a lot of your help and you know it. The Soul Stone has been giving her more than enough magic to maintain her form in your mind. I’ve seen your nightmares from what little bit of sleep you’ve gotten. They aren’t simply from stress. They’re from deep-rooted fear,” Luna said kneeling down to meet my gaze in a seriousness.

I just keep quiet as I try to think of an excuse that would satisfy her, but I know that Luna isn’t the type to back down when it comes to helping with someone’s nightmares.

“You’ve been suffering from these dreams since before you came here, haven’t you Nat?” she pushes harder. I try to stay quiet, but someone else pops up. ‘Nat. You need to tell her.’ Sora tells me, and despite she sounds like a kid, her serious tone matches her old self.

“I-I can’t forget them,” I say quietly, Luna looking with a raised brow. “Even after I talked to Chance and that void dweller, I can’t forget what I did. How I took their futures and his life.” Tears begin to fall from my eyes as I remember that night, the alleyway walls, the shock on their faces. His dead eyes.

“You're referring to the stallions you hurt and the one you killed in your Equestria. Dusk told me about the events of your Nightmare Night. I can tell you this Nat. You’ll never forget these events. You can only accept them and move forward. Like how you helped Ed and How you help that Mare in the alley. I can tell that neither Tia or myself know what it’s like to take a life because we have never had to,” she says as tears started to form in her eyes.

“Princess. I-I don’t know what to do. I know I can’t forget, but I can’t stop them from coming up in my head. Before when Sora was still herself she was able to take some of the strain, but now….it won’t stop!” I cry out.

“Do you want to know why Tia and I have never killed another sentient creature before Nat?” Luna says walking over to her desk. I look to her questioningly, wiping my eyes. “Why?”

“Because Ed always took it upon himself to make sure we never did. I don’t know exactly why he did such a thing but he always did. No matter what we told him. He would do it anyways. This is also why my husband does what he does today. He is constantly trying to help make up for the lives he took over the years. Even if they didn’t deserve it or not. That’s how he moves forward. He took lives in order to protect others like you did Nat, and like you, he was plagued with similar dreams and still is to this day.” Luna explained as she picked up a picture off her desk.

It was a photo of her, Celestia, Ed, and a few other ponies and minotaurs. The Ed in the picture was noticeably shorter than the Ed I knew now, but he had a much brighter look in his eyes. Luna set the photo back down and returned to my side.

“I’m sorry Luna. I never even thought that you had to help Ed through this before. He probably has it was worse than me since he had to take down entire armies, while I only killed one pony. I guess he and I are way more similar than I thought before. It is honestly a little weird how close we are.” I say. The more I think about it, the weirder it is just how similar me and Ed are.

“Ed hides many things from others Nat. He has told you that he was imprisoned I take it,” Luna said drying her eyes. “Yea he said he was imprisoned due to the betrayal of some pony he trusted like family. He mentioned it when I first arrived here,” I say flashing back to the first day here.

“You see Nat, Ed wasn’t imprisoned at all. He tells it like that so others won’t worry. He was actually into tombed in that stone. His mind was broken to the point that not even I could piece it together, and he remained this way for quite some time. I wasn’t aware he had managed to pull himself together before I became Nightmare Moon, and if I had I would have tried everything to free him. But alchemagical entombment isn’t easily dispelled,” Luna said as tears fell to the table.

I look to her in sadness before standing from my seat and going to her side. She looks to me for a second before I pull her in for a hug with both my arms and my Vectors, letting her feel how protected she is. “I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been to learn that about Ed. I know that I am allowed to come to you and your sister if I have a problem, so I’ll give you the same deal. If you need to talk to someone, and you don’t think it can be Ed or Celestia, don’t hesitate to find me.”

“Thank you Nat. I want you to know you that if you ever need a home if things don’t work out in your Equestria you’re more than welcome to call our world home. Now, I do believe you should go and tell your marefriend that you two are the latest Night Apprentices during your stay here,” Luna said returning my embrace.

I nod to her and let her go, grabbing my purse and dress and heading to the door. I look back to her before I leave and offer a thankful smile, one she returns in full. After I leave her room, I check my watch and see it was actually around four thirty already, so I really had to get ready for tonight. I make my way towards one of the empty guest rooms and use my telepathy to contact Celestia.

‘Princess Celestia? Can you hear me?’ I ask. I hear her yelp slightly before she seems to realize my voice. ‘Natali. Please do not startle me like that.’

‘Sorry, I don’t really have a way to tell others I am trying Telepathy before I do it. Anyways, you said you were getting everything set up, so where am I supposed to meet the others for our date?’ I ask, finding an empty room. I make sure the door is locked before beginning to change into my dress.

‘You can meet up with everyone in the Gardens and you’ll be heading through Canterlot from there after your dinner. I was going to have a carriage bring you four to the outskirts of Ponyville from there. The rest of your evening will be up to the four of you from that point.’ she states with a suspicious tone.