Celestia was calming down the Alchemist and she left Alexis and her pony self to talk things over. She wanted her other self to have a little one on one with her daughter while also trying to get her to divulge some information on her mothers to her. She also got to cuddle Edward for a bit but for good reason.

“I’ll be alright Tia,” Edward straightened out his clothes as he let the blood drain from his face. “How I know I’m still human is when you remind me of my feelings,” He winked at the solar princess who blushed in return. “Now, I think I’ll work on some of these designs,” He moved over to a workbench waving his Celestia over to join him. “You two okay with staying here for a few minutes? Then we’ll head to Ponyville to meet up with Polearm, Twi, and Nyx.”

Alexis shrugged. “Go ahead,” she commented wryly. She exhaled softly, cocking her head.

“Okay then, don’t mind us then,” Edward pulled out a wing design. “Hand me that quill Tia.” Celestia did and Edward used it to start adding in some alterations to the design. “Hm.”

Princess Celestia tilted her head, thinking. “What she said about her Luna is close to being true, in our case. Though she is a bit shy and, I would say, a bit nerdy save for when someone threatens her family. Nightmare is more… blunt. She’s more of a warrior and tends to be rather… rough. She’s a bit more sarcastic in personality, that is very certain. Luna is talented in Dream Magic and Barrier Magic, while Nightmare is more focused on Elemental Magic and Spirit Magic. Both of them have both Binding Spells and Attack Spells, though I don’t know how they were tricked, if they were, by Sigma,” she said softly, frowning a bit.

“Hmmm. Well, that explains my own talent with Elemental Magic and the fact that I’ve recently awoken my own talent of Dream Walking…. though the only ones that can tell us what happened that night… we can’t yet reach… until we kick Sigma’s ass,” Alexis commented wryly.

“It’s good to hear that there are some Nightmare Moons that are born as my sister in some realities,” Edward’s Celestia added.

“To be honest. The more I hear the more it seems like Luna was split in two. I wonder if your Faust had the ability to see into the future?” Edward added as the wing design started to take on a more fin-like appearance. “Once done this’ll be able to help in underwater exploration and rescue. Not to mention the ponies and griffons that live by and rely on the sea for their livelihoods.” He rolled up the parchment into rather a large scroll and looked to the Mother-daughter duo. “You two ready to go down to Ponyville?”

“Can’t hurt,” Princess Celestia commented with a small smirk.

“I can kinda see why Twilight fell in love with Nyx. She’s bloody adorable,” Alexis quipped with a smirk.

“Again, follow me.’ Edward and the other went to the corner of the room that had a small stone circular shrine with glowing blue Runes carved into it. “Step up here, please. This is my Rune Teleporter. It uses and combines many ancient Equus magics from different areas around the planet. Very hard to make,” he explained. “It’ll take us all to the Ponyville Automail shop.”

Everyone stepped on to the stone structure. Edward held his hand out to the Nearest Rune and sent a charge of magic into it. In a bright blue flash, everyone was sent to the engineering area of the shop in Ponyville.

“You two okay?” Edward turns to Alexis and her mother.

Princess Celestia swayed a bit drunkenly before stumbling off the platform, only to be caught in a deep amethyst aura of Alexis’ magic.

“I think that she might be a bit dizzy from the surge of magic,” Alexis commented.

“I’ll get her some water,” Edward’s Celestia went to the nearest sink to get some water from the tap. She summoned a glass from the nearest cabinet and return handing the glass to Alexis.

“Sorry about that,” Edward knelt down to the pony placing a pillow on the floor. “You’ll have your legs back in a couple of minutes. You’re just experiencing a bit of magic overload. My teleporter harnesses raw magic from the land itself.” He got up. “This my automail shop. I work here from every now and then but it’s mainly run by one of the local doctors. One of the time variety.”

“You gotta be kidding. Those doctors exist? Huh… though I can understand the magical surge if you're using the ley lines,” Alexis said with surprise.

Princess Celestia looked thoughtful as that was an intriguing idea.

“Ley lines are the key factors in teleporters like this one but it was very difficult to make this one as I had to map out and weave an artificial one of my own,” Edward smirked proudly. “And yes, those Doctors exist and some are very major players in other Displaceds’ worlds. Most tend to stay out of summoned Displaceds’ affair than the ones to their native world.”

Then they heard the door open and saw Time Turner stand in the doorway. He was wearing his usual blue button-down shirt, khaki pants, and black boots. He was also wearing an oil-stained denim apron and heavy machining gloves.

“Hello Edward, Alexis, and Princess Celestia’s,” Time Turner said with a smile walking to the sink as he pulled off his gloves. “Teleportation sickness I see. Drink a glass of lemonade. I keep a pitcher in the fridge for just such occasions.” He started to wash the grease off his face. “Nice to meet all of you and all but I’ll also have to say goodbye as I need to go pick Dinky up from school. They’ll be out soon.”

“That why we’re here, Time,” Edward fixed a glass of Lemonade for Celestia. “We came to see the Library Family.”

“That brings some memories as I sometimes walk Applebloom from school. I'm not too often in Ponyville, but I do know AJ and Rarity,” Alexis commented thoughtfully. “Though I can definitely say it's hard to not know about Ditzy Doo. Clumsy she can be, but nonetheless as sweet as a certain pink Earth Pony mare's confections,” she deadpanned.

Princess Celestia tilted her head slightly as she sipped the lemonade, thinking. She wondered if any of these ponies would be involved in a certain return.

“How your feeling now Princess?” Time asked pulling off his apron. “You’ll need to be back on your feet, hooves, in your case if you want to get to the schoolhouse before it lets the little ones out,” he straightened out his bow tie and walked to the door. “Derpy is on mail duty until late but you're more than welcome to come over for dinner.”

Celestia nodded with a small, sheepish smile. “Contrary to most assumptions, ponies do eat meat, though it is not overly outspoken,” she commented.

“Then I'm definitely going to link in Yang's world… she's got some damn good food,” Alexis said with a smile as they headed for the door.

“As much as I love Derpy’s muffins, Time, we can’t” Edward explained. “We have a project that requires our attention at sundown. I brought and aquatic design you’ve been wanting Time. It’s over on the table.” He pointed behind him before turning to the princesses. “Tia you might want to put on a disguise and you two Celestia. The kids might try and ride you if you’re in your pony form.”

“Oh, the boys will definitely try and the girls will just pet and cuddle you to death,” Time snickered. “I’ve seen it happen plenty of times.”

Princess Celestia smirked as she focused her magic as it flared up before fading away, revealing her disguised form. “I doubt that,” she spoke softly.

Alexis blinked, getting the sense she'd seen that form somewhere. She couldn't remember where, though.

Edward Celestia lit her horn causing her to shrink down her mane and tail changing to a solid blonde. She lost her wings and her dress turned into blue jeans with a sleeveless button-down blouse with brown sandals with a gold buckle on each.

“You can call me Cloudy Day,” Edward’s now disguised princess smirked.

“I prefer Hikari Tomoe,” Alexis’ aunt said with a shy smile.

Alexis smirked fractionally before glancing at her Devil Bringer. “Hopefully this won't draw any undesirable attention, ” she sighed, clenching the clawed fingers of her demonic arm. Small tendrils of ebony flames swirled between her fingers. “I wonder if Nero is in my Equus… and that friend of his… Nico, I think her name was,” she thought.

“You can always use Mini-Ed to cover your arm in nanites to make it appear normal or use an illusion spell when you get more experienced with it,” Edward opened the back door of the shop. “Besides, you really think having a weird arm is a big deal in my Equus. I mean I have half a ton of ponies walking around with several different pieces of automail. They range from arms, legs, and even wings.”

“When he puts it that way he does have a very valid point,” Hikari said as the group strolled down the alley beside the shop to the front and main street.

“This is coming from the man walking down main street with a metallic-red and golden arm in full view for all to see,” Time added.

“Alexis, is there something else on your mind?” Cloudy asked as she’d seen the thoughtful countenance on her face.

“Vergil… has a son. In the 'games’, he was the primary protagonist of both the third and the most recent one, though in the third they never revealed anything of his past. His name… is Nero. Shit… it just hit me that if I do decide to remain in this form, I'd be his aunt,” Alexis said softly.

Hikari giggled before she paused, blinking. That meant that, technically, if Nero was in their own Equus, that she was a great-aunt.

“And I know that he has a girlfriend by Kyrie… and a friend by the name of Nico,” Alexis murmured, thinking. She snorted a laugh as she recalled Time's comment. “Hey, Edward… you're like Tony Stark, minus the heavy drinking,” she commented with a smirk. “Though that may come with the kids, though I can't be sure,” she teased.

“I’m just lucky I never really cared for alcohol,” Edward waved his hand. “As for Nero and his group,” He looked over his shoulder. “If Dante and Vergil were in your Equus then I’d have to guess that Nero, Kyrie, and Nico are there too.”

“It’s stand to be a pretty sound theory,” Time added rubbing his chin. “Nero is your nephew so he might be there if the Void is pulling on blood ties. Can’t really be sure though as it’s not my area of expertise. Then again, I don’t try and understand the Void and its machinations.”

“I’m curious Time Turner,” Cloudy said tilting her head. “Why are you so sound are Displaced? I mean when Ed brought you to help the other Twilight Sparkle you were almost adamant about not helping her or at least not getting involved with her, Nat, and Sora.”

“Yes well, just chalk it up to caution and skepticism, Princess,” Time scratched his head with a sketchy laugh. “You know I’m not a normal pony and each Equus has a designated Time Pony. We have knowledge of the Displaced and the Void and what each one of us does with our Displaced is up to us. Some, like me, are willing to help but prefer to stay out of other Displaceds’ business and some are more than willing to go out of their way to help their Displaced and others. There are those who want nothing to do with Displaced. I don’t mind helping I just prefer my quiet life with my family and when you.re involved with Displaced it’s anything but. I do say Ed has kept my involvement to a minimum and I’m grateful for it.”

The group soon arrive at a large house that looked like it was made of cake.

“Oh no,” Edward color drained from his face. “I am not dealing with the Pink Menace today.”

“Yep. Seems like somepony may be trying to set up a little party….” Alexis sighed before snorting. “I really wouldn't be surprised if there were a Council of a certain pink party mare out there,” she commented wryly. “Must drive my Pinkie crazy that she has yet to throw me one of her parties,” she sighed.

“You seem almost sad about it, ” Edward added. “And I don’t need a Pink headache.” He snapped his fingers and the group was teleported to the schoolhouse and next o Polearm.

“Hey, guys. Why are you here?” Polearm point to Edward’s group.

“I didn’t feel like dealing with the Pink Menace so I teleported us here and the others and I wanted to see Nyx,” Edward explained. “You know Alexis and Cloudy but this is Hikari Tomoe. She’s Alexis’ mother.”

“Nice to meet you,” Polearm bowed.

Hikari bowed a small, shy smile on her face. “I doubt that she's sad about the party detail. She won't admit that she is almost as shy as another young mare, though I'm sure you can guess who it is,” the disguised Pony Princess murmured, referring to Twilight.

“Don’t know where you got that impression from but the Pink Menace isn’t shy in the least here,” Edward rolled his eyes as the school bell rang.

“Perfect timing,” Time chuckled as the children spilled out of the school.

“Pretty sure Mother was referring to Twily, not Pinkie,” Alexis said wryly.

“I know that but I was referring to that fact that she wasn’t shy about her duties as a party planner,” Edward shaking his head. “Wait a minute, she’s in Appleloosa for a cake convention this week!”

This got both princesses’ attention. Alexis snickered as they both looked at Edward in annoyance. Then Polearm pointed out Nyx coming out of the schoolhouse with four other fillies. One was Dinky and the other three were the notorious CMC.

“Daddy!” Dinky and Nyx squeed happily as they ran to their fathers.

“Hi Ms.Alexis,” Nyx waved at her new friend. “Did you come to help Daddy pick me up from school today with Uncle Ed and … two Auntie Tia’s?”

Both of the disguised princesses looked at each other in shock that she knew who they actually are.

“Perceptive as always,” Polearm patted his daughter on the head causing her to giggle.

“As much as I’d love to stick around Ed, I must be on my way if we’re going to Derpy before she gets home,” Time turned around. “Ladies a bid you Adieu,” He bowed and then he and Dinky departed with Dinky waving goodbye to the others.

“How have you three been?” Edward smiled at the CMC. “Not getting into too much trouble, I hope,” He rolled his eyes as he knew that was going to be a long shot. “Scoots, you're taking care to do regular maintenance on your leg right?”

“Yes sir, Thanks for one of your own designs,” Scootaloo looked at the alchemist in appreciation.

Alexis tilted her head. Her eyes narrowed fractionally.

“Scootaloo got caught by a hydra a few months ago,” Edward explained to the others. “If Discord hadn’t shown up all three of the young ones would have been lunch.” This caused the CMC to look down in guilt.

“I’ve dealt with a hydra… nasty beasts, not to mention that they aren't very picky about what they hunt. Makes them very unpleasant since they'll go after innocent ponies. The one I encountered was… odd. He was at the base of one of those mountains northeast of the Everfree… had a cavern behind him that led into the magma chamber… found an old rival of Zero's there,” Alexis said wryly.

Hikari's eyes were on Alexis, a bit cautious.

“Fillies still shouldn't go into the Everfree alone,” Edward eyed the three of them. “You three cause more trouble for those who care for when you pull stunts like that.” He got back up. “Let’s get you home and to your sisters. Is Rainbow home right now Scoots?”

She nodded her head up and down eagerly.

“Do you two mind if we tag along? I’m off today so we’re in no rush and Nyx wants to spend time with Alexis,” Polearm looked at everyone and then to Nyx who was jumping up and down with joy.

Alexis shrugged. “I don't have a problem with it,” she commented. She jumped slightly in surprise to feel a slim arm draped over her shoulders as she heard a throaty laugh.

“Hmmm, cute kids,” Jade remarked with amusement. She stepped back, slipping her mask down to reveal her face.

“Polearm, you two are the main reason we’re here,” Edward commented. “Come on. And Jade,” the fighter looked to the Alchemist. “Behave yourself or you end up like Mileena. But I know you’re not that stupid.”

The CMC all tilt their heads in curiosity.

“Unlike Mileena, I have far more control over my more… dangerous instincts. I never harm children regardless of orders,” Jade said smoothly. “And I have far more reason to protect those here than harm them,” she finished.

“Mr.Polearm,” Sweetie Bell pulled on Polearm’s shirt sleeve.

“Yes Sweetie,” Polearm looked over.

“Nyx told how you taught her how to fight and well,” Sweetie rubbed her arm. “We, the other Crusaders and me, wanted to ask you if you could teach us too.”

This caught Edward’s ear. He didn’t mind them learning to defend themselves but he still didn’t the fillies going around and beating on others just because they knew how to, even if it is in the defense of others.

“Hm, I don’t know girls. I spar with Nyx because I want to teach how to defend herself not to fight. Even if some is picking on her I’ve taught not to hit them unless they hit her first,” Polearm scratched the back of his head. “Another reason is because Nyx is an alicorn and technically part of the royal family. She needs to know how to defend herself better than normal ponies.”

“Awww.” the CMC sighed in unison.

“But Spike knows how ta fight,” Applebloom shot back.

“Spike is older than you and I wasn’t the one who taught him how to fight and it wasn’t my idea either,” Polearm crossed his arms. “It was Edward’s, and it was him that taught Spike to fight. The Princess went along with it because they thought it was a good idea. Spike is with your older sisters when on adventures so he needed to learn proper self-defense.” Polearm huffed caused he knew they wouldn’t relent unless he gave them an ultimatum. “If you ask your sisters and family members then I might teach you a few moves if it’s okay with Edward too.”

“Go for it, as long as it’s nothing dangerous or can cause nothing no more harm than a black eye,” Edward pointed at his assistant.

“I could teach them how to fall without hurting themselves and perhaps a simple takedown or two,” Alexis offered.

Hikari cocked her head, her lavender eyes narrowing. “You imply we may return here,” she said.

“Perhaps on vacation or something like that. You know they wouldn't judge my aunts. And you know there will be those who will,” Alexis said wryly, to which Hikari sighed.

“She’s right, Hikari. Look at what happened earlier, ”Edward pointed out. “Besides, once the keys are done you can come here with Alexis anytime. Just have to let me know so I can undo the seal.” Edward felt a tug on his hand. He looked down to see Nyx.

“Uncle Ed, can I ride on your shoulders?” the filly asked with puppy dog eyes.

“Sure sweety,” Edward picked Nyx up and placed her behind his head causing Cloudy to softly smile at this site.

Hikari exhaled softly. She looked unsure but, admittedly, she suspected that the ones that certain nobility was related to were behind the demonization of her sister. She had, at the time of the incident, been far too distraught to think about the public image of the incident.

“I kinda think that something Yang had might have had brushed off on me, now that I think about it as if I don't try to keep busy… I find musical lyrics and chords flickering in my mind. Her Rarity mentioned something about Music Magic, though I've never heard of it,” Alexis said softly.

This caught Sweetie Belle’s attention. She couldn’t help but want to try this out this music magic as she loved to sing.

“Music magic? I’ve heard of song magic before,” Edward rubbed his chin. “So I’m guessing Music Magic is the greater whole that Song Magic comes from. It must also cover Instrumental Magic. Its roots should start in Sound Magic though.”

Hikari hummed.“I think that you had a link to that Magic before you were summoned by that Yang girl. I know that Vinyl really enjoyed it,” she commented, rubbing the tip of her fingers along her chin.

Alexis blinked a few times, as she hadn't thought of that.

“Hey guys,” came a familiar raspy voice from above them. Out of nowhere, a rainbow flashed in front of the group. Rainbow Dash appeared as soon as the dust cleared. “What are you all doing in Ponyville. Oh, hey Scoots. I was coming to see if you and the other Crusaders had any plans for your crusading today but I can do that some other day, I guess.” Rainbow said disgruntled.

“Hang on Dash,” Edward grabbed her by the foot as she zoomed off. He was the only one ever known to catch the prismatic pegasus in this way or at all for that matter. “We were actually on our way to the Library. We’re also dropping the Crusaders along the way.”

“Oh. Can you please let go Ed,” Rainbow looked at the alchemist who let her go after she asked. “So, mind if I come with you guys? It’s always more fun when you guys are around then when I’m just doing stunts to improve my awesomeness.”

“The more the merrier,” Edward’s disguised princess chuckled.

“Nice disguises by the way you two,” Rainbow fist bumped Cloudy while the Hikari just looked at the pegasus dumbfounded. “One of Ed’s students here. He taught all kinds of cool skills and stuff. Our first lesson was learning how to sense magic from others and manipulate the magic in our own bodies.”

“Howdy ya’ll,” Came a southern accent and the smell of fresh apples from a familiar farm pony. “What brings ya’ll down from atop yer mountain today?”

“Visiting family,” Edward replied with a smirk to Applejack. “Done with your stand duties for today Aj?”

“Yep. I was just about to head out and back to the farm,” She gave a thumbs up as she was loading up the cart. “Bloom’s not giving ya any trouble is she Ed?” Aj eyeballing her little sister. “I can take her back to the farm with me if ya want?”

“She’s not any problem at all Aj. We might have four out five of the CMC but they haven’t caused any trouble and we haven’t let them try any crusading either.” Edward shrugged. “We were just bringing them along to pass them off to their respective homes anyway. She can go with you or you both can come with us. Up to you.”

“Sis, while Mr.Polearm is here, I want to ask if it’s okay if we learn some of those fightin moves like Nyx knows,” Apple Bloom jumped up and down at the mention of the aspect of martial arts training.

“Uh, Ah don’t know Apple Bloom. Ed’s training is harsh. Ah mean, me and Dash could barely handle the basics and even Polearm who’s been trained since he was your age said it was tough. Ah don’t think ya should partake in any of it,” Aj looked to Edward who crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Ed wouldn’t be the one teaching them Aj but it’s not a bad idea for them to learn how to defend themselves a little. They do tend to get into a lot of trouble and probably more than we know about.” Polearm pointed at himself with his thumb. “Actually, I was hoping you and Dash would help out when I’m on duty. Ed already said nothing more than anything that would cause a black eye.”

“Hm. Well, alright since Dash and Ah'll be helpin out in it,” Applejack still reluctantly agreed. “But Ah still want to okay it with Granny Smith and Big Mac first. Ah don’t think they’ll disagree but Ah still want to talk before we get anything started. On that note, we’ll be cuttin out though, Ah would really like want to join ya’ll but we do have chores to do. Come on Apple Bloom.”

“Awww. Sorry guys I'll talk to ya later then,” Apple Bloom waved goodbye to the group and as the went ahead and she helped her sister with clean up.

“Well, two out of three. Not too shabby there, smooth talker,” Dash elbowed Polearm in the side.

“Next stop, The Carousel Boutique,” Edward pointed straight ahead to the large fashionable building just down the road. That’s when Sweetie Belle started to sweat from the dread of having to ask her sister to learn how to fight.

Alexis exhaled softly, lightly touching Sweetie Belle's shoulder. “I can handle it for you, Sweetie. I know it from experience that self-defense can most certainly help, especially in an unexpected situation. Though I found it out the hard way. If I can prevent that for anypony else,” she said softly, letting her voice trail off.

“That was before we merged,” Jade spoke softly.

“We should appeal to Auntie Rarity’s sense of being a ‘proper lady’ the most,” Nyx pointed out. “In all our lesson that I’ve brought up my training with daddy, she’s told me that even a lady has the right to defend herself and if worst comes to worst be brutal about it. Especially if your family and or loved ones are in harm's way.”

Everyone turned to look at the little filly still sitting on the Alchemist's shoulders. No had expected the young one to come up with a deviously clever plan. Edward couldn't help but smile at his little niece’s planning.

“Clever Nyx, very clever,” Edward chuckled. “Onward then.”

The group made their way to the front door of the Beautique and before they could knock they heard someone saying something just behind the door.

“Rarity, I’m gonna go and meet Sweetie Belle halfway on her way back from school. Do you want me to pick anything up from the market?” The rough voice said. Everyone recognized it as Spike.

“Some apples please Darling,” Rarity song out.

Spike opened the door to the entire group.

“Hi Uncle Spike,” Nyx waved at the stunned drake.

Alexis smirked, wondering how long it would be before they noticed the shift in her form, though her Destiny Mark was the same.

“Okay,“ Spike still staring. “Come on in guys and thanks for bringing Sweetie Belle home. Is there something going on?”

“Such as what?” Hikari said with an edge of curiosity. She smirked fractionally at her daughter’s pony form, the greenish cyan and ultramarine streaked tail and mane along with the deeper teal and soft grayish teal tone nearer her hooves.

“Oh, I don’t know, “ The drake waved his hand in the air. “Maybe the fact that my mom and uncle are her with a Displaced and another Celestia.” he grabbed the bridge of his nose. “Nice pony form Alexis. Now, why are you guys here?”

“We originally came to spend some time with Nyx,” Edward put the filly back on the ground. “Then the CMC got an idea in their heads that they wanted to learn how to defend themselves from how Nyx told them how Polearm has been training her in martial arts.” Edward leaned against the nearest wall crossed his arms. “I said I was fine with it as long as it doesn’t cause any harm past black eyes or bruises. The rest is up to you guys.”

Just then the heard Rarity from upstairs. “Spike you’re still here?” she called out as she came down the stairs. “I thought you were going to meet up with Sweetie? Oh! Edward and company. Why are you all here?”

“Originally, it was just to drop off Sweetie Bell but then something else popped up as we or, actually, the CMC were talking,” Rainbow pushed the three present CMC members forward. “Go on now girls. It was your idea, to begin with, so you three have to tell Rarity.”

The fashionista tilted her head and put her pointer finger on her cheek. “Well, who's going to start or do I have to pick on of you girls out myself?”

“Since I was the one... to bring it up… I’ll tell you,” Sweetie managed to spit out. She then took in a deep breath. “We want to learn how to fight like Nyx from Mr. Polearm.” She yelled out in a high pitched yelp. before clamping her mouth shut with both her hands. Sweetie looked to her older sister who was just staring at her then she looked at Spike who was trying to get read of the ringing in his ears.

“Ah, yes, well,” Rarity took in a deep breath of her own then looked down at Scootaloo, Sweetie, and then to Nyx. “Polearm,” Polearm immediately stood at attention while Alexis and the two disguised princesses giggled. “I take it that it was Nyx’s stories about your training sessions that sparked the fires of this idea. Not to mention we probably played a small role in it too, right Spikey.”

“I can’t deny it.” Spike scratched the back of his head. “I… may have… told them … a few … stories from the boot camp… Edward put us through.” He nervously smiled.

“No need to be so nervous Spike,” Rainbow smiled dryly. “I’m just as guilty of it as you and I know Rarity told them a few stories too,” She grinned at Rarity who face went flush. “Scoots told me so.”

“Urm, yes, back to the subject.” Rarity cleared her throat. “To tell the truth, I have thought about asking Spike to give Sweetie a few self-defense lessons every now and then. She and her friends do tend to get into situations where it would come in handy,” the CMC perked up their heads a bit. “ I’ll allow it as long as you promise to only use it to defend yourselves and others when it is necessary. But that doesn’t give you permission to go off and fight others just for calling you a bad name or go off looking for trouble. Especially, not go off and look for evil to defeat.”

The three fillies promised that they would do just as Rarity said. Edward then stepped in and made them Pinkie Promise. They knew that it was serious when they did this. Polearm then went on to inform Rarity the Applejack and Rainbow would be helping out in the girls’ training when he wasn’t available due to his Guard Duties or his studies with Edward. Since they’d brought Sweetie Bell and were still on a bit of a time crunch Edward decided it was best if the moved on to their next destination, the Ponyville Library. They said goodbye to Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Spike still had to get the apples Rarity asked him to pick-up when he was going to meet Sweetie so he decided to walk with the group and chat a bit.

“So mom, what’s happening with you lately?” Spike asked his mother half curious and just to make conversation.

“I’ve… started to see... Edward,” Cloudy blushed as she answered her son on a soft tone.

“Cool, cool, cool…. WHAT?!” Spike roared in utter shock as green fire shot from his mouth.

Alexis shifted her weight, visibly gliding along the ground as the flames narrowly missed her, the silvery hoof covers acting much like shoes with a faint sapphire glow flaring beneath her hooves. “Careful where you aim that. Kinda surprised you were the only one that really noticed,” she commented.

“I knew the Princess was seeing Edward since that day you came here,” Polearm said as he placed his arms behind his head as he watched Nyx fly around the group. “It was pretty obvious in the hot springs the other day too. Didn’t take much figuring out if you’d paid attention to something other than Rarity in her bikini, Spike.”

The dragon went dark purple from embarrassment. “I’ve got to get those apples now. I’ll talk with ya later mom. And Polearm, we have to talk later.” Spike kissed his mother on the cheek and then head to the market as the other came to the fountain. “Bye.” He waved until he was out of sight.

“Next stop the Library and Mommy.” Nyx chirped overhead. “Daddy? Are you and Uncle Spike going to talk roughly again?”

“More than likely sweetheart,” Polearm huffed.

“Once we’re at the Library you two can go back to your original forms,” Edward said as he patted the downed Polearm on the back.

Hikari shrugged. “I wonder if she'll freak out,” she said softly, giggling a bit.

Alexis rolled her eyes as she exhaled softly.

“Twi doesn’t freak out like you think Hikari,” Edward motioned for Nyx to come back down. “Chances are she already knows who you really are before we even open the door. She went through my training just like the others,” He paused a moment tapping his chin. “Though be careful if she gets physical. Twi is much stronger than the average Earth Pony thanks to that training.”

Hikari hummed thoughtfully. “We’ll see, then. Admittedly, back in mine… I only recently took her under my wing,” she said softly.

“She’d probably be fun to wrestle, I think,” Alexis quipped as she darted several feet forward, shifting forms in a gust of amethyst smoke as she stretched. “Funny… I know Father said I wouldn’t have a horn, but I don’t think he knows about my disguised form,” she said softly, rolling her shoulders as she could feel her wings almost urging her to take to the air. It appeared she had slightly more of an attunement to her Pegasus-side and Unicorn-side than her Earth Pony side, at least at the present time.

“I really think it depends on what you want to look like Alexis,” Edward said dryly as they reached the library. He reached for the doorknob but before he turned it he heard rumbling and frantic scurrying from behind. “Yep, she’s having one her freak out all right. Probably because she sensed Tia as soon as we got to the middle of town. Now she’s trying to clean-up the Library as fast as she can.” Edward shook his head. “I hope she doesn’t short circuit again.” He looked at Polearm who nodded and walked in front of Edward and opened the door.

“Twi, we’re home. It’s me and Nyx,” Polearm slowly opened the door sticking his head in. Almost immediately a book came flying out just above his head. Edward caught it before it could hit Cloudy.

“Man, this one looks bad,” Edward let his arm fall to his side. “I owe you a round of Dragon Ale Hikari.”

“Oh, Twilight,” Cloudy shook her head as she placed a hand over her eyes.

Another book came flying out this time it came at Rainbow and made contact sending the Pegasus flying back to the ground. Edward raised an eyebrow and looked at Polearm who merely shrugged at his.

“Maybe we need to should… force her to short circuit,” Rainbow was back on her feet but still clearly winded from the book missile. “Geez,... who knew… books… could hurt … so much.”

Alexis ducked under one wayward book, then cartwheeling over a second, but caught a third square in the face. She somersaulted backward and skidded several feet.

“Yea, I’m putting an end to this,” Edward ran in dodging the books flying at him. Everyone could clearly hear what was said. “Twilight Sparkle stop this now!” Edward managed to yell before being hit square in the face with a book.

“No No No, must make clean and organized!” Twilight frantically picking up the library. Books in lavender magic behind her flying in random directions. “Need to go get tea!”

“Secret weapon time,” Edward murmured as he rubbed his nose “Twilight there are two Princess Celestia here to see you!” He yelled and then everything went quiet. “You can come in now!” Edward motioned from the door. “She froze up. Probably will be for a few minutes until her brain reboots.”

“Geez, Twi.” Polearm grabbed the bridge of his nose, “Every time she thinks she’s gonna be tested and she thinks she’s not prepared this happens. I’m glad Nyx didn’t pick up this trait from her mother.”

Nyx giggled at her mother’s frozen state. She and Scootaloo started to poke Twilight to see if she’d move at all. Rainbow then came up and started to decorate the frozen mare with feathers and lipstick.

Hikari stepped into the library, a small tilt of her head the one and only sign of her mild surprise. “Definitely Twilight,” she murmured, as she'd already seen Filly Twilight's room, which had many, many books. She blinked, seeing Alexis levitating the frozen mare slightly… just enough to slip whoopee cushions beneath her feet. She could see the cyan winged pegasus mare grinning, though it was obvious that the mare was a prankster.

Alexis smirked slightly before letting the levitation spell go, the gemstone focus dulling its faint glow. The resulting flatulent sound was startling.

“Spike how many times have I told you…” Twilight snapped back to herself after her the fart sound but quickly stopping after she saw the entourage in front of her. “I did it again, didn’t I?”

“Big-time hun,” Polearm came over and patted Twilight on the back do his best not to laugh.

“I better start cleaning up,” Twilight sighed. She snickered “Not light the Princess is really coming.”

“Twilight,” Cloudy and Hikari both sang in unison causing her to turn around. Twilight saw the two strange mares but before she could as their names they drop the disguises and shift to their original forms. Twilight’s jaw hit the floor, hard.

Alexis snorted a laugh at Twilight’s reaction.

Princess Celestia giggled, smirking as the aurora of her shift between forms faded away, the shimmer of magic fading from her horn. “A bit overdramatic, but amusing, certainly, I would say,” she teased.

“Snrnha. Yea and wait till ya see a mirror,” Rainbow commented trying to keep herself from bursting out laughing on the floor.

Alexis snickered at the look on Twilight’s face. She looked mildly annoyed, though it passed after a few moments as she rolled her eyes. “Seems that’s one thing that is a bit multiversal… that Rainbow is always a prankster,” she said softly with a roll of her eyes.

Twilight walked off in the next room. Edward began to count down on his fingers. 3… 2…. 1

“RAINBOW DASH!” Twilight roared in anger.

“You might want to run now Auntie Dash,” Nyx pointed out the fire coming from the next room.

Alexis snickered. ““I doubt that is the true meaning of being a hot head,” she deadpanned. She crouched close to Nyx. “I guess it's a good thing that I didn't use the washable hair dye I have, then,” she whispered conspiratorially with a giggle.

“That’s our cue to leave, Scoots,” Rainbow picked Scootaloo up in a bear hug. “See ya later, guys!” She sang and she Rainboomed out the nearest window as Twilight came in. Everyone laughed as her mane was on fire.

“Too bad we don't have any marshmallows, eh?” Alexis giggled. Nyx giggled in response.

“Marshmallows or not. We’re here for a visit but still have things that must be attended to later,” Edward went towards the kitchen. “I’m going to make some coffee.”

“In the right hand cabinet,” Polearm said as he looked to Celestia. “So, you wanted to met Nyx Princess, What do you think after meeting our little girl?”

“Come on Nyx. Let’s see if your mother needs some help removing Rainbow Dash’s makeover,” Edward’s Celestia took Nyx by the hand.

“Okay Auntie Tia,” Nyx giggled.

“I can see how Alexis is fond of her. She is adorable and innocent, yet quite playful,” Princess Celestia commented with amusement.

“Yes she is,” Polearm smile as he went to the nearby closest and began to pull out hIs armor. “ But don’t let that fool you either. She’s quite talented. Martial arts,magic, and alchemy to. Just like her mother she loves to read. Spike liles to teach her about gems and cooking.”

“Hmm. I'm certain he likely knows of gemstone resonance? It is possible to charge a particular gemstone and have it resonate with other gemstones for… interesting effects,” Princess Celestia commented.

“We learned about that in the academy,” Polearm explained as put his armor on. “Pretty sure Spike knows about it too. He does help Rarity with her dresses.” Polearm now stood fully armored in his black obsidian armor. “I’m sorry to cut things short, but I must report for patrol.” He bowed and then left the library to perform his duties.

Alexis blinked before exhaling softly. “I suppose it's possible that there is a world out there where a certain hedgehog exists amongst all this,” she sighed.

“Hedgehog?” Princess Celestia said curiously.

“Hahaha, Oh you… you… have… no idea… Alexis,” Edward laughed. HA “There is rather interesting one out there but not the blue one you’re thinking of. Keep an eye out for his token goes by the name Dark. Never met him, managed to see him with my Rinnegan. Odd fellow too.”

“Eh? I have no clue what you're talking about,” Alexis said carefully.

“You’ll know him when you meet him,” Edward took his watch as twilight Celestia and Nyx came back into the room. “Do you two have fun cleaning up Twilight?” He smirked to the unicorn’s annoyance.

“Why,yes, we did,” Celestia and Nyx giggled.

“When I get my hands on that Rainbow Dash,” Twilight grumbled as she began to reshelf the books she’d thrown off the shelves earlier. “She’ll have a few more colors in the mane and tail of her’s.”

“Mommy’s still mad,” Nyx laughed at she went to her school bag and pulled out some papers. “These might make her feel better.” the filly showed her mother a few drawings of her and the family along with some highly passing grades on her report card. Twilight picked her daughter up in a big hug then looked to everyone else.

“It’s starting to get late. Would you all like to stay for supper?” Twilight smiled.

“Sorry Twi,”Edward interjected. “I would like to but we have a project that needs attending to about now.” He looked at the others. “It’s time to finish the keys girls. Shang and the others will meet us at the Forge. Tia I’ll see you later at the castle,” He kissed her goodbye. “Check on Luna and Faust and tell them I’ll be in later.”

“I’m going to stay for supper then I’ll head back,” Celestia smiled softly at Nyx. “I want to have some of my niece’s cooking.”

“Alright then,” Edward turn to Alexis and Celestia. “You two ready to head to the forge?”

Alexis smirked as she shrugged. “I'm tempted to fly there, but I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't be a short flight,” the demon-alicorn hybrid commented. “It'd definitely be an endurance challenge,” she muttered.

Princess Celestia sighed softly before she swatted her niece across the back of the head sharply with her tail, drawing a startled yelp from the hybrid.

“Sorry, but we don’t have time for games,” Edward held up his hand as a silver spell matrix appeared above it. Soon everyone found themselves back in the volcanic forge.Their before laid eighteen golden-white keys but still incomplete. Edward started to direct everyone. “Celestia, you work the pumps so we have cool and clean seawater to dip these suckers. Everyone else, grab a key mold and toss it in the tank, then repeat until none are left.”

Alexis blinked as her aunt shrugged as she vaulted over to the pumps before the salty scent of seawater became very obvious as it gushed through pipes. She grabbed a mold, wincing slightly before she lobbed it into the tank of seawater, the mold breaking up with a sharp hiss as it fell beneath the surface of the water, a small cloud of sediment kicking up from the churning seawater as two more molds followed. She saw one mold flipping end-over-end before it plopped into the seawater just shy of the pipes.

“Idiot,” she heard Vergil mutter. It made the source of the flipping mold rather obvious. She guessed that Dante had flicked a mold into the air before kicking it.

“Idiot is an understatement,” Edward picked up the mold.”These thing are high magical object. In the state they’re in the could explode if handled recklessly. Like you just did?”

“This thing will what?” Celestia eyes got wide.

“You heard me. Until they’re dipped in the water they’re magic is still to raw to be messed with. They’ll have to soak in the sea water for a while to stabilize,” Edward tossed a few model into the tank. “Six down. Twelve to go.”

“Maybe Dante should swallow one, that way when it explodes the world will be one less,” Vergil grumbled before Alexis slapped him in the back of the head with a jumping roundhouse, halting his grumbling.

“You are a damn idiot just as much as Dante, as you know good and damn well that if he truly died and didn't heal, that something would break in you… something that you don't even want to admit is there… that Dante, as much of an annoying and sarcastic idiot as he is, is family. Family that, if we lost… won't get back,” Alexis snapped, her irises flaring a bright crimson… Kurama crimson. She huffed, feeling Kurama stirring in the back of her mind, seemingly both pissed off and satisfied at the same time. Fortunately, the Kyuubi's dangerous chakra didn't surge out of control as she dropped three of the molds into the churning seawater.

Princess Celestia, however, noticed that after the surge of what was, to her senses, a foreign energy, Alexis moved more shakily and slowly, her countenance noticeably paler and pained. She noticed as Alexis dumped another trio of the molds into the churning seawater, that her legs gave beneath her abruptly, almost dumping the hybrid into the seawater. She saw Zero and Sparda catch her, fortunately.

Alexis groaned as she shivered despite the almost sauna-like warmth, gritting her teeth, revealing that her canines were slightly lengthened and sharpened. She recalled picking up the molds, but then everything from then on was a blur. Unknowingly, from the particular way she grabbed and pushed Kurama's dark chakra through her body, she accelerated something that had been very slowly but surely occurring due to Zero's specific nature in his past: she was developing a chakra network. Only now it was happening faster… and much more painfully.

“Go sit down by your mother before you pass out,” Edward scolded Alexis as tossed two molds in to the water. “Growing chakra veins is taxing enough on the body when not in the heart of a volcano. We can’t afford mistakes or take any chances.”

Alexis gritted her teeth. “Hurts like having to listen to Dante do stand-up comedy,” she managed to get out, drawing a laugh from Vergil and a startled look from Dante. She supposed Vergil rarely laughed. She groaned as she stood very shakily before she was engulfed in a pale golden aura that gently levitated her before she was tugged across the broad pool of churning seawater.

“And she calls us idiots. I suppose we all have ‘idiot moments’,” Vergil muttered.

“Hall the molds numbnuts,” Edward slapped Vergil on the back of the head. “You.Edward pointed to Alexis, “Stay put. Growing a chakra network hurts from the start but it only gets worse after. Yours is coming from your stomach. It’s going to be a lot worse than having come from an eye.”

Alexis snorted, shivering as her body felt like it was burning and freezing simultaneously. “N-no, really? It only feels like I'm getting stabbed from the inside out by burning blades and freezing ones from the outside in,” she snapped sarcastically, her teeth gritted.

Vergil growled, tossing in a couple more molds into the seawater.

Dante rolled his eyes. “Quit with the bitch face, Verg…” he muttered. He’d gotten that phrase from a couple of other Hunters he’d run across, another pair of brothers who were quite… intriguing. Human though they had been, their skill and knowledge were quite impressive. Winchesters, they’d called themselves.

“That would be to positive and negative nodes forming,” Edward explained tossing a couple molds into the vat. “Just wait when the chakra comes. Then the pain really ramps up,”

“How long would it last… the pain?” Princess Celestia asked.

Edward looked to Alexis as his hls eye took ok the ripple pattern of the Rinnegan. “Hmm. Mhmm. Yea,” he rubbed his chin. “Hard to say. Mine took my just under a day to grow. Alexis being human Demon-Alicorn. It could be just as fast if not just a little longer. I can’t be sure. Chakra is just as unique as ponies and other individuals.”

,Alexis gasped as her eyes widened as she felt the stabbing pain shift as it felt like molten fire was coursing through every inch of her body. She heard a loud crunch, not realizing that she was driving a clenched fist into the volcanic stone several times as she hunched over.

Dante lobbed the last couple of molds into the churning seawater, his eyes on his younger sibling. He closed his eyes before reopening them, viewing her Aura. His eyes widened, the irises glowing like fire. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered in shock. Her Aura was like a dense swirling bonfire of deep amethyst, pale purple, lavender and pale cyan and growing denser as it shrank, veins of purplish black flames showing themselves, as well as ebony flames, edged with white. Unknown to the Nephilim son of Sparda, he was seeing the Fire Demon Slayer Magic and Eclipse Magic. He could see the faint sapphire white aura forming at her abdomen

Princess Celestia noticed Alexis’ reaction as she hunched over, purplish black flames and white edged ebony flames along with a new pale sapphire-white aura slowly but surely melding into the strong magicks. She winced at the sound of Alexis’ first driving into the stone, noticing hair-thin cracks forming into the stone with every blow.

“Mhm. I thought this would happen,” Edward looked at the hybrid while nodding. Celestia started to move toward her daughter but found herself in a bubble force field. “Chakra is a nasty business. It plays well with demonic energy, magic, life force, and most of all DNA.” He placed his hands on Alexis. “This is really going to hurt but it will help speed up the growth of your chakra network.” Edward hands glowed red and blue on Alexis shoulder.

“RAH!” Alexis roared.

Edward took his hands off her. “I used my alchemy and some internal surgery with the help of your nanites to help preset a growth path for your chakra network as it grows.” Edward explained. “This way it won’t bother you as much while it forms but it also won’t mingle with your other energies.”

Alexis breathed heavily. “‘Won't bother me’ my ass… it doesn't feel like magma pouring through my guts… but it still feels like someone using a blow torch on ‘em,” she muttered with a grimace, shuddering. The pain wasn't as bad, but it still felt like getting a Taser whilst swimming underwater.

“Gaki… it should have taken two or three years for the chakra network to form. Wouldn't have been anywhere near as painful… but who knows how life will fuck us over?” Zero muttered, his deep sapphire eyes on Alexis.

Edward walked over to the tank of churning sea water placing his metal hand on the outside of the tank. “I only lessened it for you for the time being. It’s going to take you a few days for your network to fully form.” He gave a shove and spun the tank cause the keys to collect in the center of the tank. “Alright.” Edward opened a spout on the side of the tank and the water and debris drained out reveal eighteen golden bronze shimmering keys. He snapped his fingers and the black metal boxes appeared. “These boxes are lined with black silver to shield the keys from outside magical influences. Stoer the untainted keys inside until you find a world you want to link to one. Pull the key out as you leave through your return portal and walk in it while holding the key and the void will imprint on the key. It's that simple.”

“I'm assuming that my other talents will be unaffected? Gah!” Alexis started before her eyes started burning intensely.

Celestia's eyes widened slightly, seeing with her Mage Sight, the magical channels melding with thin but growing pale bluish channels around Alexis’ eyes.

“Wait? You had talents to start with?” Edward deadpanned. “No, you’ll be fine.” He handed the boxes to Lucario and Shang. “You’ll have to do your fine-tuning in you home universes.” Edward then took a small glass bottle from his pocket containing a ball-shaped object handing it to Alexis. “This is for Zero or you should you need it. It’s a Rinnegan.”

Alexis rubbed her temples, her eyes burning. Her vision seemed to shift randomly between its normal sight and blue outlines of everything. Her mother seemed to shift between herself and a golden flame in a physical form, whilst Edward shifted between himself and an odd shadowy form, his Semblance, she assumed. Her gaze slid shakily over, seeing her father and brothers in their demonic forms, yet everything else was still flickering in bluish outlines that were burning with light blue, grayish cyan and pale cyan flames.

Zero’s eyes narrowed, a ring of pale green shimmering through his dark sapphire eyes before they widened. “Son of a bitch… I have to wonder if Nightmare Moon, who supposedly created the body she was born from… realized that she had a dormant one,” he muttered, startled. Alexis’ eyes were flickering between the soft sapphire-amethyst and a pale, almost white lavender shade. It was very obviously… a Byakugan. The question, however, was one thing: was it deliberate, or unknowing?

“Strange… vision’s blurring… disorienting feeling,” Alexis muttered, her head pounding. She could feel the burning slowly spreading from her belly up to her chest and down to her thighs as well as a slight tingling in her fingertips.

“Looks like Kurama is trying to influence your chakra flow,” Edward’s eyes shifted. “Byakugan was the other divine eye. If you have it it means you won't have the Rinnegan unless you’re a direct descendant of the Otsutsuki Clan.”

“Other ‘divine eye’? That implies that this… Byakugan… also has an advanced form… though… we don't know anything about the human body that Nightmare created. Did she base it on a human they might have encountered? I suspect so, as you of all people would know how complex the human body is, to say nothing of the demonic body or an Alicorn body,” Alexis said dryly.

“All things, you’ll have to figure out for yourself Alexis,” Edward smiled. “Can’t give all the answers.”

Alexis snorted softly. “You sure you didn't take trolling lessons from Granny Faust?” she teased, rolling her eyes. Her hand flashed up, snagging the amulet that Shang flicked her as she winced, hearing his whisper in her head.

“ Your welcome to stop by anytime,” Edward smirked. “Both of you. Just a little heads up when you do.’

“Please, keep those jokes to yourself, dude,” Alexis quipped immediately, smirking. She knew he didn't intend it as a dirty joke, but she couldn't help but mess with him.

Dante laughed. “Burn!!” he yelled.

Princess Celestia giggled at the quick retort.

Vergil rolled his eyes, turning away and deliberately slapping Dante hard in the back of the head with Yamato’s sheath.

“You can make fun of me all you want but I meant what I said,” Edward pulled out two of the orichalcum keys they’d just finished making. “You two are welcome to come here anytime you wish. All I ask is a little heads up. Unless the situation is beyond your control of course.”

Alexis shrugged. "Call me when Applebloom and her friends start their training. I was serious about teaching them some evasion and takedown techniques. Maybe you can give me some of this chakra… training in return," she commented.

"I suspect that it may be my sisters the next time she comes here," Celestia commented thoughtfully.

“You’re all welcome, Celestia,” Edward smile tossing the Keys to Shang and Celestia. “Next time you come might be a little more hectic, though. Luna is due to have the babies any day now.” He looked upwards to the direction of Canterlot. “I’m really looking forward to my kids coming in to the world. We decided to call them our Twin Stars.”

"What, you're going to name one Sirius? Or Pollux and Castor?" Alexis quipped.

“No, you’ll know next time you see me,” Edward deadpanned. “Luna would kill me if I told anyone outside our immediate family.”

"As long as you don't name them Sirius A and Sirius B, I doubt it'd be a problem, bub," Alexis deadpanned.

"I don't get it. What's that supposed to be a reference to?" Princess Celestia said with an edge of confusion.

"It's a reference to what humans on Earth refer to as the "Dog Star", a star called 'Sirius' that sometimes was seen during the hottest days of the summer hence their nickname as the 'dog days of summer'. The star 'Sirius' is, in fact, known as a binary star system," Vergil said dryly.

“Why the hell would we name our kids after the Dog Star from another reality?” Edward crossed his arms. “I’m not an asshole in that regard. My children mean everything to me. They always have. Unlike a certain someone.” He poked Vergil in the chest.

"Especially when you named your kid after a Roman Emperor, though trying to figure out his mind is like trying to get any Celestia to admit that they're cake addicts," Alexis huffed, wincing.

Celestia opened her mouth, yet surprisingly remained quiet.

“Got that right. Even Luna has her little addictions,” Edward smiled. “Is there anything else you can think you might need? How about we go back to the Time Chamber to allow Alexis to finish growing her chakra network?”

"Just one little thing," Alexis gritted her teeth and focused as she muttered. From the sudden gasp as she looked up at Vergil's startled face as she straightened in front of the Devil, she suspected she'd succeeded in her goal.

Celestial gasped as Alexis vanished from her sight, though she noticed the barest flicker of something from ripples flickering on the surface of the water below a trio of times before she spotted Alexis before the blue-cloaked, she presumed, eldest brother, unaware of the Shunshin no Jutsu. "What…?" she stuttered in confusion before she heard a dull crunching thud before seeing Vergil dropped to the ground.

Sparda laughed as his youngest child kicked his eldest son squarely in the balls. Regardless of species, that was a very painful reminder.

"And every time I think you're even considering the idea of taking advantage of family, I'll be happy to repeat the same 'lesson', got it, Verg?" Alexis said softly. Dante, she noticed, was grinning like a madman, whilst her father was smirking.

"You really shouldn't have done that while your network wasn't fully formed," Edward shook his head disappointment in Alexis' actions. "Now, you'll be in four times the pain your were in before." Edward raised his hand and the group was back in the time chamber.

Alexis grimaced. "Worth it… hurts like hell… but pain lets us know we're alive," she managed to get out through gritted teeth.

Vergil grimaced as he was fairly certain that the young Devil Hybrid had cracked his pelvis with that kick. That said nothing about the impact to his pride, though knowing Mundus was most likely dead and his own darker aspect had been absorbed… before he paused, distracted.

"Think about it, Vergil. Urizen… is your darker aspect of yourself and most likely, is just as cunning as you. Call it a gut feeling, but I'm almost certain he's still out there. I don't know the details of the brawl between the two of you and Urizen.. but I had the strangest feeling it was too easy," Alexis said dryly.

"Urizen? Who is this?" Sparda said warily. He didn't know quite as much as he'd like, and obviously, he wasn't as strong as in his prime.

"Urizen is what Vergil's demon half called itself when he used the Yamato to separate his demon and human halves from one another" Edward explained. "It was partially to save himself from dying but also because he thought he'd get strong by ridding himself of his humanity."

"Which from what I can guess, screwed up as he damn near died as nothing more than a mere human. The only reason he managed to get back to his true self was staying close to Nero and by extension, Dante. Even then, it wasn't your brother kicking your ass like usual… Nah… your own baby boy whipped your ass like buttah," Alexis drawled as she purposely put a Southern drawl into her voice near the end. "Hopefully, in your old age, you have enough brain cells left to realize the one thing we still have is our family," she said with a smirk, ignoring Dante's cackling laughter. "Though I do wonder one thing," she commented, tapping her chin.

"W-what?" Vergil muttered.

"Was Dante dropped on his head as a kid? Yeah, he's smart in combat tactics… but almost everything else? He's a moron," Alexis deadpanned.

Sparda blinked in mild surprise to hear low laughter coming from the eldest of his children.

“If I wasn’t as old as I am and didn’t have a stranger family, I’d call you all nuts,” Edward deadpanned.

"Hey, being sane/normal is boring as hell," Dante and Alexis deadpanned in almost creepy unison.

“Nahaha!” Edward burst out laughing while grabbing his sides. “Did any of you ever once hear me say I was bored with this life. Yes, there are times where it’s very peaceful but I do like it,” He raised his palms into the air. “But I chose this life over returning to my human one. I do sometimes wish I could see my middle brother. He and I were very close but we were only born two years apart. My younger brother and I were close but we weren’t exactly friends just siblings.”

“How do you know he wasn’t Displaced?” Alexis deadpanned, a small smirk crossing her face. It was possible, though the real question is what form he would have taken and how long he might have lived.

“I don’t,” Edward shrugged. “When I gave up returning home I got the info from the Gate of Truth that only eight or nine years had past on my Earth since my departure. He was also the only one who didn’t think I was dead.” He walked over to a nearby chair and sat down. Edward pulled out his flask. “He was a professional stunt double and semi-pro prop and costume maker. Dude broke more bones and had more scars than anybody could count,” He took a swig on the flask. “Not even I could talk him out of the lifestyle. He loved it. We would go to Cons whenever his work brought him near my place. Opportunity knocking mostly. To think he’s a Displaced isn’t to far off a theory.”

"Sounds like me. I was heavy into the freerunning and Parkour scene myself. Doing physical stunts wouldn't have been far from my scene. I might have known him," Alexis deadpanned.

“I was always good with my mechanical and building, he was always good with body, and our youngest brother was extremely smart,” Edward took a swig of his flask. “Hope they’re doing well. I hope they’ll be able to meet their niece and nephew one day.” He looked around the room. “Hoo, getting a little depressed there.”

Celestia blinked, noticing Alexis focused on something. She couldn’t quite tell what it was, however.

“Hmmmm. Perhaps there’s a way to modify the magic channels so one could use those prosthetic wings….” Alexis murmured, thinking to herself as she tilted her hand, forming a holographic form of the schematics before manipulating it as she layered the feathers, half overlapping them beneath and above, concealing hidden thrusters within the ‘ribs’ of the wings that would give stability and acceleration, yet react almost identically to natural Pegasus wings. The vanes of the feathers were finely tri-woven threads barely thicker than human hairs that would allow them to let the wind through while giving steady acceleration. She added a gyro stabilizer to make stabilization far more responsive roughly a third of the length out from the base of the wings near the initial upward and outward curve. She blinked, feeling the odd, almost foggy trance lift. “Oh…. that felt eerie… it felt almost like a certain billionaire philanthropist tickling in the back of my mind,” she muttered wryly. She had never felt that odd sensation before, of that she was very certain.

"I think it's getting to be that time," Edward placed his flask back in his pocket and got up from his chair.

"What time?" Alexis said, confused. She could feel something in the back of her mind. It wasn't one of the BioMetals, but it was most definitely there.

"You tell me, Alexis," Edward leaned forward leaning on one of the chair's armrests.

Alexis blinked in confusion before she felt the pain surge throughout her body as she gritted her teeth, unintentionally biting the insides of her cheeks hard enough for the taste of blood to fill her mouth as it trickled from the corners of her mouth. "Ch-chakra... son of a bitch... that hurts…." she groaned, squeezing her eyes shut right as she dropped to her knees.

"Here, take this," Edward hands Alexis his flask. "It greatly help to dull your pain but be warned it pretty strong stuff."

"What alcohol is in that flask? I can smell it from over here," Celestia asked as she clasped her muzzle.

"It's three thousand year old Zap Apple Brandy from my private stock," Edward smicker wickedly.

Alexis grimaced as she could smell the alcohol as well. She took a cautious sip of the alcohol. It was sweet and slightly sour, with a slightly bittersweet aftertaste.

“It won’t totally stop the pain but dull to the point you be able to move around comfortably,” Edward helped Alexis to a nearby chair. “Hold on to the flask for the time being and take hits whenever you feel like you’ll need it, but be careful cause that stuff will knock you on your ass in no time flat.” He turned to the others. “What shall we do while we wait on her chakra network to finish forming? There’s no way you can cross dimensions right now anyways.”

"I've heard about her assumption about those games, and she is correct, as they are a… biography of sorts. Though I have to wonder how you managed to bring our father back," Vergil said dryly.

"Pretty sure I have an idea for that, but if I'm wrong, I'd just look stupider than Dante's five-o-clock shadow," Alexis muttered. It wasn't a well-developed idea, but it was a gut feeling.

“I used the same methods I used when my niece and I had to make a body for my youngest nieces.” Edward explained. “Your father soul was still bound to the living plane of existence. All I did was clone a body and then tie his soul to it.” Edward sat back down. “No matter what people say you can’t full revive the dead. Parts of the soul will continue to be missing once they’ve passed into the Realm of the Dead. This is true even if you use the revival jutsu of the Six Paths too but it’s different when they stay here either as ghosts or as souls possessing or tied to a certain object, as your father did.”

"I tied myself to the blade nobody knew about," Sparda said quietly, his gaze flicking to Alexis.

“So, since his soul never left the living plane I was able to use Seith Magic to undo his bond to Alexis’ blade and then place it in and tie it to the cloned body,” Edward explained. “I used the chromosomes in Alexis blood as a basis for Sparda's clone body. Of course, I altered the body with a few tidbits of other demon DNA to fill in the gaps, so it’s not an exact clone of his original body. This also means he won’t age rapidly as if his body were perfect replicated.”

"At least we don't have to deal with the idea of our father becoming our mother," Vergil grumbled.

"Sometimes I can't tell which is the stupid brother," Alexis muttered, rolling her eyes. She saw their father slap Vergil in the back of the head hard enough to bounce it off the table before them.

Celestia chuckled. "Sometimes it can be quite annoying to have siblings, but I wouldn't give them up for anything, no matter how much they drive me crazy," she commented.

"I hear ya on that," Edward raised his hand in agreement. " But I imagine all of you are ready to head back home?"

"I would prefer not to give the self-proclaimed 'Nobility' nor my idiot distant nephew a chance to screw up anything," Celestia commented as she sighed.

Alexis rolled her eyes. "No offense, but calling Blueballs an idiot is giving him far too much credit. Those troublemaking fillies… what'd they call themselves? The Cutie Mark Crusaders? Are smarter than him on their most foolish days," she said sarcastically.

Dante snickered as he leaned back in his seat before he tumbled backwards.

"What did you think was going to happen?" Sparda deadpanned with a roll of his eyes, watching his son. He noted that Vergil looked utterly bored.

"Honestly, you should keep a pretty close eye on ole Bluey," Edward remarked dryly. "If he's a pompous ass then scare him shitless. If he's a schemer then watch your back. If he's like my nephew and wants to prove he's stronger than you just fight him and win."

"He's a little bit of the first and second, unfortunately," Celestia sighed.

"Oh, I have a few ideas for scaring the shit out of that annoyance," Alexis muttered.

“He sounds a lot like my nephew before Tia forced him to take training under me,” Edward rolled his eyes as he got up from his chair. “Just be wary of assassins.”

Celestia smirked. “Oh, whilst I’m sure he has the connections for that, he lacks the subtlety… though he loves to think himself subtle. He’s much like a sledgehammer when a chisel could do the job just as well,” she remarked with a small smirk.

“I think that you ought to put him in training with me and Magma for a few weeks… see how long he actually lasts before he starts whining. Probably wouldn’t last five minutes,” Alexis quipped, smirking as she cracked her knuckles as she kept her breathing very tightly controlled as she had the focus to not quite block out the pain, but more… compartmentalize it. That made it to where an empathic assassin could get hit by her pain and be completely overwhelmed by it.

“Nah, Blue didn’t even last five seconds before her called out for both Tia and Luna,” Edward chuckled but then he turned serious. “Not to sound like a total jackass, Celestia, but peace has made the ponies under you complacent and weak. A single guard is no better than a civilian holding a butter knife to a fly The only one around here that was worth any of my time was Shining Armor. He was as strong as I was around two thousand years ago, Put my ass through the ringer during our match and he would’ve won if he hadn’t passed out from exhaustion first, this is also when I first woke up.”

Celestial glanced at Alexis, who smirked. "I wouldn't say that. Yes, I will agree that Guard Training had grown rather complacent. However, Alexis and her… friends… made certain that was fixed quite quickly. Magma Dragoon has only… forged them stronger.”

“Strong enough to fight at least five fully armored and heavily armored Minos Battions,” Edward got up from his seat and walked over to Celestia. “Let me show you what I faced over twenty-five hundred years ago after I created the first ever Sage’s Stone. Telepathy: Projection,” He put his hand in front of Celestia’s face in the next second Edward’s memories of the last battle of the Minos War filled her mind. A day of nothing but one lone man taking on an army of Minotaurs.

Edward stepped back as the solar princess collapsed on the floor trying to catch her breath. “How… did you... win... that… battle?” Celestia huffed as she tried to get to her feet but to no avail. “To think… you were… that strong… over two thousand... years ago… and now you’re saying… that your Shining Armour is… that strong now.”

“Not is but was, Princess,” Edward some a glass of water and help her drink. “Shining was as strong as me back then. I lingered in a stone tomb for two thousand years. If I hadn't trained with Luna the night before I wouldn’t have been a match for him when we fought,” Edward returned to his chair. “He’s stronger now and Blueblood is almost as strong as he is. The Elements of Harmony are all at the same level of power as Shining. Spike and Polearm are probably even stronger than Shining. And this is all without the assistance of magic.” Edward explained with a dry look on his face. “Then you have the eighteen elite guards of unicorns, pegasi, thestrals, and earth ponies that I trained to protect and perform special assignments for Luna, Tia, and Cadence. Their just under Blue’s level.”

Everyone merely stared at the alchemist in amazement. To think he’d create an entire regiment of pony as powerful as he used to be.

"Heh, sounds like a fun fight," Dante commented with a smirk.

“You’re an idiot,” both Vergil and Alexis muttered simultaneously as Alexis went to help her aunt to her hooves.

“Spilling the blood of innocents that were only following orders of their tyrant king because of a solely strength based system sounds like fun to you boy!” Edward roared in anger as he got up from his chair sending it flying into the wall just from getting up from his seat. “Minos hierarchy is based off how much physical power you possess. If you can’t back up your tight then you have no right to sit on the throne. The king I fought was no minor minos either. I easily twice or three times the size of normal minos and he had the brains to back up his strength too,” He walked over to the hybrid.while exuding waves of murderous intent. The alchemist was near his boiling point. “You enjoy fight some much. Do you want to test yourself against me?” Edward raised his right hand as it took on it’s true twist demonic form with all of its eyes on Vergil.

“I’m pretty sure he meant that it would be more fun to subdue them without killing them,” Alexis said dryly.

Vergil snorted. “I don’t find killing innocents amusing in the least. In fact, it shows how weak one is to kill someone that hasn’t done anything to you. Though, when one has no choice, it is not something I would relish at all… nor would Dante. We prefer killing demons to killing innocents… even the intimidated, someone stupid innocents,” he said dryly, nonplussed by Edward’s anger.

Sparda rolled his eyes. He didn’t know much of how his sons had grown up after he’d been forced to separate from them.

“Don’t piss me off anymore or you’ll find,” Edward scowled at Vergil. “How terrifying I really am,” His arm reverted back yo normal as he walked into the kitchen, “Where the hell is that wine Pole made?” Edward rummage through the fridge. “Here it is,” He pulled out a blue long neck bottle. He took out a few glasses and pour a clearish sparkling blue liquid from the bottle into them. “Join my in a drink before your send off my friends.”

Celestia looked thoughtful whilst Sparda looked mildly interested. The twin brothers shrugged, looking a bit bored. Alexis smirked a bit, though.

“Trust me. This drink is one only found here,” Edward poured some more glasses. “Is anyone going to join me or are you all going to just stare into space?” He clapped his hands trying everyones’ attention to him, “Care to enlighten me on what you’re all thinking?” He looked and everyone was still distant. “Alright,” I Edward snapped his fingers and buckets of water appeared of the everyones’ heads and came crashing down.

“What the hell?” Alexis scowled at the alchemist.

“Had to get you attention somehow,” Edward deadpanned.

Alexis rolled her eyes before snickering at her aunt's pouting countenance. "Did you deliberately make that water freezing cold?" she quipped.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Edward downed some of his drink. “You guys were being so quiet it was starting to creep me out. I don’t like quiet.” He looked at his reflection in the drink. “Reminds of my days in the caves under the mountains in the Frozen North.”

"Sounds like a rather cold situation. I assume you know about the Crystal Palace and its former king," Celestia commented. She noticed the look Sparda gave her as well as the curious stare her niece shot her. She was referring to the Crystal Empire, of course, and its former tyrant king, Sombra.

Alexis rolled her eyes. "I gotta hear that story at some point," she muttered through gritted teeth as the pain was starting to get stronger again.

Sparda tilted his head.

“Nawhhaha….” Edward laughed as he down another drink. “Yes, I know of the Crystal Empire,” He opened his gate and reached in and pulled out a massive crystal claymore with a magic nullifying effect. “But Sombra wasn’t even born at the time I knew it. Beside,” Edward looked at his sword. The sword that pretty much changed his life. “I was entombed at the time of his reign. I hadn’t I could’ve…” He trailed off before slammed his fist on the counter cracking it. “Saved Princess Amore.”

Alexis cocked her head, thinking. “If you have shards of her, then it could be possible to draw the other shards together… then simply free her,” she said softly, thinking aloud. She saw her aunt glance her way with a clearly startled look. “I do my research just like Twilight, you know that. I just tend to read between the lines a little more,” she said with a small smirk, taking a pull of the stronger alcohol within the flask.

“You’re talking about the Spirit Calling Technique… pretty difficult, if she’s shattered, which would likely mean her consciousness was shattered as well,” Sparda remarked.

“Her consciousness, perhaps, but the magic within her soul, her essence… might not be,” Celestia said softly, thinking. Depending on how many shards she might have been shattered into would depend on how many shards they would need to summon the rest. Regardless, it wouldn’t be easy.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Vergil grumbled.

“It’s not something we can do at this time,” Edward placed his hand on the counter and red electricity surged over the damage he’d caused instantly repairing it. “Some of Amore’s core shards are in the Crystal Empire in Sombra treasury. The bastard knew she wouldn’t die even if she was shattered and it’s still missing do to the Empire’s vanishing from Sombra’s.” Edward walled passe Dante, who moved back our of the alchemist’s way. He sat down on the steps leading to the outer area of the chamber. “When I get my hands on that bastard I’m going to pull him through the Gate of Truth and make sure he knows pain.” He scowled at the landscape. “The Spirit Calling is when one summons the pieces of a being's body to one spot and then reassembles them into a singular form. But it only works if all of said being’s pieces are all in the same plane of existence.”

Alexis’ eyes narrowed, swirling with pale silvery blue flames as her pyrokinetic magic mingled with her new chakra. “I’m tempted to go Undertaker on his ass,” she muttered, taking a slow breath as she let her grip loosen where it had clenched on the arm of her chair, not noticing that there was a clear indent of her fingers in the metal that steamed slightly.

“Heh, that would be funny,” Dante smirked.

Celestia rolled her eyes though she had the feeling that sort of incident would be rather amusing. ‘Perhaps I may be able to use this…. Undertaker… idea… to intimidate Blueblood. His overconfidence and borderline egocentric nature does need humbling as I have noticed as of recently that his actions seem almost race-centric, thinking Unicorns are the strongest of the races, though in truth all the races are g
symbiotic to some extent, not that anypony would outright admit it,’ she mused thoughtfully.
“If you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking you need an image of him,” Edward came by and set down next to Celestia. He held up his hand with a small holographic image over it.

“Know that using fear always comes with a cost Celestia,” Edward warned the princess.

Alexis was quiet, thinking. "Does the last name of 'Ferris' mean anything to you, old man?" she said softly. She wasn't quite sure why that came to mind, though the sharp gaze Edward shot her gave her a clue.

"I would lean more towards the intimidation factor, rather than the fear factor. I know that fear is, in its own way, a drug, especially when one enjoys creating it in others," Celestia murmured.

Edward lightly placed his hand on Celestia’s neck. “As long as you don’t use it too much. Intimidation leads to fear, anger and jealousy which will quickly lead those you’ve used it on down a darker path than you can imagine,” he whispered back as he pulled out a small silver lover from under his shirt. Edward opened it to reveal a small painted portrait of them in the wedding attire. “Everyday we went to have this done, she glowed as if it were her first time wearing it,” He smiled softly. “When you get your sisters back… embrace them.” He got up from his seat placing the locket back under his shirt and moved back into his chair. “Now, Alexis. How and what do you know of the name ‘Ferris’?”

“I intend to,” Celestia commented. She glanced at her neice, though admittedly, she could very easily see her as a daughter as well.

“With Twilight’s help, we created a specialized spell… it works much like that of a subspace pocket that anime characters could pull random shit out of… but I usually store any Tokens I come across, and one… was unusual. It was found by Zecora, yet… when I acquired it… I got a sense that this…. Asta… was searching for someone when he sent out his Token. A very particular someone,” Alexis said as her hand rose, an arcane glyph forming in the air before her.

Sparda’s eyebrows rose in interest, noticing the mildly surprised look on Celestia’s face as his daughter’s hand entered the glyph, which rippled with pulsations of pale silvery moonlight like water. She pulled out a Token, a black headband, which had a gold-colored Black Bull insignia and had a red-colored four-sided star with three stitches on the back of it. She tossed it lightly towards Edward, dismissing the complex Glyph as she did so. Looking closely, however, the Glyph seemed to dissolve into her gloved hand where it was, in truth, emblazoned upon the underside of her right wrist. He noticed her gagging as she paused, grimacing.

Alexis felt a strong burning in her throat, which made her gag as she dismissed the Subspace Glyph. She wasn’t sure where it came from, however. She cleared her throat, spitting out a bit of bloody saliva, unaware that just behind her tonsils, a pair of small nozzles more commonly found in the mouths of dragons for igniting their fire breath had formed close to the top of her upper throat.

"Next time you sneeze do it outside, please," Edward looked at the head band. It had a familiar fell but he could tell from where. It was as if there was a longing on the token. He heard the creed.

'I am the Anti-Magic Swordsman Asta, should you need aid call my name'

"This guy has only been a Displaced for a little while," Edward placed the headband in his pocket. "He might be summoned next time. Now, why don't we start setting you guys up to go home."

Dante blinked. “You’re implying that however we ended up here due to her…” he said dryly, flicking a thumb at Alexis, who took a sip of the sparkling blue drink.

“It was one way… to here, not from here, idjit,” Alexis muttered, growling the last word gruffly. She did notice that her aunt chuckled in reaction.

“Pretty sure all those demons hurting the idiot must have left him with brain damage,” Vergil muttered.

“You don’t seem to realize why we made those keys, numbnuts,” Edward flicked Dante in the head as he got up and walked by him. “How do you think she got back home without me ending the contract. Besides, there are more ways to travel the Void other than the Yamato. Like Alexis' sword or my Eyes.” Edward’s eyes shifted to a golden ripple pattern with but with the Ouroboros symbol of the ultimate for the pupils.

“Is that how you found our home,” Celestia gasped in shock at the Alchemist.

“Yes it is,” Edward smirked. “I can free travel the void but it takes a lot more to find a specific world. It was much easier to find yours because I had Alexis here.”

"I'm pretty sure the only ways to get him to pay attention would be to offer him pizza or have Trish nearby so he actually tries to pay attention with his short attention span that doesn't focus on killing demonkyn," Alexis deadpanned dryly, her hand rising to the hilt of the Aevitèrnus unconsciously. She swore the sword purred at the contact, though she suspected that any Devil Arm, to some extent, was sentient, as they were made from demonic souls. Her eyes narrowed, realizing that she hadn't mentioned a particular incident to Dante which, if she was right about Nero, Dante would likely show little surprise at. "Dante," she said bluntly, knowing that she got his attention when he paused, his gaze darting to her before his eyes narrowed, hardening slightly.

"What is it?" Dante said in a cool, controlled tone.

"You know of a demonic armor known as the Artemis," she said dryly. From the lack of any surprise on his face, it confirmed her suspicion. "In that training 'course' Eddie made… I encountered it," she said, noting that Vergil leaned forward slightly, listening closely. "It seemed to favor ranged combat, though the feathers of its wings were sharp enough to make a Stymphalian Bird jealous. Too bad it was just as vulnerable to its own feathers as I was. Got a couple as souvenirs, too, though they're a bit stained," she said dryly.

Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Stained?" she said with a hint of suspicion. Her eyes widened fractionally as Alexis pulled out a pair of dark grayish black metal feathers she gauged to be at least two or three inches wide and a bit under two feet in length. Roughly a third of the feathers' length was stained a dull crimson. Her Mage Sight, however, picked up that the blood flickered with a deep bluish purple aura, obviously, Alexis' own, with hints of dark indigo and onyx before the aura shifted to a baleful dark lavender. Her eyes narrow on her niece, letting her know that this would not be the last time they spoke of this.

“She’s going to be a powerful one Celestia, even among the Displaced,” Edward walked over to the Solar Princess. “Demon-alicorn hybrids usually destroy themselves due to the conflicting magic as you know but thanks to the human in her she’s in no danger of it.” Edward looked to the feathers. “Watch her when it comes to those Demon arms. The more she gets the more Demonic power she’ll gain and the more likely she is to lose her humanity and alicorn powers.”

"I have encountered a couple of unicorn-demon hybrids… and their clashing magical powers…. tore them apart from the inside… in a very messy fashion," Celestia admitted. She had never even heard of an Alicorn-Demon hybrid, though she had suspected they existed.

Alexis' eyes narrowed. "You've encountered others like me?" she said with an edge of annoyance. That made her wary. "Unlike my brothers, I have no intention of relying heavily on Devil Arms. And I would rather rely on skill with the ones I possess rather than be like Dante… a jack of all trades, yet a master of none, or like you, Vergil, overspecializing in a single one that could well leave you vulnerable in other ways," she said dryly, noticing Vergil's snicker.

Sparda snickered, amused. "Definitely her mothers' daughter. Blunt and ruthlessly honest, yet more than willing to put her family first and help innocent people," he murmured.

“You’ll make a fine hero someday Alexis,” Edward nodded. “Perhaps you can teach that nephew a thing to do so he won’t end up like his father or uncle. He seems pretty close to it though?” He deadpanned as he rolled his eyes.

"Oh, if the most recent 'game' was anything to go by… he's more like me… considering he bitchslapped the taste out of Dante's big mouth like I did Vergil," Alexis deadpanned. "What was it you said, Dante? That bitchslap nearly killed me, if I remember correctly?" she said with amusement. "Not to mention he was able to hold his own with Mister Overcompensation over there," she deadpanned, flicking a thumb at Vergil as Dante laughed.

Sparda noticed Alexis' eyes narrowed. "And if my instincts about Urizen are right, then we'd better damn well hope he doesn't find his way to our new home," she finished. That was a troubling thought. He did recall her words and the idea of a demon with even half the power of the Qliphoth Fruit was a bit frightening, but if her instincts were right, and Urizen had retained as much as 80 or more percent of that power it might well take all of them to defeat him permanently.

“Urizen is still out there your world somewhere and it’s going to your entire family to deal with,” Edward remarked. “I can help you out when that happens if you want or I can provide you with the means to take care of the bastard yourselves. I can give you all Sage Stones but I will be placing seals on them so you can only use them to boost your powers when you absolutely have to.”

“Can’t hurt. Any sort of power boost can help,” Sparda deadpanned, noticing Vergil rolling his eyes in what he was almost certain was disdain.

“Hey, Mister ‘Alpha and Omega’, unless you want to get your ass kicked by your own darker half, I’d take the offer. The fact that not only Dante kicked your ass, but Nero too should tell you that something ain’t quite right here. If Urizen is out there… he’s just as cunning as you… if not more cunning. Better to have a Joker in the deck to pull out of our ass at the time when he ain’t expecting it,” Alexis said dryly, grimacing as she shivered as she could feel the dulled burning and aching spreading through her body. “Strange, either my body’s adjusting to this liquor… or the pain is going to get a hell of a lot worse,” she mused, wincing as her eyes drifted half lidded and dulling as she focused, pushing past the pain before she blinked, finding herself in a broad cavern with a rather bored looking gigantic Kitsune. She cocked her head, noticing the bars reminded her of one of the cells in Goro’s Lair, but of some silvery metal she didn’t recognize. “So you’re Kurama… the Kyubi no Kitsune… damn. You’re intimidating yet… fluffy,” she giggled. She noticed Kurama opening one eye to stare at her. “So you’re the gaki I’m stuck with. Seems that the Uzumaki Bloodline is still strong…. Though combined with… him… you will become someone to be feared and respected. Now kindly fuck off,” he grumbled before exhaling as she found herself blinking rapidly as she inhaled sharply, thrown from her subconscious mindscape. “Uzumaki Bloodline?” she muttered, confused. That lent strong credence to her assumption that her mothers had created the body from someone they’d encountered on Earth, though she suspected it wasn’t quite that simple.

“He’s referring to Zero’s Bloodline mainly but it seems that your earlier theory that you mothers created a body based off someone from your earth is very true,” Edward popped up startling Alexis. “Don’t look so shocked Alexis. I can be here thanks to my Rinnegan. Hello Kurama,”The Fox was even more shocked at the sight of the Alchemist. “It looks like you’re missing your Yin.”

“Missing his Yin?” Alexis looks at the fox curiously. She understood the concept of Yin and Yang but never knew it was possible for someone, in this case something, to be missing their Yin.

“See if he had his Yin he’d be twice the size he is now,” Edward pointed out. “Back to your mothers and your theory. The person they used as a based for their body seem to be of Uzumaki decent. Which in turn means you’re part of the Uzumaki clan, the clan that seals away the tailed beasts within their own bodies. The pain you’re about to feel is going to be Kurama’s Chakra flooding your body. I’ll see you out in the real world.” He vanished into thin air.

“Or it’s also possible… that I may be, through whatever human side is left in me… related to the Uzumaki Clan as well… not just through Zero… who seems to be an alternate version of Uzumaki Naruto,” she muttered, thinking aloud as Kurama smirked before he saw the girl’s eyes widen as his chakra surged forth, rushing into her body.

Celestia’s eyes widened slightly as a deep crimson aura exploded around her niece as she saw Edward backing away. She saw the flagon of alcohol bouncing away from Alexis’ semi-limp fingers as the chair she’d been sitting in dissolved in the acidic aura as she saw awareness surge into her niece's eyes as she gritted her teeth. She noticed, through the aura, the fingertips of the armored bodysuit forming almost instantaneously, sharp claws tipping the fingers. She noticed the feet of the bodysuit was also molded to her toes and contours of her feet, making her look barefoot, though her toes were tipped in shorter, but no less sharp claws. She also noticed that the tips of Alexis’ ears became pointed slightly as she saw Vergil, Sparda, and Dante all tense, grabbing the hilts of their weapons, though Sparda seemed unsurprised at the revelation. She suspected that potentially one, if not both, of her sisters had mentioned their ancestry.

“Don’t bother with those,” Edward clapped his hands interlocking his fingers. “Wood Style,” Suddenly several wooden pillars with fox head and spikes on them sprang from the floor and surrounded him and Alexis. “I’m the only one here that can use the techniques needed to keep her in check if she goes out of control, let alone touch the chakra surrounding her body without being completely poisoned by it. There is one more here that can help though,” Edward then pulled and Oni mask from the bag at his side and placed it on his face then wove more hand signs as ghostly oni figure appeared behind him. “Zero get out here I might need your help with this!” The malevolent chakra started to swell.

"Not quite, Edward-san… as she's absorbing Kurama from me…. but then there's only one way that could be possible," Zero remarked as he materialized, his hand plunging harmlessly through the demonic chakra.

Celestial noticed immediately that Zero, rather than the cybernetic armor he tended to wear, wore an armored dark red and crimson yukata. She was very intrigued by the particular choice of words the swordsman used. "What way is that?" she said warily.

"Blood," Sparda barked. He saw Celestia shoot him a look. "It makes sense… especially if you consider the likelihood that her 'human' mother could have willingly given over her body to your sisters. You're saying that she's most likely a direct descendant, correct?" the Dark Knight deadpanned.

Zero, or as he'd once been known, Wōxuán Uzumaki, smirked. "Very likely, with around a 94.7 percent potential," he stated dryly.

The ghostly Oni raised it right hand above its head allowing its prayer beads to wrap around its arm as japanese writing appeared on the appariaton’s arm. “The Shinigami is ready,” Edward said in a muffled tone. “Particle Style:Body Fission.” Edward then split into to Edwards. One with the oni mask and the other without. “I can now unseal the Yin half of Kurama.” One Ed muffled out. “And then reseal it into Alexis.” the other said.

Zero nodded fractionally, as in his human life, then followed by his life as a Maverick Hunter, he’d rarely had to contact Kurama’s Yin half within him as he’d never regained what Zetsu had stolen from him. Or more precisely, an unforeseen side effect of the surgeries that had saved his life had also made it near impossible to reach his mindscape where Kurama resided nor had the old Kitsune tried to contact him. “Seems you too, on some level, are related to the Uzumaki, as only a true Uzumaki would be able to use that thing without being harmed by it,” he remarked. He knew that was the only way Orochimaru had been able to free his father’s soul from the Shinigami, but even then the rogue Sanin had all but performed seppuku on himself to do it.

“HeHeHe… Never said I was an Uzumaki,” The masked Edward chuckled as the Shinigami then dug its knife into its stomach and tore its own stomach open. Meanwhile, the same action occurred on the masked Edward at the same time. Suddenly,a red soul burst from the shinigami's wound as the masked Edward fill to the ground, red electricity sparking on his wound as it closed itself. “Reaper Death Seal,” The unmasked Edward yelled. The other Shinigami thrust its hand threw him and grabbed onto the Yang Fox’s soul and then it ran through Zero grabbing onto the Yin Fox’s soul as it then sealed both half inside of Alexis along with a piece of Edward’s chakra as the two souls merged back together. Then the Eight Trigrams Seal appeared on Alexis stomach. The unmasked Edward fill to the ground and then merged with the other masked Edward. The now single Ed sat up and pulled of the Shinigami’s mask. “Man I have got to stop dying for people other than my family,” he looked down as his wound was now healed and the Eight Trigram Seal on his own stomach was in place. “And now I have my own tailed beast from that piece I had to keep in order to merge the fox back together. You two alright.” He got up and walked over to Alexis and Zero.

Zero grunted as he stood, small arcs of electricity flickering over his body. "Just peachy… ugh… not much of my body survived that… incident… but it made my chakra denser, almost like a thick liquid. Fuels my cybernetic body well enough and my chakra core did survive," he said dryly. He blinked as Kurama's deep crimson chakra condensed before his eyes widened slightly as he saw what formed beneath the kneeling Alexis' hand before her trembling fingers curled around the hilt.

Sparda blinked, as he noticed that roughly two-thirds of the Kitsune demon's power was sealed within the blade. He noted the cyber ninja seemed quite startled as if he'd seen the blade before.

“Ya just keep rackin' up those weapons. aye girl,” Edward walked over to a nearby chair and plopped down. He snapped his fingers and a bottle from the kitchen appeared in his hand. “Man you’ve got a hard road ahead of ya, kid.”

"Makes me wonder what lies ahead that I would need this, Lucifer, and Aevitèrnus. And I'd wager that I could come up with tactics with Lucifer that you never even considered, Dante," Alexis quipped with a smirk.

"What's life if it's easy? The bumpier the road, the more fun it is," Dante said with a lazy shrug.

"There are those who like peaceful life," Edward tossed Dante the bottle he'd been hold. "But there is still merit to your statement."

Dante caught the bottle with a chuckle. "To me, peace is rather dull," he said wryly.

"Only…. because… you….. can't…. fleece… somepony… for... money, idjit," Alexis muttered with short, panting breaths. It felt like someone was bathing her in hot salt water.

“Alexis, do ya want me to siphon some of Kurama's Chakra off of you?” Edward looked at his friend in concern. “Maybe it’ll take some of the edge off?”

"N-nah… I think he's protecting me from the worst of it… it feels like bathing in a hot tub of very, very salty water… like about half as salty as the Dead Sea," she panted.

"Remind me to take you to the spa sometime… all the works," Celestia commented looking concerned. She did notice some pale bluish teal flickering through the crimson and becoming more prominent every few seconds, though. It made her think of the embers of fireworks, really.

“Pretty but those flames are even deadlier than normal fire,” Edward commented as he saw the look in Celestia’s eyes.

"Anyone can be deadly with the right stimuli. And unlike most, I'm guessing, Displaced, I didn't lose the memory of who I was. My true name isn't 'Shang Tsung', though the old man did approve me using his identity. And yes, I'm well aware that names hold power. What few know is that the stories of those who have the 'gedwëy ignasia' are correct in that the very soul itself has an identity, though I have little doubt that there is an Equus out there that has such a group, potentially more than one," Shang deadpanned.

Celestial rolled her eyes. "Beauty does have its own dangers," she deadpanned dryly.

"Never told you, did I, Shang?" Edward teased at the wizard as he cocked an eyebrow at the alchemist. "I retained the entirety of who I was when I was sent here." he chuckled. "Alexis, how are you feeling? Well enough to travel?"

Shang hummed. "I'm assuming that is uncommon," the Displaced sorcerer muttered.

Alexis exhaled softly as she stood a bit shakily. "I guess… though I'm pretty sure that my body creating this… chakra network… is setting my metabolism into overdrive," she said slowly and carefully. Almost as she spoke, her stomach grumbled rather loudly and, from her brothers' incredulous and surprised reactions, very audibly.

Celestia laughed softly as Sparda snickered. "Now that, I remember, as she had quite an appetite as well. Shin'ya Tsukino was the name your sisters chose," the Dark Knight remarked.

"The Midnight Moon," Zero muttered, instinctively translating it. "Though if their human body was descended from the Uzumaki Clan and by extension, Alexis', that would partially explain the appetite and metabolism," he muttered. A genetic scan, however, would make very certain of that.

"If ya wanted food all ya had to do was ask," Edward walked into the kitchen. "Special request time."

Alexis cocked an eyebrow.

“What do does everyone want me to fix? Can’t stand here all day,” Edward deadpanned.

"Surprise us," Princess Celestia smirked.

Suddenly Edward looked up in pure shock. “Oh no, oh no, oh no.” Edward put his thumb in his mouth and bit down hard. He then turned to the group. “Sorry guys but we’ll have to do this some other time. Our business is done,” suddenly two Void portals open in the main area for the Displaced. “Good luck on your trips guys.”

Next Chapter: The Twin Stars Estimated time remaining: 26 Hours, 36 Minutes