Asta and Rick separated and walked in opposite directions of the field. Spike decided to walk with Rick and give him a few tips on Asta. Though, even with these tidbits of information Spike still had no real understanding of Asta greater physical strength. He’d always held back in his sparring matches with him, Rainbow, and Aj. Even in his fight with the guards and the Shadowbolts. Even in the fight with Sombra that he witnessed himself first hand, Spike still had no idea of the total amount of force that the Dark King and Magic Knight exchanged. Spike also had no idea of the power Asta commanded in Black Form let alone the speed boost and Ancient magic that was provided to him by Ymir. Then there were the augmentations of Asta’s older brother had forwarded his younger brother during his tuning of Sombra’s soul and the crystal magic he gained from Sombra. Finally, there were Asta’s fighting styles, weapon, inventory, and his overall resiliency.

“Rick, you’re going to have to watch yourself when facing Asta,” Spike commented looking over his shoulder as they walked. “I can tell you a few things but Asta is literally a walking tank on steroids the can move faster than lightning!” He waved his arms in the air.

"I can run as fast as the speed of light, but still gonna use caution, thanks for the tip," Rick said,

“Watch out for him when gets close and in your face. He’s an expert swordsman but what Asta excels in are his many different forms of close-range hand-to-hand combat skills and basic understandings of multiple martial arts,” Spike added as he looked at Asta stretching. “ He has many weapons and other items in his Grimoire that allow him to channel his anti-magic. His main weapons are his Demon-Slayer Sword and Demon-Dweller Sword. Unless you can maintain a powerful and steady flow of mana to your own blade, then you might as well be swinging a stick at a mountain. Watch out if he pulls out a pair of his gauntlets. Dragon scale or light-armor otherwise,” Spike looked at the draconic fire sword while Rick took a couple of practice swing keeping Asta’s advice in mind as he did. “ I know you said fought in wars and Discord before but this is a little different. Asta is pacifist but he still enjoys a good match like every other martial artist there is and he is more than willing to kill if his friends are threatened or if he loses himself to his anger or other impulses.”

"Right, be careful of his anger levels, he's tough with a sword and with hand-to-hand, so I'll keep him at a distance, but close enough to attack,"

"Yea," Spike nodded. "I'm not sure of the level of control he has over his crystal magic but it could be very much as he's only had it for a few days. As far as his Ancient Magic goes, I can't say how much control he has over it as not even Twi has seen it. One last thing you have to know is Asta has a breathing technique that allows him to boost his physical attributes will beyond normal and it can be used in tandem with any of his other techniques or styles."

"And he calls me and Eve OP, he can take on Tirek, Discord, Sombra and Chrysalis alone with those kinds of techniques."

“You’re not wrong in the fact that he’s physically OP but you have to remember that he’s still human, even if he’s surpassed normal human limits as he says. Asta still eats, sleeps, trains, and works like every pony in Ponyville. The mission we’re taking part in was his idea but he’s doing this by trying to go about things legally but I don’t how long he’ll keep himself in check,” Spike looked at Asta with admiration in his eyes. “He still has a lot of normal physical limitations. He made it pretty clear that he wants to stay human and not turn into some all-powerful creature like his brother is, not yet at least. But from what I heard it’s only a matter of time before all the Displaced turn into what’s called a Void Dweller.”

“The man is a living vessel for one of the evilest ponies ever while also keeping his own demon and power in check,” Spike started to walk away. “Be careful Rick and if he pulls out a form where the anti-magic is coming of his body… pray and dodge every attack long-range and close up. Good luck.”

Spike walked back to the side of the train station where Ymir picked him up and placed him on her back.

'Oh boy, I'm in one heck of a fight,' Rick thought, processing what Spike said before tightening his hold on his sword, off to the side of the field were the ponies, Pinkie Pie had set up a betting booth after being told of Rick, so far many ponies chose Asta over Rick, Rick only had three Ponies betting for him, "You ready Asta?" Rick asked tightening his hold on his blade in one hand,

"Don't feel bad Rick," Asta took a demon sword in each hand as he turned his gaze from the betting stand back to Rick. He pointed them at the unnerved Pokemon while placing the Slayer closer to the ground and the Dweller higher at eye level. "You're a stranger to this world and I work here in town. It's only natural the locals would support me. Now," Asta looked Rick with a disturbing grin," Come at me!"

Rick sent an Electro Ball from his hand straight at Asta, followed by a slash from his sword sending a wave of dragon fire.

Asta brought his swords up but instead of blocking or dodging the attack he took it straight on. In an instant, Asta smirked and then brought the Demon-Slayer's sword down and stabbed it into the ground blocking the oncoming fire slash. The attack was then dispersed back into mana and absorb into Asta's blades. The knight started to snicker at what just happened causing Rick to look at him in confusion.

"Hehehe, wasn't sure that would work," Asta let go of the Slayer's handle and looked at his hand opening and closing it. He then turned his gaze to Rick with a wicked smirk. "Thanks for helping me test to see if I had access to the natural weather abilities of a Sky Dragon."

'Dang it! Gonna need a new tactic!' Rick thought, "You blades may absorb magic but they can't absorb Chaos energy, CHAOS SPEAR!" several Chaos energy-based Spears appeared and flew at Asta, some hitting him,

“Man those things pack a bit of a kick,” Asta rolled his shoulder cause a few popping noises to be heard. “If I hadn’t been charged on lightning then more would have hit me. I take Spike advised you to stay as far out of my reach as possible. It’s a good strategy for most but,” Rick blinked and Asta was gone. he blinked again and he found himself surrounded by a small army of Asta but they were all kind of blurry. “What happens if you have multiple targets? And one can't tell where I am.”

Rick knew he had to think of something but what, there were too many clones, and his energy sense can't pick out the real one, 'I could go for an explosion based attack, but if I do that, then I'd be open for an attack, think Rick! Think!' an idea finally hit him, 'Its a bit idiotic, but it just might work,' "Ground type: DIG!" with that Rick dived into the ground, leaving a hole where he was standing, suddenly, more smaller holes appeared each under a clone, then dozens of Chaos Spears followed by bolts of lightning, striking every clone.

"Downsides are that I lost my afterimages and sight of my opponent," Asta mumble in annoyance as he dusted off his pants getting up from the ground. "Upsides are that I'm reenergized," He stabbed the swords into the ground he smirked as he placed a hand on the ground. “Also, I don't actually need to see you and I get to test a new move," Asta pulled his free hand back and punched the ground sending shockwaves outward from him causing the area to shift and ground to split. "Crystal Range!" The cracks glowed with white magic and outshot crystal spears from the ground in every direction.

Causing Rick to burst out due to some crystals stabbing into his back, "YEOW! Damn it!" Rick shouted trying to get the crystals out of his back, leaving open to an attack, but before Asta could strike, his feet were knocked from under him, before he could hit the ground, a Spin Dash caused to land farther away, looking up to see at least six clones of Rick.

Asta quickly took up both his swords and infused them both with anti-magic and began to spin on one foot. “I'm not afraid to cut down clones, Black Hurricane!” Asta was now a huge spinning black tornado move in every direction seeking out and shredding everyone of Rick’s clones. He soon stopped and looked to the original. “Spike may have advised you to stay away from me but what he didn’t know that I have plenty of ways to come to you or to keep you at a distance too,” Asta pulled back the Dweller and infused it with anti-magic again. “Waning Moon, Black Crescent Slash!” He swung the Dweller at Rick send a huge slash of black anti-magic straight at Rick. “FYI, Anti-magic seeks out magic no matter where or how weak it is.”

Rick quickly dodged the attack, but the attack managed to graze his side, 'Dang it! My attacks are nothing against his!' Rick sent another wave of dragon fire at Asta, hoping to stall him, but like before the flames were absorbed, "Let's see how good you are compared to this!" Rick said, pulling out a Chaos Emerald, "CHAOS CONTROL!" then everything came to a stop even Asta, "Nows my chance!" quickly using Asta's frozen state, Rick used Homing Attack, then used Iron Tail, sending Asta away, and knocking the swords out of his hands, then time returned to normal,

Asta landed and had the wind knocked out of him. He then got to his feet and looked at Rick then kicked his neck, “That hit was as hard as some of my old master before I surpassed my limits during my martial arts training. It’s going to take a lot more of those before I even get a cracked rib. My bones are reinforced with an evil unicorn’s magical crystal horn man. Nice job on knocking my swords away though,” Asta looked to his Grimoire and reach both arms into it and pulled them out show the Pokémon a set of armored gauntlets.

Asta brought a hand-up to his face and smiled at Rick sending chills down his spine. “Now,” Asta flexed his fingers and anti-magic began to waft from his armor. “We can get a little more serious.” Rick was fixing to gulp hard when he felt a great pain in his gut while he was suddenly sent flying by an armored palm. “Mush Tai; Iron Palm Technique, Thunder Strike!” RIck then felt a conclusive force throughout his entire body as he hit the ground.

Then all seven Chaos Emeralds surrounded Rick, in a flash, Rick had gone into Super Mode, "NOW I'LL SHOW YOU!!" Rick shouted, kicking Asta into the air, using his speed, dealt tremendous blows to Asta, before stopping above Asta, "GALACTIC GUN!!!" the energy-based attack sent Asta into the Everfree Forest, but Rick wasn't done as he sent wave after wave of energy-based attacks onto Asta's position, creating a massive dust cloud,

The dust soon cleared and Rick landed to see Asta rolling his shoulder. Asta opened an eye to look at Rick. "Good move using the big blast, bad using the smaller ones. I sense energy man,” Asta then got a serious look on his face. “You just pushed all seven emeralds. You’ll never do any real damage unless you can get handies with your opponent's man.”

"Geez man, you sure are tough, guess I'm gonna have to step it up a notch," Rick said, his Grimoire appearing next to him, then a burst of flames Rick had full set of dragon scale armor, it was the same color as his gauntlets, red with gold highlights, his helmet had a more draconic feature to it, the jaws were opened wide for Rick's head, four horns that were a darker shade of red were on the back, two of them being larger, a faceplate, his boots looked like a three-toed dragons foot, his thunderbolt shaped tail was replaced by a draconic one, "Armor of the Fire Drake!" Rick shouted, the same golden Aura surrounding him, indicating he was still in Super Mode.

“Pulling out the stops are ya,” Asta smirk as anti-magic begins to waft from him and his Grimoire. “That armor looks pretty tough and you being in super saiyan mode means more power. I don’t need myself beaten so badly that I’ll lose business do to injury.” Asta reached into his Grimoire with both arms and became completely enveloped in his anti-magic even covering his face. The anti-magic then started to harden into what appeared to be armor. Then after a few moments, a fine layer of anti-magic started to peel off to reveal suit of red full-plate armor and in his right hand was a glowing black and red rapier of anti-magic with an ornate golden hilt.

“I completely forgot about my armor,” Asta looked over his rapier as he held it up to the light. “It would've been useful in protecting myself from Sombra’s soul infusion.” His gaze shifted to Rick. “Not used to move in this full-plate stuff so I’m gonna have to up my strength just to be able to move as freely as I can but it’ll still be slower than if I wasn’t in anything at all.” Asta took in a deep breath and began to control the oxygen flow in his blood and body. “Concentrated Breathing,” Asta body sent a slight shockwave rattling his armor. Asta whipped his sword to his side and then brought it with the hilt base at the side of his helm as he looked straight ahead. “You thought I was good with swords, wait till you see my single-blade techniques coupled with my martial arts. Though, I haven’t used them together much before so I have to say that it’s a rather difficult process. Now, let’s go again!” Asta lunged forward and unleashed a fury of forward thrusts upon Rick striking him in several spots on his armor slowly piercing the armor while simultaneously drain it of it mana and converting it into anti-magic.

"Oh no you don't!" Rick said, using a palm thrust to send Asta back, before flying up, "KAMEHAMEHAMEHAAAAAAA!" a massive column of energy came at the heavily armored knight.

"Black Out Thrust!" Asta thrust the rapier straight up at the oncoming energy blast. He sent his own column of Black anti-magic at the energy blast. "I can't fly without my wing or my ancient magic, but that doesn’t mean I can’t reach you in the air.” Asta kicked off the ground and kept kicking until he was level with Rick. “Let’s see if you can keep up with these,” Asta let out a fury of thrust sending multiple black shots at Rick, “Black Out Arrows!”

"In fact I can," Rick said as Dodge each shot, then launch himself at Asta, delivering a powerful punch to the guy, cracking some of the armor, then flying back out of reach, then a flaming bow appeared in his hands, Rick fired multiple fire arrows, each landing far from Asta, before exploding.

“You managed to crack my armor,” Asta smirked as he grabbed his left arm and ripped off the armor causing it to turn back into anti-magic. “Try this,” Asta snapped his fingers and thousands of stone hands came from the ground and grabbed a hold of the Pokémon and pulled him to the ground. “Vanyalí Deloi Malthinae Lam (Ancient Magic Earth’s Bending Hands)! It’s a sealing spell the cancels the target energy completely ki or otherwise.” Asta walked over and pulled out the Demon-Slayer and placed it on top of Rick and his armor broke down.

"Good thing I have a backup plan," Rick said, then a massive blade torn through Stone hands, landing right next to Rick, it was the BLADE OF OLYMPUS!! Rick grabbed the handle of the blade, the fact that the blade didn't absorb any energy from Rick meant he wielded it before, he pointed the blade at Asta, "Let's see how you can handle this!" Rick then charged at Asta, swinging his blade up, Rick managed to slice away some armor, then with a few more swings, Asta’s armor was almost gone.

“A god slaying blade,” Asta remarked in annoyance. “Did you even put any real effort into honing your abilities and skill that you already possessed?” He returned his armor to his Grimoire and pick up his Slayer sword. Not much of the clothing Asta had on was left either. He did a once over of himself. “Man the girls aren’t going to be happy about this.”

"Did you forget, I fought in the war against Sombra and Nightmare Moon, so of course I put effort into honing my abilities,"

“I’m talking about your skills when you were human my friend,” Asta pulled a spare shirt from his Grimoire. “Thank you Rarity for spare clothing. She’ll be pissed that one of her recent creations was shredded.”

"I really don't remember much of my old life, when I got imprisoned in stone, I gotten slight amnesia, but I do remember taking sword lessons, so, yeah," Rick said,

“Lessons on hacking and slashing,” Asta rolled his eyes. “You’re very sloppy with that thing.” He brought his sword up and held it out in front of him and began to concentrate on it on it. The anti-magic began to flow from the blade into Asta’s body. Soon the entire right half of Asta’s body was covered in anti-magic forming a horn, sharpened fangs, a singular wing, and turning his right eye red. The Slayer was at the same time cover in spider-like veins of anti-magic. “Congrats, Rick you get to face my demon form. aka Black Asta,” Asta pointed his left hand at the Pokémon showing of the blackened dragon rider’s mark that spiraled up his left arm. “In this state I can easily match your super form’s max speed and power while still increasing my own further if I need to. Your Olympus Blade can’t absorb my black power either. If it did it would corrupt and destroy that weapon.” Asta gaze was dead sit on Rick and the aura he was ensueding was that of bloodlust and death.

"Oh shi-" was all Rick could say before being launched into the base of a mountain by a palm thrust, also making him lose his sword, boulders and other debris came crashing down onto Rick, burying him, Asta flew to where Rick was buried, and saw some of the rubble began glowing red, along with some debris began rising up due to an unknown energy, then melted rock came flooding out, bursting from the lava, was Rick letting out a draconic roar, he was in a new form, blue fiery wings sprouted from his back, his feet now resembled a dragons actual scaly foot, some flames flew around Rick's fur, his eyes became the same fiery blue as the wings with blue flames coming from the sides, his pupils were a ruby red, and were draconic, his tail still the same thunderbolt shape, Rick bared his now draconic teeth in a growl.

"Say hello to my final form, Dragon Mode," Rick said, his voice deeper, sending a shiver down Astas spine,

“MmmhahhahhAhhhahhahahh!” Asta laughs uncontrollably. “I got the chills brother. “If you’re this strong with only your power wait till you start accessing your demonic powers.” he pointed at the five-leaf Grimoire. Asta charged forward and the two Displaced went at each other in a no hold bar brawl. The to were evenly matched in terms of power but Asta had the upper hand in defending as he would block many of Ricks strikes with the flat of his sword while counter a palm strike. The two fought on for what seemed like hours to them but was actually minutes to everyone else.

Suddenly there was only silence as both parties stop and stared at one another both of the fighters breathing heavily. Both of them had wide grins plastered on their faces.

Asta looked down at his right arm out of the corner of his eye, then back to Rick, “Have to say, man, you make Sombra look like a pushover.”

"Yeah well that's what I get for having the spirit of an actual dragon fused with mine, too bad your blades don't absorb my dragon energy, would have given you an upper hand," Rick said with a toothy smile,

“I have a secret,” Asta placed both hands on the hilt of the Demon-Slayer as he raised the huge sword above his head. “My anti-magic is actually closer in relation to energy than mana. And all it takes is time for my blades to analyze new energy or magic that can be integrated and then converted into my power.” Suddenly Asta began to draw anti-magic from every direction around him and collect it into his sword. “Total Concentrated Breathing,” Asta once again controlled his blood flow and increased his speed and power while the sword continued to grow.

“Black Divider!” Asta roared as he brought the sword down hard and fast kneeling Rick with edge knocking him out of Dragon mode straight to the ground in a huge crater in the middle of the Everfree. Asta flew down on the edge and looked to the unconscious Pokémon, “Looks like I overdid a bit,” he jumped down and pulled out a water bottle and proceeded to dump out the contents on Rick head. “Wakey wakey.”

"Man, I must be getting a little rusty, usually no one is able to do that," Rick said, getting up, and Asta could see the various wounds from the battle, Rick's arm was limp with blood coming from a deep cut on top of his shoulder, blood came out of his mouth, large cuts or gashes all over his body, and he appeared to be limping, "Nice fight, I do want to keep going, but my body is telling me I should rest, maybe next time I'll kick your butt for sure, but for now, I yield," Rick said, grabbing the God Slaying blade, and putting it in his pocket dimension, "Think I'll add some defenses against your absorbing abilities, so that way I don't run out of energy too fast, you did well going up against me in Dragon Mode, Thanos couldn't keep up with it, nor any big-time villain,"

“The only reason I’m standing right now is one I’m used to taking beatings have for years, two your lack of formal martial arts training and hand to hand combat is severely lacking, three, you rely way too much on energy-based power,” Asta got on Rick good side and pulled his arm around his neck. “Finally it’s my Black Form. I wouldn’t be standing right now if it wasn’t still invoked.”

"Guess you're right, since being free from my prison, I haven't really done any training, guess I was afraid Celestia might find me again and stone me, or worse," Rick said, said, "So, when I get back home, I'm gonna train, not just to hone my abilities, but to protect my friends, maybe I can give ya a call for some training, you can be the coach seeing how you know about this."

“Let’s get you to Shy first, no offense but in this state, you’d be lucky to survive an encounter with a breezie,” Asta chuckled as he picked Rick up and put him on his back then proceeded to fly back to the train station. “Sorry for going overboard with that last attack. And I think I have something that will help you with your martial arts skills.” Asta quickly landed on the side of Ymir where no pony could see them and gently set Rick down while he then dispelled his Black Form and collapsed from fatigue.

“Pushed yourself too hard again,” Ymir remarked with a snicker as she looked at her weary partner and his friend.”Shy isn’t going to like this site.”

“Shut… up… and … get… Shy,” Asta huffed back at the sarcastic dragon.

Asta girlfriend was quick to reach Rick and immediately started to heal him while scolding The two Displaced at the same time.

"Heh, that's Fluttershy for you, good to see something's the same, in another universe, she would have been uncaring and selfish," Rick said as his injuries healed up, thanks to Fluttershy and his regeneration, "Hey Asta, I think pinkies throwing a party for us, if my hunch is correct, after all, a new friend to welcome, and probably something about the fight, think we should go to see it? Also, can you help with my arm, it's dislocated."

"Hehe, you're right, but try anything with the girls and I'll finish that fight," Asta pulled a cane from his Grimoire and got up off the ground and then help Rick. Man, if your this strong while out of shape I’d hate to face off with my older brother. Let alone a Void Dweller,” Asta shuddered at the thought. “We can either have the Spa twins or a local doctor help with your arm. I can reset it but it would hurt like the fires of hell are in your arm for a good while. I don’t see why Shy’s healing spell didn’t help with that though.” Asta rubbed his chin when he noticed just one of the ponies they needed, “Hey there’s Aloe now, let's get this over with because I’m sensing the pinkie-pedo searching for us.”

"Alright, and don't worry about the girls, I won't try anything, I'm not like those type of guys, and wouldn't be the first time I felt the fires of Tartarus." Rick said,

"Pinkie is asking for you and Rick, Asta," Ymir whispered in the back of her partner's mind.

"Mhm. Come on Rick lets see if we can't get Aloe to rest that arm of yours. We're already on Pinkie's radar so we don't have long," Asta rolled his eyes.

The two Displaced made their way over to Aloe, she accepted to help Rick's arm, after she relocated it, although quite painful, the two were immediately found by Pinkie.

"There you two are! Come on! I've got a surprise for you two!" she said,

“One moment Pinkie, I think we should run by Rarity’s first. Rick here needs an outfit,” Asta stopped the party pony in her tracks causing her hair to deflate. “Here ya go. Some new friends to play with but be gentle with them,” He handed Pinkie her poke balls.

“Ooo! My very own Pokémon partners!” Pinkie jumped around happily.

“That’ll keep her busy for about an hour and I was serious about that outfit Rick," Asta pointed at the Pikachu. “Can't have you running around this place accused of streaking. Even if you don’t like it.”

"Alright, that's fine with me but," Rick said, "I already have an outfit ready," Rick pressed a button on his Bio-Gauntlet, and a pile of neatly folded clothes appeared, grabbing them, he spun around so fast he was ready in an instant, his outfit consisted of a black T-shirt with a leather jacket over it, white sweatpants with a black stripe on the sides, studded leather gloves, and his bandana was still around his neck, "I'm always prepared."

“I hear ya man but I still have business with Rarity on your behalf anyways, and I’d never hear the end of it if I didn’t bring you to her as a modeling challenge,” Asta smoked as the duo walked along. “Also, I’d rather get my ass chewed out about losing her shirt now rather than when I get back from Savanna. I also need a new a new knight’s robe. If this operation goes well or well, for the most part, I might take up more of an active role in the world and start up a branch of Magic Knights here and seeing as how you have a Grimoire you’ll need a robe making you an honorary Black Bull or you can get one of you own designed by our local Fashionista. I think I might get her to make a trench coat instead of just a cape,” Asta held his chin as he looked up to the sky pondering. “What are your thoughts on starting a squad here? I’ve never been one to take the lead role before. Nerves always held me back from doing so when I was making movies and was offered the chance of a starring role.”

"I actually wouldn't mind, I created Pikachu to the leader of the Shadow League, a reformed villain team, so making a squad here doesn't sound so bad," Rick said,

"Asta wasn't a villain and if you join my squad you be a Black Bull," Asta remarked as the reached Rarity's shop. "After you."

"I'm not saying you're a villain, I'm just saying I've had some experience about squad making," Rick said, "And I wouldn't mind, but the name Black Bull, is there a meaning behind it?"

“Mmmm….” Asta thought as the duo walked into the shop. “Well, Captain Yami was the original founder of the Black Bulls after being promoted to captain by the Wizard King but the king was the one who came up with the name of the squad. Yami was a dark magic user and his name translates to darkness or black in Japanese and many other middle-eastern languages. Captain Yami is pretty stubborn to. To the point that. some call him bull-headed. I take it that the Wizard King combined these together to make the name. For me though, I just like the name.” Rarity came out from her kitchen with her teapot in hand.

“Asta, good to see you. How can I help you?” The fashion pony as gleefully.

“Hey Rarity, I … ah… kind’ve got… ah… a few things I need to talk to ya about,” Asta managed to spit out while gulping down his nerves.

Asta explained the happenings of the morning and gave her the Pokémon. Rarity was both happy and ticked at the same time. After a brief ass-chewing Rarity joyfully took Ricks measurements and listened to Asta’s request for a Black Bull themed trench coat and a few Black Bulls robes for the girls, Spike, Rick, and possible future members. Asta helped out by doing the robes for the girls as Rarity already had their current measurements. This freed her up to fashion Rick a few sets of clothes. One for every day, one for nice weather and semi-nice get together, and lastly a suit for formal events like the Galloping Gala or a nice date. Rarity than got to work on Asta’s coat when Asta realized they didn’t have the symbol of the Black Bulls symbol. Rarity recalled it from when the first met and immediately started to work on one for the back of the coat.

When Asta looked at Rick, Rick was staring out the window, a look of worry on his face,

"You look like Dash if she would've just heard that Daring Doo was coming to an end," Asta chuckled as he patted Rick on the back. "Here ya go bro," Asta dropped a Black Bull Baseball cap on the Pokemon's head.

“There ya go, a little more modern just for you. Now, what's with the worried look man?” Asta looked out the window.

"It's just, I wasn't the only one to be sent to Equestria, I had a friend with me, and when I woke up, she was nowhere to be found, I looked all over before I was stoned, but no luck, she was Displaced as Lapis Lazuli from Steven Universe, for all I know, she could have been trapped in a mirrorlike the show, gem cracked and everything, that's what's worrying me," Rick said, tears threatening to escape from the corners of his eyes.

“Seems that this was some pony really special to your heart,” Rarity came out and handed Asta his coat. “If she’s like you and Asta could she be in her own version of Equestria or it more likely she was sent to you version of reality?” She looked at Asta trying to get some form of an answer.

Asta pulled on his new coat with the Black Bulls crest on the back and a smaller one on the front. “Perfect fit as always Rares, so light too.”

“Of course dear,” Rarity smiled. “I enchanted it to be light and cool in hot and warm weather and warm in the cold. It was a tricky spell that I usually reserve for my high-end clients that come from more exotic locals.” She turned back to Rick and placed a hand on his shoulder while giving him a sympathetic smile. “Dear, I'm sure you’ll be reunited with your friend soon. Look at Asta.”

“Yea man, I’m a prime example for you,” Asta looked at with who sympathized with the Pokémon more than his new friend realized. “I lost my older brother for almost ten years but I never thought he was dead even when our own family said he was. Though that ultimately drove me and my parents apart. I did meet up with him a few days ago. I was so happy. Of course, for him, it was a reunion fifteen thousand years in the making but I could tell he was overjoyed to know how I was. my point is you can’t ever give up. Especially on friends and family. I have an extended family that spans the void that I still have to meet at that.” He smiled as he laughed a bit nervously while he scratched the back of his head.

"You're both right, I would never give up, we'll meet again someday," Rick said, a smile on his face, "

“If your friend is Lapuz then that makes her a gem,” Asta thought and then snapped his fingers and pointed to Rarity who blinked at Displaced in confusion. “Rarity could you locate her gem locating spell to find her. Mirror or not.”

Rarity thought on the idea and nodded in agreement. “I think Asta’s idea has many merits to it. If you have a Rarity that uses gemstones in her work as I do then she will most definitely have access to the very same gem locating spell.”

"You're right, maybe my Rarity can help me, after all, she is also hiding me from Celestia. So it could work!" Rick said,

“Ya know,” Asta thought. “I bit if we asked my big brother he’d be able to help you out. He’s the one who help me in the Crystal Empire in freeing Princess Amore and again in placing a couple of seals on Sombra while fixing the Crystal issue, the evil stabbed me with his own horn when he tried to take over my body.”

“Oh, how is the Princess?” Rarity asked with eager eyes.

Asta smirked and gave a thumbs up. “She doing great. I got a letter from Cadence and Shining the next day say she was already up and about and wondering who it was who freed her. They gave her my name and she wrote me a letter saying she wants to meet me the next time I’m in the Empire. That'll be after I get back From Savanna.” He turned to Rick. “So, what do ya say man? Wanna meet my big brother?”

"Sure thing," Rick said giving a thumbs up,

“Let’s go meet up with Pinkie first though,” Asta thumbed to the door. “We left her with her Pokémon and she’s probably done making friends with them while also do with memorizing her moves,” He pulled out his pocket watch. “Yea we need to get this stuff done. No doubt we already missed our train but that’s why we use Shy and the others’ Knight Status.”

“That was nice thinking darling on your part,” Rarity started to gather materials and put them away.

“Not my idea,” he and Rick headed out the door. “It was actually my bro Spike’s.”

"So, what kind of party do you think Pinkie made?" Rick asked, "She always makes a party based on what happened."

“I learned to never question the Pinkie, man,” Asta huffed as the made their way down the street to Sugarcube Corner. “Either a Pokémon, Congrats Asta on beating Rick, but it most definitely a welcome to Ponyville party for you thrown in to it. Oh, and when we call my brother, don't miss your draws. We more than likely won’t need to summon him but I don’t really feel like having Celestia and Luna showing up here either. So, yeah we’ll call him first then we might summon him but only if we absolutely have to.”

"K,"

The duo walked into Sugarcube Corner, the sun was starting to make way for the moon, and were met with a grand party with a Banner that read “Welcome to Ponyville and better luck next time Rick!”

"You know, sometimes it's scary that Pinkie can do things that defies all logic, like her parties, for example," Rick said, as they entered Sugarcube Corner, " Like how did she know who won? We were deep in the Everfree man!"

“Never ever question the Pinkie man,” Asta remarked as he rolled his eyes. “She got a four-leaf clover Grimoire that is based out of wind magic. Immediately when she got it she knew how to use it. I stopped asking after that. Time for cake,” Asta clapped his hands together and went for the red velvet with devils chocolate icing.

Only for it to be taken by Rayquaza, "Forgot to mention, Rayquaza loves cake so much he'll come out of his Master Ball, so you have to get to it faster when he's around," Rick said to Asta with a smirk. The ponies only looked but went back to partying.

“Great,” Asta remarked begrudgingly. He then proceeded to grab two more pieces of cake leaving Rick to mingle with the ponies for a bit. Rayquaza saw this and tried to again go for them but Pinkie Pie zipped in and presented with Pokémon with his own personal cake. “Thanks, Pinkie,” Asta smirked and joined Shy in the corner of the room. Although she had become more outgoing since his arrival she still preferred to stay out of the main group.

“Here ya go Shy,” Asta said setting a slice of cake in front of his girlfriend. “It’s been a long morning for our group hasn’t it?”

“Yea,” she looked down her cake with a far off gaze.

“Shy,” Asta looked at Fluttershy. “If there’s something bothering you, I'm here to listen.”

“I know and I planned on telling you when we had time on the way to the Caribou Kingdom,” She said with a false grin. “For now though, let’s just enjoy everypony’s company.”

“Alright then, but we’re going to talk in-depth later,” Asta said trying his best to be sympathetic. He kissed her forehead and rejoined Rick in the main group. “What do you think of my neighbors?”

"They're pretty cool, though I would watch out for Filthy Rich, he threatened me after I didn't sell one of my Pokemon, no doubt he would go after somebody else," Rick said,

“Yea, just I ignore the annoying greedy bastard,” Asta waved his hand in front of his face. “He’s pissed at me because I can undermine his little business operations. One of the advantages of working for the Apple family, at the lumber yard, and general labor for little to nothing. Now, how about we get my big bro on the inter-dimensional horn,” he pulled out his pocket watch and let it drop dangling it by its chain as it swung to and fro in the air. “Ready to talk to a true Displaced?” Asta smirked at the Pikachu.

Rick gave a thumbs up in response,

“Let's see, where can we go for this where we won’t call a bunch of attention to ourselves,” Asta looked around the bakery. “I guess it’d be best to go outside around the back. Come on man.”

Rick and Asta slipped away from the party and went through the back door of the kitchen. Asta looked around and made sure there were no ponies around in the general area. He held up his watch and said the name ‘Edward Elric’ to the watch. Suddenly the watch popped open and the arms began to spin rapidly around the clock face. As this happened a holographic screen was projected from the watch. There on the display show a tall blonde haired man whose hair was well past his shoulder in a black muscle shirt flipping through a book with a little alicorn girl in his lap. She had astral red starlight hair tied in a ponytail with a pair of dark blue sapphire eyes and a white horn similar to Celestia’s with a pair of red wings. She was wearing a white dress with cyan ribbons tied around her waist. After a few moments, the man noticed that he was being watched.

“Hello,” he gave a snide smile at the two Displaced looking at him. “Wow, Asta twice in a day. Do you really miss talking to your big brother that much?’

Asta merely rolled his eyes and then spoke with a bit of annoyance in his voice. “As much as I do miss having you around this call isn’t for me Allen. It’s for my buddy Rick here,” Asta put his arm around Rick’s neck. “He needs some help and seeing as your the oldest and most powerful Displaced I currently know-”

“You thought I might be able to help him out with his dilemma, “Allen/Edward continued. “Well, I might be able to but it really depends on him and on what the problems are though. Still, I’m more than willing to try. I might not be able to do much but I’ll do what I can.”

There was a sudden disturbance from the little alicorn who had started to paw at Allen/Edward’s face in an attempt to get his attention. She then started to speak a bit, “Dada who dat?” She said pointing at Asta and Rick.

“Star,” Allen/Edward pointed to Asta and then to Rick. “This is your Uncle Asta and his friend Rick. Gentlemen, this is my daughter, Morning Star. Say hi Star.”

“Hewo Uncie Asa un Ick ,” Morning Star waved at the duo. Asta was doing his best not to laugh at the way his little niece had pronounced the Pokemon’s name. He still let out a snicker.

“Go over and play with your toys for a bit honey,” Allen/Edward set his daughter down. “Daddy needs to talk with Uncle Asta and Mr.Rick.”

“K,” Star giggled off-screen.

Allen/Edward waved at his little girl as she went to play and then turned back to Rick and Asta. “Now Mr. Rick, what is your dilemma?”

"Well, I have a friend who is missing in my Equestria, and I have no clue where she is, I even looked all over the planet, so that's my dilemma." Rick said, his ears twitched and he moved his head to the side, dodging a piece of cake that came from the party. "Close one."

“Missing person, aye,” Allen/Edward nodded. “Have you tried asking for help? What about your Celestia or better Luna? Perhaps Twilight?”

"No go on the Princesses, Lunas still trapped on the moon and Celestia wants my head, and Twilight, no, just no."

“Hahaha! She’s still that bad?” Allen/Edward bellowed. “Tell me about this friend of yours and your world as well as a brief rundown of your story if you don’t mind.”

"Me and my friend were sent during the time of Discord’s rule, only she wasn't around, I fought Discord, and won, befriended the princesses, fought Sombra, ending up getting beat up badly, lost the Empire, still no sign of my friend, Nightmare Moon came along, me and Celestia banished her, then there was 'MY'" Rick made air quotations with his fingers, "secret plan on killing Celestia, she stoned me, then Sweetie Bell came along and freed me, just two weeks before Nightmare Moon's return. Now I'm hiding out in her home." Rick said, finishing his backstory, "Now for my friend, she was Displaced as Lapis Lazuli from Steven Universe, and for all I know, she could be trapped in a mirror with her gem cracked, or she could be deep in the Earth for all I know, heck, I even tried using my Psychic abilities to try and contact her through her mind, didn't work."

“Hmmm… If she is trapped in the mirror then she’d have to interact with someone enough before he conciseness becomes active enough to communicate through the mirror. Only then would you be able to find her using a Psychic scan,” Allen/Edward explained as he went to a nearby bookshelf and pulled out a book.

Star came up to her father with a little doll that resembles Twilight. “Dada Untie Twi,”

“I see honey,” He rubbed his daughter head lovingly and rejoined the others. “She could also still be in the ground stuck in some sort of dormant state or hibernation. All the signs say that she is sealed in some way. If she’s not sealed away she might have own cloaking skill or she’s in another Equestria.”

"No, I called the Merchant, said she was sent to my Equestria with me, so she could be in a dormant state, but Gems don't hibernate, they just go into their gem if their body is damaged, then they come out good as new, but they don't hibernate," Rick said, his memory of Steven Universe kicking in,

Allen/Edward turned a page in his book and looked up to check on his daughter before returning his attention to Asta and Rick. "Well, then she's stuck in some form of sealed state. I recommend you start checking everywhere you can think of that might contain an ancient mirror. Say the castle in Everfree for starts and antique shops. If she's not in the mirror then she's in the ground. You're friends with Sweetie Belle and Rarity by extension I'm guessing. Ask her if she'll help out with her gem locating spell."

He turned a page in his book again. A door opened in the background and a worried motherly voice could be heard, "Ed, is Morning Star with you? Luna is worried cause she hasn't seen her for a while."

“She’s down here with me Faust,” Ed called out and then turned his attention back to Rick. “Anything else on your mind Pikachu?”

"Not really, though, as a token of my thanks Ed, I'm giving you an Optimus Prime Mech, if you want,"

Allen/Edward waved his hand in front of his as he shook his head. “I very much appreciate the offer but I wouldn’t need it. I know,” His eye opened why as he snapped his fingers. He left and quickly returned. “Take these if you don’t mind. Send to Asta,” a small portal open on his end and he sent a couple of items through.

A portal appears next to Asta, dropping out popped an Autobot symbol and an alchemist’s pocket watch. “My token and a link to others who have it obviously. The symbol is the token of a friend I help out some time ago. I wonder how Prime is doing?”

"Thanks," Rick said, then a cake splattered on his head, "It was nice meeting Ed, but I got a certain Pegasus I need to get payback on,"

“And I have a little girl to put down for a nap,” Allen/Edward gave the duo a soft smile and then a serious look. “If you continue on journey you’ll find her Rick and do your best to save Luna from herself. Goodbye.” The watch’s feed cut off and Asta put it away.

“You go get Dash while I get something to drink,” Asta chuckled.

"With stinking pleasure," Rick said, looking up, seeing Rainbow Dash quickly retreating, then speeding after her. The sound of Rainbows screams could be heard followed by, "LET'S SEE HOW YOU LIKE GETTING CAKE OUT YOUR FUR FOR WEEKS!!"

“Glad I have just the hair on the top of my head,” Asta blinked.

Suddenly, he remembered he still had to pass out the robes to the girls. He was still hesitant about this as he wasn’t sure if this was the right move on his part as he had been telling everyone he just wanted a peaceful life here in Equestria, and it had been that for the most part. He then recalled his brother’s words during their mental session in the Crystal Empire.

“I admire you wanting to live a peaceful life little brother but peace only lasts so long for the Displaced. Our kind draw in trouble no matter the person we are or species. When the time comes for you make the choice to be active or not I leave it to you. Each of us is totally different when it comes to what we are and want. I know the original Asta is good-hearted but don’t let his impulses dictate your choices as the have been. I’ll help, but in the end, you still have to make the decision yourself.”

Asta knew his older brother was right and this was why he wanted to go to the Caribou Kingdom. This was the defining moment for him to choose if he would be acting as a true Magic Knight or just another passive person. Sure there were his actions in the Crystal Empire but these weren’t for his alone. This time it was his choice to do something and the outcome would fall on him. Asta looked at his reflection in his glass of cider when a shadow moved closer to him onto the wall that he was leaning on.

“Yes Haze,” Asta muttered to the Shadowbolt Vice-Captain.

“Sir Asta, everything is set up and ready to go. We have procured a base of operations for you and the Elements to utilize upon your arrival into the city,” Haze whispered to Asta as not to draw attention to his shadow form. “Our units are currently on standby. What are your orders until your arrival?”

“Keep as quiet as you can but gather whatever intel you can as well,” Asta took a swig of his cider and then threw the cup in a nearby trash can. “If there are any mares and fillies that you deem are in need of help then take action if you can without being seen. If you can't do it without being discreet then don’t do it at all. Absolutely one is to be called under any circumstances. Capture and detain. Alter their minds with magic if you have to. Not a single death can be permitted, at least not right now.”

“It shall be done Sir Asta,” Haze bowed discreetly in his shadow form and then departed to relay the message of the Shadowbolt network.

Asta turned his attention back to the party. “Time to get things underway. I have to speak with both Shy and Aj. Dread both those,” he turned his attention to the whizzing rainbow and streak of yellow running in circles around each other.

Rick then stopped, "Ah, forget it, I already smushed enough cake in your hair that it’ll be hard enough to get out for months,"

"Hey Pokemon!" Vinyl said "Get up here and sing man, let's hear your stuff!"

Asta took this as a shock as he looked at Rick. “You sing?” The knight pointed at the Pokémon.

"Not all the time, my singing came from my human life," Rick said as he took the mic, "But yes."

"So what ya gonna sing?" DJ PON3 asked,

Rick just smirked and whispered the song into the DJs ear,

Dark appeared and played the drums while Rick starting playing the guitar,

The secret side of me, I never let you see
I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me, the beast is ugly
I feel the rage and I just can't hold it

It's scratching on the walls, in the closet, in the halls
It comes awake and I can't control it
Hiding under the bed, in my body, in my head
Why won't somebody come and save me from this, make it end?

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster, and as he sang that last part, his eyes became black pits with red glowing dots in them, blood coming out of them.

I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster
I, I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a monster
I've gotta lose control, here's something radical
I must confess that I feel like a monster

I, I feel like a monster Rick sang, his look normal
I, I feel like a monster Dark sang next
I, I feel like a monster EXE sang,
I, I feel like a monster then all of them.

“I get why you two choice that one,” Asta remarked with a smirk as he went over to Vinyl and whispered in her ear. She gave him a thumbs up and looked at Rick singling him to toss Asta the mic. Suddenly jazz music started to play as Asta caught the mic and started to sing.

Zulu man is feeling blue

Hear his heart beat a little tattoo, singing

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo

You love me and I love you

And when you love it is natural to

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo

I'm so very diga diga doo by nature

If you don't say diga diga to your mate

You're gonna lose your pop

So, let those funny people smile

How can there be a virgin isle with

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo

Swing it

Asta took Fluttershy by the hand and started to swing dance with her. He twirled her around the effortlessly with one hand and then gave her a quick kiss on the lips then twirled her back into her chair. Shy went as bright red as a fresh tomato and then hid her face while Asta gave her a quick wink.

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Diga diga doo, diga doo

I'm so very diga diga doo by nature

If you don't say diga diga to your mate

You're gonna lose your pop

So, let those funny people smile

How can there be a virgin isle with

Diga diga doo, diga doo doo

Zulu man is feeling blue

Hear his heart beat a little tattoo

Diga doo, diga diga diga doo

You love me and I love you

And when you love it is natural to

Diga diga doo, diga diga diga doo

Zulu man is feeling blue

Hear his heart beat a little tattoo

Diga doo, diga diga diga doo

You love me and I love you

And when you love it is natural to

Diga diga doo, diga diga diga doo

Diga doo

Asts finished his song and tossed the mic back to Vinyl. He went on his way and sat down next to Fluttershy who was still reeling from the earlier dance. Asta saw Rick as he made his way to the table. He looked like he had something on his mind.

"Asta, something tells me this party is about to get a little more exciting," Rick whispered to him, his ears twitching like mad, and he was holding a six shooter close to him, but hidden from everybody else, "I count three at the Belltower, two behind the Sugarcube, five on roofs, and one in the crowd wearing a black cloak, they have us surrounded,"

Asta looked around and noticed the figures. They were giving off a very malevolent ki.

“They’re definitely not friends,” Asta got up and pulled out his Grimoire and donned his gauntlets. He cracked his knuckles. “Wonder if these guys have something to do with the Timberwolf attack that happened a few weeks ago? Guess we’ll find out.”

Next Chapter: Vampires and Gemstones Estimated time remaining: 41 Hours, 17 Minutes