More time has passed since Asta had received the manuals and scrolls of various bending techniques form his Displaced friend Deltorix and his Soul Reaper Badge from Zeldris. In that time he spent the first days in total isolation once more inside an I.D. field mastering and honing his bending forms to perfection as well as their offshoots such as Lava bending and Metal Bending along with the other higher-level techniques.

He spent some time in the I.D. Field honing his sword and shinigami abilities as well. He also worked on his Fullbring alongside his Shinigami forms achieving his first release with his blade named Hikari to Chōwa. He found that he could cast all of the Shinigami spells, though he more excelled at the offense and healing than the barrier and binding spells. Like he'd thought Hollows had started to appear, or they were already here and he could just now see them. Fighting outside his body took some getting used to but he was able to adapt quickly.

Meanwhile, the Black Bulls continued in their personal comings and goings of the town to help in the kingdom's capital city. Free Fall, Haze, Spike, and Dash kept training the locals in the art of combat. Asta had them all start serious sword training alongside new arrivals sent to the town by the princesses, these were mainly overseen by himself or Blueblood. The new arrivals from Equestria were a group of ponies that had failed their final guard exams but showed much promise. Fluttershy had been tending to the animals and was now confident enough to go around by herself but Asta had Ymir or Nero stay near her just in case. Aj continued to oversee the fields and tending of the crops. Twilight started to teach the townspeople how to access their latent magic, though many could do little if any at all.

The town had grown to the point that many of the residents had to move out into the exterior areas and started to live their lives freely. Asta was happy to see his Kingdom expand and grow. Soon he would have to start a Demon Hunter Corps and Shinigami Squad in order to keep up with the hollows that had shown up and Demons that would eventually show up.

He next focused on finding a way to manifest Nichiren zanpakuto into the physical world. He found this incredibly difficult to do as he had to power his power into a fixed point in his hand and will it into the living world while not using his Battle pass in order to not hamper his power, which was the main focal point to do this. Eventually, Asta got to the point he could manifest the sword but it was still extremely taxing on him. It got to the point that he went to the blacksmiths and asked about the lore of color-changing swords, and he was told the legend of a bright red Iron sand from the Dragonlands that had such properties. He went to the princess and they told him the sand was real but he'd have to ask the Dragons for the right to collect it. This was a paramount endeavor and asked them to let him know when the best time to go would be. They said the Dragons weren't allies nor were they hostile, though with his reputation he may be able to speak with their lord in a short time, something he didn't have.

Asta sat in the sky on a cloud as he overlooked over his kingdom. His appearance was vastly different now from the Asta of the Anime and manga. His attire consisted of his reversed white shinigami shihakusho. Over his shihakusho he was a black haori, which sports a white diamond pattern along its bottom half like the one worn by Kisuke Urahara has but on Asta's the back was the Black Bulls emblem over top of a white five-leaf clover. Around his neck was the Flight necklace that Zeldris had left him.

Asta thought he was an asshole, a good guy, still a major asshole. He was also glad that his younger brother had a someone like Zeldris to call a friend

Asta wore Zeldris's token on his left ear, called 'Balor's Magic Eye' it came in quite handy when accessing the magic power levels of those around him. Around his forehead, he sported a new headband that had the red-colored four-pointed on the right side. His hair was now much longer as it reached down to a fourth of the length of his back and he wore it in a ponytail, which Aj, Fluttershy, and most of all Rarity loved the look of. At his waist was his Grimoire hanging on his right side in it's new carrying satchel adorned with a gold Black Bulls emblem over top of a black five-leaf clover. that Rarity had made for him as his old one was rather worn out and badly damaged. Next to the satchel tied into his belt was Asta's Sacred Treasure The Substitute Shinigami Badge, aka the Battle Pass. On the left side on his belt was a leather box that contained his Digi-cards and next to it was his black and red D3 digivice. In his pocket was his Older Brother's token the Alchemist's pocket watch.

'Asta what are you doing up here?' came a familiar voice in his head causing the mage king to smirk.

He opened his eyes and looked back over his shoulder. "Hello to you Ymir," he smirked. "I was doing some meditation and some thinking."

Ymir, now roughly the size of a small camping cart. From the tip of her snout tip the end of her tail, she was nearly fifteen to sixteen feet long. Her wingspan was now twice that and she could easily carry Asat across the sky reaching Canterlot in less then two days, even if the stopped for a rest and take in the sighs.

'Thinking,' Ymir tilted her head slightly. She pulled a nearby cloud up next to her rider and landed on it. "That's dangerous stuff there," She jabbed with a grin as she made herself comfortable. "What's got you thinking?"

"This," Asta held up and old telescope.

"An old telescope?" Ymir raised an eyebrow.

"It's a token for a Displaced," Asta explained. "More specifically it's my kid brother's token."

"So summon him already," She rolled her eyes.

"Nah, doesn't feel quite the right time just yet," Asta shook his head. "I just found it all I meant. I just wanted to show you since you were here," He put the token in his pocket. "Why are you here?" She snorted. "The white menace?" Asta said flatly.

"I wish you'd let me eat that damn rabbit," Ymir growled in annoyance.

"I wish I could let you, but Shy would be devastated," Asta sighed. "You saw how she was when the little bastard ran away. Now to make sure he stays safe she carries him everywhere when she goes from here to Ponyville."

"I know I had to cuddle with her," Ymir let out a huff, "I'm sleeping here for now. Don't bother me."

"Hadn't planned on it," Asta commented as he crossed his arms looking down on his growing kingdom. His attention turned to the distance. "I sense Reiatsu." Asta stood up and then vanished with a slight thrum.

Two ponies in black shihakushos brandishing katana stood there in front of a unicorn mare in a purple hat and cape-wearing a black shirt and pants not far from them was an overturned traveling cart. They panted hard as a large beats with a hole in its chest and a skull-like head. The monster resembled some sort of very large ape.

"Why did this have to happen to Trixie," Trixie asked herself in far as she looked at the monster in terror. "Trixie was just trying to get to the new capital out here to try and start a new life."

"Hey," one of the odd ponies in black called out. "You best run and get away from here. Try and find someplace to hide."

"I didn't think we'd run into such a strong hollow all the way out here," the other huffed. "Hey," she yelled at Trixie. "Get your ass moving!"

"R-Right," Trixie got to her feet but could break her gaze away from the monster. 'Trixie has to run why can't she run!'

"It's no use she's frozen with fear," one of the ponies eyes darted from her partner to the Hollow. "Will probably die here today Fern."

"It's part of the job Zesty," The other pony chuckled. "Let's do!"

They both ran at the Hollow and started to assault the beast as best they could but the monster defended itself and let the sword embed themselves in its arm then yank them from the ponies. In the next second it struck the two ponies with while they were still shocked with its free arm sending them back, blood filled the air. The ponies lay on the ground with their bodies in shock and racked with so much pain they could only lay on the ground and watch what was unfolding.

The Hollow moved upon them slowly and it opens its jaws and started to tear apart Fern and devour her to Trixie's horror. Once it finished it's first meal the hollow moved to the other ponies who'd regained enough control over her body to start crawling away. The Hollow slowly waked on it prey savoring the feast it was about to have. It grabbed on to the pony's leg and pulled her towards it slowly.

'Captain, I'm sorry...' Zesty thought as she looked back in horror.

Trixie looked on in horror as the hollow tore apart the other ponies and devoured her just like the first. She started to walk but stumble and fell on her but catching the hollow's attention again. It moved in as Trixie started to crawl away on all fours.

"Trixie doesn't want to did," She said to her self. Finally the Hollow reached her and it grabbed hold of her leg and slowly dragged her back scraping her knees. It lifted her up and held her over its open gaping maw revealing another set of jaws in its mouths. Trixie looked on in terror, "Somepony... Any pony... please... HELP ME!"

SPURAT!!!!!!!!!!

"I came out here because I sensed reiatsu," Came a confident voice.

Trixie opened her eyes to see an ashen hair stallion with bright green eyes carrying her bridal style. She noticed that his attire was very similar to the other ponies the monster had devoured. Her attention was then drawn to the screams of the monster that had hold of her merely a second ago. She looked to see the monster crying will hold its arm but most of the arm was missing, to her shock. Blood was pouring from it wound all over the ground.

"Hey there," her attention was now back on the stallion. "You're safe now. Do you think you can wait here if I set you on the ground for a moment while I finish that thing off?" he looked down to her out of of the corner of his eyes. She slowly nodded. "Good. Now you be a good mare and wait here. Try not to move around too much, okay." She nodded slowly again as he set her down. "This'll only take sec..."

He turned around and walked over to the still wailing monster, "Grrr... Shinigami...." The monster growled in anger.

"You got that wrong pal," The stallion rolled his eyes.

"I'll make you pay for interrupting my meal and cutting off my arm," The Hollow glared.

He noticed the remains of the other ponies laying on the ground and their clothing and swords. "So there are Shinigami here."

He glared at the Hollow who took the opportunity to try and attack him from above by jumping him. A small red spark crackled in front off the stallion and then a sword hilt started to appear. He took hold of it in his right hand and slammed it into his left and a that looked as if he was holding onto something and a sheath soon form. In a quick draw motion that now pony could see the stallion draw his newly formed sword slashed the hollow down the center and returned the sword to its sheath.

Before the Hollow realized what had happened it started to see double as it came down on it prey. Thinking it was just a trick he continued down but instead of his prey he found the ground, in two pieces.

"That was for the two Soul Reaper you ate you bastard," he slang his sword off to the side, throwing the blood off it.

Trixie looked on in amazement as the stallion walked over to her. "Hey, can you wit just a bit longer, I want to give those two that protected you a proper send-off. It won't take long okay. "

She simply nodded then she spoke up, "Can Trixie get your name?"

"Sorry bout that, My names Asta Ferris. Now just sit tight for about another minute." Asta said as he went back to the remains. "You two did what you could," He said bring his hands up and then slightly dropping them form two pit in from of him. He then gather the remains and placed them in the graves before sealing them and placing the swords on top to mark them. "That'll do for now," he looked to Trixie. "Let's look at your leg. "

Asta bent down and looked at the handprint on Trixie's leg. "Not to bad, let's see," his hands glowed white and the bruise started to disappear, but then the glow stopped. "Don't want to do too much more. I'll have one of my squad heal you up when I get you to town. Okay?"

"Um, how will we get there?" She looked at her destroyed home. "My cart is in pieces and were still few days out."

"What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?" Asta squinted. "It's very dangerous, especially for mares such as yourself."

"I was on my way to the new kingdom to try and start over. Trixie... has done things in her past that she's not proud of. She wanted revenge on a certain unicorn," She looked down in shame. but found that she was not in the town at the time and after confronting several of the towns ponies and rethinking much of her plan, Trixie decided it was best if she didn't go through with it."

"Will at least you reflected on yourself and are trying to be better, come on," Asta sighed as he bent down in front of her. "Can't leave you here and you can't walk. So I'll carry you."

"Ah... thank you," Trixie shuffled onto Asta back.

"Fly," Asta said and the took off to Trixie's shock.

"You're gonna love it here Gilda," Rainbow exclaimed. "I'm really glad you came back around and decided to try and get to know the others. It really hurt me I saw the way you treated them, but I'm glad to see you want to apologize and give friendship with them a shot."

"Hey, I know gryphons pride themselves a lot but the doesn't mean we can't apologize and see we're wrong about things," Gilda scoffed. "I'm just glad I caught you when you were in Ponyville this time around. You've been in and out of there so much lately I was starting to think I'd never catch you. Do you even still live in that town?"

"More here than there," Rainbow stated proudly. "I had to get the princesses to sign off on an order for me to have another weather pony there. My captain really has me working my tail off to whip these caribou and ponies into shape."

"Never would've that you'd have gone into the military other than the Wonderbolts, Dash," Gilda elbowed her friend. "So the princesses have you plat pretty full over here aye."

"Not the princesses, but my captain does." Rainbow corrected. "He's also my teacher for a lot of the new techniques I've learned."

"Really," Gilda said with a grin. "Must be pretty good if your learning from him. Bu tit won't be long, you'll be able to kick his sorry flank."

"Not in a million years," Rainbow said outright causing the gryhpon to freeze in place.

She was in utter shock from the word that just came out of her mouth. Gilda the started to laugh. "Good one Dash!"

"Gilda, I'm not kidding. Asta is really, really strong." Rainbow insinuated. "Even the Princesses know themselves said they couldn't stand a chance to beat him."

"Wow," Gilda looked on in shock. 'Well, now I know for sure that he's my target. Best try stick close to Dash and see if she won't introduce me.'

"If that's the case, I'm going to have to meet the guy that was able to get you to join the Equestrian military," Gilda thew the out the bait.

"We're not part of the Equestrian military," Rainbow said as she and Gilda landed and she opened her house. "We work for the Black Clover Kingdom and I was planning on you meeting him while your here. Though, he can be hard to find at times."

"Does he hid?" Gilda asked, hoping her job just didn't indefinitely hard.

"Not most of the time but there are days where he just up and leaves and won't come back till right at sundown for Celestia's sake," Rainbow flopped on her couch. "Never thought I'd enjoy a house on the ground but this place is really cozy. I'm gonna get some Zs. You're welcome to the fridge though there might not be a whole lot you like."

"Thanks," Gilda chuckled as Rainbow nodded off, but then her face turned serious. 'Phases one and two complete. I'm sorry for this Dash but I have to think of my country before our friendship. I have a job to do and reporting what this Asta is capable of is my main point of focus. Still, he's got to be something if you speak so highly of him.'

Asta landed outside his front door with Trixie still on his back Her mane was blown back from the wind as she had to took her precious hat in her cloak.

"Will, this it," Asta reached out and opened his door and carried Trixie inside and set her in a nearby chair. "I'll get you some water." he walked off.

Trixie looked around the little home and noticed that it was rather empty . There were a few pieces of furniture and a few pictures on the walls but it was mostly bare.

Asta soon returned with her water, "Thank you Mr.Ferris. Trixie is very grateful to you for saving her and your hospitality."

"Just call me Asta," He smirked. "I'm going to look upstairs. My one of my marefirends is around. Are you alright with animals?"

"Most of the time, Why?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Cause one of my girls has an asshole of a rabbit the hates my guts," Asta grumbled. "And my friend Nero is a Howler."

"I've never seen one before," Trixie said in delight as she drank her water. Suddenly Nero flew in through a window.

"Trixie this is Nero, she'll keep you company for a bit," Asta introduced the large predatory bird. "Are any of the others up stares?"

hooho...

Trixie raised an eyebrow. "So Aj came back and Shy went with her. At least I don't have to go upstairs," Asta rubbed his chin. "Any idea where they are?"

Hooo...

Trixie looked from Asta to the owl as the two conversed.

"The Market," Asta nodded. He turned to Trixie. "I'll be back soon, Nero will stay with you. She understands what you say and if you see a white bunny have Nero keep him away from you. That things a menace. Later." Asta quickly left the house and took off flying again.

"What would you like for supper tonight Aj?" Fluttershy asked her friend and herdmate.

"Ah'm down with anything ya make for us sugarcube," Applejack replied with a smirk. "Asta doesn't complain and eats just about anything that grows, or is edible. Though some of the stuff Ah've seen him cook with was downright questionable to mahself and usually not seen as food. The dishes some times don't even match what our man puts in them, but they taste great all the same."

"Many of Asta's recipes are traditional ones from countries that used what they had on hand when they had very little else," Shy explained as Angel Bunny, the white menace, rode on her shoulder. "They're actually very healthy and good for your body." She looked over the produce. Angel Bunny nudged his owners cheek toward a large bundle of carrots. "No Angel. You've had plenty of carrots. The reason you keep running out is becasue you keep bothering Ymir."

"Ah still can't believe that your bunny took a chunk out of Asta's arm, and that he messes with Ymir so much," Aj crossed her arms.

"It's not like Asta and Ymir haven't tried to get along with Angel," Fluttershy sighed. "He really doesn't like either of them. It may have to do with their bond as partners. At this point Ymir doesn't even come in the room in more when Asta sleeps with me."

"Ah know, that's when she curls up at the foot of mah bed," Aj added as the trio walked. "Thank Celestia for that matter compacting spell of Twi's, or Ymir would be sleeping out in the elements or a shed."

"Yea, but it's getting to be a little tedious when we want to sleep," Shy added smoked sausage to her basket and gave the Caribou Pony his bits.

"Girls," Came a faint voice.

"Did you say something Aj?" Fluttershy quickly looked at her friend.

"Nah, but Ah'm with you on herein stuff," Aj pointed out. "But where exactly did it come from?" the duo looked around.

"That would be me," Asta said as he floated down and landed in front of his marefriends.

"Ah'm still not used to that," Aj placed her hand over her eyes and shook her head. She walked over and kissed Asta's cheek. "Gotta say Ah love the new look. What ya doin here hun?"

"We thought you'd be training?" Shy added, but kept her distance slightly as she heard Angel growling.

Asta squinted at the white menace. "I was doing some meditating up in the clouds earlier when Ymir paid me a little visit." He pointed up.

"So that's where she went," Shy looked up. "Angel was messing with her so she left in a huff. We decided to get some stuff for dinner and see if we could find her."

"Best leave her be Shy," Asta shook his head.

"Again, what ya doin here?" Aj raised her hat. "It sounds like that happened a little while ago."

"I sensed something out ion the plains and went to check it out." Asta sighed sadly. "There was a hollow out there and by the time I arrived it had already eaten two Shinigami ponies. It had a regular mare in it grip next but I took the beast down before it could claim her as part of this meal."

"Oh my," Shy threw her hands in front of her mouth. "Is she alright?"

"For the most part. She has a nasty bruise on her leg," Asta pointed to his leg. "I did what I could through Qi manipulation but she's still got a big bruise on the leg and a few other cuts and bruises. I didn't want to do any major healing as I still have no idea how my excessive amounts of Qi would affect a normal pony's body now that I have Shinigami powers. I brought her to the house. Nero's watching her right now. I was hoping you could come and heal her Shy," He looked to the pink hair pony.

"Sure, this is if Aj doesn't mind taking the groceries and Angel for me," Shy looked to her friend who smirked.

"Ah'll take um for ya," Aj said taking the groceries but the bunny was another story. He didn't let go of Fluttershy.

Asta's eyebrow twitched. "I really don't feel like wasting time," He picked Shy up bridal style causing her face to heat up slightly. The Rabbit didn't hesitate and went straight for Asta's but the face but the mage king hardened his skin and smirked at the rabbit. "I got tricks to bunny. SO unless you want to go flying off in the wind best hang on," The rabbit let go and then hopped to Aj. "Thought so. We'll see in a bit Aj," He winks causing her to blush. "Fly." A blue outline appeared and Asat took off again.

Aj looked to the shivering rabbit. "Ya best watch yourself fella. Asta puts up with ya cause he loves Fluttershy and Ymir does it because she likes Shy and Asta is her rider. If ya keep up your little stunts I guarantee Shy ain't gonna one is gonna push Fluttershy over the edge these day sand she'll be the one to give ya the boot," Angel's eyes shrank, and as he shook his head and started to vigorously squeak. "Don't squeak at me that she won't cause Ah know for a fact she will. "Aj walked along. "You're little runnin away thing nearly broke her heart. Ah don't like to see mah friends hurtin at all, so Ah won't stand for your flack and bull either. It'd be best if ya keep your fuzzy antic under control." She scowled at the bunny. "Now let's go."

Back at Rainbow Dash's house, the pegasus mage was starting to stir from her nap."AAA..." Rainbow Dash yawned. She looked down to see a blanket draped over her. She smiled and looked around. "Always looking after me." Rainbow said to herself. She looked around m but didn't see Gilda at all. "I know she's a big girl and all but I wish she would at least waited for me to waited for me to wake up."

Rainbow got to her feet and stretched before smelling herself over. "Better shower before heading out to find her," She chuckled. After a quick rinse to wash off the sell of sweat Rainbow quickly changed, grabbed her Grimoire and zoomed out the door.

Meanwhile Gilda was wandering around the town, specifically the crystal protector. Though many of the residents now lived outside the crystal walls, quite a few still preferred to live in the confines of crystalline protection. Gilda marveled at the beauty of the wall but also knew it could stand a beating far beyond what any normal magic-user could dish out.

"I can't image how much power it took to make this," Gilda marveled as she placed a talon-like hand on the wall..

"There you are," came Rainbow's voice from behind her.

"Finally woke up from your nap Dash," The gryphoness commented with a chuckle while slightly looking over her shoulder.

"Admiring the wall," Rainbow pouted as she landed next to her friend.

"Yeah, it so pretty but at the same time so sturdy," Gilda pulled her hand back from the crystal and felt static magic on her palm as she did. "The princesses made this thing to protect the townsponies right."

"Half Wrong," Rainbow said outright. Gilda turned to the weather pony and raised an eyebrow. "It was made to protect the town, but it wasn't the Princesses who made it."

"Then it was the unicorn from what's her name Twilight Spackle," Gilda flexed her hand.

"Guess again featherhead," Rainbow giggled.

"If not those three then who?" Gilda was starting to get annoyed.

"It was Asta," Rainbow through her arms behind her head. "That guy can do some pretty cool stuff."

Gilda looked from her friend to the wall and back several times in disbelief. 'This guy can create crystal walls this thick and charged with enough magic to withstand dragons! No wonder the higher-ups want him on our side. I need to meet him and ascertain where his loyalties are."

"Hey Dash," Gilda looked to her friend. "Do you think I could possibly meet this guy?"

"I don't see why not," Rainbow shrugged. "He's my friend and you're my friend. I planned for you two to meet while you were here anyways."

"Can we meet now?" Gilda asked.

"Yeah let's go see if we can find him," Rainbow started to fly. "We have a few places to check around town first if he's not at any of them then we'll go by his house. Though if he's not there then we'll have to wait till tonight."

"Why?" Gilda quirked an eyebrow as she flapped her wings.

"He might be out doing stuff." Rainbow explained. "He trains new recruits, helps around town, and if he's not here at all that means he's either out on an adventure or doing his own training out somewhere else."

'This guy sounds like a good guy, but a bit of a muscle head, perhaps I can get him to spill his guts and form an alliance pretty easily, without getting the ponies into it too much,' Gilda confidently smirked as the duo came upon the training grounds.

Twilight Sparkle walked through the street headed to Asta's house to see if was there so she could tell him about the progression of her magic lessons with the populace. She was also looking through the book that Celestia had lent to her that had once belonged to one of her long time hero's Starswirl.

"To think he came up with so many spells and ideas but never actually finished them. Some of these idea concepts were rather bold for his time," Twilight flipped through the book. "Self-drawn carriages, artificial limbs that still function like normal ones. Nowadays these ideas wouldn't be so far fetched with how far ponies have come but back then they would've been considered either the ravings of a mad pony or pipe dreams. No wonder he shelved many of them."

She noticed she was now at her captain's front door. "I wonder what Asta would think of these concepts?" Twilight reached for the door and then heard the voice of a mare, somepony that sounded familiar to her specifically but it wasn't the voice of any one of her friends. "Who could that be?"

She opens the door and was met with a shocking sight of her old rival Trixie Lulamoon setting in Asta living room with Nero on the coffee table.

"Trixie?" Twilight reeled back slightly as she rubbed her eyes. "What the buck are you doing in Asta's house??"

"Twilight Sparkle," Trixie chuckled nervously. "Ah... well. You see... Trixie was brought here by Asta after he saved me from something called a Hollow." Trixie however regained her composer. "More importantly, what are you doing here? Is this where you've been hiding out all this time?"

"Hiding out?" Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Wait, have you been looking for me?"

"At first Trixie was indeed seeking you out for a rematch," Trixie looked off to the side. "But when Trixie could find you in Ponyville and no pony knew where you were we went in search for you but in that time Trixie did a lot of thinking..."

"And," Twilight crossed her arms.

"Trixie admits she was in the wrong but you must also understand that Trixie was doing what she does, as her special talent and as am living," Trixie shot back. "Trixie was not entirely in the wrong but nor was she in the right completely either. Be that as it may you still had no right to undermine Trixie's lively hood." Trixie got to her feet wincing slightly from the pain in her leg.

"You do have a point," Twilight said as she realized she had been in the wrong there. "I'm..sorry about that Trixie."

"But after much debate between Trixie and several... urgh... others. Trixie gave up on her plans of revenge and decide to move on. So Trixie forgives Twilight Sparkle and accepts her apology," Trixie sat back down. "Trixie was in one of the northern town when she heard that the Caribou had lost to someone who'd led a revolt of the slaves and turned the territory into his own kingdom. Trixie thought this was a good chance for a new start so she decided to come out here and try and make a new life."

"Okay that makes sense but why are you in Asta's house?" Twilight squinted at her former rival.

"Asta brought Trixie here after he saved her life out in the plains from some monster called a Hollow then left me here with Nero until he got back with a better healer," Trixie explained as she crossed her arms and scoffed.

Trixie cracked her eyelid and noticed Twilight Black Bulls robe and then remembered she saw the same symbol on the back of Asta's clothing when he'd carried her here.

"I thought I saw him fly off when I was teaching earlier," Twilight thought aloud as she looked down and away in thought. "Now that makes sense why I saw him leave the town."

"What exactly is your connection to Asta, Twilight Sparkle?" Trixie said abruptly.

"He's the captain of the Black Bulls Magic Knight squad," Twilight pointed at her robe, while also get a bit pink in the face. "If it wasn't for Asta all of these ponies and Caribou would still be slaves, along with myself."

"Twilight!" came a young male voice.

She turned her head to see Spike. "Spike, what's up?"

"Nothing," Spike shrugged.

The young salamander had grown to be much more muscular over the past few weeks he'd trained. His skills with his grimoire and in combat had greatly improved to the point that only Haze Free Fall, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack could keep up with him when sparring. He even bested them in contests of pure physical strength sometimes. the only one he couldn't match was his master and Captain, Asta. He proudly wore his red scale armor he'd attained from the Hunter he'd defeated back in the sacking of the Caribou capitol. He wore a Black Bulls robe similar to Twilight's but it showed much more tattered and worn. On his back was a massive weapon, a single-edged sword that appeared to be made of bones.

"I saw ya over here and wanted to stop and say hi," Spike smirk before realizing the door was open. He looked over to see a familiar-looking unicorn and scowled. "Why are you here?" he started to reach for his weapon.

Trixie could tell that this dragon was the same one she once knew but also knew he had gone through some dramatic changes since the last time they'd met. His face showed signs of battle.

"She's here cause Asta saved her and brought her back here," Twilight said.

As if on cue Asta descended down from the sky with Fluttershy in his arms. He set her down and looked at the other two standing in his doorway. "Hey guys. What're you doing here?" he looked at them.

"Was nearby and wanted to stop in," Twilight said as a slight blush came over her face.

"I saw Twi and came over to say hi," Spike shrugged.

"She in the house Shy," Asta motioned to Trixie.

"Oh my goodness, Trixie, what happened?" Fluttershy rushed into the house and her Grimoire floated up next to her.

Trixie looked over and saw that Fluttery was wearing a similar robe to Twilight and Spike's. Then her attention turned to the glowing floating book. "What're you doing? Trixie is waiting on a healer."

Fluttershy giggled and then placed a hand on her chest, "I'm the healer Asta told you about. I specialize in healing magic." the pages of her grimoire turned. "Now lets got Gaea Magic: Mother Nature's Cradle." Trixie was shocked when a large crib made of plants and flowers grow underneath her, but at the same time, her pain started to fade away.

"How can a pegasus like you even do magic like this and how is it so powerful?" Trixie asked as Fluttershy finished healing her and then retracted her spell. "Does it have to do with that book?"

"These are questions that can all be answered by me," Asta turned to the unicorn mage. "You were honest with me so I'll do the same." He motioned those present and himself. "These are a few of the members of The Black Bulls. I am Asta Ferris, Leader of the Black Bulls Magic Knight Squad as well as Founder and King of the Black Clover Kingdom."

"Magic Knights... the KING!" Trixie was shocked as she slumped back into the chair.

"As for the books and magic, yes that book allows Fluttershy to use her magic, but she was already born with that power, the book just unlocked it," Asta placed his hands and arms inside the opposite sleeves of his haori. "You're welcome to sleep here until we can find you a place to go but you'll be expected to help out here and in town to earn your keep. Okay."

Trixie slowly nodded.

"Good," Asta smiled warmly.

"Hey there sugarcube," Aj snuck up from behind and threw her arms around Asta's neck giving him a quick peck on the cheek. "So how's are... guest?" her eyes met Trixie who slowly waved. "Hmm... Is she stayin with us?"

"She's got nowhere else to go Aj. Her cart was destroyed in a hollow attack," Asta looked at the cow mare as she slid off his back and walked in then faced Asta.

"If you two okay with it then I won't say anythin against iti," She looked from Asta to Shy who nodded in agreement. "But," Aj turned to quickly face Trixie. "If ya cause trouble around here Ah won't frit to kick your sorry behind out, show mare. That goes for the town too. These are good folks and they're tryin hard to make lives for themselves here. We don't need some performer missin about."

"Trixie fully intended to work and earn my keep here," Trixie brow furrowed slightly. "Trixie came here form that very reason in the first place, a new life and she will do what she has to to get it." She stood up. "Trixie does not intend to live of the graces of the king and not repay him, farm mare!"

"Enough," Asta said in a firm tone. "Trixie you can help in any way you see can, as long as it's honest. Even if it means being a performer. We're a lot better off now than we used to be. The market is outside the walls and you can perform there. You can even entertain the young ones with a show to occupy their time for a bit to free up the parents. If you want to learn how to fight, then see one of the guards for classes. If you show promise then you'll be allowed further study into one of several fields."

"How does Trixie become a Magic Knight?" Trixie asked immediately dumbfound the whole room but Asta.

"By earning my trust, and by proving to me you can wield the power," Asta said in a stern and warm voice as his brow line furrowed slightly. "So far, you're on the right path, but know that you have a long way to go." He smiled. "If you work hard and prove you can be a good pony and be responsible for others then you may achieve the rank of Knight. You should also know that the Black Bulls answer directly to me and speak with my voice. That the Magic Knights are the Top brass," he turned around and thumbed the symbol on his back. "There are a total of three branches. Shinigami, Benders, Demon Hunters."

"Benders are the local law enforcement, like guards, the other to are still in development," Asta continued. "But each is a Black Bulls but not a magic knight. That is reserved for those I deem are worthy. And no recommendations play a role in it. To be a Magic Knight is to serve and protect your friend and the people."

"But, there is a chance that Trixie could be one too?" Trixie looked at Asta starry-eyed.

"Yes, but know that I do know who you are and your reputation does proceeds you," Asta squinted. "That will make it all the harder on you.

"Trixie will give it her all," She pronounced, thumping her chest.

"Good, you can start by helping fixing dinner with Aj and Shy," Asta looked to Twi and Spike. "You two can join us."

"I think I'm gonna go do some training," Spike walked off.

"I'd loved to stay," Twi smiled.

"Good," Asta returned the smile. "You can help others too. I've got go and find Ymir, hopefully, she'd where I left her." Suddenly a carrot went spiraling at Asta's head but the mage king caught it and sent it back at the sender. "Silly rabbit, Tricks are for kids," Asta smirked at Angel who rubbed his forehead. "Fly," and Asta flew off again.

At the same time, back at the sight of the earlier Hollow attack. Two figures appeared from a sliding door in the same apparel as the Shinigami and came upon the graves of the fallen Shinigami.

"Scan the area," one commanded.

"Yes sir," the other said as he slid a pair of goggles over his eyes.

Okay, got this one, things are coming together very well. YES FOR THOSE WHO KNOW BLEACH THEY ARE EXACTLY WHO YOU THINK THEY ARE. Tell the truth guys, what do you think of Asta's new look? COMMENT BELOW!?

^{ALVASA OUT!}