Both Asta and Rick silently prepared for the upcoming fight, quickly telling Twilight to tell everybody the parties over, the two began to head over to the location of the cloaked figure, "Careful Asta, I looked their minds, they're vamps, don't let manage to get their grubby claws on ya," Rick said to his friend,

Asta looked back at Rick,” No they're not vampires as it barely even noon, but definitely they’re definitely some form of undead though,” Asta cracked his knuckles. “Time to put this Crystal magic and Sky Dragon Speed to the test,” he smirked as he looked to the bell tower.

"I know these types, Asta, their from my world, they're Ancient Vampires, they are older than normal Vampires, like Dracula, they are twice as deadly than your everyday vampires, nearly immune to sunlight but not fully, so a few UV rounds should do it, and I have a feeling I know this cloaked figure,so be careful," Rick loaded liquid UV rounds into his six-shooter, noticing the ponies peeking from their homes,

"Hello my friends, how nice to see something relatively normal in this strange world," the cloaked figure said, voice that of a female, Asta could see the faint glow of blood-red eyes, "Could you kindly surrender a few ponies as a temporary peace, we are incredibly thirsty," Rick merely pointed his gun at the cloaked Vampire, Asta knew it was a Colt Python, but with a Gold and Silver color scheme,

"Not another step lady, and as for the whole surrendering ponies to you ain't happening!" Rick said, pulling the hammer back, the sun all but disappeared, making way for the moon, "Now show us who you are, so that way we can chase ya outta town," the vampire merely chuckled,

Asta was doing his best to keep himself restrained. To think that vampires somehow followed Rick here gave him quite a few concerns but those were pushed to the back of his mind at this point. No, right now Asta was angry at this vampire woman for coming to his home and demanding that they turn over his friends for food. The only things he was seeing at this time were his targets and the only thing on his wren how he was going to rip them apart. Asta was only barely keeping himself from doing so by the thoughts of the ponies and his friends that meant so much to him and how these vampires had them in the crosshairs. Asta was gritting his teeth at this point, although somewhere this had stemmed from the original Asta these weren’t his character’s impulses he was keeping himself from giving into, they were his own. He was gripping his own hand so tightly that Rick noticed it had started to bleed while Asta’s whole body was trembling.

"Calm down Asta, don't let them rile you up," Rick said to his friend, trying his best to calm him down,

"Better listen to the rat, boy, and as for who I am," the cloaked person removed the cloak, revealing a woman who looks in her twenties, blonde hair, and pale skin, but not too pale, she almost could pass for human, Asta heard Rick gasp, looking to his friend out of the corner of his eye, he could see the recognition on his face,

"NARISSA! What are you doing here, actually, how did you even get here!?"

“Nraaaaaa,” Asta growled at Narissa through his teeth. His anger was causing him to tap into his latent weather magic raised the temper of the air around him. The rising temperature around him made was getting dry. “You…” sparks of electricity started to come from his left arm. Asta started to lean forward readying to run at the

"Asta NO!" Rick said, putting his arm in front of him, "You don't know what she's capable of, she's a Vampire Queen, equal footing to Drac, maybe stronger seeing how she killed him, so don't let anger control your actions,"

Rick knew that Asta's anger wasn't misplaced but he had to get the Knight back to his senses somehow or he'd have a bigger issue than just an extremely powerful vampire on his hands. Rick himself wasn't one presently recovered from his earlier fight with Asta either so he was going to need his friend help in the upcoming fight with Narissa and her lackeys. To do that though Asta needed to be in the right state of mind.

"Asta, we're both nearly spent from our battle, so if you charge blindly into battle, you're gonna get hurt or worse," Rick said to his friend, managing to calm him down a little, "We both can take her, but not if you're acting like this, so calm down, and think about the situation, we know they are all over town, and one of us alone isn't enough, but together, these bit heads won't stand a chance!"

“I’m goin to rip every last vampire apart if you so much as try and lay a single claw on my home and my friends,” Asta snarled through his teeth. His eyes shifted to the distance and his partner, ‘Ymir, you are to protect Shy and any others at all cost. Tell her to tell the other Elements to use their Grimoires and to not hold back if they come across anyone with pale skin and or in a black cloak. They out to be eradicated.”

‘I’ll tell her now,’ the obsidian Sky Dragon related in a low growl, her rider’s anger sparking her own to come to the surface pushing out her usually calm and relaxed demeanor.

“Why are you here vampire? And answer... carefully,” Asta was still straining to keep himself in check narrowed his gaze on the vampire. “Depending on your answer, will determine how I end you.”

"A straight to the point type of guy huh? Very well, I am here for him," Narissa said pointing at Rick, "He will be an excellent addition to my clan. Now step aside boy, and let us claim our prize."

Asta’s anger deepened to the point that an overwhelming aura came from his body. His right arm and hand began to twitch. Soon Asta’s right arm was a blackened crystal revealing the bones inside. The appendage started just above his elbow and ran down his whole lower arm into the hand that was now a claw-tipped with a crimson hew. The air around Asta began to whip and whirl reflect his own internal struggle to maintain control. His hair started to become an ash blonde mist while his eyes turned red with slit pupils. Asta’s k-9 teeth turned into sharp fangs similar to his black form. The Rider’s mark wrapped Asta’s left arm had turned red. This power he was invoking was due to his own negativity reacting to the horn of King Sombra that was infused throughout his body. He was now Crystal Asta.

“You,” Asta growled with focus on Narissa. His anger caused the clouds above the trio to be drawn in and accumulate into thunder clouds. Narissa started to back off at the site of the creature in front of her. “DARE COME TO MY HOME,” he brought his right hand up and clenched it into a fist. “DEMAND THAT I GIVE UP MY FRIENDS AS A SNACK TO YOU AND THEN YOU HAVE THE GALL TO TELL ME TO HAND OVER MY GUEST!!!” He roared with the force of thunder. Narissa’s eyes were fixed on Asta’s arm as she knew that this appendage was incredibly dangerous to her and her comrades.

"Luckily, I have something for these types of things," Narissa snapped her fingers, and the next thing the two knew, they were sent flying into different directions, Rick landing on a cart, crushing upon impact, Asta was sent into Sugarcube, when they got up to see their attacker, they saw a creature that seemed to be made of fire, smoke came every part of it, two bat-like wings were ablaze,

"A Balrog, how you managed to control one is beyond me," Rick said, regrouping with his friend, "Asta, we're no match for this thing, even in your angered state, so unless you want to end up dead, then don't engage, I repeat don't engage, we're too spent, and your power levels are going down the longer you're in that form," Asta merely growled in anger, "You charge at that thing, and if we survive this, I'm telling Fluttershy!"

Hearing that comment brought him back so a more reasonable state of mind. Asta remembered that he'd promise Fluttershy that he'd control his impulses better and now that he could think much more clearly he was able to see what Rick was talking about. Even if he was at full strength a Balrog was still too much for him to face alone.

Asta got back to his feet and looked around the bakery. "Man, I hope the Cakes have insurance against monster fights," he cracked his neck and then looked at his right arm. "Guess I was more compatible with Sombra's power than we originally thought. I'll have to learn as I go for now. Rick, you in one piece brother?"

"Yeah, though I did have two broken ribs when that thing hit us, my healing factor kicked, so yeah I'm good," Rick said, spitting out some blood, "Alright, I have an idea on how to handle ugly here,"

“I’ll leave the planning to you my friend,” Asta walked out of the bakery. “I can’t use my Black Form right now my body hasn’t recovered enough from our fight so if I have to use anti-magic I’ll have to rely solely on my weapons and physical techniques on it. I’m going to rely on my Crystal and Ancient Magics for the time being.”

"Alright, and I will use this, UNICORN GUNDAM!" Rick said, tossing an action figure sized robot to the ground before shouting its name, the mech then grew and was bigger than Golden Oaks,

"Take it out, hit it with everything you got!" the Gundam started firing its blaster at the Fire Demon, blasting chunks off of it, "That should help weaken-GAGH!" Rick was interrupted when Narissa and two other Vampires tackled Rick into a nearby alley before Asta could follow, the Balrog grabbed him and tossed him at the Gundam, which carefully caught him before any harm could be done,

“Damn fire demon,” Asta wiped some blood from his mouth. “My next move could be dangerous but it’s the only one I can think of that’ll allow me to help Rick. You hold it in place,” he looked at Unicorn as it nodded in agreement. Unicorn rushed the Balrog and got behind it while grabbing the demon’s arms and held them behinds the beast’s back. Asta placed his hands together and began to concentrate and gather mana into himself.

Only for the Balrog to break free as it ripped off Unicorns left arm, melting half of it's chest with its fire breath, and then proceeded to punch Unicorn in the head, snapping it's crest in half, destroying an eye and severely denting the head, but Unicorn grabbed the demon and pinned it to the ground, using its body weight to keep it there while plunging its purple beam saber into its shoulder, then the Balrogs flaming sword burst through Unicorns chest, barely missing its core,

“Crystal malthinae daert(Crystal Binding Spears)!” Asta roared as he punched the ground with his crystal right arm sending mana into the earth itself. Suddenly giant spears of black crystal burst forth from all sides of the Balrog and pierced the body of the flaming beast. He was combing his Crystal magic and his Ancient magic to form an extremely binding seal on the Balrog. The flames of the demon were soon extinguished as the monster died in pain never to breathe another breath again.

“I’ll have the princesses do something with your carcass later,” Asta grabbed his right. “Man that put more of a mental strain than I thought it would. Now,” He headed towards Rick. “To help my buddy and end a vampire.”

"A little late for that," Rick said as he stumbled out of the alley, blood covering all parts of his body along with ash, his clothes torn and tattered, "Managed to end those other two, but Narissa got away, and you'll never guess who I found," he held up a mirror, spinning so that the back is facing Asta, on the back was a cracked gem, an all too familiar gem, "I finally found her, she was with that vampire scum. Let's get to the others, losing blood fast,"

“Good for you,” Asta smirked as he reverted back to his normal form and fell to one knee. He winced in pain as he noticed his body had taken more damage than he’d initially thought. “Yea, I need my own fair share of first aid to. Let me contact Ymir and have her tell Shy and the girl to meet us at the Library.” Asta placed his hand to the side of his head. ‘Ymir, get the girls together and meets Rick and I at Twilight’s house.’

‘You sound completely worn down Asta. Are you alright?’ Ymir worriedly answered her rider.

‘I’ll be fine for the time being but Rick is need of some serious treatment,’ Asta got to his feet and moved toward the Golden Oak Library with Rick in toe. ‘Have Pinkie zip to the hospital and get some AAB and have Twi prep the basement.’

‘If you say it then I shall tell them,’ the worried dragoness confirmed.

‘Thanks partner,’ Asta looked to Rick as he wobbled to keep up with his pace. Asta smirked and went over and to the Pokémon and pulled his arm around himself. “Let's get you to the library's basement buddy.”

"Yeah, and don't worry Unicorn, I'll fix you up when we head home," Rick said to the giant torn up mech, before a powerful kick to the head by Narissa ripped Unicorns head clean off, "UNICORN! Why you!" Rick charged at Narissa, but due to his weakened state, Narissa was able to launch him into a building, Narissa then proceeded to pound Asta, hearing a few bones crack, as she was about to deliver the final blow, a deep growling was heard, looking to the building Rick was sent into, they can hear the sounds of bones breaking and tearing, then it stopped, next thing Narissa knew, she was tackled by a big form, when the dust cleared from their collision to the ground, Asta saw a huge werewolf, its arms were massive, almost like tree trunks, it's legs like that of a wolves, its eyes were black pits with Iris being silver in color, and the teeth, they looked ready to tear into flesh, Asta recognized the thunderbolt shaped tail, it was Rick, and he was a werewolf.

Rick kept snapping his jaws near Narissa’s face before she kicked him, Rick landed near Asta.

"Look who's pissed and going off the deep end now," Asta got to his feet. "Ow, definitely gonna need a heavy healing treatment when this is done." Asta Grimoire floated up next to him as he looked at Narissa. " I'll admit you've done some pretty good damage to my body and you're very strong. If it wasn't for the fact I'm taken and you weren't a vampire, I'd ask you out. But the facts remain," Asta scowled at Narissa in pure rage. "You come into my home asking for a sacrifice of my friends, you act without justification and destroy my town, and kidnap my friend's friend. You lady, will not be leaving here in one piece," Asta pulled out a new sword from his Grimoire.

Narissa back off quite a few steps as Asta pointed the tip of his new blade at her. The new sword was exuding black demonic anti-magic but instead of the usual red-hued edge this time the hue was a deep dark blue. “You better back up bitch,” Asta’s tone darkened. “This blade can even end immortality, permanently,” he pulled the Demon-Dweller sword out too while allowing his anti-magic enter his body dawning his Black Form once more. Asta took in a deep breath and controlled his blood flow throughout his body to increase his strength to its utmost limits, surpassing that which he had in his earlier fight against Rick. “As I said before, you won’t be leaving here alive or in one piece.” Asta vanished in a blink and in the next moment Narssia’s left arm was permanently severed from her body only a few traces of bluish anti-magic could be seen where it had been.

"This isn't over yet, mortal!" Narissa said as she disappeared, not even Asta’s ki sense could find her,

"She disappeared back to my world, how I know is because of this," Rick said, showing a small device, it was cube in shape with strange symbols on its chrome plating, "I snatched it from her the moment I had her pinned, once we find a place to study it, I can find a way to keep them from coming it."

“Well, now you have one less arm to deal with,” Asta remarked with a smirk. “First things first though, we need to get to the Library. You need blood transfusions and I need healing spells bad. If I move after I disable my black form I risk passing out from intense pain.”

"Yeah, blood transfusions, just where are we gonna find someone with my type of blood?" Rick said, making a point,

“No sweat bro,” Asta thumped his chest and winced from the pain. “That’s why I had Pinkie run to the hospital to get AAB. I was short on blood once myself. AAB is short for Artificial Adaptive Blood. It’s blood that can adapt to anyone’s body once it’s in your system.” The duo walked along the empty streets to the Library. Rick reverted back to his normal form while Asta’s black form started to fade as they came upon their destination. Fluttershy quickly came out and caught Asta while Ymir caught Rick and tossed the dying Pokémon onto her back. “Gently.’ Asta mentally murmured in pain as the were brought inside the house tree. Asta was placed on the couch and Rick in a bed the girls had set up for him. Twilight wasted no time in getting the Pikachu hooked up to the blood infusion.

"Man, I hate vamps, no good bloodsuckers," Rick said, pulling out the device, "Let's see what you are, my little friend," his using gauntlet, Rick scanned the small device, his eyes going wide in surprise, "No way. That's impossible!"

“No shouting,” Fluttershy scolded the excited Pokémon. “Lay back down in bed now mister. You both a severely injured and need some rest.” RIck looked to Asta who was looking at the wall innocently.

‘I’d listen if you know what’s good for you man,’ Asta mouthed silently to Rick.

"Now, only crazy, no insane person would never listen to Fluttershy," Rick said, "But this is a portable Dimensionator, it allows one to travel to other dimensions,"

"But how did they get here, it's not like our worlds are connected, the only they can get here is by token, form what my notes say, and there is no way they can make a token, they're not Displaced," Twilight said, looking over her notes,

“Normally that’s the case Twi,” Asta spoke up as Fluttershy cast her healing spells on him. “But there are Displaced that have the means and or the abilities to allow them to freely move through the void as they please. These guys are usually either evolved Displaced that are known as Void Dwellers or an extremely powerful Displaced like my big brother that have the power or means to do so. My older brother could come here right now without needing to be summoned. He even gave me a key to his world so I can visit whenever I like.” Asta pulled out a golden skeleton key from his pocket showing everyone.

"But that's the thing Asta, Narissa isn't even a Displaced, though I do have a theory," Rick said, pressing a button on his gauntlet, as a hologram of Astas and Ricks worlds appeared, "These are two Displaces worlds, now watch what happens when a Displaced summons another," Rick pressed another button, and thin line appeared, connecting the two worlds, "This is the bridge connecting the two worlds, as a Displaced gets summoned, a thin bridge would appear and send that Displaced to the Summoner, though the bridge is small, only made for as long as the Displaced is there for, and when they get sent back, the bridge disappears completely, though for others that are not Displaced and would want to travel to another Equestria, they would have to use the Dimensionators, but that would require a very large power source, like cosmic scale power source, and the only ones I could think of are these," several images appeared, there was The Matrix of Leadership, the Infinity Stones, Galactus, Silver Surfer, Dark Spark, Dark Energon, and a black Crystal, "But we have to rule out the Matrix, Infinity Stones, Galactus, and Silver Surfer, as they are unattainable, but the Dark Spark, Dark Energon and Dark Matter," everyone felt shivers run down their spines, "Are attainable, while the Dark Matter is hard to come by, it's still attainable, though even Narissa wouldn't go near it, so the only ones are Dark Energon and the Dark Spark," Rick said, deactivating the hologram, and pulling out the mirror prison of his friend, "But that pretty much sums it up, for now, it's time to see an old friend," he then proceeded to take off the gem, and when he did, the mirror began to crack until finally, the mirror shattered, freeing Rick's friend.

A glow came from now free gem as it began to take shape until finally, Lapis Lazuli was standing in front of us, her eyes were completely white, "W-where am I?" she said,

"Hey Angie, been a long time since we saw each other," Rick said, causing Angie to look in his direction, tears threatening to come from the corners of her eyes,

"R-Rick, is that you?"

"In the flesh." Angie tackled Rick in a hug, tears flowing down her face,

"I thought I would never see you again," Angie sobbed, soaking Rick's fur with her tears, Rick merely rubbed her back soothingly,

"Shh, it's okay, we're back together again, no more tears now," Rick and Angie stayed like that for a good two minutes until she stopped crying,

"Where are we?" She asked, which Asta answered her,

"First off, hello my name is Asta Ferris nice to meet you. Secondly, you're in the Golden Oaks Library of Ponyville in the land of Equestria, my Equestria anyways," Asta explained to Lapiz. "Seeing as how you've been in a mirror for god whos knows how l will explain. You are a Dimensionally Misplaced or Displaced. One who has met a being that sent you a version of reality different from your human one as the character you were dressed as. Ow!" he yelled as Fluttershy had him lay on his stomach. "rick you explain because the pain is getting to me. DAMN! Freaking Balrog and vampires. You did get the others right? YOW!"

"I already know what Displaced is, but thanks for telling me," Angie said,

“Nnnf, well now I feel stupid,” Asta winced as he sat back up. “Thanks, for the healing Shy,” He motioned Fluttershy to sit next to him. She sat down and snuggled into his as while Asta wrapped his left arm around her. “Back to what I was saying. This is my Equestria and I’m the one who summoned Rick and by some unfortunate circumstances the vampires that by the good graces of God brought you and Rick back together!l He saw Rick reluctantly smile at this statement as he blamed himself for Narissa’s attack.

“Do you know how those meanies got here?” Pinkie interjected with a furrowed brow.

“Yes darling, do you think you'd be able to shed some light on how the ghastly villains entered our world from your own Ms. Lapis,” Rarity asked in concern but with an air of intrigue in her new acquaintance. “Could you also tell us a little about yourself dear?”

"Well, I don't know how they got here, but I do know they plan on bringing an army as long as some sort of bridge is still open," Angie said, "As for myself, well, I'm a sentient gem from another world which is a females-only world, I'm able to control water, don't need to eat or sleep, or breath, and I also enjoy a nice time at the beach,"

"Then my theory about the bridge between worlds is correct, if we stay here any longer, who knows what could come here, like The Overlord, if he comes here, not even you could stop him, even at full power, fortunately, I'm near full health, so I could finish patching myself up, and Angie as her gem is cracked,"

"Aw, we're leaving, but I got out of the mirror," Angie said,

"Angie, we don't who is now in our Equestria, Thanos could be interrogating Narissa and her gang on how to get here, as long as that bridge is open, this world is now a target, besides there is always more Displaced out there," Rick said, getting up,

“I wanted to get more notes on Angie’s race!” Twilight yelped in disagreement.

“As much as I too would also love to know more about a sentient gemstone society I'm afraid I must also agree with Rick Twilight,” Rarity side with the Pokémon begrudgingly.

“But we can’t just send her back with a crack in her gem,” Fluttershy butted in and they all looked at Angie. “My Grimoire deals in Gaea magic. If you’re familiar with terminology and lore I can help heal her but it could take a while as I would also need Rarity and Applejack's help.”

“Why do you Rares and Aj to help you with healing Flutters,” Rainbow Dash looked at her best friend confused as she Fluttershy was the best at heal spells since they’d all received their Grimoires. She was able to heal Asta up back to one hundred percent on day one of getting them.

“I think I understand where she’s coming from,” the scholar nodded as she held her head in her hand. “Fluttershy’s Magic is nature-based for the most part but as she said her magic deals with Gaea. Which means she has pull with the very ground we stand on and by extension the minerals in it. Rarity’s deals with gemstones and Applejack’s deals with earth, rock, and stone in general. Altogether when combined with Fluttershy,s healing spell they could patch the cracks in your gem. Fluttershy as the base for healing. Rarity for the gemstone’s crystalline struck and Applejack for raw material.”

As the girls were discussing the way to help Angie Asta was thinking silently to himself. This time there was a real threat to Equestria and he’d barely managed to wound it. What’s worse is that he nearly lost himself to his anger again. He had some serious mediation to undertake and then there was his idea of starting a squad Magic Knights. This incident had helped him make up his mind. He was going to start a squad up and he was going to make the girls all Honorary members. He’d already been offered a spot as a Captain of his own Branch of the Crystal Guard. He only hoped Celestia and Luna would be willing to listen to his idea.

Asta thought back to his new friends and their situation. “As much as I know you girls want to help I think you should let Rick and more importantly, Angie decide on what should be done. Don’t forget we still have our own problems to attend to here and this little issue has set us back by a day already.” All head turned to the two foreign Displaced.

"Hmm, it could heal Angie faster, but it's Angie's gem, it's up to her."

"Yes, I would like that," Angie said agreeing with the girls’ plan,

“If ya are willin to put your gem in our hands Ah’m more than willin to help ya,” Aj smiled as she’d never really helped others with her Grimoire. Sure she used it to help out on the farm and earlier to help Ponyville. But healing was never really her forte.

“I’m sure that I have some Lapis Lazuli shards back at my shop we could use as filler material,” Rarity pondered. “Thai way dear Fluttershy and Applejack won’t have to strain themselves to pull large amounts gem from scratch.”

“I can help out too,” Twilight interject. “I can use my Copy Magic to help the others in their facets as a whole. Three spells at a time are nothing for me to maintain even when I use my Grimoire. You three can start off and take care of most of the leg work on the spells while I help maintain and power them.”

"Alright, but you won't like the way I give it to you, Rick?" Angie looked to Rick, who grimaced, then pulled out a katana, and poofed her by stabbing her in the stomach, her gem falling to the ground, the girls had looks of horror,

"As she said, you won't like it, and she's not dead, the only way to kill a gem is to shatter the gem, she'll reform," Rick said handing Fluttershy the gem,

Fluttershy shivered as she looked at the cracked gem And then desperately to Asta looking for an explanation.

“She okay Shy,” Asta comfortingly rubbered his girlfriend’s arm. “Gems enter their gemstone in order to repair their damaged form. Her physical form is actually a form of solid light construction. She basically in a hibernation state.”

“Fascinating!” Twilight squeezes with excitement as she wrote down more notes. Asta only rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Yes well,” Rarity shook her head as she came back to reality. “I shall go to my shop to check and see if it’s still in one piece and to retrieve the lapis shards.” Rarity made her exit as quickly as she could

“Do you need a drink as badly as I do?” Asta looked at Rick.

"I could go for a soda," Rock said to his friend,

“Maybe Pinkie or the Cakes can spare a couple of sodas?” Asta suggested. The duo made their way to what was left of Sugarcube Corner. Rick and Asta quickly found an intact table. Pinkie quickly popped up out of nowhere and zipped over to the Displaced with a couple of root beers and cherry changes.

“Thanks, Pinkie,” Asta held up a hand to the party pony. “Tell the Cakes I’m sorry about the mess in here?”

“They totally forgive you Asta,” Pinkie giggled. “They said they’ve been wanting to remodel for a while now anyway. Enjoy.” She zipped off to do whatever it is that she was doing. Asta merely shook his head with a soft smile.

“Back to business,” Asta grabbed his rot beer and took a swig. “Ah! Good stuff. Maybe you can help me out with this decision?” The Knight’s head went down as he looked at the table then his eyes went up to Rick. He took in a deep breath and let it out. “I was offered the chance by Shining and Cadance to take up a Captain in the Crystal Empire while I was there and I’m seriously considering it. I’m already going to go ahead and form the Squad, obviously.” He smirked as he looked to Rick’s hat. “But I don’t know if I should start it here or there in the Empire?” Asta looked at his reflection in the drink. “You’re the one person I can talk to other than my brother and he’d just tell me to do what feels right. After this fight I know I can’t just sit by and let threats to my home appear but at the same time, I donut know if I have the right to form a squad or even be a leader. I’ve always been a follower.”

"Nothing is wrong with being a follower, but starting a squad is big yes, you alone isn't enough, if Chrysalis came with her Changelings, you would be outnumbered, your main focus should be here in Ponyville, major threats always appear here, so I suggest you start a squad here, I also think the whole Captain thing, what's the real reason why they offer it to you? It can't be just because you're a very powerful warrior,"

Asta took a bite of his cherry changa. “You hit the nail on the head there my friend. They wanted me to stay in the Empire so I could be monitored to make sure Sombra didn’t have an influence on me,”he explained dans drag some of his soda. “Though they did offer me the post as sincere jester but it was mainly a bribe to stay close by. I did end up compromising a little saying I would come for regular checkups and while there I offered to oversee some of the guards’ training.”

"Well, I don't think you should if it's only to keep an eye on you, it's basically screaming that you're a prisoner, after all, it's a bad idea to be offered Captain if Sombra were to control you, you would have access to unauthorized places, and guards will be useless if you were Captain as you can order them to leave their post for a break or something, so no to the Captain, but perhaps monitoring the guards there could be a good idea, if you see they could use a little improving you could just give helpful advice to Shining Armor," Rick said, taking a sip of his root beer,

“The guards of the Empire are definitely much more competent than the Royal Guards in Canterlot if you ask me,” Asta flipped his finger. “Totally different air about them. I’d be lucky to have half of them as Magic Knights. Their loyalties to me would never be questioned either. Not after I vanquished Sombra and returned Princess Amore the Empire. Perhaps it would be best to recruit from the Crystal Empire first. Maybe I’ll start with Princess Amore. I sound like a villain!” Asta grabbed his in pairel head and rolled around on the floor before stopping to stare at the sky through ahole in the roof. “Princess Luna trusts me enough to put a small faction of the Shadowbolts under my command. I hope Celestia doesn’t see this as an attempt to start building an army. I can at least. Count on the girls to back me up. Not to mention Ymir and Nero.”

"Yeah, well let's hope so, otherwise, prepare for a very heated argument between you two, but who is Princess Amore?"

“Ah, never read the MLP comics then,” Asta hoped to his feet while a large black,red, and white horned owl flew through the hole in the roof and landed on Asta’s head. “Princess Amore was the one who made the Crystal Heart, one time ruler of the Crystal Empire before Sombra, and Princess Cadence's distant relative in many of the other storylines. And the thing perched on my head is the first friend I made when I first arrive in the Everfree, Nero.”

‘Hoo,’ Nero hooted at Rick as she fluffed her feathers trying to intimidate Rick.

In response, Rick's eyes glowed a slight red, and Nero immediately back off, Rick used Scary Face on Opponent Nero, it's super effective!

“Don’t push dude,” Asta warned. “She has a hoot that can take out several mutant timberwolves all in one go. She helped me save Ymir when she was still a hatchling. Ymir considers her a big sister of sorts. She also deals with the annoying as all hell white ball fluff that Shy calls Angel Bunny.” Asta sat down again while Nero hopped onto the table. “Her species is a Howling Owl actually. Shy says they're better known as Howlers.” He scratched Nero under the chin causing the owl to start cueing lightly.

"Heh, I can take that attack like it's a mere breeze, I've dealt with louder sounds before, but I won't push it," Rick said, "Wanna head back and see if the girls are done healing Angie?"

"Whos Angie?" Sweetie Belle asked, popping up from nowhere,

“Knew we had forgotten something,” Asta patted the pony on her head. Their was a large explosion knocking everyone to their buts. Asta quickly got to his feet and rush out the door to see a large plume of blue smoke coming from the direction of the library. “Oh no. Shy!” Asta shot to the library as fast as he could with Rick right on his heels with Sweetie Belle on his back while Nero flew after them.

When they opened the door to the library they immediately hit with the blue smoke, "Man what's with the smoke?!" Rick said in-between coughs, "Is everyone alright?!"

They heard the others coughing while saying everything's all good,

Asta didn’t hesitate and ran into the library. Using his ki sensing he pulled every pony out of the building in a few moments. Asta tossed them all on the ground one at a time as he pulled them out. He went over to Fluttershy first and began to check over while she was still clearing her lungs.

“What happened?” Asta asked frantically. “I thought this was going to be smooth. Are you girls and Spike alright?”

“Other than a massive smoke bomb going off and a little of mana feedback I think we’re okay?” Twilight tried to steady herself.

“The dear’s gem took to the spells a little to well. Who knew she was so compatible with the fragments I’d brought,” Rarity held her head.

“Ah think it was Shy’s power that allowed everything to combine so easily. Other than the fact that we all have some form of earth magic. It was her Gaea healing spell that fused the spells together. That and throw in Twi’s magic know how and huge bucking mana pool and we had a regular recipe for trouble!” Applejack stood up suddenly but fell right back down.

“Careful there Aj,” Asta went over to look her over. “Mana feedback can make you seriously sick.” Applejack blushed as Asta checked her.

“If it hadn’t been for our dragon buddy me and the Pinkster would be in as bad shape as the other. He put up a shield spell just as the boom went off,” Rainbow pointed the brave salamander. “I usually like this kind’ve stuff but being on the receiving end is different than causing a boom. Where is Spike anyway?"

“Mhmhmhm hmmm,” came a muffled voice from under Rainbow.

“Rainbow!” Rarity shouted. “Get off Spike this instant. The poor thing can’t breath!”

“Oops,” Asta rubbed the back of his head. “Where’s Angie’s gem?”

“Uurahh!” Spike took in a deep breath while Rainbow help him up and held up his hand. “Here… she … is.” The young drake walked over to Rick and handed him the Stone. Upon taking the gem Rick and Sweetie’s fur absorb a static discharge of mana causing them to turn into giant yellow, white, brown and purple fluff ball. Everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well is it fixed?” Asta asked inquiringly.

"Yeah she's fixed," Rick said, turning around to see that the crack is gone, "Also, from what you girls said, she might have a slight connection to Mana, also can somebody help us get non poofy,"

“One minute,” Asta huffed as he pulled out his Grimoire. Opening it he pulled out The Demon-dweller sword and then tapped the Pikapony fluff ball with the flat of the blade. The mana was then pulled into the sword and Rick and Sweetie were able to separate.

"Thanks, I don't think I can handle being poofy," Rick said fixing his hair,

"Yeah, me neither," Sweetie Bell agreed,

“Rick she’s so cute!” Rarity scooped up Sweetie Bell and began petting her before holding the pony out in front of her. “Why do you seem so familiar? I know we’ve never met before.”

"That's because she's the pony version of your sister Rares," Rick said to the now shocked Rarity, then Angie's gem glowed, and she was back, her eyes were back to normal and everything,

"That's better, now I won't look freaky to anybody," Angie said, sprouting her water wings, did a few laps over everyone's head and landed on the ground, "So I guess we have to leave now that I'm healed, otherwise something bad might come here,"

"Afraid so Angie,” Rick said to his friend,

"One more thing before you go," Asta put away his sword and pulled out a quill, ink, and blank book. "Here ya go Angie. write you name on the front cover."

She did so, confused, "What's this for anyway?"

" I can't send you home with only shapeshifting and other stuff. Magic would come in handy wouldn't it," Asta opened his Grimoire. " this might sting. PUBLISHING MAGIC!" Black lightning shot from the Five Leaf Grimoire and shot at Angie and then to the blank book.

The book had now an ocean blue color to it, with several Lapis Lazuli gems on it, the clover was a four leaf one, it also had what appeared to be waves of an ocean, with a serpent like dragon emerging from the waves with a big splash, the title read,

Waters of the Sea Dragon

Angie grabbed her book and looked through it, “So, what kind of magic do you have Angie?” Rick asked,

“Apparently, it allows me to heal people through water, and summon sea dragons, though they won't be stronger than Celestia, they can still give her a good fight, and the most advanced healing spell lets the water to enter the body without any harm and heals any inner injuries, and the advanced summoning spell allows me to summon the Great Sea Dragon, which is basically the king of Sea Dragons.”

“Give it time and you’ll be able to match her,” Asta smirked. “Wait a minute where’s Pinkie? I know I pulled her out here.”

“Sorry I needed to pop over to the bakery for a second,” the bubbly baker popped up next to Angie, Rick, and Sweetie. “Here ya go. Congratulations your free and al better and sorry that you have to leave and come back soon! Cake.” Pinkie handed Angie the cake and gave everyone a crushing hug. Rick thought he heard a few ribs break.

When Pinkie released them, Rick ran a scan himself, and an x-ray of his ribcage appeared, a few ribs were cracked, Pinkie gave a sheepish grin, “Thanks for the cake Pinkie, now before we go,” Rick pressed a button on his gauntlet, a brief flash, and standing in front of us was an actual Pikachu, though he did have some characteristics of his original form, like he had his hairstyle, his gauntlets disappeared, he still had the bandages around his wrist and arms, his bandana, and he was fluffier, “There we go now I-” he was interrupted when basically all the girls tackled him, hearts in their eyes, “DANG IT NOT AGAIN!!”

“Aww! He’s so adorable! I just want to pinch his cheeks!” Twilight said, pinching his cheeks, all the girls were either pinching his cheeks, Rick looked to Asta with a face that screamed 'SAVE ME FROM THESE CUTE OBSESSED MARES!! I'M BEGGING YOU!!' but Asta only smirked, gaining a flare from the Pokemon,

“Hey man, I’ve learned you don't get in between ponies and cut, things. Prhahahahah!” Asta fellow over on the ground as he and Spike both laughed their butts off while rolling around on the ground. They were laughing so hard they had tears coming from his eyes

Fluttershy picked Rick under his arms and started making babyface at him. “Awww do you wanna come live with me and Asta little guy?”

"Fluttershy it's me! RICK! This is just the work of my Disguise-Yo Tron, it changes my appearance without changing the mind, so put me down!" Rick said, when he was suddenly plucked out of Fluttershy arms by Angie, who was flying overhead,

"Sorry Flutters, but he kinda has a home, so sorry," Angie said, "And Rick, they can't understand you when all you say is pika pika,"

"Wait, what?!" Rick said,

"Yep, and for some strange reason Asta can understand you,"

“Sorry buddy but for some reason I can understand animals like Fluttershy can, hehehahaha! Your face was priceless!” The knight rolled back and forth on the ground grabbing his sides.

Rick then had an evil idea, calling Pinkie over he whispered into her ear, she grew a big smile, and handed Rick a cake, though this cake wasn't for them, it was for someone else, Rick threw the cake at Asta, covering him from head to toe in frosting, the next thing Asta knew, he was in his Rayquaza's mouth, he tried to get out but Rayquaza had jaws of steel when it comes to cake, "Who's laughing now!" Rick shouted, nearly falling out Angie's arms due to both their laughter, followed by everyone else, even Fluttershy.

Once Asta managed to get out of his Pokémon’s mouth. He looked at Rick with a glare but it was more annoyance than anger. “You know it’s not me you should worry about right now,” He commented as Fluttershy handed Asta a towel. “Thanks Shy. It’s the dressmaker who made the outfit and who just so happens to be standing right behind you.”

Sure enough Rarity was right there glare at the little yellow ball of fur with an intense anger. Rick could spare he saw smoke coming from her head. “First you shredded the first one in a fight and then you stain the second with cake and drool. I think Opal needs to teach you some respect for clothing.”

“I think you two she leave before she gets serious about that,” Asta snarked.

"I ain't scared of that snobby cat!" Rick said, "Bring it on!"

“Um… Opal isn’t a cat Rick,” Fluttershy murmured. “She’s a Cerberus.”

"WAIT WHAT?!" Rick shouted in total disbelief,

“Not a very common house pet mind you but a very good one to have around if raised right,” Spike crossed his arms with a nod. “And Rarity raised her very well. She’s almost taken a bite out of me a time or two. Thank the gods drake skin is tough.”

“And I don’t want anymore trouble as I have a lot to do already to our business is done,” Asta commented and a void portal opened for Rick and Angie. “Summon my bro if you want a real fight when you’re in better shape.”

"Sure thing," Rick said, "Oh, before you send us back, Angie, shapeshift,"

"Right," Angie said, a glow surrounded Angie, when the glow went away, an ocean blue Pikachu was in Angie's place, the black and brown spots on a normal Pikachu was replaced by sky blue, she still had the red cheeks and the black eyes,

"Sweetie Bell, let's go home, see ya later Asta, thanks for the fight," Rick said as both he and Angie climbed onto Sweetie Bell's back, "And raise them Pokemon well, and don't forget to use the mechs when a foe is too big for ya!"

Sweetie walked in portal as Asta and his friends waved goodbye while the portal closed. Rick had definitely a last impression on the young knight but he still uncertain about his choices to form a knight squad. Maybe this mission would be the defining moment the he needed. Asta still wanted to talk with someone other than his brother with leadership experience but he didn't want to talk with anyone in royalty hear in his world. For now he was just going to focus on tje trip to the Savanna.

"Alright girls, maybe we can catch the late train after we help clean up after this catastrophe of a Displaced visit," Asta said as walked into town with Spike and she girls following behind him.

Next Chapter: Late Night Train Rides Estimated time remaining: 40 Hours, 44 Minutes