This is a crossover with DisplacedWriter containing spoilers for his story Island of Dragons

Shy and I made our way into town. Nero had decided to fly into the Everfree for whatever reason, she’s still technically a wild animal. I just let her do whatever the hell she wants, which she seems to do anyway. Suddenly, she flew out of the forest with an orange glowing object of some kind in her beak. She landed on my shoulder and nudge me with her head.

“Alright,” I sighed rolling my eyes. “Let’s see what you got there,” I held my hand out and Nero dropped the gemstone into my palm. It’s orange, maybe closer to amber in color. It had the symbol that looked like a dragon in it.

“Hm. This is an odd thing. I sense a slight ki coming from it,” I hold the stone up to the light to get a better look at the symbol. It started to glow silvery, “The Hell.” Suddenly I grabbed my head as a surge of pain ran through my head. At that moment I heard a voice in the back of my head.

‘My name is Elwood, I extend my invitation across the void, seeking out those who are listening. I am trying to revive the old order of the dragon riders for Queen Sunfire, so I ask of you that if you are interested in getting your own dragon egg, please summon me. I’ll be testing to see if you’re worthy of my trust if you allow me to look through your mind.’

“Asta,” Fluttershy rushed to my side.

"Ow. Damn. That’s… ah … yea. I’m okay Shy,” I put the gemstone in my pocket. “Let’s keep heading into town.” We walked on. I bet this gemstone is one of those tokens that I can use to summon another Displaced. I’ll have to try it out later after I’ve tried my experiment out.

“Asta, what is that gem that Nero brought you?” Fluttershy looked at me with a bit of interest.

“Not really sure myself Shy but it appears to be what's called a token,” I explained. “You already understand I’m not from this world and I also explained how I came to be here and why my brother disappeared,” She nodded. “Well, one would also come to the conclusion that there are also any number of others out there in the multiverse like my brother and I. The Gambler explained that we make these things called ‘Tokens’ that allow us to summon each other and cross-over to other worlds.”

“Is that one of the tokens?” She points to my pocket.

“From what I understand, yea it is,” I crossed my arms.

Hoooo

“No, I don’t think I will,” My eyes moved over to Nero. “One experiment at a time my fine feathered friend. Right now we need to get to the library and meet up with everyone else.” I took the gem from my pocket and then pulled out my Grimoire opening it. “I think it’s best we summon the Displaced some other time. The princesses might not take it too kindly if we summon someone else and we don’t know what they're like.”

“Asta, what are you planning?” Shy looked at me squinting for a few minutes as we walked along. “You better not be planning on getting into another fight or trouble.” She crossed her arms with a suspicious tone in her voice.

“I’m not trying to get into a fight of any kind Fluttershy,” I sighed. “Look, the Gambler said I can give others their own Grimoires and I wanted to try it out. So, I thought I’d start with you girls and Spike.”

“Asta, why didn't you just tell us?” Shy said apologetically.

“Because I wanted to surprise you guys with them,” I gestured. “I thought about trying to give you guys a Grimoire as a thank you for being my friends and looking after me in the hospital. But, I don’t know if I can give Grimoires to ponies or if it’s only the Displaced I can give them too. So, I didn’t want to get everyone hopes up only to have them dashed to pieces at the thought they wouldn’t if this doesn’t work. I’m still not sure how to do it either.”

We didn’t talk much after I explained what I want to do. We merely walked along the path to Ponyville and enjoyed each other's company. I wanted to hold Fluttershy’s hand so bad but I was far too nervous to move my own let alone grab hers. In fact, I was so nervous I hadn't noticed how rigid my walking had become.

“Um… Asta, are you alright?” Shy stopped and leaned forward. “You seem to be nervous about this whole Grimoire business. Would you like to stop for a bit?”

I turned to face my girlfriend, albeit very machine-like. “NO... I MEAN... YES… I MEAN…” I yelled in broken words.

She grabbed my right hand and smiled as she tilted her head. “Deep breaths,” I did as she instructed. “Better?”

“Much,” I smirked. “Shy, can we keep holdings hands, at least till we’re in town?” I tried my best to look her in the eye but my vision kept darting around.

“Can we do it all the way to the library?” I looked at her and now she was looked down off to the side fidgeting her shoulders.

“YES!” I shout jumping in the air while she giggled at me.

We held each other's hand all the way to Twilight’s library.

We arrived at the Library right after every else. They saw Shy and I holding hands and could help but just ask about the details of this morning. Rarity wanted all the details so I told her. After we returned home I made breakfast Shy and myself. We talked about my family and then I went to sleep while checking on some of her other animal friends. Shy took over from that point telling them how she cuddled up next to me making her face turn a bit pink. I took over on the rest, on how I was in desperate need of a shower and how the blankets needed cleaning from my stink. I explained how I washed the blankets and took my shower before I felt my face start to heat up and began to stutter when I came to the point I flashed Shy. Rarity and Dash looked at each other with an evil look in their eyes and a snide smirk on their faces as they knew something good had gone down. Before they could ask Spike opened the door to the Library to see what the commotion was about.

“Oh, hey girls. Hey Asta,” he waved. “Come on in. Twi. the girls and Asta are here.” Spike shouted as he cuffed hands over his mouth before turning to us. “She’ll be up in a minute. She’s been busy analyzing Asta sword all morning since she got back.”

BOOOOMMMMMM!!!

Everyone was soon scrambling to get back on their feet.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” I yelled out as I quickly hopped up and rushed over to Fluttershy. “Everyone alright?”

“I’m okay,” Shy muttered as she grabs my hand.

“I believe so,” Rarity grabbed on to a table.

“Ah’m alright,” Applejack looked around.

“What the frick was that?” Rainbow dusted off her pants.

“That was fun. Can we do it again?” Pinkie hopped around the room.

“NO!” We yelled in unison.

Spike facepalmed. “She did it again.” He shook his head. “ Twi’s been working on analyzing Asta’s sword since yesterday. There’s been an explosion every four or five hours.”

The basement door flung open letting in a cloud of black smoke. Then in walked a blackened pony wearing a half black on the front and half white on the back lab coat with a pair of soot-covered goggles. Her hair was all poofy and frizzed up. We all hit the floor laughing.

“That sword is amazing,” Twilight spoke in an excited tone while puffs of smoke came out of her mouth. “No matter what magic is applied to it, it simply negates the effects and absorbs the magic power and converts it into anti-magic power.”

“Darling, I know you’re excited about the aspect of this but you should really go clean up and let me fix your hair.” Rarity interrupted. Twilight tilted her head before reaching up and feeling her hair.

“That can wait. I have more experiments too- mmmmhmhhmm.” Twilight started to say as Spike place a hand over her mouth.

“Best take her now Rarity,” I crossed my arms. “I need all of you here anyways Twilight. Did you all brought books like I asked?”

Rarity pulled Twilight into the bathroom and shut the door. We heard strange things but decided to ignore the commotion.

“Right here,” they all chimed.

“I’ll get out of the way and let you guys do your thing, “Spike started to walk before I picked him up by the collar. “Asta, what gives?”

“You’re part of this too bro?” I smiled as I set him back down. “Go get one of Twilight spare empties. And don’t tell me she doesn’t have any because I know she does.”

“Really,” He looked to me unsure.

“Go on Spike do as he says,” Shy urged the little dragon teen on. He ran off to Twilight's desk grabbed the first blank journal he could find and ran back to the main area. By the time he got back, Rarity and Twilight had rejoined us as well.

“Alright Asta, are you gonna tells why you had us brings these now?” Rainbow pointed at her book with a confused look.

“Rarity you wouldn’t happen to have a spare sewing kit with extra needles in it would you?” I asked the seamstress.

“Always darling,” She reached into her purse and pulled out the kit.

“Good. Now,” my gaze shifting to the librarian. “Twilight, I need you to bring out seven bottles of your best ink and seven quills.”

“Okay,” Twilight walked over to a nearby door opening it to pull out seven bottles of ink and quills then bringing them over to the main table. “Now what?”

“We need seven saucers and stirring sticks,” I said and Pinkie pulled them from her hair and set them on the table. “How?”

“Just felt like we may need these so I borrowed a few from the Cakes,” Pinkie giggled.

‘She is seriously scary at times. Wait how’d she keep those in her hair?’

I picked up the sewing kit took out seven needles, saucer, stirrers, quills, and ink bottles and distributed them in a circle around the table then turned to Spike and the girls. “All of you, please take a spot at each place. And put your books in front of you and open them to the cover page.”

“Asta, dear, what is the point in all of this elaborate setup and these blank journal?” Rarity asked while sitting down.

“Ah’m with the Dash and Rarity. Asta I won’t do any more till ya tell us what’s goin on,” Applejack added.

“Asta you should tell them,” Shy placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Urh, Alright. I wanted to give you each a Grimoire as a thank you for watching over me in the hospital but I’m not sure if this is going to work. I’m going off something implant in my mind so bear with me, please,” I bowed my head.

“Wait you can give others anti-magic books like yours,” Twilight point at me. “Wouldn’t that be dangerous?”

“Relax Twilight. You won't be getting anti-magic but personal magic unique to each of you.” I explained a bit. “If this works of course.”

“Wait a minute, you mean I’ll be able to use magic like unicorns,” Spike looked at me bright-eyed.

“Yes and no Spike. See, ponies have cutie marks that define their special talent, yes. Well, Grimoires are very similar in this regard when it comes to magic. No two are exactly the same, you have similar ones but still very different in many other ways,” Everyone tilted their heads. “You see Grimores are as unique to each person as a cutie mark is when it comes to the magic and spells they can do and perform. Even down to the power levels and the way they look.”

“But, if Grimoires are like Cutie Marks wouldn’t it be a bit redundant for ponies to have them?” Twilight pointed raised her hand.

‘This isn’t school girls but I appreciate the effort to take turns.’

Twilight made a valid point but she doesn’t realize personal magic and personal talent aren’t always the same thing.

“I said Grimoires are similar in that they’re unique to the wielder, their magic, and spells,” I continued to explain. “I’m unique to anti-magic because I have no magic power at all. But All of you have access to magic to in theory you should also be able to have a Grimoire.”

“You said these Grimoires have power levels.” Dash raised her hand. “How do you rank them?”

“They’re ranked on a scale based on how many leaves are on the clover on the cover of the Grimoire has,” I pulled a Twilight’s chalkboard over from where she kept it. I drew out the power scaling system, very crudely at that. “First you have the one leaf clover Grimoires. They’re the most common and also classified as the weakest. Then you have the two-leaf
grimoires which are still pretty common amongst most people but are also classed stronger than one leaf Grimoires. Third, you have the three-leaf Grimoires and they’re considered to be rare and the top-ranked in power.” I then drew a four-leafed Grimoire. “The four-leaf clover is said to bring luck and power and it is the rarest and most powerful of all Grimoires.”

“So what’s with the books?” Dash asked pointing at the books.

“Grimoires are normally inherited from the Grimoire library. But there is only one Grimoire in this world and its deadly to anyone but me here due to its power,” I pulled out my Grimoire holding the backcover of it up I tapped with my pointer and middle fingers.

“I think I get it now, “Twilight interjected. “Asta knows the processes of how to make the Grimoires but he can’t make them himself. First, since he can’t use magic he can’t use the spell of inheritance. Second, since there's only one Grimoire here and it already has a wielder it can’t be inherited and we have to make more. Third, since Grimoires are unique to their owners, and that we make will be attuned to us.”

“True. True. True. But lastly, only I know this spell and I trust all of you with these artifacts,” They all smiled at. “If this works all of you will be responsible for the Grimoires you make and under no circumstances will I make any more Grimoires for others or show others this spell unless I want to.”

“What if the princess ask us?” Fluttershy whimpered out.

“Then send them to me Shy,” I smirked as I pointed to myself. “Even with her photographic memory, not even Twilight will be able to recreate this Forging Spell.”

“Bet I will,” Twilight shot back with her own smirk.

“No, you can’t.” I point at her. “When you make this Grimoire you’ll be forging a pact with this Grimoire and tying your life force to it while also making a pact not to share its secrets.”

I took another needle from the sewing kit and used to prick my finger, I let a drop of my blood fall into each of the saucers.

“Do the same but only if you want to and I won't force this on any of you. I know blood magic is forbidden but this is how the spell works to forge your Grimoires,” I explained with a serious look in my eyes.

Spike was the first and without any hesitation. Then Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow were next as they add their blood to the saucers in front of. I looked at Rarity and Twilight as they were still internally debating if the wanted to go through with this. Finally, Rarity did as the others had done and Twilight soon followed as well.

“Now, pour the ink into the saucer and mix the drops of blood in as you pour.” I pointed at the stirring sticks. “Then dab the quill in the ink and as you write your name in the inner cover of the books imagine you performing an everyday action that’s related to your talents. That way you’ll be tapping into your latent magic.”

After I gave these instructions everypony and dragon in the room wrote their names in their books and then closed them. I opened my Grimoire any the page turned to a specific page and I called out the name.

“Grimoire Publishing Magic” I spoke in a monstrous voice as if I were possessed as black lightning shot from my Grimoire to the other books.

Then the lightning stopped and the books float in the air. They glowed as they floated in front of the girls and Spike. Twilight’s glowed lavender. Applejack’s was glowing orange. Pinkie's glowed blue with silvery sparks. Rarity’s glowed an icy blue. Rainbow’s was a dark yellowish glow. Shy’s book was glowing green. Spike’s was a little odd, since he was a dragon I guess, but his book looked as if it were ablaze with dark purple flames.

“Everyone, please take your Grimoires,” I held my hands out.

“I thought you couldn’t do magic?” Twilight smirked as she held up a lavender Grimoire with a light lavender outline around the edges with a black four-leaf clover on it. “My magic is, copy magic?” She tilts her head in confusion

“Yep, though that would be the case. But not the magic”

“Sweet, I got a three leaf clover and weather spectrum magic. Can’t I just manipulate clouds already though?” Rainbow runs over to me.

“Naturally, yes but this will allow you to make any weather you want and more,” I explained trying to get her out of my face at least. Her Grimoire was black with yellow trim and a tri-color three-leaf clover that match her marks colors.

“I have a three-leaf as well darling,” Rarity sang as she danced around the room with a blue Grimoire decorated with golden swirls on the top and bottom of the cover and diamonds in all four corners. “I have gemstone magic!” I see a crystal looking three-leaf clover on the front cover.

“Ah have a three-leaf too,” Applejack smiles as she points to a red Grimoire with a black three-leaf clover on it. “And Ah have earth magic.”

‘Shockers their.’

“I got a four-leaf,” Pinkie hopped around. Her Grimoire was Pink and her clover was made up of party balloons. “I have wind magic.”

‘God help us.’

I came over to Shy and placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to me and then her Grimoire. It was yellow with little green swirly vines on it with little pink butterflies in the corner while in the center was stamped a large pink four-leaf clover. I smiled affectionately at her and kissed her forehead.

“My magic is called Gaea,” Shy softly spoke. I’d never heard of that on before.

“Asta,” Spike was at me back tugging on my sleeve.

“What’s wrong bro? Got a dud?” I asked as I knelt down.

“No I got Emerald and Amethyst Flame Magic but my Grimoire. I thought you said there were only one to four-leaf on the scale but I got this,” Spike held up a bright green Grimoire with purple flame embroidering but there in the middle of the front cover was a flaming purple five-leaf clover.

“That just means your uber strong bro. Look here,” I show him my Grimoire to calm him down for now. “See I have one to,” I pointed at the five-leaf on mine. “Keep this here for now. When we start your training I’ll tell you more.”

“Sure,” He ran off admiring his Grimoire.

“Poor little dude. I know someone else for sure that might get a five-leaf Grimoire when the time comes. If these Grimoires function like the one from the show then we could have some serious issues with the five-leaf wielders.’

I looked to the castle on the mountain in the distance. “Maybe I should talk with Princess Luna about this?” I whispered to myself as everyone celebrated getting their individual Grimoires in the background. I then returned to everyone and smile. “Let’s have some fun for a while first.”

“Asta, I have a serious question for you right now,” Twilight walked over to me with a mad glare in her eyes and Applejack at her side. “You said you couldn’t use magic and yet you just cast a spell. Why’d you lie?”

“I didn’t lie, Twilight. I can’t use magic and that spell is literally the only actual spell in my Grimoire,” I opened my Grimoire to the Publishing Spell and held it up to her. “See. Everything else is a description of the items I unlocked from my winnings so far. In fact, I’m not even certain what this spell is or if it’s even magic. It didn’t feel the same as my anti-magic that much I know.”

“He ain't lyin Twi,” Applejack looked at me sympathetically. “Never doubted ya for a second Asta.” She placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Then, what was all of that black lightning?” Twilight gestured with her hands with a dumbstruck look.

“Ooo, maybe it has something to do with Asta being a Displaced,” Pinkie popped up in the middle of the three of us.

‘How the hell does she do that.’

“Shortcuts Asty” Pinkie giggled and hopped off.

“I need a break from ‘this’” I pointed at the others with my full hand. Suddenly Nero flew over landing on my shoulder. “Sit back and enjoyed the show with Owlowiscious did you?” She nodded. “Wanna come with me to go… ah… somewhere else.”

“Hoooo” She nodded slowly this time.

“Let me tell Shy we’re going for a walk,” I point. “That way she won’t worry, too much.” I walked over to Shy as she was skimming through her Grimoire. “Hey, Shy,” I murmur trying not to startle her. She looked up and Nero and me and softly smiled. “I’m going for a walk with Nero, will be back later. So if it starts to get dark and we’re not back, just go ahead and head back to the cottage without us okay.”

“Okay, but you better not stir up trouble Asta, or you’ll be on the couch for the next week,” I winced as she glared at me with wary eyes.

“Trust me Shy, I won’t,” I raised a hand swearing not to cause any trouble. I then proceed to sneak out the door. “Now, let’s go meet a new friend, hopefully,” I pulled out the gemstone Nero had brought me earlier. “Let’s go into the Everfree though. Isn’t there an old castle ruin?” I asked Nero.

“HoHooo,” She flapped her wings and flew off to Everfree.

“I shall follow you all the way there oh wise and all-knowing matchmaker,” I smirked as Nero rolled her eyes at me and then proceeded to lead me to the ancient castle.

Nero took me through the Everfree to the old castle. We arrive in just under an hour of entering the forest. It was quiet and empty. This place would make the perfect training grounds for when I start Spike and Rainbow lessons. It could use some fixing up as the place was falling completely apart in certain areas, Most of the damage had obviously been done at the same time but it was also obvious that it had occurred hundreds of years ago.

I wasn’t in the mood for summoning a Displaced but more in the mood for a song. I pulled out my Grimoire and looked to see if I had a violin in its pages. I learned to play most strings instruments in high schools starting out with violin and moved up but my first instrument will always remain the most ingrained and favorite one of all. I pulled the violin from its page in my Grimoire under the name Kiva’s Blood Rose.

I remembered a long song that would match the sad cries of these hallowed halls. I ran the bow down the strings of the bow and they sang in tune with the winds as they blew through the cracks in the walls.

“Dance castle of old. Your bricks cry with the moon. Let the scars of the past sing into the forest.” I recite what I felt the castle was trying to say “Requiem of Dreams.” I started to play the Bloody Rose.

I finished the song and placed the violin back in the Grimoire. I then pulled the token from my pocket. It was glowing silver again. I turned it over in my hand a few times thinking if I should go through with this. Looked at Nero. She nodded in agreement with my inner thoughts.

‘Damn mind-reading bird.’

I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Alright. Here goes. From his creed, he sounded like he had a good conscience and a dragon would be a cool thing to raise. Shy would like that chance.” I was done weighing my opinions. “Dragon Rider Elwood. I the Magic Knight Asta Ferris summon you.”

The dragon symbol within the gem started thining out into slits, gazing at me for a moment. Suddenly a dark portal opens up. First, an orange dragon head was the first to show through, followed by someone humanoid riding on it’s back, I assumed the rider was Elwood. Elwood looked around curiously, then frowned at the mess the castle was in. “..Did we arrive too late?” Elwood asked in worry.

“Sorry to burst your bubble my dragon riding friend but this place has been like this for a little over a thousand years,” I deadpanned. “Name’s Asta Ferris and this Nero. “I pointed to my owl who flew to my shoulder.

“Hoo” Nero hooted fluffing herself up trying to intimidate the dragon.

“You already know my name, but this beauty right here…” Elwood said as he patted the side of the orange dragoness’s neck. He earned a rumble from her at his comment. “Is Kaiserin,” Elwood said.

The dragon was fairly big, much bigger than me. I could feel a powerful ki coming from the dragon. I noticed that when the sunlight was on her scales, they gleamed like gems. Some parts of her had a slight horse-like appearance to her. Actually, she reminded me a bit of a pegasus with those feathery wings of her, especially the darker tone mane and the furry tipped tail. Her eyes were a little intimidating from the way they seemed to glow. Compared to dragons I’ve seen, she looked vastly different.

“So, how does this summoning thing work? To be completely honest, this is only my third week as a Displaced and you’re my first time summoning someone,” I pointed at the rider. “So, yea, I’m pretty much in the dark on what to do now. The Gambler didn’t give me any detail in his letter. Any ideas?” I looked at the duo dumbstruck.

“Well, in all honesty.” Elwood began as he raised his leg to get off of the dragoness. “Your world is the first world I've visited since I sent my token with some help from Aurora, a ki-rin goddess Displaced,” Elwood explained. Now that he was off of her back, I can see he was wearing a strange mix of clothing that was modern and medieval.

Kaiserin was staring back at Nero, as if accepting her attempt at intimidation. While Kaiserin kept her stance the same, I can see the feathers on her wings were puffed up.

“Stop it,” I flicked Nero on the beak, She shook her head then flew off through a crack in the wall landing in a tree still staring at the dragon. “Stubborn bird.” I shook my head. “Back to you two though. What can I do for and you for me in exchange? Your saying said something about a dragon egg. I’m assuming you’re on some kind of quest to find potential riders?”

“Pretty much, but first I need to look through your mind as a precaution before I lead you to the egg chamber containing the eggs,” Elwood explained just as Kaiserin sat down like a cat.

“HoHoooHo” Nero hooted flying back in and landing in front of Elwood.

“Why?” I eyed the owl.

“Hoo,” Nero argued.

“Be quiet. I have nothing to hide from anyone here,” I batted at Nero to move her out of the way. “Sorry about that Elwood. She’s odd but looks out for me,” I crossed my arms as she flew over to a window seal. “She was the first being to help when I arrive here and has stayed by my side ever since.”

“It makes sense since this is the first time she’s met another Displaced,” Elwood said with a nod. Kaiserin snorted in amusement of the owl’s reaction. “...You didn’t just do what I think you did, Kaiserin?” Elwood asked as he looked at her. “I know that snort anywhere.”

“It was only done as a good jester.” A voice echoed from Kaiserin, making me raise an eyebrow.

“I can hear the voices of the animals, don’t know why, but that was definitely not a voice,” I rubbed my chin. “Telepathy of some kind I’m guessing?” I snapped my fingers.

“Exactly,” Elwood answered to my guess. “Kaiserin, including the rest of the dragons in my world, are telepaths,” Elwood said as he looked at Kaiserin. “Next time we meet another Displaced, Kais, don’t do that. I’d like to gain their trust, not lose it when they get paranoid.” Elwood said, berating Kaiserin, she grinned mischeifly revealing teeth that told me she was an omnivore.

“Don’t worry about Nero. As far as I’m concerned, you can torment her all you want,” I chuckled. “Now, you said you need to have a look inside my head. Just wipe your feet and try not to leave fingerprints on my memories.”

Elwood chuckled at my joke. “I didn’t mean literally,” Elwood said, then nodded at my permission. “Now.. You may feel a little weird as I do it, alright?” Elwood warned. Kaiserin’s head rose curiously at that, her face hinting at interest.

“Can’t be any weirder than living with a god of chaos in a book in the span of three days turned into a three-month tour. Not to mention the demon trying to tempt me with promises of power,” I said dryly. “But don’t worry about him. He’s trapped in my Grimoire. “ I pulled out my Grimoire from its place from in my satchel, showing the book to Elwood before returning it.

“..God of chaos? Is that in any relationship to Disarray?” Elwood asked curiously.

“Mine calls himself Discord,” I rolled my eyes at the memories. “His body is trapped in stone right now so I’ve only met his astral form. He’s not such a bad guy once you get used to him.”

“Makes sense,” Elwood said, chuckling for some reason. “Ok, I’m going to look through your mind,” Elwood said as he glanced at Kaiserin, nodding to her. Elwood looks back at me. “I hope your owl doesn't interrupt me, otherwise I might end up damaging a memory by accident,” Elwood explained.

“Technically, Nero is a wild owl. She just likes the name I gave her. She comes and goes as she pleases,” I scowled at the bird. “Just have Kaiserin watch her if it worries you that badly.” I tapped my foot. “Nero no pranks.”

“Hooo,” Nero sneered at me before flying off in a huff.

“Snoody bird,” I rolled my eyes. “Continue please,” I said. With a nod, Elwood closed his eyes and all was silent. Suddenly, I started feeling a strong pressure in my head, soon followed by flashes of my memories going by as if printed on a million pages that were being flipped. I saw my older brother fixing nachos for our family. Then I saw when my parents kicking him out of the house. Next, I saw when I got my job as a stunt man for a B-rated Star Wars movie. I saw when I got the news of my brothers disappearance. I remember meeting with the police and then it faded into the funeral and where I marched off angry. I didn’t see much more after that just the occasional movie stunt or fill in. There were the Comic Cons with Jen and Jax. Finally came the game with the Gambler and how I won the game of Blackjack. At last, we arrived at my more recent memories of Equestria. My fight with the guards, my time in the hospital and Grimoire, my fight with the Shadowbolts.

“Okay, no more looking. the rest is very personal and private,” I pulled back breaking the connection red-faced from the memories. “I’d prefer my relationship with Fluttershy to stay between me and her okay.”

“I wasn’t going to go THAT deep,” Elwood said as he was taken back by my comment. “Right uh... Quickly changing the subject, I think you’re a capable dragon rider with some work.” Elwood said with a nod while Kaiserin gave him an amused expression. “Not a word, Kaiserin,” Elwood said as he turned around to look at the old walls of the sister’s castle.

“What’s on your mind dragon rider?” I tilted my head curious to his train of thought before I looked around myself. “The castle was like this after a fight between the royal sisters of the sun and moon here. Princess Celestia raises the sun she’s probably the equivalent to your Queen Sunfire. Wonder who your equivalent is to Princess Luna?”

“Moonlight. She’s a much smaller size compared to Sunfire who towers over me.” Elwood answered as he rubbed his neck.

“Makes sense since she’s the younger sister. I do remember that much from the show when I’d watch it. Mainly cause Luna was my favorite pony,” I thought on that comment for a second. “Hm, I wonder if that has anything to do with the way she acted towards me since I’ve been here. She was the one that tried to actually talk to me while her sister is trying to knock me out and take me in for questioning.”

“....Show?” Elwood asked in minor confusion.

“Never mind that last part,” I waved off my comment. I did like the show but still never really paid close attention. “Well, if you’re gonna give me a dragon then what can I do for you in exchange my friend? I see you have a sword at your side. How well can you use it?”

“I don’t need anything in exchange, honestly, I’m just doing what Sunfire asked since she’s helped me with so much,” Elwood said as he turned to face me. “As for how well I use it, it’s mostly been for self-defense.”

“You don’t strike me as, opposition,” I twirled my hand in the air. “And I’m not one for fighting unless I’m provoked. I do enjoy martial arts though,” I pulled out my Grimoire and flipped through the pages. “I can give you a few lessons if you want.”

“...First things first,” Elwood said as he held his hand aloft to the right. “Sé iet gatharí ládrin.” He spoke, his words reverberating with the air. Suddenly, the air waved and warbling before suddenly opening up a portal. “We get your egg first,” Elwood said as he turned to enter the portal he summoned.

“I’ll follow the leader then,” I walked into the portal. I came into a chamber filled with odd-looking stones. “I thought we were going to an egg chamber?” I looked around in confusion.

“This is the egg chamber,” Elwood explained as he gestured at the rows. “The dragon eggs look like gems or stones. Don’t ask me why though, it's just how this universe works.” Elwood said as he shrugged.

“So, do I just pick one or is it the other way around?” I shrugged. “Is there something special I’m supposed to do like a ritual or use an item?”

“No, just relax, open your mind, then listen. You’ll sense the one who chooses you.” Elwood explained as he held his hand out. “The egg’s color will be the same as your magic or whichever you use,” Elwood said with a smile.

“Uh, yeah, about that,” I grinned with a nervous tick. “I have no magic whatsoever. Well, not true as I can perform a Publishing Spell but that’s exactly magic by itself.” I sat down cross-legged and crossed my arms tilting my head slightly. “Hmm. Am I supposed to use one of my weapons? Or just something from my Grimoire from general? I can’t exactly use my power without something to channel it.”

“Trust me. They need to feel your presence or at least your mind. You could hover your hand over them and see which one starts shaking rather than feeling their presence in your mind.” Elwood explained.

“You see, I have no magical power at all and I can access my anti-magic through the use of my items,” I stood up and pulled out my Grimoire. I opened it and it glowed in the usual black and red outlined aura. “Will this work?” I moved my hand with the hovering book above it over the eggs. None showed any signs of moved until I saw a red twinkle out of the corner of my eye across the room in a darker part of the chamber. “What’s with the eggs over there?” I pointed over to where I saw the twinkle.

Elwood looked over at where he pointed. “What do you mean?” Elwood asked curiously.

“Over here,” I walked over to a darker part of the room. “I saw something sparkling as soon as I opened the Grimoire. I saw more red twinkles the closer I got. “Don’t tell me you didn’t see that?” I point to the red sparks.”Is that a normal reaction?” I got pretty close to the sparkling and it was indeed an egg. “I think I found my partner.” I picked up the egg. The moment I did, I felt suddenly excitement force itself into my mind followed by what sounded like constant chirping, it felt overwhelming.

“H-hey, slow down, little guy. He’s not used to that yet…” Elwood warned, causing the sudden surge emotions to slow down.

“Dude… my... head hurts,” I stumbled back dropping my Grimoire on the floor while doing my best to keep from dropping the egg. “Here, hold it please,” I handed the egg to Elwood. I walked over and got my Grimoire. “It looks like its made out of obsidian. Will it be a species of a black dragon?” I asked still holding my head.

“You notice how the light gleamed off of Kaiserin, right? Your dragon will do the same, he or she will look like she’s made of obsidian, but she won’t actually be made of it..” Elwood stated as he tapped his chin in thought. “Change the dragon inside would be risky for me to do as I don’t know what an obsidian dragoness looks like along with the biology structure and such…” Elwood said as he rubbed the back of his head.

“I rather he or she be they way they’re meant to be as they came into this world anyway,” I slipped the Grimoire back into my satchel. “Back to my place now?” I took the egg back from Elwood. “This little one seems to be restless.”

“They all are when they find one they feel safe with,” Elwood said before chuckled. Extending his hand out, he spoke the words. “Sé iet gatharí ládrin.” to once again open up the portal. Elwood walked on through to return to the castle of the two sisters.

“Okay back home. Now what?” I gestured. I look to see Nero perched on Kaiserin’s head. “They became fast friends. Not surprised though.” I looked back to Elwood.

“The egg will hatch when it feels safe in an environment it likes. “ Elwood explained as he glanced at Kaiserin. “So far, yea. Friendship is highly valued in my world, especially when it comes to riders.” Elwood said as Kaiserin gave him a nudge, Elwood reaches up to rub along her head. “Don’t be surprised if yours gets overly attached or protective,” Elwood explained.

“I’m more worried Fluttershy is gonna be overprotective of the little one,” I looked at the dark black egg. “As far as I’m concerned though, there’s no safer place to hatch an egg in Equestria than her cottage,” I look back to Elwood. “I have a very important and personal favor to ask of you.” I took off my coat and wrapped the egg in it. I motioned for Nero to come over. I set the egg down where I knew it to be safe and had her stand guard over it before I turned back to Elwood. “If you come across a Displaced calling himself Allen Ferris, let him know I’m looking for him, please. That is if he even remembers or goes by that name anymore. He’s my older Brother.”

“What does-... Actually, never mind. Your brother might have changed if what I’ve heard is true about people losing their appearance. I suppose I was a lucky one to keep mine.” Elwood said with a relieved smile.

“You think I originally had ash blonde hair and bright green eyes. Nope, but I’m glad I’m still human though,” I pulled out my Grimoire and as I opened it, it blazed with the black and red aura. Suddenly the hilt of the Demon-Slayer sword appeared. I grab onto the handle with my right hand and pull the massive blade from the Grimoire and then pointed the tip at Elwood who staggered back. “Lesson time rider.”

Elwood quickly raised his hand when Kaiserin suddenly tensed up. There is a moment of silence between the two, but Kaiserin eventually lays back on. “Alright.” Elwood simple said as he reached down at his hip to pulled out a beautifully crafted sword with an orange blade, the bottom of the hilt had an amber gem that matched the scale colors of Kaiserin. “But before we begin,” Elwood said as he held his hand over his sword. “Gëuloth du sverd,” he spoke, causing the sword to take on a gentle orange glow. Elwood did the same for my sword, making me raise an eyebrow curiously. “Our weapons are now temporarily dull so it can’t harm us when we spar,” Elwood explained to me.

“Hahaha!” I grabbed my head. “My sword has no edge at all,” I stabbed the sword in the ground. “Besides this isn’t the sword that I’ll be using,” My grimoire’s page flip and another sword hilt appeared. I pulled the sword out of the book. This sword was much smaller with a single-handed hilt with a hand guard.

“...Then why did you pull out the big one out?” Elwood asked with a deadpan expression.

“It’d be much fairer to you if I don’t use the big guy but I had to draw it in order to pull this guy out.” I explained with a smile admiring my new blade.“But now I can get it anytime I want now so thanks. Sorry, it was one of the requirements to draw out the Demon-Dweller sword.”

“So your book is some weird strange storage? Also, is the blade dull or do I need to recast it again?” Elwood asked as energy started flowing from the gem on his sword and into his body.

“Your spells won’t work here. But I can dull the blades as I need to,” I ran my hand down the edge to prove what I said.

“Won’t work here? But I’ve been casting them just fine so far..” Elwood said as he looked at me curiously.

“Well, they won’t work on me now that I have the swords out. Anti-magic nullifies any magic and all spells used against me or the blades. Only extremely powerful curses will work and I know you won’t touch that crap,” I placed my blade level my midsection with my blade pointed at Elwood. “I’ll take easy on ya. Barely even tap ya.”

"I wouldn't make that claim yet if I were you. I'm from a different world that follows a different set of rules and realities. I wouldn't be so sure if your anti-magic can cancel magic from another world or not, but I would hope it's not the case as your dragon or dragoness will need her magic in order to protect or heal you in times of need." Elwood explained as he held his sword pointing at me. He appeared rather calm for some reason. Elwood glanced at Kaiserin when he caught her chuckling softly. Elwood returns her focus back to me. “The only advantage you hold is that you’ve been in real fights while I had only recently completed dragon rider training,” Elwood said as he took a gentle breath.

“True, normally I would need to first touch your magic or get you to blast one of my swords in order to get them so they can absorb and analyze your magic and then negate it,” I smirked causing Elwood to back up a bit. “But you use a spell on my first blade to try and dull the edge before allowing me to explain my own Anti-magic. And my sword has just finished converting your magic into my Anti-magic.”

“....That fast despite the difference in realities?” Elwood asked curiously and in puzzlement. “...So you’re saying you converted my energy?”

“Yea, don’t ask me how the swords work,” I looked up to the sky then back to Elwood. “As for your energy, which I refer to as ki, I sensed it and have been trying to unravel it from in the magic but it is incredibly difficult. Whoever came up with this style of magic was a genius in the arts of life energy and magic.” I scratched the back of my head. “But back to your lessons. Blocking and oncoming strike. When your opponent comes at you with a downward strike you slant your blade downward and block with the flat of your sword never the edge. Then, you’ll push them off using an upthrust knocking them back and at most times, off balance. I’ll demonstrate with you by being the aggressor.” I jumped up into the air and brought my sword edge straight down. Elwood quickly did as followed, however, there was a slight hesitation when he looked at me with confusion. I watched in puzzlement when I noticed an aura of shimmering orange dance across Elwood’s sword until it faded into focus. Elwood did block my sword, but most of it was blocked by some kind of transparent glass.

“...Your minds being protected by something..” Elwood said as his eyes traveled from me down to my grimoire “...ok, that is just off-putting,” Elwood said with a frown as he quickly redirected his attention to me.

“Whenever you’re facing an opponent try taking any major blows with the flat of your sword and watch out for even the slightest change in body movement. Being aware of my grimoire is good but it’s not going anywhere,” I raised my blade eye level and placed my other arm behind my back. “You rely too much on your telepathy.” I lunged forward and thrust my sword out in front of me. Elwood jumped off to the side allow me to dig my sword straight through the wall clean to the other side. “Good reflexes.”

“Telepathy is part of being a dragon rider. The only way to counter it is by shielding your mind with a mental thought so I can’t predict your movements or attack your mind directly, so since you have that book, I won’t need to teach you about it. Although, I'm curious about how strong it is.” Elwood said, suddenly looking over at Kaiserin. “Don’t even try it..” Elwood warned.

“I highly doubt it's any stronger than the mind of a dragon, Elwood,” Kaiserin said with confidence, her tail swaying about. Elwood let out a sigh at his dragoness’s pride.

“Telepathy is a nice tool to have and your partner has it too, but don’t become too reliant on it or each other,” I pulled the sword from the wall. “I understand that you two have a codependent relationship,” I swung my sword to the side dispersing the cloud of dust I created. “And my Grimoire isn’t just storage for my weapons and items. It holds something very, evil. And unless you want to make a deal with it, I highly recommend you don’t go digging in my book for your own safety.”

“Don’t rely on each other?” Kaiserin asked in a minor tone of anger. “You are unaware of how the bond works, human,” Kaiserin said as her tail moved like a cat that was just pissed off.

“She’s right though,” Elwood said as he raised his hand. “This is the Gedwëy ignasia, meaning shining palm in the ancient language,” Elwood said as he showed his palm, which had a strange silvery scar gleaming across. “After she hatched and I touched Kaiserin’s forehead, it formed a magical bond where we hear each other’s thoughts and emotions, we can also share our energy if we’re in need of the energy for the more higher cost spells. If one of us dies, one of us will be overcome with a lot of grief. It’s like losing a part of yourself. As a team, she is the offense, I am the defense.” Elwood explained as he looked over at Kaiserin. I don’t know what happened, but Kaiserin quickly calmed down. “Sure, when we’re separated, we’re still capable of fighters, but together we’re a lot stronger,” Elwood said as he looked back at me.

“Hahhhh, You’re completely right. I don’t understand the bond between you two and I won’t until the little one in that egg,” I pointed towards Nero. “Hatches. And when that happens I have no doubt that I’ll have something similar to you both.” I walked over to the Demon-Slayer sword and plopped down and leaned against the sword. “When I read and or use Ki, I am using the emotions, subtle movements in the body, and my senses to control or manipulate my anti-magic in my body or weapons. I’m also using Ki to ready my opponent or the field on which I stand,” I held my Demon-Dweller Sword to my face. “Mmmm. I don’t think I’m the right one to teach the way to wield a sword, Elwood. Not until I know the path you tread at least. I’ve lived far too many years on the road alone.”

“For the time being, just doing my job as Sunfire’s dragonrider, just be the peacemaker if trouble brews,” Elwood said to me as he sheathed his sword. “Dragonriders aren’t meant for full-blown wars… or at least that’s what Sunfire said how they were in the past.” Elwood said with a shrug.

“I don’t want anything more than to live in peace here,” I stood back up and placed both swords back in the Grimoire. “But I might not have much of a choice to fight from time to time. If it’s for my friends then there’s no issue for me but I won’t fight in wars. Not for this country, not unless I absolutely have to.” I huffed. “But, as we are undeniably still human so is the fact that there is conflict out in the worlds in which we live. But that’s why we have the peacekeepers like you,” I smirked at the Dragonrider.

“And we are not alone. From what Aurora told me, there are multiple universes, each one with a Displaced who have been through similar experiences.” Elwood explained as he walked over to Kaiserin, giving her a pat on the neck. “Yea, you’ll be going through the same things I went through, it’ll feel weird feeling a second presence in your moment.” “ Elwood said with a smile.

“Be careful out there Elwood, something tells me that we’re just ‘flies on the wall’ to some of the Displaced and even more so to who ever’s above them,” I pulled off my headband and held it out to Elwood. “Here my token. Keep it or pass it along. Do so if you find my brother please.”

“Can do,” Elwood said as he took the headband from me. “As for those other displaced, don’t worry. Whenever people summon me, I can gaze wherever they are by casting the ‘May I see through Dragonfire spell before stepping through the portal, then afterward I’ll read through their mind. I’ll force my way through if they don’t cooperate. The moment I see they mean me any harm, I will return back to my world thanks to the multiple enchantments I set on my token.” Elwood explained as he held up his copy of the amber gem.

“Cool. I wonder if I can do that once I’ve trained enough?” I grabbed the Grimoire from where it’s been floating next to me and placed in my satchel. “Something is telling me I’m going to have to start training to learn to control my black form now that I can control my physical power. Again, watch out for my older brother. He’s been out there in whatever Equestria he landed in for almost ten years. So there’s no telling who, what, or how powerful he is. I think that concludes our business.” As I said this another portal opened up next to me. “Ah, did I do that?”

“Yea, saying something along those lines triggers it, although it's usually the words ‘your contract is complete,” Elwood said with a shrug. Kaiserin got up and stretched like a cat, causing the owl to fly off of her head. “Thanks for the lessons, despite how short they were, ...unless there was more?” Elwood asked curiously.

“Not really. There’s not a whole lot to dual-edged swordplay,” I shrugged. “Only the thrust, downwards and upwards slashes. There is the vertical slash but that more for two-handed swords. For you just stick to blocking and stick with the flat of the blade like a showed you,” I shrugged as Elwood hop up on Kaiserin. “Unless there was a specific move you wanted to know?”

“I don’t know a whole lot though, I mean I was a nature photographer and now I’m a dragonrider after all of this mess,” Elwood said with a shrug. Kaiserine laughed softly at that.

“Well then, I was you both luck on your journey to find my rider,” I saluted. “Oh, and again I’m sorry for insulting your bond. I know it’s a sacred thing but I just don’t get it right now.”

“You will later on once you bring the egg to… Fluttershy's you said? And it will hatch. Now, before I go… Fairth.” Elwood said as he looked at something, I looked over to where he was looking at, I saw nothing until I was blinded by a flash. “..Huh, so the spell actually does work like a camera….”

I blinked a few times to get my vision to return. “Ow.” I started to rub my eyes. “Yea, I wouldn’t do that without warning next time.” I looked to Elwood and Kaiserin to only see blurs. “I’m just gonna sit here with the egg for a while. Nice meeting ya and if ya need me just call.” I waved to what looked like a rider and a dragon to but was just a rock.

“I’m over here,” Elwood said with a laugh as Kaiserin slowly went through the portal. Once my vision cleared up, I noticed something strange. The rock had been printed with an image of us.

“I’ll have to make an album,” I scratched the back of my head. “Do they have cameras in this world?” I looked over to Nero who was now sleeping as she’d perched herself on the egg. “What the heck am I supposed to do with you? Nuisance of a bird.” She popped her eyes open and tilted her head.

“Hoo?”

“Yes it’s time to go home,” I walked over and picked up the making sure to keep the coat around it. “Shy is going to go nuts over this,” I shook my head as Nero perched on my shoulder. “Let's head to the cottage.” Nero nodded in agreement. Off we went.