AN: Unlike The Ultra Crystals Ch 54, there's no world-wide genocide in this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 54: Scouting Plan

"There's gotta be a better way than this."

Weihan looked down at his body and snorted in annoyance. Billy was next to him but he looked more at ease…which was something that irked him greatly. A much calmer and less visibly stressed Twilight trotted over to him and stifled a giggle at his new appearance before nudging Applejack in an attempt to get the cowpony to stop looking at his Cutie Mark…or so she claimed. After the morning's antics had died down, Billy and the Princesses had called a brainstorming session on what could be done to ensure that the next battle with the Black Ultra Psycho Ranger would be the last. Weihan had opted for a personal recon trip into Ponyville to see what the vantage points were and what areas had to be avoided. He very much doubted Creeper would work the same as the Blue Ultra Psycho and the most recent news from his dimension had made him glad he had infused his double with two weeks of magic.

The Green Ultra Psycho Ranger – Nekros – had publicly announced himself and infected the CBD with plague spores of some kind. So far, the plague spores were harmless but Nekros had assured that they would become deadlier as time went on. The Sydney CBD was in lockdown quarantine and that included St Andrews. The only people who seemed to be immune to the spores were the other Ultra Rangers and his magical double but they were trying to hash out a cure. The only problem was that they were restricted to the confines of St Andrews House and could only teleport to the Ultra Cavern when they were alone or in the dead of night. It was only a matter of time before the Green Psycho Ranger was destroyed and Weihan had authorised use of everything they had to destroy the undead Ranger. With nothing left to do, he had absently wondered how he would see the shadows of Ponyville from the night…which led to the alicorns and unicorns casting a very 'special' spell on him.

He threw his head back and looked down. Billy had explained that the sensation took a small amount of time to get used to but everything in his body was screaming at him to walk upright…and not on all four hooves. At least the horn on his head didn't obscure his field of vision that much and his orange fur didn't contrast that much with his red and black streaked mane. Through some quick experimentation, he found out that he could still channel fire into his front and hind hooves and shoot out blasts of fire from his horn. Manipulating objects required a bit more concentration but he had been told that if he was hit by a stronger magical attack or even a strong blow from a monster; the spell would unravel and he would be transformed back into a human. He looked at the royal blue unicorn Billy had been changed into and fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"I could have morphed and walked the streets or something."

"Not a good idea considering the realistic details on your helmet. You would probably be seen as a monster yourself. It's better if you and Billy are seen with us as you will be more likely to be welcomed into the community."

The transformed Ranger looked at the purple unicorn and nodded his head. At least he knew what the strange mark on his butt meant from his previous trip but he didn't realise it would look so…apt. His Cutie Mark was an orange shield that was shaped like his Ultra Crystal. The shield was in front of a green and blue circle that represented the Earth and all inhabitants on it. While it was a very good image that accurately reflected his internal feelings, he didn't know if Rangering was his special talent and was slightly insulted by the implied fact that he wasn't good at anything else.

"Do not worry about it. A pony's Cutie Mark shows the unique talent that sets all ponies apart from each other. You can see your Cutie Mark as your will and determination in protecting your planet and the ones you love."

Nodding at Princess Celestia, Weihan sighed to himself and walked over to where the Pegasus-drawn chariot was waiting. While the initial plans had been to teleport to a secluded alley in Ponyville and see the sights from there, Twilight had informed him that - save for a few places – all alleys in Ponyville were overlooked by windows. The next suggestion had been from the Princess of the Day, who had suggested that he and Billy disguise themselves as adventurer ponies that were in town to stock up for a dangerous mission to the lands of Draconis. The dimensional Ranger had wondered what about Draconis made it seem so dangerous but Princess Luna had informed him the reason why most ponies shied away from it. The thought of a land filled with nothing but dragons was a bit unsettling to him; but he guessed it would provide a good explanation if they didn't return. On the other hoof, Spike was a dragon and he had never been to Draconis.

"Who are you and what are you doing coming to my personal chariot?"

Blinking at the harsh voice coming from behind them, Weihan turned his head to look at a light purple Earth Pony with a deep violet mane. The Cutie Mark on the pony was a strange set of curved triangles that were placed close by to each other – as if they were imitating claw scratches. The pony walked closer to them and although he backed away, he inwardly snorted in dismay as he felt the arrogance rolling off the pony in waves.

"Don't you know who I am? I am the one who finds excitement in my style to the limit of my will! Iron Will!"

Stepping away from the clearly deranged pony, Weihan bowed his head as both a sign of respect and apology…and as a way to hide his mirth at hearing the slight Japanese accent in his voice. As the Pega-chariot containing the strange pony lifted off, he heard Twilight come up next to him and uncharacteristically blow a raspberry at the chariot.

"He's actually some sort of master of self-confidence and inner strength. Fluttershy saw him a while back…but it didn't end well. Thankfully, she cast off his outdated ideals soon enough but he continues to hold onto them as he's Japonese."

He shook his head in wonder as Billy burst out laughing next to him. He had a strange feeling there was more to Iron Will than met the eye but he neither had the time or patience to find out what it was. Turning to Twilight, Applejack and Billy, he squared his shoulders and nodded once.

Time for the scouting to begin.

TBC…

AN2: Yes, my version of Iron Will is (hilariously) based on Fukami Gou from Gekiranger. Even managed to put the roll call phrase in there!