this happens a week after the last chapter. It's not based on an episode, but the text was written as the same chapter.

I just had to split it up due to I went a bit writer crazy with this one.


He explained that his teacher needed his help and would be back soon, and being gone for a week is not unusual for Antoine, but it feels different this time. The tone he had, gave her bad vibes.
Zecora is worried about why she has these feelings, troubled by the thoughts that her beloved might not return this time around. Something about that pegasus that was Antoine's teacher, the way he looked at her as if she was an obstacle. It just didn't sit right with her, less so when it was clear how much his student respected that pegasus.
She wants to trust Antoine and wait for him, but when a rainbow seems to have appeared in her caldron, Zecora knows that waiting would serve her nothing; she has to find him.

Sauda and Lavernia clearly knew something was up with their mother, and it troubled their young minds as their father was nowhere in sight to help their mother. Lavernia got quite clingy to Zecora, while Sauda looked ready to bite whatever troubled their mother.
Zecora took both to Engineer's house and, thanks to his agreement of looking after them, gave her one less thing to worry about. With the girls settled, Zecora started to wonder where to begin in the search for Antoine.
She highly doubts her beloved changeling and his teacher would be in this world; no, Zecora is sure they are in the human world, which makes things a lot trickier.
If counting those originally from there, Twilight Sparkle is so far the only pony she knows who has been in the human world and Zecora is tempted to ask that young mare for help.
She does reconsider; like Antoine, Zecora doesn't fancy having ponies knowing about her past. She wants to keep this as quiet as possible, making her choice for a guide quite ironic.

Zecora trots over to the apartment and knocks when reaching the door. Miss Pauling appears after a short waiting time, "Oh, Zecora." The young mare blinks behind her glasses. "What brings you here?" She might look confused, but Zecora can see that Miss Pauling is very aware that she wouldn't have come to her without a good reason.

Antoine doesn't trust her, and neither does Zecora. Miss Pauling's talent is information gathering, and this zebra quickly noticed that Miss Pauling is very good at it. But she's the only one who can help her with this situation. Have the information Zecora desperately needs. "I have found myself in a troubling position," Zecora admits and after a moment of hesitating. "Spy and his master left this world for a dangerous mission. I ask for your aid for going to your world alone will leave me very dismayed."

Miss Pauling is aware that Spy does at times take missions for the princess, and the rumors going around about a mysterious pegasus… well it seems like that pegasus was Ace of Spies. Anyone's guess how he came to Equestria, but it must be significant if Ace went through all this trouble to reach Spy. Besides, this will give her an excellent chance to return to her original self. "I'll help you track Spy down." She replies to the zebra and to be sure. "You don't want the others to know about this?" She asks and will point out, "For I can come on two people whose job is to track down people like Spy." Although, one of them seems just to know where he is without much explanation, it has always been hard to know what's going through Pyro's head. More so when it's now clear that her mentality is unstable and deals with some major traumas, but how Pyro turned out like that... only Engineer knows.

Zecora is aware, but she does not want the other mercs involved in this. "I want this to stay a private matter, you must understand, he and I have no wish for unwanted chatter."

Yeah, she can see why Spy fell for Zecora. They are both private people. Miss Pauling nods, "As you wish." and with that set, better get started. "Tell me as much you know about what Ace wanted from Spy." She closes the door and follows Zecora outside; out there, she points out, "It might give us a clue where they are going."
Zecora nods, and on their way to the train station, she explains the short meeting she had with Ace of Spies. Unfortunately, it didn't bring much intel to where the two spies are heading, nor what their mission is really about.

**Three hours later. Human world**

On the courthouse building, a man is napping, using his backpack as a pillow, while holding a very specialized-looking shotgun.
Further out, right at the edge of the roof, a large black sea bird with a white chest is sitting. Being quite bored but not once breaking the gaze of observing the area. The bird snaps out from its boredom when noticing movements at the stature of a man going for cover under his horse.

The glassy surface of Teufort's statue waves for a moment before Miss Pauling falls through. After a moment of disorientation, she gets back on her feet. She does not have time to fully experience the relief of being human again before Zecora appears from the portal. Miss Pauling catches the former zebra right as she comes through. As expected, she is black, though it looks a bit weird seeing a woman with a mohawk. At least it's not as tall as it was back when Zecora was as a zebra.
Unlike her purple shirt and skirt, Zecora's clothing looked entirely foreign, mostly grey, with darker grey and orange forming markings that remind Miss Pauling about the zebra's stripes. The long skirt got several symbols that look like her cutie mark. The only thing that stayed from her zebra form are those large earrings, golden rings around the left arm and neck. "Welcome to the human world." She smiles weakly at the usual zebra

It takes a moment to get the hang on standing on the hind legs, but when more steadfast in this new position. Zecora scans the area that is the supposal homeworld for the partners of the Elements. "I have expected many new discoveries in this quest, but now I am here." She eyes Miss Pauling, and Zecora is certain she will need some time to get used to seeing her like this. "I am not impressed."

Miss Pauling smiles weakly, not surprised by that reaction from Zecora. Compared to Ponyville, Teufort is a dumpster. "I admit Teufort isn't the best place for a first impression. The people living here aren't the sharpest. Much like Soldier, though they, fortunately, lack his explosive tendencies." Zecora gives her a look; she ignores that and instead says. "We should get a car. It will make the search easier." Miss Pauling starts walking but stops when it becomes apparent that Zecora hasn't yet found her footing. "Perhaps it's best you'll wait here. Is that alright with you?"

"No need of concern. I will wait for your return." Zecora replies, and with a nod, the young woman heads out.

The man on the roof has been watching this scene below, and the moment the female started moving. The man jumps on his feet, and in almost one move, gets the backpack and shotgun attached to the back. He easily gets down from the roof, and without straining any muscle, Force lands right before this young adult. It startles her, but this elite scout is way more interested in that he recognizes this one. "And here I thought I had to explain the entire situation." He smirks with, "Sup kid, still trying to get more Australium for the old witch?"

No way… Force of Nature is here?! Miss Pauling is shocked, but she can keep her facial expression relatively neutral. "Why? Are you still searching for more?" She retorts back, trying to stay calm as this elite fighter starts walking around her. "You did steal a crate that could've set her up for a long time."

"Hmm, yeah, it might have." Force replies almost thoughtfully as if he didn't know the true properties of Australium. For most people, it is like gold. And those from Australia know about the muscle growth and enhancement of the mind if entering the bloodstream. Then there are those very few who know that a refined version of Australium can prolong a person's life. "But it's not like we took everything, so Helen should still be kicking— even though she long has gone past her expiration date."

The way Force of Nature said it reminds Miss Pauling about the bread monster incident. It was fun, though she could've done without Scout trying to pretend they are high scholars or whatever he was doing. "Are you looking for her?" She asks, and if he is, then he's wasting his time with her. "I don't know her current location, and even if I did—"

"Easy there, I'm not after your boss." Force stops her. He walks past, and she does not move, only when a middle-large blackbird flies past and lands on his shoulder. "I'm looking for Ace of Spies." This soldier turns around to her; all signs of teasing are gone. "Any chance you have seen him? After all, she has his greatest student under her thump."

Did she hear this man right? Is Spy Ace's student? Miss Pauling does not recall any information that ever showed from his files, which is a big deal. Does explains why Spy handled himself quite well during the Gravel wars; because Ace was his teacher. Keeping a tight lit on her emotions, having no wish to show that what Force told is news to her. "The spy I am supervising disappeared about a week ago. So," she crosses her arms and keeps her eyes on this elite fighter for any change of his body language. "It seems we're in the same boat." Force hums but nods in agreement; he looks to have expected this. "Perhaps we can help each other out." Miss Pauling knows she and Zecora could use Force of Nature's superior combat skills, and he would need the information Miss Pauling has about Mann Co., which has data on each mercenary hired during the Gravel war.

"If you don't know their location, then I don't see a reason for this team-up," Force replies and he turns to leave.

"Knowing Ace's history, it would be likely he is aiming to extract information he could sell for the highest bidder." Miss Pauling calls, although she does not know it's the case this time. Ace did get his title as the greatest spy because of that ability, something the team Fortress spy certainly picked up. Force stops, listening, so Miss Pauling continues. "If he needed his student, I say Ace is aiming for something big. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to keep up with the latest events in this world. Less so about how the conflict is going between America and the Soviet Union."

"He's not in America. I've already checked." Force replies.

Well, that removes some from the list. But Miss Pauling is not up to date and needs to have any hope to track the two spies down. Good thing she knows somewhere she can do that and perhaps get an idea as to why Ace needed Spy for this mission. "I need to catch up to what has happed in this world from my absence, and I should get a rough estimation of Spy's location from the alpha respawn."

"Then I will accompany you." Force replies, his dark eyes on the former zebra from that pony world. "It looks like you'll need my skills."

She does not like to admit it, but Miss Pauling could use some assistance. Although Miss Pauling has some weapon training, she does not have any weapon, and if they get into a fight, she is far from combat savvy enough to protect Zecora. Miss Pauling's strength comes from the intelligence she would gather— and most people not considering her as a threat. "Yeah, I do." She admits to the man before heading out in search of a car.

Zecora is mildly surprised when Miss Pauling returns with another person. His mannerism reminds her a bit about Scout, but with Antoine's smugness, this man introduces himself as Force of Nature. A name she had heard Scout gush about when it came to his class. "Your name holds quite the fame. Scout praises much your name."

"Yeah, I get that a lot." Force chuckles, "I am what everyone in the scout class dream to become—until someone surpasses me, that is." The man eyes Miss Pauling with a knowing look, catching Zecora's full attention. "But that's not going to happen in how Mann Co has treated the class. It's pitiful, really." This man laughs, Zecora arches a brow slightly at that remark but has heard from Antoine, and the other turned humans about this Mann Co. However, far from enough to give her any insight if this open mockery is warranted or not.

Miss Pauling's expression does not show much other than a slight hint she got offended, but she does not say anything about it. "We better get moving." She suggests and opens the door to this strange cart she and this Force came with. Getting inside is a bit tricky as she hasn't gotten used to walking on two legs, but in Zecora got and soon they are moving as fast as a flying pegasus.

While driving Force remarks awfully casually, "Let's see if we can get past the robot army, or I have to distract them for you." Zecora eyes the man, he looks relaxed, but she recognizes the tension around the shoulders to know that Force here is, even in this state, ready for a battle to erupt. 'Exactly like all of the humans.' Zecora wonders if all humans have this tension because of the unrest in their world. 'I am starting to understand why he had trouble relaxing.' Antoine only started to relax when they started to trust each other, their first step falling in love.

"Has Grey managed to get past team Vanguard?" Miss Pauling asks, well aware that team is built to defensive and guerilla warfare.

"Mr. Grey has thrown a lot of robots at that building throughout these months but never breached the team's defense." Force replies, and he points out with his gaze to the bird flying beside the car. "He has become laxer about the assault, instead focused on raiding the Australium mines."

Zecora notices that this last comment affected Miss Pauling, "And the Administrator?" The information gather asks the man slowly.

"No idea where she is." Force replies, "But knowing her; she is up to something."

"I see."

The rest of the drive happened in silence, in which Zecora spent most of the time watching the human world from her seat. Unlike Equestria, the human world is rather dull, the cities are compacted and barely any green is seen. People seem a lot busier than ponies in Ponyville, and although Zecora spent more time in the forest than around the ponies, she still greatly appreciated them greeting her when traveling inside the town.
After hours of driving, they come to yet another dull, large city. Miss Pauling stops the car, and Zecora straight away notices the metallic beings surrounding one of the buildings. Many of them look like the one that attacked her and Antoine saved her from. "Are these beings the robots you mentioned?"

"It is," Miss Pauling replies.

In that case, Zecora turns to the other man. "and how can you detract all without meeting your end?"

The man smiles, again somewhat relaxed. "I don't have to distract all of them. Only enough for the two of you to slip past." With those words, he leaves this strange cart and runs down to the robots. Miss Pauling turns to her, suggesting: "We better get moving; he won't be able to keep this up for long." She starts the vehicle and Zecora takes hold of the front seat from how Miss Pauling is speeding down towards the building. To say these minutes were nerve-wracking is an understatement. Miss Pauling drives into several of these robots, through a wooded wall and inside a tunnel. Projectiles fly through the window. "Duck!" Miss Pauling cries and they both do.

"Hold fire!" A male voice calls and the assault stops. Miss Pauling looks up, relieved to see that team Vanguard has recognized her. The scout of the team does look somewhat confused to see her, though, but does recover quickly. "You better get back inside before the robots start swarming us again." There is no arguing there, and while the male engineer and heavy keep watch, Jack takes them inside. Heading through one of the many hallways of this once research building, "Now, is it just you, or do we have the pleasure of entertaining team Fortress too?" this older Scout asks sarcastically.

"Just us." Miss Pauling replies, adding a bit uncertain, "mMaybe Force of Nature too. He's currently distracting the robots for us."

"Yeah, I got a call from him. Rest of the team is currently giving him a hand." Jack replies like it's another Thursday. Miss Pauling isn't surprised, though; this man was in the American army before he got hired by Bluetech. He leads them inside the same room for their meetings, a former office big enough to hold two teams. Inside are those that aren't heavy hitters, clearly waiting for them. "Now," Jack takes his spot in the middle of the room. "What brings you here?"

"Looking for your former boss?" Kreel asks from her spot, turning away from Tristan as if they had a conversation moments ago.

Miss Pauling will admit that she wonders what is going on with Helen and what her plan is about. Even after all the years, she has been working for that woman, Miss Pauling never learned her boss's true plan. Only that when Helen revealed parts of it to the senators; that tidbit made them all shake in their pants, but she has no clue what Helen's true end-goal is. "No," She replies the scout of this team, and eyeing Zecora briefly. "We're looking for Antoine."

That got the team's attention, well almost everyone. "Ran away from his family again?" Tristan asks coldly and is very uninterested in the subject. He eyes Zecora, and he can see he's right, but this one still believes in the man unlike the last woman Antoine was with. "Don't bother waiting for him. You will only waste time you could've used to something much more constructive."

"Tristan." Kreel warns him, but Tristan brushes it off. They both know he's right.

"That's how he was trained. Keep people close, but never letting them touch his heart; what's left of it anyway." Tristan walks over to the woman who has fallen for that man, another victim in his eyes. "His sweet words were only to sway you. His promises mean nothing but to make people think he's trustworthy." She does not break her gaze, but his words clearly cut deep. In his mind, it best to cut the wound open now before the infection will spread too much. "He does not know how to love. For someone like him, people are only assets."

"Enough, Tristan!" Sophia cries angrily. Maybe her brother is like that, but she also saw something else in his eyes, and for that, Sophia is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Too bad Tristan is too bitter to do the same.

This Tristan turns to leave, gives her a moment to recover from those harsh words. He spoke what he thought was the truth, and perhaps in some ways it is, but this man does not know the full picture. "You're wrong." The man stops, and he might not believe her, but Zecora knows Antoine has been genuine when he said those few words to her. "I know his love for me is strong."

"Well, then why did he leave?" Tristan retorts calmly to this blind woman. "Why isn't he at your side?" She does not answer, so he will give her the news flash "Because proving his worth to Ace means more than a life with you. Nothing but his master's approval matters. He has performed cruel actions, all in the name of Ace. All in his wish to take the mantle of his master." He eyes the woman briefly, "The sooner you accept that all Antoine cares about is becoming the next Ace of Spies, the faster you can get away."

"Is that's why you're so angry?" Everyone turns to the door; Miss Pauling's other is standing there. Keeping a safe distance from the one that came from Equestria. "Because Ace trained Antoine, choose him instead of you."

"I prefer to call it grooming." Tristan responds awfully casually, but there is an underline tone of anger. "Antoine wasn't strong enough to break free. He likes his master, so; let the master keep his dog." With those words, he leaves the room.

Zecora watches this spiteful man leave. His words were of anger, but there are emotions of betrayal underneath the anger, and if what Tristan said is true. "We have to find Antoine before it's too late." She voices to Miss Pauling, "Leaving him with Ace is a danger I consider too great."

"Agree," Miss Pauling muses and turning to Jack, "I need to use the alpha respawn. It can tell us where Antoine is."

"Sure, go ahead."

Zecora does not follow Miss Pauling, she needs some time to think of what that man said about the changeling she fell in love with. He was apprehensive in the start, with many loving but empty words. But it changed, right? Why else would he have decided to stay with her when he was given a choice to leave?
'I think when I find him. We need a long talk about our priorities.'

"Zecora." She turns to where Miss Pauling is approaching, "I got his locations." She nods and follows the woman back to the vehicle. The man calling himself Force of Nature is there, getting healed up by that spiteful man. Miss Pauling walks over to Force. "Thanks for the help."

"Did you find him?" He asks.

"We got the location; he's in Moscow." The man nods and a bit to both women's surprise, he gets up from the crates he was sitting on: "Right, better get moving."

"You're going with them?" Francis asks, a bit surprised.

Force nods, "Yup, they are going to need my help." He gets into the car, "Let's get moving before those two end up dead." Miss Pauling starts the car, and they leave the metal man-littered area. Zecora watches them pass by and only hopes they will reach Antoine in time.


short meeting with my OC team and yeah, I know Tristan has issues, still, I kinda like that about him. Perfect people are boring to write, but that does not mean I condone Tristan's behavior. He's hurt and hides it behind a ton of spite.
At least Force of Nature is pretty chill about the whole thing, and I wish he would be more around in this story, but he has to settle getting a bigger role in another story I have going.

I will try and see if I can submit another chapter next week.