Split (1)

train · 456k rows

book stringlengths 2 250	chapter stringlengths 1 255	text stringlengths 1 4.64M
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Bloodbath	Trix stood off to my left, guarding her half of the stairs. I stood on the right, ready to slice and dice these motherfuckers. I couldn't wait, honestly. The castle's front doors shook a moment longer before one loud burst erupted throughout the large reception hall. CRASH! The two tall doors popped open, little bits of wood flying out in front of them as the mob finally broke in. I watched the spearhead of it, composed of something like 5 ponies--stallions and mares. What was interesting to see was how they acted when they first broke in. At first, it was what you'd expect: they charged blindly forward for a moment. Right after that, though, they slowed their pace a bit, swiveling their pale-colored heads left and right in search of... brains? I guess. You know, even though we were on the... 5th? day of this thing, I felt like I'd learned absolutely nothing about these zombie ponies. I bet I knew more about Pete's dumbass outfit than the literal thing that started this mess. Sheesh. Anyway, it was fun observing them look for their prey. At least... until I remembered that we were the prey. Shit. It only took the spearhead of ponies a few more seconds to catch sight of us. They glared up at us from the bottom of the stairs and growled menacingly. The growling, shadowed by the echoes of the new moans and groans throughout the tall lobby was a bit nerve-racking, to be honest. So... I decided not to listen to it anymore. I instead revved my chainsaw loudly. RNNNNNNNNN! RNNNNNNNNNNN! "Mania-" RNNNNNNNN! Ahhhhhhh. I fucking loved the sound of my new chainsaw. It was the fucking best. I wondered what it would sound like slicing through the flesh of these zombie ponies. I wouldn't have to wait for long, as the spearhead began making their way upstairs. I anxiously swept my chainsaw to my right side. The powerful beast shook in my hands, seemingly eager to tear through these ponies as well. In my peripheral vision, I noticed the subtle blue glow from Trixie's spell. I wondered what kind of spells she would use against these sickly threats. She released a blue orb, which flew down the stairs and collided with the first victim. A simple shove spell. Okay... What was surprising was just how effective this became. The spearhead had made it up half the flight of stairs when she released it, which meant there were plenty of stairs for her victim to fall down. As he fell, he wiped out two more ponies behind him, and those ponies wiped out at least five more. It was like Trixie was bowling, and she damn near hit a strike. The rest of the spearhead continued though, making their way up to meet us. It was time. Trix fired a spell that caused the closest mare's eyes to strobe with bright white light, leaving two ponies directly in front of us. Conveniently, both of them split, leaving one for me and one for Trix. As my stallion got close, I twisted my body. RNNNNNNNNNNN! The chainsaw growled violently in my hands as I used my whole body to swing it around, its blades racing around its nose. The blades connected with the stallion's shoulder, pulsing a sudden resistance through my arms. The vibrations sent from the saw and into my arms were wicked. I fought these wicked vibrations as the blades struck what felt like bone. Despite the resistance, these sharp ass blades could care less. The saw violently ripped through the stallion, red drops of blood jetting out of the new gash. They quickly painted everything in the vicinity, including me. One even hit my eyelid, causing me to close my eyes for a moment. Before I opened them again, the saw finished its journey. The frantic blades cut through his shoulder bone and rib cage before tearing out of his chest. Drops of blood splattered out of it, coating both him and me in a messy red tint. The resistance from the blades meeting his body vanished, causing my arms to swing around as I released the trigger. I opened my eyes again to see the stallion drop to the floor, his left foreleg barely hanging onto his body. However, he wasn't finished. He squirmed around immediately, seemingly immune to the pain coursing through any of his uncut veins. Before he got the chance to get up, I regained my stability and lifted the saw over his head. RNNNNNNNNNNNN! I sent the blades of the saw down until they began ripping through the middle of his cranium. Once again, blood shot out, mostly showering the stallion's back. Within a second, the stallion slumped down. Once the blades carved through his skull and reached his brain, it was all over. I released the saw's trigger and pull- ... Damn! The saw lodged in his head as I attempted to pull it out. I yanked hard on the saw, which eventually dislodged it. Blood sprayed out and flew down on my boots as the blades disconnected. I took a second to observe just how much blood covered not only the floor, but my boots, my pants, some of my shirt, the blades, my hands, the stallion... Damn! I turned to see Trix also had blood painted on her right side and part of her cheek. She'd taken out her attacker before I had mine, allowing her to glance at my saw and look up at me with an unamused face. I shrugged before we had to get back to it. That was one zombie. I peered over the next zombie mare and down the stairs, realizing we had many more to get through. This was gonna get messy as fuck. I focused on the next attacker, who was a pale, tan zombie mare. Yeah... not for long. She unexpectedly lunged over the first victim's corpse to get to me, but I had a chainsaw, so... I win. I swung it around, holding down the trigger to make its reddened blades dance. This time, they connected with the side of the mare's face, deep enough to cut through most of her head. It took them just a second to slice through the skull, lessening the resistance as it traveled through her face. The resistance returned for a brief moment before it sliced completely through. I managed the sudden loss of resistance better this time, stopping the blades immediately. Meanwhile, her jaw was dislodged, causing it to grossly swing down like some broken animatronic. As it did, her eyes shut, and she slumped down. She hit the floor, unmoving. Once again, blood had jetted out when the blades sliced through. Most of it splattered the floor and jutted out left and right... which meant that it probably hit... Lol. I turned to see Trix standing still, having just taken out another attacker. She stared straight, a highly annoyed look painted on her face. Also painted on the side of her face and body was a nice tint of red blood. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, as I was covered in blood now as well. My arms were now almost more red than tan, and my hands were just red. I could also feel drops trickling off my jaw and down my cheek. Never mind my bloody clothes. So... mouth stays closed for now. K. The four ponies Trix and I had taken out just now were a part of the group not affected by her initial bowling strike. We had a few-second gap before the rest of the affected mob would get up here, allowing us to reorient ourselves. Trix had charged up another spell, so she released it with the next runner-up. The blue orb flew forward and collided with the pale stallion, but he had already made it to the top of the stairs. This meant he only fell to the floor, rather than rolling down the steps. Gutter ball. The rest of the mob rushed over the top step, forcing us back a few paces. Blue light flashed in my peripheral vision as Trix shot another magic orb down at the floor in front of us. The orb dissolved into it, forming a small layer of ice between us and the mob. The hooves of the new spearhead members touched down on it, causing most of them to slip and fall. It was pretty funny watching them moan and groan as they tried to come back to a stand, but two of them managed to get through unscathed. Just like the first couple of ponies, they both split up to get us. Man, these were some generous ponies. My new attacker was a stallion, a bit taller than the first. His coat of fur was already a pale maroon color, though. Now, it was about to get... marooner? Anyway, this stallion did have a thick neck on him. My saw did not care. I pulled the trigger and let rip. Although I had initially wanted to go through his head, the blades unintentionally sunk down to this thick neck of his. The red blades morphed into his red coat as they zipped through the skin of it. I was starting to get used to the sudden resistance, but this stallion was moving a bit faster than the last two. Sawing a tree is probably one thing, but sawing a moving target? Not as simple as it seems, even with this beast. Staggering back to avoid getting bit, I continued pressing the blades against his neck. They were sharp enough to cut through, despite the thickness, so they traveled across. The stallion went limp halfway through, and within just a second, they reached the other side. As I was already staggering, the sudden loss of resistance caused the saw to fly to my left side. This weight shift also caused me to lose my footing and fall backward. I released the trigger as both the stallion and I fell to the floor. Smack! Oof! My saw smacked the ground pretty hard too, but it was fine. The stallion also hit the ground, but... Bleh! My saw had cut his head off, which fell to the ground in front of his body... ...and right on my lap. This wasn't the worst part. Although his body had gone limp, his face had not. Despite being disconnected from his body, his eyes darted around until they spotted me. His jaw continued moving up and down above my crotch. I was pretty disgusted at first, but part of me also knew I was in danger of getting bit. On top of this, another stallion had managed to stand up and make his way past the ice floor to get to me. I quickly detached my right hand from the fallen saw on my left side and flung it around the back of the stallion's dislodged head. Grasping the right side of it, I picked up the grotesque body part and pulled it over my shoulder. With all the strength I could generate in my right arm, I flung it forward, nailing the advancing, non-decapitated stallion in the face. Strike! Or... spare? I don't know. Either way, the flying head screwed him up and caused him to stagger, giving me time to stand back on my two feet. By the time I got into position with the saw, the stallion had uprighted and starting coming at me again. RNNNNNNNNNN! Now he wasn't. Like the past mare, the saw cut through his head. However, I was getting distracted by all the brutal murders I was committing (self-defense of course, future judge) that I was having trouble remembering to tense up for the sudden loss of resistance when the saw was through with its victims. Therefore, after it disconnected, the saw nearly made me lose my balance again. The blades also flew out, nearly brushing the right side of Trix. "Watch it!" she growled. "Sorry babe!" I regained my balance, just to be forced to back up a few paces with her again. The mob continued trotting forward, applying loads of pressure against us. Interestingly, Trixie's little ice pool stayed intact, meaning most of the following zombie ponies also tripped and fell. This was outrageously beneficial, as it split the all-in-one raging mob into more manageable waves. Trixie was a genius! The next wave continued forward, ironically still splitting up to attack either one of us. I would have expected them to all focus on Trix, but for some reason, they were interested in my human ass too. Meat is meat, I guess. The first mare in the next wave trotted forward, falling victim to my saw blades eviscerating her skull. This time, I had to immediately swing the saw the other way to take out another advancing attacker. This second mare leapt up, so the saw connected with her foreleg instead of her chest. This didn't have the same effect as ripping through her head, but it did prevent her from taking a bite out of my chest. What it didn't prevent was her coming back down and getting ahold of my right leg with her teeth. Pain radiated through it as she quickly sunk them down into my skin. As she gnawed down on it, I raised the chainsaw up from my right side and swung it down on her head. The blades happily ripped through the top of it, causing her to go limp. Her teeth eased off as I raised the chainsaw up to prevent sawing through my own leg. I backed up and shook her off, feeling the sting of her bite pulse through my leg. Oh shit... I hope I'm still immune... Either way, there was nothing I could do about it at the moment. Trix and I were still being forced back by the fast-attacking waves of zombie ponies. They didn't even really gallop--they kinda trotted, which is like jogging for us humans. I wished these fuckers would just walk like the slow, dumb zombies one would expect. These eager ponies were actually pretty scary, given the fact they could fucking chase you. Regardless, Trix and I continued fighting. With her magic and my badass chainsaw, we managed to hold them back, wave by wave. Orb after orb, dice after slice, we fought on. I realized pretty quickly that keeping myself somewhat protected from the blood splatter was fucking impossible. By the time we had backed up nearly halfway down the hallway to the thrones, my whole body was coated red and dripping. Trix had gotten covered as well, unable to avoid the blades showering everything around us with blood. Both of us dripped this nasty blood down on the similarly bloody hallway floor. It felt warm on me too, so I didn't know what to think about it. I wanted to be grossed out, but I was also kinda... enthralled. However, my thrills would soon come to an end. We were almost out of throne room to fight back in, so we would soon be cornered, overpowered by the extraordinary mob, eaten alive, and cut flesh for fl- "D'mitry!" Trix called. I turned around to see she'd turned back. "Come on!!" she cried. Oh... right. The window. Duh. I forgot that literally both of the windows to either side of the throne had been blown open. I sliced one last zombie pony before turning around and following her to the one the others had escaped out of. When we approached, I realized the window opened to a little grass alleyway spanning the side of the castle. The grass sat about two feet below the window, stretching six-or-so feet wide until coming to a stop at a concrete wall standing about as high as I was now. While I couldn't see over the wall, I could still see very far in the distance, noting the nearby mountain ranges. This wall was probably the only thing standing between us and a couple-mile-long drop. I wasn't a fan of these heights. Why would the princesses build a castle in such a dangerous place anyway? I wondered if they ever lost maintenance stallions because 'oops, lawn cutter got away from him and he fell down the mountain to his death'. Perhaps her maintenance crew was all pegasus. That'd make sense, I guess. I don't know. Why the fuck am I even thinking about this now? There's a damn horde of aggressive zombie ponies chasing us out of the window. I slipped my legs out of the window and jumped down, taming the beast of a chainsaw in my hands. Once I was out, I helped Trix get down safely, like a gentleman. Once we were both out, we darted down the grass alleyway. While we ran, I wondered how the hell this plan was actually working. How was the alley completely void of zombie ponies? There weren't even corpses, which meant the others ran through scot-free. We eventually passed the whole castle, slinking our way on the street that led to its front doors. Nothing. We both looked toward the front doors, but the whole mob had made it inside already. There were a few corpses on the street, but just a few. The others must have easily taken them out and continued. Like, damn... it really was fucking working. We even had to slow down a bit to make sure the mob still had eyes on us. As badly as I wanted to take off with Trix and get the hell out of here, we had to stick to the plan of distracting them. Blah blah blah. This was still the dumbest fucking thing I think we'd come up with. If we get surrounded out here, Trix was capable of pulling off a forcefield spell she claimed would keep us both protected, but what if it didn't work? That was our only backup, so what would we do then? Psshhht. I glanced at Trixie, who looked pretty irritated right now. Her fur absolutely soaked in blood. I mean, I guess I was dripping in it too. Hell, we were both leaving a damn trail behind us. I so badly wanted to douse us with water or something. Surely this wasn't healthy for us. "You weren't scratched or bit, were you?" I asked her. "No." "Okay. Sorry for the mess. And sorry for almost nicking yo-" "Just shut up." ... Damn... okay. I wasn't expecting her to be mad at me. Maybe tensions were just high. I hope she wasn't that mad at me. Maybe I could make it up to her or something. I didn't want her to feel... ... Well, damn. I guess I do still have feelings for Trixie. Just what I needed. I shook away this thought for now, best I could, to stick to the plan. We kept jogging/trotting down the path, making a turn to head for the jail. Yeah, that's the last part of the plan. Don't worry about it--I'll explain later. For now, we made our way towards it. Hopefully our plan wouldn't get... ... busted ... Sorry
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Prisoners	The tiny cell had almost no light at all. There was just a bit of white light coming in from ceiling lights down the hall. He laid there, injured but alive. A cracking noise from one of the dim lights caused it to flicker. This woke him up. Blaze observed his surroundings. Even though he hadn't moved, there was an excruciating burning sensation in his side. He noticed that whoever put him here had laid him on his burnt side. Painfully, he moaned as he rolled over. The stinging from touching the floor peaked before veining. He struggled breathing. He opened his eyes to notice Drift laying next to him. "D - D ... Dr ... D ... Drift ..." he struggled with his words. There was no response. Drift was bleeding out from his chest. Blaze didn't know how long he'd been out, but he tried helping Drift regardless. "Drift ... please ..." he cried, crawling towards him and struggling immensely to turn him face up. Eventually through this intense pain, he managed to get Drift on his back. Now what? "Brother ..." He fought his pain to slowly get up on all hooves. He checked Drift's pulse with no avail. "Drift ... no ..." There were no bandages around that he could see. The sheets on the bed were taken away. His saddlebag was gone. There was nothing he could do. He couldn't even perform CPR, because that would cause more blood to come out of his chest. Drift still had on his armor, but that wouldn't help anything. Blaze laid next to drift, wishing things could be different. He wished they could go back to one month ago. He spent the time allowing his burns to heal. They looked very deep, and the ones on his side burned right through some of his fur. He couldn't find anything useful in the room. The boys must have cleared it so that he wouldn't escape. Or perhaps they thought he had died. He had thought so too. But now he knew he didn't. He felt like crap, but he was still breathing. Unlike his brother. "I'm sorry, Drift." He got up. "I'll find a way to get you back." He patted Drift's shoulders. His hooves still ached horribly, but he managed to pick up Drift and his armor, setting him down on the bed. He limped over to the bars. They shone in the dim light. He observed the lock, which looked unscathed. Pushing the lock caused the entire cell door to open. They hadn't locked them in. He turned back to Drift. "I'll be back." He hurried out the cell door, shut it, then ran clumsily to the front doors. He had to run down a set of metal stairs and through the main dining room. He kept watch for even a little glimpse of the boys. The lobby didn't have any apparently. It was difficult to see outside because Celestia's bright setting sun was shining through the glass doors and windows. He ran for the glass doors, and just as he reached it, he heard a huge collection of dreadful moans. He backed away. Then he saw them through the plexiglass. There was a horde of them as well as ... Trixie! But she was herding them right towards him with a shiny blue force field. She had magic? She saw him through the glass and stopped. The sun made it hard to see. He squinted to see her better. She pointed to the zombie pony herd slapping at the force field, then to the prison. She pointed to him, then to a clear spot off to his right. He quickly caught onto her plan. He frowned and shook his head. Drift was inside. If he let her in, they'd rip Drift apart. She, again, pointed to him and then the side. He shook his head and pointed behind him, where he thought Drift might be. He waited for a response as the blue force field glowed bright white and exploded, throwing the nearby zombie ponies back. His vision of the outside returned moments later, revealing her running fast to the doors. Some members of the herd adjusted and continued following her. She burst through the door and slammed it shut. "I need you to leave. This zombie herd needs to go in those cells." "No ... I can't let you do that ... my brother is in one of them." "Oh ... crap. Sorry ..." "What do we do?" She thought quickly. "Do you have him locked up?" "No. I don't have the key." "Then let's find it!" She grabbed a steel sword from her saddlebag and stuck it in the door handles. "Come on. That should hold them." "You sure?" "Yes. Come on." He followed her to the main lobby's office and searched for all the keys he could find. They collected many of them from the drawers, desk, and cabinets. He led her up to where Drift laid. "Aww ... I'm sorry to see your brother like this," she said, before cramming in key after key. He held the bad pile as she went through the stack one by one. He was impressed that she still had magic, but now wasn't the time to ask how she did. The stack was getting short when one finally fit and turned. She tried to open the door unsuccessfully. "Good." She looked back at him. "Oh ..." "What?" "Maybe it'd be best if you went in there? For safety reasons." "I don't know. If you can give me stuff to cover his wounds in the meantime, I'll go." "Okay. What are his wounds?" "Bullet in his chest." "Oh crap ..." She pulled out a first aid kit as well as more medical supplies. He grabbed them and waited as she unlocked the door to let him in. "I promise I'll be right by your side the moment I get all these zombie ponies settled." They heard the lobby's door burst open. Moans filled the halls. "I gotta go," she said, quickly shutting and locking the cell door. "Wait." "What?" "Can you give him a shock spell?" "A shock spell? W- why?" "He isn't breathing!" "He isn't breathing?!" "No!" "Okay. Okay. Are you sure?" "Yes!" She warmed up the spell quickly and shot it through the bars at Drift. His body shook as white lightning flickered around him for a second. The lights in the hall dimmed before she stopped. "Thank you!" he screamed. She let out the blue burst of her force field as the zombie ponies piled over the top of the stairs. It would be hard ignoring the unappealing zombie moans, but he'd have to do it now. He turned his attention to Drift and got to work. "You're going to make it ..."
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Solitary Confinement	This 'special' place was fucking stupid. The tiny cell was barely illuminated by a single white light built into the ceiling. It showed its age by crackling and dimming every once in a while. Cheap ass cell. Of course the princesses would have shot down the proposal to renovate this part of the jail. This solitary cell was in pathetic shape. Guard Blaze sat up against the concrete wall, staring at the flickering light above them. It was better than looking at his brother Drift, who was... struggling... to keep it together. Drift laid against the opposing wall, grunting occasionally as he breathed through the pain. He'd passed out not long after they'd been put in here. Blaze tried his best to focus on the cheap light to keep his mind off of his slowly dying brother. He knew Drift would likely die soon. The humans hadn't tended to his wounds at all since Nurse Snow hastily threw gauze over the wound. They instead ripped them from her and tossed them in this cell to die slowly. Another minute of listening to his brother's breathing caused him to finally lose his mind. He first stood up and bucked the solid wall behind him, to which nothing happened. He shook his head spastically before rushing to the metal door. A small glass window stood at eye level, above a slot designed to slip food through. There was also a metal handle, which he grabbed and pulled on for dear life. This didn't work, as they'd locked the cell. He saw them do it too, but his insanity was taking him over now. He eagerly tugged at the handle, the sound of the metal locks on the door echoing throughout the room as he failed to open it. Instead of giving up, Blaze let go of the handle and swung around. BUCK!!! The metal clanged from his powerful hind legs hitting the door. He'd struck it so hard that the sound caused his ears to start ringing. Despite this, he bucked the door three more times, unsuccessfully. He then collapsed to the ground, struggling to come to grips with himself. He writhed around, using his hooves to cover his ears so he didn't have to listen to his brother anymore. After writhing around and fighting with his thoughts for a minute, he heard something other than his brother's muffled breaths through his closed ears. He slowly uncovered them to make sure he heard right. Knock Knock Knock! He froze, unsure if he was actually hearing someone knock on the door of the cell or not. Who was kno- "Yooooo! Turn around, bro!" Blaze heard the muffled sound of a boy's voice on the other side. He was unsure if they'd come back to finish them off or what, so he turned around to see- ... D'mitry? ... ...in the window. Blaze looked on in bewilderment as D'mitry stared at him through the little rectangular window. Blaze almost didn't recognize him at first, since the boy had blood smeared all over his face. For a moment, the boy looked like a fucking serial killer who'd come to murder him. Blaze's heart sped up as the boy glanced down. The food flap was then swung up, locking it into place inside the cell. The boy got on his knees to peer through it. With it open, Blaze could hear him better. "Bro!! You good?!" Blaze looked on for a second, but he believed he might have actually lost his mind. Maybe this was just some kind of delusion. He averted his eyes from the door, questioning his reality and completely missing the boy's follow-up calls. It was fake... it had to be. He wondered if all hallucinations were like this or not. Surely so- Creak Blaze was startled when the door swung open. He heard keys jingle as D'mitry eased his way inside the tiny cell, only to close the door behind him. He was startled to see the boy DRENCHED in blood, from literal head to toe. Not only that... but the boy had a similarly bloody CHAINSAW held by his side. Sweet Celestia!! Blaze staggered back until his rump hit the wall opposite the front of the cell. D'mitry turned to face him as he set what looked like a ring, which held dozens of keys, in his pants pocket. If this wasn't a hallucination, this seemed like the last thing somebody would see before getting their head brutally sawed off by a deranged, psychotic serial killer. It didn't help that the boy smiled, his teeth more vividly white amongst the red tint all over him. "Haha. Relax, Blaze. I know I look insane." Blaze wasn't ready to respond yet. He had yet to come back to reality. The boy took another few seconds to observe his brother by the wall before returning his gaze to him. "I can't believe it. They said y'all were dead! Just wait 'til they find out you're still alive and kickin'!" Blaze took a few deep breaths in a failed attempt to relax. "W... what?" "The others. Loooooooooong story, believe me. I'll tell y'all later with a campfire and marshmallows, but let's get with the right now. Trixie is on her way. She's bringing a mob of zombie ponies with her, so y'all miiight wanna sit tight. Ironically enough, I was supposed to sit and wait in the other solitary confinement cell until she was done. Looks like our moms decided to support the sleepover though." Blaze blinked slowly, trying to catch his mind up to speed. "What in Celestia's beaming castle are you talking about?" "Bruh I just told you. Damn," he replied before sighing. "Look... we're gonna be in here for a while. There's a lot of zombie ponies comin', so Trix has her work cut out for her." "What is Trixie doing leading a MOB in here?" "She's lockin' 'em up in the cells." "How in TARTARUS is she gonna manage all of that without getting bitten?!" "Forcefield spell." "Huh??" "Oh yeah, hehe, slight oversight. Trixie's still got her magic." "She does?!" "Hells yeah! I picked her up at the gate rambo style and realized she's still got it in her." Blaze shook his head, attempting to work together D'mitry's strange ass way of explaining things. The boy elaborated a bit more for the next minute until they heard hoofsteps clicking down the hallway. D'mitry claimed it was Trixie and shouted through the slot, making sure she knew that he'd moved to a different cell. It only took her another few seconds to reach the door, peering through the window at them. That's when Blaze noticed she was almost as bloody as D'mitry was. Her eyes widened as she stared back inside. "Looky who I found!" D'mitry called, leaning down to speak through the slot. "Sweet Celestia," Trixie replied, leaning down as well. "So yeah, I'mma stick with them in this cell. Sound good to you?" Trixie took a second to observe the outside of the door before looking back through the slot. "Sure, that'll work. You got the keys already?" "I do." "Okay. Hand them over," she said, raising her hoof by the slot. D'mitry pulled out the key ring, but didn't pass them through yet. "Hang on, Trix. I think you might wanna grab 'em by the mouth." Trixie set her hoof down and looked through the slot confusingly. "What? Why?" "The shape or whatever. Just a suggestion." Trixie squinted her eyes for a second before accepting. She stuck her snout up to the slot, ready to grip the keys with her teeth. It was then that D'mitry leaned his head down toward the slot, only to bash his nose on the slot's opening, which was still flipped up inside. "OW!" he cried, pulling his head back and grabbing his nose with his free hand. Trixie pulled her snout away from the slot and looked back inside. "What the fuck was that? Is the slot too big for your hand? And why are you holding your no..." she started. There was a brief pause as she looked at the boy. "Errgggh, nevermind. Here," he said, sticking his hand through the slot, still holding his nose. Blaze noticed Trixie take the keys with her hoof, but she stood there for another few seconds, observing the boy as he pulled his hand back inside. "Go on!" he called, shifting to hide his face. Trixie slowly made her way out of view. Blaze heard her hoofsteps start to fade away before pausing. Then they came back. "Yeah, bonehead," D'mitry called, still rubbing his nose, "You forgot to lock-" Creak The door opened, almost colliding with him. Trixie eased her way inside, meeting eyes with a confused Blaze. She held this for just a second before turning her attention back to D'mitry, who was still rubbing his nose. She then raised her free hoof and used it to push his hand away... before quickly setting her lips on his. What the fuck? This was one of the last things Blaze had expected to see. She really laid into the boy, shoving him against the wall as they made out. Not only was Blaze overwhelmed by everything going on already, but adding this on top of it all? He had no reaction. He didn't know what reaction to have. After a few seconds, she pulled away from him. The two stared deeply into each other's eyes for a moment before she turned back, avoiding eye contact with Blaze as she shut and locked the door behind her. No words were spoken about whatever that was... the boy just sat quietly against the wall, gently touching a finger to his nose as he stared at the floor. He seemed just as surprised as him. Blaze gave him a minute to recuperate, as he needed to as well. As they did, he heard Drift's uncomfortable breathing again. This time, D'mitry noticed it too. The boy looked up at him. "What's his problem?" "He was shot... he's..." Blaze started. He took a second to hold back tears. Guards weren't supposed to cry. Especially not in front of the human. "He's what? Bleeding?" "No... he's... he's dying." "Why?" Blaze sighed annoyingly. "I don't know. I'm not a damn doctor. He's probably lost too much blood." The room was quiet for a moment until the boy flung off his backpack and started digging in it. What was he digging for? Blaze wasn't sure. It seemed that the boy wasn't sure either, until he pulled out a first-aid kit. "Haha, score!" he called, "Let's patch this sucker up." Blaze looked on in bewilderment. Maybe... Maybe this psycho could help save his one and only brother.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	All aboard	We moved on slowly. Celestia wasn't in good shape from our long walk, but she managed with some help from Twi and Abby. Jen walked on the other side of Luna from me. We could see the gate up ahead. The boys I had shot there before were removed. Their bloodstains remained. When we got to the drawbridge, we noticed the train at the train station outside Canterlot's walls. It was up a hill not to far away. "Oh my god ... does it work?" Dash asked. "I don't know. I guess the boys used it to get Trixie here." "Let's check it out," Twi suggested. "Aren't we waiting for Trixie?" Snow asked. "Yeah ... so, alright. New plan. Snow, you stay here with Devan while we check it out. If it works, we can bolt back to the hospital." I caught Jen and Abby exchange nervous looks. "What?" I asked. They turned to me. "Huh?" "What were those stares about?" "Stares? I don't know what you're talking about ..." Abby played it off. "What are you trying to hide?" They looked at each other again. "Okay ... well, you see ..." Jen said, "We ... got word from Devin that he'd sent a dozen boys to raid the hospital. And ... well ... they were successful. They killed a lot of ponies before leaving early." Even the birds stopped chirping for a deadly silence. "No!" Dash yelled, "Scootaloo!" "Oh no ..." Twi said. "We're still going. Right, Twi?" I asked. "Yes. We have to." "Okay." Twi turned to me. "If the train's working, we'll start it up. We won't leave you." They ran for the train. Snow and I stayed under the gate's arc and watched them.There was no sign of any boys as they entered the train cars. I turned around to watch for Trixie. "Should we go on top to get a better view?" Snow shrugged. "We're leaving the moment she gets here." "I guess you're right." I put my Beretta in my belt loop and put my hands in my pockets. "How's Celestia doing?" "Meh ... not too good. But I took care of her and covered her wounds more clearly." "That's good." We waited until we heard the train's engine turning on. We watched as the train shook to life. "Hey! Now it'll take just a few hours to get back to the hospital. This is great!" Snow replied, "Yeah ... don't get your hopes up." "Right. God ... I hope they only kidnapped the crusaders. They're monsters if they killed them too." She sighed. It was difficult to just think about it. "Is that her?" She pointed out a moving figure a ways away. "I guess s-" Now we saw another figure running beside her. It looked like they were carrying another pony on their backs. Then there were a lot more figures chasing them. "Is that the swarm?!" I exclaimed. "Sure looks like it!" she replied. "But she was supposed to lock them up!" "I know ... she might've possibly gotten too weak to keep it going." We heard the train engine turn off behind us. "What are they doing?!" I yelled. "I don't know! Stay here. I'm going to see what's wrong." "Tell them to hurry up and get it going!" "Okay!" She sprinted faster than ever towards the train. I could see Trixie now. And ... Blaze?? Drift was blacked out on their backs. They ran the little distance to meet me. "Where's the others?" Trixie asked. "Why is the herd still here?!" "I got too weak to keep up the force field spell. Now where are the others?!" "In the train. Come on." I led them to the train station without further questioning. The swarm behind us was fast on our tails. How were they moving so quickly? You'd expect zombies to be slow movers, but these must have been anxious for brains. "Where were you, Blaze?" I asked while running, "I thought they'd killed you." "Long story. We can talk on the train." "Alright ..." We ran up the stairs and across the platform to the first open door. The car was very full of seats and empty suitcases. "We're sorry!" We overheard Dash yell from the train car ahead of us. "You guys stay here. I'll be back." I shut the door to the train car and went through the inside doors that connected the cars. The next car was more roomy, with couches and beds on both sides, as well as a few seats in columns in front. Twi sat by Celestia, who was on one of the beds. "Why'd you turn the train off?" I asked. I noticed the open door and shut it quickly. "Dash did. She thought it was making too much noise. Why?" "Because the swarm outside!" She moved back. "I'm sorry, Devan. We didn't know. Wasn't Trixie supposed to lock them all up?" "She tried. She got too weak is what I heard." "She's here, right?" "Yes. In the car behind us." The train engine rumbled to life again. I opened the door and got a glimpse to see that everypony was in the train before shutting and locking it. "We'll be okay if they get this thing running soon. The herd is still by the gate." "That's good." Snow came through the door in front. She turned attention to me. "Did you get Trixie?" "Yes." "Dash and the girls are getting the train started. We should be gone from here soon." "Do they need any help?" "I don't think s-" The train stopped suddenly, throwing all of us forwards an inch. "What the hell was that?" I asked, running to the side doors. "Devan?" Twi called. "I'll be right back." I sprinted out of the car, and ran to the front. I stopped at the engine to see Dash leaning out the conductor's window. She looked to me and pointed in front of the train. "I think we hit something!" "Don't worry. I'll check it out!" I jumped off the train platform's ledge to see something gruesome. In front of the train's wheels were two entangled zombie ponies. They prevented the train from even moving. I checked to see if they were alive, which they weren't. The moans getting closer, I carefully grabbed one of the pony's legs. She was jammed in place, and I only got her to budge a few inches. I tried again and the same thing happened. The moans grew louder. Sweat formed through my nervousness. One more yank and nothing. I heard gunfire from the front, open car behind the engine. That was bound to save me some time. While I yanked again with the same result, Jen ran up next to me. She jumped in front of the train when she noticed the zombie ponies, and started pulling the other pony out. She came easily. I noticed that one of the pony's legs was squished underneath the train's front wheel. "Jen! Do you have a knife?" "Yes." She scurried through her bag. The moans were getting even louder now. I looked over the station platform to see the first zombie ponies climbing up the other side. A few of them were shot down by the others. "Here." She tossed me a knife that I wasn't ready for. It cut my wrist before dropping. "Ow!" I yelled before picking it up. "Sorry!" I took out the knife and cut at the pony's leg. It was easy at first, but then I got to her bone. As I cut, I was attacked from behind. Jen shot him before he got to me. "Thanks!" I continued cutting through her bone when a few more attacked from the platform. Jen took position behind me, gunning down the ones that were close. "There's hundreds!" she yelled over her fire. One snuck past her guard and tore up the back of my shirt. He was pulled off by Jen and shot. Now she couldn't hold the swarm any longer. I finished cutting, and pulled the zombie pony out quickly, throwing her at the nearest attackers. There were some behind me as I stumbled away from the platform. That's when I saw the sheer number of them invading like a group of hungry ants finding food. Jen was getting bit by them as well, but that wouldn't matter in the long run. The only thing that mattered was getting out of there without too much blood loss. The train started accelerating slowly. I witnessed Jen get pulled down by a few attackers, pulling her right on the tracks in front of the train. "Jen!" She struggled as the train sped up. I jumped out, grabbed the edge of one of the secondary train lights, and swung around the front of the train. I ran forwards with a knife, slicing the ponies off of her until she could get up. The train pushed me hard, causing me to run into her and push her off the tracks. I jumped off and rejoined her. Behind us was the swarm, just feet away. We sprinted the instant we were side by side. Now we ran alongside the train that shoved away the ponies on the track. "Devan!" I looked up to see Dash in the conductor's window. She reached out her hoof, offering to pull us up. "There's no way you can carry us! We'll hop on the open car!" She frowned and pulled her hoof in. I looked behind to see that some of the zombie ponies were actually galloping after us. They were going just as fast as we were, but they weren't fast enough to catch up to the open car. We slowed our pace to fall back next to the open car. The train's speed now was as fast as our run - and we were running fast. We waited as Dash kicked open the two large gates that flanked the seats in the car. I hopped on, throwing myself on board, and grabbed Jen's arm to assist her. She got ready to jump on at first, before slipping over a rock on the ground. I held on to her hands tightly as she squeezed, throwing me forwards against the car's corner. Her weight shocked my muscles, but not enough to get me to let go. Dash hugged my waist, tugging me back enough so Jen could throw her body on board. With one more burst of energy, we pulled all but her feet on. She wiggled herself in as Dash shut the gates to the car closed. "Thanks," Jen said. The moans quieted as Dash went in the engine and sped up. We were safe again. But how safe?
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Get on the fucking train!!!	"Human, wake up." Blaze's voice echoed in my brain. "Huh, wha?" I replied, blinking out of my slumber. I immediately felt the uncomfortable film of drying blood on my skin as I woke up. Sheesh... maybe Trix and I shoulda found a hose or somethin' to wash ourselves off with before coming in here. I'd imagine her fur wasn't doing too well either. Maybe we could soak in the prison showers before leaving, if they worked. Maybe I'd drop the soap w- No wait a minute, maybe she would drop the soap and... No wait. Nobody had to drop the soap. I could just... God damn it. Nevermind. Forget I said that stupid shit. I was just a little in awe by Trixie's sudden kiss. I hadn't expected her to act like that, so I didn't know what to think. I also didn't know how long I'd been napping in this tiny cell. I had fallen asleep immediately after helping Blaze tend to his injured, unconscious brother. We'd managed to patch him up, and thankfully, it looked more likely that he'd make a recovery. We just had to get him to Nurse Snow as soon as we could. Either way, I got mad at the thought of Blaze interrupting my slumber because I had fallen into a dream, and Trix was there. She wasn't bloody in the dream--she was wet, and I think we were about to do something. Grrrr. "What?" I scoffed at Blaze, "What do you want?" He pointed at the cell door. Even with the flap closed, the jail was alive with the sound of the mob now. Muffled moans and groans could be heard seeping through the tiny, unseeable cracks around the metal door. In the door's window was Trixie, who was now surrounded in a translucent blue sphere, her horn aglow. She opened up the flap and leaned down to talk through it. When she did, the sound of the mob grew throughout the cell. "We've got a problem," she stated over the mob. "Huh? What is it?!" I exclaimed, shifting to my knees and getting close to the flap, careful not to bash my nose again. When I got close enough, I could tell through her facial expression alone that Trix was growing exhausted. She looked drained of energy, even through the magical light of her forcefield. "My magic. I can't get these fuckers in quick enough. I can't hold up the forcefield much longer." Shit. I mean, who woulda thought? Fucking dumbass princesses. Stupid fucking plan. I grew angry at them for essentially putting us in this predicament. What would they ask for next? Fucking hoof massages? Oh wait... Twi probably would. I guess I'd rather be doing that now anyway. AhhHHHHh nevermind. "Fuck. Well, what now? You wanna come in and wait 'em out with us?" "Wait them out?" she repeated angrily. "I... I don't know. How else do we get outta here?" "I've got enough energy to wrap us all in a forcefield, but not for long..." All three of us looked at Drift, who was still passed out. Like I said, Blaze and I had done a pretty good job patching him up, taking as much care of his bullet wound as we could. He probably wasn't going to bleed out anymore, but he was still dead-weight right now. Blaze and I met eyes. "Blaze..." I said. "What?" "We're gonna have to leave him, bro. Sorry." This set Blaze into a fury... orrrrrr a... a... blaze. Hahaha! Sorry. Anyway, if physics allowed, I'm pretty sure Blaze woulda literally burst into a ball of flames on the spot. "NO WE FUCKING DON'T! DO NOT SUGGEST THAT!" "Jesus, bro! Calm down! What the fucks wrong with you? I'm supposed to be the crazy one. You psycho! Why can't we just leave him here with a little food or something?" "D'mitry," Trix called, "I don't think that's a good idea. A lot of the mob might stick around after we leave. I plan on shutting the front doors behind us as well. We'd have to leave him locked in here too, otherwise the mob will tear throu-" "Ok ok, I get it. What should we do then?" "If you can help us lay him out across our backs, Blaze and I can carry him." "Ight bet." Leaving the jail went a helluva lot smoother than I anticipated. Trix did a fantastic job keeping us covered in her crazy forcefield spell. I'd only been nearly squished to death nine or ten times, maybe. Yeah--it went fucking awful. Trix struggled to keep the forcefield large enough to cover us all. Occasionally, her lack of energy caused the forcefield to shrink, causing my tall, human ass to get squeezed down closer to them. We'd all tumbled and fallen over about three times after my tall ass was smooshed up against Drift and them, making it difficult to retain their balance. Despite this, Trix did manage to keep the spell active. So, I guess it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I still didn't enjoy my face getting plastered up against Drift's sweaty fur, while also trying to keep my chainsaw's blades perpendicular to me so none of us would get torn the fuck up. Thankfully, we'd still managed to push through the jail and make our way out the front doors within maybe five to ten minutes. Any longer than that, and Trix woulda probably been forced to abandon the spell, leaving us exposed so that we could die a violent death, mauled and eaten alive. So... yeah... I'm glad Trix held through. She wasn't doing so hot by the time we made it out, though. We'd tried shutting the front doors of the jail behind us, but those violent motherfucking ponies still managed to bust through it. With Trix as tired as she was, she had to abandon the spell, opting for us to run away instead. The mob was right on our tail at first, so I used my chainsaw to cut the brains of the best trotters out of their heads. This allowed Trix and Blaze to gain a safe enough distance from them for me to peel off, to see if the others had gotten to their destination yet. Eventually, I made it to the front gates of Canterlot. As I ran through them and across the drawbridge, I noticed the train at the train station outside of Canterlot's walls. The station sat off to the left, on a hill not far away, underneath where the Canterlot mountain grew to its peak. It was strange that the architects of Canterlot had put a train station there, given that it connected to the station inside of Canterlot, but I'd been told the reasoning behind it in the past. Apparently, city ordinance, along with Celestia and Luna's decision-making or whatever, didn't want a train station inside of Canterlot when it was a smaller city way back when. Some of the city officials at the time found great distaste in the loud ass steam engine rolling through their elegant, gracious town. And, for whatever reason, when the town grew big enough for them to say fuck it and put a train station inside, they were too lazy to remove the one outside city walls. Talk about wasted taxpayer coins. To make matters worse, the station's layout made no damn sense. The wooden platform where ponies would wait for the train, and the small ticket booth building, were built on the other side of the tracks from here... meaning that traveling ponies had to cross an active railroad track to wait for the train. I honestly wonder if anypony in this world takes safety seriously. Anywayyyy... the train stood tall on the hill, albeit facing backward toward Canterlot. Beside the engine, I could see Discord's tall ass standing next to Celestia and a few others. However, no smoke or whatever was supposed to come out was coming out of the steam engine's little funnel thing. The train was off. Fuck! I wasn't sure how much of a gap I'd made from Trix and Blaze, or how far back the mob was behind them, but we did not have time to waste. Either way, I guess we'd be alright. The others have guns and I've got a fucking chainsaw. I still wanted to be ready to go the second they got here, though. I shifted my chainsaw to my left hand so that I could frantically wave with the other. Eventually, they noticed me. I kept waving regardless, shouting gibberish at them, as my breaths were too fast at this point to make a coherent sentence. "SNBAUHFUKBAKHFSKSF!OISND!SSDSDSD!!!" I kept shouting this gibberish until I got close enough to slow down. Outside of the train engine was Discord, Celestia, and Twi. I assumed Luna, Dash, Snow, and Spike were inside already. The girls as well. Awe shit. I'd forgotten about those fucking bitches. I wonder if the princesses will let me kill them after we interrogate them. Maybe I can even use my chainsaw! Jesus I approached Discord, Celestia, and Twi in front of the train engine. Celestia looked me up and down, noticing I was about 95% covered in blood that wasn't my own. "Holy fucking shit, D'mitry. I didn't know the chainsaw would be THAT messy." I took a brief second, not only to catch my breath, but to chuckle to myself at the way all three of them were looking at me. It was even more amusing than when I'd found Blaze. That same shocked expression was really funny to me. "Yeah yeah, well it was. We've got a big problem though. Is the train working?" I saw Dash poke her head out of the conductor's window, likely hearing our conversation. She exchanged a glance with Twi before Twi spoke for her. "It is. What's the problem?" "START IT!" I hollered, startling all four of them. "The mob is headed this way!" Dash widened her eyes before leaning back inside to get the engine started. A low hum began as it slowly rumbled to life. "What?!" Celestia exclaimed, "We told you to lock them up! What happened?!" "Trix ran out of energy." "Wh-" Celestia started, before interrupting herself with a hefty sigh. "I fucking knew that wasn't going to work." "Then why didn't you say something?" Twi scoffed. Immediately, the two of them started bickering again. Just princess things. After only a few sentences of this, Celestia raised her hoof to stop the argument before turning her attention back to me. "D'mitry. Where is Trixie now?" "She's on her way," I said, taking a moment to very briefly explain the situation Trix and I had gotten into. I mentioned us finding the guards, and how she was working with Blaze to carry Drift here. "Okay," Celestia replied, "So about how much time do we have until the mob arrives?" "Uhh... maybe a minute or two?" "Shit. Well, let's all get inside so we'll be ready to go." The princesses led me to the train car behind the engine, which was an open, brown-colored car with half-walls spanning it and cutouts going to the roof- Half-walls and cutouts? Really? I don't know how to describe it. Try harder. Ugh fine. The car behind the engine was brown, and was unlike the others in the fact that it was an open-planned car with cutouts- Lightning Bolt. Ow!! Try again. Oh my god bro. The train car behind the engine sat elegantly, cascading the ground beneath in its shimmering glow, the brown, tree-colored paint exterior rising graciously to the cherry pink roof, its windows amiss, cutouts- Lightning Bolt. AHHGHGHGHHH Quit using cutouts to describe it, moron. Oh for FUCKs sake. I can't do it! Help me out here, Author! Fine. How about this? We'll just show 'em a pic of what the hell you're trying to describe. Oh, we can do that? That sounds great. Í̸͓͚͖̦̻͚͍̦̯̜͍͎̼͉̟͙̪̥̣̜̤̈́̽͂̋͌̾̏̔̐͑̀͐͘̚͝͝ͅn̸̡̡̳̜͎͉̖̙̺̹͌̒̎̋͝͝v̶̧̨̢̛̫̼͚̦̙̟̙̪͙̟̩̳̝̞̬̣̯͖͙͊͂̍͒̈́͆̑͋̐̈́̈́̒à̷̦̯̪̗̬̥͍̖͙͚̝͙̳̏̚͜l̴̢̧̡̞̞̼̼͙̣̪̖͙̫̪̓̄̏͆̑̆͊͒̉̀̎̅́͘̚̚͝i̴̡̢̧̠̫͉̙̖̮̝̤̗̫̓̾͗̎̌̏̀̿̔̉͊̅̒͗̊̉̇̚ͅḋ̸̛̦͉͓̟̰̊̀̍́́̈̇́̿̆́͒̽̈͆͠͝͠ ̴̧̨̢͉̜͈̰͖͍̖͗͑͊͜͜Ỉ̷̢̛̟̺̭̼̪̯͕̩͈̰̈́͗͌͊̑̑̂̊̐̌̈́͂͘͘͝m̸̨̨̛̺̘̺͇͕̙̪͈̮̖̋͊̎̂̅̍̌͝͝ͅa̶̢̧̨̡̛̜̺̭͚̯̖͙͈͇͉̲͉̠̹̞̤͈͂̄̆̊̀̈́̑̕͠͝ͅģ̵̰͈͎̰͖̺̗̭̟̆̓̅͒̽̿͋͝ë̶͕͖̗͉͍̻͒͜ͅ What the fuck is that? God damn it. Hang on. What the fuck is THAT?! It's the picture link. Just click on it. What??? Nevermind. It shows them what you failed to describe. ... Anyway... they had that train car's side doors wide open, allowing us to climb inside. Without the station's platform, the floor sat as high as my collarbone, meaning it was a bit more tedious to get up. I managed fine after tossing my chainsaw up, but the others had to help each other to get up. I worried about how difficult it might be for us to get Drift's unconscious ass up here, but hopefully it'd be alright. Discord hung out by the outside of the car while Celestia and Twi waited inside it for Trix and Blaze. Meanwhile, I made my way through the door leading to the following train cars. Honestly, it was a bit stupid that we had to cross outside the cars just to get to the car we wanted. Why wouldn't they just put doors on the side of the cars? I mean, that's what the damn stations are laid out for anyway. Sometimes the architects of this world drive me nuts. Regardless, there were small, flexible walkways with rope barriers between the cars to ensure that passengers wouldn't fall down between the cars to their certain, grueling deaths... so that was nice. I crossed this wonderful design and made my way into the next train car, where the others were seated. The benches had somehow been rearranged in a layout reminiscent of a subway car, with the seats sitting along the sides. The colorful decorations and random ass ribbons the train used to carry were gone for some reason, leaving an unusually bare car. I took in the scenery for a second before smiling at how everybody was looking at me. The two girls and boy were sat on the left side of the car, all of their hands individually tied together in front of them. On the right side were Luna, Snow, and Spike. I was met with surprised eyes from all of them. It almost made me wanna rev my chainsaw to see if they'd freak the hell out. I couldn't hold in a bit of laughter as I turned and walked up to one of the car's windows to see if Trix and Blaze were at the gate yet. They weren't. "Goodness gracious, D'mitry," Luna commented, "How many of them did you kill??" "Ehhh. I lost count. Maybe a couple dozen?" "That's all? It looks like you've mowed through hundreds of them." "Haha yeah, this thing is fucking awesome!" I replied, fighting but losing against the urge to turn on my chainsaw and rev it. RNNNNNNNNNNN! RNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! Everybody in the car flinched. Abby, who was seated closest to me, wasn't a fan. "You fucking psycho!" she hissed. With my satisfaction temporarily filled, I flipped the switch to turn off the chainsaw before replying, "Damn straight. But don't you worry, bitch--your head will meet these blades before long." "D'mitry!" Celestia exclaimed from behind, nearly startling the piss out of me. I flipped around to see her glaring as she stepped up to me, using her front hoof to gently push aside my chainsaw's blades. "What?" I asked. "Do not speak to them in that manner anymore. We've been talking with them while you were gone, and they are willing to work with us." "Bruhhh-" Celestia raised her hoof and set it on my lips before I got the chance to complain some more. "That's an order. Understood?" I sighed. "Yes, princess." "That's right," Abby mocked from behind, "Suck it, bitchboy." Celestia set her hoof down and glared at the girl, getting ready to speak out until I beat her to the punch. "Can I kill that one at least?" I requested. "No," Celestia scoffed, before pointing her hoof at the girl. "Same goes for you. No more trash-talk. Understood?" I turned around to see Abby drop her smug face before replying, "Yes... princess." "Good." Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a tint of blue. I quickly ran up to the window again to see Trix and Blaze crossing the drawbridge with Drift over their backs. They looked like they were a bit slower than when I'd left them. Right after crossing the drawbridge, Trix stumbled, causing Drift to tumble off their backs. Blaze was wiped out as well. "NO!!" I cried, immediately dropping my bloody chainsaw and damn near colliding into Celestia to gun it for the door. She sidestepped, allowing me to dart through the doorway and cross the gap to get to the indescribable car. I realized once I threw myself off the car, my boots hitting the grass below, that Discord and Twi were already rushing toward them. I followed them at my suboptimal human pace. Discord reached them first and helped Blaze pick up Drift. Trix was still laid out, slowly squirming on the ground. While Twi rushed up to help Discord and Blaze, I b-lined it for Trix. She used her front hooves to slowly push her chest up, allowing me to see the wicked tiredness flooding her sagging eyelids. Fuck. How the fuck am I gonna carry her?! She was too heavy for me to pick her up myself, but she looked to have just enough energy to pick herself up. As she did, Twi disconnected from the others to assist me. Discord and Blaze had managed to pick Drift off the ground enough to lug him around, so they rushed past us and up the hill as fast as they could. Then... the newfound sound of groans and moans made their appearance. I turned my head to look through the gate... just to see them in the distance. Shit. We finally got Trix to stand up, Twi and I helping support her on either side. She was partially limping, clearly exhausted and ready to fall out. "C'mon ya slow bitch!" I motivated. I could sense that she wanted to reply Fuck you! pretty badly, but was too tired right now. I'd be amused if we weren't now being chased by a hungry mob of zombie ponies. I started regretting not bringing my chainsaw, like, a lot. Stupid ass move. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't think I was. I glanced back as we ran up the hill, realizing that the mob was crossing the gate now. As I longed for my chainsaw, gunfire caused me to flinch. I looked up to see Celestia and the others firing at the mob, but I think I mighta still shat my pants a little bit. Oh well... not like anybody would see it with the blood all over me. While we slowly made our way up the hill, the mob continued slowly closing in on us. I realized more and more by the second just how fucking close this was gonna come. I couldn't calculate estimates and math stuff in my head, but I'd imagine, at this rate, that the mob would be damn near smack dab on us when we reached the train. Regardless, we carried on. Gunshots cracked right over our heads as we did. For a moment, it seemed like everything was going okay... ...until Trix hollered out, dropping to the ground beside us. I wasn't sure if she'd just collapsed or what, but when Twi and I tried to pick her up again, I heard her grunting in pain. "Trix! What's wrong?!" Through her pain, she muttered, "I'm hit!" Right after she said that a gunshot cracked RIGHT next to my ear, causing a ringing to screech inside of it. These fuckers! There was too much going on right now to be immediately upset with them, but this was the last thing we needed right now. I really wished the princesses had used magic or something to somehow enlarge the trigger holes of these guns. These weapons made no damn sense for ponies. "Hey! WATCH YOUR FIRE!!" I shouted up the hill, trying to ignore how muffled I sounded in my right ear. I glanced up at the train while we tried picking Trix up again, just to see Celestia leave the indescribable car to enter the one the others were sitting in behind it. Well, shit! I just told them to WATCH their fire, not flat-out STOP! I shot a glance back at the mob, who was still trotting on our tail. A few fallen zombie ponies seemed to be buying us a little time, causing some of the 'living' ones to trip, but we still had next to no time left to work with. We needed to get on that fucking train!! Twi and I hastily picked up Trix again, who was effectively dead weight now as she squirmed in pain. We started pulling her up the hill by her shoulders, her hind legs dragging on the grass below. We were getting closer now, but so was the mob. I also noticed the train was beginning to slowly back up, away from Canterlot. Dash was in the engine's window, waving her hoof at us in the distance. We continued, but this wouldn't be easy now. I worried about how difficult it would be getting Trix up on the car with it movi- ... Holy Shit! I froze when I saw the girls and boy rushing out onto the indescribable train car, Celestia trailing behind them. It wasn't this that made me jump... it was the fact that they were all holding the RIFLES! All three of them set up on the car before aiming them up at us. BANGBANGBANBNAGNBABGNAAGAG! I instinctively hit the deck, causing Trix to stumble to the ground beside me. The shots rang out, and for a moment, I thought we were dead. However, the gunshots continued cracking above our heads. I raised my face off the grass after a few seconds to see that they were indeed shooting over us. They were shooting the mob. They were... helping us... And... shockingly... their aim was proving much better. Who woulda thought? When my brain finally realized this, I stood back up and assisted an annoyed Twi in picking up Trix again. We tried our best to ignore the bullets flying right over our heads as we continued rushing up to the indescribable car. The train was still moving slowly, but we picked up our pace anyway. We were still effectively dragging Trix along the grass now, but we had to. Discord made his way back into view, slinking off the indescribable car to join us. He helped by picking up her dragging hind legs. We paced alongside the train but were struggling to lift Trix high enough to set her inside. Jen, who was still firing at the mob, stopped and dropped her rifle to help as well. She leaned down over the side, reaching out her hand. I raised Trixie's hoof enough to allow her to grab it, but this wouldn't be enough. Thankfully, Celestia wasn't being totally useless and reached out her long foreleg to grab Trixie's other front hoof. With all five of us working together, we managed to lug Trix up and over. By the time we released her, I realized just how fast the damn train was moving now. I glanced back as we paced alongside it, realizing that despite the mob getting held back by the newfound human defense force, they were still gaining on us. As I tu- Oop! Splat! Fuck! My face splatted on the ground as I tripped over myself, since I wasn't watching where I was going, I guess. I shook my head and picked myself up as quickly as I could, but now the engine was passing me. "D!! C'mon!" Dash shouted through the engine window, "Get on the fucking train!!" I hastily picked up my speed, all the while raising my left hand to flip Dash off. I could see the others helping each other in the indescribable car, but the train was moving fast as fuck now. I get that Dash had to accelerate to get the hell outta here before the mob ate us all, but damn! I shifted to a full-on sprint. I could see the others starting to lean their heads out of the indescribable car, and they all started shouting... encouragement?... I guess. I was too focused on gunning it toward the car. When I met up with the open doors of it, both Celestia and Jen reached out to help me. I grabbed Celestia's hoof and Jen's hand, digging my feet into the ground one last time to jump up. With their help, I managed to get my upper half onto the indescribable car. They then quickly pulled the rest of me in while Twi and the other girl quickly shut the car's doors. I could hear the mob approaching us now, but we'd made it just in time. I used this sudden moment of peace to roll onto my back and catch my breath, not even bothering to sit up from the floor. The sound of the engine and the click-clack of the tracks were growing over the mob as we accelerated backward from this mess. "Good effort, speed demon," Jen commented. I shifted my gaze to my side, where Jen had similarly not picked herself up off the floor yet. She was instead sat up, smiling down at me as we met eyes. "Uh... thanks..." What a crazy couple minutes.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Ice Bath Abyss	I sat quietly in the train car. "...to say if we even know that the blood is incompatible..." I sat quietly, Nurse Snowheart continuing to lecture me about the new bite wound on my right leg. I don't know what she was even saying at this point, but I figured it was still about the wound. She made a point to emphasize how dangerous it was for Trix and me to leave the wound exposed like we did. I tried explaining myself at first, but her lecturing eventually overcame any of my attempts, so I just shut my mouth and 'listened' while she also worked on disinfecting it. She was doing a pretty good job too, somehow successfully restraining me every time I lashed out from how badly my leg stung from the various liquids she poured all over it. Meanwhile, I was more intrigued by the darkening sky as Celestia's sun slowly fell over the horizon. I couldn't actually see it directly from this side of the mountain, but I could see it lighting up the sweeping, distant forest and grassy plains to the south. This view was provided by the train slowly rolling backward down the east side of Canterlot Mountain, operated by none other than Dash. She did have Princess Luna assisting her, which was good... I guess. I don't know. When I asked them about it after our daring escape from Canterlot, they told me to shut up and not question their abilities. So... hopefully we wouldn't crash and die. Right after we'd escaped Canterlot, we'd all been assessed by Nurse Snow. While Guard Drift wasn't in great shape, he was on track to make a recovery now. Trix was also fine, despite being shot. The bullet had gone through her shoulder without hitting any vital components. And my bite wound wasn't terrible, despite how much Snow was lecturing me about it. So, we came out of that pretty well off. I also thought about what the princesses were planning here in the next few minutes. Seeing as both Trix and I were still drenched in a drying film of other ponies' blood, they opted to stop the train at the base of the mountain, where the Ponyville River swirled around it. This would allow both of us to take a nice little dip to wash ourselves off, since we didn't have nearly enough wet wipes to deal with this problem. "D'mitry," Snow hissed, grabbing my chin and rotating it away from the window to face her. "Damn, what?" I scoffed, "What's up with the lecture, Snow? You sure you ain't Redheart?" She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I'm sure. But what happened warrants a lecture from anypony who understands what could have happened." "What could have happened?" She facehoofed. "If you woulda listened, you would know. Damn child. Anyway, I'm finished wrapping your leg up. It should heal within the next couple of days, but try to avoid overusing it, okay? And stop getting bit!" "I will, I will. Thanks, Snow." She smiled and nodded before leaving the train car. Now, I sat quietly, alone in the tr- Creak. Oh for fucks sake. What's wrong with these damn doors anyway? This is ridiculous. They need to be oiled or something. Anyway, Twi walked through the train car's front door just seconds after Snow left. She made her way down the aisle before coming and sitting down next to me. "Hey D'mitry. You ready for your little nature bath?" "No. I wanna stew in other ponies' blood for the night." "How delightful," she mocked, leaning down to observe the bandage Snow wrapped my leg with. She grew pretty interested, closely inspecting the edge and even running her hoof ov- "OW!" She flinched back and froze on the bench. "Sheesh, my bad. I was just checking to make sure it's watertight. Does it really sting that bad?" "Uhh, yeah!" "Sorry," she replied, awkwardly patting my knee a couple of times before continuing. "Don't worry about the nature bath, though. I've got Spike keeping your towels underneath a lantern to keep them warm for you. He's got them next to your clothes, so hopefully, those will be warm too." Thankfully, Celestia had managed to use a small bit of her remaining magic to go back to Earth again and snag some extra clothes. When I first got here, she'd brought plenty, but most all of them were at Sweet Apple Acres now. If I had known all this crap was about to go down... man... I would grabbed everything of mine before leaving AJ on the farm that day. Oh well. "Okay... is it really gonna be that cold?" I asked, glancing out the window again. "What do you think?" ... Awe shit. I realized what she meant. We weren't far from the base of the mountain now, but we were on the east side, where the mountain inevitably cast its enormous shadow over the river we were planning to dip in. To make matters worse, Celestia's sun wasn't far from setting completely. To make matters even worse, it was autumn. "Damn it," I muttered. She patted my shoulder this time before standing up off the seat. "Like I said, your towel and clothes are getting warmed up now. I'll make sure Spike isn't fooling around with it. BRB." "Thanks, Twi." She smiled and left. Now, I sat quietly, alone in the train car. It only lasted about a minute, though, until we reached the base of the mountain and stopped. Once it did, Twi came back and grabbed me. Not literally, but like, you know what I mean. She led me through the train car that everypony else was gathered in and making small talk with one another. The two girls and boy sat across from Celestia and Luna, none of their hands tied up anymore. Me, personally, I didn't trust 'em yet... but... they did save our asses during our escape. Still, I'd have to keep a keen eye on them. My keen eye side-eyed Abby as I walked on by. This garnered an ever-increasingly annoyed look from her before she rolled her eyes, wrinkling her nose in disgust as she averted her eyes. Bitch. I also side-eyed Jen in the same light. She wasn't as put off... instead meeting eyes with me and smiling. I didn't really know what to make of her anymore, so I averted my eyes first. Bitch? Lastly, I side-eyed the boy. As for him, he was a damn mystery. He didn't even meet eyes with me. As opposed to the girls, he'd sat himself kinda sideways on the bench so he could look outside. He seemed focused through his little reflection I could see in the window, but he also looked a bit scared, honestly. Pussy Bitch. We'd interrogate them all later. For now, we had other matters to tend to, like getting the fuck away from Canterlot. We also needed to recuperate and get this damn nature bath over with. Twi led me to the indescribable car, where Spike was waiting with our towels. After some small talk, Twi grabbed my towel, flung it over her back, and eased her way off the tall train car. I followed her and stood by the side of the car while she started walking off. She realized I wasn't following and stopped to look back at me. "You comin'?" "Uh... what about Trix?" "She's next. You're up first." "Oh... okay... I thought we were going in together," I explained, leaving the side of the car to walk with her. "No, silly. You're gonna have to get naked. I thought you might wanna avoid showing off your jewels." "Ah, right, haha... yeah... silly me." If only she knew. "As for me, I'm just here to hoof you the towel. I'll turn my back for you." "Oh, okay. Thanks?" "What's with the skeptical tone?" she inquired, "Do you want me to stare at your jewels?" "Uh... no?" "Gay." "Bruh." She snickered to herself as we continued walking to the edge of the river. Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn I could feel the damn coldness just standing next to the river, listening to the water flow on by. It looked ominous as fuck, given that the forest around us was quickly growing dark. It was that kinda darkness you experience as a kid when you've been out playing and just realized the street lights have been on. It was so dark that I could barely see the other edge of the damn river. Never mind the water at our feet/hooves... I could barely see through it, either. What I could see was the flow, which was disturbing. The water wasn't moving fast enough to make a shitton of noise, but it was visibly moving. This river section looked daunting as well, because there was no slope that you would expect. It was like the edge of a damn pool, meaning I couldn't just slowly walk myself in. Mannnnnnnnnnnnnn "Changed my mind," I stated, turning around to walk aw- "No," Twi replied, grabbing my leg. "It's just a quick dip, okay? Look, feel this." She raised her hoof and grabbed my hand so I could feel the warmth from the towel over her back. The toastiness reinvigorated my confidence, so I turned back around, stepped up to the river edge, sucked in a big gulp of air an- "D'mitry. Clothes," she mentioned. Oh right. Might be a good idea to take those off. Actually... hold on... "Wait a minute, Twi. Why should I take them off? They're soaked as well. Can't I just take a bath and do my laundry at the same time?" She shook her head. "No, bonehead. The blood has already dried on you. Without some kind of soap mixed in, those clothes aren't gonna get very clean, regardless of how long you swim around in there. I doubt you're gonna wanna be in there for very long either." "Eh... guess you're right." "I'm always right." "Mmkay." I flung off my blood-soaked jacket and laid it out on the grass behind me. Next, I took off my less blood-stained shirt. After that, I unbuckled the belt of my bloody pants and slid them down, taking my socks and shoes off when I got down to them. Last came my boxers, which I slid off as well, letting them rest on the grass as I straightened out ag- ... I turned to see Twi just flat out staring at my naked ass body. "You damn liar!" I scoffed. "Sorry, sorry!" she exclaimed, shaking out of her penis-glued daze and turning around. "Pervert." "Oh shut up!" I snickered before gathering my bloody clothes into a pile, realizing my body itself wasn't as badly covered in blood. Regardless, I needed this bath more than ever. The blood on me and my clothes was starting to smell metallic. This probably wasn't healthy. Once again, I sucked in a big gulp of air. After my lungs were satisfied, I ran up to the very edge of the river and cannonballed i- GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!! FUCKING SHIT THIS IS FUCKING COLD Not only was this water fucking freezing, but this river was far deeper than we'd thought it would be. I'd straightened my legs out immediately after cannonballing down a few feet, but I still couldn't feel the riverbed. What I could feel was the pressure of the river itself. This damn abyss was moving. This freaked me out, so I frantically kicked my legs until my head popped up above the cold ass water. Once I resurfaced, I realized it wasn't as bad as it felt completely submerged. My legs managed to keep me in place pretty handily. Despite this, I gasped for air, my body still trying to adapt to this freezing ass river. These gasps triggered Twi to turn back around. I watched her walk up to the river bank, partly smiling at my misfortunes. She even giggled! Bitch! "Having fun?" she mocked. I gasped again before responding, "Fuck you! Don't make me pull your ass in here with me!" "I'd advise against that. You're gonna want your towel here dry," she replied, giggling as she turned and wiggled her rump to emphasize the towel over her back. "Ah! Well I'm done! Fuck this shit!" I started swimming toward the bank until she looked behind her. I raised my hands up on the bank and started pu- "Hold on," she said, setting a hoof on my hand to stop me. "HOLD ON?!" "Yeah. Trix and Snow are coming. Just sit tight." "SIT TIGHT?!" She looked down at me from the bank before leaning over the water beside me and dipping her free hoof in. After swirling it around for a second, she pulled it back up and wiped it dry on the grass. "You're such a baby, D'mitry. It's not that cold." "YOU'VE GOT FURRRRRRR!!!" She snickered like the little devil she was. "Seriously, just hold on a sec." I huffed as she turned back to face Trix and Snow, who came into view shortly after. Trix was leaning on Snow's side, still covered in dried blood. She took a second to observe me before mouthing 'I'm sorry'. Meanwhile, you know, I just casually froze to death in this ice bath abyss. I could almost feel my penis shrivel up inside my body. "Nurse," Twi called, "I need you guys to wait. He's not done yet." "I know, I know," Snow replied, before quickly outlining why they were making me suffer. She was afraid of waiting any longer to get Trix in the water, since it seemed to be growing darker by the minute. She was also concerned about the bandage Tri-... ... What the fuck is pushing against m- HOLY FUCKING SHIT! Before I could react, the mystery 'object' that had started pushing against me ended up dragging my head underwater. I'd initially thought it was some kinda rogue tree branch out to shove me aside, but after it pulled my ass down, and after I felt the texture of a wet, furry foreleg... I realized what it really was. I immediately started fighting back. It wasn't easy, obviously, as I was fully underwater now, no vision at all, rushing water the only sound filling my ears, completely disoriented, with an out-of-nowhere pony body shoving me along with the current. I couldn't even differentiate between it being a living or zombie pony, but my mind assumed it to be a zombie and got to work flooding my body with adrenaline. I managed to dislodge the rogue foreleg from my shoulder, but I could still feel the body pushing against my side. I think we were also rolling around, so I had no idea what orientation we were in. I started violently kicking my legs out, my left foot hitting what I assumed to be the zombie pony. I also tucked my arms in front of my chest in a defensive position, hoping the pony's face wasn't gonna take a bite out of them. I felt my left arm brush up against the pony's body as I kicked the water to sur- Bonk! OW!! Fucking shit! I think I hit my head on the riverbed. This was such a disorienting experience that I had no idea if I was upside down or sideways or what. I started worrying about my exposed jewels, wishing I had gone against Twi's advice to take off my clothes. Regardless, after my head bounced up from whatever I hit, I lashed around until my feet uncomfortably scraped what felt like the rocky riverbed. Once I kinda figured out my orientation, I kicked myself u- Bonk! Ow!! I felt the stupid body of the pony block my head from continuing upward. I sunk my head down t- Bonk! GRRRRRRRR! The fury foreleg whacked my head in an attempt to swipe me up. I shook this off, attempting to shift my body away from where I felt like the zombie pony was. I'd also attempted opening my eyes, but they were immediately flooded shut with the water of the current, and I wasn't able to make out anything in the pitch black abyss anyway. After shifting to a different area, still getting dragged with the current, I kicked my legs again until my head eventually resurfaced. Ahhhhhhhhhh I took a big gulp of much-needed air in, but it still took a second to orient myself. By the time I did, I realized how far I'd traveled down the river. Snow's yellow body was the first thing I could make out, leaning over the side of the river next to Twi. They were both damn near out of shouting range, but I could still vaguely hear them calling as they frantically searched for me. Speaking of shouting, the river was getting louder. I could hear it in my water-plugged ears. Accompanied by this loudness was the introduction of a much stronger current, causing me to turn aro- WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Splash! Oh shit! Thisa iguruiggelleaueg;gllgegigiirirlrllrguururuggle Ahhhhh IT'S FAST AS Fguguglllguurututgllglrlglrugurg Ahhhhhh WHOOOAAAgiigrir=uguguglgllrlglrlgurugurulgllgrlleelfleuele The current was practically molesting me now. I'd reached a downward, violent section of the river that forcefully pulled my vulnerable, naked body along it. To make matters worse, this was like white-river... uh... water rafting? Fuck I don't even remember, there's too much going on. What I meant was there were rocks in the water now, and I was flying by them. The water took me around, and I struggled to fight against it to maintain some conTROLSKAKWA OOF ... ... Fuck, that hurt. My body slapped up against a pretty large rock in the water, side-on. I felt my collarbone damn near shift out of my body on impact. My right shoulder wasn't happy about this, and neither was my right hip. They hissed out in pain immediately. Despite all this... the tall rock did manage to bring me to a stop, saving me from this violent ass, nonconsensual swim. The top half of my body had settled on the slanted rock, my bottom half still underwater. Water splashed against it as it was diverted left and right of me and the rock, but it wasn't pulling me with it anymore. I took a second to recuperate, noticing this rock and I were within leaping distance of the river's edge. Well... I mean, I could leap to the edge. I don't believe the rock could manage that. The rock could accommodate me in this pursuit, as it was slanted and tall enough to fit my whole body above water. So, after a few more seconds, I ignored my pain and shifted my naked body fully above it. It took me a second to come to a slight standing position. Once I was in this position, I kicked my feet one last time and jumped to the edge. While I wasn't able to plant my feet on the grass properly, I did manage to do that little tuck-and-roll that people do in parkour. I imagine it'd look cooler if I wasn't butt-ass naked and wet. I picked myself up to stand on the grass and threw my arms around myself in an attempt to overcome the sudden FREEZING feeling of the cold autumn air meeting my wet skin. I started shivering violently, almost wanting to jump back into the freezing water for comfort. I started wondering if I would end up freezing to death when I saw two ponies galloping along the side of the river toward me. Twi and Snow. Twi shouted my name before noticing me and rushing up to meet me with Snow by her side. "D'mitry! Are you okay?!" she shouted. I noticed she still had the towel over her back. "Gimme that!" I pleaded with chattering teeth and pointed at it. She stepped forward, continuously eying my exposed jewels as she shifted her rump in my direction for me to swipe the towel off her. As badly as I wanted to cover up my jewels, I was too damn cold to care, so I instead flung the towel over my freezing upper half. "What the fuck happened?!" Twi interrogated. "A damn zombie pony wanted to go for a swim, I guess," I muttered between shivering teeth. "Are you serious?" "Yeah. I felt something pushing up against me before it pulled me underwater with it. Stupid damn river. And quit staring at my dick, Snow." "Wh-" Snow started, shaking out of her daze and averting her eyes. "Sorry!" Twi took over for her and returned to staring at my shrunken-up member instead. "Twi." "Shut up. I'm a princess, I can do what I want." "Ain't there, like, a law against this or something?" "Yeah. It's called public indecency. I could take you to jail right now." "Bruh." "Seriously, though, are you alright? Is... it... alright?" I took a second to assess my own pain, but I really didn't feel that bad. My shoulder hurt like a bitch, and my hip was a bit angry with me, but I'd made it out pretty okay, given what coulda happened. "Yeah, yeah. We're fine." Twi then questioned how 'fine' I was, bringing up the fact that my dick was a lot smaller than she remembered. This triggered a conversation between her and Snow, where Snow reminded her how temperature affected it. She was pretty knowledgeable about humans too, given the human anatomy books she and the other nurses had been given by the princesses. After this waste of time, they both teamed up to do a quick check on me, making sure I hadn't been bitten. During this inspection, Trix came into view, limping as fast as she could toward us. She looked relieved to see me, but she had that look of jealousy in her eyes when she saw Snow and Twi checking my naked body. I finally shifted the towel to my lower half, wrapping it around my hips while I fought the cold. After a bit of discussion, we all spent the next few minutes walking back upstream. Twi and I left Snow with Trix by the river edge, where they would wait for us to grab some help for her nature bath. I'd argued with them on the way back that my little water rapids adventure should have been seen as a bad omen warning us not to repeat it, but they ignored me. Trix still needed to wash off and it was probably a really unlucky occurrence and blah blah blah. Whatever. As much as I wanted to help Trix myself... respectfully... fuck that fucking water. I didn't even wanna look at it ever again. Once Twi and I returned to the train, she reached up and grabbed my clothes from Spike in the indescribable car. He started asking questions about what took so long and blah blah blah, but she ended up getting him to shut up. She then turned to me with my clothes in her hoof. "Do you need help putting these on?" she asked. "...what?" "Need me to help you?" "What, are you my mother? Gimme that!" I replied, swiping my clothes out of her hoof. "Coulda just said no, bonehead," she said, eying me teasingly before leaping up onto the indescribable car and going to get the others. I shook my head and rounded to the other side of the train engine to avoid being seen while I put them on. It felt heavenly throwing on the toasty shirt, sweats, and socks. The warm jacket was the icing on the cake. I damn near bust in my new sweats at how cozy I felt. Anyway... once the others came back with a clean Trix, we all got back on the train and started heading back to Ponyville. After a quick discussion about what had happened with Celestia and Luna, I decided to go bother Dash in the train engine to prevent falling asleep. Since we weren't rolling down the side of a steep-ass mountain anymore, Luna had left her alone to control it for now. I'd entered the engine to start irritating her immediately, but I had to wait for her while she focused on turning the train around at something called a "beaker turnabout". To put it simply, it was like a Y-shaped section of track, meant for occasions... like this? Here we go with the fucking architects of this world again. Regardless, the point is that the train was facing the right way now as it clicked and clacked down the tracks to Ponyville. "Sure you know how to drive this thing?" I finally pestered her. "Didn't Luna and I tell you to be quiet about that? I know enough. Just let 'em think I know exactly what I'm doing. I don't want them to worry," she replied. "I'm worried." "Oh whatever. You'll be fine, crybaby." I wanted to retaliate, but I was distracted by a bout of wind blowing through the conductor's window. I tried to refrain from sticking my head out of the window like a dog, but I eventually gave up. I stuck my head out, immediately feeling the blast of cold air blowing against my face. It felt great at this slower speed. Actually... I pulled my head back inside the cabin. "Why are we going so slow? Can't we speed up?" I noticed she was holding a pair of binoculars in her hoof. "I will in a sec. I saw something way down the tracks though. Just wanna make sure we don't run into it." "What? We're in a damn train! What's gonna hurt us?" "Nothing, but we could hurt it." "Bruh, who cares? It's probably just a deer or something. They'll move. Lemme see," I requested, sticking my hand out. She hoofed me the binoculars, which I used to look through the front window of the train. I had to lean over, seeing as the genius fucking architects of this train decided to put the smoke stack SMACK DAB in front of the fucking viewing window. Ridiculous. Regardless, I could still see when I pushed myself up against the sidewall and open window. Our surroundings were pretty dark now. Celestia's sun was almost fully set. But the train's front lights were REALLY dang bright, allowing me to see far down the track. It took me a few seconds to steady the binoculars on the object up ahead, but once I did... ... I couldn't believe my eyes.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Quick Stop	We were slowing now, and the swarm behind us were little dots. Spike had insisted that we should stop to pick up Rarity's body. Twi, after intense thought, agreed to stop in front of the tunnel to pick up both Rarity and AJ. "We still have to hurry. That swarm will be on us before we know it," Twi reminded. They were rather fast, for zombies. Seeing them gallop back there showed me how dangerous they could really be. "There's the tunnel." Spike pointed. "Can Dash pull the brakes yet?" "Just a little further. We're not going miss her. I just don't want all of us turned into brain food." "Alright. Sorry Twi. I'm just a little stressed." I didn't blame him. So much had happened in such little time. It was hard to catch up on everything. Twi knew about Blaze and Drift being alive since I told her, but had no time to meet them before Spike suggested this idea. We began approaching the tunnel. Twi went through the engine doors and squealing sounded seconds later. This was it. We'd discussed a plan quickly after Spike suggested we stop, so we readied up. Me, Twi, Abby, Jen, Spike and Trixie were in the open car behind the engine. At the sound of the squeals, we kicked open the side doors. All of us put our legs over the edge, readying to jump. We were assigned by Twi to jump off when she did, and move quickly. Abby, Twi, and I were going to run through the tunnel to grab AJ while Jen, Spike and Trixie were going to get Rarity. We all had rifles and pistols cocked and ready to kill if we needed them too. The annoying squeal went on a few moments longer. We all waited for Twi to jump, which was the signal for us to. The trees flying by slowed. I looked around the engine to see that we were getting close. The train needed to stop a few feet away from the narrow tunnel so that we'd be able to get in. The squeal continued. Now we could probably outrun it if we sprinted fast enough. Twi jumped off. We did the same. We broke off into our groups of three and bolted for the two. Thankfully, they were very close to each other. Me, Twi, and Abby continued ahead of the train's engine. It stopped a few feet away as we entered the tunnel. We followed Twi, as she knew where they'd placed AJ. I flipped on a flashlight and shined it on an orange body alongside the tracks. That was definitely her. "Ouch," Abby said. We worked together to lift her. I put the flashlight in my mouth as we picked her up and carried her to the train. We slipped through the opening between the tunnel and train. Then we got her to the open car, where Dash was waiting. Dash and us lifted her to the open car. We hopped on board with them, and shut the left doors. The others would come through the right ones. "You guys," Twi said, "take AJ to Snow while I help get Rarity." We quickly accepted, and she lept off the car. Dash latched the left gate shut as we lifted AJ. "I'm going to stay here, so I can start up the train again." "Alright," I replied. I took AJ's leg while Abby took her arms. Together, we carried her through two cars, where we met Snow. She pointed to a bed opposite of Celestia. "Set her down there." We did. Blaze and Drift were in the room too, as well as Luna. Snow would be busy for a while. Abby and I ran through the last two cars to reach the caboose, where we'd be able to keep watch on the swarm. Twi had told us beforehand to empty clips if they got too close. The swarm looked far away, but they weren't dots anymore. If you looked through a pair of old binoculars, you could probably figure out who was attacking. We could also see the tree we were attacked at before. The dead zombie pony corpses still surrounded it. We watched as Twi and the others went around the tree. A few seconds later, they stumbled back. "What are they doing?" Abby asked. "I don't know." I squinted to see them pulling their guns at something - most likely a zombie pony - around the tree. But they hesitated. Twi shouted something to the others. They backed away. Spike flailed forcefully his hands and shook Twi's legs, saying something to her that we couldn't distinguish. "They'd better hurry up, or that swarm will be on us," Abby said. "I know." Twi turned to Trixie, and she hesitantly warmed up a spell. Her horn glowed cyan. "What's she doing?" "I don't know." Twi shoved Spike back as Trixie let the spell go. Just before she did, I could see Rarity leap out from behind the tree. She was hit by Trixie's spell, and fell. "She turned!" I yelled. "Oh no ..." We looked on to see them pick up Rarity's body. The swarm was advancing. They were coming disturbingly close to Twi and the others. "Let's even out the playing field." We both simultaneously fired rounds into the massive herd. Our M-16s drained the clips quickly. We could see a bunch of the galloping front line attackers fall, but the pack behind them pushed forwards. We reloaded and mowed down more. Despite our fire, they began advancing towards the others, who were coming as fast as they could with Rarity on their backs. Now our shots were dangerous. We had to be careful not to hit Twi and the others. Another clip done. We were managing pretty well. As we reloaded, I saw Twi trip. This caused Rarity to tilt, and the others dropped her. They fell as well, like dominoes. We emptied another clip into the nearest attackers, but it only seemed to slow the swarm. There were too many to count. Nervous, we both ran out of shells at the same time. "They aren't going to make it!" Abby yelled. "Just reload!" Trixie warmed up another spell as they struggled to lift Rarity again. The attackers were only feet away when she released it, blowing up in a bright white light explosion. The blast emitted bright light into our visions for a split second before dimming. Wind lashed at us forcefully, throwing us back against the caboose. Now I couldn't see a thing. It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust, to see Trixie and the others in a bright blue force field that was just big enough to fit them all. They didn't seem to have the need of adjusting their eyes to the bright blast as they lifted Rarity and continued forwards. The nearest zombie ponies to them now were train cars away, thrown back on their backs. We met with them at the edge of the train car, where Trixie took away her shield so we could help. As soon as we lifted her over the edge, Twi said, "Jen ... hurry to Dash and tell her to get moving." Without replying, she gave her the M16 and gunned it through the door of the caboose. "Trixie, Abby, and Spike ... take Rarity to Snow for now. We're going to stay here." They accepted, and carried her through the door. Twi stared at me for a second before looking out to the swarm. Most of them were still trying to figure out where we'd gone. Trixie's explosion had literally saved them, and even gave us extra time before having to worry about them again. "Should we fire at them now, or save ammo?" I asked. "It'd probably be best to hold off. If we fired, they'd come after the sound." "Oh ... yeah. Good thinking." The train shook to life moments later, starting to move slowly. A few of the zombies noticed, but none of them were runners. The darkness from the tunnel swept over us as it accelerated. I looked to Twi. "That was a close one."
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) A Celestia Spanking	I held the binoculars steady on the 'object' down the track from us. The 'object' was waving a hoof up in the air, as if signaling us. The 'object'... ... ...was Applejack. "STOP THE TRAIN!!" I shouted, causing Dash to almost jump out of her fur. She frantically eyed every bit of the dashboard, seemingly forgetting where the train's brake lever was. Or was it a lever? I wasn't sure, but I saw one hanging by the other window, so I pulled it down for her. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK! The train horn blasted. "D! Moron!" Dash exclaimed, smacking my arm away from the lever. "What the hell?!" I replied, "Why would they make the train horn a lever? In my world, it's always some kinda cord, you know, like one that hangs-" "Just shut up!!" she shouted, finally reaching out for a lever by the floor and yanking it up. Immediately after, the train squealed with the sound of its brakes scraping the rails. She then stuck her head out the open window, glancing back at the train cars behind us. When she stuck her head back in, she continued observing the dashboard. "What is it?" I asked. "Gah. Emergency brakes aren't activated." "What about this red lever?" I noticed a red lever not far from the brake lever she pulled. It looked right, so I pulled it down. "D! NOOO!" I was about to ask her what her problem was until I heard a weird clanking sound in front of us, where the engine sat. Along with the squeals, this clanking sound continued to grow- BANG! ... A big mechanical bang erupted from the engine. This was followed by a sudden silence, as both the engine and squealing of the brakes came to an abrupt halt. Dash and I stood in this silence for a second before she pulled the red lever back up. Nothing happened. A furious Dash glared up at me. "WHAT THE FUCK, D?!" "What?!" I responded, defensively throwing my hands in the air, "I thought that was the emergency brake! Why wouldn't it be? What did it do?" "What does it look like?! You aren't supposed to pull that WHEN THE TRAIN IS RUNNING!" "Bruh. That makes no fucking sense, cuzzo. How do you even know you aren't supposed to pull that, when just a second ago, you were searching for the brakes? You have a weird sense of knowledge." "Oh my god. Just shut up." She shook her head and leaned out of the window again. The train had slowed a little bit since the engine quit working, but it was still cruisin' along. I stuck my head out behind her, noticing Applejack was a lot closer now. By the time she was within shouting distance, the train was slow enough for her to walk beside it. "AJ!!!" Dash exclaimed. "Oh, thank goodness!" AJ hollered back, ecstatic to find out it was Dash and I inside of the train, "I'm so glad I ran into y'all!" "We are too!" Dash exclaimed. AJ started half-walking, half-limping beside the train, observing the wheels clicking and clacking on the track as we slowly drifted along. "What happened?" she asked. Dash's glare returned. Smack! A furious Dash smacked the back of my head. "This bozo pulled the wrong damn lever. We're gonna have to look at the engine now. He mighta broke it." "BROKE it?!" I exclaimed. "Uhh YEAH!" Smack! "Gosh darn it," AJ commented, "Ya dang moron. You can't go one daggone second without causin' trouble, can you?" "Oh whatever," I retorted, "We'll just fix it. It's fine. Wait til' you hear about our little Canterlot adventure." Her eyes widened with interest. We had a lot of catching up to do. I stood by the train engine, keeping watch as Dash, Twi, Princess Luna, and the human boy worked on it. Apparently, the boy knew a bit about engines, so they'd let him come out to hopefully lend some help. It seems that was what he was doing, although I couldn't make out what they were saying from over here. While I was supposed to be keeping an eye out for any surprise zombie ponies in the dark, I moreso kept my eye on him. If he so much as shoved one of them aside, I was gonna use my new hatchet to cut his dick off at the base. Nevermind shooting it off. Anyway, we all had a little mini-reunion when the others realized we'd stopped for Applejack. Everybody was thrilled to see her, of course. Once the party was over, she'd been taken to the train car with the cripples so that Snow could examine her. From what she told us, she'd been chased off by a few zombie ponies of her own the night we lost her. Her banged-up foreleg from the previous train tunnel incident made it difficult for her to fight back, so she was forced to flee. While she did make it out safely, she had gotten lost in the woods. Eventually, she'd found the tracks, and followed them to stumble across us. AJ was a tough mare. I knew that more than anyone. Despite this, she ended up conking the hell out while getting looked after by Snow. Twi had pestered her enough, so our focus went back to fixing the train. As I listened to the distant chirping of crickets and other nighttime animals filling the air, Jen made an appearance in the indescribable car. Just a reminder... that's the open car behind the train engine. You know, the one with cutouts? Don't even start. Haha. Anyway, she hopped off the car and immediately started walking up to me. Once again, she was holding a rifle. This still didn't sit right with me, but I guess the princesses didn't care anymore. I guess they were serious about working with them. For now, I'd have to set my trust issues aside. Hopefully Abby wouldn't shoot me in the back of the head while I wasn't looking. I sighed at this thought as Jen smiled and walked up to stand beside me. "Hey, D'mitry." "What do you want?" I scoffed. "Nothing. But Princess Celestia told me to take your place." I eyed her suspiciously. "Really?" "Yeah. She needs to have a word with you." Oh shit. This must have been about me breaking the train engine. Plus, ever since we left Canterlot, she still hadn't given me my spanking for pointing my gun at her yet. Fucking shit. My brain immediately thought about running away into the woods, but that'd probably do me no good. I'd have to suck it up and get my ass handed to me, literally. Or... I guess hooved? Lol. Anyway, this isn't a laughing matter. I took a few seconds to digest this, taking a deep breath in an attempt to relax. Jen noticed this and spoke up again. "Yeahhhh... she's probably going to spank you, huh?" "Shut up." "You'll be alright. Maybe. I don't know, actually. She looks like she could really cause some damage with those long legs of her-" "I said shut up!" I hissed, taking some more deep breaths. "You might as well get it over with. It can't be that bad. It's just a spanking." I huffed. "I really wish y'all had acted up at the castle or something." She eyed me curiously. "And why is that?" "So I could be justified in killing you." Instead of retaliating, she just frowned. "I hope you know that we meant no harm. I know we're not saints, but I never wanted any of this. Like Peter said, I just wanted to leave. Him wanting to kill you didn't sit well with me either." "Well how kind of you. If you still wanna leave, I can put a bullet in your head for you." She sighed and shook her head. "No. I don't want that, even if you are telling the truth. That sounds painful." "Hearing you talk is painful." She rolled her eyes. "Listen... we can talk more later, but I really, really hope you can drop your hatred for us. I know Abby will take some time, but I'm willing to make amends with you." "Make amends with these nuts, bitch," I commented, cupping my balls and tugging on them as I walked away. I vaguely saw her roll her eyes again before turning away and walking up to the indescribable car. I made my way inside to the next car, where Celestia sat alone on a bench against the wall. She had a lantern lit by her side, allowing her to read some kinda book laid out in front of her. I stood at the front of the car, still taking those same deep breaths. I only got a few more of these before she noticed me, looking up from her book. "D'mitry. Let's get this over with," she said, pointing her hoof at the bench across the car from her. Not wanting to disobey her in the slightest, I walked up to the bench without saying a word. ... ... ... ... Well? Do I really have to narrate this part of the story? Yes. Consider it extra punishment. Fucks sake. I lifted my leg up and climbed on the bench, getting on all fours. ... ... ... And what happened next? Ugh. Celestia moved into position on my right. She gently pushed her front left hoof against my booty, as per the standard. She gently rubbed her hoof against it, making circles on my cheeks. I wasn't entirely positive, but I'm pretty sure this was an intimidation tactic on her part. She wanted her subjects to feel the ass whooping before it even happened. It definitely worked on me. I winced, holding my face tight in anticipation for- SMACK! MMMMMMMM. I grunted quietly to myself as my head was nearly launched into the end of the bench. It had been a good month since I'd been spanked, given that I wasn't that much of a bad boy, but DAMN. It felt like she was spanking even harder than before. Do I have to keep going? Yes. Whole way through. Seriously? This is ridicu- SMACK! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I hope you're reading these as dissatisfied, painful grunts, as opposed to some gay shit where I'm damn near moaning. This was NOT a turn on. This was ASSAULT! Ass-ault. Hahahahaha Shut the fuck u-! SMACK! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! FUCK, this shit hurts. Can I please stop there? Absolutely not. Fucks SAKE! Is this really necessary?!? Yes, this scene is crucial to the plot of the story. No the fuck it ain't! Fuck yo-! SMACK! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I could feel knots in my booty cheeks as I clenched onto the seat, struggling to stay upright. I knew if I were to give up and lay out on the bench, that would only amplify or lengthen this already brutal spanking. I honestly wondered if I'd be able to walk somewhat normally for the rest of the night. Like damn. These smacks were absolutely br- SMACK! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I thought about my past, and all my previous accomplishments and failures. This wasn't unusual whenever she spanked me, cause I guess my brain was going through the routine of 'Oh damn, guess you're gonna die today, let me flash your life before your eyes'. I mean, I knew I wasn't going to actually die, but man. I wish this shit would en- SMACK SMACK SMACK! Oh thank god! I collapsed on the bench immediately after the third spank, as this was her signature ending to her signature spanking. Three final smacks indicated the end of the barrage, so I was relieved when I felt the second one come so quick. My ass was on FIRE from this damn spanking. As I squirmed on the bench, I felt her set a hoof on my back and lean her snout down by my ear. "Never threaten me like that ever again." I shook with fear, and pain, for a second. "Un-mmm-derstood." "Good. You're free to leave," she stated, patting my back before returning to her bench. I wanted the stinging in my cheeks to settle, so I waited a minute before slowly shifting myself off the bench. After awkwardly rubbing my asscheeks in an attempt to calm them down, I left to go lay down in the other car. Jen had taken my place outside, and I wasn't really motivated to take over watch again. The following car was dark, and everybody seemed to be sleeping. Even Nurse Snow was out cold on the first bench. I quietly started walking down the aisle in hopes of resting on the last bench. However, once I got there, I realized AJ had already taken it. Before I could back away to take one of the benches in front of her, she raised her head and blinked her tired eyes open. "Sorry, ma'am." She yawned before softly replying, "It's alright, sugarcube. I wanted to speak with ya anyway." She shifted to sit up on the bench, tapping the now empty space beside her for me to sit down. "Ehhh... I'm good standing for now." She chuckled. "She finally got to ya, huh?" I nodded defeatedly. "In that case, come," she replied, gesturing for me to step between the benches and lean in closer to her. Once I did, she whispered, "What did ya tell the others?" "About what?" "Don't act dumb. You know what I'm talkin' about." "Not following." "Do ya wanna get whipped?" "No no no, okay. I didn't say anything to them. I told them you chased me out there. Why would I tell 'em about... what we did?" She sighed. "I don't know. I just wasn't sure how my disappearance would look, ya know? Specially since yer dumbass kept my whip. How'd ya get past that?" I took a moment to remember that chaotic night. "I told em what happened with that--that I stole it from you when you whipped me." She sighed again. "Dang. Now they probably think I'm some weakling." "You were, though. The limp leg and all?" She huffed. "I still shoulda been able to hold my own. Those dang drugs musta made ya stronger or somethin'." "Nahhh. I'm just stronger than you." "Don't make me buck you. I'll make them cheeks of yers sting even more than they already do." "Alright alright," I replied, raising my hands in surrender. She shook her head, eying me up and down for a second. "I appreciate ya not tellin'. Otherwise, I'd have to kill you." "I figured." "Seriously though, can ya keep what happened out there between us? Please?" "It's going to the grave with me." "That's right. Cause if it don't, I'll return it back to you when I bury yer ass alive." I chuckled. "You aren't acting very submissively anymore." I was just joking with her, but she grew an unamused face bef- Smack! Damn. "Shush. That is a side of me that is rare to see. How you got that outta me at a time like this is beyond me, but it ain't the norm. We're gonna act like ya never saw that side of me. Got it?" "Awe." "Don't awe me. I'm sorry for blue-ballin' ya that night, but we're movin' on." I sighed dramatically. "Okay." Unexpectedly, her partially annoyed look morphed into a distraught one as I backed away. "You good?" She sniffed, despite having no tears visible in her eyes. "Yea... yea..." I realized she was probably upset about Rarity, seeing as the others had just told her about what happened when we lost her. It was hard being reminded of that disaster of a night, so I shook my head and stepped up to her again. Before she could react, I reached my arms around her in a tight hug. She happily returned it. "Thanks, sugarcube."
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Questions	After a few hours, I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep. I gave up after trying the next twenty minutes. It was still dark outside. I checked my watch, that read 1:22. "Guh," I sighed. I was already fully clothed with shoes, so I decided to walk back to the caboose and watch Equestria go by. We'd agreed on stopping by the hospital to see if there was anything left of it. After that, we hadn't decided. Celestia had told us that she didn't know the exact spell to end the apocalypse, but she knew there was a book about it. Thankfully, I was in the car right in front of the caboose, so I didn't disturb anybody on my way out. I sat down outside the caboose, allowing my feet to fall over the edge. The train wasn't moving outstandingly fast, so it was a peaceful ride. The stars in the sky were breathtaking. Back on Earth, the lights from the city hid away most of space, leaving a plain black sky and occasional clouds. But here, you could see the endless stars. The lights in Equestria didn't block out many of them, even in Manehattan. As long as you didn't have a light near your face, you could see them. I was caught off-guard by Twi, and nearly fell off the train. I quickly backed away from the edge. "Whoa. Just me," she said, "Sorry to startle you." "No ... no, that's alright ..." She came over and sat next to me. "What are you doing up so late?" "Can't sleep. Not like I need it anyway ..." "Sure you do. Everybody needs rest. Especially when we're given the opportunity at a time like this." "I know, I know. I just can't seem to get it." "Yeah. I know that feel." We just watched the stars for the next ten minutes. The night seemed darker than usual. The quiet click-clack of the wheels on the track was the only sound. "How have you been?" I asked. She sighed. "I really don't know. So much has been going on that I don't know if I should grieve or not. Celestia said that she wasn't sure if there was a book or not." "She did?!" "Yes. I've been feeling anxious ever since." "Really? I'm gonna talk to her." "If you insist. She's still awake I think." I went through the door and the next car to get to Celestia, and knocked on the door when I reached her room. A faint voice whined awake before telling me to come in. "Sorry Celestia ... Twi told me you were still awake." "I was ... what is it? Something wrong?" "Well ... in a sense." I closed the door. "What's troubling you?" "Twi said that you don't know if there's an end to this. Is that true?" She stretched some more before getting up, meeting face to face. "It is. I'm sorry, Devan; I'm not omnipotent, and I don't remember seeing a zombie cure before. I had thoughts about it, and I might have seen one when I was young, but that's not the case anymore. I'd never thought that anything like this would go down. That's why I panicked and brought in those boys. So I don't know for sure if there is a cure." "But there's a possibility?" "Yes." "Alright ..." "Is that all?" "No." "What else?" "I had an appearance back on Earth. They said I was in a ten month coma. When I came here, you said you brought me here. You didn't say I was some sort of clone." "Devan ... you're not a clone. Due to science back on Earth, your body was frozen, or, in a coma while I brought you here. You have to understand that this world is in a whole different dimension; we're not in your universe right now. It's like an interference of time and spiritual presence. A whole lot of science and physics goes into it. I suppose ... when you passed out from the shots, the balance of pain weighed more here than on Earth, which led your soul to being awoken on Earth." This was a lot to take in. I thought some more about it. "Then ... then how did I wake up back here?" "Hmm ... that's an interesting question," she said," let me think about it for a second." I thought about it to, but not as deeply as she was. She stood up and started pacing the room. After a few minutes, I stopped. "That's okay. At least I'm still here. Good night, Celestia." "Alright. I'll keep thinking about it. Night Devan." "Just don't stress yourself." I walked out and shut the door. There was a new stress on my shoulders now. If there was no way to bring them back, we'd have to live with that. My courage in magic decreased substantially. I didn't have as much faith in it anymore. I walked back to the caboose as Twi was coming in. "You going to bed?" I asked. "Yeah. I think you should too." "Fine ... fine ..." "Did you talk to Celestia?" "Yeah." "You alright about all that?" "Bleh. I'll think about it." "If you ever need to talk, get me. Night Devan." "Night." She headed off to her room. I stood watching the stars for a little while before walking back and laying down. It was a long half hour until I fell asleep.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Dementia patients say huh?	Muffled voices entered my ears, causing me to open my tired eyes. Motherfuckers That was the fucking closest I'd fucking gotten to getting my fucking ass to fucking sleep on this stupid fucking train bench. Sorry. So... Shortly after my spanking and talk with AJ, the others had gotten the train to kinda work. Apparently, that one fucking lever broke it to the point where stuff in the crankshaft and pistons or whatever acted up, causing major malfunctions. Ironically, the boy had helped them figure out how to get it to work, albeit less efficiently. Go figure. This allowed Dash and Luna to turn on the train and start moving again, at a nice, rolling pace. It would take us longer to get back to Ponyville now, but whatever. We were still at a speed faster than walking, and if one of us somehow fell off, it'd only be a slight pain in the ass. I don't know how one of us would fall off, but yeah, that's how my mind works. Regardless, once we were moving, most of us split up between train cars and went to bed. At least... most of us. I angrily sat up on the bench. These benches were uncomfortable as fuck. I'd rather stop and sleep on the fucking grass at this point. I'd been trying to get to sleep on this damn bench until hearing these weird noises start from the train car right behind us. I was in the very last row of this train car, and the princesses had put the humans in the one making noise behind us. It sounded like the girls making most of the noises, and to be honest... they sounded strange. It almost sounded like... moaning? ... I swear. If these motherfuckers were having a damn threesome back there, I was gonna beat the living shit outta all of 'em. I glanced at the train car's back door beside my bench, noticing Twi was lying on the one across from me. She was originally set up a few cars ahead of this one with the other princesses, but I guess she abandoned it to join me. How sweet. She was also awoken by the noises, raising her head and exchanging a confused glance with me. I leaned over my seat to see that Guard Blaze, on the bench in front of me, who was supposed to be monitoring the humans, was sound asleep. Sheesh... that's illegal. I'd heard that if a royal guard fell asleep during a royal watch, on their own, at least, that they were to be punished severely. That sounds bad, but it's probably just a brutal Celestia spanking, to be honest. Normally, I'd snicker at the opportunity of ratting out a royal guard to get his ass hooved to him, but I felt kinda bad for Blaze. Instead, I scooted over on the bench and listened as the muffled noises eventually stopped. "What the fuck are they doing??" I whispered to Twi. She shrugged her shoulders before standing up and tip-hoofing towards the door. Don't ask me how a pony can tip-hoof, either. It looks bizarre, but kinda amusing. I stood up as well, tip-toeing toward the other side of the door. I opened it for her and followed her between the train cars. The ingenious walkway was just big enough to fit Twi and me standing side-by-side, so I walked up with her and grabbed the door handle of the next train car. After exchanging a glance with Twi, I opened the door so we could look insi- ... ... ... Oh...... shit... My frustration was sucked out of me when I saw what I saw. The car was dimly lit by lanterns along the walls, which the princesses requested to be left on for this car. This allowed us to see the unexpected sight before us. Jen was standing up between a row of benches to the left, kinda leaning up against the wall of the car. She had her hands out on the tops of the benches, revealing a... knife??... in one of them. Not only was it a knife, but it was a BLOODY knife. The entire blade was coated in a fresh red color. Also coated in this fresh red color were her hands. And her arms... and her shirt... AND her neck. She even had blood splatter on her face. Underneath her, lying in the middle of the aisle, was... The boy. I hadn't even learned his name. Now it didn't matter. I could see blood splattered all over the aisle and benches near him. I could see his bloodied-up white t-shirt. There was... ... so... much of it... Jesus. Abby was the only one making noise now. She was on her knees in the aisle, behind the boy, sobbing out loud. She was splattered with blood as well, but not as dramatically as Jen was. She held her hands against her mouth, clearly distraught. Twi and I gazed on in bewilderment, catching Jen's eye. She looked distressed, too, breathing heavily, but there were no tears from her--just a look of shock. I looked on for a moment longer before slowly pulling back on the door handle to shut i- click Twi stuck her hoof out to stop me from shutting the door, huffing at me before reopening it fully. When she did, Jen dropped the knife to the floor and put her hands up by her shoulders in surrender. "Just wait!! We can explain!" she exclaimed. "Sweet Celestia," Twi mumbled to herself, shifting her gaze up to me. "Get your gun out and keep an eye on them. I'll be right back." I nodded and pulled out my baby as she took off to grab some of the others. This left me in the doorway, swaying gently with the train as it slowly click-clacked on. Jen and I stared at each other for a few long seconds, both of us forced to listen to Abby's weakening crying. I took another second to take in the scene, realizing more and more by the second how severely they'd stabbed him to death. His shirt was drenched now, pooling blood all around. "Y'all are fucking crazy," I commented. "Like... you have room... to talk!!" Jen exclaimed, stammering from her adrenaline. "I mean, yeah, but damn..." I kept eying the boy, observing his fucked up body. Upon stepping a few paces closer, I noticed that this dude's neck was eviscerated. Even my crazy ass was appalled by just how cut open his throat was. There were also stab wounds on his chest, contributing to the murky pool of blood flowing off his body and covering the floor. "L- look..." Jen continued, "...it was self-defense, alright?" "Self-defense?? Looks like a damn murder." "N- no... no no no no no, you have to understand. He attacke-" "HE DESERVED TO DIE!" Abby exclaimed, interrupting her. We both turned our attention to Abby, who'd finally stopped crying. She was still on her knees behind the boy, gently rocking herself now. She gazed up at me, a mix of fury and despair in her teary brown eyes. "O... kay?" I said. "We didn't want to! But for OUR protection, we HAD to kill him! He was a MONSTER!" she cried. "ABBY!" Jen shouted, "I told you to shut the fuck up! Now we're FUCKED!" "What??" I inquired. This situation was getting dicey. I didn't even know where to stand yet. I mean, it's not like I cared about the boy in the first place, but this was a brutal scene to stumble across. I hadn't realized the girls were capable of anything close to this. Jen threw me a desperate glance, her hands still in the air. "Listen, D'mitry, please. I can explain this all to you later, but can you please work with us and pretend you didn't hear all that? Please? It was self-defense, ok? That's what we're going wit-" "Whoa whoa whoa," a male voice called from behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see Blaze walk through the door and up by my side. His eyes widened when he realized the severity of the crime scene. "Well good fucking morning, sleepyhead," I mocked. Blaze shook his head frustratingly and looked up at me. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll take responsibility," he stated, glancing back at Jen. "But what's this about working with you? Is this some kinda cover-up for a murder??" "No... no-" Jen started. "Well, duh," I interrupted, "Of course it's a cover-up, dumbass. What does it look like?" "D'mitry, please!" Jen cried. Blaze huffed, eyeing the boy one more time before glancing between the two girls. "I can't let you two get away with this; I'm sorry. The princesses will be notifi-" "Dementia patients say huuuuuh?!?!" I exclaimed. "Huh-?" BONK! I used the butt end of my baby to pistol-whip the shit out of Blaze. The end smacked his forehead so hard that it sent him tumbling to the ground. Me and the girls looked on in silence for a second, realizing he'd fallen unconscious. The girls then looked back at me in shock. I pointed a finger at Jen. "You owe me one," I stated, before swinging it down toward Abby. "And you. Listen to your girlfriend for once, would you? Dumb bitch. Shut the fuck up and play along." Abby froze, seemingly unsure if she wanted to lash out or not. After a second, though, she slowly nodded her head. Jen was frozen as well, eying me questionably. "Th... thank you..." Like clockwork, as I lowered my finger, the others came rushing up behind me. I turned to see Twi come back in with Celestia and Nurse Snow. Celestia and Twi stood side-by-side in the aisle, Celestia motioning for me to scoot over. As I moseyed my way between a couple benches, they finally noticed Blaze knocked out in the middle of the aisle. "What the fuck happened to Blaze?!" Twi asked. I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. Dude walked in and passed out. I guess it was too much for him to see or something? We didn't really expect that." Celestia glanced between Blaze and me for a second before shaking her head and returning her attention to the murder scene. "What in Equestria happened in here, girls?" "We... we can explain!" Jen cried, "He attacked us!" "He attacked you?" "Yes!" For the next minute, Jen went on a rant explaining what 'happened'. The more I listened, the more I couldn't wait to hear what actually happened. Her story went as follows: Earlier, when they were escaping the royal castle with the others, they and the boy discussed their associations with Peter. Apparently, they'd even gotten into a small argument about this. The princesses broke it up, as they were more concerned with making it out alive. Also, during my little nature bath from hell stop, they'd had some time alone while the princesses set them up in this further back car. They argued again but resolved it themselves by separating. She made it clear that they weren't very friendly with one another. Therefore, they ended up sleeping at different ends of the car. While they were sleeping, Jen overheard his footsteps slowly approaching them. When she shot up in the bench, she saw him coming at them with the now-bloody knife on the floor. He'd noticed her get up and lunged for her, but this awoke Abby. Jen held him back for a second before Abby got behind him and locked him up by grabbing hold of his armpits. This caused him to drop the knife, which led to Jen picking it up, aaaaand... Stabby Stabby Stabby. You have such a way with words. Thanks. Jen delivered the story so well that even I believed it for a second, until I remembered that she literally told me otherwise just a few minutes ago. While she did, Abby quietly rocked herself in the aisle. She didn't speak many words, as she was 'too distraught' to comment. This meant the story actually made it past Celestia. She believed them, so she allowed them to come join them in the train car Luna and her were in. Snow helped her escort them out of the train car, both of them trying to comfort Abby, who balled like a baby the whole time they did. Jen shot me a glance as she followed them out, mouthing a 'thank you'. Twi told me she'd be back and left me to keep an eye on Blaze. It only took a minute before the idiot slowly squirmed awake. He moaned and groaned while he did, until shooting up to a wobbly stand once he saw the dead boy laying in front of him. "Sweet Celestia!" he cried, stumbling around and nearly falling over from standing up too fast. He shook his head and regained his balance, eventually meeting eyes with me. "What happened?!" "You killed him, bro," I answered, pointing at the boy. I wanted to go along with this lie but couldn't help but bust out into laughter at the sudden shock on his face. During this laughing fit, his shock vanished, and he huffed angrily. "You can't take anything seriously, can you?" "Not really." He shook his head and asked for the 'real' story, which I gave him. Not the murder one, obviously, as I didn't even know the details of what had actually happened. I told him Jen's fake story instead. After this, I told him the princesses wanted to see him so he'd leave. Once he did, I cupped my beardless chin and ran my fingers through the invisible hairs as I intently analyzed the wicked scene. Not long into this, Twi came back with the little asshole, Spike. "You two are going to haul him out," Twi stated. "Bruh." "That's an order." Ugh. Great. Can't wait to work with this little asshole again. Twi monitored us while we both grabbed the boy's legs and dragged him to the doorway. We then impatiently waited in silence while Dash slowly stopped the train. After twiddling our thumbs for these long couple of minutes, a hydraulic hiss indicated that the train was... fully stopped? I guess. Both of us followed Twi out of the doorway, dragging the fucked up body of the boy onto the outside walkway. Thankfully for us, he wasn't too heavy (probably cause he was missing 75% of his damn blood at this point). He was also skinny, so despite Spike's weak, useless ass offering me damn near no help at all, we managed to lug him off the walkway between cars. It was easier dragging him through the grass, which he was painting a wonderful shade of blotched red. Twi walked beside us the whole time, making sure we didn't 'beat the shit out of each other again'. As much as I wanted to kick his ass, I didn't really have the energy right now. My ass cheeks were also still slightly buzzing, reminding me what could happen if I did. Therefore, I reluctantly worked with him, dragging the boy away from the train and behind a bush where we dropped him. Good riddance. "That's good," Twi confirmed. "K." "Hey, D'mitry," Spike called. I ignored him, obviously, brushing my hands free of some residual blood. Despite this, he pointed at the boy and continued yapping anyway. "That's what you're gonna look like if you don't leave me the fuck alone." "You stu-" "AH AH AH!" Twi hollered, "Don't fucking start. You two do NOT want another Celestia spanking." "He does," I stated. "Spike. Go back to the train," she ordered. He huffed before leaving. Good riddance. Twi took a moment to observe the dead boy. Celestia walked up behind her as she did, observing the drop zone where we'd left the boy. "Good to you?" Twi asked her. "Yes. Thank you. Can you head back to the train, please?" Twi turned and walked away. I started following her until Celestia held out her foreleg to stop me. "Not you. I need to speak with you." Oh shit. Twi exchanged a glance with me before walking off. Celestia waited for her to be out of hearing range before dropping her hoof and staring back at me. Talking with Celestia was always an interesting change, since she was one of the only ponies that came up to my height. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but she was actually a bit taller than me, meaning her eyes were slightly higher than mine. She stepped forward, within a few feet of me. "Tell me the truth." "The... truth? What truth?" "Don't play dumb, D'mitry. I need to know what actually happened in the train car." "Uh... respectfully, Celestia... Jen already told you? Do you not believe them?" "Debatable. However, I know there's far more to it. I need to know the actual truth." "I thought she was telling the truth." "Oh? Is that why you knocked Blaze out?" "I didn-! Uh... mmmmm..." "Just admit to it." "Okay... I knocked him out, but that was unrelated. He scared the shit out of me!" "Bullshit." "I- I-" Before I could attempt to plead this nosediving case, she stepped even closer to me. Her pink eyes lasered through mine. "You're setting yourself up for another spanking, already. Tell me what you're hiding so we can avoid that." "I... I'm not hiding anything!" She was getting angry now. She raised one of her front hooves, firmly pressing it against my chest and holding it there. "Tell me," she hissed. I angrily raised my hand and pushed her hoof, managing to shove it off of my chest. I don't think this would have actually worked if she had expected it. A mix of surprise and anger filled her face as I backed away a few steps. "D'mitry!" she scoffed. "No! I'm not hiding anything, but I know someone who IS!" She carefully analyzed me, her anger morphing into a confused look. "Who?" "YOU!" "Oh? And what do you accuse me of hiding?" "You were the one that told me I was 'transported'..." I said, using finger quotes to exaggerate, "...to this world, and that I could leave my life behind for now, if I so desired. You... LIED TO ME!" This threw her off. "What do you mean by that?" "Oh, don't play dumb, Celestia! We wouldn't want that!" I mocked, realizing I was fucked either way. "I woke up at Emory when Pete shot me! Emory! My body was there all along, in a fucking coma! I wasn't 'transported' here, I'm just some fucking clone! I know you know about it, too! You have to! I mean, how couldn't you?" Unexpectedly, she averted her eyes. After a minute of uneasy silence, she took one last glance at the boy and sighed. "We will talk about this situation later. But... okay, D'mitry. You got me. I know about it. The other princesses do too. We just weren't ready to tell you. It didn't matter much at the time, given that you haven't been even remotely interested in going back. Even if you did want to go back, I have to remind you, that contract still has a couple of years left on it. Even if we beat this thing soon, the contract still stands." "Bruh." "Yeah. Sorry to break it to you. The contract mentioned 'natural disasters' at some point, and that's what this whole apocalypse falls under. So, the contract is still binding." "Natural disasters? Really?" "Yes. It's not like you have a say anyway. You're ours." "Wow." "Don't act like that upsets you now." "I mean... not really... but-" "Good. Now let me finish explaining away your whole 'clone' accusation. You are not a clone, D'mitry. Due to a plethora of science you will likely not live long enough to comprehend, we had to freeze your body to bring you here. In other words, we put you in a coma. What you have to understand is that this world is in a whole different universe. As you should know, we aren't in your universe right now. There is a lot of complicated science and astrophysics jargon behind it all, involving time and spiritual presence as well. If I were to explain it to you, it would take me decades..." She eyed me briefly. "... Mmm... maybe even a century. But I hope that answers your question. As for why you woke up there when you were shot... I'm not entirely sure why." "What?! So I was lying to Peter?" "No... no... what you said was accurate. If you die, given what I know, you should be 'teleported'," she explained, using hoof-quotes for dramatic effect as well, "back to Earth, awakening from your comatose. However, I didn't think merely falling unconscious had the same effect. Did you get sent back to Earth when Pete slashed your eye too?" "Uh... hmm... no. That time, I was just unconscious. It was only later on, when he shot me in the chest." "Hmm. Alright. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have a direct answer for you in that regard. I can look into it further when I'm free, but for now, we have bigger matters to tend to. In the meantime, I'd suggest you avoid falling unconscious again. Never thought I'd have to suggest that, but you are an interesting creature. Are you satisfied with that?" I slowly nodded. "I... suppose so." "Good. For now, let's head ba-" "So wait a minute. Does that mean I could escape your whole contract by just knocking myself out hard enough?" She rolled her eyes. "No, not really. We'd just go back and steal you again. We know how to find you there." "Yeah, you could. But what if I knocked myself out now?" Celestia gazed in my eyes with a look I hadn't seen before. It's like she realized for the first time that she had finally lost her power over me. Well, briefly at least. Once this apocalypse ended, and magic returned, I'd probably be snatched up again. She didn't seem to be thinking about that possibility though. "You... you really want to go back?" "No." She huffed. "Then why did you bring it up?" "I..." Something peculiar was happening within me. Out of nowhere, my brain struck some kinda locked-up dungeon full of thoughts I'd been hiding away for some time. An unusual feeling was flooding my brain... one I didn't like. Sadness. I averted my eyes, feeling a couple stupid fucking tears starting to fill them. "I... I just..." "You just what?" "I miss my mama." This threw her off big time. It threw me off too. I hadn't realized it myself, but it was true. She knew as well as I did, though... My mama was dead. I turned around fully to avoid showing any emotion. I knew I was supposed to mourn or whatever, but couldn't I just do that later or something? I thought I had mourned enough already. I wiped my stupid eyes, hearing Celestia move up behind me. Her long foreleg grabbed my hand, spinning me back around to face her. I tried to blink away my watery eyes as she gazed into them with a sense of compassion in hers. This was pretty rare to se- Oof! Before I could react, she wrapped her foreleg around me in a tight hug. This musta physically pushed out some more tears or something, because I was definitely too strong to cry on my own. I hugged her back, the warmth of her fur shifting to me. This emotion was rare, but it was... nice... It felt nice.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Welcome back	The following morning, I awoke when somepony knocked on my door. It opened. "Devan?" "Yes?" I sat up and turned to see Dash. "Good afternoon." "Wha!" I shot up. Guilt filled my veins. How had I slept through the morning? I checked my watch. It read 8:42. I looked back up to see Dash smirking. "You devil." "Don't be so worried. We would have been alright if you'd slept in anyways." "Really?" "Yes. If we needed you for something, we'd just wake you up." "Then why'd you wake me?" "We're almost there. The station is close." "Alright." I glanced out the window. "Dash?" "Yeah?" "You think we're really ready to see the hospital?" She sighed and thought for a minute. "I ... I ... really ... I ..." "It's okay. You don't have to answer. I know it's hard to think of Scootaloo. Just ... stay behind Twi and I when we get in there." She struggled to keep her tears inside. I went up and hugged her, which squeezed them from her. After she left, I opened the closet to get equipped. There was a guard's' shield that I clipped to the back of my hoodie, my Beretta, and an m4 carbine provided by Celestia and Trixie. Already dressed in ragged camo pants and beat up sneakers, that's all I needed. I closed the closet door and headed to the main room. My arms were still halfway asleep, so the m4 felt twice as heavy than it actually was. I held on tightly to it as I went through the car doors. Snow, Luna, the guards, Trixie, and the girls were packed in the roomy car with chairs and sofas against the walls and corners. Rifles and SMGs were scattered around the car. Everybody turned their attention to me. "Morning," Trixie said. "Morning." "Devan," Luna said. "The others are up front if you want to see them." "Alright. Thanks." I walked past them, including Jen and Abby, who eyed me from the corner before I opened the door to the open car. I closed the door as the train's brakes activated. The wheels whined as the train began slowing. In the open car was Twi and Celestia. "Morning!" Twi yelled over the brakes. "Morning." I said in her ear. I didn't feel like shouting. "Are we there?" "Yes. We're stopping a little short of the station. We have to keep our eyes open." She had binoculars around her neck and an m4 laying on the seat she stood by. "I know." The train's brakes quieted by a lot before Dash came out of the engine. She had a carbine rifle strapped on her back with the end sticking out over her left shoulder. She also had a saddlebag with stuffed pockets. "Well, it'll take a minute to stop," she said. "I'll turn it off later, in case we need to get back on quick." Twi and I exchanged glances. We knew. We'd have to be alert now; we'd have to be cautious. Twi used her binoculars to observe more clearly. "Go tell the others to get ready. I'll give the plan in a minute," Twi told Dash. She did, and went in the roomy car. "It looks clear, but you never know." The train was coming to a quick stop. The brakes were efficient. Before it came to a full stop, Twi gestured us in. Everybody turned their attention to her when she trotted in. "Alright everypony, gather round." We all grouped around Twi. The train came to a stop and let off a puff of steam. "We've been through a lot on our journey, and I know I should have said this on the way, but I'll say it now. It's been good having you all as friends," she glanced at Jen and Abby for a second. "We've been through many unexpected, sudden deaths. It's a shame to see them go, but they'll be back ... hopefully," she mumbled. "Nevertheless, we should all be alert on this mission, as I don't want to have another dead body unsettling my mind. Same for you. So, be cautious and keep your eyes open. All of us will be walking to the hospital. It will be a long walk for some of us, but it's necessary. Dash," she gestured. "Turn the train off. If we need it later, you and Devan will run ahead to get it started." We nodded along. "We will, unfortunately, be leaving AJ and Rarity here. We'll be carrying you and Drift on a cart," Twi spoke to Blaze. He nodded in understanding from the couch, where he laid with his entire side taped up and a seemingly motionless leg. "Is everybody else prepared to walk the distance?" We looked around after agreeing. Everybody was up to the challenge. "Okay. Grab your weapons everybody. We're going to the hospital." Everybody got their guns. Twi and Dash had pulled out a cart like the one before; the one that was destroyed by the train. They hauled it to the front, followed by everybody else. "Everybody wait here. We're going to look around first. Come, Devan." I stepped out onto the open car with Twi and Dash. Twi set herself up on one of the seats while Dash checked the engine. I stood watch with my m4 in hand. The train had a peaceful him to it. I glanced at our surroundings. Twi swiveled around. "Boys!" "Where?!" I shouted, raising m4. Dash ran out of the engine, alerted by our yelling. Gunfire erupted abruptly. Twi threw the door to the roomy car open and dove in, followed quickly by Dash and I. Everybody in the car was ducking. The windows were exploding, throwing flying fragments of glass on the others. The windows on the side the shots were coming from were rupturing milliseconds before the bullets whizzed over our heads and shattered windows on the other side. "Everybody scatter!" Twi yelled. "Get to a window and start firing!" Everybody did. Jen and Abby bolted to the next car, followed by Snow, Luna, Trixie, Dash, and Spike. Already loaded, I sat on a couch against the hostile side, lifted my m4 and shot away the remaining glass. Then I blind fired a good thirty shots before having to reload. Twi joined me. I poked up for a quick second to see what was going on. Within that second, I observed flashes in thick bushes not too far away. Ducking back down, I threw another clip in it. Bullets whirred above our heads. "They're hiding in bushes. I don't know how many of them there are," I told Twi. "Alright. We'll be careful then." "Yeah." I set m4 over the couch and cautiously leaned up to look down the sights. I quickly unleashed another thirty rounds around the bushes, wiggling m4 back and forth in hopes of hitting multiple targets. More flashes emitted from the bushes I hadn't gotten to on the left. I dove back down. Thankfully, the train's metal frame was strong enough to ricochet most of their ammo, and the weak couch could absorb the ones that got through. The gun battle continued a few minutes. I'd let off over five clips, and Twi, with an m4 as well had just finished her fourth. Flashes and shots from the bushes were diminishing quickly. We were winning really easily, as I hadn't heard a single scream from the other cars. A single shot from one of the bushes flew to our right, and rattled the engine. We heard buzzes before it shut off abruptly. Still poked up to give him another few rounds, I told Twi, "They totaled the train ..." "I know." She thought. I shot about half of my rounds before stopping to observe, which I wish I hadn't done. Looking for flashes, a few shone just milliseconds before my right hand throbbed violently in pain. A few more milliseconds went by before a supersonic crack soared close to my right ear. Another whiff of fast moving air flew by my left ear too soon after. Both of their cracks protruded my eardrums, and everything rung for a second before silencing entirely. I dropped m4 and fell off the couch, unable to hear anything. I saw Twi fire a few soundless shots before jumping off the couch. I rolled on the floor, clutching my hand. My ears bled. My hand throbbed. I felt searing pain in my index and pinky finger, not knowing which one he'd shot. My hand was bleeding profusely, but all my fingers were still there. Tears of pain dribbled slowly down my cheeks as Twi rolled me on my back. Her mouth was moving, but no words were coming out. I had gone deaf. She looked on and saw my bleeding ears, which confused her further. She peeled away my left hand to observe the damaged one. My eyes were giving way. Everything was moving around in a wide circle. The door to the other car flung open, but my eyes were too blurred to see. They shut before I got the chance to see who it was, and I fell into darkness.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Slaughter	Splash!! "GAHH!!!" The feeling of cold water exploding on my face ripped me from my sleep as I shot my head up. "Haha, morning loser!" Dash snickered evilly as she gained some distance from my bench with an empty water bottle in her hoof. I sat up and wiped the water from my eyes. "You shithead! Fucks wrong with you?!" "Thought you might want another shower after what happened last night." Dash couldn't stop snickering to herself. I continued wiping the stubborn water dripping in front of my eyes. After finally managing to wipe them dry, I shook my head and met eyes with her. "Yeah, thanks shithead. Real refreshed now. What time is it?" I asked, peering out the window. Celestia's sun was up, casting morning shadows on the slow moving forest we passed. "Who cares? Sometime in the morning." "I want an exact time." "It's time for you to get up, bozo." "And why is that?" "We're almost there. The station is close." "Awesome. Can't wait to get off this stupid fucking train and sleep in a bed." "Feel ya there." "Wait... did you sleep at all?" "Nope. Feel like you right now--straight-up slavin' it." "What?" "Nevermind. I told the princesses it'd be alright. I'm for sure gonna conk out once we get to the hospital though." "Right on." She smiled and left to get back to helping Luna mare the train engine while I got up. I mean, there wasn't much I had to do besides go get my bag, but I was hungry. Maybe I could be blessed with another bowl of dry-ass cereal! I exited the train car and entered the one in front, which Snow was using for medical reasons. It was also where we were storing most of our equipment, including my chainsaw and backpack. Most of the others were awake inside this one. This car was like the one the princesses were in, where the inside was converted to look like a subway car, with the benches pushed up parallel to the walls. Honestly, why did the boys even bother rearranging all this shit? What a waste of time. Why'd they want it to look like a damn subway train so fucking bad? They shoulda just let it look like a jolly version of Marta like before. Anyway, Snow, Trix, the guards, AJ, and the little bastard were inside this car. They were all equipped, or finishing up getting equipped, when they noticed me. "Mornin', D'mitry," AJ called. "Mornin', ma'am." "The princesses want to see you up front, whenever you're ready." "KK." They returned to their previous conversations as I walked up to the equipment we had stored in the front corner of the car. We'd come across a lot of boys now, and because of this, we had a lot of weapons. It seemed like every boy they brought in was carrying his own gun. The others had set the rifles we'd scavenged from them leaned up against the wall. A quick count let me realize there were ten damn rifles amongst the other supplies. Jesus. Most of them looked military-grade too. It was an absolute miracle none of us had been murdered by them. I know they'd mentioned they weren't out to do that anyway, but the thought alone was scary. I took a moment to appreciate the m4s and m16s when I noticed one that stood out. An AK-47. Huh. It looked pretty out of place, sitting in between all the American assault rifles. Upon closer look, it also had a ballsack on it. Yeah--a 100 round drum mag!! Holy shit. I was distracted by this beautiful gun for a hot minute, so badly wanting to pick it up and check it out. Despite this, I quenched my curiosity and returned my attention to my equipment for now. I picked up my backpack, but something was off. There was a part I hadn't seen before that wrapped around the bottom half of the bag, leaving a weird looking, sizable compartment hanging off the back. As I was twisting the bag around to inspect this, Trix walked up to my side. "Hey love. Hope you don't mind, but Luna and I stitched together something for you." "Ah. Thanks, sugarbaby creampie." She took a quick glance around to make sure nobody heard me before shutting her eyes and pressing her lips together in great distaste. I loved getting on her nerves. She shook her head before continuing. "So... do you even know what it's for?" "Snacks?" "No, retard. It's for your chainsaw." "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." She rolled her eyes and demonstrated how my chainsaw, despite being long as hell, could fit snug inside the compartment, with the blades hanging out of the top. There were a couple straps on the sides to keep it snug, and she also demonstrated how to pull 'em loose quickly so I could access the saw fast. Looked pretty badass, not gonna lie. "Radical! Thanks, Trix!" She smiled. "Just one more thing." She gestured for me to hand over the chainsaw, which I did. After setting it on the ground, she made me lean in close to the motor and its controls. "Notice anything different?" I looked and looked, but nothing stood out to me. "Uh... did y'all... paint it?" "Where would we get paint, dingus?" "From the market." She shook her head and pointed to the motor again. "Look. You remember the squishy button, right? We took that off." I squinted curiously, dramatically shoving her hoof aside and leaning close to see that she was right. The one squishy button had been removed, and... welded over? I could tell where it was supposed to be, but it wasn't ther- smack Trix lightly whacked the back of my head, causing my forehead to bop into the motor. "Bruh." She snickered. "But yeah, while Luna and I were stitching together the pouch for it, she came up with the idea of a quicker way to start it. Now, you just have to flip the switch and pull the cord to start it. No more button-mashing, as she called it." ... I looked on curiously, nodding along with her explanation. "One question," I said. "Okay." "How the fuck did y'all manage that?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Don't ask me. I just assisted with my magic. Luna was the megamind behind it all. She did some weird stuff when we peeked into this engine thing." She tapped the motor a few times. I shook my head, even more questions bubbling. "Okay. Well, thank you, Trix." "You got it," she said, winking before leaving to join the others. After hucking the heavy chainsaw in its compartment and flinging the pack over my shoulder, I adjusted to how it felt on me. Having chainsaw blades a foot behind my head was a bit bothersome, but Trix and Luna had designed it in such a way that my head would likely never tap them. Besides, the chainsaw sat parallel to my shoulders, meaning the blades wouldn't really hurt me anyway. I made my way inside the princess cabin to hound Luna. Celestia and Twi were there too, also accompanied by Discord and the murderer girls. The murderers were sitting in the back corner of the car, where they noticed me first. Abby averted her eyes as soon as she saw me, while Jen warily smiled before averting hers too. As much as I wanted to talk with them, Celestia told me not to do so, for now. She'd read the scene like a book last night, calling me out after our little emotional moment. She knew the girls murdered him. She knew I knocked Blaze out. She knew we'd all attempted to work together to cover up both of these things. Smart ass. Don't tell her I said that, please. Still... she read right through our bullshit. She told me last night that she knew, and ordered me to keep quiet about it. The girls didn't know that she knew, and for some reason she wanted to keep it that way. So, to avoid another spanking, I kept my big mouth shut about it. With this in mind, I passed the murderers and Discord, who was laid out across, like, five seats on the other side. Guess he had to fit in somehow, right? Haha. Tall ass. I approached the three princesses, who were speaking with each other toward the front of the car. Their conversation must have been important, because when I walked up to them, they quit talking and stared me down instead. Not menacingly or whatever, just looking at me. With all eyes on me, I took a moment to bow dow- AHHH! Splat! I plummeted face-first to the floor, forgetting that my new, heavy-ass chainsaw backpack was weighing me down. My balance was immediately ripped from me the second I took a bow. After this splat, I pushed myself back up and brushed myself off. "Way to go," Twi mocked. "Pssssht. You want respect or not?" I retorted. Before they could start speaking with me about whatever it is they wanted to speak with me about, I hounded Luna, interrogating her about how she altered my chainsaw. She spent the minute-long conversation trying to get me to shut up and quit worrying about it, but she eventually gave in and told me she had learned about motors during my stay. This conversation quickly got boring, since none of us knew what the hell she was talking about. Eventually, Celestia interrupted her explanation to get down to bass tax. Or however the phrase goes. "...so, D'mitry. Unfortunately, you'll be the last one to hear this..." she stated. "Last one to hear what?" "So," Luna took over for her, "both Celestia and I know how many humans we've brought into this world in total. But from what we've heard about your scuffles amongst them, we cannot be sure how many of them remain." "Bruh. Why not?" I asked, glancing at Twi. "Don't you remember how many we've dealt with? There were 3 at your castle, 4 at the tracks, 2 at the... uh... trap... uh... I think, and... wait... wait a minute. We never found Pete!" "Congratulations," Celestia replied, "You answered your own question. To add fuel to the fire, we weren't able to see how Peter and Pete arranged their little groups after they took us prisoner. Since they took control of the train, we don't know how many are in Canterlot, or Ponyville, or even possibly other locations." "How many did y'all even bring in?" Luna bit her lip. "Mmm... well..." "Thirty-two," Celestia finished. "WOW!" I exclaimed. "I know, I know," she continued, "But like we said before--we panicked. We made the wrong decision, and we have paid for it. I can promise you that we will not make this same mistake again, even if enough magic returns for us to do so. We had originally just planned on bringing in six humans, but things happened." "Things happened?" She sighed. "Yes. Long story short, we kinda crashed a college house party." ... "What?" "The brothers, Peter and Pete, were the main humans we were trying to bring here. Unbeknownst to us, we'd stumbled across their house party in doing so. As you know, we sometimes forgo our little 'human disguises' when they aren't necessary. They were definitely necessary then, but it cost us too much magic at the time to run them. Therefore, once we were caught out in the open, we had to snatch up a total of thirty other party-goers to avoid suspicion." "Bu-" Celestia raised her hoof. "I know, D'mitry. We know there will still be a lot of suspicion, given that you know how bringing humans here works now. We feel it's better to leave no witnesses and thirty-two unconscious party-goers than to risk a handful of them telling police that they saw two fucking unicorns spreading magic and knocking out their friends." I debated this, taking a second to wrap my head around it. "Well, I mean... the police would probably chalk that up to a bunch of idiot college teens getting high off LSD or something, don't you think?" "Possibly. We figured at the time that it would be better to just bring them all with us. It was definitely a heat-of-the-moment decision, but it's cemented in place now." "Okay... so... what happens when they die and go back?" Celestia sighed. "It's likely that our decision doesn't matter anymore. Peter, and whoever else we have killed, have likely awoken from their comas and started talking. Perhaps the hospital staff, and anyone else they speak to, will believe they are all crazy and delusional. Either way, there's no stopping it now." I nodded along. "So... what you're saying is... we can keep killing any humans we come across?" "Yes. It is likely they will be threats anyway, so I encourage you to kill any of them we come across." I swung my head around to look at the murderers at the other end of the car, catching Jen's eye from afar. "D'mitry," Celestia hissed. I swung my head back around and met eyes with her again. "Not them," she stated. "I was just lookin' at 'em. Sheesh." I took the next minute to process everything the princesses just told me. It was nice knowing more of the story, but... I was starting to get mad. I thought we'd been getting close to wiping out the rest of Pete's little dick brigade, but noooooo--he had a whole fucking platoon still out there somewhere. I sighed. "Hopefully the zombie ponies will eat the rest of 'em or something." I was returned three unconvinced faces. "Yeah..." Luna said, "I don't know about that one, D'mitry. These shiny new rifles we have now aren't the only ones. We brought in a lot of guns. We know there are many more rifles like these amongst their remaining groups." I was starting to get woozy with anger, so I sat down on a nearby bench and rubbed my face frustratingly. Celestia sighed. "I'm sorry, dear. I admit, we probably should have done some more research about humans during your stay than we did. If we had known just how vile your species can be, we would have never thought to bring them in." "Bruh," I commented, waving my hands around and gesturing to the entirety of me. "How did you not see vile in all this?" "Because we don't? Everypony knows you're a bit crazy, D'mitry. But evil? Not so much." "Bruh." Twi joined, "Might as well take the compliment, dumbass." "Okay... thank you, Celestia." We talked some more about our upcoming journey. As we were talking, Dash came in to confirm that we were stopping. Because of the busted ass engine, the power to the brakes was somehow affected, meaning we had to squeal to a stop for the next five minutes. This was great. It was like we were sounding off a dinner bell for any zombie ponies that happened to be near the station. Once the train finally stopped, Twi, Dash, and I stepped out onto the open, indescribable car. Dash kept the train engine on in case we had to skedaddle, but the station and surrounding area looked empty. Real empty. Despite Celestia's morning sun beaming down and illuminating everything beautifully, I felt an eerie chill creep down my spine, as if it was almost midnight on Halloween. We stood there for a few minutes, quietly talking with one another as we listened for any nearby zombies. However, none made an appearance. Guess we're pretty lucky, huh? "Well?" I asked, "Shall we start our little jou-" BANG! Out of nowhere, an immense stabbing pain burst through my abdomen, causing me to fall backward in the car. My back hissed out after falling on my backpack, but adrenaline began firing through my body as quickly as I had fallen. I grunted at the new, sharp pain in my abs, noticing it dull in the moment. I'd been shot. BANG! BANG! BANG! More gunshots rang out as Twi and Dash hit the floor. I saw one of the bullets tear a hole through the side of the... ... Half-wall Sigh Yeah yeah yeah. Anyway, the bullet tore through the half-wall, causing us to flinch. "Inside!" Twi shouted. The two of them helped me frantically crawl back inside the car with the important princesses, where they both were huddled behind the benches shoved up against the wall. I hadn't noticed it before, but at this angle, I could see sheet metal bolted into the bottom-half of the train's sidewalls. That's when I realized... The boys had fortified the train. Holy shit. It wasn't just some wannabe subway car bullshit. I could even hear a few shots ding off the side of the car. This was great news for us. That's about where our luck ended though. BANG! BANG! BANG! A few more gunshots rang out. I could hear them clanging on the engine behind us. Right after, the hum of the engine rattled and hissed to an abrupt stop. They'd taken out the train. Motherfuckers... I observed the rest of the car, trying to ignore the pain radiating through my abs. Discord had rolled himself off the benches and onto the floor, taking up part of the aisle. The girls had also dropped to the ground, laying flat on the floor as well. The princesses kept themselves pinned beside the benches. By the looks of it, we were all protected by this sheet metal. Celestia eyed me, noticing I was clenching my stomach. "D'mitry, were you hit??" "No, no. I have a tummy ache." Smack! Twi smacked the back of my head before Dash got the chance to. She then rolled me to my side and lifted my shirt to see my abs. My wonderful red blood that I hadn't seen in, like, 8 hours, was visible, slowly oozing out of a hole in the left side of my abdomen. "Dash," she said, "Can you grab Snow, please? Tell the others to shoot back, but to stay below the windows." "Gotcha!" Dash exclaimed, quickly squeezing and crawling her way past Discord and the murderers. BANG! BANG! A few more gunshots popped off, but then it was quiet for a minute. This finally gave us some time to think. I exchanged a glance with Twi, who was nervously checking my wound. It looked similar to the shots Pete had put through my chest, but wasn't bleeding as badly this time. As she was observing it, I met eyes with her. "Did you see who-" "Yes... D'mitry," she answered, sighing, "I caught a glimpse." "...and?" "It's the boys." I laid sideways against my backpack in silence for a minute. It was a long minute, given the boys had paused their shooting. However, after this minute, the gunfire started up again. I could hear ruckus in the car behind ours, as well as gunshots emitting from it. Good. The others were firing back. However, the gunshots were starting to muffle in my ears. Not because I was passing out, or getting woozy, though. I was just getting angry. ... Very angry. "D'mitry?" Celestia asked, pulling me from my trance. She had joined Twi and was now hovering over the back of me. She took interest in checking my wound, which Twi was now pressing down on with her hoof to stop the bleeding. I hadn't even realized she'd started doing that. "Just hang in there," Celestia continued, "We'll get through this." I shot my eyes around the cabin. I'm not sure if I was actually looking for anything, but I could feel anger competing with adrenaline for space in my veins. My heart beat fast, and my breaths were the same. When I leaned my head back to see the back of the car, I caught sight of Dash's bright, rainbow body through the open doors of the cars. I could vaguely see Snow following behind her. Dash started making her way between the cars to g- BANG! I flinched slightly at this gunshot but kept my eyes on Dash. She'd almost made it across the walkway, but she suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground at the doorway of our car. Discord's body blocked my view of her now, so I hastily leaned up on my shoulder to see. She squirmed on the floor for a second as Snow gunned it across the walkway, leaping over her to get into the car. She then bit into Dash's shoulder blade and dragged her fully into the car. Despite Twi telling me to be still, I shifted my body in an attempt to sit up. "Stop!" she hissed. I paused my squirming as she started shouting out to Snow and Dash. That's when we found out Dash had been struck in the leg. When I heard this, my vision blurred. My ears joined them, somehow drowning out the shouting. I didn't know what was happening, but my brain actively ignored whatever they were saying. While Twi was busy shouting to them, I raised my hands and forcefully shoved her hoof off of my wound. She damn near slipped, not expecting me to overpower her. With her hoof free, I rolled to my stomach, ignoring the wet sensation on my abdomen. Through muffled ears, I could hear both Twi and Celestia trying to say something. My brain didn't care. I began crawling down the aisle, ignoring th- Stomp! My crawl was immediately halted by a hoof stomping on the back of my leg. I attempted shimmying out of its grasp, but it weighed me down enough to prevent this. I was forced out of my daze, my eyes unblurring and ears unmuffling as I looked back over my shoulder. Celestia glared back at me, her long foreleg sunk into my hamstring. "Stop," she hissed, "You need to stay still. Don't worry about Dash right now. Nurse Snow is on it." I huffed loudly, turning back to look at Dash again. She was right--Snow was already in her saddlebags digging shit out to care for her. I shook my head and looked back at Celestia. "Can't I just join them? I need to get seen, Celestia." Celestia eyed me suspiciously before meeting eyes with Twi. Although Twi looked pretty upset about me shoving her off, she agreed to help crawl me over to Snow to get checked out. Celestia attempted to get me to take off my heavy backpack, but I couldn't be bothered right now. By the time Twi and I crawled over to them, the murderers had joined them. Both of them huddled over Dash, attempting to help Snow. When we crawled up, Snow promised to get to me as quick as she could. "No, it's fine," I replied. Before any of them could react, I quickly shifted to my knees. Fighting the weight of my backpack, I just as quickly rose to a stand, exposing myself through the windows. "D'mitry!" Twi shouted. Before she could swipe me back down, I sidestepped past Dash, nearly colliding with Jen on my way to the doorway. With nobody to stop me, I ran through the doorway and gunned it across the walkway to get to the next train car. I heard Twi yelling after me, but it didn't matter to me. I made it across just fine. Now, my eyes were blurring again. My ears muffled as well. My brain was seriously fighting some kinda emotion right now. I wasn't woozy, still. But man was I mad. After crossing the walkway, I dropped to my knees to get back under cover... for now. I was fighting against myself, though. I started seeing red in the blur. I could feel a heartbeat twitching in my left eye. I couldn't even feel the pain in my abdomen anymore, but I was feeling warm all over. I could vaguely see a few pairs of eyes looking at me from this car, but it didn't matter to me. My bloodshot gaze drifted from these seeing eyes to the corner of the car, where I'd taken my backpack. I could see the rifles sat up against the wall still, but I was looking for a particular on- There she is. The AK-47. The beauty herself. I grabbed it with my eager hands, quickly checking it over. It was ready. One flick away from total destruction. A smile protruded my lips--one I could not squander. I gathered a few more regular magazines and stuffed them in my pockets. While I did, somepony crawled up to my side. "D'mitry," Trix said, "Are you okay??" I swung my head around to face her. Despite my bloodshot, blurry ass vision, I could still make out her pretty, concerned face. It only grew more concerned when I faced her. I didn't know why at first, but I realized I was still smiling. I sucked my teeth, but the smile remained. "...D'mitry?" she repeated concerningly. "Hehehehehe." "The fu-" I stood up out of cover again, unexpectedly. With the badass AK held firmly in my hands, and my chainsaw nearly scraping the roof of the car, I casually walked down the aisle. Startled expressions filled everypony's faces as I walked by them. They remained huddled down low, behind cover. Some of them might have been trying to talk to me as I walked by, but at this point, all I could hear was a low guitar riff. It echoed inside of my ears, seeming to stem from the inside of my brain. Multi-dimensional audio. I was one with this sick-ass guitar riff out of nowhere. I ended up making it to the other end of the train car unphased. When I reached the door, I raised my boot off the ground and- POW! My boot met the door, blasting it open. It swung so hard that it damn near shut on me again. I shoved it back open and walked outside. Wasting no time, I lifted the rope barrier of the walkway and slipped my way off of it, my boots hitting the gravel of the tracks below. I cracked my neck, racking the slide of the AK and raising it as I walked out from between the train cars. In front of me, just a little ways from the train, was a patch of forest. A single flash emitted from the treeline, confirming where we were being shot from. This is all I needed. In my head, the bass dropped. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG! I let her RIP. The AK blasted my exposed ears until my hearing was really muffled. The thunderous shots gently destroyed my ears as they popped off. The butt end of the AK viciously beat against my shoulder as I used all the strength I had to keep the monster steady, sweeping the forest we were being shot from. After about thirty rounds, I released the trigger briefly. A few flashes continued coming from the tree line. The AK's trigger enjoyed all of about one second before I set the sights on them and lit her up again. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG! This time, as I fought the ferocious recoil, I stepped forward. While it did feel a bit odd, I kept going. I continued walking forward as the gun shook in my arms, taking very brief pauses to reorient the sight before holding the trigger down again. Before I knew it, I was wayyyyyyyyyy exposed, leaving the safety of the train behind. I only realized this when a bullet cracked by my right ear, causing me to stagger. The tree line wasn't far in front of me. I'd even seen a body moving from left to right during one of my barrages. I also saw it tumble to the ground when I swept my barrel across it. Immediately after, I heard some rounds cracking to the left and right of me. They were close enough to make me nervous, so I released the AK's trigger and bolted into a sprint for the treeline. I noticed a boy not far away, partially hidden by a pair of shrubs. He noticed me too, but I'd already slowed to a jog and raised the AK again. His body danced in the sights for a second before I flexed my finger hard on the trigger, letting four to five shots blast his way. Unlike the other body, I saw these bullets hit directly. His body flinched violently upon the first hits. It was then briefly hidden by a burst of red as the last connected with his head. I lowered the AK briefly as I sprinted up to the closest tree I could find. Bark blew off the other side of it as I came screeching to a halt, positioning myself on the other side. Though I couldn't hear worth a shit at this point, my brain worked hard in locating the exact position they were firing from. Keeping my face pointed at the tree, I waited for a second until the bullets paused. Immediately after, I quickly leaned my top half out and pointed my AK where I thought they were. Although I couldn't see them visibly, I knew they were in the direction. With this in mind, I swept my AK across the area. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG! I managed to catch a glimpse of a boy poking out behind another tree to the right of where I sprayed. After unsuccessfully sweeping the gun toward him and shooting one or two shots that bounced off the bark, I ducked back behind cover just in time to avoid a few angry retaliatory shots. While they shredded the bark on the side of my tree, I dropped down to my knees, making sure to get low. Once the bullets paused, I leaned out again and set my AK's sight on the previous boy. He was still poked out, his gun now raised at me. However, it was pointed too high. Before he could lower it, I let the AK rip again. BANGBANGBANG! Three quick shots flew his way. His shoulder flinched violently, his arm flying out to the side as he dropped his gun and fell to the ground. I didn't have time to see if he was down for good before noticing another boy through the bushes I'd just sprayed. He looked to be moving from one tree to another, repositioning I guess. Before he could reach the other one, I quickly swept my AK and sprayed him down. After a few shots of nothing, he finally tumbled to the ground just shy of the tree. I kept the AK firing a few seconds longer, sending a couple more bullets through his fallen, flinching body to make sure. Now he could reposition his body's organic matter with the cold, hard ground. After finishing him off, I noticed the first boy still squirming next to the tree he'd been hiding behind. BANGBANGBANGBANG! My AK's bullets met his squirming body to relieve it from doing so. Once I knew he was finished as well, I got back into cover. For the next minute, my rampage continued. I moved from tree to tree, hopped up on insane levels of adrenaline and rage. The boys ended up dropping like flies. I didn't even have any, like, military training, but I guess none of them did either. None of them even managed to hit me. The only thing they managed to do was piss me off... by me tripping over one of their dead bodies. By now, I was approaching the other edge of the forest, that led into town. They were running out of places they could be hiding. The overall gunfire in this wooded area was also getting pretty sparse, and not many bullets were flying my way anymore. However, less bullets were flying their way too. It hadn't taken me long to drain my ballsack...... drum magazine. The two regular mags I'd grabbed emptied even quicker. I even managed to empty my baby's mag in between a reload. I'm not sure how many bullets I had left, but I was down to the last mag of my AK as I shuffled through the forest. My adrenaline hadn't worn off, so I was still in hunt mode. As my bloodshot eyes darted around the trees and shrubbery, two human bodies huddled against a thin tree caught my eye. They both had rifles, but neither of them were looking at me. One was facing right, looking in the completely wrong direction. The other was actually facing me, but he was frantically working to fix a weapon jam. The one fixing his weapon quickly eyed me before giving up and dropping his rifle, instead opting to grab a pistol holstered on his side. As he did, I raised my AK and set his chest smack dab in the middle of its sight. BANG! Click! The AK stopped abruptly, as I'd finally run out of ammo. The one bullet made its mark, though, causing him to drop his pistol and clutch his chest. Although he was already low to the ground, he slunk down even farther, lying up against the tree they were trying to take cover behind. The other boy finally noticed me. Not only was I out of ammo now, but I was also in a bad position. I was in the open, no trees or any other cover in my immediate vicinity. My adrenaline still pulsing, I sunk my boots into the forest floor to propel myself into a sprint. They were pretty close, but not close enough. As I reached peak speed, he swung his rifle my way. BANG! The first shot cracked by my side. Through pure rage, I barely flinched as I continued gunning it toward them. Not to brag or anything, but I also think I could compete with Usain Bolt at the pace I was going now. The leaves on the forest floor were a blur... but that might also be tunnel-vision. I'd expected a second shot to fire off, but ironically, it looks like the boy's gun either ran out of ammo as well, or jammed. He frantically checked the slide as I bolted toward them. When I approached, he shot to a stand, attempting to use the dead rifle as some sort of spear shield to hold me back as he himself staggered backward. This was meaningless. WHACK! I used my AK to forcefully kick his rifle aside. Miraculously, the boy managed to keep ahold of it as he continued backing up. Even though I had slowed now, my momentum got me within range. With the butt end of my AK facing him, I violently drilled it forward. Whoosh! What the fuck! Despite a perfect trajectory aimed at his face, this nimble motherfucker dodged it. As he did, though, he lost his footing. He was still staggering back, so he ended up tumbling backward. This would be great if I wasn't also tumbling forward to the ground. To make matters worse, I'd rolled over myself for a little bit longer than he did, given I had come in hot. By the time I was picking myself up again, he was already standing. He used this to his advantage, and before I could make it off my knees, he ran forward and swung the rifle my way. Whack! His rifle met the side of my head, knocking me back to the ground. I shook this off as quickly as I could, rolling to my back to keep my eyes on him. I still had my AK in my grasp, so I raised it up as my own makeshift, wannabe spear. Funny enough, I guess the tense situation got to the boy. He looked to be readying to hit me with his rifle again, but flinched and staggered like an idiot when my barrel swept him. Maybe he didn't know I was out of ammo? Either way, I played along, yelling like a wild baboon as I pretended to line his head up in the AK's sight. The boy freaked the fuck out, diving down to the ground. While he was being an idiot, I quickly shot back to a stand. As I did, he finally realized I wasn't able to fire and shot up to his feet as well. Before he could, though, I'd already come up with an idea. This rifle-whacking could only go on for so long. Instead of readying the wannabe spear again, I dropped it to my feet. I noticed the other boy I'd shot had somehow come back to a stand, clutching his chest and stumbling around the tree to come help his friend. There would be no need for this. I threw my hands back, underneath my backpack. Although Trix had only shown me how to do this once, it stuck with me. I waved my hands around until I felt the straps hanging down and pulled at them, immediately feeling the heavy chainsaw start to loosen. I don't know how I managed this, but I quickly felt around with my left hand until I felt the switch to start it. As the saw slowly loosened out of place, I flicked the switch and kept feeling around until I felt the T-shaped starting handle. I then leaned the top half of my body to the right, and slightly back, allowing the loose chainsaw to begin falling out of its compartment. By now, the boy was rushing me again. This would be close. As the saw fell out of the compartment, my left hand remained in its place, causing the starter cord to extend. My right hand was already back there, catching the trigger handle of the chainsaw as it fell. With the trigger held, and the cord pulled, the saw rumbled to life. Despite almost falling over from the sudden weight of the saw dropping in my hand, I managed to pull my body straight. Letting go of the starter handle, I shifted to swing the saw back around, partially using the momentum of its fall to do so. My right hand kept the trigger pulled down, the blades happily starting their dance around the plate. I then quickly reattached my left hand to the handle to help. In one sweeping motion, the saw growled as I yanked it up and around my right side. The blades spun violently as they flew up with it. The boy was in range now, and he'd realized what was happening too late. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! The vicious blades met perfectly with the side of his neck. Immediately, they got to work tearing through it. To make matters better, the boy had halted. Not to stand still so I could cut his head off, obviously, but he just so happened to stop to probably try and start backing away. This was unsuccessful. Therefore, the saw happily cut through his skin. I felt its momentum weaken as it met his bone, but not by much. This beast of a saw didn't give a single fuck. It traveled through the bone within just a second or two before quickly accelerating out of the other side of his neck. I wasn't able to stop it soon enough, so this release of pressure caused the saw to fly out to the side, sending me into a 180-degree spin. I eventually regained control of it, holding it out in front of me as the motor crackled maniacly. I took a step forward and swung around to see the aftermath. The boy's detached head laid on the ground just a foot away from his slumped-over body. Blood sputtered out of both ends of his cut-open esophagus, quickly painting the grass underneath in a crimson red. After staring longingly at this grotesque scene for a moment, I raised my head to see the other approaching boy. And boy... he was not approaching anymore. He'd just come to a grinding halt, not far from us. His wide eyes shifted from his dead friend to me. We stared each other down for a few seconds, but I bet they felt like hours to him. I revved the chainsaw a few times, a grin reappearing on my face. The boy staggered back a few steps, still clutching his shot-through chest. "I feel ya, bro," I mocked between breaths, keeping my eyes glued to him as I slowly stepped around his dead friend's corpse. "S-... stop..." he pleaded. I stopped stepping forward, detaching my left hand from the chainsaw to set a finger on my chin in a playful thinking pose. "Hmm...... nah." I grabbed the chainsaw again and bolted into a sprint toward the boy. "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The boy quickly swung around, staggering to an awkward sprint. He started moving pretty quick too, completely driven by his will to survive. My will to reap his soul was hungrier. It didn't take him long until he bolted out of the forest, crossing its edge. I did, too, a few seconds later. A couple of houses from the outskirts of town were in the distance now, and he began running to them with all the strength he could muster. He wouldn't have enough time to do so, however. Despite lugging the heavy chainsaw, my sprint was a helluva lot faster than his after the initial takeoff. He'd noticed this too after looking back over his shoulder at me. He struggled to pick up his losing speed with his chest wound slowing him down. I approached closer... and closer... and finally... the boy staggered. He slipped on the grass ahead of me, his body falling forward and smacking the ground below him. He squirmed frantically in a fighting attempt to come back to a stand, but his foot slipped from his haste. For some reason, instead of trying again, he twisted his body slightly to look back, just to see me rapidly approaching. "NOOOOO!" he shouted out as he squirmed on his side, eager to get away. He threw his hand up instinctively, but this would not stop the saw. I slowed down once I realized he was mine and pulled down on the trigger. I then swung the saw to my right side as I jogged forward, within paces from him and- "NOO-!" BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! The saw first connected with his defending arm, causing him to pull it back down. As it did, my saw followed. The blades once again spun violently as I drove the tip of the saw down into his chest. For a moment, a high-pitched scream erupted from him. The moment after, it faded away, as it was literally sucked out of him. Just like the zombie ponies I'd cut up with Trix at the castle, the saw generated a lot of blood. A fountain of red shot up from the boy's chest, splashing everything in the nearby vicinity, including me. I ignored this as I forcefully dug the saw up his body, digging it through his neck until it cut open his face. When I'd reached his chin, a few drops of blood hit my eyelid, causing me to close my eyes. After sawing through his face, I blindly pulled out the saw and released the trigger. I tried blinking my eyes open, but they were seeing actual red with the stupid drops of blood. After using my semi-clean bicep to wipe them dry, I observed the boy to see if he was still moving. Haha, of course not. I don't think movement was even possible with what I was seeing. The saw had literally cut a gaping line from his chest to his forehead. Honestly, it looked like he was just missing a zipper to zip himself back up. A ribcage was poking out of the opened skin, though, bits and pieces of broken-off bone scattered around his corpse. Oh, and lots of blood. Like... everywhere. I backed up a few steps, feeling pain grow in my stomach. At first, I'd thought this gruesome ass scene had finally gotten to me, but then I remembered I'd been shot. Glancing down at my shirt made me realize I was getting pretty dizzy. The ground was swirling as I struggled to keep my balance. I lifted my shirt up with a free hand, just to find my abs covered with my own blood, as opposed to the outside of the shirt, which was covered with the boy's. This was probably unhealthy. I straightened my leg behind me to prevent myself from tumbling backward. With the dizziness growing, I was quickly getting disoriented. The grass around me swooned, and the nearby houses grew fuzzy in my vision. I tried scanning my surroundings in an attempt to snap out of it and happened to notice a pony off by the tree line. At first, I'd thought it might be one of the others finally coming back to get my crazy ass. However, my eyes briefly unblurred, allowing me to see a pale blue mare. Her eyes looked glazed over, and her mouth was open slightly, dripping saliva on the grass she was walking on. Gross. Slobbering bitch. I chuckled lightly to myself as I watched her trot closer to me. I had a chainsaw, so I didn't really care. So long as I could avoid falling ove- Woo!! Caught myself, don't worry. Haha. I'd staggered backward again, having to dig my foot in the grass to avoid keeling over. As I did, I was forced to look down at the ground to reorient myself. When I looked back up to gauge how far away the zombie mare was, I was startled to see her paleness had vanished. Her eyes weren't glazed over anymore, and she wasn't slobbering all over the grass. "Hey!" she called, "Are you alright?" ... What? I kept my eyes locked on her distant, unglazed blue irises. She continued trotting forward, eying me awkwardly. However, a smile grew on her face she she got closer. She was within throwing range when she called out again. "Human. I haven't seen you in a while!" Who the fuck is even that? I don't remember seeing this mare before. I wanted to ask her name, but I was too queasy right now. I continued just watching as she trotted up to me. However... it didn't look like she was stopping. As she trotted within feet from me, she called out again. "C'mere, human! Gimme a hug!!" She lunged forward, and when she did, I blinked away her normal appearance. The previous pale version of her reappeared, her mouth open wide to take a bite out of me. I staggered backward, attempting yet failing to pull the trigger of my chainsaw to defend myself. Don't ask why--I don't know. I guess I wasn't ready for this. Defenseless, I watched as the zombie mare jumped up her front hooves and reached out to- ɮʟǟֆȶ! A flash of blue light beamed briefly in my eye as a magic orb smacked into the side of the mare's head. The orb blasted her sideways, just before she got to me. I felt the end of her hoof brush my right arm before she fell to my side. Miraculously, I'd managed to stay standing. I still staggered back a few steps in a pathetically delayed attempt to dodge the mare. After this, I glanced down at where the mare landed. She was frozen on the ground, a thin layer of melting ice surrounding her body. Once I knew she wasn't a threat anymore, I swung my head to where the orb had come from. In the distance, Trix was sprinting toward me. I could vaguely see Twi and Dash, I think, not far behind. I met eyes with Trix, who'd just shouted something I couldn't quite make out. My vision was also blurring. Awe shit. Here we go again. I tried to save myself from falling, but it wasn't happening this time. I ended up dropping my chainsaw, passing out once more.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Continue on	I awoke in warmth not long after. My hearing was back ... mildly. I was wrapped up in a blanket, laying on one of the train car's beds. "Hey Devan," Jen said. She'd been sitting in a chair opposite my bed. She stepped up to it. "You alright?" Still a bit dazed, I simply sat up, shrugged, and looked at my hand. It was bandaged up fully from my wrist up. I felt my ears with my free hand, which were wiped clean of blood. "God. How long was I out?" She checked her watch. "You were only asleep for about fifteen minutes. I'm surprised you're up so soon." "Well I feel horrible." "Do you want a sip of water?" "I guess." I threw the covers aside. "I can get it for you ..." she offered. "No. I'm fine." I threw my legs over the edge. "Is my hand gonna heal?" "The nurse said so. You didn't get any fingers blown off, but it did skim off most of the skin on both your index and pinky." My hearing was growing better by the minute. "I ... thought I had gone deaf for good." "You would have, but Trixie put a heal spell in your ears. She's letting it grow back momentarily. Her name is Trixie, right?" "Whoa ... yeah, she is. I didn't know she could heal deafness." "She had some help from Twi and Celestia." I stood up and stretched my legs. I'd almost forgotten that my chest was still taped up from Pete's attack. It was weird to stretch it, and it felt different than it used to. "Yeah ... Snow changed your bandage. Nice abs," she winked. This was extraordinarily weird coming from her, but I let it slide for now. "Where are the others?" "They're checking out the station. They told me to wake you up in an hour if you weren't awake." "What time is it?" She checked. "Almost 9:30." "Everybody is okay, right? Nobody else got shot?" "Well ... unfortunately, Abby got her shoulder clipped. Other than that, no." "She alright?" "Yes. Just a bit shaken. Snow bandaged her up too." "Alright." "Devan?" "What?" "I had a talk with Twi. We're cool now." "Really? That was quick." "Yeah. I gave her the full story." "It's just weird seeing you transform suddenly." "Yeah ... I know. Devin was a mastermind at making us believe you were evil. He even convinced me that Celestia had killed my father. I really didn't want to believe him, though." "Really? That's crazy." "I know." I followed Jen through the car. The sun shone through the broken windows as morning arose. The glass that'd been scattered on the floor was missing, supposedly swept up. "Did you guys sweep up the glass already?" "Trixie used her magic to throw most of it away." "Oh." Trixie's magic ability was stronger than I realized. I'd never heard of magic curing deafness. Still ... I'd never heard of anypony being deaf in the first place. Warm air from the last days of summer flowed through the open windows. Even though it was morning, it was still exceptionally warm. After grabbing a fresh water bottle from the kitchen, I followed Jen through the door and out onto the open car. The doors were flung open, so Jen jumped off and offered to help me down. "Geez. I'm not handicapped." I still took her hand and allowed her to help me down. "I know. You just look like you've been through a lot." "No kidding." The station was a little ways away. Dash had stopped farther away than I'd thought. "Seriously," Jen said. "Doesn't it hurt at all?" "My chest?" "Well ... yeah. What about your hand?" "It's sore, but it'll be fine. I didn't break any fingers." I demonstrated by wiggling all of them. "Then why'd you pass out?" "Probably because of my ears. You wouldn't believe how loud those bullets were. I think my eardrums exploded. "Ouch." The station door opened as we approached. Twi stepped out and gasped when she saw me. "You're up already?" "Yeah. Find anything in the station?" Dash came out as well. "Hey Devan! You're up early." "I know." "Can you hear alright?" "It's getting better by the minute." "Great," Twi said, "We checked out the station, but didn't find anything. We're ready to move if you are." "No question. I'm ready," I replied. "Are you sure?" Dash asked. "Yeah. My legs are fine." "Alright. Dash, gather everybody up out here." She nodded and went into the station. Twi passed us to hop on the train once more. Jen and I stood, waiting. I noted the cool, breezy air. Tomorrow was the last day of summer and the temperature was dropping with the leaves. Before the outbreak, I'd been excited about the arrival of autumn. Now I was worried about the temperature dropping too low. What if it began snowing? The zombies would slow, sure, but we would freeze if the hospital was burned down. Twi hadn't gone over much of a plan despite walking to the hospital, but maybe reinforcing Twi's castle would be our best chance to survive the zombie mobs and possible boy attacks. Bleh. Thinking of more boys shooting up innocent surviving ponies was difficult. Hopefully we'd be able to detain them all and send them back to Earth. If we shot them, it'd have the same effect regardless. Everybody regrouped a minute later. Twi brought out a cart and offered to pull Blaze and Drift. Blaze was hesitant, probably dishonored if he allowed her too. I didn't blame him. He had the role of doing things for Celestia and her instead, and it'd take away his feeling of fortitude as a guard. "I can't make you do that," he said. "It's fine, Blaze," Twi insisted. "I can pull you instead," I offered. "Did you forget about your hand?" he gestured. "No. It just doesn't hurt that bad." Everybody glanced at it questionably, looking me up and down. Apparently, it was hard to believe that I was feeling okay. But I was. I'd survived gunshots to the chest before, so I wondered why they thought I couldn't withstand a mere flesh wound on two of my fingers. "I didn't pass out because of it. I passed out because of my ears." "Suit yourself then," he replied. "I'll help," Jen added. "Sure," he said, "The more the merrier." Twi stepped in, "Just to keep you informed Devan, we were attacked in the station by more boys. We need to keep an eye out on our surroundings." "Really? Another attack?" "Yes. A smaller one than the one fifteen minutes ago, however." This caused my level of security to rise. If they'd been attacked again, there was surely more to come. "Is everybody okay?" "Yes. We took them out again, with no injuries." "Good to hear." Twi gave us the plan before we got moving. "Firstly, we'll head for the hospital. Once we get there, Devan, Trixie, Jen, Abby and I will scout out what's left of it. Everybody stays outside, keeping a lookout for signs of boys. If you see any, come inside immediately. Once we finish scouting, we'll tell you if it's clear to come. Everybody clear?" We all agreed and started following Twi to, hopefully, a manageable scene.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Wakey wakey	Something weird was going on. You know... besides me somehow being partially conscious in an unconscious state again. It felt as though I was in a dream, but nothing was happening. Everything was black. I was... here?... but not really. I couldn't look around... I just kind of existed. After a minute of this strange existence, weird, bubbly lights floated around my... vision? These lights only took a few seconds to start flashing all around me. The white and light blue ones overshadowed the rest, dancing around as they rapidly lit up and dimmed in brightness. This effect was joined by an odd sound filling my ears. A weird, hum-like noise. The hum grew with various frequencies of bass accompanying it. The sound faded in and out, adding to the chaos of the lights still dancing in my vision. A weird creaking sound began dancing around my headspace to add to this. As the lights and sounds wrapped around my brain, I felt a pain stab through it. It hit me hard, like a migraine that had no build-up to it. This aching led to a wave rushing down my nervous system, sending a chill through my body so violent that I blinked open my eyes. The dancing lights weakened but remained in my vision. New, bright white lights overhead replaced them, nearly blinding me. I squinted my eyes. The humming, bass, and creaking had died down as well, replaced by weird beeps and muffled voices. I heard some kinda alarm going off by my right side. Blinking my eyes allowed me to vaguely adjust to the light, and as I did... a blurry human head appeared in front of it. A doctor. Or a surgeon? I don't know. All I know is that he had a mask, goggles, and hospital cap on. He looked me in the eyes, but I still couldn't see all that well. My heart sped up rapidly, and the humming grew again. The doctor/surgeon moved his head back out of sight, causing the bright light to grow in my vision again. I closed my eyes, trying to fight away the growing light and sound overwhelming my senses. It grew and grew until I couldn't take it anymore and- AHHHHH!!! Everything suddenly stopped. The lights and sounds disappeared as I jolted... awake? I shot open my eyes, my heartbeat accelerating viciously. The blinding light was gone as well, replaced by some kind of roof. "Whoa whoa whoa, hun, relax." I turned my head to see Nurse Snowheart on my side, fiddling with something. I stared at her for a solid few seconds to relax, coming back to reality. Glancing behind her, I realized we were on the floor of one of the subway-styled train cars. As I looked back at Snow, I felt the pain in my abdomen from before return. It wasn't a terrible pain, but it was definitely uncomfortable. It didn't help that I could feel it exposed, being attacked by ambient air. Raising my head allowed me to see that my shirt was pulled up, exposing it. It wasn't covered in red blood anymore--my skin was actually clean. On top of this, the bullet wound was already covered up with a taped-on, puffy gauze bandage. While I observed this, another female voice spoke from behind and startled me. "So... is he alright to wake up? I can knock him out again, if you need," Jen said. I sat my head back down and looked up to see her hovering over the back of me, on her knees. She looked down at me with them sparkly ocean-colored eyes and smiled. Snow replied, "You can knock him out later. He's good for now." Jen kept her eyes locked on me, her smile staying. "Awe, dang. Was hopin' I could knock some sense into him." I glanced up at her confusingly before using my hands to slowly start sitting back up. "Whoa, hun," Snow said, sticking her hoof out in front of my chest to stop me. "Just lay back for now. Your wound needs some time to heal." "Yeah," I laughed, "right." I resumed slowly sitting back up, pushing back against her restraining foreleg. "Hun!" I was winning too, until two hands grabbed my shoulders and forcefully shoved me back to the floor. Even though we were on the floor, I could feel some kinda soft surface beneath me, like a blanket. As much as I enjoyed the comfort of this blanket on my back, I didn't enjoy the hands on my shoulders. "Let go, bitch!" I scoffed, glaring up at Jen. She didn't. "Just listen to the nurse, dickhead. You can relax right now. Your pony friends are fine." "They are? Where are they?" "We had a little zombie incident. After you passed out, we started getting jumped by them. They musta heard the gunshots from that shoot-out we had. The others pulled you in here, but they're outside now, cleaning up the rest of the mess and attempting to drive some of 'em away." "What?! I need to help them!" I exclaimed, pushing up against her restraining hands. For a second, she released one of them, only to use it to punch my forehead. The pain that stemmed from this blow was uncomfortable enough for me to quit fighting back. She returned her hand back on top of my other shoulder to continue holding me down. "No, you don't. I don't understand why you're so gung-ho all the time." Nurse Snow giggled. "None of us do." "Get off!" I retaliated. "Princess Celestia said you'd probably fight back. She told me to tell her if you were causing issues, so she can, you know, spank you. Want me to?" Jen mocked. I quit fighting back and blankly stared up at her. "Bitch." She snickered, that stupid smile returning on her face. "This is fun. I kinda like holding you down." ... What? I squinted my eyes in confusion, wondering why this bitch was acting so flirty. I didn't like it. I mean... it's not like... well... I don't know... it's just... ... Fine... I'll admit it. Jen is hot as fuck. I'd been ignoring this since we first met at the castle, seeing as though she'd always been an enemy. But now, it was harder to ignore this. I hated the fact that her face and body were both resounding 10s. It didn't help that her young, perky tits were hanging above my face now. "I'm gonna hold you down when I murder y'all," I retaliated. She rolled her eyes. "You aren't gonna murder us, idiot. I know you're just trying to intimidate us." "I! I-" Mmm... I hate to admit it, but I think she's right. As easy as it was to slaughter the boys just now, I don't think I could bring myself to kill the girls as easily anymore. Mayyyyyyyyyybe Abby, since she's still bein' a bitch... kinda... ...but honestly, now that I think about it, I was looking into the eyes of another murderer. I was looking at my equal. I got a tingly feeling in my stomach--one that probably wasn't due to my wound--and started wondering if Jen and Abby would actually kill me in a 2v1. I did have my chainsaw, but if they were willing to brutally stab their former ally to death, I doubt they'd hesitate in blowing my head off with a bullet. Damn. I huffed. "So how long am I going to be held prisoner?" "As long as it takes," she answered. "Ugh." This is ridiculous. This was even worse than the 16-hour shifts I had to pull at Sweet Apple Acres occasionally. At least back then, I was kinda free. I won't go into loads of detail taking up multiple upcoming paragraphs, but my job at Sweet Apple Acres was more maintenance-related. You see, since I wasn't a pony that could buck the living shit out of trees, there wasn't a place for me in the regular harvesting position. It was still a bit amusing, at least to AJ and her family, when we experimented during the first few weeks to see what my capabilities were. I'd even damn near broke my leg when we tested my bucking strength. That wasn't meant to be, but they found a LOT of use out of me in maintenance. I would walk around the orchard with my dumb little step-ladder, climbing up trees like the monkey I am to tend to them, making sure the soon-to-be-ripe apples would fall with no problems. Apparently, this was extremely effective in mitigating 'apples-still-stuck-in-the-tree' loss. 'What is 'apples-still-stuck-in-the-tree' loss?', you ask. I'm pretty sure they can figure that one out themselves. Probably, but let me explain in exaggerated detail. So 'apples-sti-... ... ... I was pulled from my thoughts when Jen began rubbing my shoulders. I glanced up at her, noticing she was still trying to burn holes in my retinas with her sparkly, ocean-colored eyes. She smiled teasingly as she slowly rubbed back and forth. It felt really good, which pissed me off. As much as my shoulders wanted her to continue, I didn't. I was also starting to fight off a boner. "Stop," I whispered. "Shhhhhh." I looked away in hopes of winning the battle in my pants as I endured this torture for a little longer. Thankfully, the battle was interrupted when we heard a ruckus grow from outside the cabin. Jen finally released her hands, allowing me to sit up on my elbows to see. First through the doorway of the car came Twi, followed quickly by Trix and Blaze. I noticed that both of them were carrying another pegasus with a bright cyan-colored mane and tail over their backs. It took me a second to realize it was Flitter, the mare who hung around Cloud all the time. I woulda noticed her sooner if she had her bright pink bow on her head, but she didn't. I'd remembered seeing her at the hospital before our Canterlot adventure, so it was odd seeing her here. "Snow!" Twi called, leading the others toward us. "We need you! She's bad!" Dash and Trix ran up with her and gently set Flitter down by my legs. She looked exhausted, and also pretty raggedy, as if she'd been rolling around outside. I realized she did have her bright pink bow, but it was untied and wrapped around her chest like a makeshift bandage. It was more pink-red now, as blood could be seen seeping through it. Snow wasted no time in turning her attention from me to her. "What's wrong??" she asked. "She was shot!" "Shot?" Snow repeated, carefully inspecting the cloth-like thing. "Yes! Not recently. She was shot yesterday. She's been fighting since then." Snow hastily checked over her before replying, "Did you give her any water?" "No." "Bruh." ... That bruh wasn't even from me. Snow uttered it this time. She then quickly dug in her bag for a water bottle and hoof-fed Flitter some water. As she did, I began interrogating Twi. "How the fuck was she shot yesterday? Who shot her?" "Who do you think?" ... "Wait..." I realized now that everypony looked nervous as fuck. Especially Dash. Twi was similarly distressed-looking, and after hearing this, I started putting 2 and 2 together. "Yeah," Twi continued, "we got some pretty bad news." "Bad news?" "Yeah... unfortunately." Trix huffed as she glanced over at Twi. "Would you just fucking tell him? Rip the bandage off." Twi huffed as well before looking back at me. "The hospital was attacked by a group of boys while we were gone." ... ... ... I felt my brain short out for a second while an intense, agitated fury roared through it. I'd just had the satisfaction of gunning down the group of boys that ambushed us, as well as sawing those last two to death... but there were still more? Of course there were. I clenched my fists by my side. These fucking degenerate pieces of shit were getting on my last fucking nerve, almost making the actual zombie apocalypse seem like not a big deal, seeing as we always gotta dEAL WITH THEIR FUCKING BULLSHAAFAWGA HWIUHFAU IWHFUIWHAFHWHAFH AWFHWAUIFHBA!! WUIFH IUW AHFACHAINSAWKAWHDA WDAWHKUD, HWKDH AWUKD-HWUAKDAWKU UKAWHD. 'NKUCHAINSAWAW'... NFUKB QWOFKNQ! WIFKNQKWDQI?? 'WLDM'?! OQWFJ... OQHFIQWODJOQ... WJDNQWOFJ!!! NQCHAINSAWWDJ!! QOWFW!! JFOQWFJOQ!!!! JFQOWFJ QOWDJKQOW DKOQCHAINSAWD!!! JQW! IODJQOW DJQWODJQOWDJ QOWJDO, QWJDOQWDO, QWDCHAINSAWWW!!!!!! I could not contain the rage within me any longer. I'd planned to stand up and... I don't know... rage? However, Jen caught on to this and forcefully grabbed my shoulders to hold me back before I could. When I started spontaneously raging and fought to sit up, Twi and Trix both joined her in holding me down. "See?" Twi scoffed, "This is why I didn't wanna tell him that directly." "Oh whatever, princess. He'd react the same anyway," Trix retorted. The two of them bickered a little bit until the others returned from their little zombie adventure outside. Celestia, in particular, broke them up and ordered me to calm down. This allowed them to explain what Flitter had told them. So, last nigh- They know. ... What? They already know. Perspective shifted a while back so they could watch it happen. ... Bruh. And y'all didn't say anything?! And how the fuck would they go about doing that, D'mitry? I... I don't know. Yeah. Quit breaking the fourth wall and skip the backstory. Fine. Would it really be a fourth wall, thoug- Lightning bolt. AHHHHHH!
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Threats Everywhere	We walked the next five minutes at a rather slow pace. Many of us were tired, and hadn't gotten a chance to just stop and breathe without having to run or duck. That didn't stop us from being alert however. Jen and Abby had offered to watch our backs after I said I could pull the cart alone. The sun was risen fully now, and it's warm rays led us forwards. The night had seemed so cold. This walk was different than the ones we'd been on before. Nobody had said a word the entire time. We were all paranoid, Abby and I especially. After the horrible encounter, I'd expected a gunshot to whiz by any second. There was a lot of open ground ahead and behind us, but there were still trees. I shuffled next to Trixie. I wanted to start a conversation to loosen the tension so badly, but it was probably best to keep it silent so we could focus. Another half mile or so awaited us. I saw something move around in a few desolate trees ahead to our left. "Guys ..." I whispered. Everybody stopped. Twi and Trixie had seen it too. We drew our guns and waited for more movement. After thirty seconds, there was none, but a quiet murmur of groans sounded in the distance behind us. "Zombies," Twi said softly. "What do we do?" Spike asked. Twi thought. "I don't know. Let's just hide in those bushes for now," she gestured to a few of them opposite of the trees to our left. The pathway cut in between them. We followed her. The groans were growing louder, which was nerve racking. Quietly, we entered the shrubbery. There were plenty of bushes covering the view of us. Looking at the path, the bushes curved like an arc flanking our left side, where the moans were coming from. Tall trees stood between them, giving shade to us. It felt like the perfect spot to hide. "Everybody line up against these bushes and stay quiet. If one comes through them, we'll use the knife to kill it quietly. Okay?" We nodded along. Something sounded wrong about their moans though. They didn't sound close, but their moans were echoing off in the direction of the hospital. They didn't sound simultaneous at all, even for echos. Twi stuck her head in the bush to see better, and came out seconds later. "There's zombies on both sides." She nervously stuttered. "Do we just stay here then?" Dash asked. "There's really nothing else we can do." She was right. Their moans had grown loud, and we could smell their putrid scent. I leaned in a couple inches in the bush and struggled to make them out, but they were definitely there. Twi asked Trixie, "If they all come at us, can you put a shield around us?" "I can try." Through the bushes, I could see more movement behind the desolate trees. I shifted for a closer look. The leaves obscured half of him, but another boy stood leaned against one of them. There were also two bordering trees that he could use to stay hidden from both the approaching hordes. "Twi," I whispered urgently. "What?" "Look." She leaned in with me and looked at what I was pointing at. "What do we do?" I asked. "Shh ..." "Sorry." "We can't shoot him, but we'll knife him if he gets too close." The tree wasn't far away, so any drastic movement would cause him to take notice. Twi and I slithered silently out of the bush, greeted with nervous stares. "There's a boy across from us," she told the others. Trixie responded seconds later, "I think I know of a spell that can disable him." "You do?" "Yes. Should I warm it up?" "Is it quiet?" "Yes." "I guess. Just be careful," Twi said after speculation. She slowly lit up her horn and moved up right next to the bush, careful not to make noise. Her horn glew bright blue, but right before she released the spell, a loud gunshot bursted. The bright blue light of her spell evaporated as Trixie fell, squealing in pain. Before Twi could tell me otherwise, I rushed quickly in the bush where I could see him, then let off at least half of the thirty round clip. He fired another round at me before collapsing, exploding in blood. We had been so close to each other, that I could see almost all of the shots go right through his torso. Now his body laid lifeless. It'd be impossible for anybody to have survived that. The zombie moans loudened, and we were in immediate trouble now. I backed out of the bush to help the others aid Trixie. "She's been shot in the chest," Snow said. "Damn it." Knowing our cover had been blown, we weren't whispering now. The others stood up and readied their guns. "Is she going to be okay?" Dash asked. "I don't know." "Behind us!" Spike shouted. Twi was going to yell at him for shouting before her and I turned to see galloping zombie ponies sprinting for us. "We're being surrounded!" Jen yelled. "That's it!" Twi shouted over the moans. "Give them everything you got!" Everybody nodded one last time before setting up shop and gunning down the hordes. Myself included, I emptied two clips behind us, wiping out just a dozen zombie ponies or so. They were advancing quickly, faster than we could imagine. Despite the scary scene, I stopped after my clip was done, and drooped over Tixie. Snow had set her on her back, and was frantically working on her chest. "Trixie? Trixie!" She had already fallen unconscious. "Come on Snow." "I'm doing all I can!" I backed off, letting her do what she did best. When I popped up, the mobs were only yards away from the bushes, and several of them had already reached the boy I'd shot dead. I could see them ripping him to pieces. Gruesomely disturbed, I nearly vomited as I dropped the closest attackers. They were scary close now. "Grenade!" Dash yelled. Reloading, I glanced at her as she pulled the pin and threw it at the herd behind us. Very soon after, it backfired by bouncing off a nearby tree and landing in the middle of us. "Hell! Everybody run!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Some of the others unaware, we all scurried in different directions when we saw it. I helped Snow drag Trixie through the bushes and stupidly ran into a couple of zombies while watching the grenade. I caught a glimpse of Blaze before it exploded violently, with a force more unimaginable that we had expected. It's blast was bright, and it threw Snow and I almost against the desolate trees. We'd lost grip of Trixie, and zombies now hovered over her limp body, ready to chew into her. Still dazed from the blow, I fired a clip at the attackers before they could bite her, careful not to hit Trixie. Another unexpected explosion where the first one had occurred erupted, and even sent the cart in the air. It flew out until plummeting down, right on top of me. It dazed me even more, and now I saw stars. The cart was pulled off of me by Snow, and I rose dizzily. Zombies were everywhere now. I couldn't locate anypony other than Snow and Trixie. "Help me!" Snow hustled to Trixie. "Pull her on the cart! I got left leg!" Quickly but clumsily, I grabbed her right leg and pulled her on the cracked cart with the help of Snow. "Follow me! Pull her," she demanded. I let my m4 hang on its strap around my neck, grabbed the cart's uneven handles, and followed her as she lifted her Scar-L and began paving a path inside the horde nearest the hospital. I spun my head around to check on Trixie and look for the others with no success. Another grenade exploded, and it led to a chain reaction of at least a dozen more. Apparently somebody had forgotten to take their grenades with them. A tree cracked over the force behind us, and I looked back to see it fall in the middle of the path. It was big enough to prevent the other horde from breaking through, which was relieving. Snow started reloading, and I shouted over the noise, "What about the others?" She turned and stared dead eyed, before saying, "We have to leave them."
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Lieutenant Blaze	Celestia's sun beamed down on us as we staggered and trotted towards the hospital. Honestly, we probably shoulda just been walking, but Twi wanted us to go faster than that. We needed to get there, now, even on the off chance there was nothing to return to. Flitter hadn't been able to stick around to see the aftermath, so we were unsure of what we would be seeing once we got there. During the attack, she'd left the safety of her own room and attempted fleeing before things got out of hoof. While she escaped, though, a few stray bullets found their way into her chest. Like a badass survival expert, she'd taken off her pretty pink bow and used it as a makeshift bandage to slow the bleeding. She'd then spent the next few days stumbling around the forest, barely hanging on to life after getting lost on the outskirts of Ponyville. Her story was pretty moving, really. She fought hard despite the odds. If it weren't for her hearing that little shoot-out we just had with the boys, she mighta never found her way out, where she'd inevitably dehydrate to death. So yeah... glad that didn't happen. We also happened to have another one of those wooden carts we'd used before to haul an injured Red/Snowheart to Canterlot. You know, the one blown into a million pieces by a speeding train? Yeah, that one. The others had found another one like it on the train, ironically, so we were using this one to haul Flitter. Unfortunately, it only had a 1-pony capacity. Which sucked, given this group was very prone to injury. For now, she took priority since she was in bad shape. Snow is a good nurse, sure, but she ain't a miracle worker. Meanwhile, Guard Drift was finally walking again, with the help of Discord and Dash. Took him long enough. Fucking weakling. I was up and running around, like, a few hours after getting shot in my chest back in Canterlot. Aaand I'd gotten hit more than once. I guess I'm really just that guy. You're not that guy, pal. Yes I am. I was literally just shot in the abdomen as well, and here I am, walking like everything was peachy. Literal plot armor. Bruh. ... I mean... I guess Snowheart did say that all of my bullet wounds have been pretty 'miraculous', given that none of them hit any vital components. She'd mentioned that all of the bullets I'd gotten hit with had torn through me without doing hardly any damage. So... moving on. Partway through our journey along the outskirts of Ponyville, we started noticing zombie ponies here and there. Seeing as though there were about a dozen of us now, this wasn't much of an issue. Although it was bothersome that every one of them we stumbled across seemed to be facing us, we managed just fine. So we continued on. This time, I wasn't moseying toward the back of the group. I was closer to the front/center, forced to be here by the princesses. They were concerned about my wounds and how I kept passing out all the time, so they wanted me to be toward the center in case I keeled over in an attempt to die. Trix stuck by my side most of the time, only breaking away to blast some of the zombie ponies with magic spells. Seeing her KO most of these stragglers made me realize just how easy this damn apocalypse woulda been if magic hadn't said fuck it and left. I still wondered why magic had vanished, but I also wondered why the clouds above us looked so strange. I'd never seen cloud formations like this before. It was kinda mesmerizing. I kept gazing up at them, nearly tripping on myself a few times. Trix was in the crossfire, so after almost knocking her over, she'd wack me in the back of the leg. I continued looking up at the clou- Whoaaawh- Splat! I hadn't realized everypony had come to a stop, including Trix. I managed to actually trip over her this time, splatting face-first on the grass. I annoyingly shook this off and came back to a stand, noticing Twi with her foreleg risen in front of us. She looked back at me disapprovingly and rolled her eyes. "What is it?" I asked, moving to join her. "Shush." Rude. We were traveling through a sparsely forested area at the moment, staying away from the paths circling Ponyville's outskirts. We'd taken those paths before, but now, we were more cautious. We were almost, like, zombie survival experts now... or somethin' like that. On our left, and slightly behind us, we could hear a collection of groans through a more densely packed section of the forest. In the distance, I caught sight of a figure moving toward us with a limpish-looking walk, which meant it was probably a zombie pony. I don't know though, that's kinda what most of our walks looked like at this point. It seemed as though we couldn't make it one day without somebody getting injured or fucked up. But hey... at least none of us have died recently. A couple seconds after observing this pony, we noticed more join the party. The distant figures limped in our general direction. It was a bit odd how sluggish they were going. "Zombies," Twi whispered. "No no. I think they're Mormons," I replied. Even though Twi wasn't directly by my side, she moved back slightly so she could wack my leg. I ignored this, as it was pretty commonplace at this point. "What do we do?" I asked her. "Let's just keep moving forward. Everybody stay quiet and keep going at the pace we were before." She got swift approval from Celestia and Luna behind us, so we continued. This went fine, seeing as though the path ahead of us remained completely clear of- ... Of course. After jogging over a slight ridge in the sparse forest, we noticed loads more zombie ponies in the distance ahead of us. As if this wasn't enough, we could tell they were heading in our direction. "Son of a bitch," I remarked. "Keep it down!" Twi scoffed. "Psssht. Not like it matters anymore. Guess we'll all just die then." "Really?" Jen and Abby were off to our right side. Just like before, and as if nothing had happened back on the train, the princesses offered them the ability to hold a few of the m4 rifles we were storing. I guess none of us really cared about our safety anymore. I'm honestly surprised Abby hadn't shot me in the back of the head yet. Regardless, the princesses trusted the murderers now. Nothing I could do about that. The murderer, Jen, glanced at the ponies in front of us before calling out. "There's like a dozen of us. And we have military weapons. You really think this is our demise?" "Mmm...no, not really. I was just being dramatic. Either way, we're gonna have to put up a fight now. Right, Twi?" I noticed she was gazing out at the zombies in front of us and rubbing her chin. I waited for her to respond, but she spent a solid few moments glancing back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and back... ... ... and forth and back and forth and- "Twi, are you havin' a fucking seizure?" She glanced back at me. "Sorry... sorry. Okay, listen. I know it sounds stupid, but let's try and hide away from them. Maybe we can just let them all pass." "Bruh." "Look," she said, pointing at a dense patch of shrubbery to our right. "We can hide in there. If all else fails, we'll just fight 'em off." "Oh hell naw," Celestia called, walking a few steps forward to join Twi and me. Luna similarly followed her to join in on the discussion. Twi huffed and pointed her hoof up at Celestia. "No. We aren't doing this now, Celestia. Just listen to me." "There's no way we're following that ridiculous plan. I'm actually surprised you would suggest something like that." "Sister, please," Luna joined, "It's not that bad of a plan. Why don't we try it out and see how it goes?" Celestia's eyes widened as she glanced between the two. "Seriously, sister? You think hiding out is the way to go?" "Not really, but it's worth a shot." I was still in the circle they'd formed, so I spoke up. "No it's fucking no-" Whack! Luna whacked me in the mouth with her long foreleg hard enough for me to stagger out of the circle. Before I could complain, they continued their bickering. "I vote yay," Twi stated. "No w-" Celestia started. "I vote yay," Luna added. "Oh for fucks sake!" Celestia scoffed, stomping her hoof on the ground. "You two are ridiculous. This better fucking work." "Sister," Luna scoffed back, "Your vote?" "NAY!" "2-to-1," Twi said, "We win. Let's go." Even in this tense moment, I cracked a smile at hearing Celestia so aggressively shout 'Nay'. Still... I can't believe Luna opted to vote for Twi's absurd idea. I was with Celestia on this one, but you know, I'm not a princess, so I guess we'd have to go play hide-and-seek in the fucking bushes and wait to get ambushed. We like getting ambushed around here, apparently. We all moseyed our way to the dense shrubbery and pressed ourselves low against the ground. Most of the good, concealed positions towards the less-densely packed middle of the bushes were taken by the princesses themselves, leaving me to fight off dumbass twigs and thorns in my spot. At first, it looked as though Jen was trying to get to a spot close to me, but Snow took this spot before she could. Good. Dumb human bitch. I'd laid down and settled into my uncomfortable ass spot a bit earlier than the others, so I took a look around. Snow set herself up to my right, leaving the cart with Flitter behind us. Guard Blaze found a position to her right. I noticed Discord slivering around a little ways from us, trying to find a spot where he could settle. He was having quite a difficult time with this. "Ridiculous," he commented, "You imbeciles are trying to get my ass killed, I swear." "Shhhhh," Twi hissed. It was a bit amusing seeing Discord struggle for a little bit longer before finally settling in an interesting-looking cylindrical-like shape off to the other side of the bushes. After he did, I glanced around at the group a moment longer. There was nobody to my left, meaning I was on the outskirts. Trix was set up on the other side, joined by Twi, Dash, and AJ. I started getting a bit nervous, so I squirmed, fiddling with my backpack to release my chainsaw. The bush I was in had so many fucking branches and twigs tangling me up, though, that I eventually gave up. If I needed to get my saw, I would get it then. Seeing as though I could pull off that crazy ass move of tossing it around my back when I'd sliced that boy's head off earlier, I could probably get it off in this situation too. We all sat quietly for a good few seconds once everybody was settled. It was unsettling to hear the moans slowly grow in the distance, but there was nothing else we could do as we followed this ingenious plan. Snow was lying close to me, so I scooted over until our sides were touching. "You okay, hun?" she asked. "Yeah. So, like, how many 'herbs'," I whispered, using finger-quotes, "do you still have?" She tsked. "You have the gall to call ME a stoner after asking for it at a time like this?" "Hey, it's just for future reference. I'd like to have some once we get to the hospital." She rolled her eyes. "I have barely any left on me now. You and Dash smoked up half of the stash I brought along." "Half? So... where's... the other half?" Her eyelids fell, even more, as she eyed me annoyingly. "Where do you think, genius? I smoked it." ... ... "Stoner." The nurse shimmied her body a bit and- whack -awkwardly whacked the top of my head with her foreleg. Seeing as though we were both laid out on our chests, she couldn't whack it very hard. It didn't help that she had to avoid the saw blades hanging above my head. The message was there, though. She pressed herself back down, leaning close to keep whispering. "The rest of my supply is at the hospital, so I don't know. Hopefully nobody found it." "Shit. I didn't think about that." I took a second to think about what we might find at the hospital. I mean, surely all the ponies there fended them off, right? We'd encountered enough boys and had enough shootouts with them to realize they fucking sucked at shooting. Like, how do you have a mini-platoon of teenage boys strapped with military assault rifles and get none of us? Haha. Fucking idiots. After debating the possibilities in my head, my focus returned to what really mattered right now. "Hey," I whispered, "What about pain meds? Do you have any of those on you?" She grew an irritated expression, but I could tell she might be holding out on me. "Well?" She sighed. "I do. You can't have 'em, though." "Oh c'mon! Please? Have I not been put through enough pain to justify it?" "I'm not saying you haven't. But a lot of us have suffered, hun. Pain meds are the one thing we seriously need to keep an inventory of, regardless of how long this apocalypse lasts. There's no telling when we'll need them." I huffed. "Yes there is--right now. I'm in extraordinary amounts of pain." "You aren't acting the part very well. Just sayin'." I sighed, too lazy to put up some kind of act. As if she would fall for it right now, anyway. "Surely we can spare one pill, can't we?" "No, D'mitry. It's not happening." "Please! What do you want? I'll even lick your hooves if you want me to." She turned to me with a very disturbed expression on her face. "You sick child. What's wrong with you?" "I'm in extraordinary amounts of pain." She shook her head. "I'm not letting you have them, D'mitry. Stop asking me, please." I sighed dramatically, apparently piquing Blaze's interest. He was still lying not far from Snow's right side, but he probably hadn't heard our conversation. He leaned his head past her to look at me. "Human. Shut the fuck up!" he scoffed. I threw him the finger. Dumb royal guard bitch. Snow used her front hoof to squash my hand to the ground in front of her. We all returned our attention to the zombie ponies, noticing their groans were growing now. Despite the bush I was in being a bit more densely packed, I could still see figures approaching through the twigs and leaves. They approached closer... and closer... until we realized they were coming at us at a faster pace now. Those limpish walks from earlier were replaced by limpish trots, and their groans grew. They were coming for us now. Who. woulda. fucking. thought? Now, we would be forced to fight. "That's it! Abort the plan! Fire at will!" Twi shouted. Kid named Will: :O Really? Sorry, I couldn't resist. Shortly after Twi cried out, gunfire started erupting beside me. I finally ignored the twigs tangling me up and forcefully sat up, disconnecting the straps to let my saw fall to the ground behind me. After pulling it to my front, I set it down for now and pulled out my baby. By the time I pulled it out, I could see the figures clearly now, their pale bodies and slobbering mouths just feet away from entering the bushes. Of course, the only ones in the group who could actually aim worth a crap were Discord, the little shit, the murderers, and me. I could almost visibly see shots flying left and right of the incoming attackers. Thankfully, some of them eventually connected, wiping out the first few zombie ponies just outside the bushes. It didn't take long for more to appear, though. Amidst the gunfire and Trix's sporadic magic orbs, I heard groaning behind me. Flinging my head around revealed more figures nearby, trotting toward us. Right before we'd entered the bushes, it had looked like there were only two groups: one in front, and the one to our left. Now, it was looking like they were fucking everywhere. I swiveled my head around, noticing we were really getting ambushed now. What the actual fuck? BANG! BANG! BANG! Still sitting up on my knees, I started popping off at the zombies approaching our rear. I could see the others slowly realizing the situation as well. We were doing okay at the start, but it was clear with the others' lack of aim and our need to continuously reload our dwindling magazines, that we were about to be in a pickle. It didn't help that the bushes we were actively 'hiding' in were partially blocking our views. Gunfire intensified as we shot off rounds in every direction, taking out the nearest attackers we could see through the bushes. However, the zombies surrounding the bushes were getting denser. It looked like the whole population of fucking Ponyville was after us. It was getting scarier by the daggone minute. My baby ran out of ammo a second time, pissing me off slightly. As I was reloading, I noticed Blaze pull out a round, hand-sized object. I couldn't tell what it was as he fumbled around with it, accidentally dropping it in front of him. He picked it up and continued playing with it as I reracked the slide of my baby. Just as I raised it to start shooting, the idiot fumbled the mystery object again, accidentally causing it to roll beneath Flitter's cart. I ignored this as I se- "GRENADE!!!" Blaze shouted, "SCATTER!!" GRENADE?!?! A FUCKING GRENADE?!?!?!?! Where the FUCK did he get a GRENADE?!?!?! I noticed the others closer to the bush's center immediately peel off, darting out of the bush in all directions. Blaze instead fought the thick branches and twigs of the bushes surrounding him, Snow, and I to get to Flitter's cart. I was so thrown off by hearing he was fumbling with a GRENADE that my brain shorted out for a second. I shook this off and joined Snow in quickly coming to a stand, but I tripped and fell backward in this stupid fucking twig-riddled bush. If it weren't for these stupid fucking twigs and branches tangling us up, I mighta been alright. I quickly picked myself up and joined Snow as she rushed to Flitter's cart. By the time we got to it, Blaze had already set up behind it, using his chest and head to forcefully shove it away from the live grenade. I couldn't really round it to push with him, so I grabbed the back panel and started pulling the cart back. Snow did the same. I think we were starting to get away from the grenade. I wasn't sure, though, because this STUPID FUCKING BUSH HAD SO MANY FUCKING TWIGS AND LEAVES IN IT that I couldn't see it. I cursed Twi and Luna in my head as we frantically pulled the cart away. With all three of us, we were starting to get throu- BANG! An explosion from behind Blaze erupted, rocking all four of us. I saw the flash just milliseconds before feeling hot shrapnel skim my left shoulder. The shockwave and flying shrapnel ended up knocking us all to the ground. Well... Blaze, Snow, and me at least. Flitters was able to duck inside the cart, as it had walls surrounding her. Immediately after the blast, a slight ringing filled my ears. It only took a few seconds to fade away, replaced with moans and groans of the approaching zombies. This was horrendous timing. Who'd even given Blaze a fucking grenade to begin with? Unfortunately, I didn't have time to ponder. Snow shifted on the ground beside me and met eyes with me. "Hun! Are you alright??" "Gah, I'm fine!" I muttered, rising back to a stand. While I could feel pangs of pain shooting in my shoulder, I was actually fine. I mean... as fine as someone can be after getting shot multiple times, falling on their face, sliced, beaten, bitten, skimmed by a train, whipped, spanked, knocked upside the head, and just downright abused all in one week. ... Okay... I know she was only talking about what just happened, but I'm sick of getting injured. On the other side of the cart, I noticed Blaze still lying on the ground. He didn't respond to any of Snow's calls, but we could see him squirming around now. Both Snow and I rounded the cart to check on him. When we took a closer look, we realized that both his hind legs were bloody as hell and part of his tail was burnt. That grenade had absolutely cooked his rear. Before we could assess any further, zombies interrupted us. A quick glance around revealed that everybody else had split. I could see Discord, 'cause, you know, he's a miniature skyscraper. He was with Celestia, and Jen, I think, in the distance. Those were the only ones I could visibly see. Gunfire continued, and now, the zombies were splitting us up. "D'mitry!" Snow called, "You grab Blaze! I'll get the cart!" More zombie ponies were approaching, so all I could do was follow her plan. It helped that I liked it. Kinda wish Snow had come up with the plan when we first encountered this predicament instead of Twi. I guess being a brainiac for so long finally caused her brain cells to melt. Dumbass plan. I leaned down and grabbed Blaze's forelegs. He was still squirming, meaning he wouldn't be any kinda help right now. With my hands tightly squeezing his front hooves, I began pulling him out of the bush. Snow was behind me, frantically shoving the cart like Blaze had been. With adrenaline filling my veins, I followed her. Dragging Blaze was proving very difficult, though. Especially through this STUPID FUCKING BUSH! GOD! I debated the possibility of lugging him over my shoulders until my back sent furious signals to my brain to absolutely shoot that plan the fuck out of it. There was no way. Dragging him reminded me how damn heavy stallions were. My brain remembered the time I'd heard their average weight of 300 pounds for the first time. Fuuuuuuuuuuuck that. I ain't a damn powerlifter. Thankfully, though, my time at Sweet Apple Acres allowed me to grow some muscles, making it a little easier to pull him out. Oh yeah... by the way, that's ~135 kilograms for the freedomless having degenerates around the rest of the world. Lightning bolt. Ah! Ah! ... Just kidding!! Anyway, I was having a lot of trouble pulling Blaze out of this stupid bush. A quick glance over my shoulder revealed that Snow had gained distance on me, and was pushing the cart out of it now. She had zombies approaching her, so she pulled out a knife and rounded the cart to defend her and Flitters. Meanwhile, I nearly tripped over my damn chainsaw. I can't believe I'd forgotten about my chainsaw. Was this situation that intense? Yeah. ... Eh, okay, I guess you're right. My heart was pounding now, listening to all the moans and groans growing around us. I also noticed a pale blue zombie mare starting to fight through the other side of the bushes, approaching closer and closer to us. Distant gunfire added to the chaos. For now, I passed my chainsaw to get Blaze out of the bush. Despite my struggle, I eventually managed to drag him out. Snow was dealing with one of the attacking zombie ponies when I did, so I dropped Blaze and reentered the bush to go get my chainsaw. I angrily snapped the twigs left standing, simultaneously avoiding getting my feet caught up in the vines littering the ground. By the time I got back to my saw, the mare had made way more distance than I thought she would. She was just feet away by the time I'd reached it. I quickly reached down for my chainsaw, but so did she. As my hands dove down to grab the handle of it, the mare also dove down with her snout targeting them. I grasped my hands around the handle, but before I could pull it up, she intercepted and sunk her teeth into my fingers. "AH!! BITCH!" That was me yelling, obviously. I tried to yank my hands free, but she was biting into them so damn hard that I couldn't. I was still able to raise the saw off the ground, but now we were playing tug of war with my hands. I kept the saw in them as she shook her head side-to-side like a dog trying to steal a bone. Unfortunately, the saw's blades were pointed toward the left, meaning I couldn't use them to cut her off. While this mare looked pretty sick, she still put up a good fight. My brain also remembered when I'd heard of the average mare weight, which was still a hefty ~230 pounds, or 105 kilograms. I'm only 190 pounds, or 86 kilograms, last time I checked. Damn. I hope I don't have to explain weights again. Why can't the rest of the world just inherit America's far superior measuring system, using hamburgers, elephants, football stadiums, the size of two penguins, and the heat of a grill cooking delicious freedom burgers to measure? Like damn, get it together, rest of the world! Smh. I aggressively tugged back on my hands in an attempt to get away, but the mare pulled back harder. She yanked me a step forward, nearly making me trip. I used all the strength I could muster to pull back, but we entered a stalemate again. My hands stung viciously, only growing worse the longer her teeth held onto them. As we fought, I noticed her glazed-over eyes raise until they met with mine. I could even see her fucking glare at me. Looking at these 'soulless' eyes caused me to grow scared. Sure, I'd sawed through lots of zombie ponies by now, but this interaction felt even more personal than those. Her eyes tore into mine, and for a moment, I realized just how scary these zombie ponies actually were. My adrenaline strengthened. In less than a second, I raised my foot off the ground and drove it forward, connecting the bottom of my boot with her jaw. The boot sent enough force through her face to forcefully peel her teeth off of my hands. They scraped my fingers painfully as they detached, sending her staggering backward. I also staggered backward from the sudden release, falling down before I could balance myself. Despite this, I kept the saw held firmly in my hands as it fell down on top of my legs. The mare hadn't fallen over completely, meaning she was able to shake it off and come after me again. I realized I didn't have enough time to come to a stand, especially with my heavy saw sitting on top of me. With this in mind, I averted my eyes from her and glanced at the controls of the saw's motor lying above my waist. The mare rushed forward again. I quickly flicked the switch, and with a frantic hand, I grabbed the starting handle and awkwardly yanked it back over my shoulder. The saw's motor vibrated violently in my lap as it roared to life. Now... now I was in control. I raised the blades off my legs just in time as the mare finally leap- RNNBZZZZZZZZZZ! The blades cried out for a second before the mare effectively dove down to her death. I lined up the blades with the center of her head as she dove onto them. Her weight immediately shifted to the saw, causing it to fall backward on me. My forearms tensed HARD as I fought this, my hands quickly releasing the trigger. Thud! The saw fell on top of me, its blades landing across my cheek. The mare followed, all 200-some pounds of her pushing the saw even further against me. I could feel the saw's blades tear into the skin of my cheek, but they'd stopped spinning by the time they did. If I had let go of the trigger just a second later, I'm pretty sure the blades woulda torn straight through my skull. Right after the mare's dead body slumped over me, her blood spit out from the edges of the saw's blades still dug into her forehead. It doused my face, giving me even more motivation to get the hell up. I struggled for a moment before generating the strength needed to forcefully push her off to my right side. The saw's blades stung on their way out of my cheek, but the release of pressure on my body was nice. After rolling over and picking myself to a stand, I yanked the saw blades free from the mare's forehead. I took a second to catch my breath, forced to hear the sounds of more zombie ponies approaching. "D'mitry!" Snow called. I picked myself up straight and looked her way. She was still defending the cart and Blaze from zombies right outside the bush. When she met eyes with me, she called again. "We gotta go!" That we did. I quickly turned around and started heading out of the bush, which was still loaded with twigs and leaves to slow me d- RNNN! RNNNNN! RNN! RNNNNNNNN! FUCK THIS FUCKING BUSH! RAAAAAAAH!! I used my saw to make my own path out of the bush. It helped a little bit, but I was still scraped and snagged by a couple of twigs on the way out. Regardless, I was out now, hopefully never to reenter a fucking bush ag- "D'mitry! I dropped my bag! Can you grab it, please?!" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH "Sure, no problem." I re-entered the bush and quickly grabbed the bag she'd dropped, not far from where I'd been attacked. Again, I buzzed my way out. By the time I did, Snow was already latching herself to the yoke of the cart. From inside of it, Flitters eyed Blaze nervously. He was still laid out right where I left him, squirming around. "Yo! Blaze," I said, reaching down and shaking his shoulder. "You good?" He grunted and shifted his head to glarefully side-eye me. "NO! IDIOT! I can't feel my legs!!" Oh shit. Snow met eyes with me after she finished attaching herself to the cart. "Hun! You're gonna have to pull him. Can you manage that??" "God damn it." "Come on!" "Okay okay!" I reluctantly threw off my backpack and hastily set my saw back into its compartment. After securing it, I lugged the pack behind my back and leaned down in front of Blaze. He met eyes with me, realizing getting dragged outta here was probably gonna hurt like a bitch. "I better earn a damn medal for this shit." "You probably will. Participation trophy. Let's move, Lieutenant Blaze!" "Wha-aoaoooaoaoaaaa!"
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	Absolute Chaos & Reunion	After the explosions, and the sound of a tree cracking, Dash regrouped with Twi. "Where's the others?" Twi shouted. "I don't know!" Dash replied, still firing her m4. Guilt was filling her stomach rapidly, making her want to vomit. She was the reason everybody had been split up, and she'd never forgive herself if somebody died because of her. Now she had to stand back to back with Twi, gunning down the obnoxiously large swarms. Where had Devan gone? Where was Trixie? They couldn't even see Jen and Abby in the crowd. As she thought, Celestia stumbled into view. "Celestia!" "I see an opening. Follow me," she told her and Twi. Twi immediately accepted, trusting her decision. Dash turned around, and covered their backs as they followed Celestia away from the bushes and quiet trees behind them. "What about the others?" Twi asked over their gunfire. "We're gonna have to leave them." ---- ---- ---- "Brother! Damn it!" Blaze shouted. His legs were giving way. His whole side ached and writhed with pain. After the explosion, he'd been launched across the path, to the trees right of the human Devan had shot. He thought he'd caught a glimpse of him and Snow, but zombies blocked his view and forced him through the desolate trees. Many explosions rumbled as he staggered farther into the trees, struggling to properly use his gun. He was moving slow, but thankfully his attackers were just as slow. He started to curve towards the way they had been walking, in hopes of losing the zombies and making his way to the hospital where he'd hopefully meet up with the others. And hopefully they'd have Drift. He was losing it though. The grenade had triggered his side pain and fired it up again. He was staggering dizzily through an oncoming horde that he was somehow managing to push through. He started seeing stars through his pain, and he struggled to stand any longer. The unexpectedly enormous waves of zombie ponies were gaining on him. His clip drained, and he couldn't reload with his lack of strength. He dropped his gun and trembled. All of the years he'd spent at the academy to become a guard in the first place were being wasted. Eventually, his legs could stand no more. He collapsed with the swarms closing in on him. He just made out the ones in front of him falling. The new girls, Jen and Abby, rushed towards him with their rifles blazing at the zombies he could hear moaning behind him. "Blaze? Are you okay?" Abby's voice was quietly audible. "I'm ... fine ..." he chalked up before succumbing to the dark. ---- ---- ---- "Blaze? Blaze?" Abby shook him. "He's unconscious." "Well ... he's buff for a pony, but he shouldn't be too heavy for both of us to carry him," Jen said. They reloaded their clips and let their rifles hang on the straps over their shoulders as they lifted Blaze to a standing position. His arms over their shoulders, they dragged his hooves along the ground. Jen used her available left hand to grab her rifle and clear out approaching zombie ponies. Abby threw a grenade to their left, which emitted enough smoke from the explosion to hide them momentarily. They continued on for quite some time before having to stop and drop Blaze. They cleared the next nearby wave of zombies, then reloaded and lifted him again. "What about his brother?" Abby asked. "We have to leave him. He's probably ... gone now." Despite the hordes not a far distance away, a deadly quiet seemed to overcome them. The reality was scary, but true. The swarms of look-alike zombie ponies were horrifyingly large, yet it looked as though they could make it through mostly unharmed. They just had to prevent Blaze from getting bitten. The hordes were softening. If I had to roll over another fallen zombie with the car, I'd probably lose my mind. For the most part though, Snow had cleared the path with her hooves, pushing away most of the dropped zombies. Their putrid scent lingered in my nostrils, and seeing their corpses was most unpleasant. Fortunately though, a clear path was awaiting us. The horde coming from the hospital, where we were headed, was now evening out, and Snow was clearing out the attackers on their flanks. We continued toward a clear pathway out for another minute or so, and a clear pathway out showcased itself. Snow and I saw it at the same time, and she exchanged a glance with me before we hustled through it. The opening led to a clear path - a field with no zombies or dropped zombies. It was beautiful, but we couldn't just stop. We were being pursued by a line of gallopers. Snow threw a grenade over her shoulder and turned to shoot at a few of them. I worried about the others. My mind kept showing Twi or Jen getting overrun by the zombies I had seen. I could hear some distant gunshots. I could see the hospital in the distance, past a few more lone standing trees. The cart and Trixie combined were heavy as well, and my arms began aching shortly after. It was a mad dash as Snow backpedaled next to me. I turned to see the line of gallopers diminishing quickly. I stopped, let the cart go, and grabbed hold of my m4. "Should we stay and clear out the crowd?" I asked. "We might hit the others," Snow warned. "Oh ..." I grabbed onto the cart again. How did I not think of that? After a rough five minutes of half-running/half-walking, we slowed. The hospital was in our view partially. Trees covered the side, but the front jutted out. Snow had stopped shooting, because most of the zombies had lost interest. We were in a rather open field, so I looked around to see if anybody else was nearby. Unexpectedly, I caught a glance of Luna walking parallel to us on our left. "Look," I said. "Luna." "Oh yeah." "Luna!" I repeated, yelling to get her attention. She swiveled her head to see me waving. A smile appeared on her face, and I could see it clearly, even at this distance. "Let her come to us." Snow continued firing. I also fired a clip into them before reloading. Luna, throwing her rifle over her shoulders, came sprinting towards us. Not able to predict her movements, I was unable to dodge a hug that very nearly knocked me over. "Do you know where anybody else is?" she asked me. "No, do you?" I replied. "No." She saw Trixie in the cart. I looked down as well, to see that she had stopped breathing entirely. "Snow!" She spun around. "Trixie isn't breathing!" She looked down, then dropped her gun gasping. She dove down with a towel in her hoof, wrapping it around Trixie in an instant. She then put one hoof over the other and started pushing. I watched, unaware of the approaching mob until Luna shook me. "Okay. Sorry." Her and I grabbed hold of our rifles and fired away as Snow worked ferociously on Trixie. The swarms weren't visibly shrinking, but it was probably due to the fact that they were falling over each other when they died. It still didn't make sense how the swarm was so large. Granted, I haven't been to Canterlot and Manehattan in a while, but this was ridiculous. We finished our clips with good results, despite the odds. The swarm had been stopped in their tracks. No more zombies we could see were determined enough to walk over the half -wall of dead zombies. I looked back down at Snow. She was still pushing, then gave her mouth to mouth. My heart froze when I saw the severity. Blood oozed out of her chest, onto the cart, and trickled down to the grass. Her breathing was unlikely at this point. Snow knew it as well. I let my m4 hang on its strap as I bent over Trixie. "Trixie? Come on. Stay with us." Snow pushed some more. Luna stood over my shoulder, watching Snow work. Hadn't we been through enough misfortune already? Snow waited a second. Before she could push again, Trixie's eyes twitched. Optimism filled my veins. Her chest moved up and down slowly, and she coughed up a little blood. Without approval from Snow, I lifted her head. Snow didn't mind as she swam through her bag to pull out some gauze. "Trixie?" I grabbed a washcloth laying over her leg and used it to wipe away the blood. Snow hoofed me a water bottle. "Only give her a few swigs." I did. The water must have helped, because her breaths were faster and her eyes opened to a squint. "Trixie? You alright?" She grunted and stretched her legs. Snow finished wrapping up her chest. Our happiness was quickly interrupted by unwanted moans. I glanced over to see another galloping line hurdle the half-wall of zombie ponies and come charging towards us. Within just a second, they'd gained a good few yards. They were practically breathing on us before we even pulled up our weapons. I quickly jumped off the cart and lined up a few inches closer than Luna, in case things got ugly. A clip solved the nearest attackers, but more piled on. I stepped forwards again to prepare myself to be a shield for Luna. I couldn't let her get bitten. One pounced on me too quickly for my peripheral vision to relay its information to my brain. He sunk his teeth in my firing arm, causing me to lose control of the rifle. Instinctively, I took my finger off the trigger when my arm was forcibly pulled by the zombie. I felt a whoosh of air, and my shoulder exploded in pain. More gunfire blared to the right of us. As the zombies fell, I sliced my attacker off of me. He was shot dead by Luna, who stood unharmed behind me. Through the mist of the herd, I saw Celestia running with Twi and Dash. Filled with joy, I fell on my ass before they reached us. My shoulder hurt bad, and my legs weren't up to holding me. "Devan?" Twi ran up to me. "Hey Twi." She noticed how I was clenching my shoulder with my left, unbandaged hand. "Oh no ... did we hit you?" "Well, I don't think my gun was backwards." I joked. "I'll be fine." I pulled my hand off of my shoulder. It was wet and fully covered in blood. I trembled. "Snow!" Twi yelled. "Can you help Devan?" "No," I interrupted. "Just give me a towel." Dash scurried through her bag and tossed Twi a towel, who applied pressure herself. "Lay back." "But ..." "Just do it," she barked. I did. "You're more stubborn than Dash." "Hey!" Dash exclaimed. We all laughed timidly for the first time in weeks, but Twi stopped when she realized how much blood was on the towel already. "Luna," Celestia called. "Do you know where the girls are?" "I haven't seen them." "What about Blaze?" "Him neither." I closed my eyes while the others started shooting again. Blood pulsated on the towel. Twi pushed even harder. "Ow ..." "I'm sorry. I have to stop this blood." "I know ... but ow." I peeped at the clouds. I couldn't tell if they were moving or if my eyes were growing dizzy. I closed them slowly, wanting to blink but deciding to keep them closed. "Devan? Stay with me please." "I am ... my eyelids are heavy." "Okay." I felt like sleeping, but I'd fallen conscious enough. I was tired of falling to the darkness when the others needed me, so I made the effort to open my eyes. "Look!" Dash shouted. After elevating my neck, I glanced to where she was pointing to see two blurry figures running towards us. After another second, I could timidly see something in between them. "It's the girls," Twi said. I squinted to see them clearer, and observed Blaze, who was being carried limply by them. The gunfire softened as the others greeted the girls back, but it turned out Blaze was in critical condition. He was unconscious as Trixie had been, who was now surprisingly fast with recovering. "Snow ... what do I do besides push?" Twi asked. "Observe. The bullet may still be in there. Dig it out and we'll see if he needs stitches." Twi was reluctant to following through, but eventually she removed the towel. She pulled my shirt up to see the gash clearly. "Geez. I could've done that if you asked." I took my shirt off entirely, and balled it up beside me. "I know." Twi wiped away forming blood and leaned in for a closer look. Jen left Blaze with the others to come sit next to me. "Are you feeling light-headed?" she asked. "I feel a little queasy. Can't see straight." "What hurts?" "Just my shoulder ... and my loyalty." Jen snickered. The guns stopped. "Twi ... we can't see any more zombies still standing," Dash proclaimed. Twi, stunned, turned around and looked out. She stood up to see better, looking for live zombies. I laid back. There were too many dropped zombie ponies in the way to see from this height anyway. Jen placed her left hand on my abs to 'lean' in for a closer look at the gash, but it was clear that wasn't the only reason. "I don't see anything in there." "Okay. Well don't push out my organs now." She couldn't resist a smirk before letting go. I still couldn't figure her out. Why did she have such interest in my all of a sudden? It had literally gone from her trying to kill me to her eager to touch me within a matter of just a few days. "Your blood is aggressive," Jen said, taking me from thought. She grabbed the towel and applied pressure with the least bloodiest end. "Probably cause it's used to coming out in the first place." "You should stop getting shot." "That's in my control?" "It is! Usually when people have a gun to their head, they listen." "I'm stubborn." "Obviously," Twi cut in. Snow let Dash and Luna watch over Trixie while she came to aid me. "No. Help Blaze." "Devan!" Twi shouted in the way a mother would if her kids did something bad. "I'm conscious!" I urged. But she did have a point. The clouds were wiggling around in small loops now. My heart rate was unexpectedly slow, and my chest throbbed. "Blaze only passed out from side pains. He wasn't shot or bit," Jen informed. "Oh." Snow came and sat by my right side, replacing Jen. "I can't keep my eyes open." They closed, my eyelids too heavy. Annoyingly, I couldn't open them up to a slit. "It's okay to sleep," Snow said, "It'll help me put on your stitches, if needed." I opened them. "But I've fallen asleep enough on ya'." Dash replied, "It's fine. We're fine. There's almost ten of us here." "But ..." My hearing faded. I fell to the dark again. Again. How? Was I weaker than I seemed?
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Reunio- oop, he passed out again	"Run, D'mitry, Run!" Snow shouted. And so I ran. I wasn't 'running' very fast though, because dragging Lieutenant Blaze behind me proved to be pretty difficult. He was a weighty sonuva bitch. I almost wanted to yell at him to "lose some weight, fatass!" but was too out of breath to do so. Ironic. Regardless, we were moreso jogging through the woods. The sparse forest was growing a bit denser as we followed the direction we'd originally been heading. You know, the direction we'd been heading before Twi decided to lay out the dumbest plan I think we'd followed to date? I just know Celestia was as mad as I was. We still hadn't run into anyone else, so it was unclear who all made it out. We'd have to find out once we got to the hospital, I guess. Thankfully, Snow and I were kinda in the clear, with just a few nearby zombies posing soon-to-be threats. We could also hear distant gunfire echo through the woods sporadically, meaning someone was still standing. Nurse Snow trotted alongside me, pulling the wooden cart Flitter was in. She tried to stick close so we could defend one another. I still had my hatchet tucked in my belt loop, and she still had her knife from before. Meanwhile, Flitter was defenseless in the cart, and Guard Blaze was defenseless against the forest floor as I dragged him along it. I took a second to glance back at Flitter. She eyed me back nervously. I noticed a few holes in the front panel of the cart, where shrapnel from the grenade must have penetrated. I also noticed she was slightly bleeding from her side. "Nurse," I spoke between tired breaths, grabbing her attention. "She's bleeding." "You're bleeding. We need to keep moving." That reminded me that I was bleeding. I'd forgotten that my cheek was slowly leaking blood off my jaw and down my neck. Felt pretty yucky. My hands also felt painfully wet still, so I took a moment to look back at th- Whooooa! I almost lost my grip on Blaze's forelegs, causing me to slow down. My bloody hands were growing wetter, making it harder to hang on. I could feel them oozing out blood on his front hooves, but there wasn't even time to wipe 'em clean right now. I noticed a zombie approaching from our front right side, trotting closer and closer until... Slice! Still attached to the yoke of the cart, Snow threw her head sideways, slicing the zombie stallion's forehead open. The stallion staggered back a step. After her head swept past his, the blade end was facing him. She was still trotting forward, so she quickly leaned to the side to get enough distance to- Stab! The blade entered the side of the stallion's head. Snow was forced to come to a quick halt to yank the knife back out of his head. Once she did, he immediately slumped to the ground. I kept dragging Lieutenant Blaze through the forest floor, not having to slow down for Snow to catch back up. We were also running through a denser part of the forest now. This meant we were weaving a bit more to avoid trees and bushes, because if I had to run through one more fuckass bush, I'd probably just faint and let myself get eaten by whichever lucky zombie pony got to me first. That brings up a point. I mighta mentioned it before, but why were these zombie ponies after me anyway? Not only me, but they seemed to want Discord and Spike as well. The fuck is that about? These zombies weren't very picky, honestly. Anyway, we kept jogging through the woods. Snow took out another zombie pony lunging at us, and so did I. I used my hatchet after letting go of Blaze's hooves and causing him to splat face-first on the ground. I didn't mean to, but it was kinda funny seeing him shake the dirt off his face as I re'holstered' my hatchet and grabbed his front hooves again. "Dick." "Sorry, Lieutenant Blaze." Could he really blame me at a time like this, though? I had to do what I had to do, or we'd both be food. I was only partially an asshole this time. During our jog through the forest, we heard sporadic gunfire coming from the direction we were headed. It'd been a minute since we heard shots echo through the woods, so this was good. Even if we didn't run into anyone, everybody probably remembered where we were going. The hospital probably wasn't far away now, but it was hard to tell in this damn forest. About a minute of jogging later, the dense forest suddenly faded into a field of grass. The plains. Ahh. It was a beautiful change of scenery. What was even beautifuller was seeing a group of ponies off in the distance, huddled in the middle of the field. From here, we could see the miniature skyscraper, as well as two larger ponies. So, Discord, Celestia, and Luna. They had others next to them, but I couldn't make any of them out yet. Snow and I continued in the field, finally slowing our pace to more of a speedened-walk. So, like, not a fast walk. I was huffing and puffing like a motherfucker, so I was more fond of walking right now. After doing a quick scan to check for zombies coming out of the woods, I realized we were in the clear right now. I looked back at the group as we approached, frolicking through the field. Well, I don't know if Lieutenant Blaze would call it frolicking. I looked over my shoulder to see he still looked mad as fuck, his lower half still dragging along the dirt. It's a good thing the ponies of this world have retractable genitals, cause I can't imagine this run would feel very good on his penis. I looked ba- Ahem. ... What? Care to elaborate on the retractable genitals? Oh, right! I forgot I hadn't mentioned that. Ain't it pretty self-explanatory, though? It is. It seems like a pretty important point, though. Especially since you've explored mares yourself. I think a little explanation is in order here. Okay, sure. So yeah, ponies, and most of the other animals in this world, have retractable genitals. I thanked my lucky stars when I found this out from the princesses on my arrival. While I obviously wouldn't have minded seeing mare pussies peaking out behind tails, it was nice to know I wouldn't be scarred from seeing enormous stallion cocks flopping around. Well... most of the time. There were occasions where certain... uh... free-spirited?... ponies would "open up" (that is literally the professional terminology, by the way) and let their reproductive jewels bask in Celestia's sunlight. There was also this one mare from out of town who had a medical condition where she couldn't retract it. She would just wear skirts, shorts, or pants all the time. I'd also learned from Trix that you could get a mare to unintentionally, partially open theirs up if you got them horny enough. That was an interesting night. Ahh. I liked that memory. Wait, what were we talking about? Who made it out of the forest? Oh, right. So, I looked at the gro- Wait a minute, we weren't talking about this. We are now. Backstory concluded. But I didn't even get to the- Lightning Bolt. AHH! No fun. I brushed this off and continued speedened-walking behind Snow. We were getting closer to the group now, so I took another scan behind us to make sure there were no zom- Whoa! The girls. I mean murderers. I saw them exiting the forest off to our right side. They were jogging alongside Drift, who had a mean limp to his step. All 3 of them were followed by a unicorn, who I could immediately recognize as Trix. I sighed with relief. It looks like most everybody made it back. I could make out more and more familiar faces as we approached the group, who were just as happy to see us approaching. This happiness morphed into worry when they saw the condition we were in. "Fuck!" Twi exclaimed, rushing forward to meet us. "Are you guys okay?!" I let go of Blaze's hooves and heard him splat on the ground again. Holding in a laugh, I set my hands on my knees to catch my breath. Hauling that fatass really took it out of me. I mean... he wasn't really a fatass, but still. Heavy motherfucker. "Define 'okay'," I replied, bringing my hands out in front of me. Twi's eyes widened at seeing the blood covering my palms. My left hand had been particularly messed up, with a large teeth-mark-riddled gash running along the back of it. Blood was slowly oozing out of it, similar to my cheek, where blood was still trickling down. I noticed as my adrenaline was wearing off that this was starting to make me feel dizzy again. "Sweet Celestia! You got bit again??" "I couldn't help it!" "Damn it," she cursed, turning to nurse Snow beside me. "Nurse, can you help him?" I heard Lieutenant Blaze huff behind me before asking, "Are you serious?" I turned around to face him. His hind legs were still bloody as hell, leaving a visible trail from where I'd dragged him. "To be fair, Lieutenant Blaze... you said you can't even feel 'em, so, like, can't you wait?" smack Snowheart's hoof whacked the back of my leg. She had detached herself from the cart already, passing me to set up on Lieutenant Blaze's side. As she got to work, Twi looked up from my side. "Lieutenant Blaze?" "Yeah." "He's not a lieutenant..." "He is now." "Why?" "Cause he ain't got no legs no more." Her confused expression was pretty funny. "The fuck are you on about?" "You wouldn't get it." She shook her head. "Probably not." She was about to speak some more and set me up for treatment, I think, until the gir- I mean murderers arrived. When they got close to us, Abby collapsed to her knees. All of them were exhausted, breathing pretty heavy. Haha. Weak mothafuckas. Really? You were wheezing just a second ago. Hey! Unfair! I was hauling Lieutenant Blaze's fatass through the damn forest. He'd mentioned getting a medal for blowing his own legs up, so I think I should get a medal for dragging his ass to safety. Anyway, Trix rushed in behind them. I could see Twi crane her head left and right, seemingly looking behind them before stepping forward a few steps. "WHERE'S SPIKE?!" she cried, "I thought he ran off with you!!" The girls had- I mean murde- you know what? Fuck it. I give up. The girls had to take a few seconds to catch their breaths. Trix looked pretty out of it too, but not as bad as them and Drift. Abby was also balling again, tears pouring down her face. She was one emotional bitch, huh? Damn. Drift wrapped his foreleg around her back as she had this little meltdown. Jen was about to comment, but she was struggling to catch her breath, so Trix took over for her. "Twilight... I hate to tell you this, but..." Oh. Shit. "TELL ME WHAT?!" "He's... gone." Even the crickets stopped chirping. I mean, they weren't chirping to begin with, seeing as it was still afternoon, but yeah. The only noise in the field, besides Abby's soft crying and everybody else catching their breath, was the breeze. This ominous quiet took over. Twi was frozen in front of me. I couldn't even see her facial expression, but I could tell by the back of her head alone that she was stunned. Don't ask me how, either. I'm probably just a witch or something. I glanced around at the others, but I was struggling to see now. My vision was swooning. It felt like I was on a goddamn sailboat in the middle of the ocean. This was nauseating as fuck. I looked back at Twi, who was looking down at the grass below her. She slowly shifted her gaze to Lieutenant Blaze beside her before turning to look up at me, that predicted look of shock on her face. I hadn't expected it to be so... strong, though. Or maybe I was just seeing things. I was struggling to keep her in my vision. I could see 2 Twi's, then 3... then 2 again. Oh look, only 1 Tw- oop, never mind, there's 3 of 'em again. Jesus. My body was growing weak. I felt my muscles crying to give out now. Both my legs and arms were pissed at me for hauling Lieutenant Blaze all this way. I think I vaguely saw Twi's shocked expression shift into worry, but now the 2, 3 or 4 of her were fuzzy as hell. "D'mitry?" Fucking shit. When am I gonna stop passing the fuck ou ... ... Thud!
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Nosey bitch	This time, I passed out like a normal person. I think. My hearing was slowly coming back, but my brain wasn't processing it yet. It took another minute or two, trapped in this strange, partly-conscious abyss, before I slowly opened my eyes. Immediately, I felt the cool ground underneath my back. My head was laying on a soft portion of grass. I looked up at the blue sky, noticing those same, interesting cloud formations slowly gliding overhead. Damn... some of these clouds are massive. If I remember right, I think they're called, like, circumconference clouds. Wow. What? Was I not close? The attempt was there. Well, what are they called? Cumulonimbus. Ah, yeah! That one. Those clouds are sick. I love cumolimubus clouds. You sweet child. Bruh. Anyway, I gazed up at this big ass cloud, watching it slowly trundle onward to wherever it was headed. It was so pretty that I forgot my ears were starting to pick up voices around me. I kept my eye on the cloud as I listened in. "muffled sobbing" "-Shhh, shh-" "-hospital is in the same shape, then we should have a hoofful of them-" "-generally, the feeling alone can't tell us much, it's still up for debate how he'll be-" "-concerned that there might be more-" Geez. Sounds like a damn mall out here. Everybody was having little conversations around me. I was about to see if I could sit myself up when I noticed a beautiful blue face appear above me. Sitting over my right side, Trix gazed down at me. She smiled when we met eyes. "Hey, sleepyhead. You alright?" "Guh bluh uh urrggg mmmm..." I whined, "Yeah, never better." "Mmm, I can tell." Her smile grew as she set a hoof on my arm and rubbed it gently. Her light blue mane hung over the side of her face as she looked down at me with her pretty purple irises. I started remembering just why I'd fallen for her. As I gazed longingly into her eyes, I felt a slight pain shoot through my left wrist. I could also feel a tightness around my hands, so I took a moment to raise them from my sides and hold them above me. Trixie's hoof followed, helping me raise my right hand above my face. Both of them were wrapped up tight with gauze. My left hand had been bitten into harder, so a sign of blood seeping through the gauze was visible. Despite this, both hands were a lot cleaner than before I'd passed out. They stung pretty bad, but I could still wiggle all of my fingers and move my hands around just fine. Damn. Maybe Nurse Snow is a miracle worker. In addition to my hands, I felt my similarly stinging cheek. I had a simple bandage on it, and my face and neck had already been cleaned of the blood dripping before. As I was feeling it, I heard muffled crying nearby. This made me curious enough to sit up, Trix lending her hoof to help me. "Thanks." The group was sat around the field, not as close as I'd envisioned. While everybody was within shouting distance, the group was still split up into smaller groups. Snow was talking with Drift on our right side, both of them hovering over a resting Lieutenant Blaze. He had gauze wrapped all around his fucked up hind legs laid out behind him. Across from us to the right, at our 2 or 3 o'clock as someone like Lieutenant Blaze would say, Luna was sat next to Abby. She had her long foreleg around her shoulder as the emotional girl leaned up against her. Straight across from us was Celestia and Jen, who were sat together talking with one another. Lastly, to our left, was Twi with Dash and AJ by her sides. I could tell she was sobbing. Fuck. I'd remembered hearing about Spike dying right before I passed out. At least, that's what I assumed Trix meant by 'he's gone'. She used those typical 'don't wanna hurt you too bad' words. We didn't use those a whole lot in our former relationship. If it was just me and her, she'd just tell me Spike died. I turned to face her. "So... Spike's dead?" "Unfortunately." "How?" She sighed, her smile already faded away. "He got swarmed trying to stick with us. I initially ran off with Twi and the others, but we got split up. I doubled back to help him, Drift, and the girls. I don't know about you, but we got swarmed bad. I tried to help him, but he got overrun." "Damn..." "Yeah." Man... this shit sucks. You know, I woulda thought Spike dying woulda been really funny to me, or like, maybe I would enjoy his demise. But quite frankly, I could feel sadness seeping into my brain like some kinda stupid ass disease. So... is it safe to say your delusions from before of ponies somehow coming back to life are gone? What? Oh... right. I forgot about those. I guess they are. I don't know... I think this apocalypse is just wearing heavy on my brain, making me pessimistic. Either way, I'm gonna miss that little bastard. Now who would I torment? The others were fun to harass, but him? He was something special. I sighed and took a deep breath to avoid dealing with emotions. Despite hiding them pretty well, Trix read through this and wrapped her foreleg around my shoulder. "I'm fine," I insisted. "I know." She detached her foreleg and rubbed my back for a few seconds before pulling it away. As she did, I looked back across from us to see Jen was staring us down. When my eyes met with her, she gestured to Celestia to let her know I was awake, I guess. Celestia eyed me briefly before coming to a stand, Jen following her lead. Damn it. Can't this bitch just leave me alone? I'm talking about Jen, of course. What did she want now? Maybe you should give her a chance? I am! I'm giving her the chance to live! Smh. Trix backed off slightly as Celestia stepped up to me with Jen trailing her. They both towered over me since I was sitting down, so I started picking myself up. "No," Celestia said, "You can stay sitting." "I don't wanna," I whined, continuing to pick myself up. "Why?" "I just don't." Trix started helping me back up. Celestia eventually, reluctantly joined to get my staggering ass up. Truthfully, I just didn't want them towering over me. While it took me a few seconds to balance, I eventually did. Ahh. Much better. Especially since Jen, who was standing beside Celestia, was shorter than me now. Actually... have I even mentioned her height? Barely. You've said that she's 'pretty short', and also mentioned that you 'glanced down' and that she 'gazed up' at you when you threatened her back at the royal castle. Well, is that not descriptive enough? Dude, she's 5' fucking 9 (175cm). You describe her as if she's some kinda midget. Bruh. ... Okaaaaaay, maybe I exaggerated a bit. Seeing as I'm a TOWERING six feet tall, I musta not realized. It's a 3-inch difference, idiot. Whatever. In my defense though, Abby is a midget, right? Eh. She's still 5'6" (165cm). So, not really. Whatever. Fucking midgets. I looked back at Celestia, nearly eye-to-eye as I- Mmmm, I don't know, bro. Kinda looks like you're gazing up at her, seeing as though she TOWERS over you. Bruh! It's only a 3-inch diff- ... Hahaha. Okay, you win. Lesson learned. "How are you feeling?" Celestia asked me. "Eh, I should be alright. Getting sick of passing out though." "We are too." "Bruh." Celestia took a second to glance back at Snowheart before returning her gaze to me. "While you were out, we talked with Nurse Snow. She will be setting you up with a blood transfusion for your lost blood when we get back to the hospital. She noticed during her assessment that you are showing very prevalent signs of blood loss, which led her to this decision." She glanced down at my wrapped-up hands before continuing. "You've been injured a lot, D'mitry, which she said is why you keep passing out on us." Hmm. I guess this made sense. Who woulda thought that getting shot multiple times and getting leaking cuts and scrapes and bites all over my body would lead to blood loss? I thought my body was doing fine regenerating it, but I guess it was wearing thin. However, their solution had one problem... "How, though?" I asked, "I thought pony blood and my blood were incompatible?" "Yes, that still holds true," Celestia replied. "Okay... so... were you able to bring in my type of blood from Earth then?" "No." "Then how?" That's when I noticed Jen's face LIGHT UP with a big smile. Her perfect, pearly whites gleamed. I glanced at her before looking back at Celestia, my face sinking with annoyance. "Really?" Celestia rolled her eyes. "Yes, D'mitry. Jen and you share the same blood type. She is willing to provide you her blood, under one condition..." Here we go. "And that is?" "That you start being nice to them." "What?! I already am!" Celestia couldn't hold back a snicker of laughter. "Listen," she continued, "we'll talk more at the hospital, because only then can we draw blood from her. In the meantime, think about it. Remember, too, my royal order." "I do. I haven't threatened them." Jen sucked in her lips and averted her eyes, looking aside inconspicuously. Oh shit, I did threaten her on the train! Fuck. Thankfully, it looks like she wasn't planning to mention it right now. "Good," Celestia replied, "Keep it up. Unless you want another spanking. I highly doubt that." "Yes, princess. I will continue. Being nice to them, though? I'm gonna have to think about it. I don't know if I can uphold that." "I appreciate your honesty, but I'd strongly recommend just accepting it. We can't have you passing out on us anymore, especially after everything that's happened today." "Yes, princess." She nodded, satisfied, before turning her attention to Twi. She was still sobbing with Dash and AJ, so Celestia made her way over to them. In the meantime, Jen stepped up, shooting a glance at Trix before speaking up. "It's not that hard of a deal, moron." "Uh, yeah it is! Look at that, if the deal was reversed, you woulda just lost!" "The deal is to be nice overall. Not constant affection. Obviously you're gonna keep hitting us with your random insults occasionally, but you do that to your pony friends too. Hell, I bet you've called her..." She pointed at Trix. "...something derogatory since you got up." "No," Trix said, "Not this time." "Well done," Jen replied, "But yeah, the deal is just for you to start accepting us. As bad as you want it to be true, D'mitry, we are not the enemy anymore. I know that was the case at the start, but that's cause things were different. It's time to make amends." I rolled my eyes. "Bitch." "Off to a bad start." "Whatever. You're lucky I'm not grabbing my chainsaw and slicing your face in half right now." "Oh, what's that?" she mocked, playfully cupping a hand next to her ear. "Was that a threat I just heard?" "No... no... okay, listen. I'll start being nice to you, alright? Only cause I need the blood." She smiled again, glancing down at Trix. "Could you give us a second?" Trix squinted her eyes up at Jen, seemingly offended. "For what?" "I need to talk with him." "About?" "In private, please." Trix eyed her suspiciously before slowly turning and walking back a few steps. She then dramatically sat herself down just out of earshot, still eying her down. Jen shook her head and turned to me, raising her hand to hide what she was saying from Trix. "So, I didn't mention this to Celestia, but if you want my blood, I want you to do one more thing for me." Fucks sake. Maybe I should just take her blood myself. You know, after murdering her? I debated this, but I think the blood one collects after someone dies might be unhealthy. I don't know, I ain't a doctor. "Seriously?" I asked, "What more do you want from me?" She smiled teasingly. "I heard you give good massages." Oh my fucking god. Why is everybody in this damn world obsessed with massages? I mean, sure, that only really includes Twi, Celestia, Trix, and now Jen apparently, but damn, I think it was about time for me to get a fucking massage. I missed the massage parlor in Ponyville, even though I was rarely allowed to use it. As I was thinking to myself, she continued, "Well? Could you give me a massage when we get to the hospital? I'll go easy on you. Just fifteen minutes." I was about to respond until Trix stood back up and walked up to us again. Jen annoyingly dropped her hand and set them on her hips as she looked down at her. Before she could say anything, Trix spoke out. "What are you talking with him about?" "I said it's private." "What private things do you need to talk about at a time like this?" "It's none of your business, Trixie. Don't worry about it." "If it's none of my business, then why are you so adamant about hiding it from me?" "It's just a personal matter. That's it." Trix realized she wasn't gonna get anywhere with her, so she gazed up at me instead. "What's she talking with you about?" "She wants a massage," I snitched immediately. Jen rolled her eyes as Trix glared up at her. "Really? A massage? Why don't you go harass someone else for a massage? Go get your girlfriend Abby to give you one." Jen's annoyance was replaced with offended curiosity. "What is your problem, Trixie? You're being really defensive right now." Trix noticed she was right and toned her anger down a bit. "I... I just... he's been through a lot. The last thing he needs is for you to start asking favors of him. Why can't you just give him your blood, you know, as courtesy?" she hissed, quickly losing her fight against anger. "Fucking bitch. Can't you just be generous? If I were in your position, I would just give him the damn blood. I wouldn't go out asking him to do stupid little favors for me." While Jen still looked offended, she'd started glancing back and forth between her and me. She had a curious look in her eye as she suddenly smiled. "You two are close close, aren't you?" This statement sucked the anger out of Trix, who started fighting off a blush on her cheeks from sudden embarrassment. She averted her eyes to try and avoid this, but Jen's suspicion was confirmed as she looked back up at me. "I knew it. How deep does this go, huh? How much of a 'pony lover' are you?" "Don't even fucking start." "Too late." "Oh," Trix stated, looking off toward Luna and Abby. "I think Princess Luna just called for me. I'll see you guys later." Just like that, Trix abandoned me to fend for myself. Jen seemed to appreciate this greatly, as her eyes lit up when they met mine again. Her smile grew as she raised her eyebrows with curiosity. "You haven't fucked one of them, have you?" Oh my fucking god. This bitch is getting on my nerves now. She had the audacity to come over here and harass me after realizing she had a tiny bargaining chip over me? Ridiculous. "That is none of your business, bitch. Leave me alone," I scoffed. I started trying to pass her to get to safety by Celestia, but she unexpectedly reached out and grabbed my shoulder. "No, wait. I'm sorry. I'm just curious, is all. I'll stop bothering you if you answer the question." "No. Fuck off. Nosey bitch." I started passing her again, but before I could, she sidestepped in my way. "Okay, we can do this the hard way then. If you don't answer me, I'll let Princess Celestia know you've threatened me twice now. How's that sound?" I damn near gasped. This fucking BITCH! I fucking hate this chapter. Dogshit ass chapter. Can you just end it prematurely, Author? Haha, no. Ending it won't save your ass from this convo anyway. God damn it. "You annoying bitch. Yes, I have. Happy?" She couldn't help but giggle to herself. "Really? You fucked a pony??" "Yes, bitch! Now fuck off!!" I started shifting to pass her again, but she again sidestepped to get in my way. I had to refrain from shoving her ass back, knowing I'd probably get lit up by Celestia, or Luna, or somepony else if I did. "No, wait," she insisted, "This is full-on blackmailing now." "Blackmailing for WHAT?!" "My curiosity." "You are fucking ridiculous!" I started wondering if getting spanked again would be better than having to explain to this annoying ass bitch why I fucked ponies. However, my recent memory from the train car shot this idea down. I huffed and crossed my arms again. "Yes, I fucked a pony. What more do you needa fucking hear?" She giggled some more, which was really starting to irritate me. She eventually stopped herself, realizing I wasn't happy with her right now. "I'm sorry. I'm just curious, that's all. You must know what that's like. It's just a bit... interesting, to say the least. I'd thought Pete gave you the nickname 'Pony Lover' cause you were good friends with them. I never knew it went this deep." "It has nothing to do with that. That nickname was Pete's last brain cell attempting to be smart." "I know, I know. But really, I just gotta ask... why?" "Why what? Why would I fuck a pony?" "Yeah..." "I don't know. I guess I've just been here long enough to grow interested in them." She glanced over her shoulders to make sure nobody was eavesdropping before continuing. "So... the princesses have told me a little bit about your backstory..." Of course they did. "... Is it because they didn't let you leave or something? I'm curious as to why they didn't offer to bring you a girl to... you know..." "They did." Her eyes widened. "They did? Then why? Was the girl not enough? Did they bring in an ugly bitch?" "They didn't bring in anybody. I said no." Her eyes widened again. "What?! Why?" "I'm not interested. I've got what I need here." "Oh wow... you really like ponies that much??" I groaned. "Yes, bitch. The mares of this world are perfect for me. We're more compatible than you think." She took a few moments to process this information, her eyes curiously dancing all over me. "That's crazy. So... they brought you here, and you just suddenly lost all your interest in women?" "Kinda, yeah." Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Not to be offensive, but... were you a virgin before getting sent here?" I groaned for a good five seconds, irritated as fuck. "No. I fucked a few girls before getting brought here. Now, are we done here? I can't think of any more dumbass questions you might ask." "Oh, I've got more. But I'll leave it there. I'm just a bit surprised, is all. I know you seem pretty close with most of your pony friends, but I didn't expect this. Either way, I'm not gonna judge." "Okay..." She was definitely gonna judge the shit out of me now, but I honestly don't care. She took a moment to glance back at Princess Luna and Abby. I debated using this opportunity to skidaddle, but she wasn't distracted for long enough. She looked back at me, that curiosity still there. "Surely, you are still somewhat attracted to Abby and me, right?" My eyes were tired of being rolled, so I cranked my head back and looked at the cumolinumbus clouds still floating overhead. After a few seconds of gazing at them, I looked back down, taking a second to eye Abby. She looked small next to Luna, but I mean, c'mon... she's a midg- 5'6. She's short. She's almost like a mini-Jen, but not really. Actually, that's a horrible comparison. Jen has blonde hair--Abby's is brown. Jen has sparkly, ocean-colored eyes--Abby's is brown. Jen has a bit of tan to her skin--Abby's is whiter. Jen has nice, perky tits--Abby's are smaller. I guess, really, the only similarities are that they both have pretty faces and nice bodies. I looked back into Jen's sparkly, ocean-colored eyes. "Meh." "Meh?" "Meh." "Oh come on. I've caught you eying us before. Especially Abby. During that little walk after the station, it seemed that every time I looked back at you, you were staring at her bubble butt bouncing around." Really, D'mitry? OH MY FUCKING GOD I HATE THIS CHAPTER!! "Fuck you! I was just fucking staring!" "Oh yeah you were, up and down and up and down. You were mesmerized by that booty. Bet you wanted to pound that little ass of hers, didn't you?" "NO!" I took a second to ease up, realizing I was shouting loud enough for the others to hear now. I inconspicuously waved at Drift and Snow, who both looked back at me after hearing that. Jen glanced around too, but she was a bit preoccupied giggling to herself. "You are so fucking annoying. I swear. I thought I was annoying as shit, but damn. Found a new gold medal champion." "Whatever," she replied, still coming down from her giggles, "I doubt you'd reject Abby if she really got onto you, honestly." "Well, it don't fucking matter. We are nowhere near even liking one another. You're lucky, especially after this conversation, that I can tolerate you." This didn't seem to affect her. She was still beaming in a confidence that was annoying me more by the minute. She eyed me up and down curiously, and it started to feel like I was getting visually molested. "Is that so?" "Yes..." She eyed me flirtatiously before stepping a teensy bit closer and whispering, "I could definitely tolerate you." She then raised her hand and gently poked the center of my chest before giggling, her gaze scanning me up and down as she turned around and walked away. I couldn't help but notice her booty bouncing up and down in her jeans too, from this obnoxious ass walk. Of course, she glanced back at me one more time and smiled after catching me watching it, before turning back around to finally leave me alone. Fucking bitch. That was fucking ridiculous. What the fuck was that, Author? Why did I have to suffer through that dumbass shit? It was funny. No it wasn't. That shit was terrible. This is by far the dumbest fucking chapter I think I've had to endure. I doubt any readers even made it through that stupid ass conversation. That's alright. If anything, I enjoyed watching her torment your ass. Of course you did. I exchanged a glance with Trix, who watched as Jen walked up to her and the princesses. I also noticed that Twi had finally stopped crying. Dash and AJ were still by her sides. Dash glanced back at me and smiled, to which I warily smiled back. Maybe next chapter will be normal.
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	The Hospital	I awoke when somebody shook me. I cringed my eyes before opening them. Jen was the first somebody I saw. "See? We're fine." I felt pain in my shoulder, but my chest wasn't throbbing anymore. "Did Snow put on my stitches?" "I did," Snow responded. "Hey Devan." Twi walked up to my left side. "How long have I been out?" Jen checked her watch. "Eh ... half an hour maybe. Pretty impressive." "Guh." The sky above had been dominated completely by white and light grey clouds, and the chill of fall washed over me. "We're going to the hospital as soon as you get up. Do you want to ride with Trixie and Blaze in the cart?" "There's not enough room for me." "We could try." "No. I'm fine. I just need somebody to walk with me." "I will," Jen replied in an instant. "Okay." Twi, Dash, and Jen helped me up, which strained my chest. I glanced at the others, who were waiting on me. I couldn't see Spike anywhere though. "Where's Spike?" I asked. Twi turned from me. Dash drooped. Everybody else frowned. "Uhm ..." Celestia said, "He's not with us anymore." "Oh ..." The others were silent for a little bit. I saw Trixie and Blaze sitting in the cart. Trixie smiled mildly. I smiled back. Blaze, now conscious, also smiled. His side had been completely re-bandaged. "How am I impressive? They woke up before me and look great." Trixie lost her smile again and sighed. "I can't walk." Oh crap. "Oh no ... I'm so sorry." "That's okay." I noticed her front hooves were limp, hanging in front of her body. "I can though," Blaze said. "I can walk if you want to sit down." "No ... I'm fine." "Suit yourself." "Alright," Twi addressed, "Everybody ready? Dash and Abby, you got the cart?" They nodded. "Alright. Let's move." For the next ten minutes, Celestia and Jen assisted my walking. The hospital was more visible now, surely less than half a mile away. I could see two blown out windows from this distance. Please be intact. It was a quiet travel. Another few minutes of walking discouraged me more. All but two of the windows were blown out, from this side. Blood was smeared on broken glass from one of them. The front doors were gone and bits of glass were scattered about the lawn. "Be alert," Twi reminded. She drew her m4 as we got closer. Dash was visibly trembling in front of me. This must have been emotionally destroying her. We passed the sign in front, which had numerous bullet holes in it. We were just yards away now. The bricks were dark black, and the remnants of a fire were clear. On the left side, next to a few trees, one of the guards laid motionless. His body was too gruesome for me to explain. At the same time, a few boys were laid out on the opposite side of the hospital. Twi stopped, causing us to. "Okay," she whispered. "Jen, Celestia, and Luna. You'll come in with me to scout out the hospital. Everybody else, keep watch out here. If you hear anything, come inside." "What about me?" I asked. "I thought I was gonna come with." "But your chest ..." "I'm fine. I can walk now. Let me come." Twi, knowing me well, didn't argue. She just said, "Fine." and we were on our way. Since I was able to walk by myself now, I followed Luna and Twi inside. The rooms were burnt up, and ashes scattered the floor. The lobby was black, and complete walls had crumbled in a pile of debris. There was no hope of any survivors as we traveled through the rooms. Almost nothing remained. The fire completely scorched the first floor, and it was weird seeing the ceiling intact. "What if the roof collapses?" I asked. Twi was quiet for a second. "It'll hurt ..." We continued through, checking the first floor rooms. Nothing but ashes and black walls. It was a truly depressing sight, and I could barely withstand it gruesomeness. The boys had entirely destroyed the place. Well ... practically. Had they extinguished the fire? Surely a fire would eventually burn down bricks, wouldn't it? Maybe not. The whole building looked like an atrocity still. "Alright everybody. Celestia and Devan, come with me upstairs. Luna and Jen, just ... let the others inside. Do not let them upstairs, okay?" "Alright," Luna replied. Jen nodded along. "Be careful." "We will." Twi led Celestia and I upstairs. The metal staircase remained, but the doors were burnt beyond recognition. We walked up carefully, the stairs creaking metallically below us. We stopped at the top stair. "What if the floor breaks?" "Devan ... don't worry so much," Celestia replied. "Did you ever read about Emerald Hospital's great blaze?" I shook my head no. "It happened around six hundred years ago. Before Ponyville's hospital was Emerald Hospital, which stood right below us. It was burned down to rubble in just a few minutes, killing almost thirty ponies. Afterwards, the local citizens and their mayor attended a meeting to discuss the causes and what could be done to prevent it from happening again. Eventually, they decided to build a more stable hospital. Introducing ... Ponyville's hospital. Considering most of the walls are still standing, we should be alright. Just watch your step." "If you insist." I followed Celestia and Twi through the doorway. They slowly moved through the hallway. The floor didn't creak at all, and it was, surprisingly, not charcoal black like downstairs. In fact, the upstairs looked rather normal, despite a few crumbled walls and dark spots on the floor. "Looks much better than the first floor," Twi said. "Yeah," I replied. "The floor looks sturd-" I took a step that sunk my foot through the wood. My leg submerged through as the wood floor cracked open. Before I knew it, my whole body collapsed through, and I hit the ground on the first floor on my back with a thud. "Ow!" My chest throbbed again. My back ached. I looked up through the crack to see Twi and Celestia. "Are you okay?!" Twi called. "I'm fine," I huffed. Jen ran up next to me. "Oh my god. Are you alright?" "Yes." Dash ran up to me as well. "How'd you fall?" "Floor gave way." "Damn ..." They helped me to my feet. We looked up at the hole in the ceiling. I had fallen right next to the lobby, where the others were coming in. Twi and Celestia scurried through the stair's doorway. "Devan." Twi ran up to me. "That was a nasty fall. You sure you're okay?" "I'm fine. My back aches though." She observed the now unstable looking ceiling. I shook off the dust and wood chips on my clothes. "We should stay off the second floor," Twi stressed. "But we haven't checked whats up there." "Yeah ... yeah. Fair point." She thought for a moment. The hole was tempting us from going up there again. "I probably just stepped on a dark spot without knowing." I hadn't. I'd been watching the floor up until I fell through it. It looked like a stable spot until my foot sank through it. "Alright then. You still want to come?" "Yeah. I'll be careful." "Alright." "Do you still want us down here?" Dash asked her. "Yes. You guys can rest for now." I headed upstairs with Celestia and Twi again. The hole was just a few steps ahead of the doorway, on the right side of the hall. It was nerve racking to look at. "Just be careful," Twi reminded. We walked through even slower now. Most of the doorways in the hall were open or burnt down, so lots of light from the outside was coming in. We looked through the first door to the left. Surprisingly, much of the furniture remained. "Wow." "Do you think they extinguished the fire?" Twi asked. "The boys? Probably not. The guards might have on a last attempt to save the hospital." "Well ... they did a damn good job." "I know." We checked the first door on the right, after the hole. The wall to it had crumbled entirely, which worried me. Less furniture remained, but a cabinet stood next to a ripped up bed. The window was shattered, leaving bits of glass all over the room. "Ripped? Can fire rip furniture?" I asked. Twi shrugged. We moved on to the next room on the right. As we approached, we heard a grumble before a zombie pony crashed through the door to our left and lunged at us. Her jump scare had shocked me momentarily as she shoved me to the ground. As I fell, I cringed, thinking about how the floor would split and how I would plummet down again. But as I slammed into the floor, it surprisingly held. I wrestled her and pushed her back when she strained for my neck. Beyond her zombie appearance, a chill ran through my spine when I realized who it was. The shock of realizing who it was spazzed my muscles, almost causing me to get my neck bit. It was Flutters. Her beautifully long pink hair gave her away. She was a zombie pony now. Even with whiter eyes and a paler body color, she was still the cute Fluttershy I knew. This made it difficult to figure out what to do next. Celestia and Twi also knew she was Flutters by her tail. They both lowered their guns and stood oblivious to knowing what to do. "What do I do?" I yelled. Twi ran up beside her. "Don't," I urged, "You'll get bit." Flutters then bit my hand I was using to hold her off. "Ow!" Twi pulled Flutters by her hair until she quit biting. "Trixie!" she shouted. "What do we do?" I begged. "I ... I don't know." She exchanged a glance with Celestia. She didn't know either. "Flutters ..." I whispered, "I can't believe I let this happen to you ... I'm ... sorry." I couldn't hold in a few tears. I heard Trixie sprint in through the staircase behind me. She ran up to Twi's side. She recognized the situation quickly. "Can you do anything?" Twi asked. "What should I try?" Trixie replied. "Try a shove spell. Are there any spells you can use to lock her in position?" Trixie though a minute. Something snapped in her mind. "I know of a temporary freeze spell." "Use it." "Right." Trixie lit her horn a bright blue and moved behind me. I pushed Flutters further up so she had a clear shot. I closed my eyes to prevent me from seeing Flutters get frozen. I heard the spell hum louder until Trixie suddenly shrieked. I heard a loud plunk downstairs, shooting my eyes open. She had fallen through the hole. I mistakenly lost hold of Flutters, and she sunk her teeth in my neck. I pushed her away as much as I could. "Trixie!" Twi ran after her. Celestia kneeled by my side. "Devan! Are you alright?" "Yes." I didn't sound convincing. It came out squeaky and under pressure. Sweat was dripping down my forehead. Celestia went to pull her off, but Flutters turned to her when she got too close. Flutters was extraordinarily stronger than she was as a normal pegasus. My arms were shaking from her suppressed weight. I couldn't wait for somebody else to help me. I became dizzy and lightheaded. Everything started turning. I developed nausea. My strength was beginning to sap. She was getting closer. My arms vibrated before I couldn't handle her weight anymore. They broke down, and she dove forwards, sinking her teeth in my shoulder. "Ah!" Everything spun around faster. Everything blurred. My head throbbed. I swung my numb arms around and tried to shove her off again, but failed. My eyes crossed unintentionally. I felt light. Unexpectedly, she stopped. She let go of my neck and looked down at me. Everything around her blurred, but her face was clear. "Flutters?" She blinked. Her regular eyes replaced the white zombie ones. "Devan?" "Flutters?" The reality of seeing her turn confused me, but still made my eyes water with relief of some sort. "Is that you?" Before she could respond, I threw my arms over her wings and hugged her. "Devan?" she called. "What?" I disconnected. "Devan?" she repeated. "What is it?" "Devan ... are you alright?" "I'm fine. Are you?" "Devan?" I grew concerned. She was acting funny. Her face blurred with the rest of the hall. "Flutters? My eyes ..." "Devan?" I blacked out, but my hearing was intact. "Devan?" Celestia called, "Devan, wake up. Please. You're starting to worry us." "Twi is coming with Snow," Trixie said. "Wha-" I slowly woke again. Everything was clearer than before. Both Celestia and Trixie were hanging over me on either side. Celestia was holding a towel to my neck. "Devan?" Trixie asked, "Are you okay?" I blinked. "Where's Flutters?" "She's taken care of. You're fine." "Is she alright?" Both of them exchanged confused glances. "What?" Trixie asked. "Is she okay?" "Devan ... I used a spell to knock her out. She's not getting better anytime soon." "What? But she was fine! Didn't you see her?" "Devan ..." Celestia said, "I think you were hallucinating." This made me tear up again, but not from relief. I took a few slow breaths. They were right. I knew it was probably just a hallucination. I heard footsteps running up the stairs. "They're here," Celestia said. The footsteps ran up behind me. Twi and Snow came into view, as well as Dash. "Are you alright?" Twi asked. Trixie moved out of the way for Snow to sit and shuffle through her bag. "I don't know now." It was a little while before we headed downstairs. Snow had given me antibiotics and cleaned the wound thoroughly. Snow, Twi, and I were the last ones downstairs. The others that had been up here carried Flutters downstairs to ... finish ... her. They said they'd lay her next to Cheerilee. A silent waterfall of tears rained down my cheeks when I heard the shot. When we got downstairs, Dash hugged me tight. I hugged her back. "Be gentle. I just stitched his wounds." "Okay." We disconnected. She formed some tears too, as well as the others. Even Jen and Abby, who never knew Flutters, were trying to hold back their sadness. "Well," I said, "What now?" Everybody looked at each other until Twi stepped in. "We still haven't gone through the entire second floor. Until we get that done, we're settling here. Any objections?" Everybody stayed nervously quiet. "I know times are tough. Believe me. For now, the only suggestion I have is to make refuge in here until we figure out a plan. But we need to make sure the building is safe. It's only ..." She looked at her wrist watch. "Stupid thing isn't ticking." She tapped it. "Is yours right?" she asked me. I checked. "Yeah. Mine says 2:20." "Alright. Good. It's only half past two. We need to get this place secure by nighttime. "We're going to sleep in a burnt building?" Trixie asked. "Yes. Unless you have other suggestions." She thought before shrugging warily. "I know it sounds stupid, but you can clean up very well with your magic." "Right," she commented. "Okay. Devan ... do you want to rest?" "I'm good." "Thought so. You can join Dash and I upstairs. Snow, can you look in the cleaning cabinet and see if anything is there?" Snow nodded. "Alright. Everybody else clean up in anyway you can. Keep watch on the windows and doors. Okay? Let's do this." Upstairs, we walked through carefully. We double checked the rooms we already monitored. The unchecked rooms after the hole were very plain. An abundance of furniture was burnt and many windows were blown out. The rooms were ashy and dark, but the floor was surprisingly sturdy. At the end of the hall, the rooms looked cleaner and less burnt. The fire had raged through one side, but seemed to weaken halfway. The signs of a fire were less obvious. At one of the last rooms down the hall, there was actually an entire dresser/closet remaining that looked to be about the height of the room itself. Even though it had fallen face-first on the ground, it looked to be unburnt. There was an unscathed bed beside it, but the fallen dresser was propping the door halfway shut. "Should we lift the dresser so we can use that bed tonight?" I asked. "That'd be best," Twi said. "Trixie!" We waited a minute for Trixie to run up. The dresser looked far too big to lift on our own. Not all of us could fit through the blocked doorway also. "What is it?" she shouted as she ran through the hall. She stopped beside us. "Somebody hurt?" "No," Twi said. "There's a fallen dresser in there. Do you think you can lift it with your magic?" "Sure." She leaned in to inspect the room. "Looks heavy, but I'll try." She lit her horn the bright blue we had seen before. A beam of light spiraled around the door and attached to the dresser. The room grew a light blue. I peered over Trixie's shoulder to see it lift slightly. As it lifted, a feminine voice yelled from inside it. Trixie dropped the whole dresser, causing it to slam the door shut. It shoved her back, and I grabbed her shoulders to prevent her fall. "What was that?" Twi asked. "I don't know," Trixie replied. She pushed the door, but it was jammed shut. I joined her, but we only managed to open it a sliver. "Ah ... screw it." She lit her horn and threw a beam of light at it, causing the door to explode entirely. The chips flew inward, and littered the room. The dresser still laid on the floor beside the bed. Another scream came from the dresser, followed by a deeper voice shushing her. "What do we do?" I whispered. Twi shrugged. She gestured Trixie to lift it again. "Just be ready." "Okay ..." We readied our guns as Trixie rose it. It locked in the upright position moments later, and we all waited quietly. Twi gestured me to open it. I hesitantly nodded. Slowly, I grabbed on the right handle and pulled it open an inch. We all tensed further until I opened it another inch. Before I could continue, the door slammed open, and bulldozed me to the floor. A few shots rang out until abruptly stopping. I looked up again to see one of the royal guards and Nurse Redheart. "Hell! Are you alright?!" Twi shouted. She ran up to not me, but the dresser. "Did I hit you?" Trixie came and helped me up off the floor. "No ... no," Redheart spoke. Her voice was wary, and she was visibly shaking. "You nearly blew out my ear," the guard added. "I'm sorry. I thought you were more of those boys." Redheart took a few quick breaths. "No ... that's alright. We thought you were as well." The guard sighed with relief. "I'm so glad you weren't." "Us too," Twi replied. The guard turned to me. "Sorry about that." "That's fine." "Are you okay?" "Yeah ... I think you gave me a bruise though." "Sorry." "It's quite alright." "How long have you been in there?" Twi asked. "Well," the guard said. "We got in here when the fire started. We thought it would keep us safe, since there was no alternative, but it ended up falling. We've been stuck in there for a few days now." "A few days?" Twi exclaimed. "You must be starving." "We are. I can't feel my hunger anymore," Redheart said. "Ooh. It's that bad? We'll get you set up downstairs." "Thanks, Twi."
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Fall Hazard	We slugged on, continuing our walk to the hospital. Maybe this time, we'd make it there without something horrendous happening. So long as we weren't ambushed, willingly or not, we'd probably make it there just fine. Before we set off, I'd gotten the chance to talk with Twi. She was pretty torn up about Spike, though, so she didn't talk a whole lot. Most of my time with her was just spent hugging, since I was a good hugger, apparently. I could also tell that Celestia was dying to flame her for her stupid idea, but she was respectful in letting Twi grieve Spike for now. So, we slugged on. For once, I was walking kinda normally. My legs had finally recovered, and I guess I'd gotten plenty of rest from passing out all the fucking time. Because of this, the princesses let me walk at the back of the group again, to keep an eye on everyone. And no, not Abby. Fuck y'all. In front of the group was Trix, leading the charge. Behind her was Snow, still hauling the cart Flitter was in. AJ and Twi were helping Drift limp to her left. While he was up-and-walking again, I'd heard that he sprained his hind leg during the ambush. When him, Trix, Spike, and the girls were getting overrun, Abby got herself tangled up in a bush. Jen helped to free her, but they all quickly got swarmed. While Trix was able to fend off a decent chunk of the onslaught, it was Drift who personally stepped up and bucked the shit out of zombie ponies back-to-back before they could reach the girls. Pretty heroic. Anyway, on the other side of Snow were Dash and Discord, who were both holding up Blaze's hindlegs so we could walk on his forelegs. It kinda looked like they were wheelbarrow racing, which was pretty amusing to see. Lastly, the important princesses walked behind them all. On either side of them were the girls, still carrying their rifles. Every once in a while, Jen would glance back at me, raising her eyebrows and subtly tilting her head to gesture across at Abby's bubble butt bouncin' up and down again. She seemed to be having lots of fun doing this. Fucking bitch. I'd keep my eyes locked on her until she'd eventually give up. I kinda wish that conversation in the field never happened, cause I just knew her annoying ass was going to pester me for a while now. Maybe once we got back, she'd get jumped by a zombie pony and eaten alive or something. I don't know, though--that sounds pretty brutal. We continued slugging forward until we finally saw the side of the hospital through the trees. I was last to see it as the group very slowly walked out of the forest. Shit. It did not look good. On top of bullet holes and some busted-out glass windows, most of the bricks on the first-floor walls were burnt black, indicating a fire had broken out. Flitter had mentioned seeing some smoke while she limped to her escape, but we hadn't expected to arrive at the aftermath of an inferno. Curiously, the hospital was still intact, and the second floor looked relatively unburnt. As the group slowly came to a stop to analyze the unexpected scene, Dash dropped Lieutenant Blaze's hind leg and darted around to the front of the hospital. Twi shouted after her, but she continued. AJ and Twi left Drift's side to chase her, and seeing as though we'd arrived anyway, I left my position and darted after them. "D'm-" Celestia started, until she realized I was already blowing past her. Jen had scooted out of the way as I ran between the two of them to follow the others. By the time I approached the burnt-down remains of the lobby's front doors, the mares had already made it inside. Once I rushed inside after them, I realized AJ and Twi had already tackled Dash in the lobby. She cried out for Scootaloo, but... Damn... the lobby looked horrible. The previously white marble floor was burnt black, as well as most of the walls. The benches, chairs, plants, and desk that made up the lobby were charred to a crisp, their gray and black ashes scattered on the floor. There had been a fire here. You think? Yeah. Pretty sure. On top of the burnt lobby, we noticed bullet holes across some of the walls. There was also a wall of the lobby that had collapsed, its bricks lying out beside the charred receptionist's desk. We could see a slight hole where it met the ceiling, allowing us to vaguely see the lesser burnt room upstairs. As Twi and AJ tried to calm a sobbing Dash down, I stepped up and met eyes with Twi. "Hey, so like, we probably shouldn't be in here." She huffed, looking back at Dash. "We're fine, D'mitry." "Uh, no? What if the roof collapses?" "It'll hurt," she replied, keeping her attention focused on Dash. "Bruh." She huffed again and looked back up at me. "Seriously, D'mitry. It's fine. Flitter mentioned the attack was a few days ago. If the hospital hasn't collapsed by now, it probably won't just cause we're in here." Hmm. She had a point. I guess we'd have to see if the Author had set up our demise. You do that. That'd be a dumbass death, just sayin'. I glanced around, ready to grab my chainsaw sitting on my back in case a zombie pony came trundling out. I don't really foresee that happening, though, since the fire looked like it toasted everything around us. It was honestly kinda surprising this building was even standing anymore. I frowned, because not only might this fire have burned other ponies alive, but it also mighta burned up Snow's stash. I noticed the others approach the front of the hospital outside, slowly making their way inside as they took in the wretched scenery too. I turned my attention back to Dash, who was still balling on the floor. "Cuzzo, what's your problem? The fillies aren't even here." Twi huffed. "We don't know that yet, D'mitry. There's no telling what we'll find here." "Not my little gangster girls. They aren't dumb enough to sit around and burn to death." Twi and I started bickering and debating the likelihood that the ponies we left here survived or not. As we did, an uncomfortably hunched-over Discord and limping Drift helped lug Lieutenant Blaze into the lobby. Once they were inside, they let him go, causing him to splat down on the ashy floor. I had to hold back laughter at seeing this. He wasn't having a very good day. At least his brother Drift helped clear out some ashes around him so he could lie down in peace, for now. The others joined in the debate between Twi and me, growing curious as they realized my logic. If there was a shootout, and a fire broke out in the middle of it, surely everypony would get the fuck out of the building? There were plenty of exits, and the windows here weren't hard to roll open. We also didn't notice any bodies outside, human or pony. Kinda strange. Either everybody said 'fuck this' and skedaddled, or everybody decided they wanted to burn to a crisp instead. After some more chit-chat and a little rest, the princesses broke us up to check the hospital. I was set up with Twi and Celestia, who I would help check out the side of the hospital we'd approached. We would check the second-floor section while Jen and Luna would check the first. We made our way down the burnt hallway, passing by the torched rooms of the first floor. Luna and Jen broke off to check these rooms as Celestia, Twi, and I made our way to the stairwell. The stairwell wasn't quite as burnt-looking as the lobby, but it still looked pretty rough. As we slowly made our way up the stairs, they started creaking menacingly below us. I stopped halfway up, eying them nervously. "What if the floor breaks?" I asked. "D'mitry," Celestia called behind me. "Don't worry so much. Did you ever read about Emerald Hospital's great blaze?" I shook my head no. "It happened around six hundred years ago. Before Ponyville's hospital was Emerald Hospital, which stood right below us. A lantern fell from the wall, causing it to burn down to rubble in just minutes, killing almost thirty ponies. Afterward, the local citizens and their mayor attended a meeting to discuss the causes and what could be done to prevent it from happening again. This allowed them to design a much more stable hospital. Introducing... Ponyville Hospital. Considering most of the walls are still standing, we should be alright." "Okay..." I continued tip-toeing up the steps and opened the door to the stairwell, noticing the second floor was a lot less burnt-looking than the first. In fact, this floor looked pretty normal still, despite some blackened sections of the lower parts of the walls, and dark spots on the floor. Twi walked beside me in the doorway, noticing the same thing. "Looks much better than the first floor," she mentioned. "Yeah," I replied, stepping out of the doorway. "The floor looks sturd-" CRACK! I took a step that sunk my foot through the floor. Before I knew it, my leg was submerged as it cracked open. My whole body collapsed through. THUD! OW! Fucking SHIT! I smacked the ground of the first floor, landing on my back. This caused it to hiss out at me, as my backpack and chainsaw angrily dug into it. I squirmed for a second before sitting up on my elbows, noticing Jen and Luna were checking out the room I'd fallen in. They looked back at me surprised before making their way over. "D'mitry, you clutz, are you alright?" Luna asked. "Gahhh- no. I probably broke my back and will never be able to walk again." Almost simultaneously, both of them rolled their eyes. I looked up at the hole in the ceiling I'd formed, noticing both Celestia and Twi's heads carefully peek over the side. "Are you okay?!" Twi called. "I don't know! What the fuck was that, Celestia? What happened to your story?!" She chuckled. "I made it up." "Wow!" "Sorry, dear. Are you okay, though?" "Eh..." I rolled over to my chest and pushed myself up, fighting the weight of my saw and backpack. I was fine. My back ached annoyingly, though. It was almost like falling off the swing at the playground--felt like shit and ruined your dignity, but you still didn't want mama to take you home, so you faked you were fine to keep playing. I wanted to keep playing. "Hang on," Jen said, glancing at my back as I spun around to face them. "What?" "Turn around." I turned around, twisting my head to try and look at my back so I could see what she was talking about. She stepped behind me and started brushing my lower back, underneath where my backpack sat. After a few seconds of brushing, I felt her hand go lower. I then felt this bitch's hand squeeze my asscheek very briefly before she backed away. "What the fuck?!" I exclaimed, whipping back around. "Sorry, D'mitry. Just trying to get the ashes off of you." I met eyes with her. A stupid smile formed on her cheeks, hidden away from Luna behind her. Celestia and Twi weren't looking down through the hole, either. As much as I wanted to rat her out to Luna and try to get her in trouble, I doubt Luna would really care. So instead, I threw Jen an annoyed, dissatisfied glance before walking back out of the room. Fucking bitch. Twi and Celestia met with me briefly outside of the room to make sure I was okay. Once they realized I was fine, we made our way upstairs again. I tried to tell 'em we should say fuck the second floor and stay away from it, but they were adamant about checking it. This time, though, Twi walked ahead of me. I couldn't wait to watch her fall through the floor too. We carefully made our way around the hole I'd made in the floor and continued walking down the hallway. Most of the doorways in the hall were open, so lots of light from the outside was beaming in. We looked through the first door to the left and glanced inside the room. "Damn." "Right?" Surprisingly, the room looked unscathed. All its furniture remained. The only thing different was a few dark spots on the marble floor, and a couple bullet holes in the window. Despite this, there weren't saddlebags or boxes present in the room, meaning whoever Rarity and Spike had assigned here got the hell out of dodge. This was good. I guess it meant there were ponies that didn't stick around to find out just how fireproof the hospital was. I don't blame 'em. Hopefully all of 'em did that. Twi glanced up at me. "Do you think they extinguished the fire?" "The boys? Probably not. The ponies here might have tried, but we don't have that kinda luck. I don't know if they could manage that." "Fucks that supposed to mean? Why not? If they did, it looks like they did manage to put it out. I doubt the fire got tired and just burnt itself out." "Then why did you ask me that?" "I don't know. I was hopin' you might have something smart to say." I chuckled. "M'kay." That's when a smart thought actually did enter my head. I looked at the ceiling of the room we were checking and noticed the sprinkler. "Wait a minute. The sprinkler system! That's what probably put the fire out!" I exclaimed. Twi looked up at the sprinkler curiously. "Ooooohh... I completely forgot about that." Twi and I walked into the room and glanced up at the sprinkler, noticing that the little balloon or whatever triggers it had burst. I also walked up to the hospital bedside and felt the blanket, which was damp. "Hell yeah it did! Fuck yeah, baby!" I took a moment to celebrate by dry-humping the air. Twi was happy too, but my completely normal level of enthusiasm made her shake her head and facehoof. I was pretty happy about this, because I was the main driver of getting this system installed. Quick backstory... This sprinkler system wasn't originally here when I arrived in Equestria about a year ago. The engineers of this world had played around with something similar, but couldn't really get it to work. Now, despite the princesses being extremely cautious while they slowly learned about the inventions of my world, Celestia had come across this sprinkler system back on Earth and grew curious. One day a few months back, at Twi's castle, I caught her and Twi having a conversation about possibly bringing this sprinkler system here. Of course, I decided to barge into this conversation. Both of them were on the fence about whether or not it was worth it, but I was one million percent for it. Why? Well, because I had actually experienced a pretty bad fire once before, at my ghetto ass middle school back on Earth. If it weren't for the sprinkler system installed throughout the school, me and my ratchet classmates might not have made it out in one piece. Therefore, I vehemently argued with them to bring the sprinkler systems here. Neither of them cared about my story, though, so I ended up snitching on myself by revealing I had a lighter and threatening to burn Twi's castle down. They weren't that upset, because at the time we thought it couldn't get set on fire anyway. After Twi smacked me upside the head and Celestia spanked me and took my lighter away, they ended up agreeing to bring the sprinklers in. They both agreed it was probably worth it. And it was! Fuck to the yeah! As I continued dry-humping the air in celebration, Celestia walked in the room and carefully observed the sprinkler as well. "Hell yeah!" I exclaimed, pointing at Twi and letting my finger drift to point at Celestia too. "Told you bitches!" My humping celebration morphed into a... I don't know what you'd call it, but I started moving my hips around in a circle as if I had a hula-hoop around my waist. I was distracted looking down at my hips, imagining this invisible hula-hoop flying around my waist, totally unaware of Celestia's hoof being rai- Smack! She smacked me upside the head, once again causing me to stumble. Surprisingly enough, I managed to keep on my feet again. I snapped to a stand and looked back at them, annoyed. "What if I told y'all that I'm into that? Like, if I'm getting turned on by y'all smacking me?" Both of them exchanged a glance with one another before looking back at me. Once again, Celestia raised her hoo- Smack!! This time, the smack sent me stumbling until I lost my balance. I collided with the floor, realizing it was damp as well. I heard a groaning sound beneath me, so despite my discomfort, I laid still on my side. I met eyes with Celestia, who carefully glanced at the floor beneath me. "See what you did?" I asked, "Damn. I coulda fallen through the floor again. This is why you assholes should quit smackin' me around." Celestia stepped forward and reached her long foreleg out toward me. She stopped only inches away, menacingly hovering her front hoof just above the floor. She eyed me with that full-of-power princess stare of hers. "Don't make me do it," she threatened. "I'd like to sincerely apologize for my previous statements." She huffed, continuing to gaze down at me with that princess stare of hers. "You've been pretty disrespectful lately, D'mitry. Am I gonna have to set you up with respect training again?" "Now?" "Yes. We can find the time." "No! I'm sorry. I'll stop, promise." For reference, respect training was a program set up by Celestia for anybody the princesses deemed disrespectful enough. For ponies she didn't like, this meant a mixture of dungeon time, spankings, community service, and a weird, mandatory 'respect class' to attend daily until the program ended. For ponies she did like, and me apparently, this just meant going to that respect class and serving her as some kinda butler/maid servant. "Good," she replied, easing her foreleg away from the floor beside me. I sighed relievingly before rolling to my chest and pushing my- CRACK! God damn it! The damp floor split open, graciously accepting my already laid-out body as it fell through the first-floor ceiling. THUD! My body smacked the floor again, this time on my side. This meant my backpack and chainsaw didn't contribute to the pain of my back falling on them. So, thankfully, this fall didn't really hurt that bad. I rolled to my stomach and slowly pushed myself up to a stand, not realizing I had again fallen into a room Luna and Jen were checking out. Jen walked up to my side, a smirk slowly filling her face. "You're having a pretty rough time, aren't you?" "Whatever, bitch." I didn't even wait for Celestia and Twi to speak to me through the hole as I turned and started heading for the door to get away from Jen. She mockingly called after me, "Try not to fall through the floor again!" I threw her the finger as she giggled maniacally. Annoying bitch. I reluctantly made my way back upstairs and rejoined Celestia and Twi. After a bit more debate about whether the sprinkler system had extinguished the fire, we left to check the next room. One of its walls had slightly crumbled into the hallway, and inside, it was more prevalent that fire had started making its way up through the floor. The floor of this room looked pretty damp, even from here. What caught my eye, though, was the hospital bed, which was still mostly intact... Besides being ripped apart. Like... not burnt or shot up. It was ripped, the fluff inside scattered around the base of it. "Bruh, why is the bed ripped up? Can fire rip furniture?" "What kinda moronic ass question is that?" Twi scoffed. I shrugged. We inspected the room from the doorway, because honestly, I didn't feel like falling through the floor again. Twi deemed that room too dangerous, so we shut the door for now and made a little X mark on it with a knife she had on her. We then moved on to the next room. This room's door was closed, so I turned the handle and slowly opened it. As I did, I heard a grumble from behind. At first, I wasn't sure if Twi or Celestia had made this weird ass noise. When I turned around, I realized they hadn't. Oh SHI- Before I could even let the doorknob go, a brightly-colored yet pale zombie mare rushed out of the room across the hall and lunged at me. I hadn't expected this at all, so I froze up for a second as she collided with me, sending my ass to the floor. CRACK! Of course. As I was shoved down into the room, the floor broke open again. The zombie mare's weight helped me crash down really easily. THUD! THUD!!! AGHHHH!! FUCKING SHIT! This time, the pain was worse than my previous falls. I'd fallen on my back again. Not only did my backpack push against my spine, causing me back pain, but the zombie mare fell right on top of me, causing me chest pain. I felt the breath get knocked out of me when I got sandwiched on the floor. I grew mad for a split second as I started fighting back, attempting to shove her off. But as I pushed her head back, even through her zombie appearance... I realized who she was. ... Fluttershy. ... Shit!! The shock of realizing who it was caused me to quit fighting back momentarily, until I realized she was about to sink her teeth into my neck. Unfortunately for me, you know, besides being trapped on the floor between my saw and a hungry undead friend, Fluttershy was a bit weightier than the average mare. I was learning this now, at least. I'd always noticed Fluttershy to be a bit thicker than the others, only beat out by AJ. Now I felt it. The average mare was somethin' like 230 pounds, as a reminder, so she must be... what, 260? Whatever the weight, she was absolutely WEIGHING me down right now. I fought back the best I could, but I felt weaker than usual. It's almost like I needed blood or something. Again, I started getting light-headed. I swear, if I pass out again, I'm gonna murder someone randomly. Hear that, Author? No you won't, moron. I will! ... Maybe... As I fought against Fluttershy's drooling mouth, I couldn't help but still see the old her. Her pretty blue eyes were glazed over, her bright yellow fur a darker pale. That same, cute pink swoop of her mane fell below her, a bit messier than it usually was. It brushed against my chest, distracting me for a second as I watched it sway. "D'mitry." Huh? I looked back up to see that my vision was getting bad. It wasn't really swooning or multiplying this time, though. It was fuzzy. Fluttershy's face was above me, glimmering bright, as if someone had put a bright filter in my eyesight that caused regular light to shine like little stars. The edges of her head twinkled with this weird light as I looked up at her face. It was... normal now... "Fluttershy?" "D'mitry." "Wha-" I started, still shocked by seeing her change so quickly. Like, she was fully normal again, besides this strange ass filter. I couldn't feel her weighing me down anymore. She stood on top of me now. Her pretty blue eyes were dancing with mine. Her color was back. She smiled down at me, but she stayed quiet for a second before continuing. "D'mitry." "What?" "D'mitry." "What the fuck do you want? I hear you bitch." "D'mitry." My hands hovered above my chest now, as I wasn't fighting back, so I raised them to her shoulders and shook her. Her smile faded a bit. "D'mitry, stop." I stopped shaking her, but I kept my hands on her shoulders. "Fluttershy, what's going on? Are you okay?" "D'mitry." "OH MY GOD!" "D'mitry." I started violently shaking her again. This time, though, the bright light from the filter flashed in my eyes for a moment. I shut my eyes briefly, continuing to shake her, before reopening them. When I did, she... ... She was gone? Not only that, but I was holding Jen's shoulders like I was Fluttershy's. She was hovering over my left side, a look of worry on her face. I quit shaking her when I realized. I started wondering if what I saw even fucking happened. Was this all a dream? Was the dream still going?? "Cut it out, twerp," she requested. I immediately disconnected my hands from her shoulders. I could hear fast hoofsteps clicking behind her. "What the fuck happened?" I asked. Before she could start explaining, I caught sight of a pony on my right side. When I looked over, I saw Fluttershy's body lying next to me. Her still face rested against the floor as it faced me. Her eyes were closed, and... ...there was a knife sticking out of the side of her head. I froze, just for a second. Once the rest of my body caught up to what my eyes were seeing, I shuffled away in a panic, my backpack still weighing me down. It and my back squished up against a bed behind me, so I frantically picked myself to a stand. This is when Jen quickly shot to a stand as well and rushed toward me, setting her hands on my shoulders to hold me still. "D'mitry! Relax... please. It's alright." She looked genuinely worried, and I was still in a bit of shock, so I stayed still. I saw Luna rush in, taking a moment to look at the scene. "Jen! Are you two okay? What happened??" Jen looked into my eyes for a second longer before letting me go, turning around to explain to Luna what had happened. Apparently, I'd 'fallen asleep'? mid-way through my struggle with Fluttershy. Fucks sake. Was I that fucking weak? I'm getting tired of this shit. Since Jen was in the room I had fallen in, AGAIN, she had immediately sprung into action once she realized what happened. Luckily, she had gotten to Fluttershy right as I 'fell asleep', so I hadn't even gotten bitten from her surprise attack. After she killed her, she rolled her off of me. Twi and Celestia came rushing into the room not long after. Jen continued explaining to them what happened as Twi looked me over, making sure I was alright. I'd walked to another corner of the room to get away from Fluttershy, but seeing her dead face was weighing on my mind. Twi had only separated from me to hear from Jen for maybe a minute before returning to me. "D'mitry, are you sure you're okay? I know that wasn't something we were expecting." I sighed. "I think so. I just need some fresh air." "Same." Twi joined me outside, keeping within shouting distance from the hospital. We both enjoyed the calm autumn breeze, watching Celestia's afternoon sun falling into an evening one. I don't know why I said it like that--we weren't out there that long. After enjoying the calmness outside for maybe twenty minutes, we went back inside to finish checking the hospital. This gave the others time to pull Fluttershy outside. We still had a sizable section of the hospital to go, so hopefully we wouldn't encounter anything like that again. That encounter lost us Trix and Abby too, as the princesses asked them to go outside and dig a grave for her. Bout time we started actually doing something with the corpses besides just leaving them to rot. Unfortunately, we also lost Discord, who was sitting outside mourning Fluttershy still. I get it, but damn... he hadn't even stayed here long enough to see her turn into a zombie. Apparently, after the hospital staff did an unsuccessful job securing Fluttershy to her bed, and after she 'died', he said fuck it and left to come help us. Should he have stayed, you think? Mmm... no... I still remember him helping Trix save our asses at the royal castle. I'm just sayin'. Unfortunately for me, the others were almost done checking out the first floor. This meant I had to, once again, make my way upstairs to finish checking rooms with Celestia and Twi. We'd seen Luna in the lobby, who offered to trade places with me, but I would rather keep falling through the floor than be forced to work with Jen. It was alright... Twi promised to lead the charge again. So, for the next few minutes, we very carefully inspected room after room. Interestingly, the end of the hall ahead of us looked completely unscathed. The floor and walls down there looked untouched by the fire, so maybe the rooms would be the same. I hoped so. We needed a comfortable place to rest. In the meantime, though, Twi opened the door to one of the meh-looking rooms. The door only opened partially before stopping. She put her shoulder into trying to push it open, but it wouldn't budge. Although she couldn't fit her body through the slot provided, she was able to poke her neck in to see. After looking around, she pulled out and scoffed. "Fallen dresser." "Huh?" I asked. "A fallen dresser is blocking the doorway." "A dresser? Damn. This some kinda VIP room? I wish mine had a damn dresser in it. Y'all don't even wear enough clothes to warrant a fucking dr-" smack! Celestia whacked me in the back of the head. This smack was only hard enough to send my head forward a tad. I shook it off. "That dresser was holding most of our clothes, fyi," Twi stated. "Well, damn. How are we gonna get it to move then?" She eyed me and the opening. "Can you fit through?" she asked. I shrugged and stepped forward, carefully slipping through the doorway. I had to suck in my breath, but I eventually squeezed through. Once I did, I took a second to look at the room. It was a typical room with two hospital beds in it, separated by a curtain. The only fire marks were on the floor, and interestingly enough, there was a hole I hadn't made myself on the other side of the room. That alone told me to be careful as I shifted my attention back to the dresser. It was pretty big, standing about as tall as me. Well... laying? about as tall as me. Lol. Anyway, it was also wide enough to fit two of me inside, probably. Interesting unit of measure. Yeah. Fuck Imperial and Metric. D'mitry sizes for the win! And how tall are you again? 6 fee... damn it. Hahaha After observing the dresser for a brief period of time, Celestia yapped at me to get a move on and try picking it up. So I did. I squatted down so I could use not my legs, but my back to li- No wait, use my chest instead of my leg- No. My back, idiot. Wait, NO! MY LEGS. Fucks sake. I knew this, since I spent literal months working at Sweet Apple Acres. Takes a minute for my brain-to-... uh...-brain connection to work, though. Thankfully, the dresser was shaped in a way where the top half I was squatting next to had a section slightly raised off the ground for me to grab the edges. Yay... decoration? I tensed my muscles as I started lifti- Gawd damn this is fucking heavy! How many fucking clothes were in here?! Jesus. I lifted the dresser up slow as hell, straining the whole time. After what felt like a century, I was able to finally push the dresser upright. Damn. Either this dresser was built with some heavy ass wood, or this thing was packed with clothes. Good thing the fire didn't seem to get to it. Despite standing up now, the dresser was still partially blocking the doorway. The opening was wide enough for Twi to get through, but Celestia opted to stick outside for now, seeing as her wider rump would probably cause issues. Surprised you finally brought that up. Even more surprised you haven't called her a fatass yet. I mean... she's not really a fatass. She has a fat ass, but we won't go into that. This chapter is long enough as it is. Fair. I eyed Twi for a second, who was looking across the room at the hole in the floor. I was more curious as to why the dresser was so fucking heavy. So, I walked up to it and undid the latch, opening the doo- "No, please!" ... ... ... Holy. Shit. A timid Nurse Redheart squeezed against one of the corners inside the dresser, using her front hooves to shield her face. I stared blankly at her in a state of shock. She nervously gazed through her shielding hooves, her eyes widening once she realized it was me. She slowly dropped her hooves as we locked eyes. It only took her a second for her shock to morph into a big, relieved open smile. "D'mitry!" Before I could react, she leaped out of the dresser with open hooves and pounced, wrapping her forelegs around me. This caused me to lose my balance and fall backward to the floor. CRACK! Fuuuuuuuuck!!!
The C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀ Apocalypse	(C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Mending barricades	I laid back on my hospital bed. I woulda thought I'd be conked out by now, but... I don't know. Maybe I was stressed? A LOT of shit had happened today. I tilted my head slightly to gaze out the window of my room. Outside was growing darker now as Celestia's sun set. So... what happened between this chapter and last? Sigh. I fell through the floor again. Actually, it was kinda funny. That time, I took Twi with me! Unfortunately, Redheart fell too. After all three of us splatted on the first floor, we shook it off, and Twi and I got to pestering the hell out of Redheart. I mean, I hugged her before all that, since I was immensely happy to see that she was okay, but still... once our little reunion was over, we (mostly Twi) pelted her with questions about what had happened. She described the attack in a bit more detail than Flitter had. The boys had come in and apparently argued with ponies in the lobby before gunshots went off. We asked her where the bodies were, but she stated that the boys had fucked off before any real killings could take place. She'd rushed downstairs with Lyra, only to see the boys pop off some rounds beside them before taking off. Sounds like they weren't even really trying to kill them. Regardless, Lyra joined some other ponies to chase them down. Redheart returned upstairs to find the Cutie Mark Crusaders, which she had left in a room with Cloud. However, they weren't in there. To add to the chaos happening that night, she was ambushed by Fluttershy. To get away from her, she ran into the room with the dresser in it. Unfortunately, Fluttershy managed to bust the door down, so she fought back until getting backed into the dresser we'd found her inside of. She'd heard Fluttershy squeeze her way behind the dresser for some reason, and before she knew it, Fluttershy knocked it over. Fluttershy eventually lost interest later that day, and Redheart had vaguely heard her fall through the floor. That was where the hole had come from. I guess Fluttershy had made her way back upstairs to come after her, but got lost or something. Regardless, poor Redheart had been stuck in that dresser since the night the boys attacked. She realized on day one that she wasn't able to break her way out at all. I'm so glad we found her. I'd helped her grab a bite to eat in the lobby and sat with her for some time while the others finished clearing the hospital and came up with a plan. For now, we would spend the night in the hospital. Come tomorrow, they weren't sure yet. The princesses would eventually figure out something. I'm just glad I got a room to myself for the night. The others had discovered that the other side of the hospital was truly untouched by the fire. A few bullet holes were visible here and there, but this side of the hospital was almost completely normal compared to the charred-up lobby and opposite side I helped explore. Since most of the ponies we'd left here took off that night and had yet to return, there were enough rooms to split between all of us. As I was gazing out the window, there was a knock at my door. I wondered if it was Twi coming to get me to let me know- Creak. I'mma ask Celestia for a damn WD-40, I swea- ... Damn. It's Jen. She peeked her head inside and smiled before slipping in and shutting the door. God damn it. Fucking trespasser. Maybe I should call for Twi or something. "Hey, D'mitry." As she walked up to my bedside, I could see a piece of gauze taped to her... um... elbow pit? You know, the place on the opposite side of your elbow. The place doctors usually take blood- ... Oh. She gave blood already? So much had happened today that Twi and the others hadn't even brought up my blood transfusion since we got here. I was thinking Celestia would walk in and ask me whether or not I wanted to take them up on that deal, but now it looks like it was already settled. "What the fuck?" I scoffed, "I didn't even get a say! I mean... I was probably gonna say yes, but I don't feel like giving you a damn massage right now." "It's alright," she said, stepping up to my bedside. "What?" "You don't have to give me one if you don't want to." "Oh..." Before I could say anything more, she sat down beside me, pushing her hips back close to my side. I wanted to retaliate and push her off, but after everything that happened today and falling through the floor four times over... yeah, I was getting tired. "What do you want?" I hissed. "I just came to tell you that Snow and Redheart are working on my blood right now. Apparently, they gotta run it through a few tests before they can give it to you. They said it'll be ready in about an hour." "Okay... thanks..." She smiled, attempting to blast holes in my eyes with her sparkly, ocean-colo- Dude, you are totally hypnotized by those eyes of hers. I AM NOT! Then why do you keep describing them as 'sparkly' and 'ocean-colored'? I don't know!! I guess blue just sounds kinda boring to me. Fuck off. I ignored the Author's chuckling as I returned her gaze. "So, is that all? You're free to leave." She didn't leave. Instead, she sighed. "D'mitry... I just wanna say that I'm sorry." "Okay, good. Now admit it by leaving." "Are you even gonna ask what I'm apologizing for?" "No. I don't care." She shook her head defeatedly. I was trying to be as combatish and standoffish as possible so she'd leave me alone, but it wasn't working. To make matters worse, the door squeaked open again. Both Jen and I glanced at it to see Abby slip in as well. Son of a bitch. Bro, you must be gay or something. Two smoking hot girls enter your room at sunset and you're mad? Lmao. It's not like that! Shut the fuck up already! Abby partially shut the door to a crack before stepping forward a few paces. She looked a lot less eager to be in my room. She also glared at me briefly before meeting eyes with Jen. "Hey... Twilight said she needs to talk with you, as soon as you can," she told her. "Oh, okay. Can you tell her I'll be right there?" "Sure," she replied, starting to walk back to the door. Of course, knowing my luck, she paused when she caught me glaring back at her. She wasn't happy with this, so she turned back to look at Jen again. "I still don't know why you volunteered to give this asshole blood," she hissed. Jen looked like she was about to comment, but I commented first. "It's just fucking blood. Damn." This set Abby into an absolute fury. Her brown eyes damn near lit up on fire as she glared at me. Before I knew it, my room was flooded with sound pollution from her annoying, higher-pitched voice. "FUCK YOU!!" "Abby! Please-" Jen started. "NO!" Abby hollered. The furious midget speed-walked to the other side of my bed, her eyes still burning into me. "YOU UNGRATEFUL SACK OF SHIT!" I sat up, afraid this crazy bitch was about to start throwing fists at me. Apparently she just wanted to bombard me with earrape, though. Jen stood up off the bed and started rounding it to grab her. I threw one hand up in case the midget changed her mind and started swinging. "Chill!" I pleaded. "NO!! She's done nothing but HELP your sorry ass! And you return the favor like THIS?! FUCK YOU!! You sack of SHIT!! Ever since she laid eyes on you, she felt bad! Even before the princesses let us join you! She's saved your ass over and over again, and you still go out of your way to treat her like THIS?! You should be fucking SHOWERING her with affection, you worthless SHIT! She saved your ass back at Canterlot, she saved your ass at the train station, she saved your ass here, in more ways than one! If it weren't for her, you'd be fucking DEAD!!!" She wasn't backing off, so I scooted over in the bed. Jen had gotten behind her now and was trying to pull her away, but she was furious. Once again, the door squeaked open. I turned my attention to it, noticing Celestia peek her head i- SMACK! My head was THROWN aside, blindsided by Abby's furious hand. She smacked me so bad that my body tilted until too much of it was hanging off the other side of the bed. I unintentionally rolled off- Thud! -and hit the floor. I know part of me falling off the bed was cause I scooted too far over, but she'd smacked the absolute shit out of me. My cheek stung instantly, causing me to grab hold of it as I sat myself up on the floor. I glanced back at Celestia, who looked bewildered at the doorway. This bewilderment turned to anger as she shifted her eyes to Abby. "Abby!!" she shouted. Still holding my burning cheek, I looked over the bed to see Abby's fury dissipate. Jen let her go, because she was backing away from the bed now. They both had their attention on Celestia. "Wait, Celesti-" Jen started. "No. Abby, come here now." Celestia's voice carried a stern tone to it. Abby quickly grew fearful as she nervously grasped her hands together in front of her and made her way to the door. I did not watch her bubble butt as she did. Jen shot me a glance before watching Celestia lead her out of the room. Once Abby was out, Celestia leaned her head inside again. "Are you two good?" I nodded slowly, but Jen replied, "Celestia, please. It's not he-" "No. I will hear from you later." Celestia shut the door before Jen could respond. I continued holding my cheek, which was ON FIRE by the way. Jen frustratingly rubbed her face before running her hands back through her blonde hair. As I rubbed my battle-wounded cheek, I stared off into the distance. My brain was processing this all, and honestly, I hate to admit... Abby was right. I realized how much of a shithead I was being to Jen, despite her best attempts to get on my good side. Abby literally painted the picture in front of my face before smacking the shit out of it. I'd never thought about it, but it was true. Without Jen, I'd be dead. Whether that be getting swarmed by the mob at Canterlot, bleeding out on the train after the shootout, or more likely eaten alive by Fluttershy after I 'fell asleep'. I was realizing more by the minute just how much Jen had done for me. And now she was saving me again by donating her blood for me? Damn. I felt guilt start to creep into my conscious, and that doesn't happen very often. I kept my daze for a second until I realized she had rounded the bed and was walking up to me now. She reached out a hand to help me up, which I took. Once I was up, she glanced up at me. "Are you alright, D'mitry?" ... Instead of replying, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her in an unexpected hug. She paused before returning it, as she probably didn't expect it either. "I'm sorry, Jen." ... ... Okay, I know I was feeling unusually emotional, but I'd expected some kinda response. I started wondering if she was mad at me until I heard her sniffle. She sniffled again, and before I knew it, she was crying in my arms. I didn't know what to do about this, so I just kept my arms wrapped tight around her in my typical hug. We hugged for a minute longer before eventually disconnecting. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes as she gazed up at me again. "Thank you." "Don't thank me, crybaby ass. Thank you." She giggled as she wiped a few more tears away, coming back to normal. "You sure you don't wanna hear what I was apologizing for?" I sighed dramatically. "What for?" "For grabbing your ass." This made me laugh, which spread to her. We then had that one thing... god forbid... that fucking stare. She was actually burning holes in my eyes now, so I averted them. Not before she unintentionally, nonverbally persuaded me to do something, though. I didn't want this weighing on my mind. "Hang on," I said, shifting past her and jogging to the door. "Where are you going?" she called. "BRB" I quickly opened the door and jogged out into the hallway, where Luna and Twi were talking with one another down the hall. They both eyed me, but I needed to head in the other direction. I counted door numbers until I got to the right one and quickly opened it. "Celestia! Wa- wai-...w.-a...wi...wub...wa-" Did I just say wub? Jesus. I was trying to say wait, obviously, but I was caught off-guard by what was in front of me. As expected, Celestia was in her room with Abby, who was already in position for a spanking. What shot the words out of my mouth was seeing Abby on all fours on top of one of the hospital beds against the left wall. Of course, her bubble butt stuck out, and it looked like she was even arching her back. Celestia, on the other side of the bed, shifted her head to see past Abby's big booty. Abby swung her head to see me as well, quickly setting her big booty down as she sat back on her knees. Both of them glared back at me as Celestia angrily rounded the bed. "Celestia, wait wa-" "D'mitry! You know you're supposed to knock before entering." "I know, I know, but-" "But what? Are you trying to get in line?" she asked, pointing a hoof at Abby. "No! Obviously not! I don't wanna get spanked. Kinda looked like she did though, not gonna lie," I muttered, barely audible to her. "That's it--you're next. I don't know what your deal is with her, but I am not allowing you the opportunity to watch. Get out and wait by the door." "Wait, Celestia. Can I please ask you something?" She huffed. "Make it quick. Better not be a stupid question." "Can you not punish her?" This threw her off big time. Her angry glare weakened as she raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Excuse me?" "Don't punish her. She doesn't deserve it." Celestia's anger slowly faded as she walked up to the doorway, within a few feet of me. "She assaulted you. I specifically ordered them not to lay hands on you, as I have with you. She already confessed to it, so I know it wasn't self-defense." "It wasn't... but I deserved it." Her eyes narrowed with a stronger confusion. She eyed me up and down for a moment before raising a hoof to my forehead, checking my temperature. "Are you feeling okay, D'mitry?" "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Look, can you just not punish her? I'd prefer not to be punished either, but I know that's less likely now. I talked with Jen, and we're on better terms now. Abby was just mad about how I was acting." "Doesn't justify smacking you like that." "Bruh! You're one to tal-!" Smack! She smacked me upside the head, causing me to stagger again. I kept my balance and shook this off. "See?" I continued, "You know what? I think you need to be spanked, Celestia." She eyed me, that anger from before returning. "I cannot believe you just suggested that. You are absolutely not getting out of this one, D'mitry. I think I'm going to set you up with that respect training as well. You've earned it." I sighed defeatedly. "Okay, princess. Did I manage to save Abby at least?" "No." "Bruh! Just add her spanks to me or something, can't you?" I can't believe I was suggesting that. I think I heard my asscheeks yelling at me. I'm not sure what they would say, but if I had to guess, they'd be talking... shit. XD Lightning Bolt. I tensed up and accepted the Author's lightning before shaking it off. Celestia shook her head disapprovingly. It was at this point that I noticed Abby had gotten off the bed and was walking up to her side. Interestingly enough, she wasn't flat-out glaring at me anymore. She eyed me briefly before meeting eyes with Celestia. "Princess. I'm sorry to interrupt, but could you please consider his point?" Celestia sighed and closed her eyes. She stood quietly for a long few seconds, allowing Abby and me to awkwardly glance at one another before inevitably looking away. After these long few seconds, she shook her head and looked back at Abby. "Can you promise not to assault him again?" Abby nodded. "I need to hear it." "I promise." "Good. As I've said before, if he's getting on your nerves, talk to us so we can deal with him." "I understand, princess." "Your spanking is canceled. You're free to leave." Abby let out a big sigh of relief and thanked the princess. She eyed me, a quick look of grace replacing those mean brown eyes of hers as she made her way out of the room. This left Celestia and I awkwardly staring at one another. Well... she was staring into my soul. I was looking elsewhere, waiting for her to break the tension. Eventually, she did. "You've been causing me a lot of headaches lately, you know that?" "Yeah, I know. I'm pretty good at that." She rubbed her forehead frustratingly. "I'm not going to spank you, D'mitry. I am still considering the respect training, though. I will let you know if and when. Until then, could you just fucking behave?" "I'll try my best, princess." She nodded approvingly, just for a second, before sighing defeatedly. "You just had to come in here and save her, huh?" "What?" "Oh, c'mon D'mitry. You saw that booty of hers. It even made you stumble on your words! I was really hoping I'd get to spank that ass good." "Woooooooooooow." "Yeah, you ruined it. Only reason I'm not spanking you right now is because you ruined the mood." "WOW! What the fuck, Celestia?! This some kinda facade?" "A little bit. To tell you the truth, I have got to look more orderly and powerful in front of them. That's why I've been a bit harsh on you lately. It's not like you don't deserve it, but I've been going the extra mile for sure." "Are you for real?! We coulda worked together to make it look more convincing, at least!" "No... that wouldn't work. Plus, I still need to punish you. Lord knows you'll be absolutely out of control if I don't." ... "I already am." We were close to one another still, so I reached my hand up and flicked her snout when she wasn't expecting it. She looked surprised at first, which quickly turned into annoyance. I turned around and confidently started walking aw- Yank! Whoa! slip Thud! She tugged me back, causing me to fall on all fours. Damn. SMACK! > (C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Fuck it I sat awkwardly in the chair, kinda leaning to the side to keep my left asscheek raised for now. Celestia hadn't spanked me too bad, but I think my weakness from blood loss was exaggerating it. Thankfully, I was in this chair to receive Jen's blood. It was dark out now, but this room's ceiling lights continued to work. This was thanks to the fact that the others had gotten the hospital's generator running again, and also because this room was on the side of the hospital less affected by the fire. Nurses Redheart and Snowheart hovered over the counter nearby, laying out the equipment they would use to carry out the blood transfusion. Redheart was going over the process with Snow since Snow had a lot less experience dealing with stubborn humans like me. During my stay, my designated doctor had been the actual doctor, Doctor Horse, and Redheart was my typical nurse. You'd think since I was a healthy young male, both active because of my work around Sweet Apple Acres and well-fed by AJ and her family, I wouldn't have to visit them that often. However, my work was dangerous, and I'd fallen out of the trees more times than I care to admit. This led to Redheart growing more experience working with humans. "Good to go," Redheart stated. Both of the nurses came over, rolling a cart that they'd covered with their various supplies. Redheart rolled a tiny stool up to my side, where my arm was already laid out on the widened armrest. Snow grabbed another one of the tiny stools and rolled herself in front of me, ready to assist her. Redheart wrapped a thing around the upper part of my arm to... I don't know why they do it, restrict blood flow? I guess. Anyway, once it was wrapped tight, she grabbed hold of an alcohol wipe and looked up at me. "You ready, hun?" "Bloody 'ell I am!" I exclaimed with the most British accent I could muster. Redheart rolled her eyes and carefully wiped down my elbow pit. Despite my bulkiness from AJ and her family feeding me so well, I had some pretty good veins. With me straightening my arm and her rubbing it down, one of my veins poked out submissively. Why'd you have to say it like that? I don't know. Anyway, Redheart took the needle for the IV and quickly poked it in, nailing the vein first try. Snow helped hoof her the other parts, allowing her to swiftly tape down the needle and set up the IV. I was caught off-guard by how quickly she set it up, that I forgot... "OW! OOOOH, OH MY GOODNESS!" I cried. Both of them were startled by my sudden cries. Redheart paused with the blood bag in her hoof. "What's the matter, D'mitry?" I dramatically curled and uncurled my fingers, keeping my arm locked in place as I squirmed around the chair in pain. "OOOH IT HURTS! OH NO! AHH THE PAIN!" I tried my hardest to sound genuine. I wasn't actually in any pain--I just wanted Snow to give me a painkiller. She'd told me just minutes ago (when Redheart stepped out briefly) that her room was affected by the fire, and that her stash had been burned up. This was unfortunate, but she still had the painkillers. I continued this act, but it seemed my efforts were in vain. While Redheart set the blood bag down and nervously checked my arm, Snow huffed. "Cut it out, D'mitry." Redheart met eyes with Snow, a look of confusion on her face. "Huh?" "He's just trying to get painkillers," Snow explained. I quit dramatically squirming around and shut my mouth, as my cover had been blown. Redheart turned her disapproving gaze to me. "Really, hun?" "Oh come on! I've been in a lot of pain the past week. I think I deserve it." "We can't do that for you. We need to keep a-" "-SuPpLy oN uS jUsT iN cAsE. Yeah, whatever," I muttered, leaning my head against my hand resting on the other armrest. Redheart huffed too. "Well, you don't have to be a big baby about it. You understand our reasoning, right?" I sighed. "I know." The nurses continued setting up my IV and hanging the blood bag by my side. For the next couple minutes, the IV pumped me full of Jen's old blood. That's really weird to think about. I shook off this thought, trying not to squirm in the chair from boredom. Just a few minutes after the nurses finished cleaning up, Snow told Redheart she was going to leave to check on the others. "Wait," I called, "Before you go, I want to know how everybody is too." They both looked at me curiously. "What, are you a princess now?" Snow jeered. "No, but we're a tight-knit group. I just wanna know how everybody is." "Can't, hun," Redheart replied. I huffed. "And why not? Am I not important enough?" "It's not that. We legally can't tell you, because of the HDAA, the Health Disclosure Accountability Act. It's like HIPPA from your world." "Bruh." "I know, D'mitry, but it's a law that we must follow. The princesses requested we still do so." "That makes no fucking sense. What if I just go into their rooms and ask them individually? What happens then? Do I get arrested?" "Maybe spanked, but no. If a patient discloses their own health information to you, then that's on them. The HDAA is just put into place for cases like this, so we don't go off telling you sensitive information about them without their consent." I huffed and dramatically raised my chin. "Well, fine. Then I don't want any of my information shared with anybody. Not even the princesses," I scoffed. "Good luck with that one, hun. The princesses are excluded from the HDAA." "That is totally unjust! A breach of our freedoms!" Snow replied, "We're under a monarchy, idiot. It's their say." "I'm starting a revolution now." "Let us know how it goes," Redheart said. Snow grew tired of this conversation and left the room, leaving me with Redheart by my side. I needed a second to think, so we both sat in silence as she checked my IV line. After she did, she used her little stool to roll to the door and shut it before rolling directly in front of me. "I need to speak with you, D'mitry." "About?" "Our relationship." "Oh. Sure, you can be my marefriend. Should we keep it a secret or not?" She shook her head. "No, D'mitry. I was gonna ask that we cool if off. It was more of a heat-of-the-moment deal anyway. I just don't think it's in our best interest to continue." Now, over time, I'd learned Redheart was a pretty mature mare. She was a bit older than, say, Twi and the others, so she spoke and acted more maturely than they did. While I was a bit disappointed that she wanted to stop, it didn't break my heart that bad. Seeing as though I had a slew of chaotic, all-over-the-place relationships happening now, this was probably good for me too. I needed to settle my ass down so I could focus more on, you know, the fucking zombie apocalypse? Damn. I could really use some fresh zombie meat right now. ... That sounded fucking weird. Let me backtrack. I could really use some zombie flesh to tear open and- ... I could really use some zombies out of nowhere to come jump me so I could saw their faces off. There. That's better. "That makes sense. We can cool it off, then." "Alright, cool. One more thing..." she said, rolling her chair up a bit closer. "Have you messed around with other mares since us?" Oh here we go. "Uhhhh... no?" "That wasn't very convincing." "Okay, I have, but it's not my fault! I don't understand why everypony is so eager to jump on my alien cock right now." "Rumors spread legs, D'mitry. If it weren't for the look on Dash's face when she told me about you, I don't think I'd have actually tried. We're also all stressed out about the apocalypse right now, and you gotta remember, we're in transitory heat season, too." "Ohhhh, I forgot all about that! When does that end again?" "We enter cool season next month--November." She was referring to their breeding seasons, not the actual seasons, seasons. I'd learned from Trixie that mares were in heat more often throughout part of the year, just like mares back on Earth, apparently. This 'heat season' lasted from March to October, roughly, given all mares were different. Generally, ponies were less in heat in the cool season, November to February. Despite this, activity tended to ramp up big-time in the months of March and October, where the seasons were 'transitioning', as Redheart said. Mares were super horny in these months, explaining why I'd gotten so much action out of nowhere. It was also coincidentally how I'd gotten with Trixie, since I was beamed to this world in January and first stumbled across her in March. She had just fallen into this transitory heat when we met, so... yeah... right place, right time. "So," she continued, "I'd like to remind you how easily STDs and other infections spread with cross-species intercourse, so if you do end up messing around with other mares, I'd recommend you both get tested for them." "Ah, okay." Yeah right. Hahaha. She spent the next few minutes explaining why it was important for me to get tested before we shifted to other, preapocalyptic stories. She kept me company for the thirty or so minutes that Jen's blood was pumped into me, which was nice. When she finally disconnected my IV and sent me on my merry way, I decided to go check on Dash. She was probably conked the hell out by now, but I wanted to talk to her if she wasn't. I energetically bounced down the hall until I got to her room. Instead of knocking, I opted for slowly opening the door to see if she was up. Creak. Fucks sake. I peeked through the cracked open door. Surprisingly, she was still awake. However, she was laid out on top of the bed, her front left hoof dangling off the side. She stared blankly at the wall beside her. She musta still been upset about Scootaloo. "Yo, cuzzo, you okay?" She sighed dramatically. "I'm fine. What do you want?" "I was just checkin' on you." "Well, you checked. Bye." I debated just leaving and letting her rest some more, but if she was up still, she was in distress. I slivered my way inside and shut the door, which generated a loud, obnoxious groan from her. I ignored this and walked up to her bedside. She looked up at me, annoyed and drained of her typical energy and perkiness. "I'm fine," she hissed, shifting her head on the pillow to look the other way. I crossed my arms. "You're such a crybaby." "Grrrrrrrrrrrr," she growled, shifting her head back and glaring up at me. "Fuck off, D." "Cuzzo. It's okay. I don't know where your spirit went, but Scootaloo is just fine." "And how do you know?" "Easy. Redheart said she left 'em with Cloud." "Okay?" "Yeah, so, Cloud was taken hostage way back, remember?" "I do..." "But she didn't die." She looked up at me and squinted her eyes confusingly. "What the fuck are you on about, D?" "What I'm trying to say is... Cloud's got plot armor." "Oh my god," she scoffed, burying her face into the pillow. I sat on her bedside and rubbed her back, spending a few more minutes with her as she moaned and groaned. I asked her if she was practicing for if she ever became a zombie, which only garnered more aggravated moans and groans. While it was funny annoying her, I eventually left her to rest. She needed it. So did I, so I made my way back upstairs to go to sleep. My sudden energy burst from receiving a full tank of blood was diminishing, and I wanted to conk the fuck out now. I made my way down the second-floor hall, taking careful steps despite being on the less-scathed side of the hospital. As I did, I noticed one of the girls leaning against the window at the end of the hall, dimly lit by the hospital's emergency lights in the ceiling. Jen. I sped up to get to my room before she noticed, but she turned her head and saw me. Seeing as though we were on better terms now, I slightly waved at her as I continued speed-walking to my room. However, she disconnected from the window and started walking my way. No. Haven't we had enough... uh... screen-time?... together? I don't wanna talk to her. I wanna go to bed. Thankfully, my room was close enough to mitigate her intercepting me. As I got to the door, though, she was speeding up too. I quickly opened it and slipped in, shutting it as quickly yet quietly as I could. Ahh. Made it. I made my way to my be- Creak. God damn it. I'd only gotten to the middle of my room when I turned around to see Jen slip in and shut the door. "Bruh. I know we're on better terms now, but I wanna go to bed." "Yeah, well..." She walked up to me. The room was dimly lit by a lantern Twi had given me for my bedside. This allowed me to see that she wasn't wearing her typical fit, which was just a plain t-shirt and blue jeans. She was instead wearing a crop top and a pair of high-waisted pajama shorts. I guess Celestia had grabbed some clothes for her too? She didn't stop walking up to me until she was in my face, invading my space. I mean, she still gave me a bit of room to breathe, but damn. Can you say personal? She smiled, blasting me with- ... -blue eyes. That sounds pretty boring, bro. ... "I heard what you did for Abby. I wanted to thank you." "O...kay. You'r-... she's welcome..." She continued smiling, flirtatiously even. "Is that all?" I asked. "Mmmm, well... I know I said you didn't have to, but I was kinda hoping that you'd maybe... I don't know..." She set her hands behind her back 'innocently' and continued, "...change your mind?" I huffed. "Why do you want a massage so fucking bad? Can this really not wait till morning?" "Now would be a better time, don't you think?" "No?" "Oh come on. It's the perfect time for a massage. Tomorrow, we'll be too preoccupied with other stuff. It's just fifteen minutes. Please?" "So, let me get this straight. You want a massage, late at night, in a dark room, just me and you, and what... laying on my bed? I may be slow from time to time, but I have a hunch about where that might lead us." She smiled teasingly. "So? Yes. or. No?" I debated my options, for some reason. I hadn't expected this in the slightest. We were literally at each other's throats this morning. Well... I guess I was, whereas she was feeling some kinda way. Before I could respond to her, she raised her hand and tapped her index finger against my chest, sliding it down slowly. "Come on, D'mitry. I just want to make amends." "I thought we already did?" "We did. But if I remember right..." she said, biting her lip and raising her other hand, her fingers slowly wrapping around my hips. "...you wanted me to make amends with something else." I can't believe this. I'm incredibly scared right now. This is scarier than the damn zombie apocalypse. "Mmmm..." "Don't hold out on me now, D'mitry. I know you want it too. Don't I deserve it? I mean... that is my blood that's swimming around down there," she teased, leaning in even closer, until her lips were beside my ear. "I think your friend is pretty happy to have it." ... ... ... Fuck it. > (C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) The Gaming Princess Urrrgehhuuuhuuhu I squirmed awake. You'd think I would conk the hell out after everything that happened yesterday, but nooooooooo. Here I was, waking up early as shit. Celestia's sun wasn't even showing up yet! It was still dark out. I angrily scooted off the hospital bed, nearly tripping and falling on my face in the darkness of the room. I made my way to my backpack against the wall and dug inside it until I found the watch Twi had given me yesterday. I then pressed my eyes up against it so I could see the hands. 5:18 Bruh. I know I'd been up a bit later than expected last night, since I had to deal with an intruder. And dealt with it, I did. She dealt with me too, though. I won't go into detail, but we had some fun. Apparently she was raging with those same teenage hormones that was driving me to madness too. It'd been a while since I fucked a human. I- ... ... ... Okay, that sounded a lot weirder than it did in my head... ... ... ... I literally can't think of any other way to say it... ... ... ... So, you'd think I'd stay my ass asleep. But noooooooooooo. Author didn't want that. He wanted to wake my ass up in 5 hours instead. Shithead. Quiet lightning bolt. AHH! I tensed up as the bolt silently pierced through the hospital ceiling. Really? A quiet lightning bolt? Yeah. I wouldn't wanna wake up the others. Wow. I considered lying down and going back to bed, but for some reason, I was full of energy now. Maybe passing out yesterday, over and over again, allowed my body the rest it needed. Whatever. Considering how early it was, I decided to go pester Luna. She was likely one of the only ones up anyway, and I did have a question about the scheduled maintenance and economic upkeep of my chainsaw. Yeah... I think it was getting low on gas. I hadn't used it a whole lot, but between the castle, the boys, and the bushes, it was probably getting hungry. I actually didn't know for sure, but lord knows I did not want it to run out of gas in the middle of a fight. So, I made my way down the hall to see her. knock knock knock That's me knocking on her door. Thanks for clarifying. Yeah. Anyway, I didn't feel like barging in and risking another spanking, so I followed proper etiquette and waited patiently for Luna to open the door. After twiddling my thumbs for a good ten seconds, there was no response. Knock knock knock. Another ten seconds. Come on, Luna! I haven't got all day! Well, maybe I will. It wasn't even technically daytime yet. I was just growing impatient. Knock Knock Knock! Did she not hear me? I knocked louder in case she didn't, but there was still no response. Gaaaaah. KNOCK knock knock. The first knock scared me a bit, and I felt like she'd answer angrily if I continued. But STILL, after 10 more fucking seconds, she did not come to the door. Did she fall asleep? I remember them telling me they locked the sun and moon in kinetic orbit or whatever it was called, but surely she would still be up? It'd be really weird if Luna started sleeping every night. Another ten seconds. Fuck this shit. I've been here, like, a minute. My impatience was bubbling throughout me. I could not wait any longer. I quietly hoped that I wouldn't see something that would scar me forever as I slowly opened the door. Creeeeak. The room was very dimly lit by what seemed like some kinda night light, revealing first Celestia asleep on the bed to the left, where she almost spanked Abby. I continued slowly opening the door until I got to the source of light on the righ- ... ... ... Bro. Are you serious? Luna was laying down on her stomach on the bed opposite Celestia. Her head was facing the middle of the room, but her eyes were glued to something laid out right below her. A fucking Nintendo Switch. Bruh. Between her hooves was the switch, lighting up her concentrated face a light blue. She was holding two weird kinda stylus pens in her hooves to click the buttons on either side. Not only was she apparently playing a game on this switch, but she also had earbuds in her ear, connected to an IPOD laying next to her. Ridiculous. I dramatically flung the door open the rest of the way to allow the emergency light in the hallway to seep into the room. It was only then that she looked up from her switch and met eyes with me. Her eyes widened, and she made a face similar to a child who'd just been caught up playing games way past their bedtime. She mouthed the word "Fuck!" before using one of her stylus pens to pause the song she was listening to on the iPod and pulling the earbuds from her ears. I angrily closed the door behind me, careful not to slam it and wake Celestia. I then quietly stomped over to Luna and crossed my arms. "What the fuck, Luna?" I scoffed. She pointed at Celestia and raised a hoof to her mouth, shushing before whispering, "D'mitry. Are you trying to get spanked again??" We kept our voices down to avoid waking Celestia. "No. Are you??" She rolled her eyes. "You know that's not how that works." Before she could react, I snagged the iPod from the bed and looked at it. I saw the song title before she aggressively snatched it back. Bruh. She was listening to "Still D.R.E" by Dr. Dre. Lmao. "Really?" I mocked. "Oh be quiet, you little shit." I crossed my arms again. "So, you can have all this crap, but I can't even request my own damn jukebox records? You gotta be kidding me." "Yes. I am a princess, after all." I glanced back at Celestia sleeping across the room. She was snoring very unprincesslike. But, if I remember correctly, the princesses had banned this kind of stuff from being brought here. As I've said before, they always denied my requests to bring in social media, and stuff like this. They weren't entirely certain what this kind of technology would do in this world, as they hadn't advanced past the barbaric ass age we were in. All three of them were pretty skeptical of technology in general, but you know, I guess fucking assault rifles and teenage boy degenerates were just fine, huh? It didn't make much sense, but regardless, they weren't big fans of tech. At least... most of them weren't... I met eyes with Luna again. "Doesn't matter. I know what y'all have said. What, did y'all just suddenly change your minds about technology?" "Uh, yes... we did." "Bullshit." I turned to go wake up Celestia, to which Luna frantically shot out her hoof and snagged my arm. "Wait! Just wait, please?" "That's what I thought," I jeered, returning to my dumbass crossed-arms stance. Actually, this was kinda cringe, so I uncrossed my arms and put them on my hips like an angry dad. She sighed defeatedly. "Okay... we didn't. But please don't tell her." "Or what?" ... "What?" she asked. I shook my head. "Wait... no, that's not the phrase I was going for. Hold on." Luna stared blankly as I thought of the phrase. "Ah. So what's in it for me?" She closed her eyes in annoyance. "Really? You're going to blackmail me?" "Oh yeah, I am. This is blackmail central. Choo choo, mothafucka." I pulled down an invisible train horn cord a couple times as she facehoofed frustratingly. After taking a minute to think to herself, she sighed and looked up at me. "Okay. Here's my proposal: two hoofjobs--one now, and one later on. How's that sound?" "Huh?" "You said you're blackmailing me..." "I just wanted an iPod! Damn!" "Oh..." She averted her eyes, taking a moment to recollect herself. Despite being a darker pony, I could vaguely see blush show up on her cheeks. That meant she was blushing blushing. She turned back to me, unable to fully hide her new embarrassment. "Please forget I said that. But yes, I can probably bring you an iPod of your own. As you know, our magic is still fading, but I believe I've got enough left to transport something small like that. That being said, you have to keep it secret from everybody, okay? Do you think you could manage that?" "I'm pretty sure. I don't know, though, if a princess as wise as you got caught, you don't think I will? What actually happens if Celestia finds me with it?" "What do you think?" "We both get spanked?" She rolled her eyes. "She doesn't spank me--you know this. I'm pretty sure you asked us something stupid along those lines at one point, trying to see if we had some weird incest relationship going on." "I would never." "Pssssht." "Okay, but like, how would she punish you? I'm actually curious." "Just because she's my big sister doesn't mean she holds any more power than I do. And no, don't even think about bringing up what I think you're going to." I raised my hands defensively as she mean-mugged me. "I won't... but like, I just gotta ask... does any of this really matter with the, you know, apocalypse going on?" "Probably not, honestly. If the wavelengths and frequencies emitted from this device affect our world somehow, then hopefully it's for the better. It's too late to really do anything about them anyway." I chuckled. "It'd be funny if that switch of yours emitted rays and, like, electromagnetically blew up the world because you wanted to play video games." She looked at me with an unamused, straight face for a few seconds before shaking her head. "I swear. You say some dumb shit sometimes." "Yeah, whatever. I keep y'all entertained at least." "That I can agree with." She and I sat in silence for a moment. Well, she did. I stood there, patiently waiting for her to speak as she took this moment to think. "Okay," she said, reaching back and grabbing a blindfold that was sitting beside her. "Can you make sure Celestia doesn't wake up while I go get your iPod? Just the iPod, right?" She hoofed me the blindfold. "Hmm. Seeing as though it doesn't matter anymore, I want a phone too." She huffed. "No, D'mitry. Let's take this one step at a time. Having two might be a challenge for you to keep them both hidden, especially since you might fall back into the typical human habit of pulling out your phone and checking it randomly throughout the day." I huffed. "Fiiiiiiine. How am I gonna pick the songs I want once I get my iPod, though?" "You won't be able to. I'll pick them out for you." "Bruh." "Oh come on, you saw what I was listening to. Are you into Dr. Dre?" I took a second to laugh to myself, careful not to wake Celestia. "I mean, yeah. I find it funny that that's the type of music you choose to listen to." "Oh be quiet, you judgemental little bastard. I listen to a lot of different genres." That statement brought up a thought. "Wait a minute. How long have you had this iPod?" She pressed her lips together and averted her eyes inconspicuously. "Bro, no way!" I replied, "You brought these in before the apocalypse, didn't you??" Her facial expression convinced me so. She sighed. "Just the iPod. I brought in this switch during our train ride." "What games do you even play? What are you playing right now?" I asked, leaning over to see the screen of the switch. "I don't remember what it's called." I took a closer look, which revealed the third-person view of a highly modified street-racing car with a tall spoiler. The game wasn't outrageously detailed, but it was clearly some type of racing game. What was funnier to see was the big "turn around" indicator at the top of the screen. "Interesting," I commented, backing to a stand again. "So, you actually do know a thing or two about motors?" "I do." "Okay, prove it. What motor is in tha-" "It's a Mercedes-AMG ONE, so it's a dual hybrid. The internal combustion engine is a 1.6L turbocharged V6 and it's got 4 more electric motors: 1 turbocharger, 1 MGU-K crankshaft motor, and 2 front axle motors to power the front wheels." ... ... "Damn." "Yeah... I've grown fond of the cars from your world. So... anyway, cover Celestia's eyes with that blindfold while I go get you your iPod, okay? If anybody knocks, tell them to wait a minute." "Gotcha. Thanks." Luna briefly took some song suggestions from me before I walked across the room to keep Celestia asleep. It should be easy, considering she was still snoring. I wondered if I even needed to cover her eyes with the blindfold, but I remembered just how violently bright her horn had glowed when she went to get my chainsaw. So, I stepped up to the side her head was facing and opened the cloth strap of the blindfold. I then carefully placed it over her head and horn, before ge- snap I froze after losing grip on the strap. The other end softly smacked the back of her head, causing her snoring to cease. The blindfold was in place now, but I might have awoken her. I waited anxiously, hoping she wouldn't lift her head. She groaned slightly, which turned into almost more of a moan. Kinda strange. Right after this, she opened her mouth and stuck her tongue out. Even more strange. I watched her keep her mouth open, her tongue slowly dancing around as if it were waiting for something. She moaned quietly one more time before closing it. Wow. Luna waited for my signal. I walked over to her instead. "What is it?" she asked. "I think Celestia's having a dream about sucking someone off." Luna violently rolled her eyes. I chuckled. "You should see if she is." "I am not doing that, you damn pervert. I've seen enough out of her dreams. Just keep an eye on her, would you?" "Oh, I will," I smirked. "D'mitry. If I come back and catch you with your penis out at all, you are going to face one of the most severe punishments you've ever faced on this planet. Do you understand?" "Whoa, hey," I replied, raising my hands in surrender again. "I wasn't planning on it. I'm not that braindead." "Good. BRB." Luna's horn glowed that same bright light as she traversed across the universe. It was interesting. I wish I could watch her, but I'm pretty sure I'd be blinded if I stared at her horn during this. Like, actually blinded for good. No thanks. I looked away, making sure Celestia's horny ass didn't wake up. However, the nuke of light never made its appearance. I noticed the regular bright light slowly fade and turned around to see her blink her eyes open. There was no second iPod. "What happened? You get lost or something?" I asked. She grew a look of distress, eying me nervously. "N- no... I..." she stammered, sighing and shaking her head. "I'm sorry, D'mitry, but... I... I ran out of the magic needed to get you your iPod." "Awe shit. I was actually in here originally because I think my chainsaw may need more gas soon. Will you not be able to get that either?" "I'm afraid not..." I got ready to pester her with more questions, but she suddenly started tearing up. I watched her for a second as she lost a battle against a few tears. After they slid down her cheeks, I started making sense of what I was seeing. "Princess... are you okay?" I asked. I was by her bedside already, so I reached out a hand and set it on her back. I dunno... seems like something I should do. She sniffed and wiped away her tears. "I'm fine... I'm just a bit scared about this all, you know?" "Hmm. Well, that makes sense. But we should be alright. Once we get over this stupid apocalypse crap, surely we'll find some way to bring y'alls magic back. Just gotta kick some zombie ass first." A timid smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, D'mitry. If you want, you can borrow my iPod for now. Do you wanna do that?" I disconnected my hand. "Sure!" "Okay. How about this? You can have it for today, but give it back to me later tonight. We can share it, so you let me know when you want it again. Sound good?" "Hell yeah! Thanks." I hugged Luna and left her to play with her virtual racecar, setting the iPod in my pocket for now. Since I couldn't get to sleep, I decided to stop by the cafeteria to grab an early breakfast. On the way, however, an open door caught my eye. The room it led to was dark, but an emergency light sat right outside of it in the hallway. I gently opened this door, allowing the emergency light to vaguely fill up the small room. Nobody was sleeping in it. This was one of those rooms similar to the one I had gotten blood taken from. It was almost like a regular doctor's office room. On the back wall was a sink and some cabinets above and below a counter. What aroused my curiosity was a cabinet beneath the sink slightly ajar. I walked across the room and opened the cabinet all the way, notici- ... ... Yes! YES! I found it! Fuck yeah! Snowheart had stashed her painkillers away, seeing as though I could 'not be trusted' around them. Looks like she didn't do a good enough job hiding them. My greedy ass reached inside and grabbed the pill bottle. It was only when I hovered the bottle in front of my face to verify the Rx name that I paused. sigh The nurses had their reasoning. I wasn't even in pain anymore, really. I definitely felt some soreness, but... ah... No. This wasn't right. I wanted to do the right thing, so I set aside my greed and put the pill bottle back. That's when I noticed something hidden in the other corner of the cabinet. I hadn't seen it at first, given how dark the corner was. I reached out, realizing it was another pill bottle she'd hidden. This one didn't feel or sound like it had pills inside, so I set my face close to the bottle to see wha- ... ... Holy crap. LSD!! Inside the pill bottle were the familiar, tiny square papers of LSD I'd seen her carry from time to time. I couldn't believe it. I mean... I knew she occasionally had this LSD, but she hadn't even mentioned it the past few days. This must have been something she was really hiding from me. This thought angered me a bit. What? Did she think I would irresponsibly take them when I shouldn't, and therefore spend the rest of the apocalypse days tripping balls? Bitch. I was responsible. ... ... Surely one wouldn't hurt right now, though, right? > (C̸̞̙̭̽̌̀̈́̽̕̕ȗ̵̧̨̢̻̩̞̘͙̉̋̊͂͘ŕ̷͖̦̍͝s̵̫̪̋̍͂̆̆͆̄é̶̡̧̺͖d̸͎͒̒̿̈̀) Trippin' Balls Haha this is great. The previously bland walls of the hopital shimmered and danced in my visions. The white marbly floor shiftin' around was makin me nuaseous, but I continued stumbling through the hallway. It was getting late... or... early? HAHAHA! I could see Celestias sun starting to rise, peeking through the front windows of the hospital lobby. Thankfuly, Blaze... no... Drift was the one on guard duty. Good thing it wasnt, like, Twi... or Dash. HAHAHA! Walking beside me was my new friend, Fred. He was a golden shepherd dog that could talk. He'd informed me about the upcoming whether forecast, talkin' bout how we were gonna get some snow. I debated this ridiculous idea. There was also a white cat on my other side. We did not like the cat. "Meow meow, nigga." Stupid cat. We did not like the cat. "Fuck this cat," I commented. "On it, boss," Fred replied. What? Fred shifted to my other side an got behind the racist cat. Before I could intrevene, he jumped up on the cat and began fucking it doggy-style. "No, Fred, no! Don't do that! You might get rabies!" "I am immune to the coronavirus," he stated. "Oh." I decided to leave Fred alone with the racist cat. This acid trip was something else. I remembar taking it in the past, but I don't ramember it being this strong. Reguardless, this stuffs makin me hungry! With my stomach rumbling, I made my way to the cafeteria. I made my way to the cafeteria. Unfoturnately, I made my way to the cafeteria. No. Unfortanately, the girls, Jen and Abby, were already in there when I made my way to the cafeteria. Shiiiiiit. Imma just grab me a snack an leave, because I know their gonna harass me. I also dont' wanna talk to Abby. big Booty bitch. They noticed me as I grabbed... what is this? Yellow blob. HAHAHA! Oh... it's sunchip. s. Good. I grabbed the chips and made my way out of the cafeteria. I walked out of the cafeteria. I made my way out of the cafeteria. After walking out of the cafeteria, Jen got up from her seat to come after me walking out of the cafeteria. damn. I should go outside. The others might be wakin' up too. I gotta shake this off. Shake it off, shake it off, uh uh! HAHAHA! Okay, D'mitry. I hate to do this to ya, but I think I'm gonna step in and help you out here. "HAHAHA, what??" he asked. "Wait... what?!" he asked again. You're far too tripped out to narrate right now. Take a breather. "Whoa..." D'mitry held his head, taking a moment to understand what the Author was saying. This was a weird change to him, but he was tripping his balls off on acid, so it wasn't that unbelievable. He shook his head and continued down the hallway, getting distracted by the sudden animated murals all over the walls watching him walk by. After stumbling a few times, he ignored the faces watching him and made it to the end of the hall. Once outside, he stumbled around the corner of the hospital to hide away from a tracking Jen. This back side of the hospital cast a shadow, seeing as it faced west, away from Celestia's rising sun. He ignored the kiddie swimming pool with Tom Cruise and Elmo in it and made his way past them. He'd brought his chainsaw backpack with him. He deemed this too heavy to deal with right now, so he set it up against the back wall. Leaning up against the wall beside him and smoking a cigarette was a gray, 7-foot-tall alien creature who promised to keep his five eyes on it. D'mitry shivered slightly in the shadow of the hospital before busting open the bag of chips, accidentally spilling some on the grass. He didn't mind. There were still chips in the bag, which he began scoffing down as if he hadn't eaten since the princesses brought him into this world. As he was preoccupied with this, Jen rounded the corner to come and speak with him. He eventually noticed and annoyingly sighed to himself. "D'mitry. What the hell is wrong with you??" she called, walking up to meet him. "Nom nom nom!" The idiot could not formulate a cohesive sentence at the moment. Not only did he have chips in his open mouth, but he was also tripping out from LSD, which he'd ingested a mere hour ago. Jen snagged the chips out of his hand, which he was still occasionally dropping some from. This caused the idiot to lose his balance and stumble to the ground, where he awkwardly pushed himself back to his knees. "Are you for real, D'mitry? Getting high now? What did you even take? You look absolutely smoked right now." D'mitry pushed himself to a stand, almost falling over in the process. He did not care that Jen was pestering him with these seemingly pointless questions. He instead reached out to snatch his chips back, starting to fall once more as he failed to get them. Jen, apologetic to this idiot, dropped the chips before reaching out and holding his shoulders to prevent his fall. She wrapped her fingers around until they were set on the sides. "D'mitry, please. Can you hear me right now?" "Naaaaaaaaaaaah-" "Stop. Just snap out of this, would you? At least tell me what you took." He ignored her, instead staring into her baby-blue eyes as if he were searching for the lost city of Atlantis. He smiled, taken back by her beauty. "You're so preeeeetty." "Thank you... but please. What did you take?" "I'm in love with you. Let's start a family together." He pushed himself forward for a kiss, but Jen was too thrown off by this sudden proposal. She disconnected his shoulders and side-stepped, watching him fall face-first to the ground again. The idiot tried pushing himself up, but he couldn't do it at the moment. He instead rolled over and gazed up at her. "Ruuuuuuuuuuuuude." She angrily glared down at him. "D'mitry! Tell me what you took, right now, or I will get Twilight." "Whatever!" She didn't really want to escalate things, but seeing D'mitry like this was starting to bother her. She was afraid for his well-being right now, so she shook off some sudden emotions and made her way back inside to grab Princess Twilight. Meanwhile, the blundering idiot managed to sit up. He wanted to grab his chips, but he noticed something off in the tree line behind the hospital. His vision was dazed, and everything was bouncing around nauseatingly, but he focused on it. The figure he saw was Pete. He couldn't believe it. Pete stood there at the forest line with a rifle in his hands, glaring back at him. D'mitry tried to blink him away, but Pete stood firmly in place. An unusual piece of white cloth was wrapped over his jacketed chest, with a few blood stains that looked like bullet holes on them. Despite how abnormal this looked, D'mitry realized it may actually be real. Pete's glare suddenly morphed into a wicked smirk. Another boy then appeared from behind him, his chest similarly wrapped with strange white cloth. Running down the middle of it was a thin red, blood-stained line. This red line ran off the cloth and up into his neck, where it disappeared under his chin. D'mitry wasn't quite sure what to make of this until he noticed the boy was holding a jet-black colored leash. The boy tugged on the leash, and out from behind Pete came... Cloudchaser. His eyes widened, as did hers. Her neck was tied up to this leash. She'd been taken hostage again. He had no idea what to make of all this. As he analyzed the boys, he noticed Tom Cruise jump out of the kiddie pool in his peripheral vision. He turned his head to see Tom jumping up and down on the grass frantically, pointing at the two boys. "They've got the speed! They have it!" As Elmo clumsily fell out of the kiddie pool too, D'mitry noticed Pete and the other boy quickly turn around, tugging Cloud's leash for her to follow. Within seconds, they began running off with her. D'mitry quickly, clumsily, and frantically picked himself off the ground. He realized they were gaining ground, but he was still unarmed. He staggered as little as he possibly could as he rushed back to the wall for his backpack. Despite lugging the heavy pack out with him, he'd neglected to grab his Beretta as well. As he kneeled down to grab the pack, the alien said, "I kept it safe for you, babuski. It should be good to travel through the Omega quadrant now. Let me know if you need any more bubblypoison." "Ight, thanks," D'mitry replied, quickly flinging the pack over his shoulder. He fell over in the process, but after frantically pushing himself upright, he staggered before taking off for the tree line. Elmo rushed across the grass and began running alongside him. "This is just like Vietnam!" the soaking-wet muppet hollered. D'mitry hadn't expected Elmo to be so damn fast, but he realized this was a good thing as they gave chase. Elmo actually managed to pass him, but the muppet screamed out "Booby Trap!" before tripping and falling into a black hole that suddenly formed on the stump of a tree. "No! Elmo!" Elmo was dead. Just like that. He had no time to grieve, as he could barely make out the backs of the boys' heads running away. They both weaved through bushes ahead of him with Cloud right on their tail. He wondered why Cloud wasn't putting up more of a fight so he could catch up as he gave chase. The trees swayed and flashed at him, the grass seemingly growing and shrinking as he ran over it. The brightening sky danced over his head, the enormous cumulonimbus clouds from yesterday still lingering over the horizon. He took a quick second during his chase to look at them, noticing they were slowly morphing into menacing rainclouds. Unbeknownst to him, he chased the boys for the next twenty minutes. This only felt like a minute to him as he struggled to not run into trees or lose sight of them. He made his way through the forest, which only grew denser around him. It was only when the boys suddenly stopped that he realized this. "Hey! Asshole!!!" he called, rushing to catch up with them. "What, D'mitry?" Pete called, turning around. As he did, D'mitry froze at the sight. It wasn't Pete anymore. It was... Jen?? W̸̪̮̲̆͂͊̆͐͛͠h̵̲͎͎̉́̎a̴̩̐̄̀͒͑̏͝t̸̢̳͖͚̉͌̄ ̵̛̟̗̪̼͕̖̂̇͜͠͝ť̵̛̟͔̙̼̠̻̾͋̆̀ͅh̴̨̨̛͍̙̲́́̂͠e̵͚̊̋̈́͆͝ ̶̢̘̺̪̍͆̒̊̚ḩ̵̡̢̡͍̪͛́e̷̡͚͉̲͛́ļ̴̣͇̪͌̀͛̎ͅĺ̴̢̤̜̤̲̬̼̚͘ŝ̵̙̯̪̗͍̓̉̇̋̈̿ ̸̧͖̑͐͆͆̌͆̚ģ̷̰̲̪͍̹͌̐̐͝ó̶̦͇͗̎̕i̷̝͒n̷̼̜̿͛͌̓g̸̢̡̣̕ ̸̡͖̞̬̰͗̅͑͋ö̵̫̜̘͎̘́̿͆̎̓̽͝ņ̸̦̦̺̳͚͐̚̕ͅ?̴̨͖̥̜̼̈̍͜͠͝?̸̢̞̭̥̯̖̃̇͆͒͘̚ "Whoa, huh..." I stuttered. Jesus, what's happening? What is this? Jen stood in front of me now, where I thought Pete was. To make matters worse, the other boy turned around, just to reveal he was Abby. I was still tripping my balls off, but I think that run took some of it out of me, or something. I took a second to glance around, realizing I was lost as fuck now. "Great," Cloud said, "The racist followed us." "Bruh..." Jen handed the leash over to Abby before placing her hands on her hips and walking up to me. "Why are you in love with me?" "What?" "You should love Abby more. She's got a big booty." ... I was starting to come to my senses, kinda, realizing this might not be real. I closed my eyes and held my head, struggling to squander a weird wooshy sound jumping between my ears. This is the last time I'm taking any of that cursed-ass LSD. Maybe it was laced or something. When I shook my head and looked up again, Cloud was gone. Jen and Abby stood side by side in front of me, and Abby was wearing the leash around her neck now. "Uhh... where did Cloud go?" I asked. "Bet you'd love to know, pony fucker," Abby replied. ... "What?" Jen huffed. "The Author would like to speak with you." "What??" D'mitry. ... Author, what the hell is going on?! You're ţ̵̂̅̀͌͌̽̍́r̷̜̟͍͛͛̍̋͠͝ḯ̷͇͚̒͂̔p̴̼̹̩̮̲̈́̓̀̽̇͒͒p̸̡̩̍̀̏̅͐͆̇i̴̤̞̮̼͂ņ̷͈̻̪̙̪̓̈͆͐̌̚͠ͅģ̴̛̓̒ ̷͎͉̠͙͇̩͚̓͒̑̋̅̇̿͝o̵͉̲͎͍̼̦̞͠ut. Huh?? Jen and Abby's stares were distracting me, so I looked away toward some trees to my left to focus while talking with the Author. You good, Author? D'mitr̶̢̢̮̣̣͇̻̮͗͆̑͝ŷ̶̧͎̭͔̯̮̯,̸̢̥̖͓̦̞̯̤͒̂̿́̀͌͋̉ ̶̢͉̱̤̥̰̭̹͂͆̂Ỉ̷̦͇̈͆͜'̴̨͚̦͉̌̈́̓ṃ̷͊̀̾̐ ̸̨͙͓͍̱̑s̶͔̒̉͌̔̔̇͗ö̷̯͍̬̃̓̋͗̉̀͝r̴ry. Sorry? Sorry for what? Why do you sound like you're breaking up? How are you breaking up?? The Author sighed loudly, almost sounding like a crack of thunder. I waited a few seconds for him to respond. He didn't answer me, instead just speaking out my name. However, it didn't sound like he was in my head or all around me anymore. His voice emanated from where Jen and Abby were standing, so I turned my head- ... ... ... "Author?" "Hello, D'mitry." Man, I must be tripping my actual balls off right now. Jen and Abby were gone, replaced by a glowing man. He stood my height, 6'0, and was outrageously handsome and- What the hell? I didn't say that. I said he was incredibly handsome and good-looking, very fit and sexy, an absolute feast for women's eyes as he stood majest- Bruh. Am I being manipulated?? I did not say any of that. "Haha, yeah. Sorry. Thought I would mess with ya one last time." "What??" "This isn't a part of your acid trip, D'mitry. I'm sorry, but this is the end. For me, at least. Long story short, I... broke some rules..." "You broke some rules? How do you 'break' some rules? I didn't think God had any rules." "I do. If my gods and I hadn't created rules for ourselves, the universes we've built could never have been created. It's kinda like time: You need to have it, or else nothing can actually happen." "O...kay... so what rule did you break, exactly?" "I saved you, D'mitry. I've completely altered the timeline from what was supposed to happen this morning, completely changing the future course of this entire universe forever." "You... altered the timeline?" "Yes. The universe deemed you a dead man this morning, D'mitry." "A DEAD man?!" "Yes. This morning, you were supposed to inevitably make some mistakes when a certain event took place, leading to your untimely death. I did not want this to happen, so I popped into your mind just now. I was the figment of your imagination, D'mitry. I led you out here to prevent your death." ... I had to take a second to think about this all. This morning had turned chaotic as fuck very quickly. "Tell me about it." Oh, right. "So... you saved me? Why?" "The story must go on. It can't end like this. That'd be a stupid ending, honestly." "I mean... agreed. But why is it 'the end' for you? I don't understand. How serious is the law you broke?" "Very serious. The universe does not like it when its god alters the infinite timeline already meticulously laid out from the start. Therefore, the universe is actively working to banish me into non-existence." "WHAT?!" "Yeah. I'm sorry. Everything will be alright for you, though. The universe isn't going to collapse on itself or anything crazy like that. I am just going to die." ... "I... I can't believe this." "I understand. You will have to, though. In a few minutes from now, you won't be able to speak to me ever again. Look on the bright side, though: At least I can't strike you with lightning anymore ;)" "Don't winky face me! You can't die! Maybe, maybe I can run back!" "Nope. It's too late for that. Don't worry about me, D'mitry. It's not like I'm dying dying. I'm just being sent back to the comfort of my own universe as a less powerful being." "Oh... well, I guess that isn't too bad..." "It's not." The Author stepped forward, his entire body still glowing a strange color that didn't make much sense to me. Was it... orange? Yellow? Maybe a mix of blue? "It's not a color you are able to understand. Don't worry about it," he said, setting his weird-color glowing hand on my shoulder. "Farewell, D'mitry. Don't be too stupid." "F... f... farewell..." Just like that, the Author vanished before my eyes. I guess I'm in denial, cause I spent the next minute thinking out absurd and provoking thoughts to trigger some kinda response from him. No response came. My heartbeat started racing. The trees surrounding me swayed with the wind. I grew nervous, a cold chill entering my spine. I glanced up at the darkening clouds, my vision blurring in and out. I was so frightened that I started feeling woozy again. A crack of thunder erupted in the distance. Shit. This was not a good time. My thoughts were swirling. I was quickly feeling light-headed. Was I really about to pass out ag ... ... Thud! > The "End" The first night was calm. My wounds ached with pain, but that was to be expected. Trixie had gotten the new bed, and the others forced me to have the second best. There were only three in quality shape, four more in manageable shape, and twenty burnt to bits. Trixie was able to fix enough beds to satisfy everybody, but they weren't in great shape. It was just moments past dawn when I woke up. My shoulder was stiff. I laid back for a few minutes before getting up. It strained, but I'd been through worse. After stretching my unhurt left shoulder, I walked to Twi's room. I was stopped in the hall by Dash. "Hey Devan." "Hey." "Twi went over the plan with me last night." "What? Just you two?" "We couldn't sleep. I went into her room and we talked it over." "Is she gonna tell us later?" "I think." "Alright. I'm off to see her now." "For the plan?" "I was just gonna check up on her." "She's fast asleep now. I already tried waking her up." "Oh ... alright." "You want to come down with me to the cafeteria? Nurse Snow and Trixie are making breakfast." "Alright." I followed her downstairs and walked into the cafeteria. It was much better than I'd expected. The linoleum floor was clean; The windows were boarded up yet still letting in the sun's rays; The tables and chairs were neatly arranged. "Trixie did pretty good, huh?" "Yeah." Her and I met with Snow and Trix. "Whatcha making?" I asked. "Eggs and toast. Two plates?" "Yeah," Dash responded. "We'll bring it to you." We sat at a table for two near the window and looked around for a minute. "Want to hear the plan?" she asked. "Sure." "She went over about the next few ... well ... months." "Wow." "I know." She cleared her throat. "Basically, we hide out here for the next week and rebuild. The next day, she'll split us into two groups. One will stay here; the other will scavenge for supplies and the cure. We repeat this for the month. There's quite a lot to go over for the next month, so I'll let her tell you that." "So she's intent with settling down here?" "Looks like it." "Interesting." We sat quietly for another minute until Trix walked up with our food. "Enjoy." We both thanked her and dug in. We had more conversation until we finished eating and walked to the lobby. Twi walked through the staircase doorway while we were in the hall. "Hey you two." "Hey Twi," Dash said, "Good morning." "Morning." She stretched vaguely. "Who's awake?" Dash replied, "Trix and Snow are in the cafeteria. Nurse Redheart is looking after Blaze. I don't know about the others. Twi sighed. "Okay. We'll discuss the plan when everybody is up. Have you two eaten yet?" "Yeah." "What are they making?" "Eggs and toast." She licked her lips. "Sounds good. I'll see you two in a bit." "Before you eat-" I said, "I'm gonna go outside if that's alright." "Okay." She headed for the kitchen. "You want to come?" I asked Dash. She debated slightly. "No thanks. I might be out later though." "Alright. See ya'." "Later." I walked through the front doors quietly and went around to the left side to see the sunrise. I leaned against the brick wall as the sun peaked over the nearby trees. It's bright rays shone over the cooling ground. Fall was here, and it was slowly getting colder. I wondered if winter would be worse this year, seeing as the clouds were left to move themselves. It was pretty chilly, considering this was only the start of fall. I relaxed, enjoying this peaceful moment. The breeze blew lightly against me. All was quiet. I took a slow breath and closed my eyes, sinking in the feeling of calmness. Nearby screams threw my eyes open. My time of peace was over. Instinct led me to pulling out my Beretta and looking around. I heard shrubs moving and leaves crunching ahead of me. I heard a gunshot that made me flinch. The rustling intensified. I scooted towards the corner of the hospital in case I needed to escape. Another gunshot from the distance sounded. A bullet whizzed overhead, causing me to duck. I saw the shrubs move in front of me before someone broke through. It was the fillies! They were shocked yet grateful upon seeing me, and I felt just the same about them. "Devan!" Scootaloo yelled. "Fillies!" They ran up to me while more shrubs rustled. I pulled up Beretta when they ran by my side. "Don't!" Applebloom exclaimed, "Cloudchaser is in there!" Cloudchaser? What was she doing chasing the fillies? I put down my Beretta. "Girls!" I heard her yell. I saw her appear briefly through the shrubs before being pulled back unexpectedly. She hollered out. "Cloudchaser!" I ran up, but was stopped halfway as she reappeared. A hand covered her mouth and another had a gun to her head. The boy smiled when he saw me. "Pete?" "Hello, Devan. Surprised to see me?" I was shocked to see him alive and well. It confused me intently. "Hopefully I didn't hit your precious eye." "Go to hell," I sneered. "I suggest you shut up." He pushed Cloudchaser a bit closer and gestured to the gun. I hesitantly kept Beretta down. "Get your hands off her." "Or what?" "I'll kill you," I threatened. "You'll kill her," he said. "Fillies, go inside." "Hey! Don't you move!" he exclaimed, aiming his pistol at them. "Hey!" I stood in front of the fillies, shielding them. "It's over, Devan." "You don't have to shoot fillies! Let them go!" "I'll shoot whoever I want." "What do you want from us?" "I want you dead." "Why?" "None of your business." Silence. The breeze from before pushed fallen leaves around. "Devan! Are you al-" I looked over to see Jen run around the corner. She instantly saw what was going on and came to a screeching halt. The two stared at each other in dismay. "P-Pete?" I looked back to see Pete wide-eyed with his mouth open, perplexed. "Jen?" I surveyed their expressions. Both of them were too surprised to speak. Pete even lowered his pistol. "I thought you were dead," Jen commented. "I'm not that weak." More silence. Pete stared from Jen to me and back. "What the hell are you doing?" Jen glanced at me before sighing. "Listen, Pete. Dustin was lying to me, and there's a good chance he was lying to you too." "Lying? He's my brother. I knew his plan all along. I thought you'd figured that out by now." "So you were just here to kill my friends?!" Jen snapped. "Whoa! Friends? Just a few days ago, you were out to kill them." "I thought they had killed my father." "How do you know they didn't?" "Because ... because," she started, "because I trust them." Pete took a moment to sink this all in. It was obvious him and her used to be close. "You used to trust me." Jen took even longer to sink this in. It was very quiet. Pete kept his eyes locked on Jen while I guarded the fillies. The silence added to the awkward encounter of them. "I don't now." A mix of anger, longing, and resentment appeared on his face. He was truly heart-broken. This look held for a few seconds before he pulled the gun on her. As quickly as I could move, I reacted by turning and leaping on Jen, shoving her to the ground and shielding her. But Pete never fired. I turned to see him frowning at me. "You're that close? For friends, that's a ways." Jen was baffled herself. "I don't watch my friends in threat." "Get up, will you?" he asked, irritated. I lifted Jen and pulled her with the fillies, attempting to shield all of them. "Well aren't you a hero?" "If you want to call me that." "I'd rather call you a dead hero." Again, he pulled his gun, but on me this time. "You don't have to do this." "I do." Jen stepped in. "Please don't do this, Pete." "Why should I let my nemesis live?" "He doesn't have to be your nemesis." "He is." "Why?" Pete paused for a while, incorporating the feeling of truth as he answered, "My shallow soul. Goodnight, Devan." "No!" Jen screamed. I saw the flash of his gun for a split second before a searing pain exploded in my brain. My sight immediately shut down, and I forgot most of what just occurred. Everything faded black and my hearing was terminated before I could even hear the gunshot.
A Horny Werewolf at Night	pre	Celestia had her eyes rolled in the back of her head as the werewolf ravished her. She had not felt this much pleasure in so long but she cannot believe that it's raping her right in front of her own sister. Luna watched as it continued to thrust into her sister while she noticed that Celestia's face was slowly becoming scrunched up in pain to tongue hanging out pleasure. Celestia's moans became more and more of pleasure than of pain. "M-More...fuck m-me...ah...more...!" Celestia moaned as Luna was surprised to hear her own sister ask for more. The wolf smirked and knew Celestia would no longer fight back. As such, he used his claw to cut through the bindings on her arms. Celestia felt her arms become free and the wolf no longer moved. Now she was sitting with his cock impaled in her. She could easily leap off him and run to free her sister. But she didn't. Instead, she placed her hands on his legs and started pushing herself up and down. Luna was even more shocked by this, whilst the wolf smirked. The beast began to thrust up into her, Celestia groaning as he did so. "Yes!" She moaned, "so good! I never knew sex could be so good!" She looked down at her sister, "this is amazing. Luna, you must try this." Luna's eyes went wide, as the wolf moved. It stood up and grabbed Celestia's arms, using them to keep her from falling off his dick. He then pulled her back onto him and thrust, allowing him to get balls deep into her as she screamed in pleasure. Celestia moaned louder when she felt her ass getting slapped by the werewolf. Luna struggled to free herself as the room was being filled with the sounds of sex and the smell of musk in the air. The smell of it was making her feeling a bit horny herself as she felt her cunt getting wet from the smell. "Oh Luna...I love..." Celestia moan louder as she bounced on the wolfcock. "Master's cock...more...must h-have more!" Luna spoke through the gag in her mouth to try and snap her sister out of it, with no effort. All she could do was watch, as Celestia was constantly pounded by the monstrous beast. And she knew how it would end. "YES!" Celestia screamed, "I can feel it! He's about to cum. Yes, master, BREED ME!" The wolf let out a might howl as it unleashed its load right into Celestia's body, Celestia crying out as her own climax exploded through her. She felt her entire body shake as it was filled to the brim, her belly beginning to expand until she looked several months pregnant. Luna started crying as the wolf released her sister's arms, causing her to fall to the ground and slowly slide off his large cock. When she finally fell free of it, a geyser of cum began flooding out of her and soaked the ground. Celestia looked like she had fallen unconscious and as she she laid there, looking like a brainless bimbo, the wolf turned its gaze upon her. Wallflower continued torun from the monsters currently chasing her. Wallflower took a sharp left turn when a orange werewolf and a dark blue werewolf pounced her but missed. She then knocked over a trash can to make the rainbow back and the dark pink ones fall. She then ducked into a classroom and held her breath before they ran past said room. Wallflower let out a sigh of relief before she was suddenly tackled to the ground and she looked up to see the yellow one on top of her. Wallflower was scared out of her mind that it found her before she noticed the collar around her neck has Fluttershy's Geo on it. "F-Fluttershy...?" She asked in a shocked tone before the werewolf who is Fluttershy grabbed hold of her clothes and ripped them off with one pull. Wallflower's face turned bright red before werewolf Fluttershy made her legs spread out wide. "What are you-- GAH!" Fluttershy buried her mouth inside of Wallflower's cunt and began to lick her inner walls. Wallflower placed a hand on her mouth do not alert the other werewolves as she moaned in pleasure. She felt Fluttershy's tongue go deep within inner walls as she tried not to moan so loud. Luna was horrified as she saw the werewolf that had fucked her sister was still as hard as before. As it stalked towards her, she tried one final time to pull herself free of the bindings. But they didn't give so she tried moving away, but her legs were tied up too well. She was trapped. All she could do was scream into her gag as the wolf reached her. It slowly ran the back of its claw up her face and she flinched at the touch, then gasped when it slashed the claw downwards. It didn't touch her skin, but it did rip through the rope holding in her gag. She coughed out the fabric, shocked when she saw it was a pair of black laced panties she had been wearing. She turned to the wolf and tried to speak, but before she could the wolf grabbed her head and thrust its cock into her mouth with a single thrust. She screamed as her eyes and lips went wide, the oversized dick filling her entire mouth. Her tongue was forced to lick it and as she did, she tasted the combination juices of her sister and the beast. Speaking of her sister, Celestia lifted herself up. She could barely crawl, her arms shaking from the aftermath, and she looked over at the pair. She realised what was likely to happen next and smiled, happy her sister was going to get to feel the same pleasure she had. But when she looked down at her sister's cunt, she realised it was likely dry as a bone. If it was, she would feel only pain from her master's cock. As such, she slowly began to crawl along the ground and between her master's legs. She stared at her sister's beautiful cunt, along with the light purple hair on her mound. The next thing Luna knew, something suddenly invaded her pussy lips and her eyes went wide. "Don't worry sister," Celestia purred. "I'll make sure you're nice and slick for our master. Then you can enjoy him to your heart's content." Luna could hardly believe this was happening, the wolf growling as it continued to thrust its cock into her mouth. She struggled to free her hands from the rope, only for her to get a face full of a furry pelvis and her nose filled with its musk. As this was happening, Celestia continued to push her fingers deeper into her sister. The pleasure from this mixed with the master's musk, was making her start to get wet. And as she pushed deeper, she came to something she hadn't been expecting to find. "Oh, Luna. You're a virgin?" Celestia wondered in a playful tone. "You really are in luck, master. You'll get to be her first ever." Luna fearfully screamed around the cock as the thrust became more rough and faster than before. Celestia decided to help out as she sucked on the balls while the werewolf is face fucking her little sister. She also started playing with one of her tits whilst continuing to finger her to near orgasm, Luna's groans music to her ears. The wolf looked the sensation of a mouth on both his dick and balls, as he felt himself beginning to grow close again. He started ramping up his thrusts, making Luna and Celestia realise what was coming. Luna tried one final, desperate, attempt to pull herself free. But she only managed to make the wolf clamp his hands down on her harder before he let loose a torrent of jizz, which flew down her throat and made her eyes go wide. She reflectively began to drink it down, but there was just too much and it started spilling out of her mouth and nose. It flooded down her chest and Celestia smiled as she moved her mouth over to her chest and opened it wide, licking as much of it off as she could get. The wolf began to pull back and left Luna's mouth before it last blast, Luna gasping as she recieved a creamy facial. All the strength left her in that moment and she began to fall to the side, Celestia holding her and keeping her from hitting the ground hard. Instead, her sister undid the bindings on her legs and laid her on her back. She then crawled onto her, their breasts squishing together, before she started making out with her sister and licking the cum off her face. "Get ready for the main event." Celestia whispered in her sister's ear before Luna felt the cock of the werewolf being rubbed between both her's and Celestia's cunts. "Mmmm, please master. We both know my sister really needs it." "N-No...pl-please Tia..." Luna panted before she felt the tip of the cock poke her entrance. "It'll be okay," Celestia assured her. "I'm here with you." Luna wanted to say more, but in that moment the wolf pushed its cock straight in and ripped her virginity away. She screamed in pain, as the wolf began to thrust in and out of her. "It's okay. The pain will pass." "I....I...ah!!" Luna screamed as the werewolf wasted no time thrusting into her. She felt her Cherry being destroyed by him as Celestia proceeded to kiss around her neck. "Just breathe, you'll love it soon." She whispered in her ear before nibbling on her neck. Luna tried to break free from the rope that was on her wrists, but each thrust made it hard to even concentrate. But slowly, she felt the pain of her deflowering begin to dull. From extreme agony, to pain, to light discomfort. As the pain faded, it was mixed with a new sensation. Pleasure. Around the same level as when she used her fingers to masterbate. But slowly, that pleasure grew stronger as the pain completely faded. "Ah!" She cried, her face scrunched up. She tried to deny the sensation, but it was just too much. "Oh!" "That's it," Celestia smiled. "Now you're starting to like it." She soon brought Luna's lips to hers before they began to make out. Both their tongues entered each other's mouths and wrestled for dominance. Both of them could hear the werewolf panting as it was enjoying the feeling of Luna's tight cunt before they heard howling entering where they are. Both of them saw four more werewolves, only that these were female crawling towards them. The dark orange one and the one with a rainbow fur on its back began to lick Celestia while the dark pink one and the dark blue one licked up Luna. The two woman moaned and as the wolves pulled Celestia off Luna, the blue skinned woman felt herself beginning to drown in an endless sea of pleasure. The male wolf continued to hammer into her as Celestia found herself getting eaten out by the rainbow one as she was pushed into the orange wolf's cunt. She groaned as the sounds of her sister filled the air, making her pull away from the doggy pussy and glance over. "Come on sister. Give in. You know you love it." She moaned in pleasure. There was still a small part of Luna that wanted this to stop, but she could barely hear it over the immense pleasure she is feeling. Luna felt her limbs weak as her eyes rolled in the back of her head as her cunt is being destroyed and two female werewolves were enjoying her breasts. "Fffffuuuucccckkkkk..." She moaned in pleasure as the humps became faster. "OH GOD! IT'S SO GOOD! WHY DOES IT FEEL SO GOOD?!" Celestia smiled, happy her sister had finally conceded. But she didn't get to enjoy the sight, since the wolves forced her head back into the orange one's cunt. As she did, several small patches of fur began to appear on her naked body. "MORE! GIVE ME MORE!!" Luna begged the male werewolf before he placed his lips under hers. Luna moaned in the kiss as she was loving every second of this. Celestia on the other hand began to change as her breasts started to grow, as well as her ass. The dark yellow werewolf soon arrived with a drunk pleasured Wallflower being dragged by her hair. She spotted her mate and moved over to him, dropping Wallflower on the ground as she began to snuggle up against him. She looked down at her masters new playthings and could see the pleasure on Luna's face, as her master sped up. "OH GOD!" She screamed, as she felt herself getting closer to her climax. The yellow wolf then noticed Celestia and growled when she saw her transformation slowly underway. Her breasts were now the same size as the yellow one's and that did not make it happy, especially with how big her ass was getting. Soon the male werewolf pushed his cock deep into Luna that the knot soon pushed through and entered her. Luna screamed at the top of her lungs in so much pleasure when his cock went deep inside her womb. Her love juices sprayed all over the floor and on his pelvis all while her womb flooded with his semen. The male werewolf howled in pleasure before the females joined in the howl. Wallflower soon set up with her head still a little dizzy before she heard the sound of howling. She slowly looked over at the wolves, as Luna fell to the ground completely broken by the pleasure she had just endured. Wallflower was also feeling the after affects of what that wolf had done to her and feared she might soon be following in Luna's footsteps. So she tried to crawl away, but her movements caught the attention of the wolves and they all began to move towards her. The only wolf that didn't follow was Celestia, whose body was now entire wolf-like. And as she looked over at her sister, she saw Luna beginning to transform as well. Wallflower tried to crawl away faster, but the wolves quickly surrounded her. They stood in a circle and blocked off any retreat, making her close her eyes tight as she was afraid that she was going to get devoured. But she soon felt her cheek get licked, making her open one eye and see the male wolf gently licking her cheek before the others joined in. "You're not going to eat me?" She asked before her lips were suddenly attached to them male's. She let out a gasp of surprise, as the other wolves began licking and fondling her entire body. The wolf's musk began to go up her nose and she felt her head swimming, moans escaping her lips as she did so. She then felt her hand moving on its own, going to the male's still rock hard cock. The next thing she knew, she was rubbing it with her fingers as the juices of her teachers slicked them up. Speaking of her teachers, Celestia had moved over to Luna as her transformation continued. She quickly moved herself above her sister and dropped her cunt onto Luna's face, as she began to lick up hers. The kiss was soon broken before he brought his cock up to her face. Her eyes went wide when she got a good look at it before she winced when it poked her face. It was clear what he wanted and she didn't want to make them angry for not complying. She gently grabbed hold of the large cock and stroke it a little. Two of the female werewolves licked her breasts while two others licked her cunt. The dark yellow one proceeded to make out with the male as Wallflower grew curious as to why are these werewolves doing this. Although a part of her is enjoying it as most people didn't noticed her, but these werewolves are giving her so much attention and pleasure. It was then that the male wolf pulled his cock out of her grasp. She wondered if she had done something wrong, but then realised he was actually preparing to fuck her. "Wait," she groaned, "I'm a virgin. I can't have my first time be with an animal." But the wolf didn't listen and simply pushed his cock against the entrance. She let out a groan as she suddenly found the yellow wolf above her, its large breasts hanging above her head. And before she could try anything, the tit was in her mouth and she started sucking. The taste of the female yellow wolf's milk was fascinating and she closed her eyes tight as the pain of the cock taking her virginity washed over. The male wolf slowly pulled back before pushing back in. Meanwhile, Luna began to grow fur on her body as her breasts and ass start to grow. While this was happening, Luna began to eat out her own sister while Celestia's transformation became completed. Celestia growled in pleasure at the feeling of her own little sister eating her out while she enjoyed her sister's cunt as well. The rest of the wolves had all paired up and were also sixty nining one another, as the male and yellow wolf kept making Wallflower feel good. The girl couldn't help but become overwhelmed by the pleasure she was feeling. The yellow wolf finally pulled away and as she did, Wallflower cried out. "Yes, oh yes. Fuck me! Please, fuck me! It's so good!" The male wolf smirked as he continued to pound into her, happy another bitch was now apart of his pack. The yellow wolf quickly moved herself over Wallflower's head and dropped her cunt onto her face, the teen girl beginning to lick at it without hesitation. As Wallflower began to eat out the yellow wolf on top of her, the male wolf began to speed up his thrust into her while he was making out with the yellow wolf in front of him. Wallflower became over whelmed with sheer pleasure as she began to fall in love with the werewolf thrusting in her. Meanwhile, Luna was becoming more wolf like as her ass was bigger than her breasts and she then got her sister off her. She then had Celestia's leg over her shoulder before rubbing her cunt against her sister's. Celestia howled at the sensation, the other wolves all howling as well. Wallflower's moans were drowned out by the beastly noises, the lot of them fucking themselves into a frenzy. Wallflower felt herself getting close, her tits bouncing around with every thrust from the male wolf. The nine of them all began to build to a single, unified, climax. The male wolf then gave one final pushed into Wallflower before his knot entered her and his cock went deep inside her womb before a big flood of his semen filled her up. Wallflower screamed in pleasure while her mouth was in the yellow werewolf's cunt. As soon as the two of them climaxed, the other werewolves follow suit as they all came together. The gym air became heavy with the smell of sex, as the male wolf pulled out and started spraying the girl with his seed. The other wolves all fell to the ground, as the male panted and stared at them all. But no sooner had his finished cumming, that he moved over to one of the other wolves. The rainbowed haired one suddenly found herself grabbed by the head and pulled towards her master, his still raging cock being forced down her throat. The rainbowed haired one didn't complain as she can to suck on the cock before the dark orange one crawled over and licked the right ball while the dark blue one licked the left. Celestia, now a white werewolf, picked herself up and went over to the male before locking lips with him. The male wolf kissed her back and let go of the blue wolf, who grabbed his thighs to force as much of his cock down her throat as possible, then started groping the white wolf and moaning into her mouth. Luna, still only partially transformed, soon got up and crawled over to Wallflower. The girl was still in her blissed out state, as green fur appeared on her body as well. And as she transformed, Luna got between her legs and ate her out. The dark pink one however caught a width of a scent in the air that is unfamiliar to her. She growled as there was an intruder spying on them before she crawled over to the door to the gym. The closer she went to the door, the scent of which she's smelling grew stronger. Before she could open the door to see who it is, the male werewolf barked at her to get back over. She complied and joined in on the fun. Unbeknownst to any of them that the scent she caught before was the scent of both Applejack and Rarity behind the door and unwillingly playing with themselves as the musk of the sex that was happening in the gym filled their heads. They both tried remained quiet when they watched the whole thing unfold before they quickly pulled up their panties and pants when one of them almost spotted them. Both of them made their way out of the school and to Applejack's pickup truck. "What the hell did we just witness in there, darling?!" Rarity asked in so much fright while her cheeks were blushed red that she was playing with herself next to Applejack. "I don't know myself, but we need to tell the others." Applejack said as she started up her pickup truck and drove off.
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Chapter 4: A Day of Fun with the Pack	Flash let out a groan as he slowly began to wake up, realising he was laying in his parent's large bed with the covers over him. He had been awakened by the sensation of someone sucking his cock and balls, causing him to sit up whilst holding fuzzy head. He looked down and saw three lumps under his blankets, who he assumed were the Dazzlings. But when he removed the blanket, he was shocked by who he saw. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna, along with Wallflower Blush, looked up from their work and smiled at him. "Good morning, master." All three of them said to him before he noticed that their bodies had changed like the Dazzlings, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. Celestia's breasts were as big as Fluttershy's, and she had a big fat ass. Luna's breasts were as big as Adagio's, but her ass looked bigger. And Wallflower had both breasts as big as Celestia's and a big ass like Luna. Flash was about to ask what had happened, only to then notice his arms were different. Everything from his wrists to his elbows was covered in orange fur. He was completely perplexed by this before he suddenly had this headache. It was then his mind replayed a bunch of fuzzy images, ones of him on top of Celestia, Luna, or Wallflower. In them he was raping the three, the woman screaming out as he fucked them. He noticed in those memories ,that he had big claws instead of hands. "Oh man..." he groaned before he looked at them with sincerity. "I'm really sorry about what I did last night. I don't fully remember but--" Celestia stopped him from talking more by locking lips with him. "No need to say sorry, master." Celestia told him in a lustful tone when she broke the kiss. "You really gave us an amazing time. We don't remember all of it, but but it felt like so much bliss." She then proceeded to make out with him more as Luna and Wallflower licked the length of his cock. Flash felt that feeling again and started to moan in the kiss as his and Celestia's tongue wrestled. With his two free hands, he plays them on top of both Wallflower and Luna's head before he gently pets them while they worshiped his cock. This went on for several minutes until Luna pulled her mouth away and began to climb up the bed. Flash pulled his lips off of Celestia's in time to see Luna crouching above him, Wallflower using her hand to aim his cock straight up. "Ready to fuck your slutty Vice-Principal?" Flash smirked, having never expected to see this side of Luna. She slowly lowered herself upon his cock and groaned as it pushed through into her cunt. Flash wrapped his arms around her as she did and started kissing at her chest, making her cry out some more as Celestia moved down besides Wallflower. Once Flash was balls deep into her, Luna started rocking her hips back and forth as she pulled his head into her cleavage. At the same time, he sister and Wallflower began worshiping his balls. Celestia worshiped his balls as well while she proceeded to finger Wallflower's wet cunt with three fingers. Flash groaned in pleasure as Luna rode his cock while his balls were being sucked by Wallflower and Celestia. He gave her ass a hard good smack that she gasped in pleasure as she enjoyed that. "You love smacking you Vice-Principal's ass, don't you?" She teased only to get another smack on the ass for response. Flash continued to smack her ass as he brought his lips up to hers to make out while she rides him. This went on for a while until Flash grabbed her ass and spun her around, making Luna cry out like a giggling school girl as Flash pinned her to the bed. This allowed him to start fucking her harder, making Luna groan out in pleasure as Wallflower and Celestia moved around them. Celestia started fondling her sisters tits and sucking on them, whilst Wallflower moved up to plant her cunt on Luna's face. The green girl moaned as Luna started eating her out, then leaned forward to start making out with Flash. The two of them moaned in their kiss as he thrusted his cock deep inside Luna while Wallflower felt her cunt getting eat out by Luna. Luna moaned in Wallflower's cunt as her older sister put her lips on her left nipple while she felt her right being twisted. "Fuck yes...ah...I love you so much." Wallflower moaned in so much pleasure when she broke the kiss. "I love you all just the same." He responded before latching his lips onto her right nipple. He expected her to start giving milk, but it seemed her tits were only for playing...for now. He continued to pound into Luna for several more minutes until he felt himself beginning to get close, Luna's own moans signalling her impending orgasm as well. As such, Flash pulled away from Wallflower and focused on his attention on Luna. He sped up his thrusts, as Luna let out more screams of pleasure as she felt herself growing closer to the edge. "I'm gonna cum!" She shouted as she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Me too!" Flash responded as he felt his cock throbbing inside of her. He gave about a few more humps before he unleashed a big load inside of her. Luna cried out in pleasure as she felt her womb getting filled up by his semen. After pulling out and jerking off his cock, he covered Luna with his semen before Wallflower grabbed hold of his still hard cock. "My turn." She whispered in his ear before she turned around and spread her ass cheeks. "You can pick any hole you want, big boy. Don't be gentle with me." "If that's what the lady wants." He said before he aimed his cock right up to her asshole. Wallflower's eyes went wide as he pushed it inside of her, making her moan out as she felt the amazingly odd sensation wash over her. Flash managed to get about half his cock inside of her before meeting resistance, quickly pulling out to thrust again and get more. This went on several times until he was deep into her bowls, his balls beginning to slap against her cunt as he fucked her hard. "OH FUCK YES!!" Wallflower screamed at the top of our lungs as Flash began to thrust into her ass. She grabbed hold of the backboard of the bed while he grabbed her breasts and play with them. Celestia decided to help out by getting under Wallflower and eating out her cunt. Luna simply say on the bed, playing with her soaking wet cunt and watching the three go at it. As this was happening, someone cracked the bedroom door open and looked inside. It was Adagio, who had also developed fur on her arms like Flash. She watched the fuck fest with a smirk on her face before heading back downstairs. When she arrived, she smirked at the sight before her. Rainbow and Fluttershy were in the living room, both tied up with gags in their mouths and blindfolds covering their eyes. Fluttershy was boxtied with rope tied around one knee, going up and around the back of her neck only to reach the other knee and keep them hoisted up. Rainbow, meanwhile, was sitting backwards on a chair with her feet tied to the legs and hands tied to the back. This had her ass and cunt stuck out, leaving them open and vulnerable to be played with. And that was exactly what Sonata and Aria were doing. Sonata had a wand vibrator, which she currently had pushed against Fluttershy's clit. Meanwhile, Aria was thrusting a dildo in and out of Rainbow's ass. Both girl moaned at this, Fluttershy's tits shooting out milk as she orgasmed. Luckily, both her tits had milk pumps attached to capture it all. "How's master doing with the newbies?" Sonata asked Adagio when she saw her putting on a double dildo strap-on. "He's breaking them in as we speak." She replied as she poured lwb on both dildos. "And I got to say, it looks so hot." She walked up to Fluttershy before pushing both dildos up the pinkett's ass and cunt. "And we're gonna do the same to you." Fluttershy moaned at this, as Sonata moved over to Rainbow. She and Aria also had fur covering their arms, Sonata picking up what was called a dildo gag. She quickly pulled the ballgag out of Rainbow's mouth but before the girl could speak, Sonata shoved the dildo gag into her mouth and strapped it around her head. Adagio smirked as she started squeezing Fluttershy's tits, making more milk shoot out of them. "You thought you were master's favourite, just because you had larger tits. Well he's got some new big breasted bimbos. You're not so special any more. Just watch, it won't be long before master keeps you tied up like this permanently. All you're good for now is making milk and babies for him. Babies we'll be looking after." "I could be saying the with you." She froze up before looking behind and saw Flash with his arms crossed. "Just because we have new women here, doesn't mean I don't love you all." You want closer to them just as Wallflower, Celestia, and Luna came down the stairs. Celestia and Luna were helping Wallflower walk due to the anal fuck she had. "I'm sorry, master." Adagio said as he walked up to her. "We were just having fun with them is all." "You're lucky that I called out school for the month so we can have our fun." Celestia told them as she gave Aria a good snack on the ass. Luna moved over to grab Sonata by the ponytail, pulling her off of the dildo gag that she had been riding Rainbow's face with. As they did this, Adagio looked at Flash's cock and frowned. She wanted to suck it, but it had just been up Wallflower's ass. Flash noticed her staring and smirked, as he moved over to a large pile of rope that had somehow appeared on the floor. He threw some to Celestia and Luna, then moved over to Adagio. Before the girl knew what was happening, Her arms were tied up the same way Fluttershy's were, with Flash tying her ankles and knees together as well. Aria and Sonata were soon tied up the same way, as Wallflower freed Rainbow and Fluttershy. "You girls need to learn to share," Flash told them. "So you're going to be punished." He pointed his cock at Adagio's face. "You'll remain tied up all die with vibraters up your cunts, set to a low setting that'll put you on the edge but not actually let you have release." The girls gasped at this. "If you don't want that, suck." Adagio quickly put his cock in her mouth and began to suck. Flash grab hold of her head as he thrusted his hips to get his cock deeper into her throat. Luna and Celestia put their fingers deep within Sonata's and Aria's cunts while Rainbow and Fluttershy were having their fun with Wallflower by being in a triangle formation and eating each other out. Sonata and Aria moaned in pleasure as Celestia and Luna didn't let up on the fingering before they felt their nipples being twisted by them. Flash looked up at a clock on the wall and determined the time. "Five minutes." Adagio looked up, "that's how long you have. Get me to cum in that time or you'll be punished for the rest of the day." Adagio's eyes went wide hearing this and she redoubled her efforts to make him cum. Aria and Sonata also tried to help, getting under Flash and licking at his balls. Celestia and Luna continued to play with them, whilst they did everything they could to satisfy their master. But Flash had just cum twice in a very short space of time. In his human form, he likely wouldn't be cumming for a good ten minutes. At least not without the girls putting some serious effort in. But strangely enough, he hasn't been spent after plowing both Luna and Wallflower as if he has a lot of endurance. It has been about four minutes and the Dazzlings could feel his cock and balls throbbing. Adagio sped up her sucking as her sisters licked his balls harder. But Flash was able to hold on and the two quickly joined their sister as she started licking up his large shaft. Thirty seconds remained they got desperate, causing them to kiss, lick, suck and whatever else they could to get Flash cum. And eventually, he did. He shot his load and it flew right into the three's faces, making them moan as he plastered them all. He let out three final shots and got one in each of their mouths, the girls smirking as they gulped them cum down with pride. But that pride quickly vanished. "Five minutes and three seconds. You lose." The moment he told them that, the Dazzlings had to look of fear before Celestia and Luna pulled them over to the couch and tied their legs up open. "We'll have fun with them while you have fun with Fluttershy and Rainbow, master." Celestia told him as she looked at the Dazzlings before licking her lips. "We should probably tell you that the Dazzlings got us a hot tub out back." Fluttershy spoke up. Flash smirked at this and placing an arm around each of them, the girls placing their heads on his shoulders and heading out towards the back. He had no idea how the Dazzlings had installed a fully working hot tube, but he didn't care. He switched it on and waited for it to warm up, whilst Fluttershy and Rainbow leaned against the side of the hot tub trying to look as sultry as possible. When it was finally hot enough, he climbed in and watched as Rainbow and Fluttershy slid down into the water as well. "Oh yeah, this is nice." Rainbow commented as Fluttershy slide her way over to Flash. "But I know how to make it even more fun." She said as he felt her hand stroke his cock. "That is if you're okay with it, master." "You don't need to ask, Fluttershy." He told her as he picked her up and sat her on his lap. "Go right ahead." Fluttershy smiled and started making out with Flash, the teen kissing her back as she rubbed against his crotched. Rainbow smirked and moved over to the pair, pushing her large tits into Fluttershy's back as she wrapped her arms around her and started squeezing the girl's breasts. Fluttershy moaned at this and continued to rub herself against Flash until he got hard, then lifted herself up whilst keeping her lips against Flash's. She slowly pushed herself down and the dick opened her pussy wide. "OOOOH!" She moaned, pulling her head back and landing on Rainbow's shoulder. Rainbow smirked. "Wow, Fluttershy. You've really become a little slut, haven't you." "So?" Fluttershy asked, "I just love his cock so much." "And I love how big your breasts are." Flash told her before he looked her in the eyes. "But not as much as I love the woman who have them." They then heard loud moans coming from the living room as they can tell that both Celestia and Luna are having fun with the Dazzlings. "They must really want pay back with them." Rainbow said after hearing the moans. Flash smirked as he continued to thrust up into Fluttershy, who let out several more cries as she rode him hard. Her massive tits bounced up and down with every thrust and he started needing her ass, as Rainbow continued to paw at the girl. She started playing with Fluttershy's clit and turned the girl around to start making out, Flash groaning at the sexy image before him. Meanwhile while, Sonata and Aria had their arms tied up behind their backs while a rope connected them. They had vibrating dildos up their asses while one dildo was in both of their cunts. As for Adagio, her legs and arms were tied up and she was hanging from the ceiling while Celestia was behind her and Luna is in front of her. Celestia had a paddle, which she used to slap Adagio's ass. Not enough to do serious damage, but enough to make her remember this moment. Luna had something else on her. A chain with clamps on the end of them. Adagio begged into her gag, shaking her head as Luna clipped one of the chains onto his nipples. Adagio cried out at the feeling, Luna quickly doing the same to her other nipple. Her breasts her now linked by the metal chain, which Luna started pulling to stretch her breasts out. Adagio withered at this and the paddling, whilst Wallflower watched from the sides as she placed with a dildo in her cunt. "This will teach you to treat others fairly." Celestia said as she smacked Adagio's ass with the paddle. "You're lucky we're not bringing out the whips." Luna whispered in her ear. "Almost." She then licked her cheek before proceeding to pull on her nipples. Adagio cried out at this, as Celestia kept paddling her more and more. Luna then left the room, Adagio hoping that was the end of the tit torture. But then she returned holding something. Turns out Flash's parents still had some old fashioned kitchen scales, which came with a several weights. Luna had these metal weights and a roll of string, Adagio's eyes going wide as she watched the woman tight one of the weights with the string. She then tied the other end to the chain and looked Adagio in the eyes before dropping the weight. Adagio's eyes went wide as the weight fell to the ground, pulling the chain and her breasts down with it. She screamed into the gag, as Celestia paddled her ass again. The older sisters smiled at this before glancing at each other. "Time for the big dildos." Luna said before she pulled out a dildo that looked about five times its size of the others. "Now, should put it up her ass or up her cunt, sister?" "Let her lube it up before we ram it up her holes." Celestia suggested before Luna put the large dildo in front of Adagio's mouth. Celestia undid the latch of her gag and as soon as Adagio felt the ball fall from her mouth, the dildo was shoved down her throat. Adagio's eyes went wide at this, as he rubber limb filled her mouth and blocked her airway. She was just glad her nose was uncovered so she could breathe. As Celestia and Luna watched Adagio struggle with the rubber cock and tit stretching, they turned to Sonata and Aria. They saw Wallflower having fun with both of them as she pumped both dildos in and out of their asses. "Having fun over there?" Celestia asked. "The most." Wallflower answered as Luna pulled the dildo out of Adagio's mouth. "And may I suggest that you bend that dildo so it goes up her ass and cunt?" "Now that's an idea." Luna commented before shoving the other end of the dildo in Adagio's mouth. After a few minutes, she pulled it out and passed it over to Celestia. She then aimed one end of it towards her ass before shoving it in, causing Adagio to scream in both pain and pleasure. Adagio then felt the other end of the dildo enter her cunt. Flash heard the scream from outside but was too focused on what was happening right where he was. Fluttershy was continuing to bounce up and down on his cock, the two of them feeling themselves getting closer and closer to their climax. Flash didn't know how he was able to cum so many times in a day, but he didn't care and was too focused on enjoying the moment. "I really need some action, please!" Rainbow spoke up before she stood up and got between him and Fluttershy. "I have needs too you know." Flash then brought his face up to her cunt before he began to eat her out while Fluttershy was enjoying her ass. "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about." Rainbow held his head while she felt her ass getting spanked by Fluttershy. All three of them were in total bliss and in heaven as it felt like hours while they continued what they were doing. Eventually, Flash felt himself about to burst and sped up his pounding. Fluttershy screamed at this as Flash fucked her to orgasm, her walls clenching around his cock and making Flash groan as he fired his load into her waiting womb. They both shook from the pleasure and after a minute of this, they stopped moving with Fluttershy falling forward into Rainbow's ass. The only thing Flash could do at this point was keep licking her cunt, Rainbow groaning whilst the other two let the hot water soothe their tired bodies. But even though Flash had fucked three woman to orgasm before breakfast, he still wasn't done. He pulled away and told Rainbow to get off, the girl pouting as she got off and dipped back into the water. As she did, Flash stood up and stood in front of her. "Time to put those new mellons to good use." He swing his hips side to side to make his cock follow along. "You don't need to tell me twice." Rainbow teased before putting his cock between her breasts and moving them up and down. "Get ready for an awesome time." She lick the tip of the cock every time it came up, causing him to moan in pleasure. "Would any of you like some bacon with the scrambled eggs?" Wallflower asked from the kitchen as Celestia and Luna continued to teach the Dazzlings a lesson. Aria and Sonata were no longer tied together, instead wearing the same dildo gags Sonata had made Rainbow wear. Currently, Sonata was being forced to fuck Luna's cunt whilst Aria was fucking Celestia. Both the girls had vibrating cocks up their pussies, on a low setting just like Flash had promised. The two women were so enraptured by the girl's fucking them, that they barely heard what Wallflower had said. "Yes," Celestia eventually replied whilst playing with her tits. "Fuck yes," Luna cried as she did the same. Wallflower wasn't sure if that was a reply to her question of just a satisfied moan. "Okay, if you say so." Wallflower replied. "By the way, how's Adagio doing?" Adagio herself was still hanging by the ceiling with the dildo still up her ass and cunt. But Celestia and Luna had placed vibrator beads near her clit and on her nipples. "She's alright for now!" Celestia called out. She then turned to Luna and the pair leaned in, kissing one another as the girls continued to fuck them. Back outside, Rainbow continued to titty fuck Flash as best she could. Rainbow had always loved watching porn with big titted woman fucking a guy, but had always been jealous that she wouldn't be able to do it herself. Now, thanks to her master, she could become the titty fucking master. "Fuck, you're really great at this." Flash grunted as he felt he's about to burst again. "You ready for a big load?" "Oh yeah, give it to me!" She begged as she moved her breasts faster on his cock. "I want some too!" Fluttershy whined as she moved over to stand besides Rainbow. Her friend frowned, but knew when to share. So she moved around so that Fluttershy could push her breasts up against the side of Flash's cock. Now sandwiched between two sets of breasts, Flash couldn't take any more and shot another load. The cum flew up and fell down upon Rainbow's face and tits, followed by another that hit Fluttershy. The two were soon getting drenched in cum from head to toe, Flash sighing as he fired the last shot and fell back. As he sank into the water again, Rainbow and Fluttershy started making out and licking the cum off one another. "Once you three get done, come inside and have some breakfast." They turn to see Wallflower wearing an apron but with the top part being folded in to let her breasts out. "I made it with love." "I bet it would be very delicious." Flash commented. Wallflower blew him a kiss before coming back inside. Flash sat at the top of the table, enjoying the bacon and eggs along with Fluttershy, Rainbow, Celestia, Luna and Wallflower. They all moaned in delight at the taste, Flash taking another strip of bacon off the plate and looking down at the ground. There, the Dazzlings knelt with their hands tied behind their backs. They were giving Flash apologetic and begging looks, Flash throwing Sonata a piece of bacon. The girl quickly bent down to pick it up off the ground with her teeth, allowing Flash to see the dildo shoved up her ass. "Now, if we let you up, will you promise to treat others fairly?" He asked as all three of them gave a quick nod in response. "And always remember that no matter who joins, I'll love you all just the same." They gave another quick nod in response before he gestured the Celestia and Luna. "Good girls." Celestia commented as she and Luna released them from their binds and let them set down at the table. "We promise will be good girls." Adagio said as Flash sent a plate of food in front of them. They all began to eat, enjoying one another's company. Flash was enjoying the sight of these sexy ladies sitting around completely in the nude. As he finished the last bit of egg, he thought about how he had gotten to this situation and looked down at his furry arms. "What do you all remember...about last night, or any of the nights when you joined me?" "Well, I was taking a dip by the lake you told us about before something big came out of nowhere and tackled me to the ground." Sonata answered. "But I barely remember anything after that because I just remembered getting pleasured by you." "I went out to see what was taking her so long before I found her covered in cum." Aria spoke up next. "Next thing I knew, my ass was getting pounded and I was in total heaven." "Same," Adagio agreed. The others all had similar responses. All except one. "I was in the school gardens," Wallflower stated. "Waiting for you. Then I heard movement and looked around. Something came out of the trees. A lot of somethings. They were big and they growled. Then I remember running and that's all I remember from last night, except for how good you made me feel." "I was afraid of that." Flash whispered to himself as he barely remembered last night. "If we're having trouble remembering, maybe you can call up Sunset to help." Fluttershy suggested before she pulled out her phone. "She does have the magical ability to look into our minds." She then suddenly got a call on her phone before she saw it was Applejack calling. Rainbow also got a call, seeing it was from Rarity. "What's up?" She asked, as Fluttershy answered her own phone. The others listened as the two talked to those on the phone, making them nod and hum. "Okay," Fluttershy sighed, "I'll be there soon." She hung up as Rainbow finished her own conversation. "Yeah, I'm coming. But there in a flash." She hung up and turned to the others. "Rarity wants me to meet her at a restaurant in town. The Jazzy Cafe." "Same with Applejack." Fluttershy said before she noticed the fur on their arms. "But we might want to put on some long sleeve clothes before we go." Applejack and Rarity we're sitting in a booth and having some coffee while they wait for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to get here. "I just don't understand why Twilight is stuck in our lab." Rarity said. "What's so important that she locks herself in?" "Ah don't know, but I'm more worried about what we saw last night." Applejack said just as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash wearing long sleeve shirts came into the cafe. "Hey, what up you two?" Rainbow Dash asked as she Fluttershy took a seat next to their friends. "You sounded scared when you called, Applejack." Fluttershy said. "What's got you so afraid?" "Well, it started around last night when Rarity asked me to take her back to school." Applejack started as the two of them remembered what they saw last night. Flashback "Why did you forget some dumb old coat Rarity?" Applejack asked as she parked up next to the school. "It's not an old coat, Applejack!" Rarity exclaimed. "It's a very unique design that I made myself and I don't have enough materials to make another. So it is one of a kind." "Let's just get the darn thing." Applejack retarded as they got out of the car and got into the school. But when they got in, they saw a few claw marks scratched into the lockers and on the floor. As if something big was running through the halls before they heard moaning. The pair shared a look and followed the sound, wondering if maybe some teens had remained behind in the school to get it on together. And whilst the pair had nothing against two people loving one another, if the school found out every student would get in trouble. They arrived at the entrance of the gym and as they did, the moans became mixed with some animalistic grunts and howls. That didn't sound right. "Y-You don't those growls are what made those claw marks, do you?" Rarity asked as she sounded scared. "Let's just take a look before we do anything." Applejack suggested before they gently opened the door to the gym and their nostrils was suddenly filled with a strange scent. "Whoa nelly, what in tarnation was that?" "Oh my..." Rarity said before she trailed off and was wide-eyed to what she saw in the gym. Applejack looked too and what she saw really shocked her to the core. Their Principal Celestia was naked and growing fur on her body as she was on top of her younger sister and eating her out. There were other werewolves in there as well, except most of them were female and one is a male. Looking closer, they could see that the male werewolf is humping Wallflower on the gym floor while a yellow female werewolf is sitting on her face while she was making out with the male. They couldn't look away at the site that they are seeing before Applejack and Rarity let out a moan. They quickly covered their mouths and saw that their own hands had reached through their pants and into their panties. "After we were...cough...playing with ourselves, we couldn't stop." Rarity told Fluttershy and Rainbow with a small blush on her face. "It just felt too good to even stop or even look away." "One of the werewolves on the other hand caught our own scent and we nearly got caught if that big one didn't bark at her." Applejack added. "We told Sunset and Pinkie about it, but they found it hard to believe. We tried telling Twilight, but she wouldn't pick up our phone or let us in her lab because she found something that really got her going." Rainbow and Fluttershy were shocked to hear this, but then thought about what Wallflower had said the previous night. They shared a look, both coming to the same conclusion. They knew what those wolves were and where they had come from. They then remembered the fur Flash and the dazzlings had, causing them to look at their own bare arms. Would they end up having the same features? "So," the turned to Applejack, "what do you guys think? Wallflower...Celestia and Luna too. What do you think happened to them?" "Well...um...it's really shocking to h-hear that there are werewolves now." Fluttershy said, sounding a bit nervous. "But hey, it's nothing we can't handle!" Rainbow quickly cut in. "Why don't we try and relax a bit? Like saying go to the fair tonight and relax! We can invite Flash and I bet Vignette Valencia will still be there!" "But, we really should be looking for Wallflower and our principles..." Rarity pointed out before she heard Fluttershy's phone go off. She checked it and she got a text alert from Wallflower. "Oh, look at that..." She showed them the text. "She's fine and we found her last night. We'll talk to her about last night and tell you tomorrow." "No way, if she's still here then we need to talk to her too." Applejack argued. "Mind if I tag along?" They turn to see Vignette walking up to them with her phone out. "This little werewolf thing I ever heard could be interesting for my followers." "Anyone out there could have seen these werewolves, so why not." Applejack said before a gust of wind suddenly appeared. They looked and saw that both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have left. So "I guess we'll meet them later tonight at Flash's place, considering that's where Wallflower is when I saw his name mentioned in the text Fluttershy showed." Rainbow Dash carrying Fluttershy soon arrived and the front porch of Flash's place before she stopped. "What do we do?! WHAT DO WE DO?!" Fluttershy asked as she panicked from the info they just learned. "Just stay calm!" Rainbow told her as she gave a snack to Fluttershy's face. "We don't tell Flash or the others about what we learn and played cool! We just need to do it long enough before nightfall." "But how can I calm down?!" Fluttershy asked before Rainbow raised a brow and open the front door. Inside they saw Flash laying on his back on the couch with Adagio riding his cock while Luna sat on his face. The two of them were eating out Aria's ass and cunt while Sonata and Celestia sucked on her breasts. As the two stared at the situation, all the worry Fluttershy had had suddenly vanished and was replaced by lust. She also felt a pair of hands on her breasts and found Rainbow was now behind her. "Let me help." With that, the pair kissed and were soon naked like the others. All thoughts about what Applejack and Rarity had told them completely forgotten. "Are you two coming in or what?" They turn to see Wallflower wearing a strap-on with four dildos on it. "Because I want some quality time with you two."
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Chapter 5: Bitches in the Basement	Applejack, Rarity, and Vignette were making their way too Flash's just as they said they would as it's becoming sunset. "So, who's this 'Flash' guy about?" Vignette asked Applejack and Rarity. "Well, he's a great guy." Applejack answered. "He always takes his time to help others and doesn't ask for anything in return." "Him and Sunset used to date a long time ago, but that's a story for another day." Rarity added just as they made it to Flash's place. "Well, we're here." They walked up to the door before Rarity gave a gentle knock. They waited for about a few minutes but no one answered. "What's taking them so long?" Applejack asked inpatiently before she gave a louder knock to the door. "Perhaps he's out?" Rarity guessed before they heard Vignette gasped. They turned and saw her looking through a window with her eyes widen in shock. "What's wrong?" The two walked over and looked through the window and was shocked to what she saw. Through the window they saw Flash, Wallflower, Celestia, and Luna on the couch while they were naked. The three women were in a doggy position as Flash was behind them and was thrusting his big cock into Celestia while he was fingering both Luna's anf Wallflower's cunts. The three teens outside was even more shocked that the three of them had also changed. Celestia's body is like Fluttershy's, Luna now has a big ass, and Wallflower has both a big ass and big breasts. All three teams outside were in shock to see this before Rarity noticed something odd about his arms. They looked at be having fur on them and she thought back to how Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were wearing long sleeve shirts that were covering their arms. She then thought about how nervous they looked after they told them about the werewolves at school. Rarity then covered her mouth as she realized what they were shocked about and was about to tell Applejack and Vignette about this. But before she could, a blue blur suddenly came by and knocked the three of them to the ground when they got hit in the head. Rarity felt the blow to her head as her vision became blurry before she could have sworn she saw Rainbow Dash standing above her before she blocked out. When Rarity began to feel herself coming around, she found herself in a rather strange position. The first thing she noticed was that she was butt naked, sitting upon some cold concrete with her ass feeling numb from laying upon it. The next thing she noticed, was that her legs were spread and held up to form a V-shape. Something was tied around her ankle, preventing her from putting them down. These same roped were also tied around her chest and arms, the girl opening her eyes and down. In shock, she saw that she was tied up in a pentagram hold. The ropes around her chest causing her D cup tits to be lifted up whilst her arms were tied behind her back. Eyes finally opened, she looked around and saw she was in some kind of basement. It was a large room with stairs leading to the upper floors, looking so large she wouldn't be surprised in it was actually bigger then the building above. Multiple columns filled the room, keeping the roof from collapsing in on the basement. And it was two of these columns that Rarity's legs were tied to. She cried out, only to find her found was blocked by a ballgag. She tried to sit up, but with her legs tied the way they were she couldn't. She was thankful that there was at least a pillow behind her head, allowing her some comfort. However, as she continued to look around she found she wasn't the only one trapped like this. Applejack and Vignette were also tied up, through in very different ways. Applejack was tied to another column, her hands tied to a hook on the other side of it and forced above her head. Her legs were tied to a spreader bar, keeping them spread whilst unable to move away from the column. This caused her B cup tits to jut out, the girl constantly trying to pull herself free. Meanwhile, Vignette was hogtied. Ropes were tied around her entire body, binding her arms to her back. Her legs were tied together and tied to another column, whilst a rope coming off her back was connected to a hook in the ceiling. This caused her to be completely suspended, her C cup tits pointing towards the grounds. Both girls were also ballgagged, Applejack looking angry whilst Vignette was crying and ruining her makeup. It wasn't long before all three of them heard the door from upstairs open up before they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. They then saw Flash, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and the Dazzlings coming down and both Applejack and Rarity were surprised that the Dazzlings have changed as well. "So, you said that they wanted to be fuck so hard and you suggested me?" Flash asked when he looked at Fluttershy and Rainbow after seeing them. The three were shocked to hear this, giving the girls in question horrified looks. Said girls were leaning against Flash, rubbing their hands against his shorts. "Oh hell yeah they did." Rainbow said before she licked her lips. "We just felt so bad that they didn't have any lovers plowing into them in bed." Fluttershy added as she looked towards the tied up teens with bedroom eyes. "So we offered you and they even asked to be binded like this." Applejack shouted through her ball gag as it tried to tell him they're lying. "It looks like AJ wants to go first." Rainbow said as she and Fluttershy pulled down his shorts and the three tied up teens saw how big Flash's cock is. "Let's show them what they have to look forward to," Flash told the two. He then turned to the Dazzlings, "make sure they're nice and warmed up." The three smiled and nodded before moving over to the three. Sonata moved to Vignette, Aria to Applejack and Adagio to Rarity. Sonata got behind Vignette before she buried her face into her cunt. Vignette screamed through her gag when she felt her cunt getting licked, as Aria reached behind and played with Applejack's breasts and Adagio was fingering Rarity so hard that Rarity hang her head back. Applejack looked forward and saw both Fluttershy and Rainbow starting to lick the length of his cock to bring it to life. She could hardly believe anyone could have a tool of such length. Applejack had once walked in on her brother in the shower and though it was only for a moment, she had seen his dick and thought it was the largest one ever. But Flash's was at least twice the length, maybe more. And it was only getting bigger as he got harder. She groaned into her gag, as Aria pinched her nipples. "Like that cowgirl?" Applejack grunted as Aria pulled on her nipples before she heard muffled moans from her right. She looked and saw Adagio biting on Rarity's nipple while three fingers are deep inside her cunt. "I can feel how wet you're getting, and I can tell you want more." Adagio told Rarity in a subducive tone. Rarity couldn't help but to drool through her gag as she was moaning in pleasure. At the same time, Sonata started smacking Vignette's ass as she ate her out. The woman screamed into her gag, tearing up more as she struggled against her bindings. "Yummy," Sonata laughed, "you taste great. Can't wait to see master break you in." Rainbow was sucking on his balls when she noticed the time on a clock on a wall. She smirked before she stood up and walked over to AJ and leaned over to her ear. "Get ready, because the fun is about to start." She whispered in her ear as it had become night time. The three tied up girls heard grunting as the Dazzlings and their three friends started grunting in pain before they saw the fur on his and the Dazzlings' arms started to grow up their arms. The same was happening to the fur on Flash's arms, whilst Rainbow and Fluttershy's furless skin quickly grew it as well. Their bodies all grew larger and their heads slowly began to reshape, becoming more wolf-like. The three's eyes went wide, Rarity's suspicions becoming horribly confirmed. Soon enough, the large basement was filled with six humanoid wolves. Applejack struggled harder as she tried to free herself from binds while the werewolf that is Flash approached her while the werewolf behind her that is Aria held her in place. The big male werewolf started to sniff around her while Applejack grunted to him to back off before she felt a couple of noses sniff her cunt. She really wished she could break out of her bindings. But her geode had been taken and her normal strength couldn't bust through the ropes. All she could do was struggle and groan. Soon she felt her cunt and ass getting licked by the two werewolves on both sides of her. AJ can help but to moan louder through her gag as she felt her legs shaking from the sheer pleasure. Moans filled the room as Rarity was getting eaten out by the werewolf that is Adagio and Vignette is getting eating out by the werewolf that is Sonata. All three of them was feeling sheer pleasure from the wolves eating them out before the werewolf that is Flash stopped and growled at one behind AJ. The one behind Applejack moved away as he stood tall in front of her. Applejack then felt something big rub between her legs and her eyes grew wide with fear as she knew what that thing is. The male werewolf huffed as he pushed his cock between her legs and against her cunt. Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs through her gag while Rarity and Vignette watched in horror as the male werewolf began to rape her. He pulled his hip back a little before slamming forward and going deeper into her womb. The werewolf that is Aria latched onto her breasts before she began to play with one while licking the nipple of the other. At the same time, the wolves that were Fluttershy and Rainbow moved over to the two girls and started playing with their boobs. Rainbow got under Vignette and started batting at her tits like a cat with some string, making her moan whilst Sonata continued to eat her out. Meanwhile, Fluttershy got behind Rarity and replaced her pillow with her own lap. Rarity was beginning to cry, trying to speak in a hope of reaching the girl within the wolf that was her friend. But Fluttershy simply started massaging Rarity's breasts. Flash continued to thrust his hips rapidly while he leaned forward and licked Applejack's neck. Applejack herself couldn't help but to roll her eyes back as she felt her legs becoming numb and her whole body began to shiver in pleasure. As she did, Aria reached down and used her claws to cut the ropes holding Applejack's feet to the spreader bar. This allowed Flash to pull Applejack away from the column, though her hands were still tied to it. Applejack was soon in a diagonal position, Flash continuing to thrust up into her whilst Aria started licking out her asshole. Applejack did her best to try to fight off the overwhelming pleasure but it was all in vain as she was enjoying the sheer pleasure of it all. She enjoyed the rapid thrusts into her as well as the slaps to her ass from the werewolf that is Flash. The werewolf that is Flash pushed harder into her as he licked her neck and grunted in pleasure as well. Any minute, he would blow his load within the girl's body. Applejack swung her head around, unable to fight against the intense pleasure anymore. And as she did, her hair band came loose and her golden locks flew everywhere. Soon the knot breakthrough and his cock into her womb before he released his load within her. Applejack felt like she was in heaven when she felt her womb getting filled to the brim with his semen. Rarity and Vignette gasped, as they watched Applejack's stomach begin to bloat. Then, the wolf pulled away and Aria got out from under her, allowing Applejack to swing back and collide with the column. As she did, Flash's cock continued to shoot its load all over Applejack. Soon, the girl was drenched from head to toe. She panted against her gag, her brain completely fried as she hug from the bindings locking her in place against the column. All she could smell was sperm, which continued to coat her flesh whilst the load inside of her began to run free and puddle on the ground between her legs. The wolf then turned towards Vignette, whose eyes went wide. The werewolf that is Sonata soon stopped eating her out as Flash approached them. Vignette saw that his cock is still hard as it was brought up to the front of her face. He then rubbed his cock all over her face as to tease her. She panted, never thinking her first time would be with such a monster. She suddenly felt the rope around her feet be cut, causing her legs to swing down. At the height she was suspended, only her toes could touch the ground. Other then that, she was still trapped. Her fears only worsened as he moved around her, Vignette feeling the back of his claw move up her spine and send a shiver through her body. He left her field of view and stepped behind her, his cock pointing straight at her cunt. He pushed it against her and instead of going inside, it caused her to swing forward on the rope. Vignette's eyes went wide as she swung forward, then fell back and felt the cock push a little inside of her. She flinched as once again, the cock pushed her forward and she swung back and forth with greater speed. This time, the cockhead almost completely went in and she cried out as she was pushed forward one more time. And when she fell back, she fell right onto the cock as she entire head pushed inside her cunt and ripped through her precious hymen. Rarity watched as her online Idol is being raped by a werewolf that is our friend. She then saw the two werewolves that were Rainbow, Aria and Sonata crawl their way over to Applejack before Aria and Sonata spread her legs to lick her cum filled cunt. Rainbow began licking her cum coated body, Applejack moaning at the sensation and enjoyed it as much as she was fucked. Rarity's focus was soon pulled away by her own feeling, as Adagio continued to eat her out and Fluttershy kept playing with her tits. As she did, the yellow and pink wolf moved so that her own large tits were hovering over Rarity's face. The next thing she knew, she was being smothered by the two giant mounds. Vignette on the other hand was feeling both pain and pleasure as Flash thrusted his hips into her rapidly. She moaned and grunted through the ball gag with each thrust into her. She felt both claws on her ass squeezed tight and couldn't help but to enjoy it. She continued to swing back and forth with the rope, allowing her to feel the full length of the shaft fucking into her. Vignette's eyes rolled into the back of her head, as she felt drool flowing from her mouth and out between the ballgag. Soon all she felt was pleasure after a while and started to love it with each thrust into her. His thrusts became more rapid as he felt close to cumming in her. Vignette's cries filled the basement, alongside the slapping sounds of flesh against flesh. And eventually, the wolf thrust into her with so much power, that when she swung back onto his cock he burst threw the walls of her womb and made her scream in pleasure and pain. This was all Flash needed to hit his own peak, once again cumming inside an unprotected womb. Vignette's entire body vibrated, as she was fucked to orgasm and filled to the brink. Rarity closed her eyes tight when he came inside of her and all she could hear was Vignette loud moans and Flash howling in pleasure. Flash soon removed his cock from within Vignette and pointed it at the ground beneath her, firing the rest of his load to form another puddle. Once he was finished, he used his claw to cut through the rope holding the online idol up. Rarity could only watch as Vignette fell to the ground and splashed in a puddle of cum, appearing too enraptured by her own orgasm to care. Flash then barked at the others to come over and clean her up. As the werewolves crawled over to Vignette, he made his way over to Rarity before grabbing hold of her spread out legs. She whimpered in fear as she saw his cock rubbing against her wet cunt. He leaned forward and licked her neck as she flinched. She shook her head as she sobbed, begging Flash through her gag to let her go. But if Flash did understand what she was saying, he clearly didn't care and thrust his dick straight into her. Rarity screamed through the gag as he began to thrust into her rapidly with no signs of slowing down. Applejack soon came to and heard muffled moaning before she turned and saw Rarity getting plowed by Flash. Her entire body was sore and she felt like her arms were about to pop out of their sockets, but she didn't care. All she wanted was to get fucked by that wolf again. Applejack watched her friend getting plowed by the wolf that plowed her and heard a voice in her head that says to let it happen again when he's done with Rarity. Soon enough, the pain Rarity had felt was completely gone. All she could now feel was pleasure, despite how much she didn't want to feel it. It was driving her crazy, as the wolf continued to thrust into her body. As he did, he leaned down and started sucking on her tits. Muffled moans could be heard as Vignette was enjoying the intention of the other werewolves on top of her. They were licking off the semen that covered her when Flash ravaged her. Flash then let out several growls that one of the wolves responded to, getting up and stepping away from Vignette. Rarity could barely make sense of what was happening at this point, but she realised Adagio had stepped over to Applejack. And with a slash of her claws, the rope holding the cowgirl were cut and she fell to the ground. Adagio caught her by the arm and started dragging her towards them, as Flash moved one of his claws towards Rarity's face. The girl screamed into her gag, fearing Flash would cut her face and scar her for life. But instead, he hooked the strap of her gag and pulled it out of her mouth. She gasped at this, as the gag was now a necklace around her mouth. She tried to form words, but the fucking she was receiving was causing her brain to go to mush. By the time she finally managed to form some kind of sentence in her mind, Applejack had been pulled over to her and Adagio had positioned her so she was kneeling above Rarity's head with her cum soaked cunt right in Rarity's face. Rarity looked between Flash and Applejack's cum filled cunt before her head moved on its own. It raised up a bit before her lips locked on to AJ's cunt and started to eat her out. Applejack let out pleasurable moans as she felt Rarity's tongue enter her. Rarity couldn't believe she was doing this. But somehow, the smell of Flash's spunk combined with Applejack's juices became irresistible. And as soon as it touched her tongue, she felt like it was the most delicious think she had ever had. Flash then cut the gag around Applejack's mouth and when it fell into the floor, she let out a very loud moan of pleasure. Her tongue hung out of her mouth like a dog in heat before she leaned forward and began to make out with him. She moaned in the kiss as his tongue invaded her mouth and dominated her own. Flash let this new situation wash over him and as he did, he felt himself getting close to cumming once again. Rarity could also feel his dick beginning to swell and realised she was about to be seeded like the others. She had a feeling that if this happened, there would be no going back for. She would be his bitch forever. And she didn't care. The pleasure was just too great. Flash thrusted his hips forward rapidly until the knot break through and entered all the way in her womb. Rarity screamed in pleasure in Applejack's cunt as she came when she felt him flooding her to her core with his semen. Rarity's eyes rolled into the back of her head, her body going limp with the only thing still moving being her tongue. Flash began to pull out of her and as he did, he pulled away from Applejack and the girl fell forward until her face was right in front of Rarity's cunt. She watched as the wolf's large cock slid out of Rarity's pussy, the girl letting her tongue stick out to taste the length until he pulled himself free. Once that was done, she started devouring Rarity's cunt and the two girls moaned into each other. Flash stroke his cock until he covered both girls in his semen as Applejack was eating out Rarity. He then barked at the others to release Vignette and bring her over. They complied and cut the rope on her arms before dragging her over to him. She then came face to face with his hard cock that fucked her so hard before the scent of his musk filled her nostrils. All thought left her and she simply followed her instincts, reaching up and pulling the gag from her mouth before wrapping her lips around it. She groaned at the taste, eagerly sucking and licking it to the best of her ability. As she did, the others moved around her with Rainbow and Fluttershy cutting the rope holding Rarity's legs up. After Sonata and Aria cut the ropes on her arms, Rarity grab hold of Applejack's ass and returned the favor by eating her out. Rarity felt that her ass has grown bigger as she was eating her out and the two of them moaned while they did. She also felt Applejack's body beginning to grow orange fur, something Rarity expected she would soon have as well. Applejack was completely unaware of her transformation, to focused on getting as much of her master's cum out of Rarity as possible. The word master echoed through her mind, as she realised she was now nothing more then a slave. Meanwhile, Vignette was busy having his whole cock in her mouth while his claw is on her head. She moaned around his cock as she was loving the taste of it while she cup his balls. It wasn't long before she deep throat him while she finger her cunt. She thrust her fingers in and out as hard as she could, but she just couldn't get the same feeling she had gotten when Flash had fucked her. She pinched her nipples and tried everything she could to stimulate herself, but nothing was working. She soon removed her lips from his cock before turning around and spreading open her ass. "Pl-please...fuck m-me again..." She begged him as his cock twitched from it. Flash stared at her for a moment before pressing his claw to her forehead and pushing her backwards. The next thing Vignette knew, she was on her back with her legs spread. Flash wasted no time and already thrusted his cock up her ass. She screamed out in pleasure as her ass was being destroyed. Applejack on the other hand became a werewolf with a big ass and strong muscles. Rainbow Dash crawled over as Applejack got off of Rarity before the two started making out. Adagio and Sonata started to eat out Rarity as Applejack got on top of Rainbow. Applejack then rubbed her cunt against hers as the two growled in pleasure. As this was going on, the door to the basement was thrown open. Celestia, Luna and Wallflower were in their wolf forms as well, each of them looking huggily at the situation. Soon, the basement was jam packed full of large wolves that started trying to get off with one another. Rarity was still a little dazed from her earlier orgasm, but was able to look up and see Vignette beginning to grow furr as well. It wouldn't be long before she joined her. Aria started to make out with Flash as Celestia ate her out while Luna and Wallflower ate out both Sonata and Adagio. Flash gave Vignette a few smacks as he plowed into her ass like no tomorrow. Vignette moaned out loudly, only for Fluttershy to lean down and placed one of her tits into her mouth. The woman instinctively started sucking, whilst Fluttershy began to play with her tits. Vignette's breasts started to grow in size as Fluttershy finger her cunt. Flash started sucking on Aria's breasts while his balls slept against Vignette's ass as he is balls deep in her ass. Vignette's mind went completely blank at this, revelling in only pleasure. She suddenly wondered how this would affect her idol situation. She had millions of followers and if she didn't keep uploading things, they might get suspicious and cause her new master to be placed in the spotlight. She would need to continue focusing on her work, but that made her upset since it meant less time she got to spend fucking her master. The only thing she could think of was to change career and enter the world of porn, though only if her master was willing to be recorded with her. Vignette soon transformed into a sexy werewolf as the knot break through her ass and he came inside her. Rarity soon had a feeling inside herself, a craving that can only be satisfied by that cock. She looked at him with bedroom eyes before crawling over to him just as he removed his cock from Vignette's ass and covered her in his semen. As soon as he was done, the other wolves around them started licking at Vignette as Flash turned towards the other new girls. And as soon as Applejack noticed her master was free, she started crawling towards him looking submissive as she could. Applejack started to lick his cock clean as Rarity crawled over next to her. "Pl-please, master...I wa-want more...I need...more..." She painted as she licked the length of his cock alongside Applejack. Flash seemed to ignore her and focused on Applejack, pushing the wolf down towards the ground and getting behind her to mount. Applejack however seemed like a tough wolf as she barked furiously at him before pulling Rarity on top of her. She then spread Rarity's cheeks and barked at him again as to she wants him to fuck both of them. He complied and thrusted his cock between both cunts. The two girls groaned as this happened, Applejack pulling Rarity down harder so that the dick was given a vice-like grip. He started thrusting it between the two, making Rarity moan as Applejack howled. And as they did, Rarity's body started growing fur. Her figure became more of an hourglass figure as her body became more firm and her breasts became as big as Fluttershy's. Her ass on the other hand, became as big as Applejack's. Flash started thrusting into her for several moments, then pulled out before thrusting into Applejack. He continued to thrust into either one of them as Rarity was becoming more and more like a werewolf. As she did, she and Applejack started making out with Rarity beginning to play with Applejack's breast. Flash was thrusting rapidly into Rarity as a felt close to bursting. Rarity herself was panting so hard before the knot entered her and his entire cock went right up into her womb. Both of them let out pressurable howls as he released a flood of his semen into her. With this, all three of Flash's new bitches had completed their transformation. Flash let out a howl, telling the three to line up. They did, though Rarity needed help after her orgasm. The three knelt with their hands on the floow, trying to sit like normal dogs would, has Flash stepped over to them. "You will all work to release my seed and be baptised, leaving your old lives behind and embracing your new ones as my bitches." He told them in a deep demanding tone. "But I will still see my family." Applejack said as she maybe his now, but she still loves her family at heart. "I will never abandon them." Flash growled at her, clearly not liking that resistant side of her. Applejack then leaned forward and started sucking on the head of his cock. At the same time, Rarity started licking up the shaft on one side and Vignette on the other. Celestia, Luna, and Wallflower got behind the three and started to eat them out as the Dazzlings got behind them and did the same. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lifted their breasts up to Flash's head as they made them go up and down. Flash was in heaven at the sensation all around him. Despite having just cum multiple times, he knew it wouldn't be long before he drench the three newest members of his pack with his seed. Unbeknownst to any of them that a small drone was hovering right above them and was recording everything that it just happened. Within Twilight's lab, she was sitting at her desk with her clothes scattered on the floor. She was panting heavily as she saw everything that went down in that basement through her drone. She couldn't help but rub her clit as she saw the werewolf that is Flash plow into the women that are now werewolves. She watched as his cock released a bunch of his load onto the three werewolves that worship his cock just as her climax hit. "Oh Flash...it's m-my...fault...So w-why do...I want to join...?" She asked herself before she saw him getting on top of Celestia and plowed into her. She then grabbed a wolfcock dildo from one of her drawers and began to pump it in and out of her. Her eyes remained locked on Flash's huge dick, imagining that it was her on the receiving end of it instead of Celestia. And eventually, she managed to fuck herself to orgasm and cried out as Flash filled their principal with his cum. As she watched, Twilight imagined herself and the place of the woman that he is fucking. "I...need...to tell...S-Sunset...and Pinkie..." She huffed as she couldn't stop herself. She kept fucking herself as Flash moved onto another wolf, eventually getting herself to cum two more time before her body gave out. She fell to the ground, panting in exhaustion as the sounds of sex came off her computer. And eventually, she drifted off to sleep and dreamed of wolves chasing her. Twilight ran as fast as she could, the wolves hot on her tail. She spotted in cabin up ahead before she quickly ran in and shut the door. After quickly barricading the door, she took a breath before she felt a pair of hands squeeze her breasts. She spun back and saw Flash, a warm smile on his face as he groped her breasts. He leaned forward and locked lips with her, as one hand traveled down her body and entered her skirt. She moaned in pleasure before she found her skirt being lowered and heard it hit the floor. Their kiss soon broke before he proceeded to take her top off. He then carried her over to the bed and laid her down. She looked at him with bedroom eyes, as she could see he was already naked with an erect cock. Flash then started to kiss around her neck before lowering himself down to her bra. He then grabbed hold of it and with one mighty tug, ripped it off to reveal her breasts. The moment they were, her breasts started to grow in size by the second. Twilight moaned as Flash began to play with her breasts. His lips were latched on to her right nipple as he twisted the other. Her breasts soon became the size of Fluttershy's before he lowered down to her stomach. Her stomach had become firm as her muscles started to grow in a bit. He soon reached her panties before ripping them off. Her legs started to grow a little, as he began to eat her out. Twilight felt her ass getting slapped as she arched back from sheer pleasure. Soon her ass became as big as Applejack's before he started rubbing his cock against her wet entrance. The moment he thrusted into her, dark purple fur started to grow in slowly as she held on to him. Sharp claws started to grow in her fingernails, as they dug into his skin before she pushed him onto his back and got on top of him. Twilight then started to bounce on him roughly, as somehow the wolves that chased her surrounded them. However, they just stood around them and watched as Twilight slowly became a werewolf with a perfect hourglass figure. She continued to bounce on his cock before she let out a howl that caused the other wolves too. Twilight wasn't stopping even though he came inside of her. She just kept going as the wolves looked at her like a ruler or a alpha female to them.
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Chapter 6: Love Lost, Lust Found	Within the basement of Flash's place, it has been turned into a Sex Dungeon with a large heart-shaped bed where he is seen plowing into Applejack's ass while Rarity sucked on his balls. "Fuck, your ass is just as tight as Luna's!" He grunted before he gave her ass a really good slap. "Whoo doggy! Give to me!!" Applejack moaned as she held on to the backboard of the bed. Not that she had much choice, as she was actually handcuffed to the pillar right behind the bed. Flash had once again undergone a strange change, with his feet now being covered in fur and having pads on the bottom of them like a dog. He wasn't the only one who had changed, for the Dazzlings were also sporting fur on their legs. Except their fur went all the way up their legs and only stopped just above the knee. Rainbow and Fluttershy were also sporting fur on their arms, with their legs expected to change some time tomorrow. After Flash had woken up and found his three new slaves, he wasn't at all surprised. His memory of the previous night was far more clear then any other night, though he was still fuzzy in some details. Fluttershy, Rainbow and his three new sluts finally explain what the heck was happening to him, surprising Flash with the truth of his wolfly transformations. Had he learned about this after the first night, he probably would have locked himself in a cage. But now, he didn't care. He liked what was happening to him and couldn't wait to transform again. "Hey babe." Vignette spoke up as she came down the stairs with a large. "My new porno website is up and those rubber suits Rarity ordered are here." She sat down said box on the floor. "The delivery service are really fast nowadays." "Oh goodie, can't wait to see how they came out." Rarity squealed as she went over and opened the box. She pulled white rubber boots with a white rubber top with no sleeves, or cups to cover the breasts area. "Are there more?" "Upstairs, the rest of them are putting them on." Vignette answered as both Flash and Applejack let out a loud moan when he came in her ass. "By the way, Celestia and Luna are out for lunch with their niece." "That's fine with me." Flash said as he pulled out and sprayed Applejack's ass with his cum. "Just as long as they don't stay out longer than sunset." As he said that, Rarity laid back on the bed and opened her legs to show her waiting cunt. "I'm sure they'll be back by then. And when they are, maybe me and Celestia can give you a white girl double team." Flash liked the sound of that, moving over to start fingering her along with Applejack. Celestia and Luna both smiled as they sat at the cafe, both enjoying a latte as they waited for Cadance to arrive. The three had often had lunch together many times before, though those times were becoming fewer since Cadance became principal of Crystal Prep and got engaged. So the two, despite being horny for their master, didn't want to miss out. Celestia took a sip of her coffee when it arrived. "What's taking her so long?" She asked in a impatient tone. "Really need a good fuck and Rarity suggested a double team." Cadance came around the corner and saw her two aunts waiting for her. As she got closer, noticed something different about them. Eventually, she realised their bodies were more hourglass shape while their breasts and asses were also bigger. She smiled at them as she sat down. "Good morning," she told them. "I know it's been a while since we last saw one another, but you two look completely different." "We've been working out." Luna lied before she gestured to a waiter. "So, what's been going on lately since you took up the principal job at Crystal Prep?" Celestia asked, Cadance smirking. "Nothing as insane as the Friendship Games, but the students have started opening up to one another. Their teamwork's improved, meaning our sports victories will likely increase and everyone seems a lot happier." After Luna ordered for Cadance, she looked at her with a thought. "So, how's are things between you and Shining? Wedding planning going well?" She asked, which made Cadance frown a little. "Problem?" Celestia asked, as Cadance sighed. "Don't tell me you and Shining are having problems." "Shining doesn't have any problem. It's...me. Thing's aren't exactly...wow, when it comes to us." The pair looked confused by this, Cadance clearly uncomfortable. "Promise you won't say anything?" They nodded. "Shining's...lackluster in the bedroom." Now they understood. "He's smaller then I had expected him to be. Not much, but still not as big as some of the other men I've been with. And he's not exactly...full of endurance." Luna smiled, "don't tell me he's a one pump chump." Celestia gave her a look as Cadance sighed. "No, but he still doesn't last long. Barely a minute is his record and once it's over, he just rolls over and it useless for the rest of the night." "That's is pretty sad." Luna commented as the waiter brought over a cup of coffee. "Has he tried one of those special pills that helps men go a bit longer?" Celestial wondered. "He doesn't know there's a problem," Cadance sighed. "I couldn't bring myself to tell him and he's got it into his head I cum whenever he does." "Seriously?" Luna asked, "please tell me he at least gets you off other ways. Fingers? Tongue?" Cadance shook her head, "what is wrong with him." "He's very...reserved when it comes to this stuff. He's never been with anyone except me and he's never watched porn, so he doesn't know anything about sex." "Wow...I uh...I got nothing." Luna admitted before her sister pulled her aside. "Luna, this is very serious." Celestia whispered. "Their relationship is doomed if he only lasts about less than a minute and it can clearly shows that she desperately needs cock in her." "I know," Luna nodded before an idea appeared in her head. "You know what I'm thinking?" Celestia saw her smirk and realised what Luna was planning. "Luna, no. We can't do that to them. If Flash takes her, Cadance will become just as addicted to him as us. She won't be able to go back to Shining after that. It'll ruin their relationship more then it already is." "What else can we do?" Luna asked, "unless you're willing to strap on a dildo and blow her yourself. Cadance deserves to enjoy herself. If she decides to dump Shining after being with Flash, that's her right and Shining's fault for being such a wimp." Celestia held her head as she let out a sigh. "Okay, fine." She spoke before she looked at Luna with a serious look. "But we keep this to ourselves and not tell anyone, especially Twilight and her brother." "That's fine with me." Luna said before they turn back to Cadance. "Hey, we have something in mind to help you out." Cadance raised an eyebrow at this. Cadance is wondering what they could possibly want to do. She doubted it actually could help her out, since the only thing she thought might take the edge off was them bringing her a magic potion that could improve Shining size and stamina. They finished their drinks and headed for Celestia's car, Cadance glad she had taken the bus so she wouldn't need to return for hers later. They got in and began to head for the secret destination, the sisters glancing at the woman in the back. "First off, Cadance, we want you to know how bad we feel for you." Celestia told sympathetically. "And second, we know what we have will really cheer you up." Luna added with a smirk. "We know it has for us." "What are you talking about?" Cadance asked, but the two just gave her a knowing look. They refused to give her any details, as they made their way through the city and into the suburbs. "Let's just say, what we have for you is going to give you bliss." Luna answered in a sly tone. They soon parked in front of Flash's house and got out of the car. "And Cadance, you have to promise us that you won't tell anyone about what you're are about to see in here." Celestia told her. "Especially Twilight and Shining. If you care for them very much, you won't say a word." "Um...okay." Cadance was starting to get a little worried, fearing Celestia and Luna might have gotten themselves into something illegal. They stepped towards the house and Luna opened the door without even knocking, confusing the woman as she followed the two into the building. As soon as she did, her nose was suddenly assaulted with a rather interesting sent. A scent she knew quite well, but hadn't gotten to smell in quite a while. The smell of sex. And as they made their way through the large house, they heard moans and groans coming from another room. Cadance got more and more worried about what she was walking into, but continued to follow her aunts into the room. And when she arrived, she was shocked by what she saw. Young woman were littered all over the room, some of them she recognised as students of CHS. They all appeared unconscious, with dazed yet happy looks on their faces whilst their bodies were covered in sweat and something else. Some of them looked rather strange, having what appeared to be fur on their arms and legs. She then turned towards the groaning sounds and turned to see a young man thrusting into a yellow skinned girl with pink hair. "Fuck yes, Flash!! Fuck me so hard until I can't walk!!" She shouted as he plowed into. Cadance covered her mouth in shock as she saw how big Fluttershy's breasts have become and were lactating. She then saw him latched his lips onto her right nipple while he twisted the other. "Shocking at first, but it's so hot." Luna whispered in her ear. She and Celestia now stood behind Cadance, stopping her retreat. "Fuck!" The teen cried, "gonna cum!" "Me too!" Fluttershy screamed as wrapped her legs around him, getting him to fuck into her harder. The pair moaned louder and louder until, finally, Fluttershy let out a sound only dogs could hear and the young man roar as he came inside of her. He shot several loads into her young fertile body, then pulled out as her legs went limp and fired many most strands that covered her from head to toe. As he did, Cadance got a proper look at his cock and gasped. She had never seen anything that large before. Not on a human, anyway. "Hey Flash, we need your help with something." Celestia called out and got his attention. The two sisters then pushed Cadance in as she tried to stop them with a massive blush on her face. "What's up?" He asked as he walked over to them. "Well, her boyfriend has a small dick and can only last about less than half a minute." Luna explain. Cadance gasped, unable to believe they actually said that. "She's got a serious itch that needs to be scratched." "You can't be serious!?" Cadance cried, as Luna and Celestia wrapped an arm around hers to stop her from escaping. They both reached around and grabbed her shirt before pulling, ripping it apart to reveal her bra held tits. But it wasn't long before the bra was pulled down, allowing her DD tits to spring free as she screamed. Flash smirked, liking the sight before him. Cadance struggled against the two, but their hold on her was just to great and all this did was cause her tits to swing around. "Not bad." He said before he he grabbed both her breasts and squeeze them. He fumbled with them for a bit before grabbing hold of her nipples and twisting them a little. Cadance couldn't help but let out a pleasurable moan as her breasts were being played with. "You know you need this." Celestia whispered. "Think of this as a stress reliever." "But...Shining..." "Just forget about him for now," Luna replied before she and Celestia kicked the back of her knees. This caused Cadance to fall onto her knees, Celestia and Luna kneeling next to her, bringing her face to face with Flash's huge cock. "You can be all goodie goodie when the two of you are married. Until then, you're free to do whatever you want." "It's okay, take your time." Flash assured her as he poked her face with his cock. "I won't judge you if you don't want to." Cadance let out a small whimper as his cock poked her face and she caught a whiff of the musk coming off it. She wasn't sure why, but she had a feeling her aunts holding her arms were the only thing keeping her from starting to stroke the raging hard on. Instead, her mouth slowly puckered and she found herself kissing the tip of the swollen head. This caused Flash to moan, Celestia and Luna both smiling as Cadance began to open her mouth. Soon enough, her hips began to stretch around the head as Flash started pushing it forward. Cadance moaned at this and the musky smell began to fill her nostrils. Celestia then reached out and started playing with one of her breasts, Luna doing the same with the other. This made her moan and open her mouth even more, allowing Flash to push more of his head into her. Cadance open her eyes wide when it entered her mouth but the taste soon hit her taste buds. It tasted really good even though it was just inside Fluttershy a few moments ago. She couldn't get enough of his cock's taste as her head started to move back and forth as she started to blow him. "That's it," Flash smiled as he placed his hands on her head. As he did, Celestia and Luna let go of her arms and started removing her destroyed shirt and unhooked her bra. Despite her hands being free, Cadance didn't try and escape. Instead, her hands came up and grabbed hold of Flash's thighs and she used them to help her suck more and more of the cock into her mouth. Flash placed a hand on top of her head and thrusted his hips forward a little to help go deeper. Cadance let out a small gag as it nearly reached the back of her throat before she felt fingers thrusting into her wet cunt. Luna had started fingering her, whilst Celestia once again started playing with her tits. Cadance moaned at this and Flash thrust into her again, finally getting all of his cock into her mouth. "Good," he told her. "That'll do for the warm up. Now it's time to really get going." Cadance was suddenly filled with dread and excitement, as Flash's grip on her head tightened. He then started thrusting back and forth, his cock sawing in and out of her mouth as he started picking up speed. Cadance felt his cock going down her throat as he thrusted deeper before she felt five fingers going up her cunt. Luna started getting rough with fingering her while Celestia started pulling on her nipples. Cadance never had Shining Armor do this to her before and yet, she started to love it. Celestia started to suck on the right nipple while she continued to pull on the left. Cadance moaned in delight at this, her tongue starting to flick wildly around the appendage. Flash sighed at this, loving the feel of her lips around his cock. He knew she had done this before, having more skill then most of his other girls combined. And as he continued to thrust into her, he remembered what Luna and Celestia had said about her being engaged. Had this been a few days ago, he never would have thought of fucking another man's fiance. But now, all he cared about was taking what he wanted. And he wanted her. This went on for about what felt like hours to them until she felt his cock throbbing in her mouth. She started to speed up her bobbing as to get a taste of his load as one of her free hands started to cup his balls and massage them. Soon she came all over Luna's hand as he released a big load down her throat. Flash was amazed by how much Cadance was able to guzzle down, able to get almost all of his spunk down her throat before it started filling her mouth and escaping through her lips. By the time shot his last load, she finally started spilling som down her chin and onto her chest. And of course, Celestia didn't hesitate to start licking it off. Flash finally pulled out and Cadance took a deep breath, coughing a bit but still able to swallow the rest of her mouthful as her head went dizzy. Luna and Celestia helped Cadance lay down and as she did, Flash got a look at her soaked panties and licked his lips. He told Luna to remove her skirt and panties before kneeling down, the sisters quickly getting to work and allowing Flash to get a nice faceful of her cunt. Cadance's fingers scraped along the ground when she felt his tongue enter her wet cunt. Flash's tongue lap around the inside of her whilst he rubbed her clit. She moaned in delight, having not felt this sensation in a long time. Shining refused to put his tongue anywhere near her cunt, not wanting to taste the area she peed and bled from. He had no idea what he was missing, as Cadance had always been praised for how delicious she was to eat out. And that compliment would be repeated. "Holy fuck!" Flash gasped, "this tastes so good!" He kept lapping at her cunt, lifting one of her legs to put over his shoulder for a better angle. This made Cadance moan louder, her hands flying up to cover her mouth to keep her from screaming in pleasure. "How do you feel, Cadance?" Celestia asked as Cadance saw her and Luna removing their clothes and revealing their perfect bodies. "Feels like you're in heaven, doesn't it?" Luna added as the two of them sat on either side of Cadance. The woman's mind flashed back to Shining Armor. The amazing man she had fallen in love with. Despite being a total dud in the bedroom, everything else about him was amazing. He was smart, funny, caring and treated her like a princess. To any woman, he was the perfect man. But Cadance didn't want to be a princess. "Fuck!" She screamed, "it's so good. Eat me! Please, eat me out and make me cum like the whore I am!" "There we go," Celestia sighed. "I always knew you were more sexually driven then other girls your age. And that's nothing to be ashamed of." Flash dug his face deeper into her as she placed both hands on his head. As her moans filled the room, Luna attached her lips to her breast and to begin to suck on them as Celestia did the same to the other. Flash continued to eat her out, using his fingers to also stimulate her. Cadance continued to scream more and more, the sensation of Flash, Celestia and Luna's assaults driving her into a frenzy. Eventually, she couldn't take any more and screamed. "I'M CUMMING!" And she did, her cunt unleashing a geyser of cum onto Flash's face. Flash moaned as he drank this down, the taste and smell causing his dick to start growing hard again. Cadance felt like she was in outer space, her head dazed as she let the amazing feelings she had been denied for so long wash over her. Eventually, she started coming down as Flash pulled his face away from her cunt and the sisters let go of her tits. But despite just getting the best orgasm of her life, she wasn't satisfied. "More," she whispered, "please...I want more." Flash smirked, "you want more?" She slowly raised her head and begged him with her lustful gaze. "Alright then, but you'll have to do this yourself." He sat himself down, his cock sticking straight up. "And I warn you. Once you have this cock, you'll never want to fuck anyone else ever again." "Just shut the fuck up and fuck me you bastard!" Cadance shouted with so much lust before she bounced right on him and slammed her hips down right on his cock. She let out a pleasurable scream as she bounced on his cock rapidly. Flash was surprised by this, but smiled as he watched her as he thrust his cock in and out of her cunt. The sight of her breasts swinging everywhere as she did so was quite the sight, but Flash couldn't forget about the two who had brought this fine piece of ass to him. He held out his hands and the sisters smiled, both shuffling on their knees until their cunts rest on his hands. He thrusted his fingers up in their cunts as Cadance grabbed his head and pulled him in for a hot make out session. She moaned in pleasure as they make out while their tongues started to wrestle each other. Celestia and Luna massage their breasts together as Flash fingered both of them so good. The three school principals were quite the sight to see. None of them ever expected to be in a situation quite like this, but none of them were complaining. Cadance was in absolute heaven. This cock was stretching her out so much, she knew she would never be able to feel Shining's smaller cock again. But she didn't care anymore. Shining didn't deserve her. He deserved a real lady and not a cock hungry slut like her. "Oh god!" She cried after pulling her lips off of Flash, "I think I'm gonna cum again!" "Get ready for the big one!" Flash warned her as he felt himself getting close as well. Soon all four of them came together as Celestia and Luna covered his hands with their love juices while Cadence covered his cock with hers as he filled her up with a big load. Cadance could feel him still cumming inside her as his cock kept flowing cum into her womb. She knew he was right. She never wanted to fuck anyone ever again. She looked down at the engagement ring on her finger and took it off, planning to give it back to the man she had once loved. She knew the best way to a woman's heart was through her cunt, and Flash Sentry had just pounded his way into hers. Soon he lift her off his cock as he gently laid her on the couch. She had a face of pure bliss as her cunt leaked out some of his load. "And she hasn't experienced the real fun yet." Luna commented. "And maybe we could talk to Shining about letting Flash give her their baby some day." Celestia suggested. As she said that, she noticed the time and smiled as she realised the sun was soon about to set. In that moment, groans could be heard coming from the rest of the girls. They were finally starting to come around, likely due to the beginning effects of the eventual transformation. "What time is it?" Sonata asked. "It's just about sunset." Vignette answered as she looked at the clock and they all smiled. "The real fun is about to begin." Fluttershy said excitedly as Cadance wondered what they were talking about. "If you think what he gave you before was great, you're in for treat." Celestia assured Cadance before they all started grunting. Before her very eyes as the sun went down, she saw each of them had their muscles grow big as fur covered their bodies and their heads became more wolf-like. They had all transformed into werewolves, but would really caught her attention is Flash's wolf form. She couldn't believe it but his cock was even bigger than it was when he was just human. "Holy fucking god." Cadance gasp in excitement instead of fear. "Now that's what I really need." The werewolf that is Flash noticed her before sniffing her neck. "Oh my, do you love my scent Wolfie?" She teased before she stood up and presented her cum filled cunt. "Go ahead big guy." The werewolf only growled at the others as the werewolves that are Applejack and Rainbow Dash crawled over. Cadance was confused by this before they tackled her on the couch and she felt both their tongues invade her cunt. She let out loud pleasurable moans before she saw the big alpha male werewolf that is Flash has his cock hover above her face. She had a smirk on her face before she opened her mouth wide and let the cock be pushed down into her mouth. Cadance moaned around the cock as he thrusted up and down on her face. The werewolves that are Wallflower and Fluttershy crawled over and latched onto her breasts. As for the others, they were either playing with each other or eating each other out while they watched their master face fuck Cadance. She used her free hands to cup his enormous balls while she could barely breathe from the cock. As she tried, she felt a sensation wash over her. As Flash-Wolf watched his prize choke around his cock, he noticed her skin was starting to change. This was surprising, since the transformation didn't usually occur this quickly. But then he realised fucking her in his human form must have already begun the metamorphosis. Cadance start to slowly grow fur as her breast size started to expand. Soon she came in both Applejack and Rainbow Dash's mouth when the knot entered her mouth and his cock went down her throat. She then started to drink up his load as he let out a pleasurable howl. The other wolves pulled away from her and watched as she guzzled down their master's precious spunk, her transformation completing. Flash pulled his cock from her mouth and stepped back, as Cadance rolled onto her front and looked up at him. She stared at him with absolute desire, her iris being perfect heart shapes as she stuck her tongue out and panted. The wolf smirked, knowing he was gonna be in for one hell of a night. The past few hours was spent with Flash fucking his pack all night as they were getting plowed in their asses and cunts. The following day, Cadance is texting Shining Armor that she'll be out of town for a few days as Flash is fucking her ass while Celestia is on the bottom and thrusting a strap-on dildo up into her. "Sl-Slow down...ah...I ca-can't concentrate..." She painted. "Sorry but you asked for it." Celestia told her before she slapped her ass. As this continued, Luna and the others were in their Sex Dungeon while they have vibrating dildos in their asses and cunts. "So...ah...you think a big orgy party will...mmmm...bring a bunch of viewers and money on my porno website?" Vignette asked though her moans to Fluttershy. "Yes...ah...lots of pe-people will love!" Fluttershy moaned. "And we can wear masks...fuck...to make it more exciting." Rarity added. "B-But who will be...oh...in it?" Adagio asked. "I believe I know three." They turned to see Cadance being carried by Flash with Celestia coming down the stairs. "Three of my students at Crystal Prep would love to get fucked so good. Lemon Zest, Indigo Zap, and Sugarcoat would be the ones." The rest of them removed their dildos as they approached them. "And me, Rarity, and Fluttershy can get Trixie, Juniper, and Gloriosa." Applejack suggested. "Gloriosa could use the money for her camp." "Now you're talking." Rainbow agreed. "We can those sexy outfits Rarity got us." Vignette added. "This will definitely get us a lots of fat fucking viewers and money."
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Chapter 7: Blindfolded Orgy; Confession	Trixie, Juniper, and Gloriosa got messages from Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity, asking them to meet at a certain address for a "fun time." It took some time to convince Trixie to come, but she eventually was convinced by Rarity. Gloriosa told Fluttershy yes as she needed a bit of fun and relaxation from managing a camp. Applejack told Juniper that it would be like being in a movie to convince her to come as there will be so much fun. Trixie was making her way to the address Rarity sent her before she spotted Juniper walking in the same direction. "Uh, where are going?" She asked her. "Oh hello." Juniper greeted Trixie. "Applejack just invited me to do something fun. She didn't tell me what it was, but she said it would be like being in a movie or something." "Well, the Great and Powerful Trixie was also invited by Rarity to join in this fun." Trixie told Juniper in a dramatic tone. "Well nice to meet you, Trixie. I'm Juniper." She introduced herself before Trixie let out an annoyed soft. "Was it something I said?" "It's not you, it's them." Trixie told her as she pointed ahead. Juniper looked to where she's pointing and saw Lemon Zest, Indigo Zap, and Sugarcoat up ahead. "Three of the Shadow Bolts from a rival school. Just what are they up to?" The three Shadow Bolts were talking amongst each other before Trixie and Juniper came up to them. "Yo, what's up?" Indigo asked when when she saw them. "Wondering what you three are doing." Trixie said in a sassy tone as she crossed her arms. "Our principal asked her to meet her at this address for a special event." Sugarcoat answered as she held out her phone and showed Trixie the text. "Although, she didn't mention what this event is." "Huh, some friends of ours asked us to meet at that same address." Juniper told them as she showed them the same address on her phone that Applejack sent her. "Cool, whatever they have plan will be so awesome if Applejack and her friends are there!" Lemon Zest declared as they continued on their way. The three of them told Juniper about their times with the Mane Seven as Trixie tried to ignore them the whole way. They soon reached their destination before Trixie recognized this is Flash's place. "Why would they ask us to meet a Flash Sentry's place?" She wondered with a raised brow. "Who knows?" Indigo shrug before they noticed a box filled with blindfolds and a note in front of the door. Said note reads 'please put this on before ringing the doorbell.' "Huh, must be a a big surprise if they're asking us to put blindfolds on." A car then drove up in the driveway before Gloriosa who is driving side car put it in park and got out of it. "Hey, you here for this fun thing here too?" She asked when she walked up to the girls. "Yeah, but you can introduce yourself later." Trixie said as she wanted to get this over with and get away from the three Shadowbolts. Each of them took a blindfold before putting them on and Trixie rang the doorbell. The door soon opened up and Cadance open it up. Luckily, the girls were wearing the blindfolds so they couldn't see the outfit that revealed so much of her skin and the animal mask she had on. She was wearing a blue and white lingerie set. She wore a blue bra and matching see through panties, with a blue garter belt connected to thigh highs that had white lace covering the whole thing. She was wearing blue high heels and her animal mask was that of a fox. "Hey girls, so glad you could come." Cadance said in a very sexy tone. "I'll take you to the fun that will begin soon. Please hold each other's hands as I'll guide you to the fun." They did as she asked before she grabbed Trixie by the hand and lead them inside. The blindfolded group tread carefully inside as they heard a door open up before they felt like they were being led down some stairs. Cadance took them down into the basement where the rest of the pack are and are wearing the outfits Rarity bought along with animal masks on their faces. "I see they show up." Celestia said when she saw them. "Principal Celestia, you're here too?!" Trixie asked in a surprised tone before each of the girls of the pack took each of them and lend them towards the bed. "Of course we're here." Luna told Trixie. "Just relax. We're all here to have fun after all." She looked over and saw Vignette and Rarity setting up a few cameras around the Sex Dungeon. "But before the fun starts, we just need to do one little thing." Applejack added before she nodded at Rainbow. Rainbow smirked before she used her super speed to zip past each of the blindfolded girls and remove their clothes, leaving them butt naked. "Hey, what the he--" Lemon Zest was about to scold Rainbow before Cadance locked lips with her, to keep her quiet. "Uh...do we have to be naked for this?" Juniper asked in a nervous tone while she tried to cover herself before she felt a pair of hands massage her breasts. She let out a yelp as Fluttershy was generally cresting her breasts. "Relax, you'll enjoy it." Fluttershy whispered in her ear. Sugarcoat found herself being kissed by Rarity, whilst Indigo was having her ass and tits fondled by Rainbow and Applejack. Trixie found herself getting played with by Luna, even though she didn't know it was Luna, whilst Celestia started kissing her student on the lips while Wallflower sucked her breasts. At the same time, Gloriosa was getting triple-teamed by Adagio, Aria and Sonata. Adagio had kissed her before she could say anything whilst Sonata was playing with her tits and Aria was squeezing and slapping her in the ass. Said ass slap made her gasp into Adagio's lips. With blindfolds covering their eyes, there are other senses increased such as feel. They're hearing has increased as well as they can hear footsteps coming down the stairs. The rest of the girls saw Flash coming down as he was wearing a wolf mask and smile on his face. "Okay ladies, it's almost time." He told them in a sly tone. "F-Flash...?" Trixie called out before they heard shuffling. The rest of the girls were putting on strap-ons as Flash approached Trixie. "What's going on?" Flash then locked lips with her as his tongue wrestled with hers. Trixie tried to pull away, but Celestia and Luna grabbed her by the arms and held onto her head. She couldn't break free and was forced to let Flash have his way with her mouth. At the same time, he started groping her tits and Trixie moaned into his mouth before yelping at a pinch. Flash eventually pulled away and she felt him move over before hearing another girl gasp at a kiss. Each of the other girls felt his tongue wrestle with theirs one at a time while he played with their breasts. Vignette turned on each of the cameras while the sun was setting outside. "The fun beings, now." Fluttershy whispered in Trixie's ear before each of the blindfolded girls heard grunting. Flash and his pack transformed into werewolves while the outfits barely held together. Howling filled the air, as the large basement was quickly filled by the much larger creatures. The howling also made the girls begin to grow worried, each wanting to rip off their blindfolds and see what was about to happen. But each of them was quickly grabbed and held in place before they could. "What's happe--" Trixie trying to ask before the werewolf that is Flash shoved his cock down her throat. He started to face fuck her while his pack fuck the rest of the blindfolded girls with the strap-ons. Sugarcoat had Sonata humping at her ass while Wallflower fucked her cunt. Indigo was getting spitroasted by Rainbow and Applejack. Juniper was being face fucked by Fluttershy as she sat on her chest, whilst Rarity was stick her dick in her cunt. Lemon Zest screamed around Adagio's cock, whilst Cadance pounded into her cunt and Aria her ass. Finally, Gloriosa had been sandwiched between Celestia and Luna. Trixie tried to pull away as she grabbed hold of his hips only to feel his hips are furry. She then realized that the cock going down her throat is in the shape of a wolf's cock. Her taste has also increased as the taste of the cock felt addictive while she can smell the musk of him filled her nostrils. Flash panted in delight with his tongue hanging out as Trixie's throat felt good around his cock. The smell of his cock made Trixie's head go all fuzzy as she felt herself getting wet from below. Slowly, Trixie's hands fell away from his hips and started playing with her tits and cunt, causing her to moan around the beast's cock. As she did, Flash started picking up speed and she felt herself gag around the impressive instrument. Trixie moaned around his cock while she heard the screams of fear from the other girls turned into moans of pleasure. Each time he thrust his hips forward, Trixie would push her head forward as she blow him off. Eventually, she felt the cock begin to swell inside her mouth and started to fear what would happen when he came. Pleasure aside, she didn't want to die from drowning in cum. But before she could even try and pull away, the wolf grasped her head hard and gave one final mighty thrust forward before exploding into the back of her mouth. Trixie's eyes went wide in shock and terror, as she reflexibly started drinking it down. Trixie rolled her eyes back as his cum went down her throat and flooded her mouth. Her cheeks inflated a little as a little of his cum flooded out and onto her breasts. He soon pulled out of her mouth before spraying the rest of her body with his semen. Trixie gasped for air as she felt her body get covered in his semen. She then felt a claw grab hold of her leg before yanking her down on her back as she felt his cock rub against her wet entrance. "No!" Trixie cried, "please wait. Trixie's never done this before. Stop, please!" But the creature didn't relent and thrust his cock forward, Trixie screaming as the giant cock ripped through the hymen. A bit of blood was seen as he pulled back before ramming forward with his cock again. Trixie's voice was caught in her throat as she felt the giant cock penetrate her. Her limbs began to shake like a leaf with each thrust into her as the blindfold started to slip off her. She then saw the big werewolf on top of her but didn't feel any fear when she saw him. She pulled herself up and started to make out with the werewolf on top of her. She doesn't mind the slobber from him as she felt him hump harder into her. Her legs slowly lift up and try to wrap around the beast's wasit, but he was so big she couldn't hope to lock her feet behind him. All she could do was clutch him as hard as she could, as he fucked her harder and harder. Eventually, she let go of the wolf and fell back to the ground as her mind started going blank. With every thrust into her, the teen's tits bounced around. The wolf smirked at this, whilst Trixie felt her previous mindset about the world fading away. Trixie only ever cared about herself. About making sure she was happy and got what she wanted. But now, after feeling such mind numbing pleasure, she didn't care about herself anymore. She just wanted to please the one that had shown her this pleasure. Soon the knot break through and his cock went deep into womb before he flooded it with his cum. Trixie howled in pleasure as she felt him release a big load within her as she came with him. The werewolf howled in pleasure as did the others as well. He pulled out of her before bring the rest of her body with more of his load as her body twitched in pleasure. The werewolf that is Flash then made his way over to Celestia and Luna who pulled out of Gloriosa. He then picked her up by the legs and hanged her upside down so that he could rub his cock along her face. "Wa-Wait... this one feels real..." She breathed out before both Luna and Celestia grabbed hold of her head before shoving it forward to force her to suck his cock. Her eyes went wide under the blindfold as she was forced to suck his cock. She then felt a tongue go deep inside her cunt as the owner of this cock she sucking is eating her out. While Flash is helping himself to Gloriosa, Celestia and Luna went over to Trixie and started licking up the semen on her body. Gloriosa cried around the cock, the musk it gave off flowing into her nose whilst the pleasure in her cunt was causing her to grow more and more wet. Her large tits hug down on either side of the wolf, practically giving it a minor titty fuck as they swung back and forth against it. Meanwhile, Trixie moaned in pleasure as the two werewolves that is her principal and vice principal was eating her out. The werewolf that is Celestia then let her sister have Trixie's cunt before she sat on Trixie's face. Trixie started to eat out the werewolf that was her principal as her tongue entered as deep as she could get it. Luna started playing with her tits, squeezing and slapping them around as she started licking at Trixie's cunt. The girl continued to moan into Celestia's cunt, making her tongue fly around wildly within her cunt. Gloriosa started to feel the cock in her mouth throbbing before he gave one last thrust so that the knot entered her mouth while the cock went down her throat. She then started to feel a flow of his hot semen running down her throat as he came in her mouth. The first few spurts went down her throat, but then gravity took over and the semen began to fill up her mouth before exploding out of her mouth. It flooded onto the floor Gloriosa cried out as she couldn't breath. The cum also began to push the cock out of her mouth, causing it to spray the rest over her face. Once the creature finished his orgasm, he dropped Gloriosa and she fell into the large puddle of cum below her. The world then stroke his cock before covering her body with more of his semen. Gloriosa panted heavily in the puddle of semen on the floor before she felt something poking her near her cunt. She removed the blindfold before looking down and saw the werewolf pointing his cock at her lower entrance. "N-No...Wait, I...I can't handle tha-AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as the werewolf gave one powerful thrust into her. She then felt him thrusting rapidly into her as the sounds of her thighs being slapped against his pelvis with each thrust. The werewolf had her legs spread out wide as possible, to plow her deeper. One of his claws squeezed her breast while the other grabbed hold of her head so he that could lock lips with her. Gloriosa couldn't help but moan as he thrusted faster into her while wrestling her tongue with his own. She can feel her own breasts starting to leak out milk as he squeezed them. Gloriosa's brain was being fried, as the sensations of what was happening to her was overwhelming. She had only had a few lovers before this and they had all been gentle, fearing they might hurt her. Gloriosa had never felt such primal ferocity before and she couldn't help but be overwhelmed. The thought of this made her wetter than before as she kissed the werewolf back. The more she felt his cock thrust into her, the more her brain started to break. She was loving more and more of the feeling of being ravished by the werewolf on top of her and never wanted to stop. "OH GOD!" She finally pulled back and let out a cry, "FUCK ME! FUCK ME HARDER!" The other girls heard this and couldn't believe it. Gloriosa had been screaming in agony not long ago, but now she was begging for it. What was going on? All they could do was listen to her screams of pleasure, as they themselves were forced to endure giving and receiving it from the females fucking them. The werewolf on top of her soon let out a big load with her as she came with him. About a few minutes before he pulled out and covered her body with a semen. Gloriosa's body twitched in pleasure as the werewolf that is Flash moved on to Juniper after Fluttershy and Rarity released her. Those two went over to Gloriosa as the werewolf that is Flash slapped Juniper's face with his cock. "Pl-Please... be gentle with me..." She begged before he forced his cock down her throat. She let out a gag as he thrust his cock into her throat. Despite the insanity that was occurring, Juniper couldn't help but think about the cameras that were likely still rolling. She wanted to be a star and she was getting her wish, only instead of being a movie star she was making her debut as a porn star. She tried to push against the wolf's hips, but he was just to strong for her and continued to thrust in and out of her throat. All while she was getting face fucked, Rarity and Fluttershy were looking at the semen off of Gloriosa's body. Fluttershy enjoyed some off her breasts while Rarity was eating her out. Meanwhile, Trixie starting to turn into werewolf as fur began to grow along her body and her breasts and ass started to grow. Gloriosa was enjoying the pleasure so much, she didn't care that Trixie is turning into a werewolf. She thought about her home in Camp Everfree, which she had been so protective of that she had let herself turn into a tree monster. But now, she didn't care about the camp. Timber could do what he wanted with it. She just wanted to be with her master. Juniper was having the smell of his cock fill her nostrils and the taste of it cover her taste buds. Her gag reflex soon went away the more he thrusted down her throat. The owner let out several grunts, as Juniper's tongue flicked around out of her control and licked it. Juniper prayed this would end soon. She had no knowledge of sex, but knew most males could only go at least three times. This one had gone at least four, maybe more, so must be tapped out by now. Soon the knot went deep into mouth before releasing a big load down her throat. She gagged more when she felt the hot semen rushing down before he pulled out and sprayed her face with it. She removed the blindfold to see if he was tapped out, only to be surprised that he is still hard. Then she looked higher and saw what had just fucked her face, making her scream as she turned to try and crawl away. But the wolf grabbed her by the legs and pulled her backwards, as he lowered his cock so that it pointed at her entrance. "Oh god...please don't--" She trying to plead before he pulled on her legs and dragged her down onto his cock. She screamed in pain, as she was fucked from behind. The wolf lifted her legs up and fucked her wheelbarrow style, the girl clawing at the ground as her cunt was spread open around the invading cock. Juniper had always helped on werewolf movies and should have known that it was one when she felt a very pelvis from her hands feeling and a wolf cock down her throat. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as the cock thrusted up into her while he grabbed her breasts. He either pulled or twisted the nipples as he thrusted into her. Slowly, the pain racing through her body turned to pleasure and she was unable to fight against it. She suddenly realised why the other girls had begged for it. Suddenly, the wolf let go of her tits and grabbed her by the ponytail, pulling her backwards in a way that the only thing stopping her spine from snapping was years of gymnastics and yoga. She and the wolf stared at one another, as he slowed to a stop, with Juniper crying out. "Please, I want it. Don't stop!" The wolf growled before leaning forward and kissing her, as he started thrusting into her again. One of her hands trailed down and it started to rub her clit while his cock went deep into womb. She moaned into their kiss as she was so deep in pleasure she is receiving. The kiss eventually ended and the wolf loosened his hold on her hair, the girl curling forward again as the wolf kept pounding into her. Her entire body had been lifted off the ground, her arms and tits swinging wilding with every thrust. Soon the knot entered her cunt and he filled her womb up with a flood of his cum as she came with him. Her tongue hanging out of her mouth like a dog in heat as she felt his hot semen filling her up. After a few minutes, he pulled out of her and sprayed the rest of her body before moving on to Sugarcoat. Sonata and Wallflower gave their master a lovable lick before they crawled over to Juniper. Sugarcoat felt something big and wet being slapped across her face as one big hand held the back of her head. "Get away from me!" She cried, trying to struggle away from whatever was doing her. "You think I'm gonna let you do that to me. Forget it! You clearly have some magical ability that turns any woman you fuck into a mindless slave. I won't let you do that to me!" The wolf growled and grabbed her around the neck, blocking off any chance she had to breath. She gasped at this and struggled against it, causing her mouth to open wide as she tried in vein to breath. The wolf could easily have slid his cock into her, but he wanted her to see who was boss. He kept choking her for several long moments, watching as her face started turning blue. And just as she was about to pass out, he released his hold and she gasped for air. This was when he thrust his cock into her. Thanks to the blindfold, her senses of tasting and feeling have increased as she felt the taste of his cock in her mouth. She beat on the beast shoving his cock down her throat while gagging around it. However, this somehow caused him to be more aroused as he panted with his tongue out. Sonata and Wallflower were enjoying the semen off of Juniper as her body twitched in pleasure. Gloriosa started to turn into a werewolf as her breast became as big as Fluttershy's whilst lactating milk from her nipples. Juniper barely managed to comprehend what was around her and realised what was happening to Gloriosa, would soon be happening to her. But that thought was quickly washed away by the sensation of the canine tongues on her body. Sugarcoat was getting her nostrils filled with the smell of his musk with every thrust into her mouth. His thrusts became faster as he was loving the feel of her mouth and her throat. Her head was becoming all fuzzy as her limbs became limp by this. The wolf eventually let go of her head and instead, grabbed her pigtails and started using them to pull her down deeper onto his cock. This caused him to reach the back of her throat, making her scream around him as she felt her windpipe be blocked. It wasn't long before a big load of a semen load down her throat. Sugarcoat felt the hot semen run down as she banged on the wolf to release her. It was a long before he pulled back and sprayed the rest of her face with his semen. She painted heavily before he then picked her up and placed her on his lap facing him. She felt his large cock against her wet entrance as he was making her rub against it. In that moment, the blindfold on her face fell away. Despite not having her glasses, Sugarcoat was close enough to see the creature she was staring at clearly. And what she saw caused absolute freight and terror to race through her. "AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" The werewolf quickly locked lips with her before lifting her up and slamming her down on his cock. She screamed in the kiss as the cock completely destroyed her virginity as he thrusted upwards rapidly. Each thrust was more powerful than the last as he plowing up in her as his tongue entered her mouth. Tears filled Sugarcoat's eyes, making her vision more blurry. She hated this, as the pain was driving her insane. She just wanted to curl up into a ball and cry, praying this was all a dream and she would wake up at any moment. But it wasn't a dream and the wolf kept pounding into her, his claws digging into her ass just enough so he didn't break the skin. This made Sugarcoat cry out in even more pain. But soon after, the pain turned into pleasure as her cries became moans of pleasure as she started to kiss the werewolf back. She began to love the feel of his cock inside her as she wanted more of it while her mind began to break. The musk she had inhaled earlier was beginning to take effect, just like it had to the other girls. Soon the fear and anger she had felt earlier vanished, replaced with absolute pleasure and need. Her arms reached over his shoulders as she pulled herself closer to him while starting to move her hips in sync with his. As she was bouncing on his cock, Trixie started to rub her cunt against Gloriosa's while Wallflower, Sonata, Celestia, and Luna helped themselves to their breasts. Lemon and Indigo heard the growls and Sugarcoat's moans, completely unaware of what was happening. All they knew was that not long after a girl start moaning, her voice vanished as the growling grew louder. Were they...were they dying? Was whatever was raping Sugarcoat right now, killing them after it was done with them? They both then heard Sugarcoat let out a pleasurable yell as they heard howling mixed with her yell. With a blindfolds on, they couldn't see the werewolf getting her off his lap and sprained the rest of her body with his semen. He then went over to Indigo and Lemon as the rest of his pack decided to join in with the others. He picked up Indigo by the hips while shoving his cock into Lemons mouth. Indigo found his tongue enter her as he left around the inside of her wet walls. Lemon screamed into the cock, whilst the wolves that had been fucking her before pulled out and moved over to Sugarcoat. The ones that had been fucking Indigo were instead making out with one another, leaving their prey to their master. He soon dropped Indigo and pulled his cock out of Lemon before switching between the two. Both of them got a taste of his cock while getting a nose full of his musk. Both of them had their heads become fuzzy from the smell and the taste of his cock. Both girls heard moaning from Sugarcoat and the others as they were pleasuring one another. After another minute or so of this, he pulled his cock out of Indigo's mouth and dragged Lemon's face over to it. Soon, the girls found themselves kissing the sides of the cock and felt the other's open lips on the other side. The pair were so exhausted from the orgasms they had already head, they couldn't fight against the grasp on their heads. They did reach out and grasp the other's hips, their hands moving without their brains telling them to. As they continued to kiss around the cock, they started playing with the other's tits and nipples. Eventually, the cock was moved so that the head was surrounded by the girls' mouths and the creature thrust as hard as he could before exploding into their mouths. Both girls started to enjoy the taste of his semen before they felt to try and find each other so that they can lock lips with each other. The werewolf then removed their blindfolds before pushing Lemon to the ground, the girl barely getting a glance at the creature before Indigo was thrown on top of her. The pair were pressed against one another, their tits squished together. The wolf then pushed his cock forward, the head splitting both girl's entrances apart as it slid between their cunts. They both groaned at this, feeling their pussy's wrapping around the cock the same way their lips had done only minutes ago. The pair grasped one another's hand at the pleasure this was causing them, the girls eventually starting to make out once again. And finally, the wolf stopped before thrusting his cock into Indigo's cunt and splitting it open. Indigo let out a gasp when the cock entered her. She started panting heavily as he thrusted in and out of her before he pulled out and aimed his cock right at Lemon's. Lemon felt his cock enter her and destroyed her virginity as he thrusted rapidly in her. "I-It's....so b-big..." She moaned in pleasure before he switched back to Indigo. The girls continued to scream every time their bodies were thrust into, their cries of pain quickly morphing into pleasure until they were completely overwhelmed by it. At the same time, Sugarcoat began to transform as well. He sensation of her body reshaping itself, as her tits and ass grew, her head becoming wolf-like and the growing of a tail drove her body's receptors into overdrive. The two girls were so deep in pleasure they didn't notice Sugarcoat transforming into a werewolf. The two of them then shared a hot kiss as his thrust became faster and more rapid. This caused them to both be pushed towards another orgasm, only this one felt like it would be the most powerful one yet. Their grip on one another's hands tightened as the coil within them was wound up more and more. And eventually, the pair were pushed past their breaking point. Indigo let out a pleasurable scream when she thought him release a big load within her. He pumped for about three or five before he pulled out and thrusted as fast as he could into Lemon before releasing another load. Both girls felt like they were in heaven as he continued to fill them up before covering them both with his semen. He then barked at his pack as he wants more before they crawled over to him. Celestia and Luna started to lick his balls while Wallflower, Sonata, and Rarity licked the length of his cock. Trixie, Gloriosa, Juniper and Sugarcoat stared at him, the new members of the pack still not clear on what to do. But then the alpha barked at them and gave an order, the four not even hesitating as they crawled over to Lemon and Indigo. The girls moaned as the high of their orgasm began to subside, as the four new werewolves looked down upon them. Meanwhile, Twilight was yet again naked in her lab as she was watching the whole thing via her drone. She couldn't help but pump the wolf dildo she had in and out while pumping another one that was up her ass. To tell the truth, she has been doing this since the day Flash first transformed into a werewolf. The first night, she couldn't stop touching herself all night long. But this night seems to be worse than the last. "Where the fuck is Sunset and Pinkie?!" She shouted as she continued. "Hey, Twilight, we got your text and-" Sunset spoke when she and Pinkie Pie entered her lab but was suddenly sprayed in the face when Twilight reached her climax. "That was a nice shot, Twilight!" Pinkie complimented as Sunset was soaked in Twilight's love juices. "Sunset! I'm so sorry!" Twilight apologized as she levitated a towel over to her. "I couldn't help myself..." "It's fine." Sunset assured her as she dried herself off. "But why are you naked?" She then noticed the surveillance footage on her monitor as she blushed hard. "And why are you watching wolf porn?" "That does look hot." Pinkie commented before noticing too familiar faces on the monitor. "Isn't that Indigo and Lemon?" Both her and sunset watch the monitor before their eyes went wide when they saw Indigo and Lemon transformed into a werewolves. "I can explain..." Twilight told them before she began her explanation. She told them about her science experiment with the piece of fur and Flash helping her. She blushed really hard when she told them about what he's all on her computer before she accidentally spilled a drink on it. She told them how it made her machine go haywire and how Flash got hurt. She explained how after he left and she cleaned up, the moment it hit night she felt all hot inside, as if she was in heat. She told them everything that happened that night and the odd dream she had. She told them that she was in the woods and naked the first night before Flash suddenly came and gave her pleasure. Twilight told her to friends that every time it became night, she couldn't help but play with herself as she thought of Flash ravishing her. It wasn't the worst part as at school when she took a hair sample from Flash after he asked to see what was wrong, she made a horrifying discovery. She told them that magic and wolf DNA is mixed in with his own. She told them that she theorized her machine malfunction caused that magic diffuse his DNA with wolf and the animation porn got mixed in. "Now, every time Flash would ravish any woman out there, they too will become a werewolf and be loyal to him." She told them. "So right now, in his basement is himself, four of our friends, Trixie, our principles, the Dazzlings and a few others we know." "And it makes them look really sexy." Pinkie commented has she noticed when Indigo and Lemon transformed into werewolves, their breasts and asses became bigger as well. "Pinkie, please don't..." Sunset sigh before turning towards Twilight. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?" "I didn't want you to worry." Twilight answered before she rubbed the back of her head. "But maybe I should have when this escalated too quickly." "It's okay, Twilight." Sunset assured her with a comforting smile. "But right now we need to save them. But to do that, we're going to need Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy." "But first!" Pinkie spoke before she grabbed Sunsets clothes and gave one powerful pull that spun her around. Pinkie Pie then threw her own clothes off before she quickly locked lips with Twilight as Sunset fell on her butt and was shocked to see her butt naked. "Pinkie, what the fuck?!" "What? Twilight obviously needs some relieved and dildos aren't going to cut it." Pinkie toss aside the dildos after pulling them out of Twilight. "Plus the readers out there would love to see a three-way between girls going down before the next chapter." Both Sunset and Twilight were baffled by what she just said before she pulled Twilight to the floor and continued to make out with her. Before Sunset could protest, Pinkie quickly locked lips with her as she was fingering Twilight. Twilight let out a pleasurable moan before Pinkie broke the kiss between her and Sunset and latched on to her nipple. Sunset decided to play along as she started to lick Pinkie Pie's cunt while Pinkie played with Twilight's breasts. All three girls moaned in pleasure as they begin to either finger each other, rub their cunts against each other, or ate each other out all night long.
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Chapter 8: The Whole Pack-age	Sugarcoat moans in pleasure as Indigo and Lemon sucked on her breasts while she is getting fucked by Flash in the Sex Dungeon. Trixie had her lips locked with his all while Juniper licked her asshole and Gloriosa ate out her ass. "Oh yes! Fuck me so hard!" Sugarcoat moaned all while Luna and Vignette recorded them. "Oh yeah!" Flash grunted after breaking the kiss with Trixie. "You love this so much, don't you?" He then delivered a good smack to her ass and left a red mark on it. "Oh boy, y'all are really getting into it." Applejack moaned as she gently rubbed her clit. "Hope you don't mind but me, Rarity, Rainbow, and Flutter are going for a day out hun. We promise to be back before sunset." "Okay, love you babes!" Flash called out before he released a big load into Sugarcoat. "Okay, who's next?" "Me! Fuck me next!" Lemon begged as she laid on her back and spread her legs wide open. Flash quickly took his cock out of Sugarcoat before he quickly got on top of Lemon. Lemon let out cries of pleasure as he began to thrust rapidly into her. Applejack gave a loving kiss to him before going up to the living room where Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy are waiting with clothes on. "Here's your clothes, darling." Rarity passed Applejack some clothes but with no panties or bra. Once she was clothed, before them then they went out to do their own thing. Rarity started working on some clothes at her store while also giving some advice to Sweetie Belle when she asked about boys, particularly a boy named Button Mash. Fluttershy went to the animal shelter to do her job while Rainbow Dash played a little one-on-one with Lightning Dust. Applejack was helping her family at her apple farm as she was picking a few apples. Applejack brought a basket of apples to our barn before the doors to it suddenly closed. She turned around and saw both Sunset and Pinkie by it. "Howdy girls." She greeted when she saw them. "What can I do for you?" "We're here to try and help you." Sunset told her, in a serious tone. "Look, we know what happens to you and some girls, including our principles at night." "What are y'all--" "We know you're a werewolf!" Pinkie Pie interrupted Applejack. "As are Flash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, the Dazzlings, three of the students from Crystal Prep,--" Applejack covered her mouth before she continued. "I get it." She told her before looking at Sunset. "But how'd you even know?" "That's not important right now." Sunset told Applejack before walking up to her. "Right now, we need to focus on trying to help you and the others get back to normal." "But we seem fine for now." Applejack told them with her arms crossed. "It's just when we're around Flash, we suddenly feel a wave of lust coursing through us and we can't control ourselves." She walked over to the wall and leaned against it. "And as long as we are back before sunset, we don't harm anyone else." "But what if you can't find cover in time and you lose control?" Sunset pointed out in a worried tone. "Look, if us and the other girls come together and use our magic to try and remove what happened to Flash and the rest of you, then everything will be alright again." "But you and the other girls Flash took to bed might end up getting pregnant." Pinkie added, earning a glare from Sunset. Applejack let out a sigh before looking at them. She knows they're both right but the lustful werewolf side of her tells her to fuck it and ignore them. That part of her managed to sneak her phone out and sent a text to the others. "Maybe y'all are right." She breathed out before looking at them. "But I got to apologize in advance." "For what?" Sunset asked before a familiar rainbow blur came running in and both Sunset and Pinkie Pie felt something hit them in the head before they crashed on the ground. Sunset looked up and could barely see Rainbow Dash standing next to Applejack before she blacked out. The sounds of moans can be heard as Sunset came to. She felt something in her mouth before she looked down and saw a ring gag in her mouth. What's worse is that her arms and legs are handcuffed to both ends of the bed and she was naked. She looked around and saw that Pinkie Pie was also naked but her arms and legs were tied to a chair. Sunset also noticed that there was a vibrating dildo shoved up her vagina and it was turned on high. It was then that the sensation struck her, causing her eyes to roll into the back of her head. She tried everything she could to block the sensation out, but she couldn't. She looked back over at Pinkie and realized she also had a vibrater in her cunt, along with a pair of small ones tapped to her nipples. "Y'all are finally awake." Sunset looked up and saw Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash standing at the end of the bed butt naked. "Sorry for the hit, we can't let you do what you plan to do to us." Sunset tried to speak through the gag, but all she could do was moan. The girls smiled with Fluttershy and Rarity sitting on either side of her, whilst Rainbow and Applejack moved over to Pinkie. "Master told us to have fun with you until sunset." Fluttershy whispered in Sunset's ear. "So get ready for some fun." "Let us begin." Rarity suggested before both her and Fluttershy started to suck or bite on Sunset's nipples. Sunset groaned at this new unwanted pleasure, whilst the pair started using their tongues to swirl around her nipple. This combined with the vibrator in her cunt was driving her mad. "Don't worry Sunset," Fluttershy told her. "Once our master's done with you, they'll get bigger and maybe even start making milk." She positioned herself, so her tit was right over Sunset's open mouth. "Here. You can have some of mine to learn how it tastes." She started massaging her breast and eventually, milk started pouring out and into the bacon haired girl's mouth. Sunset heard louder moaning before looking over and saw Pinkie Pie getting a much different treatment from Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow seemed to be pumping the dildo in and out of her while Applejack twisted her nipples. "People think that you're made of bubble gum, let's find out if that's true." Applejack said before she started to bite and twist on Pinkie Pie's nipples. Pinkie's eyes went wide at this, the girl screaming into her gag as she shook her head. Applejack kept it up, whilst Rainbow kept pistoning the dildo in and out of her cunt. After a few moments of this, she pulled it free of Pinkie's pussy and leaned forward to sniff it. "Smells like strawberry." Pinkie cried at this, only for Rainbow to then reach up and pull the gag from her mouth. But before Pinkie could say anything, the girl shoved the vibrating cock into her mouth and her eyes went wide. Sunset was shocked by this before she felt her clit getting rubbed like crazy by Fluttershy. This caused sunset to scream loud through her gag just as Rarity sticked her fingers through the ring of the gag. "It's too bad master isn't here right now," Rarity pouted. "I'm sure he'd love shoving his big strong cock down your tight lightly throat. And I know you'd love it too." Sunset had a feeling she would not love that experience, having seen the size of Flash's dick in the videos. "Oh well, guess I'll just have to make do." She got off the bed and left the room, returning a few moments later with a large strap-on. "Are sure it's big enough?" Fluttershy asked. "Because I think two would be just the size to match his." "I thought you might you might say that, darling." Rarity said as she tossed Fluttershy a strap-on that is the same size she has. "That's why I got you one as well." Sunset's eyes went wide at this and she started struggling against the ropes, whilst Fluttershy held the strap-on up towards her mouth. "Get this nice and wet. Master has first dibs on your pussy, so I'll be putting it somewhere else." Sunset screamed, as Rarity began putting the strap-on on. At the same time, Rainbow had started eating Pinkie out as the girl continued to joke on the vibrator. Meanwhile, Applejack kept pulling on her tits. "Say AJ, want to kick it up a notch?" Rainbow asked with a smug look. "Ya mean the new toy Wallflower bought? Now you're talking." Applejack went over to a case and open it up. She then pulled out a unique looking strap-on dildo before flipping the switch on the side and it started to vibrate like crazy. She turned it off before walking over and shoving it into Pinkie Pie's mouth. She then pulled it back and forth until it was nice and lub. Rainbow Dash then untied her legs before making her legs in the upright position as Applejack put on the strap on. Applejack aimed the strap-on at Pinkie Pie's ass before thrusting forward with all our might into her. Pinkie was going to let out a loud scream before Rainbow quickly put a ball gag around her mouth. All she could do was scream into her gag, as Applejack began forcing the rubber instrument into her rectum. As she did, Rainbow dropped her legs and they fell upon Applejack's shoulder. Applejack pulled back a bit before she flipped the switch and turned on the vibration on the drop on before she continued. This caused Pinkie to scream louder into a gag as she continued to be rut in the ass. Meanwhile, Sunset was getting the same treatment with Rarity and Fluttershy as they both thrust into her with the strap-ons. Rarity was sitting on Sunset's chest, forcing her to deep-throat the cock whilst Fluttershy was thrusting into the girl's rear. Sunset screamed as around the gag, barely able to breath whilst the pain in her ass made her want to pass out. Fluttershy on the other hand is thrusting into her ass as hard as she could while giving her ass very hard and good smacks. Each slap Fluttershy gave Sunset left a red handprint on her rear. "I know this seems mean," Rarity told her. "But you'll thank us for it later. Master doesn't hold back when he get into a frenzy and if you're not properly prepared, he could do some serious damage to you both." Sunset didn't reply, too busy crying around the fake cock in her mouth. "It was really rough for the rest of us, but after a while it felt like heaven." Fluttershy added as she spank Sunset's ass even harder. "Y'all are gonna love every moment of it." Applejack told them as she plowed into Pinkie Pie harder. The girls didn't believe that at all. All they could do was remain in place and take the punishment they were being giving. And after who knows how long, the pair slipped into a state between conscious and unconscious. They felt the sensation of the anal intrusion, but they did not feel pain nor pleasure from it. They had both sent themselves into a state of semi-unconsciousness. Both away of what was happening to their bodies, but having no reaction to it. Neither of them knew how long this went on as they were cumming so much than they could. It took a while, but Sunset eventually found herself coming around. And when she did, she realised he was in a completely different position. She was still on the bed, but now she was on her knees and bent forward so her ass was in the air. Her arms were tied up above her, lifting her up a little so her face was inches off the bed. She didn't have the ring gag in her mouth any more and as her head cleared, she felt the sensation of being fucked in the ass. The pain was gone, or maybe her ass had just ripped, but something felt different. She looked around as best she could, allowing her to see Applejack was the one who was now fucking her. She then looked past Applejack and saw Pinkie was on the floor, no longer tied up. All the fight appeared to have left the girl, as she was getting triple teamed by Fluttershy, Rainbow and Rarity. Rainbow was pounding into her ass, whilst Fluttershy was stuffing a strap on down her throat. At the same time, Rarity was beneath her eating her girl's cunt out. "You need to stay awake if you want more of what y'all are gonna get tonight." Applejack whispered in her ear as she leaned forward. "P-P-Please...st-stop...." Sunset moaned in a shaky tone. "You don't really want it ta end," Applejack laughed. "Come on. Don't you want to have fun, like Pinkie's having." Sunset wanted to tell Applejack Pinkie wasn't having fun, only to hear Pinkie's cries. But they weren't cries of pain. They sounded like cries of pleasure, making Sunset look around again. She saw Pinkie was awake and wasn't fighting back, shocking Sunset. The shock increased when Fluttershy pulled out of her mouth and Pinkie called out to them. "Please. Please put it in me. I'm on fire!" Fluttershy shook her head, "I can't do that. The master gets you first." "WELL WHERE IS HE!?" She screamed, only to get her mouth stuffed against. Sunset was completely shocked by this, as Rainbow laughed. "Maybe we gave her a little too much." Too much? Too much of what? "Applejack, you gonna give Sunset any?" "Maybe just one drop." Applejack pulled out of Sunset, the girl gasping in relief, and stepped over to a nearby table. There, Sunset saw a small bottle of something. A strange pink liquid. When Applejack picked it up, she turned it upside down for a moment before taking off the top. The bottom of said top was covered in the liquid, Sunset realising what had happened to Pinkie. "What...what is that...?!" She asked, sounding a little scared. "Just something Sugarcoat made in her spare time." Rarity answered. Fluttershy smirked. "She said it's based on something called Spanish Fly." Sunset didn't like the sound of that and shut her mouth, not wanting it anywhere near her. But then Applejack grabbed her nose and Sunset was forced to hold her breath. Eventually, she couldn't hold on any longer and opened her mouth to breathe. And when she did, Applejack rubbed the liquid onto her tongue. "No!" Sunset tried to spit it out, but Applejack covered her mouth and nose. "Swallow." Sunset didn't have a choice, Applejack clearly intending to make her suffocate if she didn't. "Good girl." Sunset let out a few coughs before she suddenly felt her head be a little dizzy and becoming hot inside. She huffed and puffed as she felt herself getting wetter by the second. "Wh-What's... happening..." she really wanted to rub herself but couldn't while she was getting hotter by the second. Applejack smirked as she got behind her, her fingers trailing around her cunt. As soon as she touched it, it was like a bolt of lightning was surging through Sunset's body and she screamed in sexual pleasure. The cowgirl smiled at this and continued rubbing her cunt, making Sunset scream. "Oh sweet Celestia! Don't! You're driving me crazy!" Applejack smiled hearing this, as Sunset struggled against her bonds. The werewolf then switched hands and rubbed the other one along the length of her shaft, covering Sunset's fluids with it. "Guess what, sugarcube, it's almost time." She told her in a lustful tone. "So y'all don't have to wait very long for the real fun to begin." The sounds of a door opening were heard as followed by footsteps coming down. Soon Flash and the others came down and most of the women behind him looked ready to have fun. "Well, well, well. You all look like you're having fun." Sunset looked around and was shocked by Flash's transformation. His arms and legs being covered in orange fur whilst a dog tail was sticking out of his rear. Several of the other girls were in similar states, though some lacked the tails and others lacked that and the fur on their legs. "So love, which one do you want to start with first?" Cadance asked as she rubbed his chest. "I say go with Pinkie first, she might bend and stretch in a lot of fun ways." Indigo suggested. Flash looked Pinkie over and saw her looking desperate for release. The teen nodded as he told the others to spin Pinkie around. The girl cried out as the cocks were pulled out of her, allowing the girls to reposition her until she was laying on her back. Wallflower, Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy held each of her arms, spreading her out eagle style as Flash knelt down. The girl panted, the effects of the drug driving her crazy as Flash reached down and squeezed her tits. "Let the fun begin." Is all that he said before they suddenly transformed into werewolves right before Pinkie and Sunset. Flash then grabbed Pinkie by the hips and buried his mouth in her wet cunt, causing her to scream in pleasure. "YES! YES, THAT'S WHAT I NEEDED!!!" Pinkie Pie cried out as she felt his tongue go deep within her. Some of the other wolves paired off and started fucking one another, whilst others who weren't holding Pinkie down started licking at her body with one moving its cunt over her mouth and dropping it on her. The girl's mind was being turned to mush, as she started licking at the cunt whilst being eaten out herself. Meanwhile, the werewolf that was Applejack continued to play with her cunt whilst also wettening her strap-on. Once it was ready, she pushed it back into Sunset's ass. Sunset's eyes went wide at this, but the effects of her drugged out state was causing all the pain to be converted into pleasure. She felt her whole body shift back and forth, every thrust making her swing forward followed by her swinging back onto the cock once again. She could only moan in pleasure at this. Applejack then reached up and with her claws, cut through the ropes holding Sunset's arms. The girl's body fell onto the bed and despite having the chance to try and escape, she had no strength to do so. All she could do was grip the bed sheets and scream into them. Pinkie Pie pet the heads of Wallflower and Sugarcoat as they licked her nipples while she moaned in pleasure. Her legs wrapped around Flash's head as his tongue went deeper inside of her. Pinkie painted heavily as she was enjoying the sweet relief that he is giving her before he pulled his tongue out of her. She looked up and saw his large erect cock just rubbing against her entrance. She panted, a mix of fear and excitement flowing through her. The heat of her never region was like lava and she knew only one thing could put it out. But the wolf seemed to be holding back, as if waiting for something. "Please," she begged, "please fuck me! I don't care if you make me a werewolf! Just fuck me!" The werewolf granted her wish as he ram his cock deep into her cunt. Pinkie let out a scream of both pain and pleasure as he began to thrust wildly, each thrust more powerful than the last. Her tongue hung out of her mouth as she panted heavily like a dog in heat. This allowed the wolf above her mouth to drop herself down again and she started licking away, drowning in the pain and pleasure that was beginning to become mostly pleasure. She moaned and screamed, as she was fucked, fondles and licked all over. Meanwhile, Sunset soon had her tits being sucked by the werewolves that are Celestia and Luna while Lemon and Juniper ate them out. Sunset let out loud moans as she was being rut in the ass and her tits are being sucked on. Though she wouldn't admit it, she was actually glad this was happening due to the effect of the stuff Applejack had given her. This was taking the edge off, but Sunset had a feeling only one thing would make it completely stop. But she couldn't let that happen. 'Twilight,' she thought to herself, 'where are you?' She looked around and could see the drone Twilight had sent in recording everything that's happening on the ceiling. She hopes that Twilight is putting something together to help solve all this soon. Meanwhile, Pinkie was being held up by her hips and locked lips with the werewolf that is plowing her. Pinkie is moaning as she's making out with the werewolf that is Flash. Soon the beast started speeding up his thrust, the girl screaming into his mouth as she felt her own orgasm beginning to build. She dug her nails into his back as she want to feel his hot semen flood her womb so much while her legs wrapped around his waist. Soon the knot break through and his cock released so much of his semen within her as she came with him. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as she felt his cock pour his semen into her while she cried out in pleasure. Sunset heard this and realised what it meant. The moment Pinkie was finished with, it would be her turn. And the others seemed to realise this as well, since Applejack pulled out of her ass before they all spun her around so she was on her back. Flash was finally finished shooting his load into Pinkie and released her, the girl going limb her his arms before slowly sliding off of him onto the ground. He pulled his shaft out of her and she started spurting out cum and her own juices, the wolves around her quickly licking it off of her and the floor. Sunset watched as he approached her with his tongue hanging out. He then pulled her over and held her legs up while her face was on the floor. She felt his cock poking her entrance as she panted heavily just from the tip. "Please don't do this," she begged. But a small part of her was begging for something to put out the fire. "Fight it, Flash! You're more then a mindless sex beast." He paused for a moment as she thought she got through to him. She thought she was in the clear before he suddenly rammed his cock all the way into her. She screamed at the top of her lungs. There was a bulge in her stomach each time he thrusted into her, while she grunted in pain and in pleasure with each thrust. The sensation was driving her crazy. She had been on the edge already due to the drug and all the attention. But now that this was happening, she couldn't control it anymore. "FUCK!" She screamed, orgasming on the giant cock as her mind went blank. Pinkie was making out with Rainbow while Rarity and Fluttershy enjoyed her breasts. Applejack and Adagio was eating out her ass and her cunt while Sonata and Aria were eating out them. As they did this, Pinkie's transformation had begun. He breast and ass were starting to grown larger and she was beginning to grow fury on her body that quickly became puffy like her hair. Sunset breathed heavily as her mind was breaking apart with each thrust Flash sent into her. She had stopped caring about fighting back. She knew it was too late. All she could do now was bare with it until it was over. But then, the thrusting stopped. "What?" She looked up and saw Flash staring at her, the girl knowing what he wanted. She didn't want him to stop but she also didn't want to end up like a werewolf either. However the burning feeling returned and was worse than before. "F-Fuck...me.... please just fuck me so hard!!!" The wolf smiled before thrusting into her again, hard, making her scream in pleasure as the beast slammed into her again and again. This time, he didn't stop and Sunset started screaming out loud and begging him to keep fucking her. "YES!! YES, FUCK MY BRAINS OUT!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs as she was getting plowed by the werewolf. Any sense of common sense was completing destroyed when he began to plow her at full strength. It felt like hours to her but she didn't care what was happening as long as she was getting pleasured by the wolf that is on top of her. Soon she felt the knot getting bigger, a clear sign that he's getting ready to burst. "CUM IN ME!!! FILL ME UP WITH YOUR SEEDS YOU MONSTER!!!" The wolf ground with pleasure before giving one last thrust and his knot break through her cunt. Soon she felt her womb getting flooded with his semen, causing her orgasm to spray his pelvis. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as her mind completely shattered before they heard the door slam open. Every werewolf in the Sex Dungeon ground before they heard someone coming down. To their surprise, it was Twilight wearing a lab coat and nothing underneath as she was sweating and panting heavily. They can all see her cunt is dripping wet and could smell her scent just from standing there. She had a look of lust on her face as she had enough time waiting and just want in on the action. Twilight then took off her coat and tossed it aside as she made her way over to the werewolf that is Flash. "Pull that cock out of her so that I can suck it so hard!" She demanded which surprised every werewolf in the sex dungeon. He pulled out of Sunset before Twilight quickly grabbed hold of his cock and rubbed it. "So big and hot... I need this so bad..." Twilight began to lick his cock and getting the taste of the juices of him, Sunset and Pinkie Pie. She moaned at the taste of it while one hand cupped his balls as she continued to stroke his cock. Sunset moaned as she started coming around, her body feeling sore but also more comfortable then she had ever been before. She then turned to see what Twilight was doing and was shocked by it, the girl realising her best friend had never been planning to save them. "Twi...light. Why?" Twilight didn't answered and began to push to cock into her mouth, whilst one of the werewolves moved over to Sunset. She realised it was the newly transformed Pinkie, who was now sniffing at her destroyed cunt. Soon enough, Pinkie Pie werewolf started to lick Sunset's cunt just as Twilight bob her head up and down on his cock at a fast paced. With her free hand, Twilight began to rub herself as she moaned around the cock while he panted in pleasure from the blowjob she's giving her. Flash stared down at her, as he sniffed the air. Something seemed different about this female. Something about her was drawing him towards her. Unlike the others, who he simply took for himself, this one felt like he didn't need to take her. She was already his. She was meant to be his. He thought all his females were equals, but this one wasn't. She was above the others. If he was the alpha, she was his alpha mate. The top bitch. He gently placed his hand on her head as she continued to suck on his cock. Twilight looked up at him as she smiled with his cock still in her mouth. She soon began to deep throat him as hard as she could and ignored her gag reflex. As this was happening, Sunset was succumbing to the pleasure of Pinkie's tongue. She couldn't stop moaning, as her breasts and ass started enlarging whilst her skin turned to fur. The last thing she saw before succumbing to the wolf instincts, was Twilight being an absolute slut for their new master. Meanwhile, Twilight felt his cock throbbing in her mouth and knew it was only a matter of time until he came. She pushed her head forward as hard as she could until the knot entered her mouth. Flash let out a howl of pleasure as he let out a big flow of his semen down her throat. She tried desperately to swallow it all, but she only managed to get the first shot down before the second and third shot filled her mouth to the brim. She was force to pull her mouth off as the next one hit her in the face, completely drenching her as the rest flew to her chest and down the rest of her body. She looked up at him with a smile as she licked her lips and loving the taste of his semen. She then stood up and looked at him with a lustful grin before she suddenly pushed him onto the bed. The other werewolves growled at her action before she got on top of him. "Now for the real fun." She said in a lustful tone before looking over at Adagio and Sonata. "You two, clean me off while I ride this big wolf dick." The two wanted to rip her apart for such an order, remembering what happened to them when they tried to dominate other members of the pack. But for some reason, they felt compelled to do it. It was like their master was giving them a command, though the pull didn't feel as strong as it had with him. They tried to resist, but it was too hard. Eventually, the pair gave in and moved over to her. As they started licking her body, Twilight stood up on the bed and pulled the large cock up right to point at her cunt. She looked over at Sunset, her transformation now complete, then down at Flash. When the pair locked eyes, she crouched down and the cock touched the entrance of her cunt. "OH YEAH!!" Twilight cried out as she felt his cock into her. She panted for a bit before she locked eyes with Flash and then began to bounce on his cock as hard as she could. Flash panted heavily as he felt how tight and how hot she was with each bounce she did on his cock. Twilight rode him as hard as she could, the wolves continuing to lick the cum off her body as she felt herself being driven insane by the pleasure. She had thought it would hurt, but she felt nothing but pleasure as she kept riding him hard. She soon turned around while his cock was still inside of her and continue to bounce on him in a reverse cowgirl position. He then sat up and licked her neck as she moaned loudly in pleasure. He reached around and started playing with her tits, causing her even more delight with the pair not noticing Twilight's geode. For some reason, it was glowing. And it wasn't the only one as the other Rainbooms' geodes started to glow in a hot pink shade. Twilight put an arm around his neck before locking lips with him as he continued to thrust his cock up into her. He soon started speeding up, as Twilight moaned into his mouth. Her body was growing closer and closer to orgasm, her eyes beginning to roll into the back of her head. Soon the knot break through her cunt and she screamed out in pleasure when the two of them came together. The moment that happened, all seven geodes let out a pulse that covered the entire world. It felt like hours as he was still cumming inside Twilight before he suddenly fell back onto the bed. Twilight pulled his cock out, and to the other wolves surprise, his cock went soft. "Aw, are you already spent?" She teased him. "That's not even morning just yet." She then looked towards the other female werewolves with a grin on her face. "All of you get over here and help me get his dick really hard." They all did what she told them to do as they all gathered on the bed and started to get to work on making his cock get hard again. The whole night was spent with all of them getting plowed by Flash as they continued have their fun. They then started to see Twilight as an alpha like him as her breasts became bigger than any others combined as well as her ass. Twilight transformation into a werewolf was complete after a while as dark purple fur covered her body and indigo for ran down her back and up her tail. There seem to be a pattern of a spot on her shoulders in the shape of a six-pointed star. Flash gave all his love to each of his women, no matter what or who. They all were enjoying their time together all night long, they had no idea that that pulse had done something to the men of the world. Something that had happened to flash and now all women have become prey of lust every night.
A Horny Werewolf at Night	Epilogue	Seven months had passed since the magical energy wave spread across the entire planet, changing every single male into lusting werewolves. Strangely enough, the only males affected by the energy wave seemed to only be those eighteen years or older. Any other male below that age was unaffected, at least it seemed to be. As soon as they hit the age of eighteen, other males were suddenly found themselves transforming. As such, the world found itself infected by a werewolf plague. One moment, everything seemed perfectly fine. The next, every adult male transformed into a beast and attacked any female they could find. And like with the males, they only seemed to go after adult females. In a single night, over half the female population of earth was captured and fucked into a wolf's plaything before being turned into a wolf themselves. And the women who weren't targeted soon followed the following night. And now, seven months later, the world was a very different place. Chaos had ensued in the first two months after the change, but slowly it had levelled out. The unquenchable lust most of the werewolves felt slowly faded into a higher then normal sex drive, allowing the governments of the world stabilize and return to running the world. But there were still changes. Clothing had basically become an afterthought in place of a rule, with most people wearing very skimpy outfits that were easy to remove when needed. Most women rarely wore anything more then a bikini or something similar, whilst men only wore shorts. Something else that had changed was how many business now operated. Almost every woman who once worked in some form or another had quit their jobs, or had changed things so that they could now do what they really wanted to do. Spend time with their alphas. Most males who worked in places like office buildings or doing some kind of desk job, now did so whilst having a female under their desk giving them relief when the pressure got too much for them. Other jobs that didn't require hours of sitting had also changed to allow some form of relief for the workers. It was now almost impossible to walk into someplace and not see a woman getting railed. And not a single person seemed to care that it was happening. One of the biggest changes was the schools, which had basically turned into giant orgies. There was talk of the male and female students being separated into different classes, if not different schools, so that actual learning could take place. But between classes, students were free to enjoy themselves as much as they liked And it was in one school that we find Flash Sentry, in the principal's office with a naked Celestia laid out on her desk. The woman had changed a lot in the last seven months, as her arms and legs were covered in white fur and a long white wolf tail was sticking out of her rear. But the biggest difference was the large stomach that she was no sporting, which bounced as Flash slammed his dick into her. Down on the floor, Luna was kneeling between then with Flash's balls in his mouth. She was just like her sister, having dark blue fur on her arms and legs along with a flurry tail and a large stomach. "So good!" Flash grunted as he thrusted his cock into Celestia. "I just love seeing your pregnant belly like this!" "D-Don't do this for too long, honey." Celestia told him through her moans. "A-After all, we are at s-school and your last period starts soon." "I know, but I want to enjoy this as much as I can." Flash leaned forward and nibbled on her neck a bit. Celestia grabbed hold of his head as she bit down on her her lips a bit. They kept this up for a little longer before Flash felt himself getting close. As such, he pulled out of his principal slut and told the pair to assume the position. A position Flash had grown to love since they and the others had all started showing. Luna stood up and helped her sister to her feet, the pair's large bellies pushed against one another just enough to make a tight seal between them. Flash then stepped forward and pushed his cock between them, letting out a moan as he was sandwich between them. He kept thrusting back and forth, whilst his hands groped their large asses. The sisters smiled at their alpha, then at each other before reaching down and grabbing the other's breast. They each gave the other a squeeze and as they moaned, they brought them up to their mouth and started sucking each other's tit. Flash groaned louder and louder with each passing second, eventually letting out a long moan as he shot his load. The woman moaned into each other's breasts, causing them to shoot milk down the other's mouth, as Flash's cum began to seep out from between their stomachs. They finished sucking down their sister's milk as Flash pulled his spent cock from between them, the pair stepping away from each other as his cum formed bridges between their stomachs. Once they let each other's tit go, they started scooping up the cum and licking it off their fingers. As they did, Celestia felt her stomach. "Oh, she's kicking. Must know her daddy covered her home in his cum." Flash and Luna smiled as Flash grabbed his bag and headed for the door. He gave them both a kiss before heading out, leaving the pair to clean themselves up. Soon after school was over, Flash waited by a limousine as Celestia and Luna were sucking him off. Soon the door to the limousine open up before the Rainbooms, Tirxie and Wallflower climbed aboard. They each have grown fur on their arms and legs and the colors of their skin while they have grown wolf tails as well. But the biggest difference was that they were all sporting large baby bumps, with some larger then the others. Out of all of them, Twilight seemed to be the tallest and the bustiest. "I see you started without us, babe." She said to Flash before she sat down next to him and locked lips with him. "I hope that you seemed some for the rest." "Y'all know that our man has plenty for all of us." Applejack told her as she lay down. Flash smirked and got between her leg, Rainbow and Fluttershy moving her large stomach so the child inside wouldn't be shaken around as he fucked her. He pushed his cock into her soaking cunt and Applejack moaned, right as Pinkie dropped down on her mouth to be eaten out. As Flash fucked Applejack hard, he turned to Twilight as the girl smiled down at him. "So, how's you brother doing?" After the wolf wave struck, Cadance chose to resign from being principal and handed the reins over to her ex. Shining had also transformed into a werewolf and had gotten his pick of girls from the many beauties going to Crystal Prep. Now he had his own harem of sexy werewolves, including the Shadowbolts Flash hadn't already sunken his claws into. "Oh he's doing fine, but he wants to know if you're down to do some orgy later." Twilight answered him as the limousine started moving. "He'll bring the newest addition to his pack, her name is Chrysalis and she can be a real bitch." "Just wait until she gets plowed so hard in her holes." Wallflower commented. "Well, let's go pick up the rest before we head home with the others waiting for us." Flash said as he gave Applejack's breast a hard smack. "After all, we got to get dinner ready." Everyone smiled at this, as Flash continued to fuck Applejack to orgasm whilst she ate Pinkie out. The ride home was a short but pleasurable one for them all, with Flash managing to fuck each of them once before they finally arrived. Their home was a large mansion considering that the Rainbooms and the Dazzlings are pop stars. Not only that, but Trixie's magic act has took off while Juniper had become a world-famous pornstar to all. With the amount of money they had made, they became so rich and loved every minute of it. Heading inside, the first thing Flash heard was a muffled moan coming from the living room. Heading in there, he found a heavily pregnant Cadance kneeling on the floor with her arms tied behind her back, rope tied around her chest, a vibrator in her cunt, a ballgag and blindfold keeping her from seeing and talking and a pair of suction cups over her nipples sucking the milk from her. A rope was also coming off the bindings of her chest, which went over and around the couch before coming out the bottom and being tied to her legs. Flash smirked at the sight, knowing Cadance had developed quite the bondage kink. He stepped over to her and pulled the gag from her mouth, making her gasp as his cock was shoved in her face. "Oh, welcome home master." She started sucking on his cock, gagging on him as he thrust deep into her mouth. "Hope you haven't tired yourself out too much. Shining's coming over later and he's bringing a new toy with him." "Oh," she pulled her mouth off his cock, "goodie. Maybe I can make out with her whilst you both fuck us doggie style." "Well I see daddy's home." He turned to see Adagio with a hand on her hip walking towards him. "Good to see you all are home now." He gave both of them loving kisses as their tongues wrestled one another a bit. "So, where is Sonata and Aria?" "They're already having dinner being made." Adagio answered before she felt her ass get a playful smack. She turned to see Twilight standing tall with a smile on her face. The two pregnant girls started making out, as Flash face fucked Cadance faster and faster. The force of his assault caused the woman to orgasm and shoot out so much milk, the cups on her breasts overflowed and they popped off. They all laughed at this, as Flash came down Cadance's throat. As he did, Juniper walked in pulling a pair of leashes behind her, a pregnant Vignette and Gloriosa crawling on the floor behind her with gags in their mouths. "You promised us to wait for us before you start." Juniper spoke up as she walked closer to Flash. "I barely got any action last time." "Oh sorry, Juniper." Flash said before she pulled him in for a passionate hot kiss. "How was your porno doing by the way?" "It was a big hit like always." She brag. "Showing the viewers had to tame a couple of bitches really got their attention." "I'm sure it does," Flash smirked. "And I bet they'll be just as excited to see you getting fucked when your belly really starts to swell." He looked down at Junipers stomach, which had a mild bump to it. Unlike the rest of Flash's bitches, she was only a month or so along. Mainly due to being on the pill when Flash fucked her. But after learning an interesting truth, she went off the pill so she and her master could make her another member of his breeding bitches. Turns out, there was another effect to Flash fucking the girls other then making them werewolves. Now, they were life mates. As such, Flash was the only one who could get any of them pregnant. This meant they could have sex with any man they wanted and not risk getting pregnant, though many of them had no desire to fuck anyone other then Flash. "Say Applejack, how's your brother doing with his pack?" Juniper asked when she noticed her walking in. "He's having the time of his life." Applejack answered. "Sugar Bell just joined him and he has his eyes set on Pinkie Pie's sister, Marble Pie." She sent down on the couch before she gently rubbed her clit. "Although, Apple Bloom seems a little jealous about all this. She has her heart set on this really amazing dancer boy called Tender Taps and can't wait to have him in bed considering she knows what we've been doing." "Isn't she still a little young?" Cadance asked, as Twilight started untying her. "She and her friends are what...thirteen?" "Fourteen," Applejack corrected. "But I guess she's just and early...ha, bloomer." They all rolled their eyes at ths. "Well, I think I know where you're coming from." Rarity spoke up. "The same can be said with Sweetie Belle. I once caught her trying to suck off a boy named Button Mash. I told them that if they be patient enough they'll be able to do it once they're old enough." "I think I noticed Scootaloo hanging around Rumble most of the time at school." Rainbow added in. "I guess they really can't wait until they're old enough to get some action in bed." "Maybe it's a side effect of what happened?" Twilight asked, "they might not be like us but their sex drives might be developing early in preparation for when they finally succumb to the wolf within." "If it is, they better be careful and not get pregnant too early." Fluttershy spoke up. "But just to be safe, maybe you should give them some toys to help them relieve themselves?" "Hey, are you all going to stand around here and continue talking or are you going to join us for dinner?" They turned to see Aria leaning against a wall while her plump pregnant belly is shown. "It's ready and don't want to wait for your lazy asses to let it get cold." They all stood up and was about to join Aria and Sonata for dinner. Flash sat at the head of the dining table, Twilight sitting next to him with Adagio, Sunset, Aria, Celestia, Luna, Applejack, Rainbow and Cadance next to them. Pinkie, Sonata, Wallflower, Juniper, Gloriosa, Vignette, Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest and Indigo were sitting on the ground. Those sitting on the ground were all eating their food out of bowls. Flash didn't know why, but sometimes the girls got the unfightable urge to do such a thing. There was still a lot about this new wolf phenomenon that they didn't know about, so fighting against it didn't sound smart. As Flash took a bite of his food, he moaned at the taste and at the pleasure he was receiving. Looking under the table, he smiled at Rarity and Fluttershy as the pair were licking and kissing both his cock and each other. "Good girls." "Mmm, just as delicious as ever." Sonata complimented as she enjoyed the meal. "Hey Flash, after dinner I want to talk to you in private." Twilight told him. "Alright," Flash nodded before letting out another moan as Fluttershy began to deep throat his cock. Rarity began sucking on his balls and made it so Flash could barely focus on anything else. He kept eating, whilst wondering what Twilight wanted to talk about. With the girls giving him pleasure, Flash found himself being the last one to finish eating. So as the girls all started leaving to do their own thing, wash the dishes, take a bath or anything else they needed to get done before the sun set, Flash finished up his meal before pulling Rarity and Fluttershy up from under the table. A few minutes later, Flash was still at the table fucking Rarity from behind whilst fingering Fluttershy. Both girls moaned as they they laid on their tits, their pregnant stomachs bouncing as they were fucked. After he came inside of them, he let them eat each other out as he went upstairs and out on the balcony where he finds Twilight looking up at the sky. "Twilight, is something on your mind?" Flash asked to get her attention as he walked up to her. "Oh yeah, it's just...all of this happened because of an experiment of mine." She said in a slight guilty tone. "Now the people of the world can't stop thinking of doing nothing but having sex with each other." "So what? It's not like you meant to do that. And whilst I was a little scared the first few times it happened, look at how happy it's made everyone." "Except for Sunset." She said in a sad tone. "The day when the world changed, I can tell that Sunset was very angry at me for not doing something. She barely even talks to me nowadays and I don't know if she'll ever forgive me." Flash then noticed her beginning to cry. "I was doing all that I can to not focus on pleasuring myself and to find a way to fix what I've done to you. But I couldn't take it anymore on that night and I just... I just gave in..." Flash looked at her with sincerity before he walked over and pulled her in for a hug. "It's going to be okay." He told her in a soft tone. "Even I didn't want to continue what I did but I couldn't control myself whenever I was around them. I'm sure that Sunset feels the same way now and if you just talk, I'm sure she'll understand." "H-How can you be sure...?" "I just do." He told her before he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Twilight kissed back as her hand gave his cock a soft stroke. "Besides. There's one thing that resulted in all this I'm sure none of the girls would ever give up." He rubbed her protruding belly and Twilight purred, loving this feeling. He was right. She was going to be a mother and that was the greatest thing that had ever happened to her. "I love you." She told him. "I love all of you just as much." He responded as they went deeper into their kiss. "Same with me." They quickly broke their kiss and turned to see Sunset standing by the doorway. "I heard everything you both said and Twilight, I'm not angry at you. I never was. I was just surprised that's all and now I understand." "Thanks, Sunset." Twilight said with a smile. "Now you just going to stand there, or are you going to join us?" Sunset smiled before she walked over and joined them. Flash let out a pleasurable groan as both of were sucking his cock and balls. "Fuck yes!" He rubbed their heads as they did so, the girls groaning with joy as their tails wagged. They stopped sucking on him before Sunset wrapped her tits around the cock, whilst Twilight stood up and started making out with him. Flash continued to groan at the pleasure, squeezing Twilight's tit as he revelled in Sunset's tit fuck. They kept this up for several more minutes until Flash felt himself getting close, so Twilight knelt down and helped Sunset by rubbing her breasts around his cock. As they did, they kissed the tip of his cock and each other. And eventually, Flash let out a groan as he shot his load and covered both their faces and chests. The girls laughed at each other and continued kissing, then started licking each other to get the cum off. Flash smirked at this and could feel his cock staying hard, so told the girls to stand up. Soon, Flash thrusted his cock into Twilight while Sunset sat on her face. Twilight moaned as she began to eat out Sunset while feeling her lover's cock thrusting into her. Sunset moaned with her as she felt her own pussy getting eaten out by her before she grabbed hold of Twilight's breasts and massaged them. Later Flash took Sunset in a doggy style position while she continued to eat out Twilight. "You sluts like that, don't you?" The girls moaned as he continued to pound into the yellow girl, as Twilight tweaked her nipples. "See Twilight. She loves being my submissive little slave. This was her destiny." "Oh stop acting like a warlord from the olden times." Twilight replied as she rubbed Sunset's head. "Even if we act like sluts, you will always treat us as equals no matter what." She then used her magic to pull him in forward and locked lips with him. Later, both her and Sunset began to rub their cunts against his cock while he was making out with them. The three were overwhelmed by pleasure and with each passing second, they were pushed towards their eventually orgams. And with one mighty scream, they all climaxed with Flash spraying his load all over the two girls. Sunset and Twilight screamed as they both fell back, covered head to toe in their lover's juices. They are soon seen laying on the ground as they were huffing and puffing. "You seemed to enjoyed each other's time together." They looked up from the ground and saw Adagio and the rest of the pack standing by the doorway. "Nice to see you two finally getting along." Pinkie Pie said as she pointed to Sunset and Twilight. "By the way, Shinning is on his way with his pack right now." Luna spoke up. "I guess he really wanted to break in his new bitch during nightfall." She pointed out that the sun was coming down as a car was coming in their driveway. "Well then, shall we get ready for them our love? Twilight asked Flash as he got up and dust himself off. He then helped her and sunset off the ground as he had a grin on his face. Flash smirked as he watched each of his bitches step up and around him. As the sun touched the horizon, he felt the transformation begin. He had a choice now. Either focus and maintain control of his wolf form, or give in and allow his animal instincts to kick in. More fur began to spread, as Flash closed his eyes. And as the girls rubbed up against him, they opened again to show a pair of wolf-like eyes. As the sun completely set, a loud howl filled the skies coming from the mansion. One that told any who heard it that an alpha was taking what belonged to him and those that felt it were in for the night of their lives.
The Alicorn's Pride	pre	"Look. I'm not saying it's inexplicable, I'm just saying I don't want to explain it." Luna and Cliff were deep in one of their regular arguments regarding magic. "I still say you just don't get how it works!" Cliff called back. "I do to!" "Then explain it!" the two had been arguing in circles for the better part of an hour, and as of yet neither of them had gained the other hand. "For the last time." Luna huffed, "It's MAGIC I don't have to explain it. It just works." "Will you two kindly shut up?" Sothe asked heatedly. Although he enjoyed listening to conversations while they traveled this one got old within the first five minutes. Cliff and Luna glared at each other for a few minutes more as they walked. The four of them had been traveling for the better part of the day and the sun hung low far off in front of them. The horizon had been bare for hours after leaving Deadrocks, but around midday Cliff declared that he could see another mountain range off in the distance. Luna had then decided to test out a spell that was supposed to increase her range of vision for a short while, which had been the spark that had lit their debate on magic in general. They walked in silence for a while after, staring at the gray lumps in the distance. Being in sight range of their destination hadn't done much for their moods. They were still at least a day or so away from them, and Greywings had told them that Deadrocks was the only town on the northern road, so they would have to camp on the rocks. The prospect of this had knocked everyone's mood down a bit so arguments had become more common than normal conversation. The four of them trod on in silence, unaware of the distant shape of a form in flight off to the south. --- Treeflame knew she must be on the right path when she saw the northern range. She remembered the road that run along the top, allowing passage from the griffin wastes to the dragon lands. She was ecstatic at the sight of the mountains, they reminded her of home. "Here I come." She mumbled as she flew, "I'm coming home." --- "So... you mean to tell us that not only have you ignored the council entirely, but you have also slaughtered three towns worth of griffins? No vote on the matter? What gives you the gall to think you could make such a choice on your own?!?!" Rust asked angrily through his teeth. Greathoof had spent more than an hour telling his story, and now that it was over the other councilors were more than a little shaken. "You make my crusade sound petty Rust." Greathoof smirked at the rusty brown pony, "Do you have any idea what this means for the country? Athelta could effectively double in size." "Athelta," Rust seethed back, "Is run by a council. No single pony makes decisions on the country's behalf." He stood, "Again I ask you. What gives you the right?" Greathoof eyes him coldly. "You know..." He began pacing the floor of the chamber, "Thelia began asking such questions when she found out the truth. She argued in circles with me, demanding I stop my 'insane plans' or to step down." He stopped and turned to face the other alicorns once again, "Tell me, did any of you manage to find her?" The room was silent, the gravity of the situation seemed to weigh heavier on the councilors as they looked down on this bloodthirsty pony. Greathoof smiled at their lack of response and slowly slid his hidden knife from under his wing. "She died. Right here in this very room." Greathoof said with and edge of insanity, "She didn't want to see the possibilities that lay before us. She refused the destiny I've laid out for us. She proved herself to be useless to this grand new world we're entering, so with this knife I made sure that she stayed in the old world forever." As he finished, his voice grew cold again. He glared daggers at the ponies who watched him in fear. "You... you killed her." Sky Dancer managed to say. "Naturally." He smirked, Seems that they're finally beginning to understand. Rust leapt to his hooves. "Not only are you a traitor to your people, but you are also a murderer!" The brown pony flared his wings and was face to face with Greathoof in a heartbeat, "You are not one of us. You aren't worthy of power of any sort." He spat, oblivious of the knife that still floated in the grasp of Greathoof's magic, "You are hardly even an alicorn." "Choose your words wisely, Rust my friend. Lest you wish your fate to match her's." Greathoof stepped away, "He's right on one account. I am no longer one of you. No longer am I a council member, but then again neither are any of you." The knife flew and struck the Atheltian banner that hung above the council chairs. "This council is no more." His soldiers stepped forward, brandishing their swords. "No, instead I think I shall lead alone, and all of you will do as I say if you wish to live." --- A squawk broke the silence of the mountain path as a dot of flame grew closer to the group of travelers. "Welcome back Philomena!" Celestia called out, happy to see her pet once again. The group stopped walking as Philomena landed on a boulder and offered up the small scroll in her beak. Sothe took it and scanned the parchment. His eyes narrowed. "Something wrong?" Cliff asked as he dug through his bag for some food. "From the looks of it, Greathoof has something planned for Athelta... River can't seem to figure it out yet..." "Well nothing we can do about it from here." Cliff shrugged and bit into his newfound jerky strip. Luna munched on half of an apple from her bag. "I wonder what's going on back home..." she mused around her chewing. "Please don't talk with your mouth full." Celestia pleaded after getting a good look at a wad of half chewed apple. "Bleughhh." Luna opened her mouth more before swallowing and giggling. Celestia hit her playfully on the shoulder, and Luna retaliated with a tackle. The sun began to set as the group ate. Philomena set some sticks ablaze for the travelers before promptly falling asleep. "So... should we make it to the dragons by tomorrow?" Luna asked, staring up at the stars. "If we make good time, yeah we should." Sothe assured her. Cliff stretched before laying himself down on his side, exposing his belly to the heat of the flame. He let out a contented purr. Celestia giggled at the sight. "I guess no matter how big they get, they're still part cat." "You'd better believe it." Cliff murmured sleepily. Luna began to clear rocks from the space around her, doing her best to make a makeshift sleeping space. Celestia followed suit, and mas asleep in moments. Sothe lay down next to her and after a moment of stretching, he too fell into slumber. Luna rolled onto her back and gazed up at the night sky. It was so pretty, daytime couldn't compete with the beauty of the night in her book. She missed flying her rounds. She missed the time alone in the darkened, starry sky. She sighed. "Tomorrow.... Tomorrow I get to see dragons." She whispered into the night as enormous, scaly creatures entered her thoughts. As she thought and stared sleepily, something flitted into her field of vision, something new to the night sky. "Dragons," She said again, "Just like that one." She sat up. There was a dragon overhead, a real dragon. She opened her wings and took flight, struggling against the thin air. --- Treeflame flew long into the night. She flew while the sun was setting, she flew while night was falling, and she flew as a blue form followed her. She did a double take. There was an alicorn flying towards her. "Oh no, they can't have found me." She whispered, pouring more speed into her tired wings, but a full day of nonstop flying had finally taken its toll. She struggled forward through the air, but the exertion was too much and she sighed, defeated as she began her descent towards the mountain path below her. She landed and readied herself for the inevitable. The sound of hooves on stone rang out as Luna landed next to the tired form of the dragon. She took a deep breath. This was a real live dragon. "H-hello?" she asked tentatively. The dragon looked up, surprised. This alicorn didn't sound angry or threatening. In fact the voice sounded nothing like that of a soldier, the foremost difference was that this voice was distinctively female. "Who are you?" Treeflame asked. Luna cleared her throat excitedly. "My name is Luna. I... we're... me and my friends... we're traveling." She stammered a little, "You... you're a dragon aren't you?" She asked, her voice betraying her enthusiasm. Treeflame looked the young alicorn over, bemused. "No, I'm a manticore, can't you tell?" She said arching her tail over her head like a scorpion's sting. She giggled for a moment, "Yes Luna, I'm a dragon. My name is Treeflame." Luna smiled. "Nice to meet you Treeflame." Luna said happily. She suddenly noticed the dragon's heavy breathing, "Are you okay?" "I'm fine... I've just been flying all day... and then seeing you gave me a bit of a fright." She giggled again. "Why'd seeing me scare you?" Luna asked, "Is my mane messed up? Is there something on my face?" Treeflame laughed out again at this, "No, nothing like that... I..." the dragon sighed, there's no use trying to hide it, she thought. "I've spent the past three years of my life in captivity." She tried to keep her voice even as a look of surprise crossed the blue alicorn's face, "I've been forced to work for a horrible alicorn by the name of Greathoof." "Greathoof?" Luna half yelled the name, "You've been a... a slave for him for three years?" "I think so... it may have been longer..." the dragon sighed again, "you... you don't work for him do you?" Luna gave what was likely the coldest look she had ever given in her life. "No. No I don't. Nor do I ever plan on getting close to that monster in my life. He's completely evil, he's ordered the slaughtering of cities and the killing of thousands. He's hardly even an alicorn in my book." She finished her short speech in a huff and then looked down at her hooved, embarrassed. "Do you... I mean those rocks can't be comfortable... would you like to stay by our campfire tonight?" She sounded nervous. "What these old thing? These rocks are the finest in the land, not even the softest bed can compare," She giggled at her own sarcasm, "But I suppose I could stay with you, if you insist." Luna brightened at this. "Great!" She exclaimed, "I'll show you the way." and so the two walked back towards the makeshift camp. "You know, I've never seen a dragon before... what do dragons talk about?" "Well what do you want to know?" "Absolutely everything." --- River slumped onto her couch when she got home. Today had been awful. Not only had she been unprepared for Greathoof's course of action, but she had been unable to do anything to stop him from taking over the council. The only upside so far was that he hadn't publically announced his takeover yet, hopefully the general populace would stay in the dark for a time. She hit her head against the arm of the couch. WHY!?! She mentally screamed at herself, Why did I have to be so adamant against those standing army votes? Months ago there had been talks about whether or not to garrison a standing army in the city, and River's vote had been the deciding factor. She had kept thinking that maybe if there had been an army available, today might have turned out differently. She hit her head again. Greathoof had spent the day making rules and putting things in order. His first order of business had been to send for some of his sympathizers and accept them into his 'grand army'. One such pony now stood outside of River's door, keeping her under house arrest. His next decision had been to strip the other councilors of any power, they were mere figureheads now. She sighed, unsure of how the night could get worse. It did. The telltale squawk rang out from her window, and she cringed. Philomena stood on the sill, letter in beak just as always. River slowly opened the window, hoping the guard out front had hear nothing. "Hi Phil..." She murmured to the phoenix. The bird squawked again, this time loud enough to alert the burly stallion out front. The door crashed open. "What's going on in..." His eyes fell on the firebird. "Get out of my house." River commanded with as much bravery as she could muster. Her command was met with the open window slamming shut in a burst of magic and the letter getting torn out of Philomena's grasp. River sat down as the guard's sword was turned on her, sighing in defeat. --- "So you're headed to the dragon lands too?" It was morning, and Sothe was having a discussion with the newcomer to the camp. "That's right, I'm headed home." Treeflame responded happily. She felt that she couldn't have had better luck, she hadn't met one new friend, but four. Everyone in this group seemed nice and they also hated Greathoof. That was always a plus. Add to that the fact that the group was headed in the same direction as her and she felt like the luckiest dragon alive, "You guys have any room for another in this group?" "I don't see why not, so long as you can put in a good word for us with the elders once we arrive." Treeflame giggled. "So long as you're not a bad alicorn at heart, the elders will be fine. I'm certain of it." She had vivid memories of the elders, great dragons of even greater wisdom. Every one of them were as old as the caves they lived in, and they were still going strong. "Welcome to the team." Cliff said happily, extending a clawed hand in greeting. Treeflame gave it a shake. Celestia greeted her as well. "You're a lot smaller than I'd have expected a dragon to be." "Well I've got quite a bit of growing ahead of me." The blue dragon laughed. She was ecstatic, she couldn't remember the last time she'd been in a group of people who didn't hate her, much less a group of new friends. She assisted with packing the campsite away, and on request, roasted a strip of jerky for Cliff. He chewed the meat happily. "Let's keep her." He said around his food, and with that the group of five was off. --- "I have to say, I'm impressed." Greathoof mused, "Not only did you manage to get a warning to half of the griffin population, but you're also helping them, and all so stealthily too. Very, very impressive." His eyes scanned the letters splayed out on the table before him for what seemed like the hundredth time. His mind was methodically going over his options. He couldn't decide on how to deal with this situation. "Sir? Do you wish for us to hunt the group down?" Asked one of the soldiers who stood perpetually at Greathoof's side. "No. We don't have enough forces here to spare... wait... there's an idea." He smiled evilly at River, who stood on hooves chained together, "I think I need to send a letter of my own." He trotted to River's desk and took up a quill and blank scroll. His horn flared red as he scribbled furiously, and once he was finished he went to the window where Philomena always brought her letters. "You will not ruin my plans." He hissed at the restrained mare before sending the letter away with a burst of fire. --- "And that's how I learned to fly." finished Cliff. They had been traveling for quite some time now. It was almost midday and everyone was lost in conversation, so lost in fact that they took very little notice of their surroundings. They stopped caring about the bleak, rocky world that surrounded them, they took no notice of the sun making its daily journey, and they most certainly didn't notice the great mountain looming in front of them. They did however finally notice it when Cliff, preparing to preform a trick, took off and rammed headfirst into the wall of stone. Treeflame fell over laughing, and Cliff stood shakily. "Who put this... Woah." He said in awe of the enormous mountain in front of them, one that could rival the Daimond mountain is size. "We're here." Said Luna. "Great!" Exclaimed Treeflame, "Now we just need to-" She was cut off by a sudden pressure in her gut that grew and pushed its way into her throat before releasing itself with a great belch. A scroll fell from the cloud of smoke that now hung in front of Treeflame. "Find the cave." She finished with slightly labored breathing. The group huddled around the scroll. "what is that?" Asked Sothe. "It's probably a letter from Greathoof." Replied Treeflame slowly. With a faint glow of magic, Sothe nudged the scroll open and floated it up to eye level. Everyone gathered close and began to read, and as they did, the color drained from each of their faces. The letter told of the events in the capital, and now the group knew that all was not well. "We need to go home." Celestia whispered. Author Note: Here it is, my unoffical end of part one. And with it I want to once again thank everyone who has taken time to read so far. I love everyone who has followed it and so I want to make an announcement. I'm taking a break. Just for a week or two. I want the next chapter to be rather epic, and I also just need some rest from all this writing. During this break I hope to make major edits to the original 10 chapters, and possibly find an Editor or a Pre-reader. I'd love it if anyone could take time to Pre-read any of my chapters before posting, I'm sure that the quality of them would go up if somepony did. See you in a week or so, and thanks for reading.
The Alicorn's Pride	Chapter 11	Chapter 11 A Cave and a Crag. The dragons had always lived there. This mountain had been their home since the beginning of time. Long ago they had walked freely under the sun, all across the land. In those times it had been their land, but as alicorns and griffins spread the dragons chose to pull away and hide in the depths of the mountains. Some people thought that they were scared, others believed the dragons had a reason for this retraction from the world above, and many more simply thought that dragons no longer existed. Their exploits had faded into legend, and their existence, slowly forgotten until they were creatures that occupied bed-time stories and dreams. After a few minutes of searching the group came upon the entrance to the mountain, a cave whose mouth was dotted with stalactite teeth and exuded a warm wind. It had been a few hours since the five of them had read the letter meant for Greathoof's armies in the griffin lands. "So this is it?" Cliff asked, "I would have expected something a little more... I dunno, grand." "It's probably far different from the cave you're used to, Cliff" Sothe replied to the unimpressed griffin, "Don't judge it." Cliff just shrugged. "What should we expect inside?" Celestia asked warily. Treeflame giggled a little, "Dragons of course." The group approached the entrance cautiously, wary of every sound around them as they stepped into the cool of the cave. They began walking, slowly at first, but after a light spell from Celestia illuminated the path around them they began to push on faster. "Sothe?" Luna whispered as they traveled. "Yeah?" "What do you think is happening in Athelta? I mean that letter was... ominous..." Sothe sighed, "Likely when Greathoof realizes that no help is coming he'll send a messenger to bring more soldiers back home. From there it'll likely devolve into military rule until... well until we can do something about it." "... I want to go home..." Luna murmured. "I know you do, but we have a job to finish. The moment we get Scar's artifact, we're heading home." Luna sighed and gave her sister's mate a long look. She had never given her standing in his eyes thought before now. She had always assumed she was just Celestia's sister to him, but this journey had brought about a change in her mind. He came across as a brother to her, which made sense. He was strong, and a leader, the kind of pony she would look up to. Luna let herself fall a few steps behind the group. She gave each of them a turn under her gaze, first Celestia, her sister who had always been there with her, next Cliff, the slightly awkward griffin who she was proud to call a friend, and then the newcomer Treeflame. Luna knew very little about this dragon, but from the short time they'd spent together she could tell that Treeflame was full of life and laughter, and that had been enough to prove that she was at the very least, and enjoyable person to be around. She smiled to herself and then quickened her pace to catch up. As the five traveled deeper into the caves, lead only by the light from Celestia's horn, they slowly noticed a change. The air began to get warmer, and the tunnels wider (not that the entrance itself hadn't been wide in its own right). "We're getting closer. I can feel it." Treeflame broke the silence, sounding slightly giddy as they approached the place of her birth. The tunnel slowly began to grow wider and wider until it gave way to a full blown cavern. Stalactites littered the ceiling and the floor in front of them gave way to a chasm after about a hundred feet. A rope bridge that looked to be ancient spanned the gap as if creatures of their own size were once accommodated here. Far off to the left there lay a vast underground lake, big enough to have its own set of small islands within. The most stunning feature that met them was a grand statue of a great wyvern that looked to be carved from milky quartz with eyes as deep as amethyst. It appeared to be a statue anyway, and the travelers were quite certain that it was, until it moved. "What have we here?" mused a voice both ancient and wise, "In a hundred years we have had but ten visitors from the surface. All of them were griffin, and thus all killed, but here, unless my eyes fail me, I see alicorns and one of my own people. Very curious." The group stood in shock, unsure of how to respond. Sothe, always the diplomatic one, attempted to croak out a greeting. "H-hello d-dragon..." His words were too quiet for the beast before them. "Excuse me? Speak up boy, my head is rather far from yours and words don't carry well in here." The drake almost seemed to smile; perhaps he enjoyed seeing Sothe scared. Sothe had right look rather frightened. He had never in all of his life seen a creature so BIG! Cliff took Sothe's silence as a chance to speak up. "You killed all the griffins? Why?" The dragon looked down at the smaller creature, and appeared to almost smile. "You know that my kind are a reclusive bunch yes? We have not had affairs in the world at large for at least three centuries, and as such many of our achievements have been forgotten through time." Luna quickly spoke up, her vast knowledge of dragons finally getting a chance to shine. "Yeah! Uh, the dragons were the first beings to live in the world. Many scholars of draconic lore even say that dragons created most of the world." "Well, well," the wyvern mused, "This little alicorn knows her dragon lore. Yes, yes we did create most of what you see today on the surface. The land was first barren, but with time and effort we took that land and shaped it into something magnificent. Then, we populated it." "Dragons lived on the surface?" Celestia asked, seemingly intimidated by his size. "Yes. We did for a time. But that isn't what I meant by 'populating' the land." "what did you-" "We have been standing here for quite some time." The white lizard interrupted, " I believe that introductions are in order. I am Crag, the gatekeeper. And you are intruders." Sothe finally managed to speak, "Uh, yes. We are travelers. My name is Sothe, and these are Celestia, Luna, Cliff, and Treeflame. We... well all of us but Treeflame, are seeking a... an object." "And what sort of object might that be?" "It is called the Flame Orb." The great dragon's face grew solemn. "And artifact such as that... the surface must be in dire times indeed... we have felt the rumblings of the earth. The stones above tell us of battles and bloodshed on the surface. This dragon is very curious of your reasonings to seek the Orb. Follow me, we shall talk in a more... comfortable place." He lead the group even deeper into the mountain, crossing the caverning with a single wingbeat. The travelers were forced to take to the bridge and inch their way across. Needless to say, the conditions of travel were not easy for the five. Keeping pace with the dragon was a rather daunting task. A day. A full day Greathoof had been without a reply. The letter couldn't have been lost in transit, magic didn't work that way. What could have gone wrong? Punishments would have to be doled out for this lack of punctuality. He tossed around the idea of sending a second letter; possible one that would scare the generals into actually responding. A loud rap to the door shook Greathoof out of his thoughts. With a slight thought and a small burst of magical energy, the door opened to reveal a soldier from the front who quickly fell to a knee in a respectful bow. "Stand." Greathoof barked blankly, not in the mood for this sort of interaction at the moment. "Sir." Said the soldier as he stood once more, "I'm here to fill the dragon's post." Greathoof stood, confused. "You're here to do what?" "Take the dragon's post. My companion outside will escort her back to the front." "There are no dragons here soldier." "But... we sent her with the soldiers you requested. She was the fifth." Greathoof's eyes narrowed as the implications became clear. The soldiers he had been sent had lost the dragon. His secret weapon. He turned his harsh gaze back to the soldier. "Send your companion back to the front with a message. Tell him I need forty soldiers here as soon as possible. They are to come no matter how detrimental to the war losing them may be. Holding Athelta is far more important than the griffin lands." The soldier nodded slowly before leaving the house once again. Moments later, Greathoof returned to his thinking. No dragon... that throws a wrench in the works... no matter though. The time will be made up once the city is under full control. He then turned his ponderings to a map laid out on the table in front of him. A map of the northern mountain range. Of all the walking the group had done, this trek through the caves was by far the most tiring. Even Treeflame, who before had been unable to shut up about how great it was to be in a cave again, had quieted into nothing but the occasional grunt brought on by sore feet. Crag on the other hand seemed to be completely unaffected, save a little annoyed by the slowness of the visitors. Through the trudge, only Cliff seemed to remain with the ability to talk. "What were you saying before? About killing griffons?" "your kind are not held in high regard with my people." "And why's that?" "You invaded this land, claimed the east for your own. We had populated this land with creatures of our own creation. To the mountains we gave diamond dogs, to the wastes, blood wolves. Of all the creatures we crafted, only one was our true pride." "Alicorns" Whispered a tired Luna. "And again our little dragon scholar speaks the truth. Yes, we dragons fashioned alicorns from our own magic. We gave them the lushest land and the knowledge and power to care for it. We were more than content to watch them from atop the mountains, prospering. And then your race came and tried to claim the land." "... Not my fault... I wasn't there." "No, I do not hold you specifically at fault, but your people, all griffins. I believe the saying is, it's nothing personal." "Alright..." Cliff murmured. The journey eventually came to a halt at the entrance to a vast cavern lit by the light of a pillar of what appeared to be stone that glowed with heat from within. The pillar gave off a warm, orange light that permeated every corner of the cavern, serving to also illuminate the three other dragons in the room, each matching the size of Crag, or greater. Although their bodies were ancient, they still appeared strong and their eyes burned with the same fire of life. "Outsiders, Crag?" The central of the three spoke up, his voice seeming to rumble and shake the stone around him. His scales may once have been blue, but all the time away from sunlight had dimmed them to the point that only hints of color shined through. "Yes," Crag responded, him voice betraying no sign of weariness from the multi hour travel to this deep cavern, "They came from the surface, bringing one of our own, and coming with a request. Their prize is a troubling one to say the least." The dragon that had spoken leaned forward, as if to get a better look at the small creatures below him. "Who is your leader?" Celestia and Cliff nudged Sothe forward. "I am..." Sothe murmured, clearly intimidated by the giant lizards. "... well? Get on with it. What do you and your group seek." With a deep breath, Sothe explained their mission for the second time that day. In the grey of the morning, five bodies lay on the dirt with slit throats. The five were the soldiers who had been sent with Treeflame. Around them, fourth-three alicorns stood, staring at the sight. "I'd make a speech," Greathoof began, "Something to make an example out of them, but I think it's already apparent what happens to those who get in my way." A soft murmur of agreement flowed through the crowd. "Good. Now, all of you return to your posts. This city is to remain under my control." The group quickly dispersed.
zompocalypse	pre	"My your a big boy aren't you?~" I blushed as I looked at her. I wasn't huge at only seven inches, but she sure seemed to think so. She stood up then quickly got her pants off with a part of red panties quickly falling them. Her outer lips were soaked, and a small line of fluids traveling down her thighs. She kicked then clothes away and got on her knees above my erection. "Is this your first-time sweetie?" I grabbed her hips then forced her further down until my tip was pocking at her entrance. "Ya, but I have to saw for an older woman you have a nice body." I made a point to squeeze her ass hard, drawing a moan out of her. She slowly moved her body down my erection, slowly pushing deep into her walls. Her insides were so warm and wet. Her walls clamped around me as she slid down and sat down on my lap. I felt her wall massaging around my erection a small moan coming from me as she started at pull herself back up. "I've missed this feeling.~" She started to bounce on my lap, let out little moans as she bounced on my laps. I pulled her bra off then pulled her right breast out then started to play with her nipple. She bit her hand as she let out a screamed into her hand. Then I leaned in close then started to suck on her nipple. I watched as she bit down hard drawing blood as she screamed as she started to bounce faster. I felt her lips practically gushing then slammed down on me as she cam. I forced her down as hard as I could then came inside her. When we finished she fell into my chest my dick still buried deep in her pussy. "Sweet mother of god I need that so badly." I smiled as I ran a hand down her back. "Ya me too." She smiled as she hugged me and started to kiss me as I moved my hands back to her ass. She broke the kiss then looked at me an evil smile on her face. "We've got all night so don't be so hasty." She pulled herself off me then got low and started to suck on my somewhat softening cock making me hard again. I grabbed the back of her head then forced the tip of my dick into her throat. 'Man, this is going to bring a lot of trouble when we get to the zone tomorrow.' We spent most of the night fucking but fell asleep a few hours before dawn. We woke up we found everyone else still asleep the nurse asleep next to the babies with her gun in hand. I smiled as I looked at her after a few minutes we woke them up. Everyone got ready as the sun started to come up we left in an old Toyota and I got my shotgun back. I gave directions as we drove through the town. I had them stop near the mall and got out telling them the rest of the way to go. I had to get the rest of the clothes we need even found a little food. "You sure about this your leg is still messed up pretty bad." I smiled as I looked at Red heart. "Tell Wallflower and Trixie I'll be back soon with the stuff me need." They nodded then drove off, and I slowly walked back into the mall. I kept quiet and moved slowly getting everything we missed, all in all, I had enough for the meantime plus the stuff the girls wanted with a few boxes of condoms. I walked back into the parking lot behind the mall. I found a lot of locked cars but I got lucky when I found an old jeep unlocked with keys in the sun visor. "Thank god, Now to head home." Wallflower pov I sat in front of the small stove the bed was too cold without Ash in the bed with us. Trixie was sitting over to the side on the corner of our bed eating some chocolate Ash had found two days ago. "Can I come in?" I looked over at the zipped door when I heard Flash's voice. "Sure, Flash, come in." Flash opened the zipper door and walked in with a large bag with a box in hand. "When that idiot gets back here, buck his damn brain out. God knows he'll need it after this." He threw a box of condoms on the bed, and I blushed as I looked at it. Trixie coughed out a piece of chocolate she was eating. We looked at him for a second then he walked out a smile on his face. We looked at one another and smiled formed on our faces. "I get first to go first!" I grabbed her jacket then pulled her in my face. "I was saved by him first so back off!" "Well, my body is better!" 'My breast are bigger!" We kept yelling but soon we went to bed. As far away from each other as we could. The morning came and all of us from the school waited on the watch out to see Ash come home. "Where is he?" I looked down to the ground to see most of the people waiting. "Something's coming." Flash yelled as I heard the sound of an engine. An old Toyota came down the road then stopped in front of the gate. A man stepped out of the car his hands up high. "Who are you!?" Flash yelled as he held up a hunting rifle as the man spoke. "My name is Dr. Horse, Ash told us to came this way please we have two young babies." Flash pulled the hammer back readying a bullet as he looked down at him. "Let me see them and everyone else in the car!" We watched as another man and two women got out one with two babies in her arms. Flash lowered his gun then slapped his hand on the gate. The gate opened up for them and they drove in. For the next hour, the doctor and Nurse started to look over anyone who wanted to be checked. Trixie and I waited on the lookout then we heard another engine. the guard raised their guns as an old jeep came speeding up. It stopped in front of the gate the driver door opened. Ash got out then we both banged on the wall trying to get them to open the gate. They opened the gate then Ash got back into the jeep then drove into the safe zone. Once he was inside we ran down then opened the door then pulled him out of the jeep and hugged him for dear life. Ash pov I laughed as I hugged my girls but one of them kicked my hurt leg. "Fuck!" They let me go then I grabbed my leg. I looked down at my leg and I saw blood soaking into my jeans. The girls saw it as Dr. Horse ran over. He looked down at me then waved for two men to come over. Flash and Shining came over to see what was going on. Dr. horse looked down at my legs and saw the blood spot growing. He pressed a rag in his hands to my leg. "He opened his wound back up. Or these girls opened it back up when they pulled him to the ground not sure which but we need to stop his bleeding." The nodded then helped me up then took me into the house. They set me down in the living room and I saw a lot of the kids running out of the room. I saw the girl with who had a wound in on her arm. She stayed longer than the others looking at me then was pushed out by Wallflower. I took my jeans off and I saw blood seeping through the bandage around my leg. "Ok, let's see what's going on here." The nurse started to take off the bandages off as Dr. Horse taking clearing off what was left of the medical tools he had left. I looked down at my legs and saw it was bright red with a purple and the whole thing was swollen. "Fuck that doesn't look good." The nurse nodded as she looked at my leg. "Ya, but it's infected and badly too." I laid back down as they touched my leg then I felt a blade on my skin. "This is going to hurt but I have to drain the infection." He stabbed the blade in head of the blade into the top of the swelling. Then pulled out the blade then pressed the sides of the swollen lump. Pain shot up my leg as he pressed on it harder than I thought he would. I felt a pop then green puss came out of my leg. "There we go." The puss kept coming out for a few seconds then blood started to come off the wound. They cleaned the wound then cleaned the inside of the wound. Once it was clean The nurse wrapped the wound again then Wallflower helped me get my jeans back on. Then she and Trixie helped me get back out the tent. A lot of the people asked if I was ok or they thanked me for the clothes they found in the jeep. Twilight with a blush on her face walked over with the fancy bag I got the stuff for Wallflower and Trixie. I laughed as I took the bag from her hands. "What's in there Ash?" I laughed more then nodded for the tent. They helped me in then I laid down on the bed as they looked in the bag. Two happy girls screamed before I heard the bag get ripped open the bag. "Is this silk!?" "THEY ARE!" I laughed then turned over and looked at them. They were holding up two pairs of black and red silk lingerie. I also saw the boxes of condoms pushed under the side of a little desk I brought to the tent after the first week. I smiled then closed my eyes and laid my head down on my arm. As I laid there I felt the two of them load down on both sides on me then wrapped their arms around me. "Glad your back." "Me too." I smiled then wrapped my arms around their shoulders and pulled them into my sides. "Love you'll, night girls." I heard too little epps then they hugged me tighter.
zompocalypse	Chapter 6	Ash pov I walked around in the snow looking over the sidewall looking at the second house. We had about seventy people, and we need the room now. I stomped my leg a few times the pain gone for the most part now that a few days had passed. I nodded then walked down the steps and saw the kids playing in the snow. I saw the security crew and my scavenger crew all over that the command post we'd built. I walked over to them and noticed Cake and Carrot arguing by the house. I ignored them once Carrot his arms up then walked off. I walked up to everyone then slammed my hand down on the map on the table. "Ash?" I looked at Flash then tapped the truck on the map right in front of the house. "I think it's time we get that truck moved to block the gate then I'll take a volunteer force in to kill off the dead inside." "How many do you think you'll need?" I looked at Filthy then thought about it. "I've looked at the maps you and your friend gave me of this place so maybe ten or eleven. The best place to do this is near the staff houses out back." They nodded as I looked at the rifles we had set up over in the corner. "Then the best shooter we have to use the long-range rifles to take out the stragglers, and we'll kill all of them close-combat style. So, any of you coming with me?" "We're in Ash." My crew smiled as they grabbed bats and a few knives with homemade shields. We started to make a plan to move the truck to block the gate as the other when off to find me seven more people to help us out. "With the truck, jeep, and van, we may be able to pull it right up to the gate. Then we could wield the truck to the metal gate frames." I looked at Gilda a smile on my face as I looked at her. "I could kiss you right now." She laughed a little then leaned closer. "I wouldn't stop you, but Rainbow may punch you out." We all laughed between each other then we calmed down. Everyone left afterward to get the cars as I loaded the rifles. "I got the group." I looked over to Filthy and saw a group of nine men. Carrot was in the group, and he was going me a nasty look. I nodded then walked in front of them. "Alright, Were going next door to seal the gate then were going to kill off all the dead inside. Once that's done we start to make a second settlement over there." They nodded then I started to hand out weapons with sidearms loaded with hollow-point rounds. "Alright everyone armed?" "YA!" I smiled then heard the engines start up and I smiled. "Aright I need two of you to come with me!" Carrot and Filthy ran to the gate with me then we headed for the gate as the cars come out. We opened the gate quickly then grabbed I had them stand guard as I ran out. I grabbed the chains and ropes from the truck then started to connect them to the front frame and rear bumper. The guys watched for the dead as I did this then one set I ran out of the was as two dead started to come from the inside. "GUN IT!" The engines roared as they pulled the truck back slowly then I crack the head of the dead as they walked out of the large gap as they pulled it shut. A good ten came out, and they quickly started to overwhelm me. "MOVE!" Filthy started to shot the dead as I cracked another head, but Carrot didn't do anything, and I knew Filthy saw it too. When I killed the last one as the truck was pulled into place and we all rushed back into the walls as dead started to run down the road from the gunfire. When the gate closed, I walked over to Carrot, and as he turned, I decked him hard. I fell out cold with some blood coming from his mouth. Everyone watching gasped, and I grabbed his collar then dragged him through the snow then laid him next to the large fire we had burning to cook the large deer my crew got the other day. "Ash, you ok?" I looked back at Gilda, who looked at the man laying on the ground just close enough to the fire to keep him warm. "Son of a bitch didn't do anything as the dead started to overwhelm me." I walked back over the wall where everyone else. "We'll wait for the death to go back to their hiding places then we'll head in before it's dark." I turned, then stopped. "Oh, and when Carrot wakes up, tell him to leave me alone, or he'll die!" I grabbed my bat off the ground then walked over the planning station. I put ten small x at the bottom of the map then looked up, saw Mark, Filthy and Shinning. "We need to talk." I sat the bat on the table then crossed my arms as I looked at them. "Ya?" "We need to talk about what just happened." I took my gluck out then checked the ammo. "Go ahead then." "I think we need to have Carrot put on lockdown or kick him out. He just stood there when we were out there. We can't have a liability like that out there." We all nodded then Filthy when out to the yard and called for a meeting of the group. Everyone gathered around the fire, and I tied his hands behind his back. We waited for him to wake up then once awake we explained what was happening. "Why am I being kicked out for not fighting for all of you!" I crossed my arms as Shining explained that since he left me for dead, he was a liability in a firefight or the dead. Carrot shot back an edge in his tone. "So what!? This is a new world, and it's every man for himself!" I snapped back at him. "You have a wife and two small children! What about their safety and security. I don't know what you are thinking, but I'm sure isn't in their best interest to leave!" "Shut up! We were doing just fine before you showed up! Now, Cupcake won't look at me or let me near my kids!" I grabbed him and pulled him up to eye level. "You call starting to starve fine?!" Shining broke my grip on his collar then pushed me back. I clenched my fist, but Shining nodded his head. I huffed for a few minutes then spit on the ground at Carrots feet, "I vote for kicking him out, is there a second?" "Same here. I have a wife and daughter to protect." "Me too." Filthy and Mark voted and we looked at Shining who sighed then looked down at him. Carrot looked at him, anger in his soul as he looked at us. "Sorry man, but I have a pregnant wife." "FUCK ALL YOU!" He screamed as two men dragged him over to the house they tied him to the iron bars in the steps as I walked over to the station. I grabbed a backpack then walked into the house. II loaded up food, water and a few clips of ammo along with a think blanket tied to the bottom of the backpack. I walked back out to the yard and found Everyone around the gate. I threw the bag down beside Carrot, and I ran up to the gate. "Ash up here!" I rushed up the steps to the overlook and saw an army hum-v. Two army soldier looked up at us. "For the last time who's in charge here!?" The one on the right yelled, and I drew my forty-five as I looked at her. "Why are you here?" They looked at me and noticed the gun as they both put fingers on triggers. "Were looking for a man with a scar over his right eyes. We have to look through your group for him. Now, we can force our way in or you can do the smart thing and let us in to look around." I huffed then napped my fingers. Twelve men popped up on the other stands pointing rifled and shotguns at them. "Now listen, if I had to guess your the army guys hold up in the hospital, but I'd say there's maybe twenty or thirty of you guessing. But I can tell you where you may find your man. There a raider group in the town I killed a few two days ago. But, we have kids here, and we will keep the high ground and kill you if you attack but the second you start shooting will draw the dead in the forest around here will come running. So please take your chances." "Son you know that..." "You heard him shove off!" Flash yelled as he looked down at them then they turned then got back into the hum-v. We sighed then Shining called out for the defenders to take up defensive stations. I had my teen get in hiding places if shifts with the group I had for the clearing. I walked back to Carrot then I grabbed the bag then dragged him to the gate Flash and Shining grabbed his arms and threw him out of the gate. I threw the bag out as the door was shut behind him. We walked away, and I went to find Cake. I walked back into the house then I heard babies crying. I rushed down the hall then found her in the room with the babies in her hands. She had a smile on her face as she was feeding them. She turned when I took a step back. "Oh, hello, Ash, you can come in." I walked into the room and shut the seat down beside her when she nodded her head to the empty seat. "Can you feed Pound for me pumpkin gets fisty?" I took the small boy then took the extra bottle from her side. I started to feed him, and he began to calm down as he drank the milk. While we feed them, Wallflower and Trixie found us in one of the back rooms. They sat down with us, and I held out Pound to Wallflower. She held him close to her chest, and Trixie watched as she fed him. I stood up and told them that I was going to get ready for the night. I walked out of the room, but Trixie ran out behind me. She grabbed my arm then hugged it to her chest. I smiled, and the two of us walked back into the yard. I walked around, checking counts for our food and weapon conditions. Halfway through Trixie pulled me over to the side of the house without windows. "Ash, I have a question?" I looked down at her a raised eyebrow as I looked down at her. "What?" She looked up at me then she looked away. "D-do think you could use a set of hands in your scavenging team?" I felt my heart stop as I looked at her then I grabbed her shoulders. She jumped as I looked her in the eyes. "No, that is the most dangerous thing we do. We have to deal with the dead and the living. Dead chasing you is one thing, but bullets and arrows flying at you is something you don't forget. I can't bear the idea of something happening to one of my team, but if one of you went out there and something happened, I couldn't live with myself." Trixie smiled as she looked at me, then hugged me. I hugged her back and ran a hand down her back. "Come on, let's go back to the tent." She lead me back to our tent a few guys who noticed whistled with how quickly she was pulling me. We walked in and found Wallflower starting a fire in the tent stove. Trixie got annoyed when she saw her, but I pulled her into the tent, but someone grabbed my shoulder. I turned back and as face to face with Gilda. "Sorry, but we need to talk now!" She gripped my shoulder the pulled me away from Trixie and dragged me to the wall overlooking the other mansion. Some of the guys made as many loud sounds as they could then made me climb a overlook they were making so they could shot over the wall. I looked over the was and froze there was at least forty dead in the inner wall that I could see. I saw more walking around. "Fuck that's a lot." "Ya, we need to thin the herd if we want to take the house." I nodded then I had an idea. "Do we still have those longbows and all the longbow arrows?" Gilda smiled then yelled for them to get the bow and all the arrows we had. They threw up two bows up to me and Gilda. Then threw up over a hundred arrows up to us. I strapped both slings of arrows to my side then knotted an arrow. "Go for the close ones Gilda. I have a few years of bowhunting, so I'll take the father targets." "Right boss." I aimed at a dead a little farther off as Gilda shot pne through the skull and the arrow went through the skull then went all the way. I shot my arrow and struck the dead through the face. I smiled as I looked at Gilda. "Lucky shot." I laughed then kept going as the sun slowly started to set. Gilda had managed to kill twelve of then, but I took twenty making her mad as she lost are little game. I took my bow and arrows in hand back to the tent. When I walked in, I stopped and saw both of them in the lingerie I had got them. "Girls." I blushed then looked away from them, but Wallflower got out of bed throwing my bow to the side then took my arrow "Ash, we don't want to share the first so not tonight." She pulled me to the bed, and when I was on the bed, they snuggled into my sides, pressing their bodies into me. I blushed as they hugged me, and I knew I wasn't going to sleep tonight. Carrot pov I ran down the alley as the sun started to set a large group of the dead chasing me. I rounded a corner and felt my heart drop as I looked at the brick wall in front of me. I quickly pulled they gun I had then started to fire as they started to come around the corner. But, after the fourth shoot, the gun jammed and my heart stopped. They jumped onto me, and I felt teeth sink into my flesh as I screamed until I felt my throat get ripped out. Ash pov next morning I stood at the truck the group behind me armored with blunt weapons and sidearms. "Alright, Gilda, Flash and me will be the first over The rest of you come over once we sound the horn." Everyone nodded, and we climbed over the truck then looked around. I had my bat at the ready as a small group of dead start to run at us. "Not let then stack up!" We ran at them and started to smash their heads. After a few minutes, we cleared the seven of them out, and I nodded to Flash. He pulled out then horn the let out two loud hacks. The rest of the group came over, and she started to clear the estate. We clear the dead moving around in the front yard then moved into the house. All the house was clear, and we moved into the side yards and the backyard. We killed another ten as we went then we came up to the houses outback. We broke up into groups of three then entered the houses. Gilda walked with me up, and Flash looked around the first leave checking for any good food after we cleared it. We cheeked everyone room and sighed as we relaxed then we heard gunfire. All of us rushed out of the house and found a man who wasn't part of the group in an army combat uniform. He had two rounds in his chest, and I looked over at the group. Two of them looked alright up I didn't see the girl that was with them. "Where's the girl?" "She's goo, just shocked!" I nodded then pulled out a firework rocket. We set it up then fired it, giving the clear signal. As we started to work out who would get what house and would split between the house and maybe still using the tent. "ARK!" We blinked then turned back as the man started to move around. I grabbed my bat as the thing got its feet. "FUCK!" It rushed us, and it grabbed Gilda, and she grabbed the helmet, stopping him from biting her. The gloves he wore helped him keep the grip then I dropped my bat then pulled out my knife and stabbed him through the underside of the jaw. He let her go then I dropped him all of us looked at him shocked. "Fucking hell." I looked at Gilda as she held her arm. She took her jacket off and checked her arm. It was okay, and she looked up a look of relief on her face. "It's all good, not bites or scratches." I nodded then we started to pile the bodies as some of the teams talked over the walls. Once everything was done, we burned the bodies. I sat down on the steps of the house as everyone was getting ready for the first night in the new homes. I had a bottle of wine in hand I found in one of the houses outback. "Can I get a swig of that?" I looked up at Gilda, and she sat down beside me. I smiled then held the bottle out to her, and she took the bottle. She opened the bottle and took a long drink from the bottle. She sat down beside me s The others started to moved over the truck. as everyone who we asked for came over. Gilda leaned into me a little and took another swig of the wine. "Say, Ash, can I ask you for a fever?" I looked down at her as Wallflower, Trixie and Rainbow walked up to us. "Ya?" Gilda leaned into my side as the girls walked up. "You think you could get me pregnant?" I pit out the wine in my mouth and Rainbow grabbed Gilda by the collar and Wallflower pulled me away from Gilda and Trixie shoved her away as Rainbow pulled her. "HE OURS!" I laughed a little not sure how to go about this. 'of fuck.'
zompocalypse	Chapter 7 mature warning	Dead winter night I walked around the forest looking for any big game. As I walked around I heard a branch snap behind me. I put then pointed my shotgun at Gildas as she walked up behind me. She had a few rabbits over her shoulder. I sighed as I looked at her then lowered the gun. "I was going to shot you, Gilda." She nodded her head as she looked at me then pulled the rabbits off her shoulder. There was five on her shoulder two ok sized but two small ones. "Everything is in hiding and it's the middle of the day. Not to mention the dead are moving slow but they're scaring off most of everything." I nodded then looked around then started to walk again and spoke softly. "Have you seen Flash and Rainbow?" "No, we got split up when a group came upon us. They took off in the way of the safezone." I nodded as I walked then we hear branches snapped and I tackled Gilda into a large hole under a tree then we covered ourselves in snow as quick as we could. A large group of dead started to walk near us. We were just out of sight of them and being buried up to our necks in snow keep us hidden from the sight of the dead but I could still see them. "Ash..." Gilda very quietly started to talk to me. "Wait till they've gone." She nodded then once I couldn't hear them anymore we crawled out of the hole under the tree. We were shaking from the freezing cold and I grabbed her hand then started to run the other way. I knew there was an old cabin a little farther off but it was in good shape. After half an hour we got to the cabin then I forced the door open. Gilda ran in then I shut the door and looked for something to jam the door shut with. I saw an old chair on its side and waved for Gilda to grab it. She did and I forced it under the doorknob. With that, down I pulled out my hatch and when to work on cutting up the wooden sleeves and table to make dire wood. Gilda for her part found some paper as well as a box of matches. We crumpled up some of the paper and I split so of the wood to make help make a fire Gilda opened the box and we saw only two matches. We looked at one another then nodded out heads. She took one of the two we had as I crumpled even more paper then placed them and the small wood I cut in the fireplace. When everything was ready she stuck the on the side and fire can to the match. She slowly bent down with hands shaking from the cold and held the flame to the paper. It slowly started to burn as she threw the rest of the match in the middle. Slowly the flame grew and I slowly feed it the small pieces of kindling. Soon we had a small fire going as I added slight bigger piece. After a good ten minutes we had a full fire going. It warmed our cold bodies as we sat close to the fire. "You know, I never understood the whole by the fire thing until now." I laughed then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Gilda snuggled into my side as the fire started to flicker. "Guess were staying here tonight?" I looked down at her then looked at the somewhat boarded up windows. The sun was starting to set and sighed as I grabbed my shotgun then made sure it was loaded.I handed the shotgun to her then picked my hatch up again. "I'll go make sure were alone so wait here and keep the fire burning." "Right." I spent a good twenty minutes going around the house and didn't find any signs of people or dead in the cabin. I walked back down to the living room and froze. Gilda was in was ina set of white bra and panites with her clothes hanging in front of the fireplace. She saw me looking at her and she smiled as she played with her bra straps. "So... about that baby.~" I quickly turned and marched back up stairs. "Be a man and get back here!" She half yelled and I heard knocking at one of the windows. I ran back down the hatch in hand ready and Gilda had shotgun at the ready as a dead was chewing on the wood. After a minute it stopped then moved on to find something else to chew on. I sighed then looked at Gilda and she looked away from me. I walked over to her then grabbed the shotgun out f her hands. She looked at me fear in her eyes as I sat back down in front of the fire. Then I got back up and walked up the stairs but she reached out to grab me but stopped when I looked at her. "Sit down and I'll be right back." She nodded and I gave the shotgun back to her. I ran up the stairs and grabbed a large but slightly thin cover then ran back down the steps. I walked up behind Gilda then wrapped the blankets around her as I sat down. She smiled as she rubbed her head on my shoulder. "Ash, why do you not like me?" I looked down at her as she looked at the fire. I sighed as I put the guns and hatch to the side then threw a few more pieces of wood to the fire to keep it going. "I do like you Gilda but I have Wallflower and Trixie." She looked up at me then tackled me back onto the ground and sat on my lap. "Well, why not make it three girls? Your a strong man I'm sure you can handle all of us.~" She grabbed my shoulders and leaned down to my face. I flipped us and pinned her arms above her head. "Gilda, if I had three girls none of you would ever let me leave the zone but." I leaned down getting horny as she looked up at me. I let her hands go then started to run my hand down her arms as she wrapped her legs around my waist as I cupped her right breast. She smiled as she locked eyes with me. "Fuck buddies?~" I smiled as I looked at her as I pulled her bra up her cc cup breast bounced out to the sides. I wrapped my arms around her back then pulled her up and sat her in my lap. She locked lips with me and she pushed her tongue into my mouth as we started to make out. I held then lower part of her back as I held the back of her head with my right hand keeping her lips locked with mine. When we broke from the kiss Gilda grabbed my shirt then started to take my shirt off as I started to rub her through her panites. She started moaning as she got my shirt off then smashed her lips into mine keeping the moans as quiet as she moaned. I pulled the panities to the side then pushed two fingers into her and she gasped then she broke the kiss. She was about to scream then I grabbed her and restarted the kiss. She screamed into the kiss as a gush of fluid covered my hand as I pushed another finger into her. She shoved me down then she all but ripped my jeans off and line her opening up with my erection. "You better give me a son!~" Gilda speared herself on my erection with a little blood coming from her flower. I looked at her shocked as she looked eyes with me. "I'm bisexual, Rainbow is too." I grabbed her wrist as I slowly started to thrust up into her. "Cool, but talked about it later." She smiled as she started to bounce on me as I thrust up into her. She let out moans as she bit down on her lip drawing blood as she bite down. I smiled as I thrusted as deep into her as I could when she bounced a little harder. I hit her cervix and her eyes shot open wide as she covered her mouth then screamed as her walls clapped down on me. She arched her back as she sat on me and a gush of fluid covered my groan as she dropped down on my chest. She huffed as she laid on me then I grabbed her and before she I was ready I started to thrust into her again. She gasped then I took her lips again. She moaned into my mouth and wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her hand into the back of my head. She forced her tongue deep into my mouth as I started to speed up and hardest as I could. She broke she kiss and closed her eyes tight as I felt her walls getting tighter again. "Gilda... I'm about to." "Do it inside me, make me your bitch." She growled at me as she pushed herself up then started to bounce again making sure I couldn't pull out of her. I held out as long as I could then she came again and I lost it. I came inside her as she dug her nails into my chest. After she rode out her climax she fell on me again and I wrapped my arms around. We as the fire started to die down after half an hour and I moved one arm from her back to grab a few picks of wood then put them on the fire. When it was going again Gilda pulled herself off me. She fixed her panites then sat up as I fixed my pants. When I had them back on I sat back down and she grabbed my hand and made it cup her left breast over her heart. I felt the beat of her heart through it. Steady and strong as if it was waiting for something. "You know out of every guy in the safe zone your best to have a kid with. Your strong, brave and willing to help no matter what it may happen." She pushed me down to the floor again then grabbed the blanket and covered us to help hold in the heat. She kissed me a few times and I help her close as she laid on my chest keeping my body heat as she did this. "Say, do you think Wallflower and Trixie would mind if I get to keep sleeping with you?" "Don't know, but I wouldn't mind much as a few kids running around would be nice." Gilda laughed as she kissed my cheek then laid on my chest until she fell asleep on my chest I was close enough for the wood to put it on the fire. I fell asleep for a few hours then woke up to Gilda frantically shaking me. I got up quickly about to jump up but she forced me back down then pointed to the window overlooking the forest. I looked out it then froze. A hoard of the dead stood outside the cabin just standing there in the early morning sun. "I heard someone yelling outside the door and it was Rainbow and Flash with a new guy." I looked over to the side of the room and saw them sitting out to the side with a tall man with a bite in his tied hand, He was a tall man with long black hair with a scar over his eye. I got up my bare chest show some scratches marks on the front and Flash laughed as Rainbow glared at me. I laughed a little then got my shirt back on then looked at them. "Are you the only ones out?" "Ya, we made it back last night and put the place on lock down. We're the only one who are out today. Everyone else is held up in the walls while this hoard is in the area. If your worried Wallflower and Trixie were helping to keep the kids in the new house." I nodded as I got ready then I pointed a finger at the man. "And him?" Flash jabbed him with his rifle and the man glared at him. "This guy was trying to climb the wall as left to come find you guys. One of those things bit him before we got in and we stopped the bleeding." I nodded as I looked at them then I looked over to the window. "So how long has the hoard been out there?" "A little over an hour fucker." 'Ya, Rainbows pissed.' I looked at the hoard then sighed as I looked around the forest. "No way out right now." I walked back over to the fireplace then started to look for embers. There was a nice sized pile of embers and I started to get the fire going again. I sighed as I sat down beside the fire and Gilda sat down beside me leaning into my side. I looked at the new guy and he looking down to Gilda a sick smile on his face. I pulled out my knife and he looked at me. "Try it you bastard and it will be the last thing you ever do." The smile on his face turned to a frown as he looked at me. "I'll kill you two and take these bitches." I laughed as I looked at him. "Is that a fact?" He smiled then his nose started to bleed as the bite on his hand. He touched his nose and Flash and Rainbow jumped up as blood started coming from his eyes as he tried to clean the blood from his face. Then he started to scream and I ran over then stabbed him in the head and he was dead the scream stopped after a short but loud yell. I looked up and saw the dead hadn't noticed the yell thank god. I looked at the hoard and saw it starting to thin but not enough. "How far are we from the zone?" Flash shrugged his shoulders as he looked at me. "Maybe half a mile or less." I nodded then I looked at the back door. They seemed to know what I was thinking and Gilda spoke up. "Oh hell no!" She half yelled as she stormed up to me then grabbed my collar as Rainbow and Flash watched. "Your thinking of doing another running act!" I looked away from them and sighed as I looked at her again. "You have a better idea?" I made her let me go as I walked over to the back door then moved the chair out from under the door knob. The followed me in as I pulled out my hatch out of the back of my pants. "I out ran this fucker one I can do it." Gilda walked up beside me as I looked out the back window. A smaller number but If anymore come I wouldn't be able to get through. "Ok, looked I'm going out there and I'll take them as far as I can and circle back around. Flash when you see an opening to get these two back to the zone." Flash looked at me wide eyed. "Your insane Ash, there is no way your going to make it through that many." "Best bet and I'm the fastest plus I know these woods I've been hunting them for years." Flash looked at me a worried look on her face. "You sure?" I nodded as looked at him and he grabbed the door knob as he looked at me. "Ya, I'm sure I'll circle around the creek bed." "I don't like this." I looked at Gilda as I ready myself. "Sorry but it's happening Gilda." I nodded and Flash opened the door then I took off. "Come get some!! Come on!" A large part of them started to follow me as I hit metal objects as I ran making as much noise as I could. I heard them running after me. Gilda pov I watched as Ash was running into the woods with almost all the dead chasing him. "He better come back or I'll knife him myself." "Maybe later after we have a little talk." I looked at Rainbow a frown on her face. I looked at a frown on my face. "I did it once I'll do it again Rainbow. You've known me for years and you know I've waited to find a guy I wanted to have kids with and Ash is that guy. And besides, the fact he's one of the last men standing but the fact that he's saved all our ass time after time." "Did you stop to think of how I'd feel?!" I ignored her as I ran out the door as they thinned enough. Rainbow and Flash ran after me as I dashed through the trees and ok we were halfway through the woods I heard someone running beside us and Ash burst through the three his knife and hatch covered in blood with a sniper rifle with two bags on his sides. "Where the hell did you get those?!" He smiled as he ran beside me. We got into the clearing and I started to hear the dead coming behind us. Ash ran up to the truck and turned bent down hands locked together after dropping the weapon in his hands. Rainbow ran in front jumping and Into Ash hands and he gave her a boost sending her onto the truck I jumped next Rainbow grabbing my arms then helped me up as Flash jumped up as the hoard broke through the trees. Me and Flash threw our arms down and Ash grabbed our hands and we helped him up with a few seconds before a few of the dead slammed into the truck. I hugged him and smashed his face into my chest, my heart was pounding as we looked down at the larger than we thought hoard trying to reach out to grab us. "Fuck, ok I've never doing that again for real this time." I smiled as I helped him up and we jumped down into the second area safezone. I watched as he took the rifle off his back. "It's an Armalite AR-50 bolt action sniper rifle. I found a dead soldier and took this a long with his bags of ammo. I've always wanted something like this growing up." I laughed then grabbed his collar then crashed my lips down on his. "HEY!" I pulled my lips back and looked over to the right. I saw Wallflower and Trixie both looked ready to rip me a new one. I smiled as I hugged him as he tried to turn. I mouthed mine as I looked at them. They looked mad as hell then Ash pinched my side and I let him go. He turned and saw them then smiled for turning and running away threw the rifle ban over his shoulder. "ASH!" They came out running after him as he rounded the main house. I laughed into my hand then started to walk behind them but Rainbow grabbed my shoulder. I looked back at her and she tightened her grip on my shoulder. I pulled my shoulder free then ran after them. I ran to their house and heard them yelling. I opened the door and found Ash against a wall. "Hey!" Yhey looked at me as I closed the door. "What do you want?" "I want to talk to you two about our Ash, Now heavens know this hasn't been easy for any of us but for god's sake there's two of you! He shouldn't have been as spent up as he was!" "Gilda." "Ash let me say my piece." He nodded then walked up the steps and they looked at me. "You two know he's a provider, he's gotten everything we need and he's one tough bastard. You know he just out ran a hoard of those things out there. He is a badass who can and has gotten the job done. I know what her can and ya we had sex too. I don't love him like you two do I just want someone to help me with an itch a fuck buddy. Maybe have a baby our two but don't think for a second that I won't take him if you two don't get on the ball. He's one of the best men here and he's a hell differents from a lot of the men here. He's better than them and you don't know it." I turned then opened the door and walked out leaving them with my words. Ash pov I sat up in the small master room and watched as Gilda walked away. I sighed then looked at the ammo bags. I opened them and saw two ammo cans. I started to check them as the girls walked in one was unopened the other seemed to be half empty. "Want some help?" I looked at them for a second then pulled out the magazines. "Not really but I know you two want to talk." I started to load the magazines if I had to guess I had over three hundred rounds. I had seven magazines and each holds fourteen rounds. I loaded ninty-eight rounds then looked at Wallflower and dropped the magazine in my hand down on the bed. "We want to know if you want kids?" I looked at them for a second then sighed as I set the magazine down. "I can't say I don't but right now may not be the best time." "Yet you fucked Gilda?" I looked away and sighed as I grabbed another magazine. "Look, it happened ok." I started to load it as I spoke. "We were horny and it just happened. If she ends up pregnant then I'll do everything in my power to take care of that baby and Gilda." They looked at one another then they nodded as they looked one another then looked at me again. "Plan b?" I looked at the two of them then I jumped off the bed. "Trixie find the condoms!" 'Fuck me."
zompocalypse	Chapter 8	I sat in the forest with a two-seventy in a rough made hunting shelter off the ground on a platform I in a tree. I made a large hut with a door overlooking a clearing I see deer in almost every morning. A light snow was coming down as I sat in my hut waiting for a deer then I heard light footsteps under me. Then another set and another soon I heard. I quietly as I could I laid down on the wood and pulled a white hood over my head then pulled up a white scarf over my face just under my eyes. I looked out trying to see what was under me. I looked down and seeing a large buck. Following him was a few doe's and I grabbed my rifle and took aim at the buck. 'Stay right there.' I smiled as I pulled the trigger then saw the buck took off running but I saw blood on the ground. "Yes." I quickly got down then started to run after the deer. As I ran I stopped as I saw the buck on the ground. A man almost skin and bones was beside it and I drew my knife quietly coming up behind him. "Mister watch out!" I heard a little girl yelled and the man turned a knife in hand I dropped my knife then drew my forty-five. A woman and a young girl were in the tree line both looked half-starved. The man dropped the knife as he looked at me. "P-please I just want to feed us." I looked at him for a second then I heard groaning. They did too as fear covered their faces. "Fuck, quick grab a leg and help me were going to hid the deer. I have a place not far we can hold up in." He looked up at me for a second then he came to his senses and grabbed a leg. I holster my gun then grabbed the other and we dragged the deer to a tree and I kicked it as hard as I could. Snow fell covering a lot of the deer but I pulled more snow up and the family helped before a dead burst out of the trees. I turned my knife in hand and tackled the dead woman and stabbed in the head. I left the knife as I grabbed the man's arm pulling him as we started to run. "Come on!" They followed as best they could and we got to my hunting area. I got them up the tree as a large group of the dead came running. I climbed up into the blind then pulled up the rope ladder. The dead pulled under the tree and is sighed as I looked back at the family. The man was a little on the older side with black hair in a set of old work clothes. Beside him was a younger woman with brightish purple and white hair. Lastly was a girl maybe ten with curly red hair in a dirty and messy dress. "Names?" They looked at one another then spoke. "Jet set and this is my wife Upper crust. This is Twist a girl we found not to long after this mess started." I nodded then pulled off my backpack as I spoke. "My name is Ash Blade, now who like peaches and beans?" I pulled a few cans of peaches and beans and a few pieces of jerky. I put them in front of them then watched as they quickly grabbed the food. Jet opened the can and handed it to the little girl as well as the jerky. I smiled as I pulled out a large set of wild cat firecrackers. Then set them down beside me as I looked down at the dead as they reached up at us. "Do you live up here?" I looked back at the little girl as the man started to eat from a can. "No, I live in a safezone about a mile away. I'm the leader of the scarging team but I'm also the only hunter which is why I'm out here." "R-really?" I looked at the woman then pulled out my back up knife as I looked at them. "Let me guess you want to come back with me?" I looked at them and they nodded. I sighed then stabbed the knife into the wood. "The count with me is seventy, besides me there are three other leaders. Shining Armor is in charge of security, with Mark and Filthy in charge of the zone and the counts of our supplies as well as keeping the peace." They looked at me as I kicked a leg back and forth in the air as the dead reached out to grab me. "What does it take to join?" I looked at the man as he finished his can quickly. "You have to go into a week-long quarantine then you will be given jobs. Twist will be with the rest of the children in the classes to learn farm and help once there old enough." They smiled as they looked at each other and I pulled out a liter as I looked at them. "We'll run north following the creek bed, if something happens to me and you get away you'll find a road with two huge brick walls. A guard will see you give him the code word scanner and they should let you all in." "What about you?" I struck the lighter then lite the wildcat firecrackers. "Giving us an opening." I threw them as far as I could and a few seconds later the sound of loud cracking came for a little closer than I would have liked. Most of the group took off after the sound and I jumped down when only four were left. I came down on two of them caving in their head I stabbed another one on the head but got grabbed my arm. I grabbed it's throat as it snapped at me and took me to the ground. As I fought with it a blade stabbed through its skull. "Come on!" Jet grabbed my hand and helped me up before we started to run. I ran behind ready to drew any away that may get to close. We ran up to the creek bank and some of the dead started to run out of the trees. We ran fast and busted from the trees onto the road. We started to run down the road and I Saw Flash landing on the wall. "FLASH! SCANNER!" Flash looked our way and saw the dead behind us. He slammed the gate twice opening they quickly as we ran up. I rushed them in as the dead started to catch up. The girl got her hair grabbed as the gates slammed shut the dead pulling on her hair was cut in half. Jet and I quickly grabbed the thing and pulled its hands off of her head. I stabbed the thing in the back of the head then threw it to the side as I stood there looking at it. Then the girl hugged my legs crying as she looked up at me. "Thank you for killing it!" I sighed as I looked down at her with a smile thdn rested my hand on head. "It's ok, I have to protect everyone here after all." She smiled as everyone crowded around us. I waved at the others and they quickly ran over. Shining, Filthy and Mark ran over. "We have three for quarantine get the doc and have them looked over please." "Ok, did you get a deer or pig by any chance?" I smiled as I pulled the rabbits bag off my side then threw them to him. "Jet here helped me bury a full grown buck in the snow to hide it. Once it clears out there I'll go and get it." They nodded and they took them to the tents where I had set up a large pile of firewood with food in the tents with the best blankets to keep them warm. I sighed as I started to walk to the main house on this side and walked into the food storage area. I put what little food I had left back rewriting the count of peaches and beans. "Ash." I looked over my shoulder and saw Cupcake standing behind me a worried look on her face. "What's wrong Cup?" She quickly walked in shutting the door and pulled something out of her pocket. I froze as I looked down at a positive pregnancy test. For a second I didn't know what to do then I looked at her. She looked scared, really scared of what this meant. I blinked then shoved my fears into the back of my mind. "Well, I knew this could have happened. So, what do you want to do Cup?" She put the test back into her pocket then cupped her lower stomach. "Well I'm keeping him or her but I don't know what everyone will think if they find out it's not Carrots." I carefully took her hands off her stomach making her looking at me. "Look, I can't say I know what the hell I'm doing right now but I can promise I'll do or get you anything you'll need. You say the word and it's done." She smiled as she looked at me then leaned in then softly pressed her lips into mine. I smiled as I wrapped my arms around her as she broke the kiss. She rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm so glad you are this baby's father." I smiled as I moved my hand to her face then cupped her cheek. I kissed her one more time then after breaking the kiss I looked down at her. "Say we have three rooms in our house so if you don't want to keep sleeping in an old small side room." She smiled as she looked up at me then pulled me into another kiss with tongue. We broke the kiss and split up and she smiled as she grabbed my junk. "Can mommy have a little fun with daddy?~" She kneeled down and undid my belt but I grabbed her hands. "Not here of all places maybe in a little while later." She frowned then smiled as she looked up at me. 'Fine but I want to try some else next time were alone.~" I nodded the left the room and walked out of the house.I walked over the set of stairs we made to get to the second zone . Once I walked home waving to everyone as I walked. As I walked Gilda walked up beside me a list in hand. I took it and saw a note at the bottom. 'It a positive for a soon to be pa pa." I smiled as I punched her arm as she laughed as she kissed my cheek before running off. "I guess I'll need a replacement member until everything calms down and it's born. Maybe that Jet guy would be a good match.'' I walked up to the house and as I walked up to open the door. I opened our door and walked in. I took off my white cloak and hung it on the hook beside the door and put my hunting rifle on the rifle neck to my shoe rack. I looked around the house wondering where Wallflower and Trixie were at. I walked up the stairs and found our bedroom door open. I walked in and found them holding the twins on the bed. I laughed as I walked in taking my gun and knives off my side then set them down on the nightstand. "About time you showed back up." I smiled as I walked over to my desk in the corner of the room. I looked around the walls and saw a large creek going by both walls. I smiled as I looked down at it. I grabbed a pencil then started to draw on the map. "What are you thinking up this time?" Wallflower leaned into my side while holding pound looking down at me as t drew a line under the wall. "I;ve been thinking about a way we could get a little power." "What about the generator we have?" "We'd only get an hour or so fro that on one side of the zone only in the main house. Here look at this. If we can dig a new creek bed and set up a few water wheels then we maybe able to get a small amount of power. Plus, we won't have to race out through the gate to get water everyday." "So how are you going to do it?" I laughed as I looked up and rubbed pounds hair making him laugh. "With good old fashioned elbow grease. A shovel and pick-axe is all we need and this guy is going to grow up strong as long as I have a say in it." they laughed and I nodded as I sat down on the bed. Wallflower sat down beside me and Trixie leaned into my other side. "Hey ya'll know our extra rooms?" "Ya?" "I offered it to cup so she and this little ones won't be sleeping in a small side room anymore." "That's nice, I hate the idea of all of them sleeping in a small room like that." "Ya, I'll have to get the room ready for them and get some of that old stuff out of there." We talked for a few more minutes until Pumpkin started to reach out for me. I looked down at her and she smiled as she looked up at me a smile on her face as she looked at me. I smiled as I held my hand out then she grabbed my hand. She wrapped her little fingers around my thumb while she laughed. I smiled as I started to move my thumb from side to side. She laughed as i did this and she pulled my hand to her mouth then started to bite down on my hand. I smiled as I pulled my hand free before standing up. "WAAA!" We all jumped as we looked down at Pumpkin as she started crying and screaming as she reached out for me. I sighed as I held my arms out then took her from Trixie. A few minutes later she calmed down and smiled as she grabbed a hold of my shirt with one hand, laughing as she looked up at me I sighed as I looked down at her. "I guess you were a daddy's girl with Carrot uh?" She laughed more as I walked out of the room heading down to the room for her family.nI walked into the bigger of the two rooms Trixie and Wallflower close behind. I saw a dresser and standing closet rack. A small single bed was in the corner with a nightstand in the corner with a blood covered baby crib. "Fuck..." Trixie covered her mouth as she ran out of the room Wallflower ran off with her. I walked out a pit in my stomach as I looked down at pumpkin. After a few minutes Trixie took Pumpkin yelling for me to get that out of the house. I did take it out of the room took out to the yard and cut it up for extra firewood and put it in the huge fire box we keep beside the house. "Hey Ash." I looked to the right and saw Flash with a panicked look in his eyes. As he ran up to me with Shining and Nightlight not far behind. "What's wrong man?" "I got Twilight pregnant and her dad and brother want to kill me!" I rolled my eyes then threw my thumb back to our house and he ran in quickly as the two men ran up. I got in front of the door mad as hell. "MOVE ASH!" I stood my ground and looked Shining in the eye. "Calm down and take a breath Shining, Nightlight. Flash quickly told me what happened and do you think killing him will help Twilight at all? Think of how Cadence or you mother would feel if something happened to you?" They seemed to be calming down so I kept it up. "Flash and Twilight knew what they were doing and they knew there was a chance this could happen so you two need to be there for them. As for Flash I'll be kicking ass later for this be being as stupid as me and Gilda." They laughed a little then they walked off and a few seconds later Flash opened the door. "Thank ma..." I threw my fist out and caught him in the jaw. He fell back down as I put my hands in my pockets and spoke. "Me and you are both damn fools you know? Hell, neither you nor I can keep it in our pants." He laughed as he rubbed his jaw as he stood up then punched me a good one making me fall. "An eye for an eye my friend." "Fair enough." We laughed and he walked over to the second house to see Twilight if I had to guess. I laughed then walked back to the main zone house to help Cake move her stuff to our house. As I walked through the house heard someone yelling my name. "Ash!" I stopped and saw Spoiled Rich waving at me an annoyed look on her face. She had her body hidden from my view. I sighed then start to walk down the hall to the doorway she was standing in. When I was close she grabbed my shirt then pulled me back into the room. It was dark and I heard her moving around then a match was lite and she lit some candles. She sat down in a chair she looked at me, "Ash I have to ask you for help." I looked at her and she held out a list to me. I walked over to her and took the list and froze as I looked down at the list. "Spoiled you know I can't just find this stuff out and about." "Well, where can you find it!?" "Adult shops maybe but the closet one is over thirty miles away. But, why do you want this and down of all times?" She frowned as she looked at me as she pulled out a fancy box then opened it. She pulled out a cigarette then lit it on a candle. "My husband hasn't got me there in a long time." She took a puff of the cigarette as she looked at me. I coughed into my fist as I looked at her then she realised what she was saying. "R-right, well please next time you go out further please try and find some for me." "Sure." I opened the door then quickly walked down the hall to Cups room. I got there a few seconds later and I walked in to Cup half naked with her chest without a shirt or bra on as she was feeding her babies. I quickly walked in closing the door behind me and I noticed how cold this room was. I locked the door then opened over and sat down beside her then I grabbed her hips and she smiled as she stood up then sat back down in my lap.She pressed her back into me and I wrapped my arms around her and the kids. "When did the girls get the little ones back to you?" "Just a little before you showed up and they told me you'd come to help me move what little I have in the room." I rested my head on her shoulder and looked down at the little ones. "So... am I daddy to them now?" Cup looked at me out of the corner then smiled as she laughed. "You were daddy when your brought us here. Carrot was an asshole who didn't care and wanted to do whatever he wanted. I'm glad your our lives now as well as this little baby growing in me right now." I smiled as I hugged them tighter and we sat there for a while until Pound and Pumpkin finished and we got them dressed and after she got a shirt on. She packed up what little she had in the room and I took the bag from her. We walked out of the house and over the steps and to my house. I saw Gilda standing outside of our door with a bag beside her foot. "Gilda?" She looked back at me her eyes red with a large hand print on her face. "Cup go inside your room is on the second floor." She nodded then quickly walked in and once she was inside I sat the bag down then pulled Gilda into a hug. She wrapped her arms around me hugging me as tight as she could. "R-rainbow hit me and kicked me out of our room. S-she said if I wanted to sleep with a man I could live with him and she's quitting the scarvaging team." I sighed now down two members then grabbed both bags and took Gilda to the other room and sat her down onto the bed. I kissed her on the cheek. "Your free to live here from now on and don't worry for one second Gilda. But, things will be a little tight with just me and Flash going out now." She frowned but smiled as she rubbed her lower stomach. "I get it, but I know you two will make it work." I smiled as I kissed her before walked out of the room. I walked into the storage room in the house and grabbed two of the kerosene heater for bedrooms we found in the second house. I took them to the rooms and set them up then got them started and left the rooms opened to let the heat fill the house. I found Wallflower and Trixie in our room getting our heater going to add the heat. I sighed as I sat down on the bed and rubbed my face. "Ash?" "Rainbow quit the scavenging team because of what Gilda and I did." "So it's just you and Flash now?" I nodded and looked up at the map on our wall and I was looking for a safe place for us to grab emergency supplies. I looked at the green zone which we have seen the fewest dead but most of the supplies were gone. I looked around and cursed under my breath as I looked at the red zone. The food bank was there but that part of town was over run but next to it was the hospital was close to it. We need the food and whatever else was there but I didn't want to risk it. "Ash?" "I hate this but we'll have to go to the red zone. It we can get to the food back and those farming hardwares stores. We'll need to clear land to put crops into the ground and get seed to grow food from." "Are you sure about this?" I looked at Wallflower and nodded as i looked at her, "Ya, look I'm going to the main house and talk to him we'll need to really plan this out." I stood up than walked out of the house again then ran through the yard and over the steps. I stopped running and saw Flash walking with Twilight. "Flash!" He looked over at me and I waved him over. He nodded then ran over after giving Twilight a kiss. As he ran up to me as I rubbed the back of my head. "What's up?" I sighed as I looked at him. "Rainbow quit the team and Gilda's pregnant so it's just us now." "Shit." I nodded as I looked at him a frown on my face. "And, I've got more bad news." "What?" "We need to go to the red zone man." "THE FUCK!?" "We need to get to the food bank and we need the stuff from the farm supply store too." "You can't really be telling me the true man." "I hate to say it but ya we have to man. Look, I go with or without you man but I want you to talk it out with Twilight. We both have little ones on the way so you two need to talk about this." Flash looked at me for a moment them looked down at the ground then locked his hands behind his head. "Man come on you just dropped this on me?" I nodded as I looked at him then I patted his shoulder. "Ash..." "Talk over it with Twilight Flash. Yes or no our families will have what they need." "When?" "I'm leaving tomorrow at first light. And If I go alone and don't come back watch out for everyone for me ok?" Flash nodded and I held my hand out to him. He shook my hand then we walked away from one another both of knowing full well this could be the last time we see each other.
zompocalypse	Chapter 9	I sat in front of the gate on the hood of the jeep I drove back in. Some of the people had fixed up the jeep and had metal bars over the windows and rear windshield. I had a trailer on the back to hold more stuff. "Ash." I looked back over and saw Flash and Twilight looking at me a frown on their faces. "I see, well this is so long then." I jumped off the hood then walked over to them. Twilight hugged me and Flash shook my hand. I let his hand go and I turned but Flash grabbed my shoulder. "Ash take these." Flash pulled a few sticks of dynamite and I smiled as I took them. I put them into my jacket pockets as I looked at them. I grabbed Flash's arm and Twilight's arm then pulled them both into a hug. "You two take care of my girls if anything happens." They hugged me back and we broke the hold. Flash patted my shoulder a few times then I walked over to the jeep got in. They happened the gate and I drove out. As I drove into the town I noticed all the dead were nowhere to be seen. I put my hand on the holster on my side and looked in the rearview mirror to look at my shotgun. I looked back at the road and saw I was ten miles away from the hospital and I knew the food bank was a little ways away from the hospital. As I got deeper into the town I started to get scared as no dead started to show. 'The hell is going on?' I pulled up near the food bank and waited in the jeep to see what was going on. Sure enough, I heard gunfire a little ways away and I jumped out of the jeep shotgun in my hand as I ran up to the door. I was locked and I heard gunfire getting closer. I kicked the damn thing as hard as I could and cracked the door. I kicked it again but it still didn't give way then I heard running. I turned my head and saw two men and a young girl running this way. They saw me and started to run this way. 'SHIT!' I slammed my shoulder into the door and it finally gave way. I held the door open and I was waving for them as a hoard of the dead were behind them. They ran in and I and the bigger guy threw ourselves into the door to stop the dead as they slammed into the walls and doors. "Braeburn!" I looked over the girl and saw she had green hair and darker skin. "You two get something heavy to block this damn door!" The second guy had blonde hair and was dressed like a damn cowboy looked around. They threw everything off a big desk then as quickly as they could they moved it over to the door. We moved aside as they forced the desk up to the door and we ran over picked up another desk then set it on top of the other desk. The door shock from the dead but it would hold for a little while. "God damn!" I kicked a computer and as I rubbed the back of my head while holding my shotgun. "Hey, man thanks a lot." I looked over at the guy that helped me hold the door. He was a big guy with blonde hair and he had lost so weight in I had to guess but he was still a huge guy. He had green eyes like Applejack and kind of the ascent. "No problem, but fuck how the hell am I getting back to my jeep." "You've got a car?" I nodded as I turned on a light taped to the front of my shotgun. The sunlight wasn't as bright as this flashlight. "Ya, and I need to get the food out of this place the zone needs it." "Zone?" I looked up at the two as they spoke together. "A safe zone made of survivors from Canterlot high and crystal prep as well as anyone I found about in town." I opened the door into the rest of the building and I looked back at the group. "Hey, just incase I don't come back up here." I pulled out the forty-five I left it on the desk next to the door before I walked into the dark. "Wait up!" The cowboy ran up to me a knife in hand. "You sure about this?" "You helped us when you could have left us for dead but you didn't. I'm sure you're a good guy so ya I got your back." I pulled out my spare light and threw it over to him. He turned it on then we walked in back room and started to look around. "This looks like a records room man. I think they store canned and boxed foods in the basement." "Alright, I'll take point and you get ready to get but to your friends if this goes south. But, let's have a look in these desk and see if there's anything we can use." "Okay." I walked over a desk then opened the drewers and this guy did the same. We found a few bottles of painkillers, headache powered and a few bags of cough drops. We threw them into the back pack on my back. Then moved on to the basement door and found it. We walked up to the door I grabbed the handle then threw the door open and I pointed the barrial down the stairs. I hit the door a few times and nothing came to the steps. "Let's go." We walked down the stairs and at the bottom was shelves of canned food with some boxes off to the side. "Sweet mother of god..." I smiled as looked around and we looked at one another and smiled then I cut my light lose then we started to move the boxes to the main room. When we came back with the first few boxes they came and helped us move the boxes. It took us half an hour to get them all up to the room and the big guy walked up the stairs after we'd finished to see who many were still outside. I sat down in a chair in the corner, and the girl walked over to me with a bottle of water in hand. "Here." I smiled as I took the bottle from her. "Thanks." She smiled, then walked over and sat down beside the cowboy and leaned into his side as he smiled, then wrapped an arm around her. "So... what're your names?" They looked at me then laughed a little. "I'm Braeburn, and this is my girl Chrysalis. The big guy upstairs is my cousin Big Mac." "Big Mac? As in Big Macintosh Apple of the Apple family?" They looked at me, shocked then Bareburn looked at me a happy look on his face. "Ya, how do you know his full name?" "Both his sisters are at the zone." "WHAT!?" We looked over to the steps leading upstairs, and Mac was looking at me. I laughed as I looked at them him then nodded as I looked at him. "If you all want to come back, you have to go into a week-long quintain." "How many people do you have at this zone?" "Over seventy." Their eyes went wide as they looked at me, but I stood up as I looked at Mac. "We can talk on the way, but what's going on, but for now, how many are out there?" He sighed as he looked at me then sat down on the desk next to the wall. "A good few, and we have way too much stuff to move. We'll get overrun the moment we go out the door." "Fuck, we need sunlight for this and going out at night and we're good as dead food." "Ya, but we need to swing by the farm and get the others." I looked over at Mac as he pulled out two knives. "How many at this farm?" "A five more adults one can't walk because of a hurt leg. We even have most of our livestock thanks to the barns we kept them in overnight." I smiled as I looked at him, then I looked over at Braeburn, and he had the forty-five. "If we can have a good bit of this out, we can go to the zone to get more cars, and you all can come to the zone. Nice high walls and lots of people and guns." They looked at each other; then Mac nodded as he looked at me. "Fine, but we need another way out; the front is a no go." I nodded, then put my hand in my pocket, felt something in my pocket then I pulled out the sticks of dynamite. "Maybe we can go out the front." I showed them the dynamite, and they smiled as I pulled out a zippo lighter I found in a desk. "You three get those desked moved and get ready to move. Mac Chrysalis get that door fixed, so none get in. I'll keep the one this doesn't draw off occupied." I pulled the keys out of my pocket then threw them to Chrysalis. She looked at me as Mac and Braeburn pushed the desk out of the way, and I ran threw the door, lighting the first stick of dynamite. "Here, hoping!" I put a buckshot through the head of a dead woman as the dynamite went off farther down the street, drawing most of them away. But a few were still coming at me. "Move!" Mac hit the close one to the door with a huge hammer killing it with one blow. I shoot another shell before the other two made a run for the jeep. I looked at the door and saw a Braeburn and Chrysalis pushing a small car smart car in front of the door. When they were done, they ran to the jeep, and Braeburn jumped onto the driver's seat, and Chrysalis jumped into the front passenger seat, and we jumped onto the trailer. The jeep started up, and we sped off, but a few of the dead were holding on. I kicked one off the side, and I shot another one. The last one fell off the side, her hands still on the side of the trailer. We sighed as we rode down the road, and I laid back into the gate of the back. I looked at the hands then slammed the butt of the shotgun knocking them off "Damn." "Ya, you won't believe the shit I've seen these days. But, I need to get that food and more meds." "There's other food out there." I looked at him while we started to drive out of the downtown area. "Not enough, with a group as big as ours, we burn through a lot. The food back is the best bet, and the farmer's store down the street has everything we need to grow our food once the winter is over." "Eeyep ." I laughed, then looked around and saw a small mom and pop shop I wanted to hit. I waved in the air, and the jeep slowed to a stop as I got up and jumped off the trailer. "What's up?" I pointed to the shop, and they looked at it. "The place is locked up last time I was in town. I missed my chance to get the stuff out of it. There won't be much, but they sold over the counter antibiotics, plus that survive foodstuff that takes years to go bad, and he had six months of dried good in the back. A few months or not, it will all still be good, so I'm going to get it. From here to downtown was a little over a mile away. I should be able to break in without getting the attention of the dead downtown. But If you all want to go and we'll go, I don't want to go back without something." Mac and Braeburn looked at me, and then both got a look in their eyes. "Braeburn!" He looked back to her as he opened the door. "Sorry, hun, but he's right were low on food, and we got a guy who gives us a real chance. Think of nice walls keeping the bites out instead of having to pill into a house with an old wooden fence we have to fix every time it gets knocked over by a bitter. The barns ain't going to hold up forever, neither." She looked panicked but nodded her head as she looked at him. "You still got my forty-five?" She held it up for me to see. I nodded, then pulled a few clips from my pocket and walked over to her door. I opened it then help them out to her, and when she took them, I pulled out my other knife. "Braeburn, give her the keys in case something happens so you guys can jump back on the trailer. "What about you?" I nodded my head as I looked at the ground. "I've taken this road more than once a man." I turned my back to them then started to walk over to the front door, then slung my shotgun over my shoulder and pulled out my knife. I put the tip of the blade onto the glass and slammed the palm of my hand, busting out the window making a loud sound, but none of the dead seemed to have heard it. "Let's hurry." "Ya." We quickly walked in, and I looked around and found the bags and started to grab all the over the counter meds I saw while Mac and started to run the food back out. I ran the meds out two bags full and threw them in the back before running but in grabbing more food as the others ran out. We spent a good hour running in and out before a large group of the dead started running our way as Braeburn was running out with the last of the six months supply. Mac and I killed the first few that got close, and Braeburn jumped in and started the jeep up. We jumped in and started to drive off as a small hoard that came running. "HELL YA HAHA!" Braeburn yelled as we drove out of town the food on the food on the trailer holding on. I smiled as I leaned back into the seat as we drove, and Mac grabbed my shoulder and shook me. I smiled as we drove down the roads heading for the only farm in town. "Say Ash was it?" "Ya." "I was wondering if you have a girl of your owe?" I laughed as I looked at him. "Three and one is carrying a baby for me." They all did a double-take as I smiled and started to explain. The school the few months and how I've lost most of our scavenging team do to mine and Gilda's actions. "I could join when we come back." "Eeyep!" I looked at the two of them and smiled as I looked at them. "Well, before that, you all have to go into quarantine for a week and answer some questions." They smiled as we raced down onto a dirt road heading for a burn and farmhouse with a thick but hold fence around the two with another burn a little further off. I saw a man on the roof of the burn with a rifle aimed at us. He was a much older man with a grey beard, but he was a large man. Braeburn took his hat off and waved it out the window. The man lowered his rifle as we rode up to the small gate. Chrysalis jumped out and opened the gate quickly, and we drove in. Once we came to a stop, everyone came running, and I got out last as the other jumped out of the jeep. All the others looked at me as I leaned on the side of the jeep. "Who this?" I looked at the older man and saw him with three women all looked like they were in their late teens with a second man with a handgun on the porch. They looked like the three sisters who were new to the school. I waved to all of them and got off the jeep. "Names as, and we need to talk." We walked inside, and I explained everything I told the others. I asked them to talk about what they wanted to do, and I would wait outside on the porch. A good ten minutes passed, and the older man walked out and closed the door. "If we come with you, I want to know whos in charge?" "Three other people and I run the place. I lead a team to get food, meds, and anything we need from the town or the surrounding area." "Who else would we have to talk to, so I know my family and these girls are safe." "The two who keep peace in the zone are called Filthy and Mark. We also have a third man security team named Shining. Since I go out to get everything, they trust me to find safe people to let in to the zone. We have a lot of women and children in the zone with a lot of people who can't take this world now." "How big is this zone?" "Fifty acres, and if you have a map, I can show you where." He opened the door and yelled for the town map. A few second later and Mac held a arm out to him. "Here you go." I pulled a red sharpie out of my pocket then quickly and roughly drew out the area then marker the area used as the area of the zone itself. (best I could find) "I see." "Well, this is the main area, but I've been over a hundred acres out to hunt." "Do you think you could clear an area for farming?" I rubbed my chin as I looked at the map then put my finger down to the north were a tree was sparse. "Here would be the best area as it's it on a small hill so anyone who's working could see whatever come around. We could even use the wood to build a cabin or small house for shelter and protection, maybe even a wall around the farm area." the old man looked at me for a second then nodded as he opened the door again and yelled for everyone to get ready to move. I heard them start moving around as he walked back in. I walked over to the jeep, then cleaned out the far back, and the other quickly came out with some bags. "Well, need a minute."I nodded as I watched them move around quickly then I heard the sound of a truck engine. I looked around a corner and watched as a massive truck came around the side of the barn. I looked at Mac and he smiled. "We got ten cows and a dozen pigs left. We can take them with us and if we can take some of the wood from around the barn then we can build pins for them." I nodded and Braeburn, the old man and one of the girls ran over. We grabbed large boards of wood and fence posts as the others helped the man into the jeep before we all moved the cows into the trailer. "What about the pigs?" The old man closed the door and looked back at me. "They're taking them with them to your zone me when they come back for me and you. I want to lock the house down before I leave it." I nodded as I looked at him and told the other where to go then gave Mac the code word scanner. They left and the old man and I tore the fence down then started to hammer boards on the outside and inside of the house. We barred the back down and sat up in the barn once we locked the doors sitting across the barn from the pigs. "So, have any little ones?" I looked up from my shotgun at the man. "Ya, one on the way and two I've taken the father place for the mother." "What happened to him?" I watched as he took out a pocket knife out of his pocket. I sighed as I looked away from him as he looked at me. "Son?" "We got rid of him when he let me and a few others out for the bitter you called them?" He looked at me for a second then nodded his head as he looked down at a piece of wood he started to cut on. "Did you kill him or..." "We kicked him out of the zone but may as well have killed him." The man nodded and we sat there for a while until we heard an engine. It didn't sound like the jeep or truck so we looked out the window seeing a hum-v. "Not them again." I looked over at the old man as he loaded a round into his rifle. "You've seen these guys too?" We watched as the two of the soldiers got out hum-v. "Ya they came by about a week ago and that's when my cousin's leg got hurt. They tried to force us to come to the hospital. We don't know what they want but it almost ended in gunfire." I nodded and we waited for the two soldiers got out. I busted out the window then old man doing the same with his window. "On the ground now!" The first soldier a younger woman dropped on the ground and the man pulled his rifle up and the old man put around through the eye dropping him. He looked at me and I pointed to the girl and then myself. He nodded and I quickly ran out the door looking around as I quickly walked over to her and ducked behind the hum-v beside the woman. She looked at me scared and I pointed my shotgun at her. "You get up and keep your hands on your head and get in the barn got me?" "Y-yes Sir." She quickly stood up and but her hands on top of her helmet as she walked through the barn door and I ran from my place behind the hum-v. I shut the door quickly and the old man had her at gunpoint. "Hun, I don't want to put a bullet in your head too so you need to start giving us some anwears about what's going one." She looked at us scared as she got down on her knees as I looked out the window. "Look, all I know is this thing is global and we are tofine every survivor we can. We lost contact with the higher ups about a month ago. There are only a dozen of us not counting the guy to just killed." I looked over to her then asked her and ask a question. "What was a sniper doing near our safezone?" She looked at me as her face drained of color. I pointed my shotgun at her making sure she got my point. She nodded as she looked at me. "Same deal but I heard they were looking for a mercenary that was with them. He raped a woman and ran off he had a scar but I don't know where." I nodded then threw my shotgun over my shoulder then looked around. I saw a rope on a wall then I walked over to the wall and grabbed the rope. "Miss please put your hands behind your back. Were going to take you and the hum-v with us when we go." She looked between us and did as I told her and I tied her hands behind her back. Once I had her hands tied we heard another engine this time it was closer to the sound I knew. I looked out and the jeep came up to the farm. They pulled up to the farm Rainbow and Flash got out first as Braeburn jumped out a rifle in hand. I walked out of the burn the girl with us. "Ash!" I got a look at Flash and I burst out laughing as I looked at him bruised face and black eye. He looked at me pissed then spit on the ground. "Ya, ya laugh it up when we get back Gilda is going to have your ass for taking off without telling her." I froze and started to sweat as Rainbow and him laughed under their breath. "Oh fuck..." "Ya your girl was mad as hell." I looked at braeburn and he had a bruise on his face too. "When I got close to her she damn near knocked my lights out." "Ya that's Gilda and I hope you didn't hit back she is pregnant." He nodded as he leaned against the jeep and rubbed the bruise. "Ya, an older lady with pink curly hair talked her down but she was cursing up a storm as we left." I gulped as I wiped the sweat from my brow. As he looked at me and then I slapped the sides of my face and we all loaded up in the jeep and hum-v. It took me a good minute to find everything and Rainbow for her part made her tell her to load and fire the fifty cal mounted on the roof. Rainbow smiled as she started to play with her new toy. I laughed as we drove back into town to head to the food bank. Rainbow with a smile on her face started to fire into a huge group of the dead ripping them apart with the larger rounds. Once it was cleared we drove over the dead and rode right up to the still placed door and the security team came driving down in the van and truck we had reinforced. Shining and his teamed jumped out quickly started to fire as we got out of the Hum-v and jeep. Me and Flash pushed the car out of the way and me and five other ran in grabbing boxes and moving them as the gun fire drew even more dead in. Rainbow gave a blast of the fifty cal anytime the dead started to pill up to much. We held for a good ten minutes before we had more than half of the food out. I pushed the car back and we jumped back into the vehicles and I lead the way in the hum-v. "Hell YA!" Rainbow yelled as we drove down the road to the zone. I laughed as I looked over at the girl and she was looking down at her feet. I smiled as I reached over and shook her shoulder and she looked up at me. 'When was the last time you've had real meat?" She looked at me with wide eyes and slight drool on the side of her mouth. I smiled as we drove into the forest and after a few minutes we pulled up to the gates and saw the rest of the security team on the wall. Rainbow waved at them and they opened the gate and we drove in. Once we got parked and the rest of the team got out to start unloading and I heard a scream. I jumped out hum-v and saw a man on the ground with a man on the ground with blood coming from his nose and eyes. I pulled my knife and ran at him as he started to scream as blood flew from his mouth. I kicked him onto his back and slammed a knee into his chest then stabbed him in the head. I saw a blood stain on the shoulder and I grabbed it then I pulled the knife out then grabbed his shirt and pulled it down. A bite was right on his shoulder with a good bit of blood coming from it. I sighed as I stood up and looked down at the man. He was one of the guys from the school I think his name was Grable. I sighed as I stood looking down at him then looked around. "Bite check everyone!" The guards that didn't come with them ran up and started to check everyone on by one and didn't find any more bites. I looked at Filthy and mark as they got close. "I've got something for the two of you." I reached into the hum-v and grabbed the girl then helped her out. "A soldier!?" They ran over and the girl tried to run but I kicked her legs out from under her. She fell to the ground as they got over to us. They helped her back up then grabbed her hands and took her to the room we made into a cell. We had sealed off the rooms side room and set bars onto the windows. The goor was turned so the lock was on the other side. I wiped my hand on the grass then walked over the wall as the others unloaded the boxes. Once I was over I saw all my girls waiting Cup had her children. Gilda, Wallflower and Trixie all smiled as they ran over to me. I smiled as Wallflower and Trixie jumped into my arms and Gilda grabbed my shirt then hugged all of us. Cup smiled as she looked at us and I let them go once Gilda let go. Then Gilda punched me in the face dropping me to the ground. I rubbed my cheek as I looked at her. "I deserved that one I'll give you that." Gilda huffed as she walked back to the house. I laughed a little then and I heard someone running as I stood up. "ASH!" Two bodies crashed into my side and I dropped my shotgun as we round on the ground. I landed on my back and looked up. Applejack and Applebloom were on top of me and I saw Mac running up. I laughed as I got them off me. Wallflower and Trixie helped them up as I got to my feet. Once I was standing Applejack hugged me and Applebloom hugged me around the waist with her head buried in my gut. I ruffled her hair and patted Applejack's back. "Ok, ok come on now. Let me go I want to go sit down." AppleJack let go but Applebloom held on and I noticed my shirt was getting wet. I looked down at her and she softly sniffing. "Bloom?" Applejack put a hand on her shoulder and she looked up at us. Her eyes were puffy and red with tears running down her face. I sighed as I pushed her head back into my stomach. "Get it out of your system." She muttered a thank you and she hugged me tighter. I hugged her back and I waved the girls back to the house. I had a job to do here as emotional support for Bloom. They waved and walked off while what was left of the apple clan walked over. I smiled when MAc put a hand on my shoulder. He smiled at me then nodded as the old timer and Braeburn looked on.
zompocalypse	Chapter 10	Ash pov two weeks later I sat in the office of the main house around the table was Shining, Filthy, Mark Jet with the old man sitting across from me. The room with lite with the fire in the fireplace in the office sidewall. We looked at one another then Mark spoke up. "Ok, if no one else is going to say it I will. We need to expand sooner or later. We can't keep the livestock in the main zone. People will start getting sick and then we'll be worse off than we are with our low gas and kerosene." I nodded as I looked down at the table. "He right, but we're hit every gas station in the town but in downtown but the hoard there is too much for us. And, even if we could get in once we start shooting its game over." "What then?!" He slammed a fist on the table as he looked at me. "Your team has six people now. Are you telling us even with that many people we can't get gas or kerosene?! Then there's Twilight, Gilda, Cadence, and Cupcake! All of them are pregnant and Cadence can't but a few months or so, from giving birth. We don't have the ability right now to keep them alive if something happens." Shining shot him a nasty look but I wasn't going to just silently take his shit. "You know what, fuck you!" I stood up slamming my hands on the table shocking them all. "My people and I go out there day after day getting what we need. We know better than anyone here how bad it is! We can't find everything we need and with the small fights were having with the soldiers every now and then is a heavy drain our resources. I'd love to see you do better out there Mark." I sat back down as he looked at me with an angry snarl on his face. "Watch what you say, Mark, Ash has a good point." We all looked at Shining as he stood from his seat. "They're out there taking all the risk while we all sit here safe and sound. Ash, Flash, Rainbow, Big Mac, Braeburn, Chrysalis are taking on the most dangerous job. None of us could do the job they do." Mark with a look that could kill leaned back in his chair arm crossed as he looked around. It was clear that he wasn't going to get any of us on his side. "Ok, what about the next town over?" We looked at Jet as he stood up. "It was a much larger town so there may be more dead around but they have a hospital that's meds we need and there is two superstores. It could have what we need." We all looked at him then nodded as I looked at him. "How far is the town?" "Maybe four hours but it would take a while to get everything." "I get it, we'll have to stay out overnight right?" "Ya." "Can you all go tomorrow morning?" "Ya, that sounds like a plan I'm going to see what we have ammo wise. Shining my votes with you is anything that happens." "Right, Ash." I walked out of the room fixing my coat as the cold air rushed me. As I walked I saw Spoiled Rich walked down the hall with a long coat slightly shaking as she walked. She saw me walking down the hall smiled and waved as she looked at me. "Hello, Ash, how did the meeting go?" I rubbed my eyes as I looked at her. "I came close to attacking Mark when he tried to say so stupid shit." She frowned as she looked at me then nodded her head. "Yes, he was a CEO before and he can't take it when someone talks back." I nodded as I noticed she had a bag with steam coming from it. "Food for the girl?" She nodded and I smiled as I took it from her. "I'll take care of it, Filthy will need a hand when it's said and done." "Ok." She walked behind me as I walked to the cell room one of the few rooms we still had heated. I looked at one of Shining's guards who was sitting in a chair beside the door. He was a guy about my age with blonde hair with a coat with blue jeans. "Lunchtime?" I nodded and he stood pulled out a key and unlocked the door. He opened the door and a small wave of heat came out making both of us smile from a little warm air. I walked in and found the girl in a t-shirt with a thin coat in her army pants. The door closed behind me and locked it. "Oh hey is time to eat or more questions?" I held up the bag and she smiled as she walked over to me. She was a cute girl with short black hair with red eyes. I smiled as I gave her the bag then turned to leave but she grabbed my shoulder. I looked at her and she smiled as she looked at me. "Thanks for bringing me here I hated the army. It sure wasn't what I thought it would be when I was eighteen." I nodded as I looked down at her and she turned then walked over to the bed. I knocked on the door and it opened up for me. I walked out then started down the hall then out the front door. I saw Mac and Braeburn sitting over by the fire cooking something in a large hanging pot. "Guys!' They looked up at me as I walked up to them. "Ya Ash?" I sighed as I sat down in the snow beside Mac as he stirred what looked like a stew. "Well, I'm going to tell it to you straight. Were going on an overnight scavenge one town over." They looked at me for a second but I sighed as I pulled out my forty-five. I pulled out the clip and checked it. I had twelve rounds in the clip with one in the chamber, this made me sigh. I but the clip back in then holstered the gun. 'I know I have five shells back in my shotgun at all times and a half-empty box of shells in our house.' I looked at them then sighed as I looked into the fire as we sat there. "How much ammo can we get to take with us?" I rubbed my eyes as I looked over to Braeburn as he pocked at the fire with a long iron stick. "Bare minimum, we're starting to run low from what I saw on the counts but I still have to look at the ammo itself in a few minutes." "How many of us are going?" "Me, you two, and Flash. Then after Twilight and my girls finished kicking my ass we'll go." The two of them laughed as they looked at me. "Think about what you're going to tell your sisters and your girl Braeburn," I smirked as they both suddenly turn white as I started to laugh a little. "Good luck." I stood up then ran off when Mac tried to grab my leg before I ran away from them. I ran over the steps and jumped on the ground then took off to Flash and Twilight's place. I ran up to the last house in the row of the house me and the others lived in. There were six altogether all taken but Twilight and Flash were the last to move into the house after Twilight's dad tried to break Flashes arm. I walked over to their front door then knocked on the door twice. A few seconds later it opened and I almost laughed at the shirtless and clearly pissed Flash. "What do you want?" He was talking with an angry tone to his voice. I laughed then nodded my head as I looked at him. "Were going out tomorrow for an overnight just you, me and Mac and Braeburn." "WHAT!?" I heard Twilight yell and I turn then ran to my house as I heard Flash yell in pain. I quickly ran into my house scared of what Twilight was going to do. I rushed through the door when it opened then slammed the door putting my back on the door. "Ash?" I looked back at Wallflower as she looked at me from the living room. Sat on her lap as Pound cake with Gilda holding a sleeping Pumpkin in her arms. I sighed as I locked the door then walked over to the chair on the corner. I sat down and Trixie walked in with a few bottles of water in hand. "Here you girls go." Trixie handed the drinks to Wallflower and Gilda before walking over and sat down in my lap. I had gotten used to this so I wrapped my arms around her as she leaned back into me. "Wow, Ash is back before dark." We looked at Cup as she walked in drying her hands on a towel. She sat down beside Wallflower taking pound from her. Pound started to throw a little fit but stopped when she put a pacifier in his mouth stopping him before he could get going. I laughed a little as I looked at him then sighed as I cleared my throat. They looked at me then I explained what was going to happen. As expected they were mad at me but understood it had to be done like it or not. Soon we went to our rooms and Wallflower and Trixie's hand moved as close to me as they could. I hugged them then about an hour later I was woken by a knocking sound. I got up and saw the sun just starting to go down. I slipped out from between the girls then walked downstairs as the knocking came again. I opened the door as Spoiled was about to knock again. She had an annoyed look on her face and I saw very happy either. "What do you want?" not missing a beat she grabbed my shirt then pulled me close to her face. "Come to the main house in twenty minutes I need to talk to you without someone hearing us." I nodded then she let me go when Flash and Mac were walking around the houses with wood in their arms. She walked off and I noticed were as in her dress as she walked with her short coat. "She's got a nice ass.' I walked up to the guys then I saw Twilight walk out the front of the house with Sunset close behind with a head of messy hair. They spotted me and I smirked as I looked at them. Sunset blushed then she took off and I laughed as I looked at her running away. I looked at Flash when they noticed her running. I smirked as I looked at Flash and he smirked as he looked at me. "Your not the only one with two girls." I laughed then I started to walk to the main house. I smiled as I walked watching the kids run around playing in the snow. I smiled then walked over to the main zone and saw them gearing up the Truck and jeep adding a little more armor for our protection. They had trailers hooked up with small metal walls around them. I walked over to the house then opened the door and started to head for Spoiled office. I got to the office then walked in to find the girl with her hands tied behind her back sitting in a chair with Spoiled sitting in her chair. "Ah, Ash 'i'm glad you came so quickly. Rose would like to join your team as she knows the city as well as she wants to join our settlement." I looked at her for a second then smiled as I pulled out my knife I walked over to her then cut her hands free. She rubbed her wrist as she looked at me then I waved her up. "Come on, we have one free room in a house near mine. If your going to stay here you'll need a place to live." She stood up then followed me but before we walked out i stopped then took my coat off draped it over her. "It's a little colder outside and you'll need that more than me. She smiled then we walked out of the house then through the zone. The kids ran up to her and asked her who she was and what team she was part of. She laughed and told them she was joining mine before her quickly walked off and I took her over to the second house. We walked in then I took her to the spare room not to far from the mess hall. I walked back to the house and found Trixie in the living room with a book in hand. "Another meeting?" "No, Spoiled wanted me to let the army girl join in the mission." She nodded then marked her place in the book then she looked up at me a smile on her face. "Everyone's still asleep you should have seen Wallflower holding onto a pillow like it was a teddy bear." I laughed then sat down in my chair and she got up then sat down in my lap I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. She laid her head on my chest but then she turned and laid down on top of me. I smiled down at her as she looked at me a happy smile on her face. "Want something?" "A kiss maybe?~" I smiled then grabbed her face and kissed her lips then pulled her up as we laid there. Trixie smiled then started to move her hand lower but I laughed then grabbed her hand. "Not now Trixie, If you and Wallflower can wait a little longer and when I get back I'm all your ok?" Trixie smiled as she laid on my chest then I leaned back. Eight hours later I walked down the stairs with Mac, Flash, Braeburn and Rose with me. "Rose your with me in the van. Mac you and Burn in the truck you'll be on defence. Flash you get into the jeep with the extra armor." "And then some." I looked ahead and saw Shining standing beside the truck with some hammers and a few spiked bats. "The hell are you doing here?" "Look, I know this isn't my beat but I want to make sure everyone comes back ok." I looked at him then nodded my head then walked up to him. I grabbed his coat and turned him. "Walk for a second." He nodded then we walked over to an empty area of the yard. "What is this about Ash?" "I want you here Shining incase Mark wants to try something. You saw that look on his in that room. If we both are gone then he's got free run of this place. Give me someone else if you want us to have extra hands but not you. We need someone who came to keep him in check here at all times. Think of your wife if we leave and something happens there will be no one to protect her or the others." He sighed as she looked at me then rubbed his chin then looked up to the wall then back to me. "I see what you mean so just give me ten minutes to find someone." "Fine, but we only have five pillows and blankets." "I'll be sure to let him know what to bring." I nodded then he turned and ran off to find someone. We waited and soon enough a Spitfire ran up with a thick blanket and a pillow with her. She was in a thin coat and a rifle and scope over her shoulder. I sighed as I looked at then rubbed the back of my head. "You with Flash in the jeep and everyone get one of the hammers or bats. We don't have a lot of ammo to use and I want to save it as long as we can so only short when we have too." They all nodded then got one of the weapons. "Ok mount up!" We all got in and drove out of the gate. Ash pov We rode down the back roads having only stopped a few times at a couple small gas stations getting as much gas as we could. We raided the stations for canned foods and soda cans. I pulled out a map and looked at the road we were on. "How far out are we?" Rose asked as she drove down the road the sun starting to set. "A few more hours out but it's starting to get late we need to find a place to hunker down for the night." "How about one of those backwoods motels? I saw a sign for one a few minutes ago." "That good let me call it in." I reached down and grabbed a radio I had in the van. "Mac, Flash come back." A few seconds later I heard them. "Sup?" "Ya?" I pressed the button then started to talk when I saw the sign for the motel. "Were calling it for the night and were parking and hunkering down in a motel parking lot. I know it's going to suck but were sleeping in the vehicles. It's safers and with the extra gas cans we have we can sparingly use the heat understand?" "Ya, I'd rather be safe the sorry." "Alright but what are we doing about sleep rotations?" "Were not the windows and door a reinforced lock down then sleep but no one in the driver's seat we can't risk you falling on the horn in your sleep." "K." "Understood." Rose pulled over to the motel parking lot which was half empty. I opened the door and got out a gas syphon pump in hand then opened the back of the van and grabbed two ten gallons gas cans we took from the last gas station. Everyone got out and Flash walked over to me as everyone started to look around. I popped the first gas cap as a dead banged on the window from inside the car. I put the pump inside the tank then started to pump. "So, what do you think we'll fine?" I looked up at him as I pumped and heard the gas start filling up the first ten gallon can. "Not sure, but we get everything be can." A few minutes went by then the car was tapped. I pulled out the pipe like hose then we moved to the next car. I popped the cap then started to pump the gas again as Flash walked off then rose walked over to me bat in hand. "Can I ask you something?" "Hm?" I pumped the gas as she leaned on the car. "How didn't you shoot me like you did the corporal?" I stopped pumping then looked at her. "Enough people have died you didn't need to die too." I started to pump the gas again. She smiled then kissed my cheek and I stopped and watched her run off around the van and Mac and burn laughed as they looked at me. I nodded then started to pump again and was lucky and found a full tank and filled the ten gallon can then quickly switched to the second ten gallon can. And finished the pump. A five of the can was filled then I moved to the only truck and was the lost vehicle. It was a ninety-five ford one-fifty with two gas tanks. But the were both low bit I still go a two gallons out of it. We loaded the can into the back of the truck with the rest of the gas then locked the camper top. "Who wants to check the vending machine to see if we can get something still good." We all nodded then Mac and Flash walked off to the vending machine around the corner and me, Burn, Spitfire and rose quietly killed the dead in the car then when Mack and flash came back with bottles of soda and of jerky walked back we moved the car to try and make a wall. On either side of the trailer hooked up to the jeep. We made a small but hole filled wall but it was better then nothing. He back the trailer into the hole then we filled the holes as best we could. We loaded back into the vehicles then got as comfortable as we could be as the sunset. We locked the door then I placed the bars we have for extra locks so the door couldn't be forced open if someone broke the locks. Put the back seats down and we laid on them looking to the roof of the van. "Can I lay next to you?" I turned my head and saw she was already laying close to me. We both hand bigger blankets and it would be warmer if we shared them and out body heat. "Sure." I got up and he moved over butting her blanket where I was laying then I laid back down and she cuddled into my side her pillow right next to mine. I looked to the right of my pillow as saw my Glock and radio. I sighed then I turned and held Rose with my other hand on the Glock. Rose fell asleep after half an hour but I was wake not liking the lack of walls. About thirty more minutes passed and I was finally falling asleep when the radio sound with Flash's voice and he was trying to be quiet. "Ash! Mac! Guys wake up now we got something or someone right outside the jeep. They can't see us through the metal sheets but whoever is out there is trying to get in. Can either of you see how many there are?" I gripped my Glock then moved away from rose who had already woken up from the radio. I moved to the front of the van then turned a moveable part of the van's armor just a little to lookout. I looked in the mirror and saw a dead in the moonlight. Its arm looked stuck on part of the metal. I looked around and saw it's another arm stuck on the vending machine we mover to try and block the larger opening. 'Fuck!' I holstered my Glock then locked the armor back down. I started to talk to the radio. "There's a dead stuck to piece of the metal in part of the armor. I think I can get out and get it really quickly." "No, don't risk it we don't know if more are out there. We can just ignore it as it's not that loud so don't worry about it." "Ok, but make sure all the jeep doors have the bars set to make sure it can't get the door open." "Got it." I moved back to the impromptu bed and laid back down and Rose snuggled back down into my side. I pulled my Glock back out and waited now hearing the groans of the dead. Soon enough we fell asleep after half an hour. Ash morning pov I opened my eyes and saw the beginning of the sunrise. I could still hear the dead groaning and I got up Rose trying to hold on but me moving woke her up. "Sun goes back down...." I laughed then rubbed my face and grabbed my nail bat. I unlocked the driver's door then got out and saw the dead and one more stuck in the same place the first got through. I walked over to the jeep then swung the bat down busting the skull wide open. Then I bang on the metal and then the truck. I walked over to the last dead then caved in her skull. I pushed her body back as everyone got up and started moving around. "Spitfire you, me and Flash are going to get some wood to cook breakfast. Mac the three of you get the cooking pot out of the jeep back and whatever you want to make." "Right boss." I nodded then the three of us jumped on the hoods of the cars then we walked over the hood then jumped off onto the street. We walked off to the woods then started to gather as much wood as we could. Soon we all had arms full then went back and climbed back over the hood. We dropped the wood then I looked at cars and took the first watch in the bed of the truck. They opened five large cans of beef stew then borrowed the cans into the large cooking pot. They talked and laughed as they sat around the pot the fire starting to pick up while I watched the tree line. But then we heard an engine coming our way. I stood up shotgun ready and the others were at the ready to fight. A junker rolled up to the motel and an older woman got out and I saw a little boy in the backseat window looking at us. She was a skinny woman but not starving yet but as starting to. "Stay right there!" She nodded hands up as she looked at us. She had a large chest with an hourglass figure with a set of beautiful blue eyes. The boy had brown hair with a hat with a fan on the top of his head. He had a brown jacket on with light brown eyes looking at us. "C-can you please spare some water?" I looked at the boy then looked down at Mac and Burn. "Guys move the vending machine and threw a few more cans into the pot." The quickly moved it then I walked out Rose and Spitfire close behind me. I pulled out a few bottles of water and a couple of sodas. The boy popped out of the car and up to me and asked for the cola I had in my hand. I smiled then gave it to him as well as a bottle of water then have the mother if I had to guess. Two more bottles of water then we welcomed them into the little safe area. We placed the vending machine back in place and they sat down near the fire. I got back on the bed of the truck but the boy kept looking up at me. I rolled my eyes then slapped the sides of the truck and he smiled then jumped up. He ran over then climbed up over the back of the truck. He sat down beside me on the toolbox and he talked and talked but I didn't mind much. But, a few more minutes they brought us small bowls of stew. The boy quickly eats his bowl then I gave him mine seeing he need it more. He thanked me then eat the stew quickly and then looked over at his mother. "Hey mom can we stay with this group?!" I grabbed his mouth then looked around my Glock in hand. No dead popped out and I looked down at him then put a finger to my mouth. "You have to talk quietly the dead come running when they hear something or see something moving." "Ok, sorry." I smiled then patted his head before I looked down at his mother. "Flash." He nodded then jumped into the bed of the truck and I jumped off then waved for her to follow me. She followed me and Rose quickly followed us. I holstered my Glock then started to talk to her. "Your free to come with us but were heading to the larger town a few hours from here. Were looking for food, meds and whatever else we can get our hands on. If you two don't mine riding in armored cars and waiting when we gather things your free to come back." She smiled then grabbed my hand as wide smile on her face. "Yes! Thank you!' I waved her down as I looked around trying to look for something that wasn't there. "Look, we need to be quiet. Look, We live inside a walled zone and it's nice and safe but you have to earn your keep so what did you do before the fall and your name?" She nodded then spoke in a quieter voice. "I'm Cream heart, I was a baby care expert and wet nurse." I laughed then smiled as I looked at her. "Well, you'll be a lot of help we have women carrying right now and on is close to giving birth in a few months." She smiled then clapped her hands and we walked back over to the fire. The sun was coming up and I ate what was left and we got the gas out of her car and grabbed a few pillows and blankets from a room where we didn't find any of the dead. We loaded them into the van with us then we left driving a few hours stopping at gas stations filling up with as much gas as we could. We found boxes of canned food and lots of water filling up the first trailer with all that and we locked the trailer up then we reached the edge of the city. We saw the first superstore and we circled up the got out in the center making a wall all around us. "We've got a lot of food and water now and we still have a large store of food back at the zone. I say we go back with the stuff we've got and focus on getting everything we can meds and equipment to handle this stuff." "So the hospital?" "Ya, that would make the most since so we need a plan going in. What are we looking for and how much can we get?" "I can help you with that." We looked at Cream as she pulled out a notepad I kept in the van. She quickly wrote down a lot of stuff then spoke as she read off the list. "Look for painkillers or epidural, Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Macrolides, Fluoroquinolones more more commonly called ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. But the most important thing we could get our hands on would be Amoxicillin." "Don't people use that as a drug?" Cream rolled her eyes then started to talk again. "It's an inexpensive drug used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections which we could really use if the other meds don't help. A large hospital would have all of these and we could raid a pharmacy to get even more meds." Everyone looked at me and I sighed as I rubbed my eyes then looked at Cream. "What would we need for a birth?" "We don't really need the full set up but a tool kit or two would be great if we need and emergency c-section or have a breach birth." I nodded then looked around at the signs above our head and saw a sign for the hospital. "Well hit up the hospital first then the well hit a few pharmacys then we'll leave I don't want to be in the city at night. No walls around us armored or no armor we could get surrounded then were stuck." They nodded then we loaded back up then and drove into the city. I grabbed the radio after a few miles then hit the button. "Has anyone seen a dead in the last few miles?" "No." "I was hoping not to see one and this would go smoothly." I nodded then we rode up to the hospital. I pulled my Glock out then held it out to Cream and she looked at it. "You know how to use it?" "Ya, but I'm out of practice." She took the Glock and I nodded as I loaded my shotgun then looked at Rose. "You stay here with Cream and her son." "Got it boss." I got out with the others waiting with duffle bags in hand. I waved two fingers to the closed doors then we rand over. I looked at Flash then he held up a crowbar the we forced the first door open I banged on the glass door and sure enough a dead ran up to the half open door I slung the twelve garage over my shoulder then pulled my bat out. I crushed her head then we pulled the doors open. We turned on our lights then moved in and over to the desk where they keep a floor listing. I spoke low as i heard a few dead groaning and moving around behind a door. "Pharmacy is on the fourth floor and maternity is on the second story over in the second building. Well hit the maternity then head up to the fourth floor." They nodded then we headed over to a stairwell. I opened the door bat ready and it was as good as when I opened the door two dead were waiting. I hit the closest one down the steps as Flash stabbed the second one with his knife. I moved up the stairs quickly not wanting to stick around after the sound of the dead falling down the steps. "Guys!" Spitfire slammed a door opened then we rushed into the second lever floor ready to fight. Nothing came out and we broke up then started checking rooms. The whole floor is empty after we looked around everywhere we could. We filled it with clean needles, all the meds in the cabinets then we broke into the supply room. We found a ton of the meds Cream wanted us to find with boxed of medical tools. I tipped then two to a person then we walked down the steps and checked for any dead that may have come in. Two had walked up and were standing in the doorway. I looked at everyone and saw I or Mac would have to deal with it. I sat the boxed down then got ready. They nodded then I rushed out the door and cracked the first one and the others ran as the second jumped on me and I shoved the handle of the bat in its mouth. He locked his grip around the bat then Mac came running back in with a single hand hammer. It hit the back of the dead's head with the end someone pulled out nails with. He ripped him off me and grabbed my hand then we ran out me leaving the bat behind. "We need to go now! I looked around and saw a mass of dead come running the main street. We jumped into the cars then gunned it out of the city and didn't stop till we reached the motel. We got out and looked around then took stock of what we had now. We got a good stash of meds along with a few hundred different things. So ivs, ten general purpose procedure kits, A four staple guns for a c-section and stitch kits with everything else you could think of. "We still need more." I nodded as I looked over at Flash as he spoke an annoyed tone to his voice. "Ya, but going back is a go. Best bet would be go back and drop off we have and hunker down for the rest of the winter. We have well over two hundred gallons of gas and that should be good enough for a while." We all nodded then drove off another hour before locking down and laid down for the night. I was sleeping in the passenger seat then i felt the van moved and Rose was looking at me. "I'm worried about that hoard we saw do you think it's following us?" I sighed then nodded my head before I spoke to her. "Not sure, just pray it doesn't." She nodded then I closed my eyes as she moved back over to the two other people in the van as I fell asleep. Gilda pov Morning had come and I was dressed ready for the cold air and looked at myself in the mirror. My stomach was till flat but my breast had started to swell a little. I smiled as I put my hand on my stomach then walked out of my room and found everyone in the living room. Wallflower was reading with Trixie was playing with Pumpkin with Cup cooking some brown rice and some fish Rainbow and Chrysalis had gotten from traps Mac and Braeburn set up before they left. I walked out into the snow covered yard and saw Applejack and some of the others working on making usable wood from trees to help finish the fence. "Hey miss Gilda!" I looked to my right and waved at Applebloom as she was sitting with her friends next to a fire keeping it going. I smiled then waved at them as I walked over to the main house. I walked in seeing the guards sitting out in front of the supply room. I walked up to them and they looked at me. "I just need more toilet and paper towels." "In the back on the right Gilda." I looked back and saw Spoiled as she walked out with an arm full of papers. "Thanks Spoiled any sign of our boys?" She nodded then walked into the room with me. "No and so you know Mark is out for Ash's blood. He's pissed everyone is siding with Ash and not himself." I grabbed the items we needed then looked at her. "You know as long as he's acting like these he's going to lose what little power he has." She nodded then we left the house and I dropped the items off then we walked to her house. I walked into the house and we went to the office she had then I was sitting down in a nice soft chair. She opened her windows letting light in and I picked up a few of the papers from the pile then started to look at them. 'Gas thirdy gallons, Canned foods four-hundred items, seven hundred boxes with a list of mixed item while long shelf lifes.' I leaned back in my seat then looked at the next sheet of paper. 'Low meds counts with almost all the painkillers are almost gone.' Pregnancy vetements were still doing well as Cadence was the only one taking them. I smiled as I read that but I couldn't help but wonder why these were on the list. "Spoiled!" I heard mark yell as a bang came from the door. I saw a smile on her face as she sat in her chair. "Go away Mark, Filthy told you after the fiasco your not to be anywhere near this house." he was quiet then he hit the door again and I drew my forty-five. He yelled then walked off yelling and cursing as he went. I holdstered my forty-five then looked back at her as she smiled at the door. "I'm going to ask for vote when Ash gets back to have him removed from power. He's a danger as long as he thinks he's some kind of a king." "I guess you're right but he and Filth play a roll we need when the whole counsel isn't here." We talked for an hour until we finished and I walked out of the office and walked home.
zompocalypse	Chapter 11	Ash pov Two weeks later I smiled as I sat down in my new office in Mark's former house laughing as I thought back to the zone. Plus the 'fun' I've started to have with Spoiled and Trixie. Ash pov two weeks ago We drove down the road singing along to the hall of fame as we rode up to the wall and the guards opened the gates for us. We raced in guard waiting next to the gates making sure no dead got inside. Now very happy to be safe again everyone split up heading back to their rooms or homes. I looked back to see the guards were grabbing the stuff out of the trails and the gas from the back of the truck. "ASH!" I turned and saw Spoiled with the girls running up to me. Behind them was Shining close behind with a bag on his back. "What's going on!?" Spoiled ran up the girls quickly jumping onto me as she spoke. "Mark kicked all the people out of the houses and the rooms in the second main house. He wants to kick them out of the zone." "WHAT!?" I yelled as I looked at her then I looked at Shining as he pulled the bag off. He threw it over to me and I opened it. "This is most of our antibiotics!" "The bastard was hoarding them. I found his wife Silver String trying to take more." I huffed then rubbed my eyes as I looked at him then nodded my head. "Spoiled get everyone together and I mean everyone gathered in the main dining room of the main house." "Give me thirty minutes." I looked at her with a smile as I looked at her. "K, Shining you're with me were going to get him." "Right." We started walking over the wall stairs and I made sure I still had some bullets. "Think he'll fight?" I holstered my Glock then pulled out my combat knife. "Ya, people like him never change when they think they have something to gain." We walked up to the front door and saw the two of us the guards quickly stepped aside for us. I walked in heading straight for the office he used as his little command center. We walked up to the guards in front of the door and they put hands up to stop us. "You can't go in right now A..." I slammed my arm into his neck cracking his head into the wall. "That fat ass threw out woman and children into the cold! You side with him you'll get caught in the blast zone understand!?" He nodded his head and I moved my arm then took his Ak taking the clip out then popped the chamber. I gave it back as Shining did the same with then shotgun the other guy had. I walked in front of the door then kicked the damn thing in. Mark and his wife jumped as he looked over our zone map with markers. I sheathed my knife and pulled my Glock out pointing it that Mark. "ASH!" "MOVE AND YOU DIE MARK! NOW ON THE GROUND FACE DOWN!" His wife is a woman with pearl white hair and an hourglass figure with a nice set of breasts, she did as I said. She locked her fingers behind her head as Mark went to grab another Glock on the desk to the far right. I shot the desk before he could reach out all the way scaring him As Shining and I rushed him. I jumped over the desk taking him to the ground hard slamming his head into the floor. Shining and I wrestled his arms behind him then Shining pulled out some zip ties. We tied his hands and feet leaving him just enough room to walk slowly. Shining and I pulled him up then I much more gently zipped tied her wrist and helped her then took off my coat. I draped it over her somewhat thin dress to help keep her warm. "Miss please don't make me slam you to the ground as I had to your husband. "I promise I won't fight you, Ash. But, can I see my daughter before you take us over to the main zone?" "Ya, Shining well be back in a few minutes." "Ok Ash." I held the zip ties as we walked out of the office and passed the shocked guards. We walked around a few corners then She stopped in front of a large door. I knocked on the door for her. A few seconds later the door opened to see a still sleepy Silver Spoon with a teddy bear in her arms. "Mommy?" She kneeled down and looked Silver in the eyes. "Sweetie mommy and daddy have to go over to diamond's house. Daddy talked mommy into doing something she didn't like but I thought it was for the best." "Are you coming back soon?" I felt my heart break a little as Silver started to tear up. I kneeled down and smiled at her as she looked at me. "Do you remember me Silver?" She nodded as she hugged her bear. "Ya, you and Flash saved us back at the school." I rubbed her messy hair as I spoke in a soft tone. "I'll get your mommy back here as quickly as I can but your daddy will be with us for a while. Now, go back to bed and mommy will be back when you wake up." "Yes, sir." She closed her door then I helped her back up and walked over to an open door then closed the door. I locked the door then looked at Silver Sting. "You got a minute to tell me why you went along with this or I'm going to push for both of you to be kicked out." She looked scared and looked away as her face started to darken. "Take off the coat then pull the back of my dress up." I looked at her for a second then crossed my arms as I looked at her. "Why?" She just turned and shock the coat off. I sighed then put the coat back on her. "I'll get one of the female guards to check you over." "Ok." I unlocked the door then we walked back to the office as Shining as the guards walking him out of the office as I walked up to Shining. I quickly told him what she said then we ran back to the front door and a minute later he came back with a younger girl. We walked out of the office and left the two inside. A few minutes they walked back out and the girl had a dark look on her face. She quickly grabbed the two of us and pulled us a little farther down the hall. "She has scars up and down her back with refresh bruises and cuts." We looked at one another then Shining turn and pulled his knife. "Shining!" I grabbed his shoulder and he looked back at me a snarl on his face. "We can't just kill him he has the right to trial." "He's an animal!" "Maybe he is but he is also a leader here and a member of this group. We have to show something like this can be solved with a fair and due process. I promised he will be punished maybe even kicked out but you or I can't be murdered here!" He looked me in the eye then let out a long sigh. "Your right, your right." He sheathed his knife then we all walked over to the front door then we walked off to the house. Mark screamed and yelled as he was dragged over the steps then stopped when I saw then readying a car with light armor. "Oh hell no!" He started to struggle more as his wife looked sad as she looked at the car. I put a hand on her shoulder making her look at me as well as the female guard. "You're going to the cell room we'll decide what to do with you after that." "Ok." "Guard." "Yes, sir." They took her into the house and we turned the other way. As we walked we ran into Jet and Filthy. "The old-timer?" "With a crew, we have in the woods making trees for timber." "In what area?" "Eight, the area in the hills where the trees are larger and straighter." I nodded then we shoved Mark into the main dining hall where everyone who came saw us and a few of the people he kicked out clapped and cheered. We sat him down in a chair and zip-tied him to the chair and Shining and I held the chair down as he tried to get up. Filthy walked over to the main table with Jet. Then two guards held him down in the chair as we walked over to the table. I sat down in the far-right set as Filthy raised a hand and everyone quieted down. "Many of you know early today my now ex-partner kicked out the people from the rooms in his house and the homes of the second zone. But first I must say they are free to return to your rooms or homes. Now for a few small things before we get this trial started. Know that we will soon start building cabins and moring on making wood heaters for next winter. As well as we will start to build a secondary larger wall which will always us to plant crops and keep the livestock. We will also be asking for workers once the ground isn't frozen over by the snow. Now onto the main point of all of us being here. Mark Silver, your fate will be up to the people and their votes." Spoiled and Wallflower handed out small sheets of cut paper to everyone and Trixie stood off to the side with two boxes a kick out and a hard labor box. "A simple one on each will do as we don't need names. Trixie will take each box to a separate room and everyone in here will go along to cast their vote." Filthy nodded then Trixie picked up the boxed then walked out and five minutes later everyone started taking turns. After half an hour Trixie brought the boxes back in. First, she opened the labor box and saw only ten or so votes. Then she opened the kickbox and it was overflowing with votes. Filthy sighed as he stood and we stood as well. "The people have decided and the sentence will be carried out tomorrow morning as I won't send you or anyone else out without a fighting chance. I do understand your wife was forced into helping you so she will be put to some kind of labor for a set amount of time." I sighed under my breath happy she wouldn't be caught too close to the blast zone. I waved the guards to take him then they cut him free from the chair. He was dragged out kicking and screaming then a few minutes later the wife walked in. She didn't fight and sat in the chair but she looked very uncomfortable. I nodded to shining and he nodded back. "Guards cut her free." She smiled as she looked up at us then a guard cut the zip ties. She thanked the guards than sat down in the chair hands in her lap as she looked at us. We all looked at her then the female guard ran up to Filthy and Jet quickly telling them what she saw. They nodded then we looked down at her but Filthy sighed as he stood. "Silver String we the council are going to have you do labor for a set amount of time which we will decide later on today. As of now return to your home. "May I say something?" We looked between each other then we nodded as we looked at her. "Ash, you can have the office and the side room in the office. It's a nice second master room with a small dining area and restroom as well as the rooms around it. Shining you and your wife can have the massive guest room so you don't live in a small room anymore." We looked at her for a second then looked at each other. I cleared my throat then spoke as I looked at her. "You do know this won't change our sentence right?" "Yes, but you can't understand how much better our lives will be without him around. Please take them as thanks." We looked at each other and I rubbed the back of my head then I saw Gilda and Wallflower nodding yes in the back of the hall. I sighed as I rubbed my eyes then looked at Filthy and jet. "What do you two think of this?" "As far as I'm concerned Ash you earned it with all the hell you and your team go through. Please we can move some of your team into the house getting them in a room then we can move people into your old house who want a private room." Shining and I looked at one another then someone in the crowd spoke up. "Take it guys you've earned it!" "YA!' We waved and Filthy spoke up. "Enough! Ash, Shining the people are right you two and your people would need the room more. Please do think this over and come to me when you've made your choices." We nodded then and the meeting ended with that. We all left and I met up with all the girls right outside the house. "Ash!" I looked back at Spoiled as she ran up behind us. "What can I help you with?" "We need to have a word with you about the woman in quarantine." "What happened?" "Just come with me." I sighed waved to the girls then walked with Spoiled and she took me to her office. We walked in and she closed the door behind us then I heard the door lock. I turned my head and saw a smile on her face as she opened her short jacket and I saw she was in an open top-dress without shoulder straps. She smiled as she looked at me then walked over to her chair coat in hand. I cleared my throat then sat down in the chair in front of the desk but she leaned forward in her chair. She was a little on the older side but Like Cupcake she had a perky set of double c cup breasts with a nice ass. "So, what do you need?" 'I want your help.~" "Ok?" She frowned then nodded her head as she looked at me. "I guess you like to get to the point on everything. I know you're the father of Cupcake's unborn child." I looked at her calmly as I could while trying to think of a plan. "I overheard the two of you when you were in the supply room. Now, I don't care about that as you two are adults and sooner or later babies are going to come. You smart so I'm going to ask, what do you think I want?~" I looked at her an eyebrow raised as I looked at her. "So what do you want to get pregnant? Why not talk to Filthy?" With a frown, she stood up closed the curtains with only the large candles giving off light. She walked around me the leaned down giving me a full view of her chest. "I have about a decade before I can't have kids anymore. Now, are you going to help me or leave?" "Clop starts" I smiled as I grabbed hold of both her ass cheeks then pulled her down and locked her in a kiss. We locked eyes for a second but soon she melted into the kiss and closed her eyes. I stood up while holding her as then she opened her mouth and I shoved my tongue into her mouth. I sat her down on the desk and broke the kiss. I started to take off my shirt as she pulled at the top of her dress. I had my shirt off as she finally pulled her dress down showing me a pair of nice round perky breasts. She grabbed my face and pulled me into another kiss wrapping her arms around my neck as I moved my hands to her lower dress. I ran my hands down her hips as I leaned over her a bit then we broke the kiss again as I reached under her dress. Then I pulled her panties down to her knees as she pulled her dress up. I pulled her panties all the way off and off the heels she was wearing then I started to rub her outer lips as I started to knead her left breast. She moaned into her hand as she covered her mouth then I pinched the nipple and she gasped. I opened her with two fingers then pushed my middle finger into her as I played with her clit with my thumb. She started to bite her hand as she started to get really wet. "A-ash." I smiled at her half moan then bit down on her hand. I smiled as I pushed more fingers into her and she screamed into her bite. I smiled as I grabbed her wrist then ripped her and out then grabbed the other hand and slammed them down above her head. "No, either you're going to be quiet or I'm going to make everyone hear you.~" I shoved my fingers as deep as I could then pulled out and did the same just a little faster each time. Soon enough she was biting her lip and trying not to moan as I started to slam my fingers into her. Then right as she was getting to her and I pulled my fingers out of her and she looked at me with anger on her face. But, before she could start yelling I pulled her up onto her feet then bent her over the desk as I dropped my jeans. And my erection popped up and I let her hands go then grabbed her hair as I lined up with her opening then slammed into her wet and warm pussy making her scream into her hand as I lifted her right leg then started thrusting into her. As I thrust I pulled her up by her hair then spoke into her ear. "Your my slut now and sluts don't get to cum before I do." "N-no...A..." I covered her mouth as I gave her a hard and deep thrust and her walls clamped down around me and she came around my erection then her body dropped to the desk convolving. I smiled as I started to thrust again making her moan out just low enough not to be heard but enough for me to know she was loving this. Then right as she was starting to come back around I started to smack her ass with hard strikes and she covered her mouth as she screamed with every smack. Both her ass cheeks were red and her face was bright red as I pulled her hair harder as I smacked her ass, again and again, she came around me screaming into her hands. Smiling I let her hair go then grabbed both her hips and sat down in the chair then hugged her knees into her chest and thanks to the work I was doing now I was much stronger. I started lifting her up and dropping her making her eyes roll back as I pulled her up and dropped her down my cock as quick as I could soon enough I was near my end she came again and I slammed her down the I filled her with my largest load into her and once I came down I let her legs go with my arm around her chest. My cock was still stiff and I smiled as I pushed her down as she sat on my lap. She moaned and I grabbed her jaw with my free hand and locked her in a kiss as she reached around my head as she pushed her tongue into my mouth. I broke the kiss as I played with her clit making her moan and groan then I stopped an arm still wrapped around her as I stood up making her stand. She put her hands on the deck as she looked back at me. "W-what?" I laid her down on the desk then pulled out of her as she tried to stand up but her weak legs and heels nearly made her fall before I caught her. I bend her over the deck then slammed back into her, violently thrusting into her. At this point she was a hole that I was using but the moans she was giving me only made me fuck her more. But, after cumming only a minute ago I felt my climax coming on too quickly. I pushed in balls deep into her and came again. I sat her down in the chair then I grabbed her panties then put them back on her. Then pulled her dress back down rubbing her ass making her moan from her sore ass cheeks and I fixed her top. I then picked her up like a bride and sat her back in her softer chair then made a pillow out of her coat and I gave her mine as a blanket. "We'll talk tomorrow now get some rest Spoiled." She smiled and she closed her eyes as I walked out of the office fixing my shirt and I headed out of the house and was met with Wallflower in a tight-fitting jacket and shorts with a black legging. She was smiling as she grabbed my hand and had me run behind her straight to the second main house. She took me straight to the office and showed me the room set up with Trixie sitting in a chair in front of a small desk. I smiled and looked at the huge bed seeing Gilda laying on the bed smiling. "Guess you all made yourselves at home." They laughed as I heard someone walk in behind us. I turned and saw Cup walk in a bag over her shoulder. "The kids?" "Cadence is watching them and shining is learning how to change a baby diaper." We laughed a little then I walked over and took the bag. "Ok, ok let's get everyone set up in rooms I don't think well be using this one too often." They all nodded then we walked out and I closed the door. I got us in rooms near the office and had Cup and Gildas as close to mine and the girls main room. When everyone was settled I walked back to the office and sat down in my chair. I sat there for about ten minutes until my door opened as I was looking around in the desk drawers. "Ash~" I looked up and saw Trixie in the silk bra and panties I got from the mall with red lipstick on. 'Clop start' She walked over swaying her hips as she locked eyes with me. Then sat down on my lap as I looked down at me. "You said you were all mine~" She grabbed the sides of my face and pressed her lips into mine and I wrapped my arms around her lower waist. She let my right cheek go then grabbed my right hand then moved it to her right ass cheek. Then she started to work on my belt but I wasn't going to do it on a desk again. I moved my hand to her hip then lifted her and stood up quickly trying to get over to the door. I held her up with one arm while trying to find the doorknob while we made out. Trixie broke the kiss and I looked down and saw the knob just under my hand. I opened the door and she kicked it back close when we were inside. I quickly walked over to the bed and dropped her down on the bed on her back. But she pulled me down with her and she turned us when we landed. She smiled down at me and quickly pulled my shirt off before she let me up. I got my clothes off and she knocked me back onto the bed and smiled down at me. "I better get a baby out of this Ash." I smiled as I hugged her body to mine as I grabbed her ass. Trixie ran her hands down my chest, a wide smile on her face then leaned down, locking us in a deep kiss. I sat up, my arms moved up wrapping around her back. Trixie broke the kiss and looked down at my erection. "I'm going to get stretched by that.~" I smiled as I moved my hand back to her ass then She shoved me back down as she got up on her knees. She pushed my erection then she dropped herself down on my erection. Her hymen ripped as she sat on me. I rubbed her hips as she moaned as she put a hand on my gut. "I hope we have a little girl." I smiled up at her as she started to bounce on my erection. She was tight, maybe even tighter then Gilda but she had thicker thighs. She also had a little bit of a stomach with a set of slightly smaller breasts. I smiled up at her then I sat up then kissed her then turned us putting her on her back my erections deep in her. I put my hands on the bed beside her head then started to really thrust into her making her body shake and move with each thrust. She moaned louder then wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into another deep kiss. I grabbed her right breast, kneading it as I slammed into her and came. She moaned into our kiss as her walls clamped down around me. I broke the kiss as she let her body fall back onto the bed and I looked into her eyes. They were filled with something I couldn't place but I liked it.
zompocalypse	Chapter 12	Ash pov I sat up in the office with Wallflower in my lap as I leaned in my chair. I had finished writing some papers out for my crew. I smiled as I wrapped an arm around her. "Knock knock!" I looked up at the door and sighed as I yelled out. "Come in!" Spoiled walked in and laughed into her hand as she looked at the still half asleep. "It's time to send Mark off. Filthy wants as many guys he can get in case Mark tries something." I nodded then moved my arms around then picked her up as she started to fall back asleep. I nodded over to the side door. Spoiled closed the door then walked over and opened the door for me. I laid her down in the bed then walked back out. I closed the door and Spoiled put a hand on my chest then pulled out a box and letter from under her coat. I took it and then looked down. "Filthy need to talk to you and Shining." I nodded then walked over and sat the box down and opened it. There were some bullets in the box. I looked at her and smiled at me. I nodded then pulled my Glock out then pulled my clip then loaded it up then put the rest of the bullets into the lowest desk drawer. I walked back around and Spoiled kissed my cheek. I laughed then shoved her a little and she laughed. "Alright, we need to go and get this done. Wallflower will be mad if I'm not back when she wakes up." She laughed as we walked out of the room then started walking down the hall. "So, you know the counts are still good with food but the bullet count is low. From what I'm hearing the old man is setting up a team to help spread the walls out using the trees. Even talking about making a waterwheel to get some power again." I laughed as I nodded my head before bumping shoulders with her. "Hell, we'd better off getting some of those solar panels. Get the houses back up using those." She walked into the yard seeing Mark's hands tied in front of him, the men around making sure the engine was good. I saw Filthy over by the gate with the jeep. I walked over to him and he looked over at the jeep then opened the door letting me see Flash. "I need you two to make sure he leaves." I nodded but he stopped me before I got in. "If he won't go you do what you have two understand?" I pulled out my Glock nodding then got into the driver's seat then closed the door. The guards forced Mark into the car then threw the door shut and locked it behind him. They used a steel pad then brought the key over to me as Mac got into the car's driver seat. "Ash!" I turned back and Gilda came running with my bow and two slings of arrows. I smiled as I took them and the bow. I set them in the back of the jeep then turned to her and gave her a kiss before I jumped into the jeep. I looked over seeing Flash looking at me with a smirk on his face. "Haha, so got names picked out yet?" I laughed as I nodded my head then opened the slot for viewing. The gates opened and we drove out. I watched the trees go by as we rode down the road. "So, how do you think this will go over?" I sighed as I put up the Glock in my hand, "I think this is how this is going to go over. We both know he's not going to get away without a fight. Mac knows that and that's why we had his hands tied. Hell, we need to name a replacement for Mark now. We need someone to help lead the zone while the rest of us are gone. Shining's got his hands full with the guards and Filthy can't handle everything by himself." "Well, who do you think should take over for him?" "I think the old-timer would be best. Or maybe we could get Twilight to help him since she's smart." I looked over at him and he seemed to be thinking about it. "Ya, Twilight would be good at that." We laughed as little then he punched my arm as he drove. Flashed looked back ahead through the open hatch then spoke up again. "You know, a lot of people would be happy if you'd step up and take his place. You command more respect than you think you do Ash." I nodded my head as I watched the trees run pass. "Ya, that would be nice but then who's going to save your ass from the dead?" He burst out laughing hitting the steering wheel as he drove. "Ash, come back." Mac stopped the car and we stopped as Flashed stopped laughing as I picked up the radio. "What's up Mac?" "We got a group on the side of the road right on the corner. Four men, two women, and a little girl but it doesn't look like they'll be any trouble. They haven't seemed to notice us yet. What do you want to do?" I licked my lips as I looked up the road as best as I could. An RV and large truck on the side of the road. The little girl was off to the side playing with something with a big guy sitting on the top of the RV but not looking our way. I pressed down on the button then spoke. "We have a few days worth of food and water. Let's see if we can bring some of them back with us. The old-timer wants to build that wall soon. Mac, you come up with us but keep Mark's mouth shut." The car shuck and Mac came back over the radio. "Ok, he's out." I laughed as I looked over at Flash. Seeing him laughing his ass off as I leaned over the steering wheel. "I- Haha! I love Mac sometimes!" We laughed for another minute then I waved my hand as we got underway. We turned down the street up to the RV. The man turned his head looking at us as we pulled up twenty-foot away. I got out Glock in hand above my head as he and everyone else but the kid pointing guns at me. I smiled as I looked at them. "Hey now, I came to ask you something." The man on the RV jumped down a high power rifle pointed at me. "What do you want?" I smiled as I took the clip off the popped the one in the chamber before putting it back into my holster. "Well, I'm not going to dance around with my words. I want you all to come with us back to our safe zone. We're planning to expand once winter is over. We have food in water to hand out even if you don't want to come with us." He looked at me for a second then lowered his gun as he looked at me. "Your fucking with us. Nobody just hands out food and water these days." I laughed as I waved him over to the back of the jeep. He slowly followed me while his others watched our weapon at the ready. I opened the back and he looked in nearly dropping his rifle as he looked at the four boxes we hand with six gallons of water. "We can really have all this come or not?" I smiled and nodded as he looked at me, Flash laughing in the driver's seat. "You can believe Ash when he tells you something you can believe his words are good as gold." "Ya, it's yours come with us or not." He looked at me and I noticed something about him. His face and hair looked a lot like Gilda's, even had the same purple highlights but his hair was yellow. I turned and looked at him for a second then I noticed the other woman had white hair with the same eyes as Gilda. "Um, son you ok?" I blinked as I looked at him then nodded as I pointed at him. "Um, hey do you know a girl named Gilda?" His eyes widened so he dropped the rifle then grabbed my shirt. "That's my daughter's name!" I laughed as I put my hands up as I looked at him. "Well, she's at the zone and um..." "He knocked your daughter!" This guy's face formed a snarl as he looked at me. "Shut up FLASH!" "YOU WHAT!?" "FUCK!" Gilda pov I sat next to the fire with the Pound in my arms. I smiled as I held him and his sweet little smile on my face as he looked at me brought a warmth I've never known. 'I wondered if my child would bring me this warmth.' I looked at the gate waiting to see Ash come back wanting to talk with him about going to get some stuff from that fancy baby store in town. We all looked at the gate as it opened up as the gate opened up and the jeep came with a large red truck with what looked like my parents old RV. I jumped up Pound in my arms as the jeep came to a stop. Ash got up as I ran up to be stopped when I saw he had a black eye with some dried blood under his nose. But his right hand looked hurt too. "As..." "My baby!" I looked to the RV seeing my mother running over with arms open wide. She hugged me and Pound, shocking me to the core. Then I saw my father stumble out his whole right jaw swollen with a huge bruise on his face. I blinked then looked back over at Ash's hand. My mother laughed as she let me go then looked at him. "Ya, that boy of yours knocked your father out with one savage hook after your father punched him. But, one to a more serious point: when will my first grandchild coming?" "You want to get the fuck knocked out of you again!" "The fuck did you say!" We looked and saw Ash and my father in each other face Ash with his hurt fist pulled back my father with his left ready to punch. "You two stop it, oh and Brase you're too hurt to be fighting like this. Besides, Ash's already proved he'll knock you on your ass if you over step." They looked at us as Wallflower and Trixie came walking over. But, they stopped when they saw the two of them about to rip into each other. They walked up to us looking at the two of them waiting to see what was going to happen. They looked at each other for another second then Ash's snarl faded as he let out a long breath. He let go of my dad then started to talk. "Look, you are in our zone. You have to listen to me and the others who lead this place. Besides me there are two other leaders. Shining and Flash both have a say if you stay or not. Bu, before all that you go into quarantine for a week our doctor and nurse will look you over." Ash grabbed his shirt collar and got in my dad's face shocking me. "But, I think for even a second you're going to do something or hurt someone. I will personally beat you to death understand?" My dad looked ready to fight but he huffed then shoved Ash back. "Fine, but if I don't think your or these others are up to the task of leading I'm taking my whole family and leaving." Ash narrowed his eyes as he looked at him. Ash pov I glared at this fucker then nodded, pulled my belt buckle off dropping everything. I kicked the knife and gun away as I looked at him. "Fne, you want to play the big bad motherfucker. I've laid you ass out once already in the two hours I've known you and I'm about to do it again." He looked at me for a second fist clenched, eyes locked with mine. After a second he unclenched his fist and lowered his gaze. I huffed as I walked back and grabbed my stuff then put it all back on. "Ok, everyone who's in there come with me and we're going to look you over." I looked up, seeing a red heart walking over a clipboard in hand. The rest of their group followed her but Gilda's father stood in front of me clearly not happy. "Dad go." Gilda walked up beside me and he huffed as he kicked the dirt on me before he walked off. I sighed as I nodded my head then looked back over at the jeep. I walked over to the back then got my slings of arrows and my bow. "Ash?" I looked at Wallflower as I knocked an arrow. "I'm going hunting wallflower. I saw signs of deer and hog actively near the abandoned bridge about a mile out. There are lots of old houses out that way I'll see if I can find anything." I put a large backpack on then started to walk over to the gate. "Hey Ash." I looked back seeing Applejack with a piece of paper in her hand. I turned then grabbed the paper when she held it out to me. I looked down at the paper and saw she needed bads and sets of panties. I looked up at her to see a blush on her face. "Were out and um..." I held a hand up as I looked at her. "Got it, I'll see what I can find Aj." "Thanks" I nodded as I slapped the gate then it opened up slightly. I walked out the gate closing behind me as soon as I was out. I started to jog down the road then slipped into the woods. I slowed my jog to a slow walk. I looked around knowing the dead were all over the forest. 'I'll check my traps while I'm out here.' For the next hour I grabbed six rabbits from my traps and four more with the bow. I looked and smiled as I came across a fresh set of deer tracks. "Ragh!" I stopped as I heard the grounding of the dead. I turned around and looked for anything moving. "HEY!" I looked to my left seeing a guy running while holding his arm. Two dead were behind him and one looked like it had just turned. I pulled my bow back and aimed at the close one. I shot and put the arrow through its head and the arrow went straight into the neck of the second one. It dropped to the ground but was still moving around. The man stopped beside me looking back at the one still moving. I looked at him seeing hair a lot like Trixie's with slightly darker skin and from the way, his clothes hung he'd lost weight. "Thanks..." I dropped my bow and slammed him to the ground pressing my knife to his neck. "You bitten!?" He nodded and uncovered his arm letting me see a deep cut with some metal still in his arm. I pulled him up looking around to see if any more dead were coming. "Name now." "R-royal Pin." I nodded then pulled him back onto his feet. He looked around as I pulled a large rag from the side of my bag. "Keep an eye out I need to pull out the metal or you'll keep bleeding." "Wait!" He held up his hands as he looked at me. "I've got a camp not too far from here. Some others and I went out on a run into town to try and find some food. Things went from bad to worst when one of those army hum-v's came up. They started shooting when we would come back to the hospital. Please if you can help me back you can have anything you want. We don't have a lot of food but we do have two doctors if you need any help." I put the knife to his neck again, shutting him up. I put a finger to my lips as I looked down at him. "You're talking too loud and too much. I helped him up and pulled out my knife. He took it then nodded his head as he started to lead the way as I knocked another arrow. "To your camp now." "R-right." He started to run through the woods on a well-used trail. I ran behind him looking around as we ran out onto a dirt road. We were going the opposite way I should be going back. I needed to get him back to his people and If they were good I could bring them back. "Just up ahead kid." I nodded as we ran up to a large barb wire fence. A young woman and a guy around my age were stabbing the dead through the fence. They sat us coming and they opened a hole in the fence letting us run into the area. "NO!" I turned seeing that a dead man had grabbed the open hole they opened. I dropped my bow grabbing my knife from Royal then ran up and stabbed the dead woman in the head then kicked the body back out. She closed the fence then looked back at me as I looked around the area. It wasn't the largest area but the fence was maybe three or four layers thick. "PIN!" I turned ready to stab but stopped as I saw a man running up a thirty-eight in hand. I sheathed my knife as he ran up to us. He grabbed Pin pulling him over then started to talk as I got my bow then unknocked the arrow then set the bow over my back with the string pulled tight over my chest. I looked around seeing a half-burnt house with a few tents. "Do you need any help?" I blinked as I turned my head seeing a man with a set of knives on his belt. I nodded as I looked at him then saw a few kids looked at me from around a tree. I smiled as I pulled the rabbits off my shoulder and kneeled down looking at them. "Are you two hungry? I got more than enough for two strong and brave kids." The older one a girl came out from around the tree, definitely scared but wanting them. I held them out to her and she touched the rabbit. She looked at me for a second then took the rabbits as she looked at me. I smiled as she looked at me then smiled. "Thank you." She whispered before turning and running off back to the tents. I laughed as I watched them run off while others knifed them through the fence. I smiled as I stood back up seeing the kids as the big guy walked up to me thirty-eight in hand. "My Daddy forged that but he's gone now." I drew the sword seeing a razor sharp blade with a rope of some kind wrapped around the handle. I put the sheath in my belt and a small block of wood stopping it from falling out. I smiled as I sheathed the sword thinking of hanging it in the office. I looked back at the man and nodded as I looked at him. "How many people do you have here?" He frowned as he crossed her arms as he looked at me. "I don't think I should tell you that son. How about yourself?" I crossed my arms as I looked at him. "About eighty or so if I'm not wrong. With more than enough firepower to stop anything or anyone who wants to take on our walls." His eyebrows raised as he listened to me. "Walls?" I smirked as I leaned back on to a tree as I looked at him. "Yes, a good ten foot tall wall." He looked at me for a minute then spoke up again." "Thirty-four before now we're thirty." I nodded as I looked at him. "I see well, we're open to trade or help once winter is over we're going to start expanding the walls so we need more manpower. I also need more power on my scavenge crew so we can get into that farming store. Getting some of those tools and a tracker build a farm and large grazing area for the cows and a nice big pin for the pigs." He seemed to be thinking as I turned and started to talk back over to the area that could be opened. "If you'd to talk you'll find me about a mile to the east in a tree with a homemade tree stand in the morning." "Ok." A man opened the gate for me and I started jog off. Ash pov four hours later I hummed a tune as I dragged a doe and the buck that was after her back to the zone. I pulled them up to the road and stopped as I looked at the smoke coming from inside the wall. I saw a few of the guys on the wall looking down on the road waiting to see who or what was coming. I smiled as I walked out onto the road and smiled as they opened the gate for me. Flash and Mac ran out helping me pull the deers in as a few of the slower dead came out of the forest. We pulled them in and the gate slammed shut before any dead could get in. I let the rope go then looked at the gate. "Is that a sword?" I looked back over seeing Shining as he walked up to me. I laughed as I looked at him then I walked up to him, my arm resting on the handle. "Well, I found another group and traded ten rabbits for information and well this." I patted the sword and smiled as I looked at him. "What do they have? What is the count and skills?" "Thirty and two doctors among them. They made a nice area with layers of barb wire keeping all the dead away from then all the way around. I think the age of walls has returned to the world." He laughed then pointed back over his shoulder to the tents. "Gilda's father is going to make life here hard." I crossed my arms as I looked at him. "Why?" He sighed as I heard yelling from the tents. "What do you mean I'd have to work under that brat if I join the scavenging team!? I'm more than twice his age he'll listen to me if that's what you want me to do!" I felt my eye twitch as I looked back at him. "He's not joining my team. You brought him here, you deal with him." I sighed as I rubbed my face then nodded as I looked at him. "Ok, ok I'll handle it. But, you with your team have to deal with him for the rest of the week, not me." He frowned then narrowed his eyes as he looked at me. "Touche Ash, touche." I laughed as I pulled my knife then turned around. "Go get the grill ready We got over three-hundred pounds of deer meat to cook." He nodded then turned and jogged off to the crew who helped when we needed to move. I shook my head then got on my knees and started skinning the buck. "Um, Ash?" I heard Applejack's voice and I pulled the bag from my side. I held it out as I looked to see how much fat was on these guy." "Thanks." I nodded as she walked off and someone else walked up to me. "What can we take from these?" I looked up seeing Silver as I started to skin the right hineleg. "Well, besides the back straps, legs. The liver, kidney, and heart are all edible and, when properly prepared, can be incredibly tasty but It's been a long time since last I've had anything like that. But, how is your mommy doing today?" "She's good, and I like how quiet it is now that my daddy is gone." I frowned a little at that then nodded my head as I started to skin the other leg. "What are you going to do with the skin?" I smiled as I looked back at her as I stopped cutting. "Well, I was thinking of trying to tan it but I've never done that before." She nodded then turned and ran off as the heart fell out of the chest. I laughed then started to work again. "Sweet girl."
zompocalypse	Chapter 13	Ash pov I hummed a song Gilda leaning into my right side with Cup leaning into my left while knitting a thick blanket thanks to mac and Flash grabbing a shit ton of yarn the last time they ran out without me. I thought they were crazy at the time, but now I was glad they did. It helped some of the older women calm their minds. "Say, did anyone show up this morning?" I stopped humming then nodded as I looked into the fire. "No, I really thought someone would come but I was wrong." Gilda frowned as she looked at me, and I sighed as I moved to get up. They moved to let me up as I turned to see the old-timer and the other apples walking on a small smokehouse. "Hey Ash!" I looked back over to the house, seeing Filthy waving me over. I started to walk over as Spoiled walked up in a pair of jeans and a thick jacket on. I walked up to them and crossed my arms as I looked at him. "What's up?" "I- I can not believe I'm asking you this but. I need a favor from you right now. Spoiled needs go into town and I want someone I can trust to go with her." "And, I told you if you didn't get someone to take me out to where I want to go then I'd go alone." I looked at Spoiled then back at Filthy, and he nodded as he looked at me. I sighed as I rubbed my eyes then nodded as I looked at her. "Ok, ok. Where are we going?" "To the edge of the town to our old maids out. I remembered her telling me her husband used to reload shells and bullets in their basement. So there should be gunpowder and all the other stuff we'd need and I'm the only one who knows the way and I can't just write them out as I'm used to the drive." I sighed then nodded my head as I rubbed my eyes. "Fine, fine but, were going to bring Mac and Flash as back up." "I'm fine with that." I nodded, then I turned and started to walk. "I'll be back once I get the truck and jeep." "Ok, oh and can I please get a pistol to protect myself with?" I stopped then looked back over to her, then nodded. I pulled my Glock out then checked the rounds count. It was full, and I nodded then walked back up to her giving her the gun. "Hey, Ash!" I turned as Applejack came running up in a thick coat with her hat in her hand. She stopped in front of me and looked up at me. "If you're going out can you take me with you? I need to go to the farm house." I sighed as I rubbed my eyes then looked back at Spoiled. "I'll have Mac and Burn take you Applejack. I need to head head out and see if Spoiled's right. So, can you go get the two?" Applejack smiled as she then took off back to the second house. "Spoiled I'll get my shotgun then meet you at the jeep." "K." I nodded then I jogged off to get my shotgun from the house. Then I saw MAc walking with a blush Pinkie Pie at his side with a very angry Applejack close behind. I saw Mac's shirt pulled out of his pants with a wet spot over his crotch. It didn't take long to figure out what Applejack had walked in on. I quickly rushed off to the house and tried to avoid Applejack's gaze. I slipped behind a set of barrels. We had them catch rainwater or, at this point, snow. The walked passed me, and I ran for the house and quickly walked into the house, seeing Cup teaching Wallflower and Trixie how to knit through Cup's door. I smiled as I walked into my office and got my shotgun. "Going out?" I turned, seeing Shining standing there with his arms crossed. I nodded then turned to face him fully. "Ya, Spoiled thinks she knows a place for us to get some reloaders for ammo. Mac, Burn, and Applejack will be going to the farm in a little while." He smiled, then nodded his head as he looked at me. "Well, if you come across anything you think we could use grab it." I nodded, then walked back out of the room and quickly out of the house. I found Spoiled waiting next to the jeep Diamond standing with her. I smiled as I walked up behind Diamond, grabbed her shoulder, and jumped as she turned to look at me. I laughed as she puffed up her cheeks and started to punch my gut. "JERK!" I laughed a little then rubbed her head before looking at Spoiled. "Ready to go?" "Yes just give me one moment." She looked down at Diamond, then kissed her forehead then spoke. "Diamond mommy, we'll be back. Mommy and Ash are going to get a few things." "Why can't I come!?" Spoiled looked up at me, nodded my head, and then put a hand on Diamond's head, and she turned to look at me. I got down on one knee and looked her straight in the eyes. "Diamond I'm not going to lie to you. It's to dangerous out there for little kids like you. Do you remember those people at the school then ones me and Flash were hitting with the bats?" "Ya." "There are many of them out there, and you're too young to go out there right now. One day, when you old enough, I'll teach you how to make it out there." She looked up at me then frowned as she looked down to the ground. "Do you understand Diamond?" "Ya." I smiled as I roughed up her hair a little, then we stood back up. Diamond ran off to the house, then we got into the jeep, and I opened the armor up as the truck started up. We pulled out, and we turned heading for the old end of town. "So, Ash who is Gilda and Cupcake doing?" "They're doing well Spoiled but I fell that you want to ask me about something else." She smiled as she reached over and grabbed my junk through my jeans, making me jumped for a second. "Spoiled!?" "I was telling the truth about the reloading and gunpower but I would like to take it again. Plus, with us out of the zone, you and I can go at it for a lot longer. Plus, I know for a fact this house is like a small bunker thanks to the husband's obsession with safety." I grabbed her hand then pulled it off my junk while driving. "So, that's why you had me come out here with you." "Ya, plus I wanted to try and take it up the ass this time.~" I blushed as she pulled her hand free then slipped into my pants as she spoke. "We'll go down this road for another twenty minutes." I huffed then pulled her hand out of my pants as I pulled off to the side of the road and drove onto a side road then parked. I looked at her and looked nervous as she looked at me. "Too far?" I narrowed my eyes at her, and she laughed a little then looked away hands in her lap. I pulled back out and started driving again. She was quiet now, only telling me which way to go. Soon we arrived, and I had her stay in the jeep as I walked around with my knife in hand. There was a large wooden fence around the house made with what looked like deck boards going both up and across. It would be over three inches thick, and I saw a ton of bloodstains on the wood, but the gate was open. I walked up to it, seeing a snapped padlock latch on the ground still locked. I had a look around, seeing no dead in the area. I looked around, seeing what I think was about four acres of land was filled with many killed dead. I looked down at the others and relaxed as I looked around. I nodded, then walked back to the jeep and got back into the jeep and drove in. I turned around and turned to put the nose of the jeep in front of the open gate. We got out, and I closed the surprisingly heavy gate then had Spoiled pressed the front it the gate. With that done, we headed for the house, and I had her stay outside of the house. I found even more of them inside all dead massive holes in their heads. The dead trail went up the steps, and I pulled them away from the steps and made a pile in front of the empty living room. 'God who killed all these?!' looked at the pill of ten or twenty corpses. I walked up the stairs, and I finally heard something moving. I looked at the door at the end of the hall, where the last of them was laying on the ground. I walked up to the door and knocked on it. A second later, two bangs came from the other side. I nodded and cursed as I nodded my head as I raised my knife. 'Please just two.' I slammed my shoulder into the door and threw the dead back and stabbed the bigger one than the smaller one. I pulled back and didn't see anymore in the room I opened all the doors ready but didn't find anymore. "Ash?" I turned my head, seeing Spoiled in the doorway. I nodded at her then sighed as I put my knife back into the sheath then walked over to her. "Let's get the stuff and maybe tell the old-timer about that huge fence we could reuse those deck boards." She nodded and had a sick look on her face as I pulled her back down and set her down in the yard as I started to try and get into the garage since I didn't find the reloading stuff in the house. I broke the side door open and jumped back, waiting with my hand on my knife. Nothing came to the door, so I grabbed a rock from the ground then threw the rock as hard as I could against the door. It let out a loud bang. Nothing came from the inside, so I walked over and opened the door. I looked around seeing what we were looking for. There stood two shell loaders and rifle reloaders set up. Shotgun Shell reloader Rifle reloader I smiled as I looked around and found a row of large boxes holding gunpowder with a massive ammo can. I walked over then popped it, seeing it full of primers. I smiled, then closed and locked it back before nodding. "God yes!" I did a victory dance, then walked back out to the yard and saw Spoiled holding herself as she looked around. I sighed then walked to her. "I shouldn't have come out here." I nodded as she looked at me, then I sighed. I stood back up. "Look, once this is done. You stay where you belong in the zone. Spoiled it's do or die out here now." She nodded, then I nodded and started to move all the stuff. Spoiled after getting herself back together, she helped to move everything else. Once I'd made sure nothing would get damaged, I closed the back and climbed onto the jeep. I looked out, seeing a few had gathered up but enough to stop us from leaving. I jumped back down and saw Spoiled already back in the jeep. I knocked on the window, and she looked at me. She rolled down the window, and I spoke. "Get in the driver's seat and lock the window armor down. There are a few of them out there so I'll have to jump in as soon as we're out. Do you think you can do that?" She nodded as she looked at me, then she opened the door leaving it craked. "Yes, yes I can." She walked over to the other side, quickly getting in, then started up the engine and pulled forward. I pulled the doors open, and I ran back to the door then jumped in as she threw it into reverse and pulled out. I locked the door as she pulled off, driving passed a small hoard. I laughed as we drove, and Spoiled looked at me as if I was a mad man. I laughed a little more then nodded my head. "Three times I've gotten away with something crazy." She nodded as she drove us back down the road.
zompocalypse	chapter 14	Ash pov "Come on!" The others ran up behind me as we reached the farm store, and I broke open the back door. We got in, and Braeburn ran over to the tractors. Mac is doing the same quickly as Flash, and I held the door shut. I could feel my feet getting pushed back, and the door was opening, "Get ready to move!" I looked back as an engine roared. Burn was on a tractor which thankfully had gas. Mac ran back over and helped us close the door. Burn lowered the bucket as he drove over. Mac and Flash jumped to the side, and I jumped into the bucket once he was close enough. He forced the door shut then dropped two side legs keeping the tractor in place. I sighed as I sat down on the top of the bucket and rubbed my face as I looked at the door. "Fuck\! Brase what the hell were you thinking!?" I yelled at the older man as he huffed and looked at me. "Well sorry, I didn't think firing at one that far away would draw that many in!" I sighed and nodded as I rubbed my eyes. "Next time we go outside of these doors silent weapons only. And Brase if you shoot one more dead without me saying so I will knock you out again!" He spat on the ground and nodded as he looked at me. "Alright, I know I fucked up but I'm used to just doing this alone." I sighed and nodded as I got off the bucket. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry, I just wasn't ready for that shot. I don't think any of us were ready." I pulled a hatchet off my side and my flashlight. "Alright, Brase, Mac, and Rainbow yours with me. Flash you take Burn, and Chrysalis and see about rooms we may be in here for the night find the safest place in here. We're going to go around make sure this place is sealed off from the outside. I don't want to risk it." "We meet back here in thirty. Let's move." Flash waved and they walked off to the right and I started to walk left. "Brase on me. Rainbow you cover Mac's back. I want you two go see if you two can find gas heaters or maybe some propane while we check around." "Right." I started to walk along the wall with Mac and Rainbow head across to the front wall lights showing the way. I started to walk and I looked ahead, my hand tight to the handle. We were quiet for a few minutes until I spoke up. "Look I get it you're not happy with having to follow me. But, we both want the same thing. To make sure the people we care about are fed, clothed, and protected. And, I like it or not Gilda is carried my child I will do everything in my power to keep them alive." He was quiet for a minute and we stopped as I opened a door to an office. "Sorry about last week. I wasn't thinking when I punched you." I laughed as I looked back at him. "Don't worry about it. I get it we were both way over our heads for the last week. And, Gilda has been asking me to try and get along with you and your wife. You have a very sweet wife but Gilda is much more like you most of the time. She's tough as nails." Brase laughed and I did too. "Ya, she is. And, my grandchild will be too. With a mother like her and a father who's got the balls the do half the stuff, I've been told about." I laughed before a bang and we jumped and put our backs together before we heard Mac call out. "Sorry, we knocked over an empty porpane can." "Fuck I hate shit like that." "Ya." We stood up and we started to walk again. I looked at the loading bay doors and looked at the doors. They were locked and I sighed as Brase walked a little as he spoke. "I used to work in a place like this. Warehouse area's usally connect to office area's or hallway to the front offices." I nodded then I looked across the way and saw Mac and Rainbow. We finished and meet back up then started to look around. "Did anyone see where Flash and the others went?" "Right here." We looked to the right as Flash came walking over. He smiled and a second later the lights came up. I laughed then looked at him. "They had a backup genarater?" "Ya and a few fifty gallon barrels of gas." I laughed and nodded as I put my hatchet back on my side. "Well, I'll be damned. What about offices? Maybe something we can use to get out of this place?" Flash nodded as he looked at me. "Not really much, there are a few rooms but it's going to be close quarters. We did find a few dead down there but they were pretty old and slow." I nodded and sighed as I looked at him. "Okay, Mac you, Burn and Chrysalis to an office and we'll be in another. Or we can do what we can to make a closed off area and do what we can to make it comfortable. How do you want to do that compared to being in small offices?" Everyone looked at one another then nodded as they looked back at me. "Let's get an area made." I nodded and we broke apart grabbing palate jacks. I grabbed one and grabbed an old pile of soil and pulled it to where everyone was making a barricade. It took us a little while but we made a nice area. "What about the lights?" I looked up at them then nodded as I looked back to flash. She's right, once the sun goes down this place will drow them here like a moth to a fla..." A gunshot ring out and I pulled my gun up and put my back on the soil. A few more rang out then a door slammed. "Come on!" I could hear the groaning and I felt fear run up my back. I knew we'd be fucked and I looked back at the others. They nodded and I nodded back before I pushed the soil back. It made a loud screech as I shoved the half-lowered jack. I jumped out and saw a large group of ten adult and two teens. I saw two of the larger men trying to hold the door shut. "Don't make me regret this!" I threw my shotgun over my shoulder and grabbed the jack as Mac and Burn did the same with two others jacks. I started to pull them over and a few of them ran around the plates and started to push. I got the doors blocked and we all took a few steps back as the groans came along with a few bangs on the wood. I looked that the man that seemed to be leading the group. We all looked at one another for a minute until he spoke. "Well leave as soon as the walkers clear out." "Walkers? Oh the dead. Ya, that fine we'll be gone as soon as they clear out too. But first I need to get the generator shut off. They'll never leave as long as there are signs of people in here." "Do you need a hand?" I looked over at a guy around my age. I looked at him for a second and I saw he only had a little meat on his bones, the same as the rest. I looked at them all for a second then looked at Mac. "Mac you dropped that gym bag right out in front of the alley right?" "Ya about a twenty or so feet away but with the alley it be hell to get." "Hell but what about we had extra food in there right?" 'Ya, but you don't come back, Gilda is going to kick all our asses." "Dude, look at them. They're like skin in bones plus we may be here all night and what little food we have won't cut that." I dropped my bag and pulled out my knife and hatchet. "I think I can help if we can get on the roof." I looked over at a woman from the group and she dropped a backpack. She opened it and I saw it filled to the brim with fireworks. I nodded then looked around and smiled as I saw a latter. "Okay, Flash and Burn you two take her on the roof and set those things off. And yell down once enough clear out. I know we can't get away with them all stirred up like they are. But, we can hold up and keep quiet they should move away from this place soon hopefully." They nodded and they went up before her and once she was up I went over to the door. Mac got on the tracker and I heard the fireworks going off a minute later. "GO!" Mac pulled the tractor back and Rainbow grabbed the doorknob. She opened the door and I ran out killing the closes dead. I charged down the alley killing a few more and ran onto the street and grabbed the bag. I looked over to the front. A wall of dead pressed up alongside the building but a few looked over at me and started to come at me. I took back off at a run. I ran in and Rainbow slammed the door shut as Mac started to drove forward. He reblocked the door and I sighed as I dropped the gym bag and sighed as I sat down on the floor, heart pounding in my chest. "You okay son?" I looked up at one of the larger men asked as he looked down at me. "Ya, ya, that's the third fucking time I've done something crazy like that. Anyways, everyone get something to eat." I threw the bag over to him. He smiled and everyone gathered up around and all of them started to split up and food. I sighed as I wiped the blood off my hatchet and knife. I stood up and put my weapons away and started to walk. "Okay, Generater time." "Hey, I'll come help you." I looked back at Rainbow as she ran up with a couple of bags of dried meat we made. She threw me one. I nodded before we started to walk towards the sounds. "What did you hear?" "That guy about our age was talking about the hospital. I think they may have made a run from that place. Plus, doesn't it seem like there are more dead in the town the last two or three weeks?" "Good point. And the fact we haven't seen any of that army unit around. dDes seem to make since. Well, we'll do the same deal as always. Keep tight and ears open tonight." "Right." We reached the generator and I walked over and hit the kill switch. I sighed as I turned on the light and looked over at Rainbow as she leaned on the wall knife in hand. She looked at me and I nodded as I killed the light and pulled out my hatchet. Sure enough, a sound came not a minute later. Slow and steady with no other sound came with it. 'Someone alive.' As we waited for something a light turned on. "Ash where are you guys?" I sighed hearing Flash's voice and Rainbow turned on her light. "In here Flash." He walked in and I looked at his hands and stopped. I looked down a recurve bow in his hands with two side quivers in his hands. "They said they wanted to thank us and all they had to give was a bow they took when they ran from the hospital after it was overrun. None of them know how to use it." I laughed then slipped my hatchback into my holder then held my hands out. "Time to thin the herd." Flash smiled as he looked at me. "Maybe you should teach some of us to shoot these things. And we got a lot of let over pilates of soil and wood chips." I gripped the bow and nodded before grabbing the string and tried giving it a pull. "No, recurve is not my preferred type of bow. Plus, the draw weight is up there and I'm not sure how high." "Well, how high does it go?" "I think the heaviest is like two hundred or something like that." "Damn." I nodded as I looked at Rainbow. Then slipped the bow over my head before I waved for Flash to start walking. "Do you think we should bring them back?" "The quarantine tents should be restocked now. Were in the middle of winter they will die out here." I nodded my head as I crossed my arms as looked at him. "You make a good point." We walked back into the warehouse and I saw everyone expanding the walls we made. They walked over and started to help them as I looked on. "I guess you're the one in charge of this group." I looked back at her and she was an older woman with an older set of glasses and had on a grey shirt and black jeans with slightly gray hair tied back into a bun. "Well of this team the zone appointed me as scavenger team lead." "Zone?" She sat down beside the other finished making the wall. "We built a community around the two estates just out of town. The bulk of us came from Canterlot high and the rest we've found and brought in." "Could you take in more? I have three more daughters hiding out at our rock farm." "Well, that may help but we need to survive tonight first."
zompocalypse	chapter 15	Ash pov a week ago I opened the door and saw no dead around the back of the farmer's supply store. I saw a few down at the end of the street on the right. I looked to my left and saw a few more walking past. I nodded and looked back at Mac and Burn as they finished loading the trailer for the tractor. I stepped back in and closed the door as quietly as I could. A few of the guys set the pallet back, blocking the door. I sighed as I looked at Mac as he climbed into a closed tractor cabin. "You two sure you have enough gas for a ride like this?" Mac closed his door, and Burn did too. He looked at me with a smile on his face, and I sighed. I walked over to the door to let the tractors out. Brase grabbed the chains to both doors. "Don't get eaten!" The doors flew up, and they started to drive out. I jumped into the tailor Mac was pulling and Brase up over the other side. I held my knife and hatcheted tight as we rode out the door. "Here they come!" I braced myself as they came running. I stood up and looked at Burn's tracker and saw the dirt and boxes of seeds. Behind him was Flash standing with his AR ready to shoot if one got to the door. Dash was behind her twin, forty-fives in hand. We started to ride down the road heading for the cars. I looked over and saw a small hoard around us. "Protect Mac and Burn!" "We know!" I put my knife away and grabbed my forty-five. They crashed into the bucket, and they drove over them. I laughed as we drove over them and started to head for the jeep and the hum-v. I looked over at Rainbow, and she nodded as we turned the corner. I saw the jeep and smiled as Mac started to drive closer. I jumped onto the jeep and got in through the skylight, and Rainbow jumped onto the hum-v. She jumped on the fifty mounted and climbed into the hum-v. The hum-v roared to life, and I started to the jeep and slammed down on the horn. Some of the dead not already around us started our way. I threw the jeep in reverse and kept my hand on the horn as I tore ass, backing up and running a few over. I turned hard and gunned it, keeping it up with the horn Rainbow close behind. I heard an air horn as we drove down the street. We gunned it once we reached a straight road, and I let off the horn, and the air horn was gone. We turned at the end of the street and headed down the back way to the area they were heading. We made a few more turns before we rounded another corner and saw them coming our way with the much thinner hoard. "Ready to go again?" I grabbed the radio and hit the button. "Ya, bu..." A gunshot ran out behind us, and the dead looked our way as a few more rang out. "Rainbow, kill your engine!" We killed them as what sounded like a gun battle started behind us. They started to run past us as the last few clung to the tracker and trailers. A few minutes later, the gunfire stopped, and we started back up the engines. We drove off as the others used some of the long-handled hammers we took to kill the few still around them. As they reached the forest, they killed the last few. Ash current pov "Anything out there, Ash?" I took my eye off the scope and looked back at my crew. I nodded as I looked down, seeing the old-timer and his small working crew building a wall around the cabin with the leftover wood from the maid's house. "Nothing, which is worrying, but it is a nice sign the dead may be moving on." "Maybe, but we still have a problem." I looked at my crew and then over to the three cots he was looking at in the corner. "Oh ya, well, I'll be one of the first to stay the weekend here." "I'll stay too." I looked at Rainbow as she hadn't wanted much of anything to do with me since the night I slept with Gilda but worked with me. "I'll guess I'll stay too." Rosa spoke up, and I nodded as I set the rifle down. Then we walked downstairs, seeing the old-timer teaching some of the guys and a few girls basic construction. I walked up to the table and saw they'd also reinforced the window and had completely removed the back door. I cleared my throat, getting the attention of everyone. Someone called in the others, and once we had everyone in the house, I started to talk. "Alright, Me, Rainbow, and Rosa will be the first to stay the weekend here. So here is what I need everyone to do. Make sure the fence is fully set up. Had the extra wood set to the house's side with any tools you can spare for us? We'll work on more defenses over the weekend. As well as start a map of the area to find wood to be made into lumber for construction at the zone. If you have questions, please talk with me once the weekend is over as you only have an hour or two left to get back before the sun sets." They all looked at the older timer, and he laughed and then spoke up. "You heard him get moving!" They did as they were told as I helped the old-timer gather his stuff in the house and then took them to the trucks. Once everything was done, we let them out the gate, then I shut and locked it, then bared the gate, then Rainbow and I set up the supports to make sure it stayed shut as Rosa moved the wood into the house as it was already a cold day, so the night was going to be freezing tonight. With the gate secure, we walked into the house. I bared the door and then looked at the two of them. They looked at me, and I sighed as I looked at the room lighted by the lanterns we had on. I nodded as I turned to the steps and then started up them. "Rainbow, get the fireplace set up, Rosa; you start on dinner for the three of us. I'll get the cots down, then make sure the whole lower level is locked up in case of someone thinking of jumping that big ass fence." "Right." I got to the top of the steps and walked over into the room. I grabbed the bags holding a few thick blankets and three pillows. I walked them back down, set them in the corner, then walked back up, got the cots, and walked back down with a bit of trouble carrying them down. I sat them down and then started to them up. Rainbow finished setting up the wood as Rosa opened a few cans of beef stew. I finished setting up the cots as Rainbow sat down in the recliner chair, let by whoever owned this place. I stood up and then walked around the room, checking the board windows with a second layer of fixed bars across them. Satisfied, I walked back to the living room and then closed the door to the side room to keep what heat the fire gives us over the night. Rosa had finished cooking and walked back in from the kitchen. I walked in, then made sure the windows were ok; I closed the door. We all took a wooden bowl full of stew and sat on a cot. "What's the first thing on the list?" I looked at Rose and looked up at the roof. "Well, I guess you two can stay here tomorrow and set up marks for pit traps outside if you can scout out the woods near here. I'll be heading into the woods to get a map started and do some hunting. I saw some dead hickory that looked dry. I'll get as much of that as I can so we can smoke some meat whenever we get it." "Sounds like a plan but, I have to ask why you, Shining, and Filthy want to make this place an outpost?" I chewed on a piece of meat as I looked at Rosa. I wiped my mouth as I sat the bowl down beside me and then reached for my bag. I grabbed the strap then, pulled it over, opened the front pocket, and pulled out my notebook. I opened the third page and turned to show them the small map I was making. "This area is near where four creeks intersect to become one. I've also found medical herbs around this area. There must be more, so Shining and Filthy asked me to get an outpost in this area so we can take control of the water and the herbs. If we have this, we may be able to make some meds as well as if we pull it off rerunning water." "That would be nice. If only now and then a warm bath would be nice." I laughed as I looked up at the roof. "I was also thinking of some of the fruit trees I've seen and some of the barriers bushes and blackberry patches around. My dad taught me how to make juice and wine. Both of which we could use for trade if there are other settlements out there. I even saw a lemon tree near here. Lemons can kill mold, germs, and some bacteria, but not all of them but that basic fruit could help save lives." "Alright, we got a plan then." I nodded as Rainbow finished her bowl, set it down beside her cot, and spoke for the first time. "So, we're going to mark sites for pits and some looking within the site of the cabin." I nodded as I looked at her. "Ya, But, if a lot of them surround this place, set off some kind of signal for me, so I know to find another way." "Right." "Say are you going to use that sword you brought?" I looked over at my bag and saw the sword leaning on a chair. "Ya, I'll be teaching myself to use it." Rainbow laughed, and Rose nodded her head as she looked at me. "Alright, let's get some rest; we have an early day tomorrow." They nodded, and Rose took all the bowls and set them up on the hearth. We laid down, and I set my Glock down on the ground beside me. I sighed as I locked my hands behind my head. I looked up at the roof. I closed my eyes with my guard up.
Equestria Ninja Girls & Paw Patrol to the Rescue	pre	Meanwhile, a train was heading towards the train station but a small herd of cows were in the way. Skye informed Ryder, "Ryder, I found a small herd of cows at the train station and Mr. Hudson's train is heading towards them." "Leave this one to me y'all. Ah'll go rescue those cows," Applejack contacted them as Sunset drove the bus towards the train station. Ryder and Skye nodded. "Okay. Be careful out there," Skye warned the Rainbooms. After they arrived at the train station, the gurls got off and headed towards the train tracks where the cows were located. Mr. Hudson pulled the brakes on the train as Applejack ran towards the train to use her magical strength to stop the train while the rest of the girls helped the cows get off the train tracks. The train stopped and the small herd of cows were safe. Applejack wiped the sweat off her forehead, "Phew. That was close." Mr. Hudson exited the train and asked, "Is everyone alright? I hope I didn't scare you all." Sunset informed him, "No, you didn't mister. The train stopped just in time for us to get the cows to safety." "C'mon, girls. Let's bring these cows back to Yumi's barn," Rainbow called the rest of the Rainbooms. Meanwhile, Wild was looking for the Ruff-Ruff Pack until he saw them being chased by the bull. "Ryder, this is Wild. I found the Ruff-Ruff Pack, but they're being chased by a bull. I'm going to rescue them." "Okay," Ryder informed him. "Be careful out there." "I will," Wild answered and went to rescue the Ruff-Ruff Pack. While April was guiding the horses to safety, she saw the Ruff-Ruff Pack heading towards the forest while being chased by a bull. She raised her eyebrow, "I wonder where they're heading right now." She tracked the Ruff-Ruff pack with her ESP and gasped, "They're heading towards a cliff," She then called Leo, "Leo, the Ruff-Ruff Pack are heading towards the cliff!" "What? But why?" Leo said. April answered, "They're blinded by the paint and they're being chased by a bull." "This is bad. I better call some backup to handle this," Leo suggested. Spike then noticed the Ruff-Ruff Pack as well along with Wild chasing after them. He thought to himself, "Hmm, this could be my chance to redeem myself. I gotta go follow them." So, he decided to follow them on his own. While the bull continued chasing after the Ruff-Ruff Pack, they were unexpectedly met with a log laying on the road. "Dwayne, look out!" Gasket called him and Dwayne looked ahead. However, it was too late and the Ruff-Ruff Pack hit the log and fell off their motorcycles. "WOAH!" The pup trio screamed. They fell on the ground and the bikes were damaged. Hubcap asked, "Is everyone alright?" "We're good, Hubcap!" Dwayne nodded. Gasket wondered, "What about our bikes?" Suddenly, the bull tossed the log out of the way and charged at them again. "Forget about 'em! Run!" Hubcap shouted and the pups ran straight on paw while Spike followed the pups from the bushes, away from the bull. Hubcap looked ahead and saw they were running straight toward a cliff. He dug his paws in the ground and quickly skidded to a stop. "Phew!" He sighed. However, Gasket bumped into him, followed by Dwayne, and all three of them fell, screaming off the edge. Spike saw that and gasped. He ran over to cliff and looked down. Dwayne was clinging to a branch while Gasket and Hubcap were clinging to him. "HELP!" They all cried. "Hang on!" Spike called. "What does it look like we're doing?!" Hubcap snapped. Spike looked around before he spotted Wild and Applejack rushed over to them. The cowgirl asked, "Spike, what are ya doing here?" "I saw the Ruff-Ruff Pack! They accidentally fell off the cliff!" Spike answered. "HELP!" The Ruff-Ruff Pack cried again. Wild assured Applejack, "Don't worry, we'll rescue the Ruff-Ruff Pack." "Yeah, but who's going to rescue us from THAT?!" Spike panicked, pointing his paw at the incoming bull charging right at them. Applejack stepped up, "Ah will. Go rescue those pups!" She tossed them her lasso, then cracked her knuckles, "Ah'll go take care of rounding up this mad bull." "Good thinking, AJ. Let's go, Wild!" Spike called him. "Right!" Wild followed Spike to the cliff while Applejack charged right at the bull. Spike tied one end of the lasso to Wild's motorcycle and the other end around his waist, then lowered himsel toward the branch where the Ruff-Ruff Pack were left hanging and held out his paws, "Quick! Grab on!" He said to Dwayne, only for Gasket and Hubcap to grab hold of his body and then Dwayne grabbed him last, squeezing him, "Not what I meant, but okay," He called up to Wild Cat, "Wild, pull us up!" "You got it, Spike!" Wild Cat backed up his motorcycle, slowly pulling Spike and the Ruff-Ruff Pack up and back onto the ground. "We made it!" Hubcap cheered before he started kissing the ground. Gasket sighed in relief, "We're safe!" "You saved us! Thank you so much!" Dwayne hugged Spike. "Don't mention it," Spike said, feeling squished. Then, the rest of the Ninjas and Paw Patrol arrived near the cliff where Ild, Spike, and the Ruff-Ruff Pack were located. Twilight ran up to Spike and pulled him out of the pile. She said, "Spike, are you alright?" Spike nodded, "Yeah, I'm good. Thanks for asking." "Where's the bull?" Marshall wondered until Applejack placed the bull on the ground with its legs tied up, in front of her friends. Applejack said, "Ah already took care of it y'all! You're welcome." Ryder shook her hand, "Thanks for your help, AJ." "No problem, Ryder." The cowgirl shook his hand back. Raph walked up to the Ruff-Ruff Pack and questioned them, "As for you three, why did you let those animals loose? They could've gotten hurt!" Dwayne answered, "Uh, no, we didn't." Everyone got confused, "Huh?" "What do you mean you didn't set them loose?" Chase asked. Hubcap answered, "Those farm animals were already running loose before we showed up." Gasket continued, "Someone else must have done it, cause it wasn't us." Dwayne added, "Huh? You know, I did smell something fishy when we past by there." "You mean something suspicious?" Mikey corrected the pup. "No, I mean something smelled like fish." Dwayne stated. Hubcap scoffed, "Eh, who cares!" Ryder's pup-pad started ringing and answered it. Rocky called, "Ryder! Donnie, Twilight, and I fixed the fence in Farmer Al's barn." Donnie continued, "Plus, we found something interesting that you all might want to take a look at." "It's very important," Twilight finished. "Okay, we'll be right over. And thank you for fixing the fence." Ryder told them. "C'mon everyone, let's head back and clean up the streets in Adventure Bay." The Ninjas and Pups agreed, "Right!" Minutes later, while the CMC, Color Strikes, Casey, April, Caitlyn, and Zack were cleaning up the streets of Adventure Bay, the rest of the Turtles, Rainbooms, and the Paw Patrol arrived at Farmer Al and Yumi's farm. Farmer Yumi thanked the heroes, "Thank you for getting all of our farm animals back." The cowgirl tipped her hat, "You're very welcome." Ryder said, "Whenever your farm animals cause a stampede again, just yell for help." "Yo guys, did ya find something?" Mikey asked Rocky. "Yeah, we sure did. It's right there by the fence." Rocky answered. The gang walked towards the fence and saw a footprint with the twig snapped on top. Marshall said, "That is a strange footprint. Never seen anything like it." Chase called, "If this footprint was here earlier, then that means someone or something must've went here earlier. Dwayne was right all along. But, who would come here to scare all of these farm animals?" Fluttershy raised her hand, "Maybe I can help." She whistled to call the farm animals. "Speaking of Dwayne, where is the rest of the Ruff-Ruff Pack anyway?" Wild asked until they heard the sounds of motorcycles. The gang looked ahead to see the Ruff-Ruff Pack leaving the farm with their motorcycles. "See you later, dweebs!" Hubcap shouted, laughing at the heroes. "Why I oughta...!" Raph vented until Leo held his arm up, blocking his brother. Leo informed him, "Let them go, Raph! I don't think this will be the last time we'll be seeing them again." Sunset chimed in, "He's right. Let's not worry about that and celebrate our victory with our new friends." "Alright, fine. If you say so," Raph agreed. Hiding from the bushes was Fishface again, watching the Ninjas and Paw Patrol celebrate together. Fishface walked away and growled, "My plans foiled again! I will take what I want from this town and those fools will not stand in my way!"
Trixie and her Destiny	pre	Trixie lay in bed for a while, the dream slowly fading from memory. She rose, breaking her sleepy demeanor. A tear greeted her as she did, slowly it rolled down her cheek. She let out a long sigh. More blank tears... she pushed aside the covers approaching the window to look out into the starry night above. The moon, bright and pristine, was full. The glowing orb, static in the sky, had possessed a special sparkle since the return of Princess Luna. It shone brighter now, it's face no longer plastered with a mare's. It felt unfamiliar to Trixie to see such a pure moon. The lonesome body above reminded her of the long nights spent alone, working on her magic; of the endless hours, spent streaming through pages and pages of material at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. Her time there felt like it was spent in Tartarus. She had gained most of her skills there, but she never even graduated. It was the single largest disappointment in her entire life. Although, if she hadn't gone through it all, she wouldn't have made it to Jack Rabbit's. She reasoned it was worth it in the end. "I wish I could still be working there," she mumbled blinking away tears under the night sky. Her time there had been like a dream. A short, magical period of bliss, before the realities of life came back into focus. She had seen the great Black Flair at his prime and then his fall from glory; once the envy of all, brought low and made a disgrace. Trixie stared intently at the moon watching it shimmer in the sky. She wished that she could shine like that, shameless and beautiful for all the world to see. She wondered what it must be like to be the moon. To have the entire world look upon you and stare in wonder. This was her goal, to become a beacon, a legendary magician. To have the whole world be inspired by her greatness. It's my destiny... But then again, it was also Fugal's original destiny to join the Royal Guard, and that never happened. What a cruel world we live in. To dream and fail so often, Trixie's rare nihilistic thoughts helped her calm down and make sense of the world. Her life, if anything, had told her there was no such thing as destiny. Only your will, to be who you want to be, shapes the world. Trixie sighed, turning away from the window toward her makeshift dresser opening one of its drawers. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The Kind of Pony ‎ ‎ ‎ * * * * * * * * * * * * ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ by: Photo Finish‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * The Kind of Pony lay at the top of her pile of mementos. Trixie pulled it out, setting the book aside as she looked over her graduation slip. She opened it, looking at the splendor of the document. Trixie hadn't many things to be proud of, but this was an exception. It was something earned, the high-honors of her class. Trixie looked over the pristine diploma, she was filled with pride as she read through the faculty names. 'Black Flair', the flashy signature at the bottom brought mixed feelings of regret and sadness. The signature, which was next to the principal's still somehow still let off a dim glow. Trixie had often wondered how Black Flair did it, she could never figure it out. She thought it could have been the ink, but that didn't seem likely since it would have to be enchanted ink which was extraordinarily expensive. In fact, anything enchanted was extremely expensive. In the past, Trixie had often joked about how she should go into the enchanting business so that she wouldn't have to spend so much money on supplies. After doing a little research she decided that it would be better to just buy them. Learning to enchant items was just as hard as learning magic twice, as the rules to embed objects with magic were complex and completely opposite to the study of casting spells with one's horn. Even a basic understanding would require years more of specialized and expensive training. The mare looked at the paper again, reminding her that she lacked any college education. Maybe I should go back to school. She chuckled to herself for a short while, dismissing the thought and placing the article in her coat pocket. She was probably just tired from her long day and abysmal night. There wasn't time for her to doubt her life's path now. She needed to focus on her end goal. Canterlot! Crash... Trixie stumbled at the sound in the distance, falling onto the floor. She got to her hooves dazed. Ok, now I know for certain, I am just tired and need to go back to sleep. She lay back down in the cramped bed curling up into a tight ball. Knock! Knock! Trixie, groaned, "Uhhh, an annoying dream and now what?" she mumbled to herself. "Trixie!" two squeaky and familiar voices sounded from behind her door. Trixie, annoyed and a little groggy got up and dressed. If she was to be seen it would be in her proper show attire. Trixie swung open the door open revealing Snips and Snail's terrified eyes. Annoyed she shouted, "Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!" "We-- We have a-a tiny problem." Snips said hesitantly. "Actually, it's a big one," Snails corrected him. "What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?" ROOOOOAR! The cry echoed through town as an Ursa major broke the tree line. Ohhh. . . Trixie bit her lip, checking for another dream. Trixie winced in pain, as the dream refused to disappear. N-no-nooo... This can't be right... This must be a dream. She stared at the colossal beast blankly for a moment, stunned at its size and ferocity. Trixie's gaze was disturbed by a piercing scream echoing through the night. Trixie's mind flailed in confusion as the world started to move involuntarily as the Ursa slightly faded into the distance. Trixie then realized that she was running for her life bellowing out a deathly scream of terror. Awareness finally returned to Trixie as she slowed to a trot, composing herself enough to start thinking again. Ponies streamed out of their houses' growing to a large crowd. Her gaze was met by two fillies in pursuit. Behind them, she saw the massive Ursa a few hundred feet behind them smashing Trixie's cart to bits. "NO!" Trixie screeched her Prestige now a pile of rubble in moments. Trixie fell to the ground in shock, mumbling "No... I... my cart, my prestige." The crowd continued to grow as ponies flooded into the town square. Trixie went on autopilot in the face of the crowd putting on a mask of peace and composure. Her dignity prevented her from breaking down in tears. She stood, a detached stare watching the beast as it approached. "Great and Powerful Trixie, you've got to vanquish the Ursa!" Snips demanded. "Yeah, vanquish so we can watch," Snails added. "Wait, you brought this here?" Trixie asked shock and rage etched across her face. Snails casually nodded in the affirmative. "Are you out of your little pony minds?" she yelled furious at the two fillies. Snips and Snails stepped a pace back in fright at her outburst. The growing crowd also taking an interest in the conversation. "But," the foul blue unicorn spouted, "You're the Great and Powerful Trixie." "Yeah, remember?" Snail added, "You defeated an Ursa Major!" Trixie was about to say something about how useless banishing an Ursa major was in comparison to the how nice banishment for foals would be, but was cut off by a chaotic roar from a few feet away. The beast snuck up on Trixie, she was now cornered. Trixie hastily put together a plan. If she could distract the Ursa she might escape or even maybe subdue the creature somehow. Levitating her rope from her supplies she wrung the rope around the air distracting the Ursa temporally. The Ursa seemed to be slightly amused by the rope. Distracted by her for a moment, she tied the rope about its fingers. No dice, the Ursa stared at the Trixie unamused by the little trick and snapped it almost immediately, all the while his eyes locked on Trixie. The two foals in the rear complained anxiously awaiting for something unheard of. I need something flashier. Something that will get his attention away from me. A spell preceded to form in her mind and she began to cast. Trixie had many spells that were visually appealing and jaw-dropping in their beauty. However, almost none of her show spells would work to distract an Ursa Major since illusions targeted the minds of ponies specifically. Trixie fell back to the basics forming a cloud of magic in the sky behind the Ursa drawing electricity to coalesce into a dark cloud. My cloud grew and began to grumble in anticipation of its discharge. Trixie, although proud of her ability to force a cloud into existence, was ashamed of its size. The clouds are supposed to dwarf creatures, not the other way around. KSHhh! The Ursa roared in annoyance. Trixie didn't miss the opportunity to scurry away in the moment of confusion, leaving the Ursa alone near the edge of Ponyville. The beast erupted, ripping roofs off and gorging the ground with its claws as they ripped the city square asunder. The beast seemed to believe that the city's buildings were responsible for his misfortune with the lightning, and as such the beast ravaged the town. Trixie now near the center of Ponyville ran into the purple unicorn from earlier. "What's going on?" she demanded a stern look on her face. Trixie stared at her, confused. Was this still the shy little squeak of a mare from the show yesterday? "We brought an Ursa to town." Snips replied. The purple unicorn's eyes shot open as the beast came into view. Her reaction was much the same as Trixie's minus the screaming and running. "You what?!" she shouted in disbelief. "Don't worry, The Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it." Snails said, a sparkle of anticipation festering in his eye. All three pairs of pony eyes landing upon Trixie expectantly. Trixie's mind raced for some scapegoat but was drawing a blank. What could she do? Nopony except the Princesses, Wonderbolts, or maybe a squadron of the guards were capable of dealing with a beast of this size. A memory flashed through Trixie's eyes. "Now remember," Black Flair spoke to her with a stern deep voice, "you have seen firsthand that being a magician is dangerous. It is all fun and games until somepony gets hurt. Trixie, if you're going to be a magician I want you to promise me. Promise me that you will never endanger somepony's life for the show." The Great and Powerful Trixie responded. "I promise." 'The Great and Powerful Trixie.' It was who Trixie was: a performer, an actor, and mastermind of her campaign to captivate the world. But above all that, The Great and Powerful Trixie was a magician. The first rule any magician must follow is to never tell anypony their secrets. Big or small it didn't matter, their life was based around secrecy, to have the audience fooled at all times, to reveal only that which would make herself look great. How could she keep her promises and her secrets? Trixie, the magician needed to keep the mystique of her persona. But also, Trixie, the magician needed to keep everypony safe. The two competing needs forced Trixie to choose. Trixie fidgeted as the words escaped her mouth. "I can't..." "What?" The two fillies shouted at her in disbelief. "I can't, I never have." Trixie said "No one can vanquish an Ursa Major. I just made the whole story up to make me look better." The two foals recoiled in astonishment. Trixie mentally face-hoofed at their reaction. What? You never expected to be tricked by a magician? Another roar echoed through the town center as the Ursa ripped the roof off of one of the buildings after trying to decapitate it with limited success. It dove forward at the crowd of ponies now gathered, snarling viciously at the crowd. The purple unicorn stood tall approaching the Ursa. Her mane blurred in the slight breeze as her horn began to glow. Then like an explosion the city was filled with magic. Trixie could feel the power radiating from the unicorn, like a magic beacon blasting outward in all directions. Trixie could do nothing but stare in amazement as the unicorn glowed in raw magic power. Moments later the city was filled with the sound of a flute. The music was enchanting. The entire city was lulled into silence. Trixie's mind was almost lost amidst the melody, but her keen spirit repelled the strong magic leaving the unicorn barely conscious. Trixie's eyes were glued on Twilight as her horn doubled in brightness. Looks like it takes a lot keep that sp... Trixie's thought was cut short as the sleepy Ursa started to tumble in her direction. Trixie winced in terror as it's massive body plummeted toward her. Trixie's life flashed before her eyes. Her filly hood spent in Manehattan, the long evenings after work where she practiced magic religiously, and her tour through Equestria yielding the greatest adventures she had ever known. It was all there and gone in a flash. This is it. The Great and Powerful Trixie squashed by a sleepy Ursa major. How pathetic... Trixie stood there a moment more, eyes waiting for the wave of pain to come, then fade in an instant. Death didn't come. . . Trixie irritated by the delay of her death peeked an eye open. Trixie's jaw lay open for the next few moments as she witnessed the element of magic do her work. Twilight Sparkle, had telekinetically lifted the several thousand pound Ursa Major several hundred feet into the air. The Ursa Major now looked calm and even had a massive milk bottle in its grasp to suck on as it wisped through the air back to the Everfree Forest. Trixie stared at Twilight, her eyes revealing her pure disbelief of what she had just witnessed. Her brain argued against her senses as she continued to stare in awe. Trixie's world shattered, her mind began to battle for supremacy against what she has witnessed. Her eyes desperately attempted to satisfy her rational mind. They darted through the plaza looking for a rune or maybe some type of enchanted item to explain the events. They revealed only four hoof prints buried several inches into the ground where Twilight stood while she cast her spell. "Wow, Twilight," a baby dragon said, breaking Trixie's concentration, "how'd you know what to do with that Ursa Major?" "That's what I was doing when you came looking for me. I was so intrigued by Trixie's bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading on them." Trixie let out a low sigh at the remark, glad to get an explanation. Wait that still doesn't explain the city-wide sedative spell or the massive milk bottle which somehow appeared out of nowhere. Trixie, waited for the remainder of the explanation. "So it is possible to vanquish an Ursa Major all by yourself?" The baby dragon stated bluntly. "That wasn't an Ursa Major, it was a baby, an Ursa Minor" Twilight stated matter-of-factly. "That was just a baby?" Trixie blurted out in disbelief. The unicorn nodded in the affirmative, then continued her report. "And it wasn't rampaging," She shifted her gaze to the two fillies. "It was just cranky because somepony woke it up," she said, chiding the two fillies. "Well, if that was an Ursa Minor, then what's an Ursa Major like?" The baby dragon asked curiously. The unicorn's eyes then briefly drifted upward as if searching her archive of memories for an answer. "You don't wanna know." A small smile appeared on her face. Trixie sat there still trying to pull herself together from the events which still seemed to defy reason. Her mind raced for answers, but only found more questions. She when she came to, she was surrounded. The crowd eyed her expectantly, what had they expected? Trixie thought for a moment and then froze, realizing her mistake. They want me to admit she is better, don't they. The Great and Powerful Trixie has just died... They wanted me to acknowledge it. NEVER! If she couldn't be the Great and Powerful Trixie, life would not be worth living. Puffing out her chest out and putting her best possible stage voice that she could. She defended her name, her existence. "Huh!" Trixie, suppressing the urge to break down in tears. "You may have vanquished an Ursa Minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie". She finished by summoning a smoke orb then smashing it onto the ground as she ran away as fast as possible tears filling her eyes. Her hooves felt heavy as she ran, the weight of great loss coupled by the exhaustion of the previous day making each step harder and harder as she escaped the town. Her eyes now trailed by two lines of tears down her light blue fur. She ran because she had nothing left, everything was gone. No family, no friends, no money. She ran because her cart, her home, was now nothing more than splinters. She ran because her image was now revealed to be a fraud in front of an entire town. Soon the entire country would know of the Ursa minor attack and how The Great and Powerful Trixie was nothing more than a fraud. She ran, her life and identity lost. She ran into the darkness not caring if it consumed her.
Trixie and her Destiny	Chapter 5: Shadow	The sun lay low over the horizon, its golden rays waving across the sky in a glorious array of stark reds and soft ambers. At the top of Canterlot tower, the tips of the fiery ball could be seen flickering against the distant hills, its figure now dwarfed by the brilliant stars above. The figure of an alicorn sat, patiently waiting for all remnants of the solar mass to vanish, her light blue mane flickering strangely as it swayed in both the physical and ethereal wind of the cosmos. Princess Luna rose, looking to the east for her glorious celestial body. Luna found it, her pristine home over the past thousand years, her prison. Luna concentrated grabbing hold of the colossal mass as its mass weighed heavily on the weak Princess. Taking flight with a few beats of her wings she rose several feet into the air, pulling the moon from the far east to its path across the night sky. The alicorn then unceremoniously dropped toward the ground breathing heavily as sweat dripped down her face. The magic in her mane dissipated, firmly rooted in the physical realm once again. "Luna, are you doing alright?" Her sister asked affectionately from inside the tower. "Just fine, my dear 'Tia" she let out between breaths. "just, out of practice, that's all." She bit her lip, regarding her own excuse as a weak explanation. It had been only a few weeks since Luna had returned to Equestria. Her memory and very being had been reshaped by the Elements of Harmony. Luna was glad for the transformation. She felt healthy much as she did in her youth. The Elements had left everything she cared about and removed all but the most important bad memories of her previous life. Luna couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for the loss of her former self. Her memory, now altered, revealed a spattering of her years with Celestia before Nightmare Moon, and even some of the memories of her time as Nightmare Moon. A shiver ran down the alicorn's back as she recalled the atrocities she committed during those dark days. Luna only felt shame about her past life, though the particulars of her darker deeds were hidden even from herself. Luna entered the tower, receiving a worried look from her sister as her rigid body trotted into the room. Celestia sat gracefully enjoying her evening meal at the dining table. Plated in front of her was a large salad with some exquisite dressing from their neighboring countries. Luna eyed the dish enviously. "You know Luna if you want..." she said cautiously "I can set the moon in place until you get your strength back." "Nay! I am the Princess of the Night, it is my duty to raise the moon," she yelled loudly in the traditional Royal Canterlot voice which carried throughout the castle. Celestia wore a face, not unlike her usual, but with a slight frown upon it. "I also think you know that the Royal Canterlot voice hasn't been used in centuries." "Sorry" she yelled slightly quieter this time. "I am having trouble speaking normally," she said quieter still. "It's okay Luna. . ." Celestia paused for a moment as if choosing her words carefully. "I want us to rule together and for ponies to look up to you. This transition requires a certain amount of change from both of us." Luna frowned at the remark, considering her words. Luna hated the idea of changing any more, but her sister was never wrong. She considered what Celestia wanted of her, but also what she wanted of herself. Luna could never really get past what it felt like to get blasted by the elements. She was wholly the same pony her memories told her, but also so very different from what her subconscious told her. On top of the mental and physical chaos, everything was different now. The customs, the culture, and even the way the general populous viewed her and Celestia. Luna's new life was all so... new. She wasn't sure she even liked it, much less did she desire to embrace this new life. At the same time, Luna was worried that she might change back into Nightmare Moon. The transformation wasn't completely impossible. After all, If you could become instantly good, why couldn't the opposite happen? What if she were to remember something important and turn evil again. The elements of harmony were extraordinarily powerful, but above their legendary power, they were renowned for how little was known about them. The magical artifacts would give their wielder extraordinary powers, but no-pony knew exactly how. No one knew they could even have these effects on Luna, and how long would they last? Celestia herself had told her that she was happily surprised by the results and wouldn't have had it any other way. As a precaution, Luna decided for the time being it would be best to delay her recovery. "Luna?" Her sister called again, successfully grabbing her attention after the third attempt. "I have heard from the royal chef that you haven't been eating much. I don't want you to hurt yourself with your duties because you aren't eating properly." Ohh Tia, why are you so attentive? Luna thought. She had at one point considered the possibility that Celestia had the power to read minds. Luna wondered how transparent she had been, but she reasoned that her sister already knew everything. "I know. . . It is just that. . . uhh. . . everything they were serving. . . had spinach in it. . .?" The words leaving the startled Princess's mouth as an awkward smile crept across Luna's face. Celestia returned her smile with an unamused glance as if to say, you and I both know that is a terrible lie. "Well" Celestia's tone perked up, "If you don't feel like eating, then I have a job for you." Luna's face which was previously facing the ground now looked up at her sister raising her eyebrows and a slightly pained look as her vacation was coming to an end . "A Job?" She yelled out in surprise, not even trying to speak quietly. "Yes" The Alicorn replied, a slight hint of irritation etched across her face. "I want to visit Ponyville in a few weeks on our next parliamentary break. I would like you to go visit Twilight Sparkle's dreams tonight and let her know we'll be coming. I am sure Twilight would be pleased to see you again." Luna began to open her mouth in protest. "And unfortunately," Celestia cut her off before she could begin "I am all out of paper and I don't expect another shipment for months..." She stated matter-of-factly. Luna shut her mouth acknowledging her sister's plight. "Fine. I'll do it," Luna gruffly agreed. It would be both tiring and trivial, but it was something Luna could do well. "Thanks, my scholars surely appreciate it." Celestia smiled at Luna broadly. A few moments later Celestia let out a slow wink toward Luna. Her face grew bright red in embarrassment at the realization. Out of paper. . . Luna facehoofed at her own stupidity. Luna never did find much enjoyment in her sister's unique sense of humor. "If it's not too much trouble, could you do it tonight?" Celestia added. "Fine, I'll do it tonight." Luna replied in an annoyed tone. She sat outside on the tower balcony overlooking a small portion of Equestria from her perch. "Thank you sister, I'll be heading to bed for the night. See you tomorrow." She gave Luna a small hug, then went inside to sleep. It's been more than a thousand years since I last was in a pony's dream, she thought to herself. Well, here is to hoping it is like flying and you never forget. Her horn glowed, shifting her consciousness out of her body into a cloud of ethereal smoke. She let out a small breath as her mind entered the cloud of magic. She was right, moving into the cloud felt very natural to her, almost more so than her alicorn body which felt rigid and heavy at times. Leaving the alicorn body resting on the balcony, the cloud drifted, directed by an invisible force as the massless vessel left Canterlot. Luna's heart raced as the sensation of her spirit form overtook her mind. The ponies below her in Canterlot fading from her mind as she drifted across the sky. She wafted through the air, careful to mind her direction, she headed to Ponyville. A few moments later she arrived to find the city in ruins. The houses were destroyed, and claw marks struck into the ground. Luna was shocked to find Twilight directing a few orders to the ponies throughout the streets. She had an assistant dragon carrying a long scroll which stretched several dozen feet behind them as they made notes for repairs. "Spike, don't forget to write that we are going to need a construction crew from Cant. . ." The unicorn stopped herself short. "Ohhh no!" The unicorn's eyes grew huge "Spike! What am I going to tell Celestia? She'll be furious with me!" She said exasperated. The purple unicorn trotted about aimlessly mumbling to herself for the next few minutes developing an answer. "You could just tell her." Spike interjected. Luna hovered above the pair, antagonized by the situation. Her people had been attacked. She was the Princess of the Night, She should have been the one to protect them. She began to curse at herself for not keeping a watchful eye over the town earlier. Now she could only observe from her cloud waiting patiently for an answer in their dreams. The two wandered about the town for another half an hour before heading back to the library for the night. Twilight with a tired and rather drained expression on her face plummeted to her bed at the top of the library tree. Exhausted, her troubled mind drifted into obscurity. Luna entered the unicorn's mind, enshrouded by the vast knowledge of Twilight, a dream began to play out in her consciousness. Celestia sat tall in her royal throne which seemed irregularly large. Luna watched for a moment as Princess Celestia yelled at Twilight for her negligence in stopping the damage to Ponyville. The purple unicorn quivered on the stone floor, ashamed and broken before the almighty alicorn. Luna, unwilling to wait for the dream to unfold shattered the scene replacing the cold sanctuary with an open field and star-covered sky. The unicorn still quivered on the grassy plane, unable to open her eyes for fear of a non-existent Celestia. "Twilight!" Luna's voice boomed. The unicorn snapped to attention, unfamiliar with the voice. "Princess... Luna..." The unicorn said in between sniffs caused by her crying earlier. Before anything more could be said, Twilight hugged Luna. Clinging to the alicorn, Luna hugged her back. Then a torrent of tears started to flow, soaking Luna's coat. "Luna, Celestia hates me!" She said in a sobbing, delirious voice. "S-she says I can't be her student anymore and thinks that I destroyed the town." A torrent of tears flowing into Luna's chest. Luna, shocked by the entire scene, redoubled her efforts to comfort the mare until she was ready to talk rationally. "I didn't though." She sniffled loudly, trying to stop her crying. "She hates me," she continued mumbling deliriously. Luna couldn't take this any longer, Twilight's weeping face scared her. What have my sister's teachings done to this poor filly? "Twilight!" She yelled loudly. Twilight recoiled from the alicorn in shock. Then her face turned sad again, a tear began to form in her eyes. "Stop," she bellowed, shocking the mare again as her powerful voice cut through her delirium. "What happened?" she said flatly and with the least amount of emotion as possible. Although she felt a good deal of rage surging throughout her body back in Canterlot. "Well," the mare said cautiously, "Trixie came to Ponyville and then an Ursa minor showed u-" "And where is this Trixie?" The alicorn demanded. "She left, she even left all her stuff in the town square." "Twilight, I will tell Celestia what has happened. Sleep in peace knowing that I will not let my sister hurt you for your brave actions tonight." Her voice rang throughout the plane, as she shifted out of the dream. Luna watched the unicorn contort slightly as she left her mind and entered back into her ethereal cloud. She cast a simple spell on the unicorn which would prevent her from dreaming that night. Luna shuddered at why Twilight feared her sister like she did. Celestia was imposing, manipulative, and wore a mask at times. However, she's good natured and there wouldn't be any reason to fear her. . . Her mind shifted back to the moment she was banished to the moon. Celestia's face was covered in tears as the elements of harmony shot toward her. Celestia's face was sorrowful, hurt, and guilt-ridden, her expression was etched into Luna's mind forever. That face sang a lullaby, and it was that single moment that kept her from hating Celestia for the next thousand years. Luna hadn't ever seen Celestia cry before, which she reasoned was also the reason why she could forgive her for everything leading up to Nightmare Moon's creation. Her eyes drifted back to the unicorn. She concluded that she was just paranoid or crazy, either would explain her delirium. Either that or the dream had been corrupted by some other factor. Maybe food? Luna's stomach grumbled. Luna hung in the air a moment longer, planning her next move. She set out for the town square, searching for Trixie's stuff. What she found surprised her, in the distance she found a medium-sized cart smashed to bits. Wood shrapnel scattered across the yard in all directions. Nearing the wreckage, Luna smelled the magic which surrounded the highly sophisticated cart. The scent reminded her of a friend she loved long ago. After a short search through her belongings, Luna found an enchanted item that seemed out of place. The trinket was a very high-quality voice transmitter, similar to those the royal guard used to convey messages from city to city. Luna's mind began to question this Trixie's allegiances. Why did she have such a valuable device? Who was she communicating with? Questions bombarded the princess, increasing her suspicion. Luna took another smell of the magic concentrated about the cart. She elevated herself into the sky and hovered there a moment. The brief reprieve let her notice how strained her alicorn magic was from maintaining the spell. Luna hadn't used much of the magic which composed her ethereal cloud, but after entering Twilight's mind she was now far less comfortable than when she entered it hours earlier. She contemplated the idea of waiting until morning to search out the unicorn, but her negligence from not intervening during the Ursa minor's attack still weighed heavily on her and did little to encourage a rest. Determined to talk with this Trixie, she concentrated on the tracking spell. The unicorn's trail was weak, but she felt it, a slow somewhat erratic pulse of the magic was resonating slowly from inside the Everfree Forest. Luna swiftly shifted across the sky heading into the dense forest. The Everfree Forest was filled with a diverse set of creatures. The lively forest contained hundreds of prey-predator relationships, and no sentient life within its boundaries. The forest would be the ideal place to plan a coup d'etat, if it weren't for its inhabitants. With this danger in mind, Luna had tracked Trixie hidden deep in the forest. Trixie resided inside a massive, hollowed-out, cedar tree that had fallen eons ago. The tree's massive hollow shell, which was covered in mysterious purple moss, was a testament to the age and mystery of this forsaken forest. Luna's cloud of consciousness approached the unicorn cautiously, not wanting to alert the restless mare inside. "No!" Trixie's voice called out, a hint of terror in her shaky voice. Luna, suspecting she has been seen, hid out of sight. She hovered for a few minutes waiting for Trixie to move, but nothing happened. "I am sorry." the trembling unicorn's voice echoed out in the still forest. "I won't do it again!" Trixie mumbled weakly. Luna came to the realization that Trixie was asleep, or rather she was somewhat awake in her sleep. Prompted by the nightmare which was being revealed to her, she quietly shifted to enter the massive hollow log. She found the mare covered in sweat, her mane a tangled mess. Her tail split in multiple directions frayed with sticks and leaves caught within. Luna couldn't help but feel a morsel of pity for the unicorn. Trixie was after all one of her subjects, and depending on her story she might vouch for the vulnerable mare. Trixie's magical scent smelled foul to the princess as the mixture of negative emotions concentrated in the ancient tree's small cavity. Luna reached out with her magic to enter Trixie's mind. As Luna entered she felt an aura of dark magic surround her, a sense of evil lurking in the depth of Trixie's subconscious. ~~~ "I didn't mean for this to happen, it was a mistake I swear!" Trixie yelled defensively. She was surrounded by her peers, she hadn't had this particular nightmare for months. They stared at the mare, a mix of hatred and shock etched across their faces. After a few minutes, one of the ponies in attendance came forward. He didn't say anything, he didn't need to. Trixie fell through the black trap door below her. She hit the ground to a sea of faces looking at her. "You weak, useless, forgetful mare!", yelled one of the black faces. "I have a family to feed! How am I supposed to help them now?" yelled another. Trixie responded, "I am sorry. I messed up. I won't do it again." "There won't be the next time, Trixie. You've doomed everypony!" Another voice yelled. Trixie finally snapped, "Just stop, go away!" tears streaking down her face as they continued to berate and accuse. "That's all you're good at: running!" "Be a good little mare and take responsibility for once!" "Celestia be damned, if you aren't the scum of the earth!" Trixie cried, rocking herself back in forth. The voices continued, unstoppable reflections of her past. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" a chilling voice echoed through space as the ponies faded into the background. "My my. Little pony, you seem to be in need of my assistance." Trixie looked up, noticing the specter. A black shade almost equine in shape. Its black fur writhing into itself. Trixie panicked. "Ohhh, noo... We can't have you losing your head like that. That won't do at all." The specter's horn started glowing taking Trixie's voice and will. Trixie slumped to the ground, the black specter now in full view. Its terrifying body should have scared her senseless. Trixie felt numb to the horror and any desire to act was swept away. "Now that I have your captive attention. It seems as though you aren't having the best of days, am I right?" Trixie couldn't nod but felt her head move up and down. "Quite a pickle you've found yourself in. And the nightmares to boot. Well, I'll tell you what, how about we make a deal?" the specter said, grinning from ear to ear. "If you can help me with a few errands around Equestria, I'll keep your nightmares at bay. I've got a thing for nightmares you see." The spectator grinned wildly like he had made some sort of exalted joke. "Hahahaha, as an added bonus I may even let you keep your soul." The spectator pulled out a small white orb out of his mane. "I really am feeling generous today, but my patience grows thin. What do you say? Live and have a good job, or die where you are now. It seems like a simple choice to me." The specter's horn began to glow again, expanding Trixie's soul gem to fill the space. Once Trixie's form entered the sphere it became animated. Trixie took a deep breath and screamed loudly. She tried to run but found that she was restrained. "There is no escape little pony, do we have a deal or shall I find another?" "What... Who are you?" Trixie demanded. "Who I am is of no concern to you. Answer the question. My patience is wearing thin." Trixie, noded, "I'll consider it. What do you want me to do?" "That's a good little pony. Now let's see...", the specter lit its horn again. Moving them to another place in her soul. Trixie and the specter were now inside a golden, well lit room. On the walls lay two long scrolls in red ink. One showed the symbol of her Cutie Mark, while the other was strictly text. Trixie couldn't read the fine print of the scrolls from where she was restrained, but she could guess what they were. "Here we go. Hahaha, it appears that you've been busy my dear. Normally I would take the time to read all of this but it seems our time has been cut short." The specter's horn glowed again, summoning a new scroll onto the wall. This contract was much more complex and written in an unknown language. "Sign right here, darling, and we will be on our way!" Trixie was moved before the parchment, her eyes began to read. "Ok, I want to read it first." "There is no time. Sign in now, or I will end you." Trixie continued reading, trying to buy herself time to decide. "NOW GIRL!" the specter roared. Trixie's heart jolted in terror. Panicking as she signed her name. Trixie Lulamoon As the pen dropped, Trixie felt herself break. A loud crunch as a piece of the specter tore into her. Unlike the loss of self from earlier, she was enveloped in pain as blackness filled her eyes. Then the world shattered. "Stop right there fiend!" Luna roared as the world became light. With the light, the specter and all his restraints vanished. "Trixie!" Luna's ferocious voice echoed out into the abyss. Trixie fell to the ground again, the Princess of the Night's power demanding submission. "What have you done?" She sternly interrogated the unicorn. "Hahahahaha. . . " Trixie began to chuckle quietly. New thoughts, ideas, and plans forming in the newly created dark corner of her mind. "HaHahaHahaHa. . ." her laughing growing slightly louder and increasingly hysterical. "What's so funny!?" The alicorn yelled, her eyebrow furrowed. "HAHAHAHAHA. . ." Trixie started kicking wildly into the air, an aura of madness filling the endless void. The laughing stopped abruptly. She rolled over and stood tall facing the alicorn. An expression of determination and rage etched across the unicorn's frazzled face. Trixie's magical senses perked up, a new kind of magic, one she had never felt before poured into her horn. Its power emboldening her toward defiance. "Buck you!" Trixie barked merrily at the alicorn. Luna's face contorted at the remark, rage viable escaping her nostrils. A small silence followed as they stared at each other. Trixie continued, "Buck Celestia and her school!" Princess Luna let out an animalistic snarl and prepared a spell to silence the traitor. "You dare disgrace my sister's name?" Luna's powerful alicorn voice boomed, "You shall pay dearly, traitor!" A fight befitting The Great and Powerful Trixie. Trixie grinned as she prepared a force field spell. Trixie yielded the first strike to Luna. She was confident in her newfound magic. The Alicorn's magic coalesced into a tight mote of energy, the ball of magic bolted at the mare, battering against the newly formed shield, which easily absorbed it. Trixie orchestrated the dream, playing it out in her head like a performance. The world shifted as a new physical plane started to materialize from the black void. The alicorn's face grew colder as she glared at the unicorn who forced the scenery to change. "Is that the best you can do?" Trixie taunted, as another bolt shot at the mare, only to be intercepted by a materializing wall. ~~~ Luna cursed, the situation going from bad to worse. The dream world of another took an incredible amount of energy to alter or banish, and Trixie was masterfully crafting a dreamscape for a one-sided battle. She was already quite weak and could feel her physical body wasn't faring very well as she felt sweat dripping down her face. She would defeat Trixie, knocking her unconscious for a few days. Then go and claim Trixie's unconscious body when she had gained her strength back. "While you're here why don't we show you around the place. Being the Princess of the Night, I know you care about your subjects very much. Hahaha..." Trixie's voice trailed off. The scene warped replacing the scene with Trixie's memory. The sun shining down upon the light blue alicorn blinded her temporarily. Her eyes adjusted within seconds to reveal Canterlot. She was in the upper district outside of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The school was perched proudly with a view over all of Canterlot. It had been built into the side of the mountain stretching hundreds of feet up into the rocky incline. Its entrance seemed irregularly massive to Luna as she cautiously approached the building. A massive white stone statue of Princess Celestia greeted her as she entered. Luna entered the main foyer. The sound of her hooves, clicking on the hard stone floor, echoed throughout the empty building. Luna began to hear quiet voices chatter quietly in the hallways. She turned to look, but no one was there. "Did you hear?" a voice whispered playfully, "One of the students was picked by Celestia herself to be her protege." the quiet female voice echoed out over the others. "Yeah, I heard that she performed an aging spell" a bright male voice added in. "Enough!" Luna roared angrily. "Trixie, stop this meaningless game and face me!" Luna yelled a hint of weakness as her voice gave a little. "Haha. . . Don't worry my princess," Trixie's voice sarcastically echoed through the hallways. "We will fight, but first, I think you should get to know me; THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!" her voice rang out wildly through the stone halls, but was cut short as the world began to shift again. Luna winced as the stone began to warp, it shifted slightly, blurring as the cold stone materialized into painted drywall and soft carpet as the walls closed in. Luna, not wanting to miss the opportunity to take a shot at Trixie prepared her spell in advance. The walls closed into a bedroom, furniture materializing into existence as a small bed and desk filled the otherwise vacant room. The door opened a crack. KSHHhh! Luna released the energy bolt blasting the door asunder and searing its frame. A light blue filly entered out of the smoke pushing the now non-existent door all the way open. Luna's heart skipped a beat upon seeing the filly, dread filling her heart for reasons unknown to her. Luna shook her head, focusing back on the task at hand. The young unicorn walked over to Luna, her illusion warping as she did. Luna let out a quiet dry laugh, "Ha. Nice one. . ." "Trixie, this doesn't have to end badly. If you give up now, we can figure out something." Luna tried a new approach since her intimidating voice and attacks weren't proving effective. It will be painless, totally nothing like the door we just destroy. Luna mentally berating herself for her sorry attempt to parley. Luna relaxed a little, taking an interest in the younger Trixie who started to do a few spells in the room. The filly was attempting a rather difficult form of telekinesis and began to throw a series of books at Luna, several warping through her head and abdomen to smash the wall behind her putting holes in the drywall. Luna frowned at the obvious irregularity of the dream. "Is this necessary for me to understand, Trixie?" Luna roared at the soft walls as they trembled under her boisterous voice. "Oh come on, my little princess. . ." Trixie said in a tone used for addressing fouls. "Learn to have a little fun!" she ended in a stern voice. "This 'fun' you speak of has hardly begun!" Luna yelled. There was no answer. Luna fumed for the next few moments and considered the gamble of banishing the memory to try and attempt a shot at the rebellious unicorn. She was about to, but her train of thought was cut off by a sound from the outside hallway. Trixie sprang up and darted for the now partially re-materialized door, opening eagerly. She frowned looking down the empty hallway. Disappointed she shut the door, realizing that it was just one of the apartment's many neighbors. The filly nervously vibrated her tongue as she lay on the floor waiting. The filly looked around her room eyeing the comfy bed. Her eye caught a glimpse of a piece of paper on her desk. The light was shining especially bright this morning and as such her desk next to the window was illuminated by several glowing rays which danced about the piece of paper on her desk. The filly approached the desk, grabbing the note with her magic, she lifted the note down. The voice of a mature Trixie read the note aloud. "Dear Trixie, Unfortunately, your mother and I must leave. We have left you everything we own, so you shouldn't need to move out unless you want. If you need any assistance, speak with your appointed lawyer, Portrait Potters at the Elizabeth Social Court. I had hoped to talk to you about this change in-person, but unfortunately, my time has come and I must go. Good luck, and Goodbye. ~Your father" Luna noted how similar the note was to those used a thousand years ago for the Equestrian secret service. It was a quiet way to disguise ponies who were lost in service to the crown's more discrete operations. At the end of the reading, the world started to shift again. This time the room darkened and the world expanded slightly. The walls changed from painted drywall to stained oak boards. The room smelled like rotting lettuce and the air was very stale. Luna also noted the moist dirt underhoof, as this was the most vivid memory yet. Luna's ears perked up, the stillness was broken by boisterous cheering above. A few rogue rays of light shone down through what appeared to be small cracks in the stage above. Luna walked slowly across the dirt floor waiting for something to happen. The crowd's cheers died down as Luna was left to the stillness of the dark trap room. Moments later, a trap door opened up letting a bright orange earth pony wearing a flashy red shirt fall from the stage. He vanished out of Luna's vision as he fell from the stage. A small door in the back for the room opened, revealing Trixie. The energetic unicorn was holding a towel and dry shirt identical to those the orange pony was wearing. "Oracle, we need to hurry," Trixie whispered, in an annoyed tone. Trixie waited for a moment, then entered the trap room, a worried look on her face. "Oracle?" Luna followed alongside the illusionary Trixie as she quietly trotted up to the drop zone below the trap door. Trixie and Luna both froze, bone-cold ice running down Luna's spine as Trixie let out a blood-curdling scream. Trixie had misplaced the drop zone. Oracle broke his neck during the fall. He lay there, dead, his eyes open, staring into the abyss of death as blood dripped down his lifeless face. Other ponies started streaming into the trap room all with similar reactions. But Trixie just stood there, staring into Oracle's eyes, guilt and horror on her face. Her eyes glanced at the drop zone which was a few hoof length out of place. Tears filled her eyes as she wept. Luna stood there motionless, the sight of the dead pony playing out in her mind. The alicorn stood there for quite some time. Flashes of the atrocities she committed as Nightmare Moon dancing across her eyes. A tear dropped down from her eyes, both for her own shame and the tragic death of Oracle whose body lay only feet away. Luna's physical body sent an urgent message of pain to the sorrowful alicorn indicating the urgency of her fatigue. Luna perked up at the sensation, her sorrowful demeanor leaving her slowly. Luna stood there examining her options. She could either wait until Trixie was done explaining her past, then face her without having to fight through her memories, or she could try and settle this on her own terms with a banishing spell. Luna decided against the gamble of waiting, her body was just so weak right now, and holding together the ethereal cloud was quite draining. She rationalized that she had just enough energy to banish the dream and get a few attacks off before it would no longer be safe to remain. She noted that at first, this was a solid world, but now it began to crumble. Now would be the perfect time to strike. Luna thought to herself, planning her next move cautiously. Taking notes from her older sister she tried to increase her odds. "How well did you know Oracle?" Luna asked in a low voice. The world trembled as Trixie's mental body became visible through some of the ripples in the dream. Luna seizing the opportunity, banished the remainder of the dream alerting the unicorn to her intentions. Another dream started to enshroud the alicorn. Luna battered it aside uttering a quiet groan as her body strained to keep herself contained within the cloud. "Face me, Trixie!" She roared at the unicorn. "Or are you not The Great and Powerful Trixie? Are you not one who has seen death? Are you not one who has lived a desperate life striving for purpose? Are you not a proud graduate of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?" "Buck Celestia," the Trixie snarled, "I was The Great and Powerful Trixie, but today, we are Trixie Shadowbane!"
Trixie and her Destiny	Chapter 6: Foothold	Luna let out a deep breath preparing for battle as the world began to shift and twist again. Luna cursed under her breath as she eyed the transformation take over the familiar black abyss. The new material plane was different this time. Unlike the past locations, this one wasn't like the long maze-like school, closterphobic apartment, or dark trap room. This location was open and clear. Trixie's mental body stood unwavering in the distance as the environment took shape. Snow began to fell as the two glared at each other, steam visibly escaping both ponies nostrils. They were now atop the snow-covered Foal Mountain. A distant memory played out in the distance as a younger Trixie pulled her cart along the icy path. Two ponies shivered as the ice-cold wind swept across the two combatants forcing them into action. Luna was the first to make a move and cast a camouflage spell to turn her light blue coat and mane into a snowy white. Luna vanished from Trixie's sight. Trixie grinned, "Two can play this game, Princess". She cast a similar spell on herself, vanishing into the snowy hillside. The snowy field lay quiet, a younger Trixie continuing to trot along in the distance unaware of the tense battle underway. Luna stealthy moved across the field. Her breath was wearing thin and her vision began to blur slightly from magical exhaustion as her spells drained more of her cloud's power. We need Just one good hit, then we will return, and make plans to pick-up Trixie. Luna thought as she sniffed the windy air for Trixie's scent. Luna froze, the figure of Trixie stood not more than meters away blending with the surroundings. The unicorn's face was directed away from Luna as Trixie peered aimlessly out over the icy field. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Luna stealthily called her magic forth concealing its presence as the light blue mist slowly gathered around her horn. The little magical essence remaining within Luna's ethereal cloud slowly trickled in, taking a significant amount of time to gather the required magic for her spell. Suddenly, Trixie's head jolted turning in the direction of Luna, searching for Luna's magic. The Princess froze her spellcasting, concealing everything. She had one shot, and she wouldn't waste it against a shield, it had to be a perfect shot. Trixie opened one eye, revealing an uncamouflaged dark magenta eye. She scanned her surroundings for movement. Trixie's eye leaking out some dark magic as she scanned the hillside. "It's soo bucking COLD!" the younger Trixie in the background yelled in frustration. Trixie turned away toward the memory. A nostalgic expression replacing Trixie's serious face. Trixie felt something, turning just in time to see an energy bolt flying directly at her. The Unicorn's eyes went wide, diving to the side. She was too late, the bolt smashed into her back two legs ripping both of them off in its blast. The rest of Trixie's body was carried into the air, throwing the mare several feet from where she stood. Trixie she wailed in pain, the white snow changing to a murky dark red as her blood poured out. Trixie lay there, screaming in pain. Her new friend preventing her from passing to unconsiousness. Luna dropped her camouflage spell panting for breath and shaky on her hooves. "Trixie, why do you persist? You must be in great pain." The Alicorn said panted as she slowly approached the unicorn. A trail of red snow leading the way to the screaming victim. Luna looking over Trixie's mutilated mental form. A look of sadness crossed Luna's face as she looked upon the blood-covered pony, wishing to end her pain she began to cast another spell. Luna's ethereal cloud was running dangerously low on magic so she tried to most effectively harness its remaining resources. The spell took nearly a minute to charge for its minimum to drain the minimum amount of magic required for the energy bolt, every second her mental consciousness blurring under the increasing pressure of the sinking vessel. Finished with her preparations, she stood aiming at the unicorn. Trixie's magical senses felt Luna's magic slowly gather, like an execution sharpening their blade. Between Trxie's screams of pain, she gathered her magic. Trixie forced her eyes to open her pride deeming it important to look upon the face of her killer. She found Luna, her weathered figure stood no more than a meter away, a mystic light enshrouding the alicorn's horn. Trixie's instincts took over preparing a force shield for protection as she cowered piteously in the crimson snow. Luna winced as pain throbbed throughout her body, gasping as she released her spell. The energy bolt collided uselessly against Trixie's newly formed force shield which absorbed the blow. Luna's face paled noticeably, coughing up blood seconds later, she collapsed. Trixie lay on the warm wet snow staring at the alicorn, shocked. "Attack her, Now!" Shadowbane called from inside her. "What?" her normal-self replied. "Buu-, I can't move." "Useless pony! GET UP and finish her!" Shadowbane commanded. Trixie coughed, trying to lift her head to see where Princess Luna lay. The effort causing her to cry. "I can't move" Trixie's voice having wavered historically. "I can't move -- I can't --" "You useless piece of garbage! Get up you slimy piece of meat! If you don't act now I will be forced to take over! hahaha, and you don't want me to take over, it will be extremely unpleasant." Shadowbane spoke into her mind. "I -- can't!" Trixie yelled as tears fell from her eyes. Shadowbane spoke into her mind, "You disappoint me, Trixie. No matter how hard you try you're still a worthless host. I will find another. One more able than the likes of you! A truly 'great and powerful' creat -- " Shadowbane began laughing maniacally. Trixie's eyes began to smoke with powerful dark magic. Shadowbane's magic overtook Trixie's body, like a puppet on strings, she sprang up to stand on her remaining hoves. Trixie screamed in pain as her entire body felt on fire, as her hind legs regenerated with specter flesh. Shadowbane's rich hollow voice laughed through Trixie's mouth, "Hahahaha. It's your lucky day Trixie. A far more qualified and experienced candidate is ready for an interview!" Luna's ears perked at the new voice. She moved to escape but held no energy to do more than pull herself a few inches away. Shadowbane telekinetically lifted the bloody slush up from snow around him. He froze the icy-fluid into a sharp-crimson icicle a pony's length long. Trixie's horn lit-up again, dark magic flaring outward in a hiss as the icicle began to glow an unholy red "You aren't going anywhere, princess!" He shot the lance at the alicorn. The lance whizzed through that air whistling as the lethal weapon dove into the alicorn's center, digging its way through her limp body, extruding slightly out her rear. Luna let out a garbled scream, the lethal wound pushing her to unconsiousness. "Hahahaha" Shadowbane laughed uproariously, "You are mine now, Princess!" Trixie's body walked up to Luna's taking a seat next to her pale form. "What are you going to do?" Trixie asked weakly. "I will make her an offer she can't refuse. Hahaha. Now sit here and wait," Shadowbane's presence all but left Trixie as black smoke entered Luna's blood-soaked form. Trixie waited, feeling the skin-crawling dark magic ooze through her body. She could sense that Shadowbane was busy, the occasional tug on her magic channeling more dark power into Princess Luna's mind. Minutes passed as Trixie shivered violently on the cold mountain. Suddenly the sun ripped through the dream's snowstorm, melting the snowy crest hillside. The sun's brightness washed out mountain shades of gray with reds and yellow as the air warmed. "Luna!" a voice called! Trixie, cowered looking away from the light. She fell onto the ground in pain, her newly materialized legs evaporated in the ethereal light. The material plane once again changed, as fires lit-up the hillside. "Trixie, we need to go NOW. Hug Luna!" Shadowbane called. "I can't my legs are gone again," Trixie said. "Useless!" Shadowborn roared. Trixie felt more of her magic become corrupted as her legs reformed once again. "Hurry girl, that won't last long." As Trixie hugged Luna, Shadowbane re-entered her body in earnest, sending a wave of nausea through her. "Hahaha," Shadowbane laughed, "Now girl, it's time to get out of here. So would you please Impale your head on Luna's horn, that should do the trick!" Trixie paled, "W-What?!?" Shadowbane cleared his throat, "Ahem. Dear, I am not sure you noticed, but this dreamscape acquired a few un-natural qualities. First, Princess Luna is here tonight. Second, you have a surprisingly gruesome imagination. And Third, Princess Celesia is somehow here as well, though I can't imagine how she managed it. You need to wake us up and run, NOW!" ~~~ Celestia was asleep in bed when she heard her sister scream. She teleported to Luna's tower. Celestia arrived to see her sister's limp body and a small pool of blood dripping from her nose. Luna's body was covered in sweat and her breathing was labored. Celestia paled in shock, "Luna!" ran over to her body."Come on Luna, I can't do this alone, not again!" Celestia yelled desperately, tears forming in her eyes. As Celestia pulled close, Luna stopped breathing. "No! I won't lose you again!" Celestia's determination redoubled as her horn glowed with dark magic. Celestia cast a forbidden necromancer's spell to keep Luna's soulless body healthy. A wave of revulsion swept from horn to tail as the spell complete. Dark magic always costs something. The elder alicorn stood facing out over her kingdom, her brilliant white magic exploding outward enshrouding the tower as she searched for her sister's soul. Failing to find Luna in Ponyville's library, Celestia doubled the power of the spell lighting up all of Canterlot with its glow. She searched everywhere expanding her reach over all of Ponyville and into the Everfree Forest. Celestia stopped her search as she found her sister. Luna's magic was weak, weaker than a sleeping earth pony she reasoned. Celestia guessed she was in a sort of hibernation state, suspending her consciousness in space. Normally, Luna would return to her body in such a state. Something must be keeping her in the Everfree forest. Celestia called back her magic considering her options. She could fly, but that would be far too slow. Luna had already stopped breathing and every second was critical to her recovery. She could try and send Luna magic and guide her home, but the intensity of her magic would instantly kill anypony. Celestia bit her lip as her decision was made, for better or worse, Luna was worth the risk of killing a pony or two. Besides she was probably being kept by something living in the forest, a non-pony creature. Celestia quickly transmuted the air into glass, forming an enchanted lens. Focusing the lens toward Luna's location, Celestia rose, flying up to the correct focal length. She flared her magic infusing the spell with part of her consciousness to key it to guide Luna back. The bright light which followed blocked out the tower, as a beam of pristine light, shot out over Equestria into the Everfree Forest on the horizon. Celestia hovered there several minutes straining her body to maintain the immense magical output required to reach the Everfree Forest. Tears formed on her eye as she considers the possibility that she wasn't doing anything, and that Luna had already moved on. No, please no, I want her back, Celestia cried, Makers, give her back to me, I beg you! Celestia increased her efforts maximizing the spell's power. A minute later a small mote of ethereal cloud shot through the air, finding its body, the dark wisp dove into Luna's pale complexion. Celestia fell from the sky falling down to the balcony where luna lay. Exhausted she began to cast a reviving spell, which would occasionally shock Luna to restart her heart. The painstaking spell required intense magical power and concentration so as to not hurt the patient. A moment later Luna awake gasping for air as she coughed. "Tia?" Luna said, her voice weak. "Luna, I am here." Celestia hugged her, as she cried. "Don't ever do that again!" she spoke sternly but hugged her partially conscious sister tightly. "Ohh sister, I am soo stupid! Why did I ever ask you to do that? You've only just returned." "It's ok, it's part of my duties", Luna mumbled weakly. "It is certainly not ok. I hereby prohibit you from ever visiting a pony's dream when not at full strength, ok?" "Ok. Thanks for saving me Tia -- again," Luna said, resting on her sister's withers. Celestia paused, brushing Luna's mane to comfort her, "I love you, Luna, never forget that." Celestia hugged Luna tightly, "Next time just please don't do something so risky, even if I ask. I can't bear losing you again. I already know I am going to have a few bad dreams from tonight. You really scared me, Luna." "I am sorry," Luna said. "I should have been more careful. I was reckless and angry that Ponyville was attacked. I needed to act." "I used to be able to simply know where I was needed. Before -- " Luna's voice hitching, " Before, Nightmare Moon I was needed. Now Night court is empty, nopony comes anymore, Tia. And -- I can't even protect our ponies anymore." Luna began to sob, ashamed of herself. Celestia hugged Luna, "Shhhh, Luna. You know that is not true. You are worth so much to me, Sister. I am sure more ponies will show up to Night court once they get used to you. As for Ponyville, Don't worry, Sister. I am sure Twilight already has the situation under control." Luna and Celestia sat there in the comfort of a long hug. The tension and pain Luna held leaking away as her countenance returned. Luna perked up brushing away her tears, "Say, Tia, while I was in Ponyville I did get to visit Twilight Sparkle's dream. She was having a mild nightmare about you of all things. I thought our ponies no longer thought of us as demigods." Celestia blushed embarrassed, "I have been trying so hard to work that out of her, but I fear she won't ever stop seeing me as god-like figure." Luna giggled, "You've changed sister. I think we like it." Luna smiled, then her stomach grumbled. "Can we wake up the cook, we could really go for a large salad right about now, I am famished." Celestia giggled at her sister, "That sounds like a wonderful idea, it's been quite some time since I last used that much magic." Celestia said, leaving for the cook's quarters down the hall. Luna waited for Celestia to return. The heavy exhaustion she felt finally taking hold as the life-threatening scenario passed. She thought back, confused? How could I lose to a single unicorn, much less a young street magician? Something or someone must have been helping her. an unbidden thought popped into her head. Luna's mind started running itself, as recent events played out in her mind. A petition in court about the Everfree Forests's changing magical properties. Possibly related to Luna's return. Her dreamscape scrying spell proved ineffective. The spell may simply no longer work for unknown reasons. The reports of dragons flying around their country. An ill omen for the peace of her ponies. Tonight an Ursa minor attacking Ponyville. The beasts slept for centuries, why attack now? The whole ordeal with Trixie and her concerning memories. Something is coming -- Luna's mind prodded. and I am too weak to help Celestia deal with it. Luna stole herself, a new determination visible in her eyes, " I cannot delay my recovery any longer. For better or worse, Equestria needs me." Luna horn glowed, using the excess mana in the palace to dispel a half dozen spells that were delaying her recovery. She then applied a few magical boosters for good measure. Luna's ears perked up at the sound of far-off laughter. Celestia returned, interrupting her train of thought as she held up two large salads procured from the kitchens. "I brought croutons," Celestia smiled at her sister. After a few minutes of both Celestia and Luna shoveling down their salads, Celestia interrupted the silence. "So what happened?" Celestia asked kindly, "I sent you to Ponyville, how did you end up in the Everfree Forest?" Luna closed her eyes picking out the important details from the night, "Everything is a little fuzzy, but this is what I remember. Ponyville was attacked by an Ursa minor. Much of the town believe that Trixie was connected to the attack. "I went to investigate and followed the perpetrator into the Everfree Forest, a suspicious resting place. I entered her mind, " Luna sighed, "but we hadn't nearly enough magic for what followed, my mistake." Luna admitted bitterly. "Trixie's dreamscape was well-crafted. I tried questioning her about the attack, but she deflected. Then she hid, showing a series of strong memories. I finally got her to face me and attempted to knock her into unconsciousness. The plan was to send the guards to pick her up." Luna's eyebrows wrinkled in concentration, "Everything else is -- blank... All I remember was that it was very painful. I assume based on the numbness we feel in our legs my consciousness lost connection to my body?" Celestia looked down, ashamed, "I cast a re-animation spell." Her horn glowed as the necromantic spell was undone. Luna smiled, "Thanks, Tia. That must have been hard for you." she finished, popping a cucumber into her mouth in an attempt to avoid the awkward moment. Celestia nodded, smiling weakly, "Always sister. What else do you know about, Trixie?" Luna nodded, "She is a strong unicorn, easily in the top ninety percentile. I believe she graduated from your school for gifted unicorns. She was a performing street magician and worked in a theatre production at some point. It also seems likely she had been trained in the art of lucid dreaming, are you offering such classes?" Luna replied, excited. "Not that I am aware of, sorry Luna" Celestia replied. Luna glanced outside, her mood turning sour, as smoke rose from the Everfree forest. "I am sorry sister. Judging from the smoke cloud rising from the Everfree Forest we don't think she would have made it. She should have been asleep when your spell hit, Sorry." A sad expression came over Celestia as her fears were confirmed, she had saved Luna at the cost of killing Trixie. She would need to send a letter to the family, "Did she tell you her full name?" "Trixie, called herself, a few different names. Twilight called her Trixie Lulamoon, with The Great and Powerful Trixie being her stage name. Tonight something changed after Ponyville was attacked. When we fought she called herself something -- something strange." Luna said softly, a wave of fatigue overtaking the alicorn as Luna struggled to keep her eyes open. "Well Tia,"-Luna said, a yawn interrupting her speech- "Thanks for teh food, we are. . ." Luna didn't even finish her sentence before she was passed out on the table, soft snores following her abrupt departure into her dreams. Celestia smiled at Luna as she slept peacefully on the table. Finishing her salad, Celestia lifted Luna into her bed. Not letting you sleep alone tonight lulu. Luna began to snore loudly once in bed. "Ohh Luna, what would I do without you?" Celestia asked herself, smiling at her sister's cute expression as she slept. After thanking the chef for a midnight snack, Celestia instructed the guard to wake her a half an hour early to lower the moon. Celestia lay in bed, thoughts pervading her usually calm mind. I'll need to get the full story from Luna tomorrow so I can write a letter to the family, Celestia sighed. Lulamoon, where have I heard that name before? Celestia asked herself before falling asleep.
Trixie and her Destiny	Chapter 7: The Dark Forest	Trixie awoke to a burning sensation throughout her body, like a bad sunburn, the heat cut deep into her skin. She groaned weakly, her limp body struggling to move. Trixie's breath was labored as each breath brought in uncomfortably hot steam which smelled strongly of rotten vegetation and urine. Trixie opened her eyes to see the world on fire and steam wafting off everything. Just outside the hollowed-out tree, the very ground itself boiled. Like a pop tart left in the microwave too long, the earth bubbled and hissed outside her shelter. Trixie stood, her legs wobbling as she took a few steps toward the opening of the hollowed-out tree. Trixie gasped as what she saw, falling on hind legs in shock. Outside hundreds of small fires burned. The once dense forest lay bare. A new fire-lit gorge stretched out in its place pointing back to the now visible Canterlot. Trixie shivered as she recalled the night's violent ends. Trixie's breath came in short and hitched, the shock fading to a heated panic. The pain, the blood, the fight, everything came crashing down. Her teeth began to chatter, I killed Princess Luna. The image of the gorged alicorn flashed repeatedly through her mind, the phantom would forever haunt Trixie. But in the fight, all Trixie remembered was the absolute glee she felt as the spear ripped into Princess Luna. The fight was satisfying- the murder, enjoyable. Trixie dry-heaved, the un-harmonious thoughts and deeds making her nauseous. Shadowbane took this opportunity to make himself known, "Finally awake I see. Took you long enough! We have much to do and little time to do it. Hurry along or I'll be forced to take over again." Trixie twitched at his voice but was otherwise despondent, "What is happening?" Trixie croaked weekly. She stared out at the devastation in a trance. Shadowbane created an illusory body, "Remember me!" Trixie jumped back as the black spectator's body sprang into being. "We made a deal Trixie.", a long scroll appearing in the air, "Now it is time for you to fulfill your side of the bargain. Simple as that. Any change to your person is of no concern to me." Trixie moved forward to inspect the familiar scroll, looking over the many clauses and sub-clauses that she had no time to read last they spoke. Shadowbane coughed, "Now it is time we take our leave. I have bought us some time to leave the forest, but it is not wise to test our luck. I have no idea how quickly Celestia will send the search parties, but I am certain she will send someone. I have many plans that need instigating. Even if you are a useless piece of trash, even trash can burn to keep a house warm." Trixie gulped, the enormity of her troubles settling in. Trixie started to move onto the finally cooled earth as the last of the fires slowly burned out. "Fine, what do you want The Gr- Trixie to do." "Well first, we shall head-" Shadowbane was interrupted by an ominous howl which sprang into the air. The low soft call was greeted by others as the once still forest burst into a chorus of howling. An icy cold shiver ran down Trixie's back, prompting her to move from the smoldering tunnel. Shadowbane continued, "--Haha it looks like we are about to have some company! Normally, I might let you die and find someone else, but Timberwolves make horribly boring hosts. They are far better than your useless self, but I can't very well take a timberwolf into Hallow Shades. Let us be on our way." Trixie quickly trotted across the smoldering opening, attempting to remain calm as the howls grew louder and more frequent. She reached the treeline, entrenching herself in the deep brush of the Everfree forest bordering the newly formed highway of burnt vegetation. Trixie peered out over the open area. Her shelter, the old hollow tree cast permanent shadows of unburnt plants across the burning enclosure. The green stripe of the vegetation defying all logic as it lay contrasted against the shifting ash and smoldering vegetation. Trixie's eyes focused, attracted to the motion of a shadow shifting on the other side of the gorge. Trixie's eyes went wide as a massive creature gracefully sneaked out onto the opening, cautiously approaching the log, sniffing. The timberwolf was joined by another, a younger and smaller devil which violently dashed toward the log, tossing gray ash into the air as the creature came to a halt next to other. A third came into view, the largest of the three, its massive body dwarfing the others as the beast strode out into the open. Trixie, stood motionless as the three creatures sniffed and snarled; the antagonizing scent of burning pony driving the creatures to relentlessly claw at the log, searching for the source. The graceful timberwolf looked up, his eyes searching the dense forest, then he began to trot. He traveled back and forth examining the smoldering tunnel carved out of the forest until he stopped. The beast sniffed the bits of hair scattered about the burnt vegetation. He let out a low growl summoning the two others to his side as the pack followed the trail. Trixie's heart rate raced, the three monsters steadily approaching her hiding place. Scenario after scenario of echoing throughout her mind as the timberwolves encroached upon her hiding place. "Haha, well look at that. You're popular, O Great and Powerful Trixie. How about this, I'll help you try and not die if you try and be a little less useless.", Shadowbane said in their mindscape. Trixie thought back, "Fine, Trixie will do it." Trixie's skin crawled as she felt the dark magic take hold once again. Shadowbane grinned, happily "Ha-haha, That's my girl!" Trixie's horn began to glow, magic clocking her form in the dark brush. The three timberwolves approached, the leader following Trixie's scent. Across the scorched burnt scar in the forest, there was a loud rustle in the bushes. The group of timberwolves turned, then bolted for the bushes. The rustling continued up the mountain luring the group further away from Trixie. "Haha, cleaver." Shadowbane thought in amusement. Trixie smirked, "See, Trixie does not need to fight to be great!" She touted. Shadowbane's dark magic subsided, "Next time clue me in on the fun, won't you! I burned up at least 2 years of your life there." Trixie flinched, "What!" she said out loud. Shadowbane laughed, "Ha-ha-hahaha, ponies are so fun to play with. Now let us be on our way." Trixie cast another active camouflage spell and exited her hiding place. She couldn't explain why, but she was pulled in a particular direction through the forest, knowing instinctively where to go. The night remained bright, the moon hanging still in the night sky a soft breeze frolicked through the forest's underbrush rippling leaves against the tired unicorn's hooves. The quite gave Trixie space to think. She wanted to doubt that Princess Luna was killed. If there was any chance-- "Shadowbane?" She called. "Yes, little girl, What is it?", he replied shortly. "Did w-we kill Princess Luna? I am having trouble remembering." She lied, hoping her memory was fake. "Ahhh, ever Celestia's little caring pony. Forget about it!" Shadowbane scorned, "Your only path forward is me! It does not matter to you whether she lives or dies, only that I am satisfied." Trixie nodded, the unspoken end she would face should Shadowbane become unsatisfied flashing through her mind. Shadowbane laughed,"Ha-haa. For now, let us keep to the shadows. There will no doubt be an investigation and it would be best to keep a low profile." I am a criminal, a spectator possessed murderer. Trixie's mind combusts into chaos. A whirlwind of emotions, anger, grief, fear. Trixie knew the fate of all criminals. Back in Manehatten, she would hear stories of what happened in the jails. She saw first hoof the brutality and ruin which followed criminals. The memorable encounter flashed through her mind. ~~~ A group of royal guards were marching the streets, a brown stallion with a short mane and bruised body followed the troop. The distraught pony trotted slowly, iron cuffs on each hoof with chains attached to four guards. The chains clanged eerily on the stone walkway as the group slowly preceded. The stallion in front was a tall unicorn, wearing a high ranking police uniform, he trouted proudly with his crew and prize in tow. The leader froze, his face taking a hard expression. The stallion, held a hoof aloft halting his company as he scanned the near vacant street. His horn began to glow, a dark blue shield enshrouded his company. "In the name of Celestia, reveal yourself!" He shouted. An eerie silence followed as a few curious onlookers watched the group anxious to who he was referring. Moments later an energy bolt sailed from one of the rooftops striking the shield as two homeless earth ponies simultaneously bucked the bubble shattering the shield into hundreds of fragments. A few dozen others flooded the streets unicorn, pegasus, and earth ponies ripping the peaceful street into pieces as they fought. Trixie hurriedly ran away, screams of pain and a brutal fight echoing through the streets. ~~~ Trixie kept moving, pulled through the forest by an invisible rope. The vivid memory distracting her as she moved. After the fight, her Mom it was the Gray Horns who ambushed the guards. Trixie tried to rationalize the situation, what would really happen to her? Technically, She thought to herself, I haven't broken any laws. It isn't illegal to kill gods right? Trixie chuckled to herself. Who in their right mind would make such a law? Wait. . . She remembered her elementary days, It is against the law to hurt any sapient creature capable of speech, Trixie cursed to herself as she realized there was no possible to sidestep the law. A twig snapped behind Trixie. She froze, her mind concentrating on her camouflage to meld into the surroundings as she turned her head toward the sound. One of the timberwolves from before stood several feet away, glaring at Trixie as sap dripped from its jagged mouth. The beast crept closer to Trixie, as he prepared to pounce. Trixie, stood frozen in her place fear gripping her hooves grappling them to the ground. Shadowbane laughed into Trixie's mind, "Hah, it looks like you will be needing my help after all!". The effect was immediate as Trixie's body once again filled with dark magic. Trixie's body twitched as two separate beings fought for control towards different actions. The timberwolf now aware of the exact location of Trixie pounces at the fidgeting unicorn. Both consciousnesses saw it coming and their wills finally aligned leaping out of the way of the attack and blasting the timberwolf back with a blast of telekinetic force. The timberwolf roared as the magical blast tossed him into the air flying away from the Trixie at an astonishing speed. The beast growled low as his massive claws dug into the hard earth to stop itself from sliding further from her prey. "Useless pony! That was pointless! I am taking over!" Shadowbane roared. Trixie was terrified, the near-death experience cowed her into submission. Shadowbane took the opportunity to take control, guiding Trixie's mind and body. The fear melted away into cold calculated thought. Trixie's body calmed as the two beings' control and goals merged. They were Trixie Shadowbane once more. They stood facing down the timberwolf, a massive grin plastered across their sweating face. Trixie's horn glowed, another blast of force breaking the outer branches of the beast. The timberwolf stumbled slightly back from the blast, glaring at the unicorn, a strange expression of shock and rage beaming down upon the tiny unicorn. The beast let out an ear-splitting howl as the beast re-engaged its prey. Trixie heard Shadowbane curse, the timberwolf was calling for help. Trixie fired another burst of telekinetic force toward the beast's head. She followed it up with another a quick camouflage spell, darting away into the dark forest. "You really are a one-trick pony aren't you. No real fire magic, and a host of useless stage magic." Shadowbane lamented. Trixie will think of something. Those tools are greater than you know! Trixie thought back, angry that Shadowbane was not impressed with her life's work. The timberwolf roared again, unphased by the magical blasts, it pursued Trixie. Its wooden body buckling loudly as it raced around trees and large brushes to keep up with the small unicorn. The massive beast got within a claw's distance of the mare only to receive a blast to the face knocking the timberwolf back a few feet before continuing its pursuit. Trixie summoned an ice lance, the hack-job of a spell she cast in her dream, altered to fit the physical realm. Condensing the moisture in the air into a thin filament of razor-sharp ice. The cyan conjuration bolted after the timberwolf, the shard's edges grazing the timberwolf front leg. The beast slowed considerably, the attack dealing notable damage. The beast continued to follow Trixie from a safe distance. Close enough to see, but too far to attack once more. Horror filled Trixie's gut as timberwolf's intentions became clear as her sprint slowed to a trot, keeping the beast kept its distance. Trixie stopped, eyeing the timberwolf carefully as they regained their strength. The timberwolf responded in kind, confirming Trixie's fears as it stayed out of range. "This one seems smarter than the average timberwolf. We will need a plan." Shadowbane commented. Trixie ground her teeth, "Trixie is working on it!". She took a deep breath trying to calm herself. Don't panic! Being thrown to the wolves and a stage show gone awry are like the same thing-- right? There must be a way out of this! The timberwolf howled again. In the distance, other howls echoed through the forest. Trixie's eyes darted to see where they would come from, but then notice that the forest was darker in the direction to the south. Taking the note of the timberwolf's temporary distraction as it howled again she dashed off to the south. Trixie felt her eyes hiss as she ran into the dense forest. The black forest turning to shades of grey as her vision improved. Frantically she jumped from log to log, diving under massive branches trying to put as much forest between herself and the timberwolves. It was almost unnerving how agile she felt now. The grass and thick brush which once made her stumble and trip were easily vaulted. Trixie was breathing hard, but she didn't feel fatigued; instead, she felt afraid and thrilled at the same time. The sensation was uncanny, but the endless waves of energy were more than welcome. She felt great and doubled her speed darting through the forest at a furious pace, a grin finding its way onto her face as she went. Minutes passed, the thrill of the chase pushing Trixie onward. Unfortunately, she hadn't lost the timberwolves. The pack of creatures pursued the unicorn relentlessly, their number almost a half dozen, bore down on her from all sides. Trixie breathed hard, trying to speed up as the pack got closer, but her body started to slow. One of the wolves made it into range pouncing at Trixie. A quick glow of magic altered it's course into a passing tree, its form splintering in the collision into hundreds of branches. A wave of howls echoed throughout the forest as the beast's body scattered across the forest floor. Trixie's lungs and heart started to give as hundreds of cramps began to populate her body. "You disappoint me, Trixie. No matter, I'll find another. Goodbye Trixie, I can't say it's been a pleasure knowing you." Shadowbane spoke in a bored tone as the timberwolves descended on their prey. Shadowbane also pulled his dark magic away, the world turning dark once again as he prepared to leave. In desperation, Trixie cast several dozen smoke bomb spells, blinding herself and the wolves as she blindly darted through the forest. The ground disappeared beneath her, Trixie's stomach lurching into her racing heart as she fell out of her cloud of smoke. She screamed, falling headfirst into the ground. Instinctively, Trixie summoned a shield spell upon impact, breaking her fatal fall. The impact was heavy, as loose dirt shattered. The unicorn lay semi-conscious in her impact creator. A falling branch slashed open her cheek, waking the stunning unicorn. Trixie opened her eyes, revealing a swarm of timberwolves clawing their way down the cliff she fell off. Trixie Jumped up to sprint the other way and promptly stumbled screaming in pain. Trixie's front hoof was sprained or broken. She hobbled away from her impact crater a small light flickering in the distance like a beacon in the dark forest. Trixie's hope surged at the possibility of salvation. One of the timberwolves dove out of the smoky forest above, the beast screeched as it fell, exploding upon impact a few feet behind Trixie. Trixie let out a short cry as branches and rock shrapnel flew around her. Another chorus of howls filled the forest urging Trixie into a quicker, yet awkward skipping pattern. Trixie let out a low curse as she saw the timberwolves reach the bottom of the cliff. Now only a large opening separated Trixie from the beasts. Trixie reached the treeline, only a few hundred feet more until she reached the light source ahead. Glancing behind her she cast another spell quickly before entering the forestry to pursue the light Several elongated force fields materialized into existence, like long tubes of magic they hovered above the ground a few feet high and perpendicular to the approaching horde. The closest timberwolf failed to notice the magic as the light blue blended with the cold stone below. The beast thrashed across leaping energetically missing the first tube, he tripped on the next smashing its face into the ground as splinters scattered across the opening. The other timberwolves enraged doubled their pace after the unicorn stumbling over the magical force field tubes. Trixie winced at the magical feedback as the first tube shattered. She was nearly halfway there when she felt a reverberation of magic the tube closest to her. Trixie looked back to see one of the small devils approaching, kicking up soil and slashing into the trees as the beast jumped from ground to tree limb and back in seconds, transversing the rough terrain with ease. Trixie pushed herself to go faster, hissing in pain with each painstaking step. Trixie felt the beast was close and started to cast her ice lance in defense. She turned to greet the charging timberwolf, it pounced at her diving from the trees dozens of feet into the air attempting to smash the mare on impact. Trixie was ready, finishing her spell she extended the length lance digging the shard deep into the ground with the point extruding a dozen feet into the air. The feral beast screech as its body was impailed by the ice lance. The beast roared in pain, a whiff of small black smoke escaped its chest cavity as the green light in its eyes burning seconds ago extinguished, replaced with by darkness. Trixie stared at the beast for another second, its lifeless form still intact, yet hollow of any motion. Another chorus of howls echoed throughout the forest prompting Trixie to continue running. Three more timberwolves cleared the rocky opening entering the forestry in pursuit. Trixie was not in a good way, stumbling as she approached the light source only a few dozen feet away. Trixie stole a glance at the three timberwolves which had now taken up a formation behind her. Trixie's vision began to blur, her body shutting down under the strain of her injuries and exhaustion. Trixie set to one final blast in defense. The three timberwolves dove claw first at her small form. Trixie's horn exploded with light, a massive blast of telekinetic force cascading through the forest tossing the three timberwolves with a massive wave of dust through the forest. The magical blast launched Trixie in the opposite direction, wildly catapulted through the air, she screamed weakly. Trixie flew through the air, the world blurred around her, dark green trees and dark blue sky swishing by her eyes as she flew. The flying unicorn saw the sky one last time, then was greeted by a wall of fire. crashing into the fire until her vision fading to black.
Trixie and her Destiny	Chapter 8: Sunlight	A light breeze flew throughout the streets of Ponyville, an eerie silence pervading the small town. Only a week had passed since the massive ursa minor had terrorized the town leaving several ruined houses still pending repair. In the desolate streets of Ponyville stood a figure, no taller than a pony digging at the ground in frustration. "These ponies of old tremble at what they're told," Zecora murmured under her breath a little gruffly. Looking around she found only one word over every shop in sight. "Closed." Read every storefront she visited. Zacora was familiar with the racism against her kind and expected this behavior. Zacora didn't hate the ponies for their racism. Truth be told, she hadn't intended to visit anypony in the few years she intended to reside in Equestria. However, due to recent events, she would need to visit Ponyville at least a few more times this month. She had wanted the solitude to focus on her research, and as such, it was her duty to work as efficiently as possible, which didn't include communication with ponies. Zacora had been a focused student during her time in school, and now in the field of research, she wanted to retain that same level of productivity which her family and teachers praised. Zacora had in-fact been hoof picked for this job. She was a representative of Zebrica, her employment was part of a political alliance between the two nations. Princess Celestia's generous agreement to open trade between the two nations had been contingent on Zebras and Ponies making an effort to cohabitate. Zecora's talents were flaunted as a great boon to all pony-kind and though she had no involvement with locals, the optics said otherwise. Zacora real mission was to investigate the Everfree Forest. Her end goal was to piece together a plan to cleanse the forest of its evil. Anyone with a brain knew it was a fool's errand. Zacora was stubborn though and wished to give it her best attempt. Zacora understood that she wasn't the most qualified for the job, but this task required a unique perspective to understand and solve. She only needed a week of deliberation to accept the letter's invitation and now-- Now here she was, a month into her research with nothing to show for it. A week ago she had begun her first of many experiments to call out the spirits of the Everfree Forest to talk to them about why the Everfree forest was tainted. That night resulted in complications that lead to the reason why she was in Ponyville. Annoyed, Zecora decided that she had spent enough time waiting for somepony to help her and strode over to one of the shops which had been hastily evacuated. She went behind the counter and looked through their wares. The little stand was a clothing shop of sorts that had been set up for the coming winter. After a few more moments she found a small roll of cloth that had been discarded in one of the boxes. The cloth was a bit coarse and would prove workable for its purpose. Picking it up, she estimated double it's cost then deposited the coin on the front counter. Zacora repeated this process a second time when she invaded the herb shop across the street and then again at the street corner where a cart of apples was sitting. With each 'transaction' her discomfort grew. By the time she reached her last stop, she had gotten very good and very fast at ransacking the shop for supplies and paying. Zacora quickly headed to her home, a spark of urgency driving each hoof with nervous energy. She half expected the police to come out and snag her for the apparent theft. As Zacora left town her eyes were drawn to a photo of a familiar face. A wanted to note. ~~~ Sunlight shone through the open window dancing across Trixie's face as she lay in the single bed. Trixie had woken up less than an hour ago, the bright sun awakening her in the nearly vacant room. Trixie tried to get up and look around, but she was restrained by white cloth wrapped around all of her limbs. She wasn't tied up. Her restraints were a consequence of the medical treatment she and sore muscles. Trixie seemed at odds with herself, waking up in a strange house, covered in cloth should have scared her half to death. But in light of recent developments, it seemed like a perfectly normal way to start the day. What worried her most was what she would do next. A woeful future awaited her. Furthermore, Shadowbane had done nothing to contact her since his apparent departure late in the night. Trixie lay there for many hours struggling to piece together a good plan. A noise rang out from the front door shattering Trixie's concentration. Trixie waited nervously looking over her bandage covered body. Five minutes passed. Trixie became anxious, wondering if she should speak up. Another five minutes passed until she painfully forced herself onto the bed's backboard to face the room's entrance. "What's blue, and stinks like a rue?" A calm voice called out over the room. Trixie jumped at the voice, gasping at the surge of pain which accompanied her surprise. Turning her head in the direction of the voice, her face contorted into a mixture of both surprise and relief. "oww. . . I don't know." Trixie stated in a confused tone. "Why that's you," Zecora said as she walked toward the bed from one of the dark corners of the room. Trixie's initial pain from the surprise faded. The mare's voice was soothing and did much to calm her anxiety. Trixie recognized the mare to be a zebra, a citizen of the nation of Zebrica, a peaceful nation from far away. "Ohhh. . . Wait, what's a rue?" Trixie asked. The pony like figure which Trixie assumed to be a zebra, stood over her with a dismissive expression eying her with suspicion. "Many years I have waited to do my research. Far and wide I've traveled in search of this birch," The zebra reached out a hoof pointing out the nearby window. "And at last I have found my place of rest," she gestured to the surrounding walls, "But only to find this mess!" She pointed at Trixie with a hoof and a piece of paper at its end. Trixie frowned at the accusing gesture, faking offense she turned away "Hey, I didn't ask you to do this to me. And why am I so wrapped up anyways?" "I have attended to your burn. However, I found something of concern." The zebra said with an off-putting tone. "Tell me, Trixie Lulamoon, why have the Princesses requested informants about you in return for a boon?" The zebra's words fell on Trixie, dark and threatening as the rhythmic atmosphere broke. Trixie froze at the mention of her name, turning in an instant toward the zebra. "how do you know my name!" she barked. "The answer is near, if only your eyes would see here!" the Zebra passed the wanted note to Trixie. Trixie turned back to look at the paper, reading the header she pulled it toward herself with her magic. Sweat started to pool up on her guilt-ridden face as she read the announcement. ~~~ Wanted: Information Trixie Lulamoon 100 Bits By request of the Royal Princesses, any information regarding Trixie Lulamoon is to be disclosed to the royal or local guard. Any useful information will be rewarded up to 100 bits depending on the information. If you had any significant relationship with Trixie Lulamoon either family or close friend, the Royal Princesses would like to invite you to visit Canterlot, expense-free, for a personal meeting. Anypony who is not related to Trixie and takes advantage of this offer will be heavily fined. ~~~ Trixie read the wanted poster over several times more, each time her eyes reached her name, her heart skipped a beat. Putting the paper down, she stared at the ceiling in disbelief, murmuring to herself for several minutes. She lay there lost in thought, a dark rainbow of emotions fluttered in clouding her senses. The zebra watched with an agonized expression as she overhead the distraught pony. "What am I going to do. . . Luna is going to kill me. . . I'll be banished, no executed. . . I'll have to hide, or maybe leave Equestria. . ." Trixie mumbled in panic. The zebra listened until her curiosity overtook her usual patience. "You still haven't answered my question? Please tell me of your transgression." "Ummmm. . ." Trixie fumbled with her words, not exactly sure the best way to tell the zebra what had happened. "Well," she began slowly "I talked to Princess Luna last night, and I guess she wants to know more about me?" she said in a half convincing voice. Trixie saw a hundred other questions brewing on the Zebra's face. "I have questions of my own. How did Trixie get here? And who are you?" The zebra frowned at the sudden and obvious shift in the conversation. "I am Doctor Zacora, a zebra studying flora. As to what transpired, I found you frying upon my pyre." Zacora paused for a second turning her face to reveal a small cut on her face. "Your company last night was most unwelcome, I fought them back," she paused, considering her words, "you're welcome," she said with a hint of sarcasm. Trixie looked at the Zacora wide-eyed, "You fought the timberwolves, how did you manage that?! Trixie was lucky to escape with her life." Zacora turned away, not wanting to remember last night's encounter, "wood and fire are like two lovers, they only need a path to find one another." Trixie's scowled, berating herself. If only I knew a decent fire spell. Damn Shadowbane for being right.. Trixie knew many fire illusions. but actual real fire magic was horrifically dangerous to practice on a stage. One minor mistake and everything would be lost. useless-- Shadowbane's words echoed, though the specter was nowhere to be found. Trixie's mind wondered back the violent event, thinking if there was anything she could have done. Zacora, looked at the mare lost in thought. "It seems I have lost you, I'll be in the kitchen preparing a brew." Zecora left the room, "Imal, majnun" she spoke in an unknown language. Why couldn't I do anything. . . Zacora, a zebra, defended me against an entire pack of timberwolves. And she pulled it off without a scratch. That pack almost killed me! thought shamefully. She was a unicorn, and yet her life was saved by a lowly zebra. Her life's struggles all compounded at this moment. Useless--, tears fell down Trixie's face. ~~~ After hours of dower reflection, Trixie's tears had run dry. She sat up, wiped her face clear and called for Zecora. Zecora entered, a calming smile on her face, "I am glad to see you up, here let me take a look at you closeup." Trixie nodded and pulled off the covers to give Zecora a look. Zecora unwrapped the lose bandaged to reveal Trixie's natural light blue fur, matted down flat against her skin. Zecora gasped at the sight of Trixie's healed body. "You have been blessed!" She stammered, "Only just last night you were a mess! The Everfree forest has healed your burn, over the night and upon the day's return." Zecora looked over Trixie's body rigorously, looking for any signs of damage, but found none. Zecora trouted a few steps back to took at the entirety of Trixie's perfectly healthy body. "I do not wish for you to exert, but could you move about to see if you hurt?" Trixie nodded compulsively and got out of bed and trotted around the room with ease. Zecora eyed her with great enthusiasm, picking up a nearby notepad to write. "You feel no pain, no discomfort or strain." Trixie nodded, "A bit sore-- but otherwise, I feel great," Trixie said excitedly at her regained freedom. She continued to walk in circles around the room for several more minutes. The novelty of walking in circles wore off replaced by growing boredom. Trixie sent an annoyed glance toward Zecora. She didn't seem to notice, but instead continued was writing furiously on a notepad. "Zecora," She said politely. Still no reply, "Zeecoooraaaa. . ." Trixie sang to the bemused zebra. "oh. . ." Zecora looked up from her notepad, "You can stop now. Let's get some chow." With that Zecora waved a hoof for Trixie to follow her down to the kitchen. Trixie nodded. They walked down a winding staircase into a large open room with wooden masks hung on the walls. Zecora hummed a light tune as she busied herself preparing the food. Zecora started a fire in the center of the room, a large cauldron hung above the blaze. Trixie's eyes drifted to the fire. She felt uncomfortable near the dancing flames. An unnatural urge flee rose within her. "What are you making?" Trixie asked, trying to distract herself. "What I make is a recipe most forgotten. Please trust that it is not rotten. This stew is from my homeland, A celebratory soup which none find bland." "What are we celebrating?" Trixie asked. "Connecting to the spirits is rare, be it for information or care. I desire to speak with the spirits of this forsaken grove, to discover their secrets and clean its trove . Today I am filled with joy, a miracle from the spirits oh boy! Such a wondrous day, for you and me to come out of the fray. By the spirits of this forest's glow, their love and care they did bestow. This sign gives me hope, that my efforts will not dissolve into drope." Trixie looked at the zebra in the way she would look at anypony who she thought was crazy. A perfectly normal expression crossed her face, she nodded. "Ok, so The G- " she stuttered, "Trixie was healed by the spirits of the Everfree Forest?" Zecora smiled and nodded as she threw a few vegetables into the boiling cauldron. The next ten minutes passed without more than another word passing between the two of them. Zecora busied herself with perfecting the celebratory stew while Trixie attempted to fruitlessly find a comfortable sitting posture on one of the exotic chairs around the table. Zecora lifted two bowls from the counter, serving the steaming stew from a decorative ladle into the bowls. "Blessings from the homeland, I hope you find this grand," she said, the bowl sliding across the wooden table with ease to stop in front of Trixie. A spoonful latter and Trixie had a small smile sprouting across her face. Trixie happily consumed the soup at a ravenous pace. "I am glad you enjoyed the stew, but my family's it does not live up to." She said with a grin as Trixie finished her bowl. Trixie eyed the empty bowl eagerly, contemplating weather licking it clean would be worth the humiliation. Saved from the dilemma, the bowl was whisked away by Zecora over to the stew pot. "Would Trixie like some more of my stew?" as if she needed to ask, Trixie, nodded fiercely. "Then I tell me what is far overdue." Trixie frowned, recoiling back into the uncomfortable chair she was sitting in. "Trixie already told you, Luna and I had well. . . A disagreement. . ." "What did this 'disagreement' you had entail? I want specifics and this stew is getting stale." Trixie wanted to tell the truth, but the truth was painful to tell. Trixie really wanted more stew. "Fine, I will tell the truth. But only because I want more of that stew!" Trixie said aggressively. Trixie paused as her eyes drifted from Zecora to the cauldron. "I want the entire cauldron, not just another bowl." Zecora nodded. "Well, it all began. . . well, I don't know how long ago exactly, but when I entered Ponyville as The Great and Powerful Trixie. I was. . . " Zecora listened intently to Trixie's tale. A calm face covering her increasingly sour mood. "The last thing Trixie remembers is being blasted back from the spell into your fire." Trixie frowned, feeling shivers at the memory of the fire. Zecora pushed the bowl of stew to Trixie, now lost in thought over what she should do with the mare. My research must come first. But to banish this mare would be the worst. This criminal must not be found here, so I must make her disappear. Zecora frowned, filling the bowl again as she made her decision. "I cannot let you stay, you must leave without delay. Please listen and understand what I say, for I live here under your princesses whom I must obey. For my sake, no my people' sake. I wish you to leave, before the evening's eve." "What!? Please, I need your help. I can't get through that forest alone. Please." Trixie begged. Zecora looked away, "The forest's path will lead you out-- in the day it's a safe route." "How am I going to live, I don't have any money. My cart was destroyed. Please Zecora, I need to stay here." "You must leave or your path I will join, but here take this bag of coin." Zecora pushed a small pouch of money onto the table. "But--" Trixie tried to protest but failed to come up with a convincing argument. Zecora turned suddenly, noticing a newly lit candle near the doorway. "Somepony is coming to my hut, I am afraid our talk will be cut. Quick take this clock, hurry now don't choke." Trixie nodded and sprang into action. "Take this map, there is an exit out back. Sorry again to push you out, but there is no time to mill about." Trixie reached the back door looking back to Zecora, a strange pull making it hard to flee the house. "Ohh, right. Ishara null," Zecora chanted. Immediately Trixie felt a rush of cold fill her body, laughter filling her head. Shadowbane was back "Finally!!!"
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	pre	He reached out his hand. Twilight looked at it, investigating it. She responded with reaching out with her hoof and he shook it. She smiled at him and he would possibly returned that smile, if he wasn't wearing a helmet. Twilight opened her mouth to start asking questions again, but he had this feeling he was being watched... Subject Delta slowly looked up at the moonlit sky. He could see the stars, still twinkling. Then he saw something coming closer in the far east... Something? Tens, no, possibly hundreds of tiny blobs with wings were coming closer to them. Without any further thinking he reached for Twilight, pulling her once again into his arms. He began running back into the forest, trying to hide. But before he could hide in the shadows, he heard sounds deeper into the forest. That way was out of question too. There was only one choice left... He ran back to the river, Twilight saying something he didn't catch. He took his left arm beneath her, while still holding her tightly in his other arm, and closed his left fist. He could feel the familiar cold sitting in his hand, so he threw it at the river; effectively freezing it. With three big steps, he was over the river. He could see the blobs in the air coming dangerously close, now casting shadows on the flowing water. Subject Delta began running again, back into the forest; only to find his way blocked by three more ponies. They all looked strangely the same in their golden armor. It looked like how he looked like for the Little Sisters. When he was captured in Inner-Persephone by Sofia Lamb's family his Daughter managed to reach him. She and another Little Sister helped him to take control of the Little Sister for a short while, so he could bring a Big Sister Suit to Eleanor. She needed it to escape herself, so she could help him... It was strange to be in control of the Little Sister, as everything felt familiar, but also so very strange. It was like he had never left his body, but Rapture... It was then he understood how his Daughter always talked about the Angels that where waiting for her. Through her eyes the city was perfect in architecture, Splicers all looked like the most sophisticating men and women. The Angels were the dead bodies the Little Sisters harvested, the butterflies being mirages... It was a cruel sight. But then, he saw how the Little Sisters saw him, as a Golden Knight, there to protect them from mere bullies; unlike the malformed Splicers he was used to see them as. That was the first time he doubted about everything... Stern looks where on their faces, prepared to do anything to stop him. Only one of them had a horn, he also was the only one that hadn't a white coat; his coat was more brownish. They all had that golden armor, with some kind of... saddle on their backs. They also were carrying some strange helmets, only protecting the top and the back of their heads. They looked not very threatening to him. The horn of one of the guards lighted up, surrounding by some kind of light gray aura. Taking no chances Subject Delta hit him in the chest with 'Electro Bolt', making the guard fell on the ground; trembling spastically as the electrical surges paralyzed him. The other two guards charged in to try to stop him. How amusing... Subject Delta dashed forward, the same thing he would do to knockdown anyone with his drill, now only less deadly without his drill as he didn't want to kill them. The two guards flew through the air, the path cleared to go in the forest. He heard shouting from across the river, but he ignored it. With haste he went into the forest, hoping to shake off his pursuers. Out of the corner of his eyes, when he just ran between the first trees, he could see something coming down out of the air. It stood quite tall, but not as tall as he was. The pony had both wings and a horn. It was quite easy to spot, as it was completely white with a strange, flowing mane. It also wasn't wearing any armor. While he ran between the trees this pony seemed to always keep up. He needed to come up with a plan, surely the other ponies where entering the forest too... He heard someone commanding him, possibly that white pony that was still behind him: "Stop, or we will use-" 'Try to stop me,' Subject Delta thought to himself, still running between the trees. Suddenly, something exploded behind him, almost throwing him in the trees before him. He shielded off Twilight, as he changed course, hoping that the smoke behind him would throw them off. The white pony emerged from the smoke, her horn surrounded by a golden glow. He didn't knew how she did it, but she was trying to take him out... Thinking quickly he ran around a big, old looking tree and he turned his body slightly around. When the white pony came across the corner he hit it square into the chest with a bolt of lightning. She was thrown off course for a second, but before Subject Delta could get far enough away the pony was following him again. Well, maybe it's time for something more extreme... He closed his fist again, followed by that familiar cold feeling. Now he just needed to wait for the right moment. He went between some trees, changed course by running to the right and then stopped in the middle of the forest. He just listened to the sounds of hooves coming closer. He also heard the flapping of wings in the distance, he really needed to shake them off. He looked down for a second, to see that Twilight still was in his arm. She looked distressed, but unable to do anything. Maybe she's afraid of the pony's following him? Well, if they are after Twilight they will have to go through him first! Between the trees he saw the white pony galloping closer, he just needed to wait... Closer... Closer... When he could see her magenta eyes, he hit her with his "Winter Blast". She was stopped in her tracks, as the icy blast hit her on her left leg, which immediately froze solid. The rest of the body seemed fine though, as the ice only spread out a little ... that was strange. But before he could turn around, he saw a blue blur flying through the trees, hitting him in the chest. Twilight flew out of his arms and out of his sight. He got back up, ready to take down his assailant. It was another pony, she too wasn't wearing any armor. The pony stood approximately as tall as Twilight, but instead of a horn it had wings. Its wings were completely spread out, it looked like it was trying to intimidate him. She stood in front of the larger, white pony; who was having trouble breaking out of the ice that kept her in place. The pony had a light blue coat, with a strange mane. It looked like someone had taken a rainbow and made it into the dashes on her mane. She looked angrily at him with gritted teeth. It seemed ready to attack him again. Subject Delta wouldn't admit it, but she had managed to hit him quite hard. If she stood in his way to get to Twilight and out of the forest... She had chosen the wrong Big Daddy to fight with. The pony charged forwards, flying with a rainbow trail begin her. He tried to hit her, but failed; her hooves connecting with his helmet. The pony flew away, as he tried to rebalance himself. Once again she charged, but this time Subject Delta was ready. When she was close enough he quickly move forward, his left arm outstretched. Without any problem his hand found her neck and the pony stopped in midair, as she slammed into his body. He was holding her by her neck and he could feel her heart pumping through his glove. The anger was washed of her face, it being replace by a frightened look. She seemed scared for her life and if she was trying to get to Twilight... she should be. Once again he was holding the life of another in his hands... * "For every choice there is an echo... Which each act we change the future... Which path do you take?" * Author's Note: What will happen? Will Subject Delta choose to spare Rainbow Dash? Or will he end her life, to protect Twilight? That and more in the next chapters of Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria! Some random trivia about this chapter: * During writing the official soundtrack for BioShock 2 was used. To be more specific: 'Sounds from the Lighthouse'; name of the song used: 'How She Sees the World'. It's the first 5000+ words chapter! The ending was different in the first draft, with Subject Delta being surrounded before he could get away. I changed it in the end because I thought it didn't fit. *The dialogue between Andrew Ryan, Augustus Sinclair and Yi Suchong isn't from the game. I came up with that and you can expect more like that in the future. I think you'll agree with me that it's time to tie up loose ends...
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	Last Sound from the Lighthouse (Chapter 6)	Subject Delta - Rapturous For Equestria TheMightyT Chapter 6: Last Sound from the Lighthouse " Fontaine is gone. Lamb is gone... or close enough. I am alone at last... alone with my city." -Andrew Ryan, Founder of Rapture * Darkness surrounded her. It felt like she was floating in this nothingness, unable to change course. She looked around, trying to find somewhere to go to, a place to escape this void. But there wasn't any light... Where was she? Was she dead? No... no, she wasn't dead. She didn't know how, but... she just knew she was safe. Had her friends found her? Maybe... A piercing, white light disrupted her thoughts. She looked to see where the light had came from. The horizon of the void was one white streak of light, slowly pulsating as the brightness changed. She felt strange... but she embraced the strange feeling without a second thought. She was ready to wake up now... It was raining wherever she was... Small droplets of water fell on her face and slowly made their way back to the ground. She wasn't aware of her surroundings at first... She felt her mouth move to say something, but she didn't know what. Hopefully everything earlier was just a dream... Yes, it was just a dream! She would just wake up, the day before she wanted to try that teleportation spell. All of this, waking up at the Castle of the Elder Sisters, the Timberwolves, the golem, ... it all was just a dream... A torrent of water destroyed her hopeful thoughts. She immediately jumped up from the ground and began looking around. She shook her head, trying to get the water out of her eyes. Now where was she? 'Okay,' she thought to herself, 'let's see...' She began investigating her surroundings. To her right were some trees, some overgrown with vines. She could also see a river streaming out of the forest. In front of her more trees and the golem. She looked to her left to see if she could find any clue that could give her the answers for her questions. No, just a normal looking lake in the middle of the forest. But she had the feeling she just had missed something... Suddenly she realized what she had missed and she stood completely still. She began moving her head slowly back to her right, hoping that her eyes had deceived her. They didn't... She stared at the golem that she had seen in the Castle of the Elder Sisters. It just stood there, no more than three meters separating her from it. She wanted to run away, or try to use her magic. But the only thing she could do was stare at it. Her knees began to tremble beneath her, her breathing became more jagged... Before she could go in a full panic attack the golem slowly moved back, giving her more room to breathe. It didn't seem hostile, it seems to be giving her more space... Strange. She kept staring at it for a while, eventually giving up to try looking for hostilities. She began getting intrigued at its actions, why did it keep back like that? She kept investigating the golem, now able to see it clearly in the light of Luna's moon. She didn't knew what action to take... maybe it was best to find out where she was first. She began looking around again, 'This part of the forest doesn't seem familiar to me. I don't remember seeing a lake like this last time we came here... How is it possible to find you're way out of here? Everything looks the same...' She glared back at the golem, trying to see if it had tried to come any closer. To her surprise it didn't. Maybe she had to catch it unexpectedly... She pretended to be examining the trees across the river, but when she thought she heard the golem come closer she jerked her head back. A bit disappointed of seeing the golem still standing there on the same spot, it's light still lightly emitting from its helmet, she tried another approach. She set a small step closer, trying to examine it further. So many little scars and burn marks... how is it even possible the armor still is in one piece? She wanted to ask that question, but she got cut off by some rustling in the forest in front of her. She saw the lights deep in the forest, meaning that somepony had teleported close by. Maybe her friends were on her trail? She didn't know, she only wanted for this crazy day to end... The golem turned around too, to late to see the lights deep in the forest. It stood still, searching for any kind of movement and eventually turned back around to her. She glanced at him and then back to the forest. She just hoped her friends wouldn't do anything to anger the golem... she had this feeling it wasn't hostile after all. She decided it was best to begin talking... maybe it could give her some answers. "Um, hello." She said almost shyly. She sounded a bit like Fluttershy, when Twilight first met her. But it wasn't because she was afraid of the golem, she felt... a bit intimidated. It was strange for her after all... It didn't answer, so she tilted her head questioningly. It still didn't answer, so she took one small step closer, glancing up at him. She wanted to try and look it in its eyes, but it was a bit too large to do that. Maybe it didn't hear her question... "Hello?" She said, more clearly this time. It didn't answer again, maybe it didn't understand her... "Um, can you understand me?" She asked, hoping for any answer, even if it just was a nod. She could see it slowly nodding, which made her quite happy. Now she could just ask him who he is, everything could be resolved without any troubles. Wait a minute, can it even speak? "Can you speak?" She asked, hoping for a nod. The golem shook its head... "Oh... Why did you bring me here?" She pondered out loud, but she knew the golem couldn't answer her. It began to move, showing her its hands, they were still dripping with water... the water it had used to wake her up. They were finally getting somewhere... "You brought me here to... wake me up?" This monologue was starting to get to her, as she was more saying her thoughts out loud and hoping it... he would react. She didn't know how, but... she felt the golem before her was a male. So, what is left... "Um, okay. Why did you wake me up?" She asked that last thing almost accusingly, but she managed to change her tone for her last question; which she almost whispered: "Why did you protect me?" Then it dawned on her, he couldn't really speak... "Oh yeah, you can't really answer these questions..." The golem nodded and went through its knees. She began thinking about what he could possibly plan to do, but then she got it... he was just trying to make it more comfortable for her to speak to him. She could investigate the helmet more closely now, but she still couldn't take a glance inside. 'I wonder how he looks like without his helmet...,' she pondered to herself. Well, he wasn't hostile, so maybe... "Yes... Let's start over, shall we? My name is Twilight Sparkle, but you can call me Twilight if you want." She almost facehoofed there and then. But, deep inside she actually thought of him as a friend... How strange. Maybe he has a name too... "Um, do you have a name?" She asked, but she knew he really couldn't answer her questions. He motioned to the symbol on his right hand, a white triangle. Was that his name? "Your name is... Triangle?" She knew it would be a lucky guess and like she thought he shook his head. Maybe it had something to do with triangles... Her thought process was broken by the golem slowly reaching out with his hand. She was amazed at the hand with the various ports in it. It looked so strange, not like anything she had seen before. If this was his armor... then she didn't want to see what weapons it possibly could have. She already had seen it spout some fire out of his hands... but it wasn't like any magic fire she had seen before... She understood his gesture and after examining the hand closer, so that she was sure there wouldn't come any fire out of it any time soon; she responded his gesture with her own, reaching out with her hoof. He shook it slowly and carefully, she was amazed by how firmly he held her hooves. He could possibly pulverize rocks if he wanted to... She smiled at him, hoping he would return with his own smile. He didn't of course, as he was wearing a helmet. She wanted to ask him some more questions, but he seemed to be unresponsive. He looked up, at Luna's moon, searching for something in the far east. She followed his gaze and saw the flying figures, Pegasi guards... they had found her. She was beyond glad, but deep in her heart a dread feeling came to her. How was he going to react? Without any warning he reached out for her, pulling her into an embrace. He carried her away from the river, maybe to try and hide in the shadows and the forest. She could see more movement that way in the forest, so did he. He turned around going back to the river. She called out to him: "It is okay, they are only here to help!" But he didn't hear her... Was he going to try to cross the river? She didn't know, but he was running back to it. If he was going to wade through it, the guards were going to catch them. She didn't knew what to expect when he took her only in one arm, freeing his left arm. He hold her tightly, clenching his left fist. She could see it beginning to freeze over and with one quick movement he threw, whatever he was holding, to the river. The river froze over, which surprised her, but what surprised her more that he managed to cross it in only three big steps, without falling. She couldn't even try to stay upright on ice, as she had knew from the first time she had tried to help with the first Winter Wrap Up she had in Ponyville... that day she learned that ice-skating wasn't one of her many talents. The guards were coming closer, but the way to the forest was clear. Until three of Celestia's guards stepped out of the forest. Their way was blocked, she knew this wasn't going to stop him... she just hoped he wouldn't hurt them too badly... The guards all were wearing their golden armor, more for looks than functionality. Equestria didn't have any real wars since Princess Celestia and Princess Luna began their reign... the army hadn't aged well. Only one unicorn guard was with them, his horn surrounded by the light gray aura typical for Celestia's Royal Guard, his armor had accents of silver; meaning that he was higher ranked than the other guards. But before the unicorn guard could unleash any magic he was hit by a surge of electricity from the hands of the golem. The guard fell to the ground, squiggling under the electrical surges, but he was going to be alright. The other two guards didn't take too long to react... They charged the golem, possibly trying to stop him; more likely wanting to try to avenge their fellow guard. The only thing they charged was the air, when the golem suddenly dashed forward; knocking the two remaining guards airborne. She could hear voices calling out for her, but she couldn't answer. She found herself to be... paralyzed in his arms. Not with fear, but with... compassion, she needed to stay with him, so he didn't get himself killed. Before they ran in the forest she could see something coming out of the air... Princess Celestia... Princess Celestia was here and she didn't looked amused. Her familiar mane moved slightly while she was running behind them, trying to keep up. Everything was going to be alright now... She hoped, but her hope dwindled away when she saw the look of pure anger on the face of the Princess of the Sun. Twilight got a bit scared seeing the Princess like that, determined to do anything to save her... But did she really needed to be saved? Her friends were still behind them, as she could hear them shout out her name. She didn't know how the golem did it, dashing between the trees; outrunning the guards and her friends. Only Princess Celestia seemed to be able to keep up. The Princess called out to the golem: "Stop, or we will use magic. We only want Twilight." But he didn't listen... They ran between some trees and almost into some, when the explosion went off behind them. The Princess was just trying to daze him, not too kill. But the golem was apparently quick on his reflexes, remaining his balance and keeping the pace. Twilight try to look behind the golem, but she only saw smoke. Suddenly the Princess jumped from the smoke, her horn surrounded by her golden aura... Twilight didn't knew what to do, which side to choose... They ran behind a big, old looking tree; overgrown with many vines. This really was the heart of the Everfree Forest... The golem stopped, turning around, waiting for something. Twilight realized what he was trying when she saw the electricity surrounding his fist. Maybe it was for the best, she didn't think the Princess would be in a mood to forgive... Being led by emotions is never the answer... The Princess rounded the corner, emerging from behind the tree; and she got immediately greeted by a bolt of electricity, striking her in the chest. Twilight could see her stumble for a moment, but Princess Celestia shook herself free from the electrical surges and, once again, began following the golem. Twilight was really torn between choices... If she chose for her friends, the Princess would probably take him out before Twilight could try to explain everything. And if she chose for the golem... why did she even trust him, she didn't knew him... But the answer was given by her heart and not her brain... He only wanted to protect her and she... she felt safe. She was taken by surprise when they suddenly stopped in the middle of the forest. She heard voices deep in the forest, the flapping of wings... She heard the clopping of hooves on the dry forest floor. She looked down and saw the golem clenching his fist again... this time holding that ice he used to freeze over the river. Twilight never had seen such magic in her life before. She knew the elements could be conjured to the benefit of a very powerful magic user, but... not like this. She felt like this golem held more magical power than the Princesses... combined. Even the Sisters of the Sun and Moon couldn't control the water of the seas or try to reign over the fires out of the earth... But he, he just hold it in his hand... so it could do his bidding. It was his weapon, his choice to use it lethally or not... She only hoped he didn't hurt the Princess too much... Her feelings were in a roller-coaster, making her unable to think clearly. Deep inside she knew the ones that were behind them were her friends. But she never had felt a bond with anypony like this before... Who was this golem? Where was he from? She saw Princess Celestia coming closer between the trees, a look of determination and anger on her face. Her horn was aglow with her golden aura, ready to take hold of the golem and free Equestria of his malice... to free her. She could see the magenta eyes of her mentor, just before the golem shot his icy blast at her. Princess Celestia got stuck, as the ice hit her in the left leg; freezing it solid. The ice spread out, to her other leg and up her chest, but it stopped there. Twilight wanted to help her mentor, to stop this all... but she didn't want this to escalate further. Suddenly she could hear that the flapping of wings, that was very faint just moments ago, came closer... While the golem turned around he got hit in the chest with a rainbow-colored blur, throwing Twilight out of his hands. Twilight fell in some bushes, that luckily cushioned her fall. She was dazed for a moment, but she recovered quickly. She heard her friend, Rainbow Dash, assaulting the golem. But suddenly the flapping of wings stopped... and everything went quiet. Twilight managed to climb out of the bushes only to see that the golem had managed to get hold of Rainbow Dash. He was holding her at her neck, his gloved hand pressed firmly around it; not showing any signs of letting her go. Rainbow's wings were still outstretched, a look of utter fright on her face. Twilight called out to the golem: "Stop!" But he didn't respond... She could see that Rainbow was slowly beginning to suffocate, as the golem's grasp began to get tighter. Twilight ran up to him, leaning against him, while standing on her hind legs. She looked at him, as he slowly turned his head to meet her pleading gaze. His composure seemed to change slightly and he slowly went through his knees. His hand loosened around the next of Dash, making her fall to the ground; coughing for air. Twilight, however, didn't rush to her aid... she was mesmerized by the golem, who was now looking straight at her. She knew he was wearing a helmet, but she could have sworn she saw through that yellow light... to see the man behind the helmet. She could feel connected to him... She felt protected... Suddenly she heard something hum... She looked at her side to see Princess Celestia standing there, freed from her icy constraints. Twilight heart skipped a beat... The Princess of the Sun stood tall, horn engorged by a golden aura; her mane embodied by the power of the sun. Twilight felt herself frightened at that image, to see her Princess standing there... so powerful, yet so deathly... The golem moved quickly, pushing Twilight aside. Before Twilight could get back up, to try to stop everything, a bright flash blinded her for a moment. She could feel a scorching heat surrounding them, the sounds of trees breaking and falling around them. When she managed to look up, her vision beginning to come back to her, she saw utter destruction... Trees were pulled out of the ground, bent in strange angles, singed by the fiery spell her mentor had used... And the golem was gone... She tried to stand up, but failed as she felt her body trembling as tears were starting to form in her eyes. "No...," Twilight whispered; but it was already too late. Princess Celestia came closer, looking tired; the glow around her horn slowly dying out. Her left leg still had traces of the ice the golem had used on it. Rainbow Dash slowly stood up, looking at the ravage the Princess had inflicted on the forest. A red strain disgraced her neck as she turned around, meeting Twilight teary gaze. She tried to comfort her friend, tell her she was safe now; but Twilight weakly shoved her aside. Twilight stood up now, slowly coming closer to the destroyed giant tree that had fallen on the golem. She could see the path the golem had flown, to only be stopped by one gigantic tree that had shattered in pieces when the golem collided with it. She wanted to levitate the pieces away, to search for him; to save him. But before she could get any closer the Princess stopped her in an embrace. Twilight began to sob, crying in the mane of her mentor. "I'm sorry it had to be this way," the Princess said quietly, a hint of guilt in her voice. Twilight began to sob, crying in the mane of her mentor. Twilight slowly pulled herself out of the embrace, looking accusingly at the Princess. "He didn't mean any harm," she whispered. The Princess pulled her back into an embrace, but Twilight didn't cry anymore. She just felt angry... at herself, that she couldn't stopped this from happening... at the Princess for doing what she did... But deep inside she felt like this wasn't over... "I know... It was better to take him out before he hurt anypony..." With those words the weather above the Everfree Forest changed, darks clouds filled with rain collecting above their heads. A slight haze of rain began to poor down, drenching the ponies that slowly were getting closer to place where the last stand-down with the golem had happened... When the guards emerged from the trees, along with Princess Luna and the remaining Elements of Harmony; they all were taken back by the destruction... They all saw Twilight, embraced by both the Princess of the Sun and Rainbow Dash. A lone drill laid on the ground, no longer on the back of its owner... "He didn't mean any harm," Twilight muttered again. She felt sorry for not being able to save him, to explain everything. She wanted to scream, to desperately search in the pile of wood, to try to find the golem... But it was too late... He only wanted to protect her... The clouds above the Everfree Forest wept, as did Twilight. It seemed like the story had ended for the golem, destroyed by the obliterating spell of Princess Celestia. But some might say that his story had just begun... * "It's time to break our Shackles that still bind us to the Parasite. It's time for one last sound from the Lighthouse..." * The light of the moon illuminated the lone Lighthouse, standing completely alone in a featureless sea. It was completely quiet out here, no ship usually came close to the Lighthouse and the secret it harbored. The peace was broken by the sound of something exploding, deep beneath the waves; bubbles of air disrupting the calm surface of the sea. An object erupted from the sea, jumping slightly above the waves it caused, only to settle down shortly after. A lone shadow could be seen, as a purple flash illuminated the surface of the object. She slowly stood up... She looked inside the lifeboat, only to see her Mother using the oxygen tank Eleanor had given her; surrounded by the Little Sisters her Father had saved. She despised her Mother for everything she had done, and she wanted her to suffer... but that wasn't what her Father had learned her. She raised her arm and shattered the glass of the lifeboat, causing the water to drain. Her Mother lay in the middle of the room, coughing up water. She was saved by her daughter, just in time... She looked around, trying to find her Father... but deep inside she knew it was useless. Whatever had happened just moments ago took away her Father... The Pairbond was broken, she no longer could feel his guidance. She looked up at the sky while removing her helmet, seeing the moon hiding behind the Lighthouse, the entrance to Rapture... "Rapture...," Eleanor muttered to herself, " We finally did it, Father... We've escaped Rapture... But at what cost..." She just stood there, the Little Sisters that helped her escape Rapture slowly surrounding her. She finally was free, but at the same time she still was encaged... Her Mother slowly stood up behind her, approaching her daughter. Sofia Lamb still wanted to change Eleanor's mind, to come back to Rapture and be the one to save the Family... Eleanor was the one, capable of perfect altruism; to uphold the common good without wanting any personal gain. To make Sofia's Utopia out of the broken city below the waves, to make the Rapture Family one... Eleanor stopped her dead in her tracks by turning around and speaking to her Mother. "I hope your glad, Mother," almost spitting out that last word, like she hated it with her whole being. "Eleanor-," Sofia Lamb slowly began, but she got cut off by her daughter. "I saved you because my Father would have done the same. I'm no longer your daughter, I'm no longer am your prodigy to manipulate..." Eleanor said emotionless, she just wanted to be left alone. "The city is ours now Eleanor, with your help the Family can still turn all of this around. Please understand that everything I've done was an act... of love. Your Father... your Father wasn't your father Eleanor, he just was an abomination-" Sofia got cut off as Eleanor moved quickly, grabbing her Mother by the neck. "Don't... you... ever... call... my... Father... that... again," Eleanor hissed through clenched teeth, as she her Mother dangled from her hand. She let go, causing her Mother to fall back to the ground. A strange look came in Eleanor's eyes, as she began to speak again. "My Father taught me that 'evil' is just a word. He always tried to see the best in everyone... I ask myself, wasn't he too hopeful? Maybe there are some not worthy to be forgiven..." She stepped closer to her Mother, a calm look on Eleanor's face; but surrounded by an aura that inspired a dread feeling in Sofia's heart. "But who am I to judge, to take a life that's not mine to take," Eleanor slowly said, looking her Mother in the eye; a slight smirk surrounding her lips. "Let's go and meet your judges, Mother. We don't want to make them wait, do we?" With that Eleanor put her helmet back on and took her Mother in her arms. Sofia Lamb struggled in her grasp, but Eleanor dove in the sea nonetheless. She could see bubbles of air coming from the mouth of her Mother... Beneath the sea another purple flash could be seen. Eleanor let go of her Mother, who was once again coughing up water. She looked around the old jazz club. On old poster hang on the wall, the words barely legible: 'Grace Holloway starring in 'The Deep Blue Revue', Nightly! at the Limbo Room'. Eleanor could hear footsteps coming closer, the sound of a cane hitting the ground with each step. Her work was done here... let her Mother's so-called Family decide her fate... Before she could teleport away, a voice called out for her: "Eleanor, wait! Don't leave me here!" Her Mother looked up at her, desperate and scared. Did she fear that the Family would take her out, knowing that she had failed to stop her daughter? Before she could answer another joined them in the room. The woman was wearing an old dress, faded yellow by time and wear. An old scarf around her neck, a decorated hat on her head. Time may not have treated the woman well, but she still stood strong and proud. "Eleanor... Is that you?" The ex-jazz singer said, bringing the attention to her. The Big Sister standing next to Sofia Lamb slowly took of her helmet, revealing her face. Long brown hair fell over her eyes, slowly brushed aside by Eleanor. "Aunt Grace...," Eleanor said, recognizing the woman that had taken care of her, while her own Mother was imprisoned in Persephone. She didn't remember to much from back then... "Eleanor... It's so good to see you again, sweetie." Eleanor almost moved back when Grace came closer, only to hesitantly accepting the embrace she was pulled in. They both didn't acknowledge the presence of Sofia, as they both were happy to see each other again. "Where are my manners, come with me Eleanor. I'm sure you are thirsty-" Grace stopped talking when she saw Eleanor waving with her hand, a sad look on her face. "I'm sorry, Aunt Grace... but I'm not here to stay," Eleanor said, "I'm just here to bring my Mother to her judges..." Grace Holloway stood still, saying no word. Finally she nodded her head, looking at Sofia Lamb; the once grand leader of the Rapture Family... Nothing more than a shell of her former self. With anger she spoke to the woman that had betrayed her, that had hurt Eleanor: "I hope you're ready to be judged by your own rules, Sofia..." Sofia Lamb looked at her, still trying to safe herself; but her words fell meaningless before Grace: "You once said that everything should be done to serve the common good. That Eleanor was the vessel we should use to be reborn. That to follow you was to defy Andrew Ryan's grasp on Rapture... You've become your own nightmare, Sofia. In the end, it all was for your personal gain..." Grace Holloway slowly walked away, mentioning at Eleanor to follow her. When they came at the exit, two Splicers stepped through the door; a woman and a man, both holding wrenches in their hands, both deformed by misuse of ADAM. They looked at Grace, like they were waiting for orders. "The Rapture Family will judge her by its rules. Detain her here, court will be in a few hours." Both the Splicers nodded at the words of Grace, walking up to their once grand leader. Eleanor and Grace left the jazz-club, only hearing the noises of Sofia Lamb begging for her life, before her voice cut off as the male Splicer put a gag in her mouth, while his fellow Splicer tied her up. Grace stopped just outside, looking back at the door she so proudly went through every night; entertaining the people living in Pauper's Drop... "It's a shame...," muttered Grace, her voice trailing off. Eleanor shrugged, not really caring what would happen to her mother; she already had done what she needed to do. Sofia's life wasn't in her hands anymore. She followed Grace through the dirty streets of Pauper's Drop, seeing the suffering of so many Splicers. It seemed like hundreds and hundreds of Splicers had came here, seeking shelter in the various houses around Pauper's Drop, sleeping on the streets. She never had seen Splicers so calm, but she deducted it came from the lack of ADAM. With most of the Little Sisters saved by her Father, who was left to get ADAM from. Rapture's population had finally dug its own grave... they had killed all the ones that gave them what they needed... How had it came to this? Grace told her that most of the Family already had forsaken Sofia Lamb before her Father had made his way into Persephone. From all around the city new Splicers came to Pauper's Drop, as it was the only safe place... Eleanor wanted to ask what the Splicers were running from, but Grace answered her question before she could ask it. "An old evil has taken his place back on the throne of Rapture... Pauper's Drop is the only place still safe from his reach. But soon... soon we will fall under his rule once again..." Eleanor didn't understood what her Aunt meant, but she nodded nonetheless. "You should leave, Eleanor... There's nothing left to save here..." Grace said, turning back to Eleanor with a weak smile on her face. "No, Aunt Grace, I'm taking you with me! You have to come with me, you're the only one... the only one I have left..." A single tear ran from Eleanor's eye, wiped off by Grace; smiling, but determined of her decision. "There's nothing left for me out there, Eleanor. I belong here." "But-" Eleanor began, but she was cut off by Grace. "Your... Father spared me Eleanor and I showed him the way. I'm glad he managed to save you... I'm sorry for your loss. But he gave your life to save yours... Respect his choice. Help the Little Sisters he rescued from this city, I'm sure you'll find a way..." Grace embraced Eleanor one last time, Grace slowly tearing up. Eleanor broke the embrace and put her helmet back on. The last thing she saw was the weak smile of the woman that always was there for her, but she respected Grace's choice... A purple flash illuminated the corridors of Pauper's Drop... The last Big Sister was gone and with her... all hope was lost... She opened her eyes again, to be greeted by the moonlit sky. She threw her helmet to the ground, slowly standing at the edge of the lifeboat. She sat down, tears spilling in the sea below. She knew what she had to do... When Tenenbaum had contacted her through the Little Sisters, they began making a plan. Finding the corpse of her Father wasn't hard, but it took them a while to get the genetic key just right. With the help of Tenenbaum, she brought back her Father by hacking a 'Vita-Chamber', effectively resurrecting him. With his help she managed to break from the cage her mother had kept her in... Tenenbaum had talked to her one last time before she escaped Rapture once again: "I'll give a map to a Little One, so you can find us when you escape. Herr Jack and I have a safe place, where we can save the Little Ones and revert the damage that has been done to them. There are some left in Persephone, Eleanor... Please save them to from this watery grave. See you soon, Eleanor." Eleanor trusted Tenenbaum, the way she risked her own life to safe her Sisters... But she didn't know why. She didn't know who Tenenbaum was, or how she got back to Rapture. Tenenbaum only told her that she was responsible for every 'Little One', as she called the Little Sisters; and that she wanted to give them their lives back. Eleanor knew the conditioning of a Little Sister could be successfully removed, as her mother managed to do with her... But to give them back their lives? She had many questions, but no answers. Who was this 'Herr Jack' Tenenbaum always talked about? She knew nothing about him, except some things her Sisters had told her. 'He saved us from the scary man,' they so often had told her, but she never thought about asking more... At the time she was busy trying to help her Father to reach her... What was this 'old evil' her aunt had talked about? Rapture's former leaders where all killed. One was killed by a man wearing chains on his wrist, a slave breaking the chains holding Rapture. And when the old 'King' fell, a new one stood up; only to be stricken down by the same man, who once came from the surface, carried by a plane from a far away country. Andrew Ryan was death and so was Frank Fontaine. She was certain of it... She opened her eyes, tears still falling in the water below. Was this all worth it? A Little Sister came standing next to her, a Big Daddy doll in her hand: "Big Sister, are we going to see Aunt Tenenbaum?" Eleanor looked at the her Sister, wiping her tears out of her eyes. "Yes, we're going to see her soon." "Did you lose your Daddy?" The Little Sister asked. Eleanor nodded in response, tears welling up from her eyes again. The Little Sister reached out to her, giving her the Big Daddy doll. Eleanor hold it firmly in her hand, looking back at her Sister, who had a big smile on her face. "Don't worry, Big Sister, Mister Bubbles is alright," The Little Sister assured her, her laugh making Eleanor smile a little. Eleanor slowly stood up, her Sisters surrounding her; all exclaiming how great and strong 'Mister Bubbles' was. She pulled them all in an embrace, feeling slightly better... But they didn't know better than say all those things. They didn't know anything else... She looked up at the moonlit sky, being marveled by the sight of the many stars twinkling in the night. She slowly took her helmet back off the ground and put it back to its place. She smiled, although invisible beneath her helmet. They were going to go to Tenenbaum, so they could help her Sisters. And everything would be alright... A purple flash lit up the sea for one last time. The moon emerged slowly from behind the Lighthouse. It became silentonce again. Suddenly the sky was filled with fire, as a deep rumble came from where the Lighthouse once stood; a deafening explosion erupting from the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse broke in pieces, one piece fell on the lifeboat Eleanor had used to escape Rapture... The explosion destroyed every trace of the Lighthouse, as the sea took back its rightful place. One last sound from the Lighthouse... One last act from the fallen King. So he can reign once again of his forlorn Utopia... Rapture finally had broken its Shackles... freeing it from the Parasites its Founder so feared... Once again, he was alone with his city... Only one thing left to do, one purge left for Rapture to be... perfect. The world would never hear from Rapture again. It was lost beyond the sea. Nobody wanted to go back, to pay her a visit. And when finally forgotten, forsaken by those who managed to free themselves from Andrew Ryan's dream... Rapture slowly became a real Utopia. In the end it only had one fatal flaw, taken away by the death of its last occupant: Human nature. Andrew Ryan's dream finally became an Utopia... but there was nobody left to live it. * "Mother was right about one thing... I've been watching you, Father, studying the way you have treated others, and now I know who I am. I am free. Everything that Mother has done to me... I am alive and sane enough to be curious about the sun. When you rescued my new Sisters I felt every one, and it gave me hope for the first time in years. Now I will do the same for all the other, starting with this one..." *** Author's Note: I hope everybody likes cliffhangers... How will the story evolve now, you ask? My answer is to wait for the next chapter. I have some things planned, so... Look out for 'spoilers' in this chapter! Be happy, now you know Rainbow Dash is still alive... But yeah, I just really replaced one cliffhanger with the next, so... I'm feeling like today. Did Subject Delta survive? Who knows... I really hope you all like this chapter, as I personally have the feeling it isn't the best I've written so far... But that's probably just comes out of my lack of trust in my own abilities --If I have any--, so... Really hope you like it! Check out my blog for more news on this chapter! And see you all next time! EDIT: I hereby give my right of the mighty 'First' to the first commenter on this chapter; let the games begin!
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	Sharp Fangs Of The Everfree Forest (Chapter 7)	Subject Delta - Rapturous For Equestria TheMightyT Chapter 7: Sharp Fangs Of The Everfree Forest This chapter is dedicated to my Grandfather, may he rest in peace... "The lab aides are starting to call them 'Big Daddies'... perhaps there's some genius to that. Bonded pairs... connected by a love that kills.' -Gilbert Alexander, co-creator of the Big Daddies. * The soft bluish light of her moon illuminated her the path that her sister had taken through the forest, when she began to chase the golem. Princess Luna galloped through the forest, her own Royal Guard not too far away; the remaining five Elements of Harmony galloping right behind her. Celestia's Guard wasn't familiar with the forest like hers was, so they were getting behind quite a bit, all of them on hoof; because it was too difficult to fly between the trees that littered this forest so densely. They all assumed the worst, as the golem apparently could bend water to his will and make ice of it; something that even she and her Sister couldn't do. But when Luna saw the ice that the golem had used to cross the river and the guards that he knocked aside in his dash through the forest, she feared that her sister would once again lose control... The Royal Guard vowed to protect their Princess at all cost, even if that means they'll have to follow her when she... changes. With the past events and the return of the Elements of Harmony, her Guard could finally once again serve her; without the shame that came to many to them, when she had called upon them not long ago. Now they knew the forest well, when they followed her back to their old castle; when she came back after thousand years of exile, still possessed by the foul taint that is the Nightmare... Luckily she was saved by the Elements before she tried to take Equestria's throne for herself... for a second time; and the Nightmare was destroyed, with him the monster that carried the name of Nightmare Moon. Luna would rather not think about those days, but she had to remember them; so she could learn from her mistakes, and make sure she would become the best she can be. It all happened too fast for Luna to completely comprehend what just happened, or more so, what just went wrong. They managed to teleport close to the golem's position, sneaking up on him; surrounding him from all sides, but he managed to escape before they could stop him. Luna didn't want to point the hoof at anypony, but she knew that it was probably not the best idea to use Celestia's Guard for the approach from the air, as their golden armor glistens so much in the light of her Moon. Things has happened now, it was too late to change tactics; and the golem already had managed to get away from the bulk of the guards. After getting the Elements over the river, she immediately chased after her Sister; knowing that Celestia would keep galloping no matter what. And they were get close now, she knew it. She could hear the clopping of various hoofs from the following guards on the forest floor, while only the five Elements and a portion of her own Guard managed to follow close. Suddenly they all could hear a small explosion in the distance, one that shocked her in more ways than she thought it would; the explosion being accompanied by a hint of her Sister's magic. With a growl Rainbow Dash flew past her, her wings moving so fast they seemed to not even be moving; the Element of Loyalty skilfully dodging between the various trees, while still retaining her top speed. It was better for her to stay on the ground, as she knew she wasn't as agile as Rainbow Dash; nor her wings and bigger figure would help her dodge between the dense trees of the forest. She just wished they all would be safe... Luna jumped over a small crater in the ground, the smoke that had arisen there still dissipating from sight; the leaves from the trees above still fluttering to the ground. Celestia's explosion was meant to be demobilizing, but the damage to the forest floor proved otherwise. Luna's heart told her to go faster, now a dread feeling came over her. If Celestia was going to... no, she wouldn't, at least Luna hoped so. Twenty of her best guards ran behind her, making a protective wedge behind her and the Elements of Harmony; all bearing the looks of determination on their faces, all ready to take action when needed. Luna only hoped they didn't need to... A small hum could be heard, after screaming pierced the shadows of the forest; the light and the hint of magic accompanying it making Luna's hair stand up slightly. She recognized that magic, as her Sister had used it on her so long ago... The bright flash, the wave of heat; the same thing now felt by those that were in the forest, below the thick canopy of the old and overgrown trees. But this time it was accompanied by the shattering of trees... various other sounds filled the forest ahead. Above the forest, many clouds carried their watery contents, slowly beginning to weep on the canopy below, the rain piercing it in some places and reaching the ponies that galloped so fast; as Luna and the four remaining Elements approached the newly made clearing. The weather above the Everfree forest always managed to change unexpectedly, harassing the forest and the creatures below; but since the Elements of Harmony were removed from their resting place it only had become worse, as the forest no longer was kept in check by their presence. The Everfree Forest was now really forever free... They finally burst out of the tree line, taken back by the destruction that was caused to this part of the forest. Luna cringed when she saw the trees that were torn out of the earth, all carrying traces of the fiery heat that had hit them; but Luna moved quickly, making decisions without any second thoughts. She put her hoof up in the air, making a circular motion; causing her Guard to fly up and begin to set up a perimeter around her Sister, who was still embracing Twilight with Rainbow Dash. The rest of the guards shook themselves out of it, helping Luna's Guard to form the perimeter; while the Elements moved quickly when they saw their friend crying in the hooves of her mentor. Slowly letting go of her star pupil, making place for her friends, Princess Celestia moved back slowly; noticing Luna, who was giving orders that her Guard followed without hesitation. The five Elements cooed to Twilight, trying to calm her; but she kept muttering something, but it went unheard. Celestia looked up at her Sister, her coat dishevelled and lost its shine; her weariness shown clearly in her stature. She greeted her Sister without many words, Luna carrying a concerned, but yet shocked look on her face. Celestia now finally realized what she had done, seeing the destruction that surrounded her, that she caused with her magic; seeing her Sister eyes, a hurt look in those pools of cyan. Luna saw her Sister and it almost broke her heart, as almost nothing was left of Celestia's, normally always present, royal stature; and without a second thought she dashed forward, pulling her Sister in an embrace. "Are you okay, 'Tia?" Luna asked with a concerned tone in her voice, as she know that the magic that Celestia just had used is draining; even more so when her Sister's Sun wasn't shining. Celestia pulled her head out of the embrace, looking at Luna, but trying to avoid looking her in the eyes. "I'm fine, Luna, I'm fine," Celestia said weakly, struggling to keep her voice together; a sigh following promptly, as she knew deep down that she wasn't fine. Luna pulled her back in the embrace, placing her head next to her Sister's, slowly nuzzling her. "It's okay, Sister..." She whispered, but Celestia quickly broke the embrace, her eyes beginning to tear up. "A vow, Luna, I made a vow!" Celestia began, her royal stature now completely gone, "I promised to never take it this far again, to no longer let my feelings control my magic..." Luna came closer, cooing to her sister: "I know, 'Tia..." While sobbing Celestia threw herself at her Sister, once again embracing her, but this time showing no signs of letting go: "I-I h-had no choice, L-Luna." She muttered, her snivelling making it harder for Luna to understand her, while her tears damped Luna's mane and coat. "It's alright, 'Tia, it is all going to be alright." Luna said, while patting her Sister's back. "I-I a-am so ter-terribly s-sorry," a voice said from Luna's dishevelled and damp mane. "Shhh...," Luna said in a singsong tone, trying to cheer up her Sister; giving her some time, so she could regain her composure. As Celestia wept in her Sister's mane, knowing that she just killed a living creature; while she had vowed to never let her emotions get the best of her, since that dark day in their past... So did the clouded sky and Twilight Sparkle, she still was muttering something; while she was being hugged by her friends. Luckily none of them saw the Princess of the Sun fall apart in tears, while the Guards finally formed a perimeter around them; keeping a protecting circle between the group of ponies and the pile of trees, where the golem laid under. The five cooed to their magical gifted friend, trying to stop her from crying and muttering. "Easy now, Sugercube," Applejack said in her thick accent, feeling the lavender mare shiver in her forehooves. Twilight weakly tried to push them away, but failed as all her energy was drained. This day seemed to have taken a too large of a toll on her, as she just became a crying ball of lavender fur; finally stopping with crying, when she passed out in the hooves of her dear friends. After some time passed and the clouds from above stopped their crying, just like Celestia, who finally regained her stature; Luna stepped up, examining Twilight briefly with her magic. Pointing with her hoof to three of her Guards and a small group of Celestia's Unicorn Division, she said: "Take Twilight Sparkle and the Elements out of the Forest and to Ponyville Hospital, they should be ready by now." The Guards nodded and surrounded the six ponies, the Unicorns already beginning to ready their magic, when Rainbow Dash spoke up: "Wait, what about that golem?" She said with some difficulties, pointing at the pile of trees; that showed no signs of life. "My Sister and I will take care of that-," Luna began, but Rainbow Dash broke her off and began to dispute, only to be silenced quickly by a glare of the Princess of the Moon, "We'll handle this, Twilight needs to get to the Hospital as quickly as possible." Luna said sternly and Rainbow Dash just nodded; seeing that it was a lost fight and that it was better to get Twilight out of this nightmarish forest. With a grey flash the group of ponies teleported out of the Everfree Forest, leaving Luna with her tired and wounded Sister; a big group of Royal Guards still present and throwing glances at the shadows surrounding them, the thick canopy of the surrounding trees giving no chance for light to pierce through. Luna looked around and with a stern look on her face, she began to speak to her Sister: "'Tia, I need you to go too..." Celestia tried to speak Luna out of it, but she didn't waver in her resolve. "I know you want to stay, Sister. But you need some help," Luna said, while examining the wounds on her Sister's forelegs and the burn marks on her chest, "And you wouldn't be a great help, after the amount of magic you used." Celestia nodded, knowing that, at this point, she was only a burden for her Sister; and with a quick embrace and some parting words, she teleported, with the help of her Guards, to Ponyville Hospital. Now left standing in the clearing, where her beautiful Moon shone so gracefully, were twenty or so of her Guards and ten of her Sister's. All of her Guards were Pegasi, with some Earth Ponies; so that left her with ten of her Sister's Unicorns. She just hoped she wouldn't need them... * Subject Delta was holding, once again, a life in his hands; feeling the quick beating of the rainbow coloured pony through his gloved fist. His hand began to close, pushing firmly on its throat, making it so that the pony began to suffocate; her wings still outstretched as she was weakly trying to break lose. He didn't notice any of that, he only felt rage; as these pony's where trying to take his Twilight away from his, try to hurt her. He felt the soft hooves of Twilight pressing on his side, her weight almost unnoticeable as she was leaning against him; while standing awkwardly on her hind legs. He turned his head to meet her gaze, her eyes pleading him to let go. Finally he realized what he was doing, this wasn't who he was; he always tried to forgive or search for another way, this rainbow pony... maybe it wanted to hurt Twilight, but it wasn't right to kill a helpless creature. His hand loosened around the neck of the pony, causing her to fall to the ground; her hooves reaching for her throat, while she was coughing and breathing with difficulties. Twilight however kept staring at him, standing just before him; as she had stopped leaning against him, giving him the chance to get on his left knee and meet her gaze. He saw her beautiful, violet eyes, twinkling from the milky light of the moon above. The moment between him and Twilight was brutally broken by a hum and a glimpse of that golden light; making Subject Delta look abruptly to his side. And there she stood, that big pony that tried to stop him earlier; her horn engorged by its golden aura, a look of determination in her eyes. Without thinking he pushed Twilight out of the way, giving the large pony an easy shot. A beam of light, hot like the sun and shining like nothing he saw before, hit him straight in the chest; causing him to go airborne. The wind got knocked out of him, when his short flight made him collide with several trees. When he hit the last tree, a very big and old looking oak, it's bark overgrown with vines, he almost blacked out. When the tree broke in pieces, which buried him; he finally let the darkness take him... Pain. That was the only feeling he had left, making the empty void flare up with a red shine. Slowly he began to remember what happened and once again he awakened, alone. He could see the singed barks of the once grand oak, that now covered him; the faint yellow light emitting from his helmet illuminating the small space above it. The crushing weight of the trees kept him down, but that wouldn't be for too long. He only needed for his vision to stop spinning and then he would quickly get out of this mess... Faintly he heard voices, but he couldn't understand them. He could hear hooves on the forest floor, he could see droplets of water penetrating the pile of trees and collecting on the visor of his helmet. His chest felt like it was hit by the sun itself, the heat and crushing hit managing to pierce his suit. Luckily that wasn't too much of a problem, because the inside of the suit was lined with a special plasmid; that made the suit regenerate itself somewhat, although if the damage was to great, then there was no amount of plasmids that could repair the damage. But that would be when the suit was mostly gone, bringing with it the promise of his death. He could see the faint flashing of light, the same he had seen before; making him try once again to lift the trees from him, freeing him from his wooden grave. But to no avail, he was not getting out from here fast. After some more flashes, Delta could hear the clopping of hooves; but this time it was only coming from one pony. The pony stopped and he saw a faint dark blue light for a moment, but the light stopped as sudden as the rustling came in the forest surrounding them. Something was coming, fast... and it was huge... * Luna looked around, feeling better now she knew that both her Sister and the Elements were safe and sound. She eyed the pile of trees curiously, she should... No, it should be dead after that kind of magic. Looking up at her magnificent sky, a star-spangled blanket that kept Equestria warm; her Moon shining upon her, helping her make her decision. "Leave the Forest at once, there's no need to linger here any longer." The Guard came back from their guarding spots, surrounding the Princess of the Moon; but there was one that spoke up, the commander of Luna's Royal Guard. Wearing the same, dark purple armor that all of her other Guards wore, but with the exception that her armor had hints of silver, outlining it; the signs of a higher rank, because all the Guards look the same in their armor. A powerful spell, enchanting the armor to make them all look like the same dark gray stallion or mare, with those bat-like wings; making it hard for any Guards to recognize their superiors, hence the lining of silver to hint at her higher rank. With a soft voice, while bowing humbly in front of her Princess, the commander spoke up: "And the golem, Princess?" "I'll take care of that, when I'm done I'll join you all at Ponyville's Hospital." Luna spoke up, her tone less stern than before; a small smile lingering around her lips. "But Princess, not that I want to question your orders, but-" The commander began, but Luna broke her off. "Dear Shadow Stalker, do you still remember the day I appointed you as commander of my guard?" Luna asked, a hint of a teasing tone in her voice. With a bow Shadow Stalker answered softly, looking up with a look of gratitude in her eyes: "Yes, my Princess." With those words Shadow Stalker turned around and with a small flash Luna was alone in the forest. It was quiet, no sound could be heard; and that worried her, but she was also very curious. She stepped closer, each of her hoofsteps easily audible on the muddy forest floor. She looked at the weapon of the golem, laying in the mud and she levitated it carefully; surrounding it with her dark blue magic aura. She examined it closely, no longer paying attention to her surroundings. A rustling in the forest broke her out of her trance, making the weapon fall to the ground. Something was moving in the shadows surrounding the clearing and it was huge. She could hear faint hissing, a sound that made her heart skip a beat. She moved back, trying to pierce the shadows of the surrounding forest with her eyes; while still keeping her eyes on the ground. If it was what she thought it was, then she shouldn't look it in its eyes... Behind her she heard the noises of trees falling to the ground, making her turn around and staring at the pile of trees. She could see the golem, freeing himself from his wooden tomb; slowly getting up. Suddenly it seemed like all time stopped, that all light was blocked away; no noise could be heard, except the pounding of her own heart. She could hear the hissing just behind her, but before she could even think about using magic she was knocked airborne; a scaled tail hitting her in the back, making her fly over the golem. A basilisk... * Subject Delta strained himself an began pushing the trees up, the heavy weight now resting on his arms; but he pushed through, the satisfying sound of trees rolling of the pile and falling on the ground reaching him. He began to free himself, getting up; only to be greeted by another pony. This pony was bigger than Twilight, yet smaller than the other one that had buried him earlier; her coat a dark sapphire blue with a cobalt blue mane, moving without any wind and showing tiny, white dots in it. The pony was also wearying some kind of necklace and a dark blue crown; a moon resting in the night sky adorning her flank. But he didn't look to closely at the pony, what towered behind her captured his attention... A gigantic snake, pushing itself up in the sky; towering above them and making Subject Delta feel tiny. He could see the blackened scales, once a brilliant green; it's once yellow eyes, now showing a white hue. It was huge, it looked like it was very old and deadly; as Delta could see its fangs, when it opened its mouth in a hiss. Those fangs were probably larger than his drill... The pony with the moon on her flank shivered, when she heard that hiss; but she didn't move. Subject Delta watched as the gigantic snake hit the pony with its tail, making her fly over him. The snake now seemed to take an interest in him, lowering down and looking straight at him. It opened its mouth, showing its various sharp teeth; and although Subject Delta couldn't smell it, he knew that the most foulest smell came from it when it hissed... He was going to need a bigger drill to take this thing down... * "The bond between a Little Sister and her Protector is strong... maybe too strong. A love that kills... and a Protector that would do anything to protect his Little Sister... now that's a dangerous combination." * Author's Note: After many delays, this chapter finally gets posted. I'll write a blogpost about it later, but there's only one thing for me left to say: I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend (Chapter 8)	Subject Delta - Rapturous For Equestria TheMightyT Chapter 8: The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend A Basilisk. Mythical creature that died out long ago, before the Reign of the Royal Sisters, [...] It is said that the look of the King of Snakes can kill, although no evidence of this can be found, [...] [...],extremely poisonous, the venom residing in its glands toxic enough to burn through rocks, [...] -Excerpts from 'Mythical Creatures of Old Equestria', Author unknown. * The creatures of the Everfree Forest avoided the King of Snakes, as it slithered through the woods; occasionally letting its forked tongue flicker in and out its mouth, picking up the scent of its prey. It was in an unfamiliar part of the forest, as it mostly resided in the deepest reaches of the Everfree; where no one would ever dare to venture. But now it found itself between the still growing trees of the always creeping forest, slowly taking more and more ground from was once a place of peace; no longer held back by the ancient magic that had contained it so long ago... The enchanted veil had worn off, the ancient wall was a tale that had been forgotten even by myths and legends and the forest was on the rise; never stopping to seize the change to spread out. The Basilisk, however, didn't leave its sanctum in the chasms deep in the forest without a reason... It smelled it in the air and could almost taste it on its tongue, hints of that ancient magic that had banished it deep into the forest. The same magic that had reclaimed the land and pushed back the mighty oaks, that destroyed the homes of many; leaving only the waving grass on the empty meadows, suited as a safe haven for the influx of Equi from the north. But that wasn't the end of the battle against the forest and its creatures, as a castle was built where the heart of the forest once was. Two beings of great power resided there, with them came an army of servants; beings that were nor death nor alive... A wall was built to protect the land from the always growing forest and keep her many creatures away from the Equi; but even more so to hold back the taint that had taken its home in the forest, a being of darkness, a shadow that moved freely below the heavy canopy... An enchanted veil was placed over the wall, so that in the event that the wall would fall the forest would be held back; her creatures would still be forced to remain to roam their diminished habitat. After years of banishment, the forest once began to slowly rise back from behind the wall; allowing her creatures to, once again, roam freely over its domain. But things had changed... A battle had been fought between the godly beings that resided in their castle and the shadowy taint that had taken the forest for its own. Their servants slain and the mighty wall breached, the veil damaged beyond repair and their castle besieged; the beings of power made a choice that no one should take to lightly, a sacrifice to defeat the being of darkness... And then it went silent... for a while. The forest began to take back the land that had once belonged to it, giving her creatures more room to breathe; but the forest wasn't entirely free. The castle still stood strong in her domain, the godly beings once again settled in their dwelling; but things had changed once again... The wall wasn't rebuild and the veil wasn't restored; their servants stayed dead, buried below the wall they once built. A statue was placed to hold five stones, carrying a great magical power; five elements of the six pointed star, the sixth lost for even their makers. But the Equi kept living their lives, like nothing had happened. Soon another evil creature descended upon the lands, this time causing chaos; leaving the forest alone in her march to subdue the land. The battle was eventually won by the Equines and their godly protectors, pleaded upon to help heal the land of the chaos that had erupted from that mangled creature; a being that was called a draconequus, although it was nor a pony, nor a dragon. Captured in stone, the peace finally was restored; even for the forest, now that the godly beings had taken their place on the throne in the capital of the Equi. The forest was finally freed and was given a name, although her name tasted bitter for her creatures that were kept chained for so long. Peace and harmony ruled the land of the Equi, now called Equestria; the Everfree Forest once again ever growing and expanding... And now the creature that was considered extinct roamed through the forest, a creature feared by everyone that had laid their eyes on it; its eyes carrying a look filled with death, its mouth showing fangs with a poison that could kill in an instant... The Basilisk of the Everfree was on the hunt, searching for revenge... Searching retribution for the day it followed its master in battle and they lost the struggle for power; their master defeated and his followers punished... The day it became the last of its kind. As the white moon shone upon the concealing canopy of the forest, so did the eyes of the Basilisk shine with anger. It felt the ancient magic, the slayer of its kind, leave the forest in a powerful blast of magic; leaving behind two beings whose magic felt familiar. Making haste, the King of Snakes rushed through the forest, its scaled skin leaving tracks in the grounds. With another two flashes the forest seemed devoid of magic, but the Basilisk smelled that one remained; coming closer to the clearing it already had made its decision... After all, one was better than none. Circling the clearing where the Mare of the Moon stood alone, without guards to protect her, the Basilisk observed her closely through its once bright yellow eyes. After all these years it finally would get revenge... The Mare moved back, she already had noticed the rustling that gave its position away; but another noise behind her made her turn around. A figure clad in a strange kind of armor, a heavy helmet set upon its head, slowly emerged from a pile of trees. Slowly the Basilisk came out of the shadows, pushing itself up in the sky as it was trying to touch the moon itself; towering over the Mare below it, ready to attack. When her horn began to flare a dark blue the Basilisk attacked with an angry hiss, its scaly tail hitting her and throwing her in the air. She flew over the figure that seemed familiar to the Basilisk; the unfaltering stance it showed, while it seemed to carry no weapon to defend itself. Like the summoned servants that once built that wall and fought it and its kind... The Basilisk slowly lowered down, its scales glistening in the moonlight; showing various scars all over its body. Looking straight at the golem, trying to pierce through the yellow light emitting from his helmet, the Basilisk hissed; showing the row of its sharp teeth and flickering its tongue out, studying the golem closely. It could taste a hint of salt, overpowered by the smell of blood all over his armor. He seemed so familiar, but at the same time so strange. He kept standing still, staring back in its eyes; something no creature could do and survive... This was a strange golem indeed. But if he stood in its way to revenge, he would share the punishment... * The residents of Ponyville remained in their careless slumber, sleeping in their warm beds and houses; all bathing in the light of the moon. Everything was completely silent... almost everything. On the edge of the town, Ponyville Hospital showed signs of activity. Doctors and nurses were preparing beds and operation rooms, the normally small night shift receiving help from all doctors and nurses that worked there. When the message came that the Princesses with the Elements ventured into the Everfree Forest to search for Twilight Sparkle everypony began to work feverishly to get everything ready, as they all expected the worse. Only two seemed to remain calm in the chaos, one a nurse that had been quite familiar with the adventures of the Elements and the wounds she had to treat afterwards; one a small dragon, bored out of his mind. Sitting down on one of the many seats in the reception of the hospital, Spike skimmed through the book he had brought to Princess Celestia. Feeling tired and bored, he only slowed down if he saw interesting drawings of mythological creatures; most of them seeming like they came straight from the old ponytales Twilight used to tell him. Using a light purple finger to flip a page showing an old chart of Equestria, his green eyes finally stopped on a very interesting picture. A sketch of a snake, seeming enormous against the referential pony that was drawn next to it, captured his attention. Looking up from the dusty book in his hands, he quickly observed his surroundings before going back to reading the curly writing of the author; the text describing a being that was called a 'Basilisk'. He and the pony behind the reception desk were the only ones present in the cozy, but still clinical looking room, various pots with plants scattered around; the comfortable chairs not helping him to stay awake. The pony behind the desk seemed to be busy filling in paperwork, her sapphire blue eyes skimming over the papers; her white coat and pink mane seeming dull against the colourful painted walls. Her nurse's hat depicted her Cutie Mark, a red cross with a small pink heart in every corner. Spike recalled that her name was Nurse Redheart, the nurse he often saw when he visited one of his friends in the hospital; something he had to do fairly often, as his friends always went from one adventure to the other. Concentrating back on the book that laid on his lap, he ignored the worry that made him feel a bit nauseous. 'Twilight will be okay, the Princesses and my friends are searching for her.' Spike thought, while beginning to read the first line under the sketch of this 'Basilisk'. He wanted to go with them, but he understood that he wouldn't be much more than a burden to them. He couldn't really fight, except maybe use the fire that burned inside him; although he often struggled to use it when he wanted too. He did help in his way, by alerting the staff of the hospital of the situation. Now the only thing he could do was wait... and maybe read a little about those mythological creatures. "A Basilisk. Mythological creature that died out long ago, before the Reign of the Royal Sisters..." Spike began to read, having some trouble deciphering to florid hoofwriting. "This ancient being is believed to live up to a thousand years, never stopping to grow in both length as width. Once a year it sheds it skin, leaving behind a empty husk made out of its scales. This process of moulting is needed as the King of Snakes grows larger; while it also believed to cause the change of color of its scales as it becomes older." 'So, it changes color... Maybe I'll change color too as I grow older.' Spike thought, while skipping some paragraphs, one handling about the speculated mating process of the Basilisk. "The King of Snakes is most known for the way it kills its prey, a single look into its eyes causing death. Although not needed, if its deadly gaze should fail, it is able to constrict its prey and kill it with its poisonous bite." A shiver ran over the spikes on his back. Spike was very happy that this creature went extinct long ago, as he had thought that a Hydra was the worse that the Everfree Forest had to offer. Skimming some more paragraphs, telling him more about the toxic that the Basilisk carries and the habitats it was speculated to live in, Spike finally came to the last paragraph; which seemed to be added later, as the hoofwriting was less florid than before. "The act of killing a Basilisk is near impossible, as its scales are almost completely magic proof. Although it has it weaknesses as well. Scurrying away as the sun casts it first rays, the Basilisk keeps itself concealed in the darkness t[...]." A smudge seemed to have swept out the rest of the text, although a last sentence has be added in pencil below. Holding the book closer to his eyes, Spike began to read the last sentence that seemed to be even more recent. "When facing the Basilisk there is only one thing to do, run away and never look back; pray to the Sisters that the sun will soon emerge from behind the horizon..." A strange thing to say about a creature that went extinct long ago... With a sigh, being too tired to investigate this further, Spike turned some more pages in search for entertainment. Just as he saw another interesting drawing of a creature that was called a 'Human', Spike almost dropped the book on the ground as he was blinded by a gray flash. When Spike finally began to see clearly through the blur he recognized Twilight, laying on the back of Applejack. Quickly Nurse Redheart rushed forwards, judging the situation correctly and she began examining Twilight with her keen eyes. "She is seems to be dehydrated, and she shows some signs of trauma from magical whiplash..." Nurse Redheart said to nopony in particular, "We'll have to get her scanned by one of the doctors, but I think she'll be fine after some good night's rest." She finally concluded, Spike feeling relieved; the same feeling the rest felt when they heard the good news. Quickly examining the rest of the teleported ponies, Nurse Redheart beckoned for Applejack and Rainbow Dash to follow her; Spike finally realizing that Rainbow's mane was dishevelled and that a red streak could be seen on her throat. Spike remained behind with the rest, all watching Twilight slowly breathing on the back of Applejack; as they disappeared behind a door, that Nurse Redheart held open for them. With a sigh Spike look around, making sure that everypony was okay; actually, one pony in particular. He saw that the guards spread out, those that carried the armor of Luna's Guard going outside, while Celestia's Guard remained inside. Three of them went through the door that Twilight just disappeared behind. His friends all slowly sat down on the comfortable chairs, their coats dirty from traversing the forest. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie quietly talked, Pinkie's mane was hanging down as her otherwise always joy filled eyes were slightly wet of tears. Rarity sat a bit away from them, for once not caring about her otherwise pristine coat; sticks, leaves and smudges of dirt soiling her light gray coat. Spike slowly came closer and sat next to her, not sure what to say. "She'll be fine, darling." Rarity said to him, her voice missing strength. Spike looked up at her, seeing the toll that this night had taken on Rarity in her eyes. "What happened?" He asked, already knowing the answer. "I'll tell you later... For now I just wish for a warm bed to sleep in." And as on cue, Nurse Redheart returned and told them that Twilight was asleep; announcing that they had prepared beds for them all to sleep in. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie immediately stood up and followed Nurse Redheart through the door, while Spike stayed put; his eyes staring at the floor. Rarity used one of her hooves to force Spike to look her in the eyes, she saw that he too was tired; but she knew that he would have felt worthless as he could do nothing more to help. "Let's first see if Twilight is sleeping comfortably, shall we?" Rarity said with a small smile, a smile that Spike returned. Slowly they both left the room, the dusty tome Spike had read in left behind on one of the chairs. Tomorrow... Tomorrow he would hear their story and after that everything could go back to normal. Nurse Redheart returned, offering the Guards some coffee and snacks, something that most of them accepted. The peace returned to the hospital, as Nurse Redheart trotted back to her desk. However, before she could return to her administrative work, another gray flash filled the room. Nurse Redheart turned around, her mouth agape when she saw Princess Celestia; her royal posture overshadowed by a look of weariness in her eyes and various wounds on her body. Swiftly breaking out of her shock, Nurse Redheart went to tend to the Princess of the Sun; curious to hear what happened, but concentrating on treating her patients first. Whatever happened in the Everfree Forest, as it managed to wound the Princesses... Nurse Redheart just felt relieved it just were simple wounds and nothing more. The newly arrived guards quickly joined the others, taking turns in patrolling the hallways of the hospital; with groups of three or four guarding the doors of the rooms where the Elements and their Princess were resting. With another gray flash some more guards arrive, although Princess Luna couldn't be seen; the other guards didn't ask any questions, as they all believed that the Princess would have her reasons for it. Luna's Guard followed their commander outside, joining the other three that were already guarding the outside of the hospital. Shadow Stalker looked up in the sky, noticing that her Princess's Moon finally was descending. She would wait one hour and if Princess Luna hadn't returned by then... Shadow Stalker just hoped with all her heart that the Princess of the Moon knew what she was doing... and that she was safe. * Subject Delta stood completely still, trying to not even move a single muscle; while staring into the eyes of the snake before him. They had stood there for what felt like minutes now, the snake not seeming to attack; giving Delta some time to think about what to do. He quickly remember what he had learned in Rapture, the one-two combo; daze them, then drill them. He carefully closed his left fist, feeling the familiar sensation of electricity circling it; while trying to glance to his right, where his drill laid on the muddy ground. Without any warning he reached up with his left hand, hitting the snake right in its mouth with a bolt of electricity; while he used his 'Telekinesis'-Plasmid in his right hand to reach out and retrieve his drill. Before the drill even slightly moved, the scaled tail of the snake hit him in the chest; sending him, once again, soaring through the air. Subject Delta had the feeling this was happening too much lately, a feeling that became even stronger when his short flight was interrupted when he hit a tree. Laying on the ground he tried to slowly get back on his knees, while preparing to be attacked by the snake; but nothing happened. He looked up, seeing that the snake had taken interest again in the pony; she seemed to shakily stand upright on three legs, while her horn was engulfed by a dark blue glow. The snake rushed forward, but came to a stop in mid-air. Subject Delta could see a dark blue shield surrounding the pony, little waves going over its surface from where the snake had hit it. The Basilisk attacked again, this time almost breaching Luna's shield. She wouldn't be able to hold him off much longer, as with every blow to it she struggled more and more to keep the shield intact. She felt her strength slowly leave her, as she was getting tired; trying to keep her weight of her left foreleg, as when she tried to stand on it a jolt of pain almost made her lose her concentration. The Basilisk pulled back, showing its teeth and preparing to break her shield; but before it attacked, a hiss of pain and anger reached Luna's ears. She looked up briefly, while still avoiding the deadly gaze of the Basilisk; and she saw that the golem was attacking it. It was a frightening sight, as his one hand seemed to be filled with electricity; while his other blasted ice on the Basilisk. Delta attacked, time after time; while trying to avoid the attacks of the Basilisk. His plan had changed slightly, when he saw that the snake was trying to attack the pony. Wielding electricity in his left hand and ice in his right, he hit the snake wherever he could. The electricity seemed to daze it for a moment, while the ice didn't seemed to be too effective. Barely avoiding the sweeping tail of the snake, that was blindly trying to hit him; Delta finally reached his drill, but before he could pick it up he saw a shadow towering over him. He looked up and saw the snake, mouth agape; the moon behind it already sinking behind the horizon. He saw the sharp teeth and the flickering tongue in its open mouth, but before he could move the snake pounced downwards; and after that, darkness seemed to surround him. Luna followed the fight closely, as she saw the golem attacking the Basilisk; skilfully dodging the blind sweeps of its tail, while he tried to reach it weapon. She felt strangely relieved when the golem reached its weapon, but her heart missed a beat when the Basilisk reached for the sky and attacked the golem; its mouth seemingly making him disappear. The Basilisk turned around, preparing to once again to attack her; but before it could reach her, the Basilisk opened its mouth, a burp of fire emerging from it. "What...? B-but... what?" Luna muttered to nopony in particular, as she didn't believe what she saw. Standing upright in the Basilisk's mouth was the golem, his back turned to her. She could see that it tried to lift his hand again, but stopped when the Basilisk tried to push him into its throat with its tongue. The golem struggled to keep its mouth open, while still trying to move around; slowly making it so that his back was now turned to the deep, black hole behind him. With a punch that could break rocks, the golem hit one of the Basilisk fangs; causing it to hiss angrily, while it was mostly muffled by the golem that now had managed to set his heavy boots on the Basilisk's tongue. Luna looked away from the two fighting, searching for a way to take the Basilisk out. And she smiled, as a idea came to her. Delta tried to stay upright in the slimy mouth of the snake, while searching for ways to escape from certain death; as he hadn't planned to get eaten anytime soon. He had already used fire to get it to open its mouth, but that had done almost no damage. He tried and punched against one of the fangs, hoping to break it off; but only a muffled, very angry hiss was the response. He firmly held his boots on its tongue, as it almost had managed to knock him into the gaping throat behind him. When he had hit the fangs of the snake a viscous fluid had come out of it, now burning on his right fist; Delta could see that the fluid was beginning to burn through his glove, before he wiped it off on the slippery palate of the snake's mouth. Thinking quickly he used both his hand to send jolt after jolt of electricity through the snake's mouth, but he stopped when it only shook its head; being nothing more than a little dazed, while the shaking almost knocked Delta loose. Suddenly a dark blue glow surrounded the upper jaw of the snake, pulling it up so Delta finally had his hands free; and in front of the snake, surrounded in that same dark blue glow, his drill floated. Without a second thought he jumped forwards, reaching for his drill; while still preparing for the impact with the ground below. Luna strained to keep the mouth of the Basilisk open, giving the golem a change to escape; while levitating his weapon to him. The golem jumped out of the mouth and before he even hit the ground, he already had managed to attach the weapon to his right arm. Slowly he stood up, the weapon spinning around; while flames surrounded his left hand. Luna's magic finally failed and she felt to the ground, hoping that the golem wouldn't kill her when he was finished with the Basilisk. She followed the fight, while laying on the ground; the golem dashing forwards with his drill and hitting the Basilisk in its chest, while dodging its attack and responding with fire. It was more than fighting, it looked like the golem and the Basilisk were dancing; the golem gracefully dashing around the Basilisk, while it attacked brusque and without thinking. She already knew who would win, but she hoped he would spare her... Delta dashed forwards again, using his drill to hit the snake in the chest for the fifth time; while dodging out of the way, when the snake tried to bite him. He hit the snake's head with fire, causing it to be temporarily blinded by the licking flames on its head; shrieks of pains and hisses of anger filling the air. The pony that had helped him, laid on the ground; she seemed very tired, but still she held her head upright, following the fight. Delta dashed forwards again, but this time the snake was faster and managed to hit him; making Delta fall on the ground, his drill laying mere centimetres from him. The snake moved quickly and came down again, ready to bite Delta; but Delta rolled on his stomach and quickly stood up. He reached for his belt and pulled out the ceremonial knife, which he never had thought about using before; and Delta jumped forward, hitting the snake in the head with the knife. With a shriek of pain the snake pushed him back, giving Delta the change to reach his drill. He looked back up to the snake, a whirring drill in his right hand; ready to attack, but he stayed put when he saw the snake rearing backwards from him. Luna saw the knife, that the golem had jammed between two scales just above its eyes, jutting out from the Basilisk's head; the revealed part of the knife reflecting the light of the rising sun. The Basilisk reared away from them and with one last angry hiss and look at the brightening sky, it slowly disappeared in the shadows of the Everfree Forest. With a sigh of relief she looked up at the sky, thankful that her Sister's Sun had just risen; while still surprised that the Basilisk just had backed off. She looked to her left, seeing the golem slowly making his way back to the forest. "Wait!" She yelled, immediately regretting that decision when the golem slowly turned around. He looked at her, that yellow light still obscuring his face from her; if he even had a face. "I-if you w-want to get out of the f-forest, you need to g-go the other w-way..." She said quietly, while slightly struggling to speak; strangely feeling not threatened when he came closer to her. Delta looked from the pony to the forest, her hoof outstretched to where he should go if he wanted to get out of this place. Her eyes were big and she was shivering, making Delta feel guilty when he trudged past her; his mind only set to find Twilight. He stopped at the edge of the clearing and turned around, returning to the night blue mare; his heavy steps pounding on the muddy forest floor, while she stayed where she was, not even trying to scurry away. He went through one of his knees, while resting on another; and he reached out with his hand. Looking from his helmet to his hand, she slowly laid her hoof in it; without any effort Delta pulled her upwards, and into his arms. His drill rested on its normal place on his back, he had defeated the snake that stood between him and getting out of this forest. Delta felt he had accomplished much today... He would make his way out of this forest and find Twilight, with the help of the guide that laid comfortably in his arms; resting her horn on the biceps of his right arm. He would rescue Twilight and nothing could stop him, not even the one that had previously buried him beneath a pile of trees. He only hoped that this was the only creature he had to fight to get out of this cursed forest... Or that it at least was one of the largest creatures this forest harbored and that the rest stayed out of this way. While trudging off in the shadows below the heavy canopy, exchanging the light of the sun for the darkness of the forest; he had this strange feeling occur to him... He had the feeling that carrying ponies around would become a everyday thing for him in the future. * "[...]The ancient tale of an old wall, being guarded by golems conjured out of powerful magic, has always been considered to be an old maretale. Although if one would want to see for oneself if this myth is truth, they should search in the heart of the forest; where dangerous creatures are found..." *** Author's Note: An update, finally! I hope this chapter was worth the wait and that you all like it, of course... So yeah, see you all next chapter!
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	The Path to Progress (Chapter 9)	Subject Delta - Rapturous For Equestria TheMightyT Chapter 9: The Path to Progress "What if you would find a path in the middle of nowhere, its trail leading you both left and right; carrying with it endless possibilities for your near future? What would you choose? Would you see fit to sit and wait, scared for what future your choice could bring? Or would you settle on either path, roaming through the void with the hope that you found the one that leads to progress?" * With every passing second the sun calmly climbed higher in the sky, unlike the rampantly rising anxiousness in one of the guards outside Ponyville Hospital; who, with every pace back and forth, seemed to grow more and more unsure of what action to take. The rest of Luna's Guard kept doing their duty, guarding the outside of the Hospital; although some of them cast quick glances to their captain, as they passed the tense mare, who had been lost in thought ever since their Princess stayed behind in the Everfree Forest. Little did they know that Shadow Stalker was mentally torn between choices, as the fear that something had happened to the Princess of the Night became greater with every passing second. Shadow Stalker felt slightly nauseous, while she was thinking about what course of action she would take. It had been little less than an hour ago that she left her Princess alone in the dangerous forest, but there still was no sign of the Mare of the Moon. The most logical choice would be to wake Princess Celestia, so she could search for her Sister; but Shadow quickly had forgotten that idea after she had gone inside the hospital to check up on the state of the Princess of the Sun. The nurse behind the reception desk had told her that the Princess seemed to be healing steadily, but faster than they had anticipated; as, of course, Ponyville Hospital never had the honor of treating an Alicorn before, just like most hospitals in Equestria. It wasn't surprising to Shadow that the nurses and doctors were astounded by the astronomical rate of recovery of Princess Celestia, but she was taken aback a bit when the nurse told her that it would be best for the Princess to rest a full day before she went back to Canterlot; it seemed that even the Princess of the Sun had to pay the price of using such a difficult and energy consuming magic. The real problem was the overprotective Royal Guard of Princess Celestia, who wouldn't even let Shadow close now that the Princess had to rest; not even when she carried important news about the whereabouts of Princess Luna, and even more so about her absence. Not many ponies knew this, but there had always been an unspoken feud between the two Royal Guards and their captains; although nopony really remembers where it originated from, it secretly was one of the many traditions that still lived between the Royal Guards and their many divisions and ranks. Of course it was known to most that there was a clear separation between the Royal Guard of the Sun and the Royal Guard of the Moon, although that didn't end with the disunion of their armor; something that most ponies believed to be the only difference between the Guards. Not only their appearance, but their traditions had been different for a long time; something that most of the guards believed to have started when Princess Luna had changed for the worse, followed by the thousand years long incarceration of the Princess of the Night in the moon. Even now there still was that noticeable hostility between the two guards, something that only had gotten worse through the small numbers of Princess Luna Guard; as it had forced Princess Celestia to only use her own Guards to patrol Canterlot Castle, a duty that had the lowest reputation under the two Guards. Also the fact that only the best of the best serving in Celestia's Guard had the chance to be chosen for Luna's didn't help to relieve the tension between the two groups. It was something that the two captains of the guards sometime made use of, as it had caused a day after day hostility that kept them all on edge; but without the danger of a real war or adversary to have them worry about. It was something that most recruits, to their loss, didn't know about. And it was something that senior guards, to their amusement, made use of from time to time. Amidst the guards it was known as the tradition of initiation, where the new recruits blindly had to perform in different 'games'; ranging from a friendly wrestling match to the infamous 'onion contest'. Although, the Royal Guard of the Moon had some more... interesting traditions, some where even the Princess herself partook in from time to time. There was of course some union between the different Guards, the search for new recruits being one of the only things that required both the captains to work in harmony. Some thought that joining either of the Royal Guards was as simple as filling in a paper or a form, knocking on the front gates of Canterlot Castle while yelling that they wanted to join the Guard. But you didn't choose to be in the Guard, you get chosen. Every year during the week before Summer Sun Celebration both the captains pay a visit to the Equestrian Army, where they begin their search for future recruits. But only those that excel in the fields of stamina, strength, magical prowess have a chance to get chosen; as they were the only ones that maybe could withstand and complete the taxing training that it took to be called a Guard of one of the Princesses. Although the Royal Guard considered the Equestrian Army to be little more than a mock army, that pretended to fight small, imaginative battles with the Griffons once every decade; it still was deemed to be the first and necessary step on the ladder to success. And when the training is finally done, when the once feeble recruits have become faster, stronger and more agile; when they have learned to operate in groups and act alone, to follow every command of their superiors; then and only then they learn the last thing they need to know and follow by heart: That they are the last barrier between the Princesses and whatever is out there. 'Make harsh decisions when the time arises for them', the one rule that the Royal Guard of the Sun and the Royal Guard of the Moon had agreed on, the rule that every stallion and mare followed by heart... Shadow Stalker sighed and turned around to look for her second-in-command, Night Reiver; a strong Earth pony stallion, silent but one of the fastest guards that Luna's Royal Guard had to offer. Capable of outrunning Shadow even in flight, she knew he was the pony she could count on. Reiver looked back at her, understanding the look she was casting him; giving the other guards the order to spread out, so they could have the chance to talk in private. "Reiver,' Shadow began with a tinge of doubt in her voice, "I'm going back to the Everfree Forest." Reiver nodded in response. "If I do not return in one hour, wake up Princess Celestia. Tell her that our Princess of the Night has still not returned and that I'm went back to find her." Shadow continued, hoping that she was making the right choice. "May the night sky carry your wings." Reiver answered, his voice quiet but determined; his right hoof raised in a salute. "And may her moon show us the way..." Shadow answered, returning the salute. She turned around and began to gallop, opening her wings and pushing herself up in the morning sky; making way to the Everfree Forest. She flew close to the ground, trying to be stealthy; so she wouldn't alert the slowly awakening citizens of Ponyville that something was wrong. Coming closer to the forest, the inky shadows gesturing for her to come closer, she began to pick up speed. With one large pump of her wings she glided above the canopy of the forest, her first target the clearing in the forest where she had left the Princess alone; hoping that she still was there and if not, that she could find traces of where the Princess had gone to. And she prayed the night sky and it's glorious stars that her Princess was safe. * With heavy steps Subject Delta advanced, stomping through the thick underbrush of the lush forest; his lumbering pacing scaring away any creatures that were near him. In his arms still laid that dark blue mare, her head resting on his arm; as she was taking this opportunity to rest. Without her help he would probably still be wandering through the forest, hoping that he would find the way. Maybe now he would finally reach the edge of this forest, and with a bit of luck, track Twilight down. Everywhere he could look he saw trees, all fighting for a place in the canopy above; their leaves blocking out any rays of light that could possibly reach the forest floor below. The forest floor itself was mostly dry after the rain from before, fallen leaves littered everywhere, some crunching under his feet. Vines were growing on most trees, the green infestation seemed to be clinging to every available surface. He could see some flowers hiding in the shadows, mushrooms growing on the roots of trees; those making up the biggest part of the obstacles in his way. In the distance he could hear the growling of some kind of lion... A faint fog was rising from the forest floor in some places, sometimes so thick he couldn't see a tree before it was almost too late to avoid it. Everything considered, this place seemed to be very peaceful... as long as there weren't any gigantic snakes slithering out of the shadows. Out of the corners of his helmet Delta could see some movement in the shadows to his left, although he didn't hear any sounds of activity. Delta turned, facing, what seemed to him, a shadowy figure that seemingly was one with the darkness cast by the canopy overhead. But how longer he looked into the forest, how more he began to doubt he really had seen anything at all; the jet black darkness not giving away to his piercing eyes and lights. He began to consider to move forward, search for any tracks or prints on the forest floor; but before he could investigate further he felt a slight movement in his arms. The mare in his arms wriggled a bit, pulling him out of his thoughts. She muttered something and began to snore noticeably... If he wasn't attracting enough attention already with his heavy steps, he surely was now. He casted one last glance to where he had seen the shadow earlier, trying to find any clue to what it could've been. Turning away, he began moving back to the path that laid beyond these trees; although that was what the mare had said to him. He was starting to think she had lied, as it felt like he was carrying her for hours now. But sure enough, the trees were beginning to give each other more space; allowing the underbrush to grow more freely in the spots were light was able to break through. Delta stopped in one of those spots, looking to the sky; hoping to deduct from the stance of the sun how late it was. He was amazed by how beautiful the forest looked in the sunlight, the otherwise dark colors now becoming more lively; showing the amaranthine beauty that the forest seemed to have been hiding from him before. Although, now he was looking up through that opening in the canopy a strange feeling came over him... A bright, shining light piercing through the darkness-like cloak that had covered him, breaking through the shadows in the deepest recesses of his mind where he, unsuccessfully, had tried to hide in... a feeble attempt to escape... * Thirst. Hunger. He felt like his stomach was trying to digest itself, his cracked lips and dry throat only slightly diverting him from the pain he felt all over his body. His eyes were still closed, although the piercing light had managed to break through his slumber. He heard voices, but he couldn't focus enough to understand what they were saying. He wanted to try to move his body, to relieve himself of some of the pain; but he seemed unable to do so, like he no longer was the master over his own body... He wanted to fall back to sleep, to escape from reality... to dream that he was free. Finally he had lost the hope that, maybe, this was all a dream... That he hadn't took that job, that he had listened to... This, how unbelievable it seemed like, wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare. If he was still able to, he would've laughed at the situation he was in; taking this job of proving them all that this "Lighthouse" was just a story... a tale told between fishermen when they came in the pub after a long day's worth of work. How wrong he had been... His head became clearer, allowing him to pay some attention to his surroundings. No longer he hung suspended from the ceiling, now his back rested on a cold, possibly steel table. An operation table perhaps... Various plastic tubes ran over his arms and chest, pumping fluids in and out him through sharp needles. His throat still hurt like someone had pierced it with a thousand needles, but that wasn't what really scared him. The fact that he couldn't move his body, even though he was concentrating as hard as he could, scared him more than anything. It made him feel like he was... trapped in a body that wasn't his, although he still felt the pain. Like before he heard voices. He could hear two males talking and as he began to concentrate on it, he began to understand more and more of what they were saying. "... and with the new tonics spliced into the suit directly it would be able to withstand more stress than usual." The man that talked seemed to be overly confident of himself, speaking with an air over him like he owned everything. "And I tell you that it would be a bad idea! Imagine, someone figures out the formula and before we know it a new breed of splicers takes over, with a skin impenetrable by small arms fire." The familiar accent of the Asian doctor Suchong filled the room. He seemed to be upset with something. "We have to do everything it takes to ensure the safety of...," the other man began. "No! There's no time to..." Suchong became more difficult to understand, as the two moved out of the room. It was once again quiet, only the dripping of water on the tiles below disrupting the apparently peaceful room. His thoughts became cloudy again, making it difficult to stay awake. Slowly he began to sink back into the featureless void, where the rest of his nightmares stayed... ...The sound of the morning breeze, soaring above the restless sea... The salty taste that lingered around his cracked lips... The absolute freedom he enjoyed, like a never-ending dream... A sudden fog rising from beyond the sea... Nowhere to hide, nowhere safe... From the piercing, yellow light from that cursed Lighthouse... And what waits below the endless sea? Nothing that you could imagine, not even in your wildest dreams... A sudden shock pulled him from his nightmares, but only to be awaken in an even bigger nightmare. He could hear the voice of Andrew Ryan, a voice that was hard to forget. "Is he awake now, Suchong?" "Yes, sir. But I thought-" "You do not need to think Suchong, just do what I tell you..." Ryan came closer. "Mister Ryan, I believe that it's best to let Suchong work in peace, so he can begin the operation." The third voice that belonged to Augustus Sinclair seemed to have an undertone of... doubt. "No, Augustus, Mister Topside needs to hear this." Ryan now stood next to the operation table. "Can he open his eyes?" Ryan seemed to ask to no one in particular. In response a fluid began to travel in the various tubes surrounding him, mixing with his blood. Another shock caused his eyelids to open, although he was trying to keep them closed. "Mister Ryan, we are in the middle of the preparations of the operation and-" "I think Mister Topside has nowhere to go urgently, Suchong." He couldn't see anything clear, as everything seemed to be blurred. He noticed the light above him though, the same that had woken him up before. "I thought we were going to talk to Sofia-" "Yes, we will, Augustus! Do not talk about that wretched woman," Ryan sighed, "She too can wait." "Let me-" "Suchong, I belief Misses Tenenbaum wanted to talk with you about the Little Sisters. She has a match for your... Subject Delta." With some muttering Suchong left the room, leaving a minute of silence between the two other men. "Now, Mister Topside... How good to see you again," A face began to form into the blur above, "But... you seemed to have undergone some... changes." He could see a small smile form on the mustached face above him. "I have to give it to you, you're a fighter. Even after seven days we didn't manage to break you. But... that will change, Mister Topside, yes it will." He tried to move, do something. But he was unable to. "It's a shame you can't talk... But I know you still can hear me. I will only say this once," Ryan moved even closer, hatred visible in his eyes as he began to whisper, "This. Is. My. City. Mine, you understand me. The Parasite shall never break us. You may have found us, Mister Topside, but who ever was with you on that boat is dead. And so are you, but you don't know it yet." Ryan moved away and the sounds of his footsteps mixed with the sound of his cane, he always seemed to carry with him. "You may not be broken... Yet, I may add, but you still can serve Rapture. We need good men, strong men...," Ryan chuckled sharply, "Willing men. You may not be that yet, but we have to set an example. The Parasite has nothing to search in Rapture and all who try will undergo the same treatment as you. You... are a good test subject and soon you'll be an example of the prowess of Rapture." Augustus Sinclair moved closer and took a small paper from Ryan, a message written on it with florid handwriting. "Give that to Suchong on the way out." Ryan said, while making way to the exit. Reaching the door Ryan turned back, saying one last thing: "You will be a good addition to Rapture's defense... Subject Delta." And with that the eccentric founder of the Utopia under the sea left the room. Augustus moved closer and fiddled with some controls, causing the flow of fluids in the tubes to stop. He took the paper that Ryan had given him and read it to himself: "Suchong, Parasites don't deserve anesthetics." Shoving the paper in one of his pockets Augustus came closer and whispered: "I'm sorry, Johnny, but you have to understand... This ain't personal." And with that Augustus too left the room. Now he was left alone yet again and if he could he would've cried. When would this nightmare end? With the entrance of Suchong and the flowing of some fluids once again he was lost in his nightmares. But this time, they would be real and filled with pain. * Still looking up to the sky, Subject Delta shook his head to try and come to his senses again. Once again he had seen something from his past and once again it carried more questions than answers. But was it real? Wasn't it just a nightmare? When he began making way again, hoping that he would find answers to some of his questions with Twilight, there was one thing that he know that was true. This were no dreams or nightmares. They were memories... And maybe there was a reason he couldn't remember them before... After trudging through some more underbrush he finally came to a trail of some sorts, the only place in the forest that resembled something to a path. To his left and right he couldn't see anything on the path, although to his right the forest seemed to become darker again. After standing still for some time he chose the left road, hoping that it would guide him out of the forest. While the canopy above began to make place for more and more for streaks of sunlight, a slight gasp caused him to look down at the mare in his arms. She seemed to be disoriented and for a moment she began panicking, but then she looked up; a small smile forming around her lips, when she recognized him. She looked around, still resting in his arms, and she began to open her mouth to say something. Before a single sound could escape her lips, something behind them broke through the canopy, landing on the forest floor with a small thud. Delta turned around, facing whatever had landed behind them. It was another of those ponies, wearing a dark blue armor with a silver colored lining around it. Her wings were spread out, making her look bigger; like she was trying to intimidate him. The pony spoke up, her voice trembling with repressed rage: "You have three seconds to let Princess Luna go, Golem..." * "A never ending rage fuel those that lose their Little Sister. It isn't possible to bind them to another, but maybe we can control them... use them for foot soldiers. The Alpha Series isn't sufficient anymore... It's time for change. Or maybe we just need a way to control them better..." -Gilbert Alexander, creator of the Alpha Series Big Daddies. * Author's Notes: Here you go, a present to you all from me. I hope you'll enjoy it!
Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria	Return (Chapter 10)	Subject Delta - Rapturous for Equestria by TheMightyT \Cleansed of mistakes by Taucannon/ Special thanks to Serenity Chapter 10: Return "Take a chance, they said. Leave your homes in this earthly plane, where the Parasite lives and feeds; and come down... deep down into the endless ocean, where reality meets dreams. Dreams of a single man... a city envisioned for a few. And indeed, Rapture was exactly that... dreams of a single man, built by many and home to those that were chosen. When they came down here in droves, believing, hoping that Rapture could be the 'Utopia' they all wished it to be; they didn't realise that, in the end, Rapture is owned by a single man - Andrew Ryan. And in return for taking a chance, so were they." * A lone shadow glided over the thick canopy that shrouded the endless forest, the sounds of wings flapping in the cold air of the early morning being the only thing that disrupted the seemingly peaceful silence that ruled below. The shadow moved slowly the farther it advanced into the forest, as a wavering fog that emanated from the forest clinged to her coat and armor. The weak light of the still rising sun did not stand a chance against the freezing cold that seemed to have made its home above the forest, causing her breathing to become even more labored; as the armor that was made to protect her from harm, didn't hold any warmth. As she soared up higher into the sky, trying to escape from the fog that made her coat wet, there was something in the far distance that caught her attention. For just a moment, the sun got concealed by darkened clouds, carrying a promise of more rain, making, what she had thought to be just more clouds, something worth investigating. Small plumes of smoke were barely visible, circling above the thick canopy, as small particles and ashes danced in the air. "Smoke..." Shadow Stalker whispered to herself, as she forced herself to fly faster. As she soared down, she realised where the smoke was coming from; a place she had just left a couple of hours ago, a clearing that, until recently, used to be filled with trees. As she descended through the fog carefully, she could see the smoke that rose from the charred trees more clearly; small embers still spread around the clearing and burrowed in the trees around it, their blistering glow now clearly visible from above. Although, something seemed wrong to her. As she cautiously hovered above the forest floor, she searched around for any traces of Princess Luna, yet the Princess of the Night was nowhere to be seen. As she finally touched down, the mud greedily sucked at her hooves; as the still rising sun hadn't had the chance yet to fully dry the earth after yesterday's rain. It couldn't have been more than a couple of hours ago, but to Shadow, it seemed like ages. It was here she had left her Princess alone. She hadn't agreed with Princess Luna staying behind, all alone, checking if the golem was truly dead; however, she wasn't one to go against her Princess's orders; even though that was as big of a part of being a member of the Lunar Guard, if only for their Princess's own safety. Struggling to keep upright in the mud, that tried it hardest to keep her in place, she started to look around. Her heart missed a beat, when she noticed that the mountain of tree-pieces was no longer there; chunks of the violently uprooted tree, that had made the golem's grave, was now spread around the clearing; as though the golem itself had pushed them up from beyond his death. She carefully stepped closer to the still fuming grave, in search of the golem, her wings still outstretched and ready to fly up. When she reached the gap, and didn't see the remains of the golem, she turned around, searching intently in the shadows below the trees that surrounded the clearing; however, she couldn't see anything moving, except some leaves swaying in the wind. She sighed, letting go of a breath she hadn't noticed she was holding. The sight of her own breath before her, made her realise that it was way colder in the forest than in the lands around it. It made her, even more so than the midnight watch did, realise that Summer had finally made way for Fall. Above all, she wished that she had followed the advice that the last watches had given her, and that she had opted to take her Winter's armor instead of her Summer's one. With a shiver, she forced herself to ignore the cold and to return to her findings. There weren't any signs of the golem still being around here, so for the time being, she was safe to look around. "What happened here?" She asked herself, no one around to hear her speak. Shadow tucked her wings back to her side, the contact with her cold, wet armor making her almost flinch before she returned to searching for any clues. As she walked around, she noticed that there were patches of mud that crunched underneath her hooves, like something - besides the weather - had frozen them. She took a closer look, remembering that the golem did cast a strange spell, turning part of the river into ice, allowing it to escape from them back at the river. "So... he froze the mud. But why?" She did a lap around the clearing, more so to keep herself warm underneath her metal armor, than to search for traces. She damned the Everfree Forest for taking Fall so early; the morning dew that seemed to have frozen stuck to her armor and the sun, that now had barely pierced to the clouds, failed to warm her. She untucked her wings and with a powerful leap she flew up into the air, hovering above the clearing again. She hoped that she would see more from above, as she had failed to find anything useable in the mud below. Around the clearing she spotted some trodden down bushes, like something enormous had come out of the shadows, something even bigger than the golem. In the mud, she could see long tracks, like something had been dragged along there; mixed in with the - at least what she thought them to be - bigger hoofprints of the golem. She flew closer to one of the trees around the clearing, that still seemed to be burning, the embers in it still dying out. "The fire from Princess Celestia's spell should've died out by now... So, how are you still burning?" She pondered, turning around to observe the other side of the clearing. Almost directly opposite to the ember-filled trees and the trodden bushes, she could see another unfortunate tree which suffered a hit by something very heavy, as if... "So, maybe... But who threw it into the tree?" She murmured, frantically looking around to find more clues to solving this mystery. From the corner of her eye, she could see something flickering in the mud as the light of the sun hit it. With the mud welcoming her hooves again, she examined it closer. It seemed to be something... very thin and sharp. With some difficulty she pulled it out of the mud, by using her wing, wiping it clean with another. "What is this?" It seemed to be some kind of scale, like a snake's, but much bigger. It made her think of the dragon's scales they kept back at Canterlot Castle, but these were almost completely black, with some vague hints of, what could've been, green. "So a dragon attacked? That would explain the fire," she paused, looking up at the sky, "However, there's no way a dragon could've nested here without us knowing it..." She turned the scale around, but beyond the fact that it bore many scars, there was nothing else it could tell her. Shadow sighed and carefully tucked it away below her armor, hoping that it could come in handy in the future. She readied herself to fly up again, so she could search for more clues; but something else caught her attention... some stray dark blue hair, sticking out of the mud. There seemed to be some red discoloration... "Blood," she nearly yelled out loud, "And that hair... Princess Luna!" She frantically looked around, as if she would find her Princess in the shadows. Feeling nauseous for the second time that day, she looked around again for more pieces of the story, mumbling all the while. "What happened... what happened?" Shadow followed the hoofsteps she first believed to belong to the golem and she now saw the smaller ones, beside them. The trail was hard to follow, but it all came clear to her now. Something had ambushed Princess Luna and, possibly, the golem. It had been something big, if the tracks in the mud were any clue to its size, and it had scales. The golem or Princess Luna had fought that something back. Something big. Something that came through the shadows of the forest. "It couldn't have been a dragon... She would have seen or hear it coming before it even had a chance to reach her. It was something heavy and wide," she pondered as she stood in the middle of the tracks, being just about twice her width, "Something big enough to make these tracks... Maybe a big snake?" Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. There was a tree, bent over, like something heavy had hit it, probably the golem. The hoofsteps of the golem lead to where Shadow had found the bloodied hairs of her Princess and then they trailed back to the forest, with no other traces of any hoofsteps belonging to her Princess. Some bushes were slightly trampled where the golem had entered the forest, the dark blue hair confirming Shadow's deepest fear; the golem had her Princess... and he had taken her back into the forest. With a mighty push of her wings she flew up into the air, circling close above the canopy. The hoofprints of the golem went deeper into the forest, yet closer to Ponyville. With another push of her wings she flew off, rocketing towards Ponyville; however, she stayed dangerously close to the canopy, following the trail of destruction that the golem had left behind, hoping she would just see it moving below her. It wouldn't take her long until she found it. And when she did... she would personally make sure the golem wouldn't stand up again, after she was done with it. * Scratching at the ground below with one of his hooves, Reiver looked up again at the near-cloudless sky and to his dismay the sun kept rising; yet, still there was no sign of his captain and the Princess. Quite a while longer than an hour ago his captain had left, in search of their Princess, and all that time he had stood vigil, watching the sky above the forest for any signs, the edges for any movement; yet, the sun kept slowly rising, like it was just another normal day. The citizens of Ponyville had started to awaken from their slumber and it wouldn't be long before he had to order the ponies under his command to keep them away from the hospital. Soon it would be his task - technically being the highest ranking of both the Royal Guards here, at least, to his knowledge - to inform the citizens of what happened, without revealing too much and causing any commotion. The last thing anypony wanted was mass panic and if it became publicly known that Princess Celestia herself was in the hospital and her own sister was still missing... He accused the cold wind for the shiver that went up his back. He looked around and saw that his ponies were still patrolling the area surrounding the hospital. Putting his hoof up in the air, he signalled the pair of guards that were patrolling closest to him. They nodded in response and repeated the same signal to the other guards; after just a moment, the area around the hospital seemed deserted, like nopony had ever been there in the first place. Satisfied with the work of his ponies, Reiver made his way to the reception of the hospital. Hopefully, his guards would remain hidden long enough to avoid suspicion from the citizens of Ponyville, giving him more time to prepare; while at the same time, he could be certain that anypony coming close enough to the hospital would be kept away. With his mind already filled with the orders he still needed to give, he finally entered the hospital. He should probably send a courier to the Mayor of Ponyville, make sure the Solar Guard took over the outside patrol from his ponies, along with many other things. With a sigh, he decided against what normally would be his duty. He had made a promise to his captain and he sure wasn't about to break it. Nonetheless, he did understand it wouldn't be an easy task to get to speak with Princess Celestia, especially now that she was wounded; but even if it meant he had to fight his way into her room, this was way too urgent to wait any longer. He had hoped that Shadow would've returned by now, but, unfortunately, things had passed differently. Inside the hospital itself everything was quiet, with the only thing that seemed out of place, a forgotten book on one of the chairs near the front desk. Besides himself and a nurse, who briefly looked up from behind the desk and nodded, there was nopony else in the room. Most of the guards would be patrolling the hallways or standing guard at the rooms of the Elements and the Princess. He nodded back to the nurse, who returned to her paperwork, and he made his way to the door leading deeper into the hospital. The moment he opened it, a waft of different odors reached his nose; the smell of disinfectant and medicaments that always seemed to linger inside hospitals making him slightly lightheaded. Everywhere he looked there were plain, white walls, with sometimes plants which interrupted the bleak interior, along with chairs, windows, or paintings and picture frames. Two gold-plated guards slowly passed him, and, as they rounded the corner, another pair of guards slowly patrolled into the hallway; but both pairs had equally ignored his presence. Even though he was their superior, not only in rank - First Wing of the Lunar guard, although, practically speaking, his actual place in the overall hierarchy was, sadly, different -, but also in 'official' title - although it didn't hold that much weight except in the Lunar Guard itself -; but neither his rank or title held any significance for the members of the Solar Guard, as it mostly just caused them to act even more defiant, but only as long as their own superiors weren't around. He wanted to ask the now passing pair of guards where Princess Celestia's room was, but decided against it; they would probably just say that the Princess shouldn't be disturbed. Trotting through the hallways of the hospital, moving as silently as he could, many thoughts raced through his mind. He passed various doors, some open, most closed; but almost all numbered, all but those that carried a title, like the operation rooms and a small canteen, where several guards were having a light breakfast. He passed a corridor with several pairs of guards posted besides five doors, which he was almost certain of to be the rooms of the Elements. Rounding another corner, he came into a more guarded corridor, where several guards were posted before the door of, which he assumed to be, the room of Twilight Sparkle. He ignored the guards, and the nurse that trotted past him into the corridor, going up the stairs instead, where he eventually made his way to the top floor of the hospital. If he just went on the amount of guards milling about the hallway he found himself in, he was fairly sure he would find Princess Celestia here. Now, reaching her room wouldn't prove to be difficult. It was getting inside that would prove to be near impossible. The guards that patrolled the hallway in droves, like they expected to be ambushed at any moment, with their attention and stares coming his way, made him realise that this wasn't going to be easy. Not that he was scared to get into a scrape with them, because he knew that in about thirty seconds all of his guards could be up here, with every single one of them ready to fight by his side. However, above all, he didn't want another skirmish between the two Guards. Finally, he reached the door to Princess Celestia's room. His attention wasn't drawn by the two guards standing besides it, or the tell-tale magical glow of a shield surrounding the door, but by a third guard that moved to meet him. He quickly scanned the guards' armor, searching for the stallion's rank. He was surprised to not only find a silver feather - something that anypony not in the guard would easily mistake for a simple rookie-silver stripe -, embossed on where the stallion's cutie mark would be; it were the golden embroideries that caught his attention. This meant two things. Fortunately, he wouldn't need to deal with any first-year-too-much-trouble-then-they-are-worth - kinda guards. Unfortunately, this also made the current situation even more complicated than it was already. "A Golden Feather, First Rank... Of course, that's just my luck," he murmured to himself, silently cursing the skewed military order between the two guards; before returning the salute that the stallion gave him. In essence, his rank was the higher one - with only the captain and the princesses outranking him -. Unfortunately, through time both Royal Guards came to adopt a different system of military ranking. The Solar Guard, their aim always been having as many guards as possible, had taken over the full military system of the old Pegasi Clan, before they moved to Equestria, which - with some honorary ranks as exceptions - were largely the same as the current Equestrian Army's ranks. Throughout the ages many ranks would disappear, with others being added. The Lunar Guard, however, opted to go for a simpler approach, as they never would reach a fraction of the total numbers of the other Guard. In essence, they did use the same system, so technically he, being a First Wing, outranked any Feather; however, practically, it often seemed to be the opposite, a largely unknown fact that still lingered from the absence of the Lunar Guard's use, without a Princess to guard. The stallion greeted him by the book, but it was his slight wry smile, that made Reiver realise he might already have lost this battle. He bet that anypony so young as the guard before him, with such a high, not to speak of, honorary rank, didn't get it through many valiant years of service. Unfortunately, politically or monetary influence still plagued the Solar Guard; as did proud father's who would move mountains to see their sons or daughters into a high position they did not deserve. Reiver didn't really pay any attention to the stallion's formal greeting, so he didn't catch his name - nor that he was interested. He just hoped that this was just another push-over-run-to-daddy-crying-when-threatened - guard. He could deal with those. "First Wing, Reiver," he shortened his, what should've been a way longer, greeting. "First Wing, you say..." the stallion seemed to ponder something, before realising that Reiver was waiting for him, "What can I do for you, Sir?" The salute that followed, as well as the Sir, was more mocking than military conduct. "I need to speak with Princess Celestia. Now," Reiver responded with a stern voice. "I am afraid that Princess Celestia herself gave the order to not be disturbed," the stallion answered with the same wry smile, not even trying to hide it anymore, "That means audiences as well." "I don't care what your orders-" Reiver started, before he was interrupted. "Know your place," the stallion added bluntly, "Before you lose it." "Is that a threat, first-year?" Reiver rebuked, taking a step closer. Before the stallion answered, the tension in the hallway had become tangible. The stallion and mare guarding the door had too taken a step forward, with the other guards in the hallway also coming closer. He needed to defuse this situation, quickly. "I don't know who you think you are," the stallion started, lower lip trembling in anger, "But I have the all-overriding order by the Princess herself and I will not allow you-" "To do my duty and tell her that her sister is missing?" Reiver interrupted him rhetorically, his voice filling the hallway, drowning out the mumbling of the other guards. The stallion stayed silent for just a moment, seemingly ashamed and unsure of what to do. He looked back up in Reiver's eyes, a strange glint in his, "It's not my responsibility to fix your failure-" Before the two stallions could start in another argument, or more likely, a fight; the door at the end of the hallway creaked open. Every single guard tore their eyes off the two bickering stallions and bowed to their Princess. Princess Celestia stepped forward, approaching them both, as their voices abruptly died down. She still looked very tired, the dark circles underneath her eyes still slightly noticeable; yet, the wounds on her chest and legs seemed to be healed completely, now that the bandages were removed. The stallion was the first that tried to speak up, but Princess Celestia stopped his frantic whining about Reiver breaking her orders, with a single glare. She motioned for Reiver to get out his reverence with a nod of her head. And although Reiver wasn't one to get scared easily, that glint of fire and pure anger in the Princess's eyes unnerved him beyond anything else. "Now...," Princess Celestia started, her voice painfully stern, "Tell me about my sister." * She found them. By Star Swirl's beard, she found them! There they both were, on the single path leading from the Everfree to Ponyville. The golem was carrying her Princess in his arms. And she seemed to be awake and scared. With a powerful maneuver, ending in a loop in the air, she took all her forward momentum and used it to breach through the canopy, wings clenched tightly to her sides. In a single motion, she flared her wings open and slowed her descend, breaking her fall, as she landed loudly on the dirt; standing proudly behind the golem, her wings painfully outstreched, making her look twice as large. Shadow spoke up, her voice trembling with repressed rage, "You have three seconds to let Princess Luna go, Golem..." Delta didn't move a single muscle. The pony in his arms, this so-called Princess Luna, seemed to keep bringing him more trouble with every step; first with the snake and then with this armored pony. Not that he was scared of it. It just made things more complicated. The pony- Princess Luna, was his ticket to Twilight. He could not lose her, but, at the same time, killing a pony wouldn't help anything either. So, he did what the pony had asked. He moved slowly, making sure to set the Princess down as carefully as he could. She seemed in shock, her mouth open to speak, yet, unable to process what was happening. She laid on the dirt, as he carefully took a step back. He patiently awaited for the pony to speak again. Shadow didn't know what she saw. The golem had just laid the Princess down, at the side of the road, without putting up any fight. At first sight, she seemed okay, if not in shock. She returned all her attention to the golem, when it moved to take a step back. This seemed too easy. Her muscles tensed as she expected the golem to storm forward. This could be so easy. With a flick of his plasmid filled wrist, Delta could pull a dead tree out of the forest, hitting the unexpecting, armored pony in the back; squashing her beneath it, with her limbs and wings hopelessly tangled. An easy target. However, he found it hard to do so. The thought of killing the pony just seemed wrong. She hadn't hurt him. And if she wanted to, she would've attacked already, or pounced on him together with those other armored guard he had seen. Yet, she didn't. The pony carefully waited, her body tensed up. He just needed to make her understand he didn't want to hurt her, so she didn't get herself hurt when she tried to attack him. Just when she was ready to fly forward, hitting the golem with all her propelled might in the chest; it did the last thing she had expected. It slowly moved its arms downwards, hooves open, yet empty of any magical glow; and finally, it went through its knees, kneeling before her. It was kneeling. Before her. Confused, she lost the tension she was holding, her wings easing back; yet, still ready to react if the golem tried anything. She moved to make sure Princess Luna was okay, her thoughts clouded, as she kneeled down next to her Princess, trying to tell her that everything was okay now. 'It makes sense, strangely enough. It never did try to hurt any of us, until we tried to stand in its way, flailing wildly, like a wounded animal just trying to survive. Maybe... just maybe, it isn't out to hurt us after all." "Princess," Shadow spoke, inspecting her Princess. "Shadow? Why... how," Princess Luna tried, her voice trailing off, as she still didn't realise fully what was going on. "It's okay, Luna, I'm here now," Shadow answered, letting her guard down for just a moment, pulling her Princess in a close hug, barely avoiding tears from brimming in her own eyes. She quickly regained her composure, though, craning her head back to look at the golem. Its hooves still rested on its knees, still haven't moved a single muscle. A hoof reaching up to her cheek, made her look back down to the matter at hoof, "It's okay, Shadow. It- He's okay. He saved me." Princess Luna answered her, finally understanding what was happening. "Who saved you?" Shadow asked, understanding what Princess Luna had meant, before she even finished her sentence, "You mean the golem, it saved you?" She continued with a motion of her wing, to the golem that still was kneeling in place. She really couldn't make out if it was watching them or not, with that helmet he was wearing obscuring the view. "He did, yes." Princess Luna nodded, "However, maybe we should wait to explain everything." She motioned with her head to her scabbed leg, "I think I need some medical assistance," she added with a dry chuckle. Her throat hurt her so much. It had been ages since she had anything to drink. "I know," Shadow answered, observing her Princess's leg. The blood seemed dried, but they shouldn't take any chances. Shadow didn't know how badly she was hurt, but standing on that leg was probably out of the question. Now... how was she going to get Princess Luna to the hospital... . "If you'd ask him, I'm sure he would carry me," Princess Luna answered her unspoken question hoarsely. Shadow looked from her Princess to the golem and back. "Are you sure-" "He was carrying me to there, before you found me. Us," she quickly corrected herself, "At least, to the edge of the forest, I think." "Oh," Shadow lingered, trying to understand, "Should I even ask why?" "Maybe later," Princess Luna chuckled at her captain's confusion, "It's a long story to tell, one you'll find very interesting, to say the least." Shadow shook her head in disbelief. After all the heart-wrenching tension that had made up most of her morning, she couldn't even explain how relieved she was - and how lighthearted her Princess still managed to be. "So, should I..." Shadow started her question, hoping that her Princess would answer "no". "You should, Shadow. It's only fair to him." Princess Luna continued with a small smile, doing anything but hiding it. "Okay then..." Shadow's voiced trailed off, as she turned to face the golem. She couldn't believe that she was going to do this. However, maybe it was only fair, if not to give it- him, the benefit of doubt. "Golem," Shadow started addressing it-him, causing him to turn his head to her, the yellow light still obscuring the golem's eyes, "I think I owe you an apology." The golem nodded slowly, as if everything was forgiven. "Could you help me with carrying Princess Luna to the hospital?" Shadow inquired, "I would go and get some guards, but-" She trailed off, thinking about what she just had said. Her own guard wouldn't jump to conclusions, but the Solar Guard, however... . She shook her head briefly. They would pass that hurdle, when it presented itself. Delta nodded solemnly and got up from his knees. He kneeled in front of Princess Luna and moved his head sideways. She interpreted it as a question for permission and she nodded in reply. He carefully took her off the ground, making sure she rested comfortably in his arms; with her wounded leg twisted out from underneath her body, so she wouldn't lean on it. Without another word spoken, he motioned his head to the other pony, whose name apparently was Shadow, and she quickly understood what he tried to ask her. Shadow moved in front of them, leading the way out of the forest. With her guiding, they moved quickly, but not too fast, as not to make the journey to uncomfortable for the Princess. Shadow felt she wanted to talk with Princess Luna, ask her questions, ask her about the golem, the fight back at the clearing, the scale she had found... . However, the Princess was more than right, this all could wait. She would see her questions answered sooner or later. Delta trudged close behind the pony, feeling odly... relieved, that things had went how they did. He now had a guide out of this forest, even to the hospital, where Twilight would be - if they were going to the same one at least. And, to top it all off, both the Princess and her guard vouched for him with their presence, making sure he wouldn't get attacked on sight. So, in some ways, everything had come together nicely. For now at least. Flaring open her wings, Shadow stopped in her tracks, galloping forward and jumping in the air; using her momentum to glide over a strange blue-glowing patch of flowers. Delta moved forward, but stopped when she spoke from the other side. "You should fly, um, jump over them," Shadow warned him, motioning to the patch of flowers, "They are poisonous." Lately, this patch of flowers had grown out of proportions, now covering over the whole path that led deeper into the forest; so Shadow made a mental note to go warn the Mayor of Ponyville, after all this was over, so- wait, where did the golem go? Partially lost in her train of thoughts, she hadn't paid any attention to the golem or Princess Luna. Before she even had the chance to open her mouth and call out for them, she heard his familiar trudging hoofsteps coming to her right. The golem, Princess still snugly in his arms, came out of the forest, many stray twigs and undergrowth succumbing underneath his weight. "Or you could just walk around them." She stated to herself, eliciting a chuckle from Luna. As the canopy above grew thinner as they continued, the rays of the sun now managed to pierce through and reach the forest floor, adding onto the noticeable warmth as they came closer to Ponyville. It was strange how, with both places being so close, that the Everfree Forest always seemed to experience weather to its extremes. Shadow was sure that, if she had asked Princess Luna about it, she would've know the answer; but she happily digressed. They had reached the edge of the forest. In front of them laid the - usually - peaceful town of Ponyville. She looked around, to only find the golem standing quite a bit away from her, underneath the last shadows of the forest. They had reached the edge of the forest. Delta didn't know what he saw. Everything was so colorful, so... alive, in contrast to the place they just came from, to the place he had come from. He didn't even know that pink was so... um, pink. Also, he noticed, there really was no dome holding back unfathomable amounts of water above them. Just open skies, as far as he could see; which, in itself, was a shocking change. If this place was any bit more different than Rapture, he would've bet that things here didn't even bleed or never died. Sunlight was so painfully bright. He wanted to move forward, yet something kept him back, hiding underneath the shadows. Shadow looked at the golem, as it looked around, his gaze wandering to the town of Ponyville, to the sky and even straight up into the sun. She looked questioningly to Princess Luna, who half-shrugged back. "Um," Princess Luna spoke up, catching Delta's attention, "Maybe we shouldn't move out in the open for now." Her answer was met with confusion, "How do you mean, Princess?" Shadow asked. "It wouldn't be wise to just trudge out of the forest," Princess Luna motioned to Ponyville, "We should try to reach the hospital without garnering any suspicion." She continued, murmuring, "Any more, that is." Shadow nodded, understanding what she meant. If they kept in the forest, but close enough to the edge, they would reach the hospital; even though, it would take them longer to reach it. However, the hospital was fairly close to the edge of the forest, so they could, if they were lucky enough, just pass around Ponyville and reach the hospital; before the citizens of Ponyville even noticed anything was wrong. That was the best case scenario, though. But she was hopeful. "Come on," she motioned with one of her wings to the golem, "We'll go this way. It'll take us a bit longer, but nopony'll see us." Delta nodded back in response and with one last look of wonder to the open sky, he turned around and followed after Shadow. * "Come on, come on, be outside," Reiver murmured to himself, as he descended the stairs as quickly as he could. He had just told, no, admitted everything to Princess Celestia, and she was preparing to fly out as quickly as possible. It would take her quite a while to gather her Guard, though, so, in the meantime, he could warn his own to prepare for the operation that would follow. As he rounded a corner, he ran straight into one of his own, causing them to collide and fall back to their haunches. The guard spoke up in surprise, "Sir!" The mare moved frantically to help her superior up, all the while apologising. Reiver took her offered hoof and stood up, "It's alright." He dusted himself off, as much as you can do with hooves anyways. "What news do you bring?" The mare answered eagerly, happy to answer his question and that he had forgiven her for her clumsiness, "The captain, Sir, she returned," she told him so quickly that she was nearly out of breath. "Shadow?" Reiver's ears jumped up, "Is the Princess with her?" "Yes, Sir," the mare answered him, but before she could continue, he interrupted her. "Well, what are we waiting for," Reiver started, motioning for the guard to follow him. Maybe, this all would go better than expected. The mare had to gallop to keep up with Reiver's trot and barely managed to catch his attention, "Sir, there's something else... the golem is with them." Reiver stopped in his tracks, causing the guard to overshoot and nearly run muzzle-first in the door leading to the reception, "Golem," he thought, scrambling to get his thoughts back together, "You mean-" "Yes, Sir." The mare answered, moving to open the door for them both. He didn't know what was really going on, but there would always be time for more questions later. He passed through the door, into the reception; the mare trotting close behind him. This was going to be an interesting day after all. "I hope you know what you are doing, Captain," Reiver mumbled to himself, while he left the hospital; hoping that he would just have a bit longer before Princess Celestia heard that her sister had arrived, along with the golem. I guess it was true what they used to say - Never a dull day in the Lunar Guard. * As far as she could see, there was nopony between them and the hospital. Shadow couldn't see any movement on the open field they would have to cross, even from her own guards, which only meant she had trained them well. Yet, the same problem remained; if they left the safety of these shadows, it would only take them a minute to reach the hospital, if they managed to move fast. By doing so, they would move around the edges of Ponyville; which also meant they could still be seen, if they were unlucky. However, it was better than nothing. Right before she gave the signal to move, she saw some movement at the entrance of the hospital. Even though she couldn't really see the pony's face, she knew by his trot alone that it was Reiver, leaving the hospital in quite the hurry. The other guard that left the hospital, quickly joined Reiver, pointing to their position under the shadows. 'So, they know that we are here. Good. This will make things easier... hopefully.' By the time she and golem had left the forest behind, the Lunar guards hiding around the hospital had moved upon their orders, moving to their more tactical positions. A small party of three guards, and Reiver, came their way quickly, eventually meeting up with them halfway. Reiver nodded to her, his eyes passing over the golem and lingering on Princess Luna. He turned around, motioning to follow them, with the other three guards taking their places besides and behind them. The small group reached the hospital, where Reaver called for his guards. Around half a dozen of them gathered around them, with the rest remaining in position, maintaining the border around the hospital. Shadow spoke up, "I know this will sound weird to you, but we can trust the golem," she started, hoping that her vouch for him was enough for the moment. "We trust you with our lives, Captain," Reiver stopped her from having to explain further, "Your word is our command." Shadow nodded in response, the other guards around them adding in with their own nods or mumbles of agreement. "Let's go inside," Princess Luna added, catching everypony's attention, "We'll talk further there." With the guards up front, led by Reiver, Shadow and the golem made their way into the hospital at last. However, the room wasn't as empty as it had been before. Standing at the desk, moments removed from readying her troops to go search for her sister, stood Princess Celestia; surrounded by two dozen of her own guards, essentially outnumbering them three-to-one. Silence descended over the overcrowded room. Like they once had, so long ago, the two Princess's Guards stood proudly against each other; forming two barriers that waited for their respective Commander's order to attack. Shadow instinctively moved in front of the golem, her wings already slightly flared out unconsciously. Of course, this was never going to be easy at all. Delta had found himself in this situation, many, many times before. However, he was out of his element here. The room was very small and crowded, meaning that any plasmid he could use would hurt ponies he didn't want to hit. He just hoped that the Princess in his arms would explain everything, and fast, if not, he would be forced to face the large, white pony again. She had tried to take him out before. However, this time, he was ready for her. Princess Celestia turned around slowly, her words coming to an abrupt stop when the door to hospital opened. Not a single word parted from her lips, as she saw the Lunar Guard leading her sister inside, being carried by the golem she had taken care off before. The hatred burned in her chest and her voice barely held together as she whispered with utter contempt, "You..." * Light trickled inside through curtains covering windows. The sound of machines breathing their mechanical beeping steadily filled the room. A strong scent of medicine, coupled with a faint linger of dust of a room that hadn't been ventilated for while, would harass anyone entering. Confused she slowly woke up. She had no idea where she was. Slowly but surely she began to get a bit more aware of her surroundings, noticing the beeping and the smell in the air. Her eyes felt like weights were hanging from them and even though she had just woken up, she felt like she hadn't slept in days. She slowly opened her eyes, but she couldn't see anything but the rays of light coming through the curtains and the sickly green light that lightly emanated from a place behind her. She would've tried to turn around, or push herself up, if it weren't for the fact her whole body felt sore and strangely cold; even though her head felt like it was burning up like a candle, a slight throbbing of her horn spreading over her forehead. She tried to move around, noticing she was restricted by many tubes and wires connected to her. The realisation hit her, now finally aware of where she was. Of course, she had been here many times to visit friends, or spend the night herself. She was in a hospital. However, she didn't remember how she had gotten here in the first place. She pushed herself up, albeit clumsily, finally throwing away the blankets that concealed most of her body for her. Checking herself, she couldn't see any obvious wounds that could explain the soreness of her limbs; not even a single bandage or bandaide to cover up a cut. She pondered about what she should do, when she heard sounds coming beyond the door leading to her room. In the distance she heard the shuffling of hooves, voices, some yelling, the sounds of doors opening and closing. She yelped as a jolt of pain shot through her head, straight into her spine; her hooves holding her horn as she nearly doubled over in sudden pain. More yelling came from beyond her door, which she barely noticed. The pain faded away as quickly as it had come, returning to a dull throb at the base of her horn. "Ugh... my horn," Twilight mumbled, her voice hoarse and her throat painful. No hoofsteps rushing to her door. Nothing. Just more voices, barely understandable, in the distance. She realised something was very wrong. If she was in the hospital, there would be nurses around, and they would've rushed to her room, when they heard her yell in pain. Yet, nopony came. Boldly, in what may have been the stupidest decision she could make that day, she decided to find out for herself what was going on. Unsteadily, she moved a hoof to remove the various wires and tubes that held her bedbound, pushing them away from her. Meanwhile, she tried to squeeze her brain, forcing herself to remember anything at all, but to no avail. Something had happened, that much was sure. Faintly, she did remember bits and pieces, all loosely toiling around in her mind; however, none made any sense. It just added to her growing headache. The voices she had heard in the distance finally seized. Only silence remained. With a sigh, she carefully positioned herself to the side of her bed. If she wanted to find out what was happening, she was going to need to find out herself. She landed uneasily on her hooves, barely avoiding toppling over on the ground. She, more than anything else, lurched to the door and opened it to a crack. Light flooded into the room, hurting her eyes. She looked left and right, yet, there was not a single pony in sight. Without giving the room behind her another glance, she entered the hallway, crossing it to the opposite wall with windows, keeping close to them as support. According to the sun, which was trying to burning itself into her eyes, it should be around early morning. She closed her right eye, shielding it from the sun peaking through the windows in the hallway. She could hear more voices, coming from deeper into the hospital. And they didn't seem that happy. However, they were too muffled for her to understand. She made her way past a staircase and some more rooms, most of their doors open, like ponies had left them in a hurry. More yelling and screaming, shuffling of hooves. For a moment, she had to lean against the wall, the ever-present throbbing of her horn causing her to see black spots in front of her eyes, making her feel slightly sick. Shaking her head, she began moving again, coming closer to the source of the voices and other noises. Finally, she understood a voice, as it commanded not far from her, "Stand aside, Luna. This is not your fight." It was more yelling, than actually commanding, but she did recognise that voice. 'Princess Celestia? What... why is she here? What is going on?' In response, she heard something very heavy moving, followed by mumbling. Curiously, she rounded the corner, and there she saw the door that should, if she remembered correctly, lead to the reception of the hospital. According to all the sounds she heard, the room itself was very crowded. "Kneel!" A voice called out, followed by more shuffling of hooves, some to surround, others pushed back. It stayed silent for a while. "Give up your weapons!" The same voice shouted, Princess Celestia voice unusually distorted by the anger underneath, a shrillness Twilight hadn't heard before. In response, with metallic clatter, something heavy hit the floor. Twilight shuffled away from the wall, her hoof outstretched to the other side. She was next to the door now, which wasn't properly closed, allowing her to see inside. The room was more than full. A couple of Lunar Guards stood at the entrance of the hospital, with Princess Luna leading them. She seemed wounded and leaning on a pegasus, whose armor bore the decorations of a captain. The Lunar Guard, and the Princess, were held back by a half circle of Solar Guards, who had essentially pushed them back to the far back wall of the room. Standing at the left wall of the room, she could see Princess Celestia, standing in front of Twilight's five best friends. Rarity's mane was disheveled, as if she had just woken up, with Spike standing before her, like he was trying to protect her. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stood near, but both had taken place as close to the wall as they could. Twilight really couldn't remember if she had ever seen Pinkie that scared before. Rainbow stood in front of the bunch, next to Applejack, but she seemed... different. Did she look... afraid? No, that couldn't be. However, the cause of all the commotion, seemed to be surrounded next to the front desk. A weapon, of some kind Twilight vaguely recognised, although she didn't know from where, laid on the ground next to it; yet, she strangely recognised the figure that was kneeling. She recognised him from somewhere. She... she owned her life to him. And even though she didn't know why, she trusted him. He had been in far better situations. Surely, Princess Luna and Shadow had tried to talk her out of it, but the sun-bearing pony didn't seem to be in the mood of listening today. Now, he found himself kneeling down, his drill out of his immediate reach; surrounded by many armored guards, outnumbered many, many times. Any tactic he came up with, revolved around taking out the one who had ordered him to kneel, this "Princess Celestia" the other ponies seemed to call her. So, apparently Luna and Celestia where both princesses, and apparently sisters. He didn't care in the least. This Celestia had given him enough troubles for a lifetime in just a day, and he would take her down, before she had the chance to do the same. Yet, any of his plasmids were practically useless here, if he didn't want to hurt any of the other ponies. He could try to reach for his drill and storm forward, before they even had time to react; however, he was quite sure that the literal wall of armored ponies would slow him down enough to give the Princess an easy target. After all, he wasn't that sure that Princess Celestia was concerned about hurting the other ponies, as much as he was. However, before anything could happen, any plasmids could be thrown around, any drill could be taken up for an attack, any horns could flare up to pin him down, or outright destroy him; the very last thing he had expected to happen, happened. A door opened with a creak. And there she stood. Twilight. All eyes in the room where on her. The tension that had seemed to be building up all this time, collapsed as everypony just stared at her, confused about what was happening. However, Princess Luna, nor Princess Celestia gave any orders to their guards. Her friends stood near the far wall, seemingly frozen in shock. Twilight spoke up nervously, her sore throat disallowing an awkward chuckle, "What has somepony have to do here to get some rest?" Her horn flared up in pain. She heard her name being called out. Something wet coated the fur underneath her nose. With a quavering hoof, she tried to wipe it off, holding it up, so she could see what it was. 'Blood...' The ground came quicker than expected. The last thing she saw was a pair of outstretched hands, as he dashed forwards, trying to still catch her. Sleep. And to the world of dreams, she, yet again, returned. *** "And as the light doused in the sea and another door closed, so did the King sigh. His Kingdom was His, and His alone; yet, there was no one left to share it with Him. Everyone had lost their right to live in His Kingdom, by either their betrayal, own greed, or despair. In finally reaching His dream, He had shattered those of many others. It was Him, who threw off the Shackles, broke the Bond; yet, the Lighthouse still remained. In its own way, it was always going to be there. And He realised that, one fateful day, someone would open a door and look through, finding the many wonders His Kingdom held. And so would He look back, ready to defend His City to the end." Chapter 11 revolves around Twilight finally finding her true destiny as the Alicorn Princess of nothing in particular, that has to travel to the nearly-human-but-not-really-because-ponies - world, finding the magic MacGuffin that will resolve anything. Also, she'll dye herself black and red to represent her eternal power, while she masters the art of triple Rainbooms, while controlling both the sun and moon at the same time. So, tune in next time to the Sarcasm Show, where you'll see how the whole world explodes from to many inside jokes. I'll see you all on the flip side... of insanity.
A New World Discovered	pre	~~Ruins~~ The crew has only been on the new planet for maybe about an hour, and aside from John and Lucky continuing their exploration of the ruins, while Kiburi & Andrew patrol the area and set up their perimeter, leaving Henriette and Aria in the ship. But the two females of the group weren't lounging around. Aria was checking through the ships systems, as well as the robotic units mainframes, to make sure everything was in tip top shape. While also working on the crews robot canine's support drone. As for Henriette, she was at the ships secondary robotic units control console, and was guiding the flying unit and its own assistant drones over the forest, investigating anything that seemed to be of interest. And who would've suspected that the woman would actually come across one of the planet's local alien inhabitants within the first hour! At first the woman thought to withdraw the drone that stumbled upon the alien, but her own curiosity of the alien before her urged her on to investigate. And so far everything was going smoothly, the subject was neither startled, nor frightened. However things suddenly took a change for the worst in an instant. As now from one of the monitors of the control console for the Observation Unit, both Henriette and Aria were watching the footage that was on screen. That of the purple equine alien running for itself, while three of the wooden canines gave chase, and were launching vines and thorns at it. "Miss. Henriette we have to do something, or those things are going to rip that alien apart!" Aria said worriedly as she stood by the woman at the controls. "I'm having the Observers three other assist drones, and the unit itself converge on where the drone following the alien are. But it's going to take some time." Henriette said as she manually moved the main unit, while the drones were traveling back to it from their own little sightseeing spots. "Aria go and tell John that we need Lucky to give us a hand with this. I'm not sure if the Observer alone can stop these three monsters." Aria left the woman's side, and ran to the other console meant for Lucky, and started to fiddle around with the robotic canines control console, until the image of John came up on screen. "Hey Aria--" "John I need to borrow Lucky; we have an incident!" "What?" the young man said in both surprise and confusion. "What's going on?" "One of the aliens is being chased by these, wooden wolf things, and Henriette is trying to get the Observer and its drones over here to help. But we need Lucky just in case." "Then go right ahead! He's all yours." Aria quickly took the controls of Lucky, and had the mechanical canine vault out of the ruins, and made a mad dash across the bridge and head right into the forest. ~~Forest~~ Twilight fired another bolt of magic at the three alpha timberwolves that were sticking to her like glue, but the blasted arbor canines just used their vines to block the shot, and continued to chase after the mare. The unicorn has tried Teleporting two other times, but it seems no matter where she goes, the alphas were hot on her trail. So left with little options the mare resorted to violence, using magical blasts, or other types of offensive magic. but those wretched alphas counter everything the mare has thrown at them, whether it be from dodging, or using their plant appendages to simply block the unicorns attacks. "Just leave me alone already!" Twilight shouted as she fired three magical blasts at once, but again her efforts were fruitless. Just then as she came to a clearing that lead to the ruins, Twilight head something else coming her way, but from the front this time. "Oh what now!" Twilight grumbled as she skidded to a stop, ready to bolt in a different direction. But before she did she saw what came bursting out of the forest ahead of her, it was the same silvery canine that she, and her friends saw on the night of their first trip to the ruins. The silvery canine came bursting out of the tress and brush, and ran right past Twilight and stood between her, and the three alpha's who also skidded to a stop. Barking and snarling at the new creature. Twilight turned to see the alpha's and the silver wolf barking at each other, neither party budging an inch. The alpha's launched some of their vines at the silvery wolf, but as Twilight went to defend her canine defender, the unicorn saw beams of red energy being fired from the wolf's shoulders. The red energy beams ripped and sliced through the vines, causing the pieces to fall to the ground and angering the alphas. Then as Twilight watched the three alpha timberwolves start making their way towards her, and her protector, a rush of air came down from the clearings opening of the canopy, and when the unicorn looked up she saw four of the small disk objects she encountered before. This new disc-like object was large in size, at least as big as a table in Canterlot's ceremony hall to house many ponies, and seem to be leader of the smaller disk objects. Who were all buzzing around the alpha's, irritating them, and gaining their attentions. Twilight then watched as the alpha's attempted to swipe and knock the small disk objects out of the air, but as they did so the silvery canine tackled one of the alpha's, and the larger disc object rammed into another alpha and knocking it into a tree. Shattering it almost instantly. The two pinned alpha bit onto the silvery wolf's shoulder, but reeled back and whimpered as its teeth feel out of its mouth. While the silver canine clamped its jaws around the alphas neck, and with a show strength, spun around and tossed the larger arbor wolf at a tree, cracking the bark and causing the alpha's body to shatter. "Wow." Was all Twilight could say as she saw these two, things, take down two alpha timberwolves. And shatter them. the remaining alpha just growled at the two objects, and the four small flying disks, who were closing in on the poor lone alpha. The solitary arbor wolf growled before turning and running into the forest. "Finally it's over." Twilight said as she dropped to her knees, now able to finally catch her breath. As she was catching her breath the unicorn noticed that the two things were coming over to her, and one of the small disc fly up and seemed to be teetering side to side in an excitement. "Thanks for coming to my rescue little guy." Twilight said as she petted the top of the disc thing with a single finger, causing the thing to sputter as it buzzed around her. "Twilight!" A sudden, and yet familiar, chorus of voice instantly caught both Twilight's, and the creatures around her attentions. The unicorn, as well as her new friends, all turned to where the voices came from and the mare saw her collection of friends. Spike was at the front of the group, with her friends and Princess Celestia standing behind the dragonling. And all of them looked worried, confused, and astonished, as they just looked at Twilight's entourage of new companions. The unicorn stood up from her spot on the ground and was about to make her way over to her friend, and as she did so the silvery wolf, the large table size disk, and its younglings, all retreated from the clearing. With the wolf running back through the woods, and the flyers exiting out via the clearing canopy opening. Except for one of the smaller disks, which stuck close to Twilight, but hid behind her. when the strange creatures retreated from the clearing, the party of Twilight's friends made their way to the unicorn. "Twilight are you alright?!" Princess Celestia asked as she made her way to the front of the group, and started to look Twilight over like a worried mother. "Yes princess I'm fine, those creatures, or things, I'm not sure what they are saved me from three alpha timberwolves." The whole group gasped in shock when they have heard this. That's when Fluttershy moved to the side of Twilight to get a better look at the small disk that stayed behind, and seemed to be trying to stay out of sight. "Is this one of those creatures?" the butterscotch mare asked as she tried to get a better look at the small flying creature. "Yes, but as you all saw, the rest left." Twilight said as she looked at her group of friends. "But what are you all doing here?" "We all came to make sure that you don't get in over yer head Twilight." Applejack said as she patted Spike on the head. "And you have this little feller to thank fer that." "But Twilight, why would just go charging off like that darling?" Rarity inquired as she stood in front of her friend with a very worried look. "If those creatures didn't come by, and saved you, how else would you defend yourself?" "I'm sorry everypony, I didn't mean to worry, its just--" "We know Twilight, Spike described your intentions in the letter he wrote to me, and told the rest of your friends." the princesses said as she looked down to the smaller mare. "I know you want to uncover what it is these unknown things are, but charging in without a plan could've made things more difficult. Do you understand?" "Yes, princess." Twilight said ashamed for worrying her friends, and mentor. "Hey, look!" Pinkie suddenly blurted out as she pointed behind the lavender mare, and she, and the others turned to look to where Pinkie was pointing. They all saw that the silvery wolf was back in the clearing, sitting patiently and just staring at the group. It was soon joined by the small flying creature, who managed to give Fluttershy the slip, and was now hovering by the canines head. "What do you think their doing?" Spike asked as he and the others watched the wolf stand back up, and actually gestured with its head for the group to follow it. the small flying disk came back and started to teeter about, and buzzing back and forth between the group, and the wolf. "I think they want us to follow them." Fluttershy guessed as she looked between the two creatures. "Then lets do so!" Twilight said excitedly. "Might as well since we're all here." Before any of her friends, even the princess, could respond Twilight trotted after the wolf who re-entered the forest, with the little flying disk following behind her. the rest of the group decided to just follow Twilight, so she could fulfill her academic desire. At least now they can keep an eye on her, and make sure that the academic mare doesn't get into trouble. Hopefully, whatever the group was walking into, and heading to see what the creatures are leading them to, the ponies and Spike hoped that nothing horrible was waiting for them
A New World Discovered	Chapter 8	After the crew has landed on the planet's surface, John went about to continue his research into the ruins, and Henriette and Aria started to work on the new unit that was created for planetary exploration, Kiburi and his fellow Deep Space Explorer security guard Andrew began their own duties. Scouting the area to ensure that there were no immediate threats, as well as establishing a defensive perimeter in case of actual incoming threats. Things went relatively easy for the two soldiers, as neither had come across anything that seemed dangerous, or as a threat. But the two still set up radar sensors around the ruins, to further secure the landing sight, and once that was all set up the two headed back to the ship, mostly to grab other equipment, but as they were finishing up their initial survey both Kiburi and Andrew were surprised to see Lucky bolt out of the ruins, and headed into the forest. When the robotic canine disappeared into the woods both Kiburi and Andrew headed towards the ship, followed by John shortly after, and asked what was going on. And when Henriette told the pair what is going on, they both simply watched the two robotic units come to an aliens rescue via the monitors. The fight wasn't too long, but it was definitely one to watch, seeing both robots fighting three big looking wood wolves. After the fight both Kiburi and Andrew then watched as a whole group of aliens appeared on screen, and after Henriette and Aria moved the robots away from the group, the team then watched the group of aliens talk amongst themselves, mostly seeing to check if the one that the robot units saved was alright. The large white winged unicorn one of the group seemed especially concerned with the purple unicorns wellbeing. "Well Miss Henriette what are we going to do now?" Aria asked as she looked over her shoulder at the older woman across from her. "We've pretty much announced ourselves to the aliens by having Lucky and Observer help that one alien, and I'm pretty sure they won't be curious as to where they came from, and start looking for us." "Aria's got a point." Andrew said through his mask as it releases a small vent of air. "For the time being Aria and I will continue to lead the aliens out of the forest, that way we won't have to worry about their safety while we conduct our research and surveillance." Henrietta said as she continues to guide the Observer to follow the group from out of their visual range, while simultaneously maneuvering the small assist unit to keep an eye on the aliens, and record the conversation they were having with each other. "But ma'am, these aliens now know about our robotic units, even if you lead them out of the forest what's to prevent them from just coming back?" Kiburi asked Henrietta in a cautious yet understandable tone of concern. In response to Kiburi's question Henriette pointed at the main monitor in front of her, which showed the tallest of the group appear to be scolding the purple one, with the others chipping in their own two cents. "I have a feeling that the group is taking care of that issue for us. Especially the large white one." "...I suppose." Kiburi says as he looks at the screen. "Still though ma'am, I think we should be more careful from now on. We wouldn't want to fully announce ourselves before we're ready to do so." "Agreed." Henriette said as the group plus Lucky and the Observer units drone reached the edge of the forest. "Aria, bring Lucky back to the site. We'll start our investigation into the aliens either tomorrow, or the day after. Just until things have settled down." "Yes ma'am." Aria said as she looked back to her own monitor to check the groups progress. "So, what did I miss?" Everyone turned to see John walking into the ship as he gave everyone an inquisitive look. "Henriette and Aria managed to save the native, but then other natives showed up. Now the two of them are guiding the natives out of the forest, and hopefully they won't come looking for us." Andrew informed his fellow crewmate while his mask vents small puff of air with every sentence. "How is your research into the ruins going?" "It's going well. I just came to see how things were going on out here, but seeing that everything is good I'll go back to my work." John then left the group and made his way back to the ruins. Exiting the ship after the researcher, Kiburi and Andrew left to continue with their patrol of the area, and ensure that its secure. Especially now getting some idea on what to expect to come out of the forest, from watching the fight between the teams robotic units, and the wooden wolves. ~~~~~ Today has certainly been full of surprises and excitement for Twilight Sparkle. First there was the sighting of the strange flying object, then there was the encounter with a strange small flying silver disc thing, thirdly is the interaction with the Alpha Timberwolves. And finally the fight that the unicorn bared witness to between the Alpha Timberwolves, and the silver wolf creature that she and the others saw months ago, and a larger silvery disc creature with four of its younglings. Surely today has been a whirlwind of excitement and surprise for the lavender mare. It was even more surprising when her friends, Spike, and even princess Celestia came to the forest to make sure that she was alright. After the whole rescue and confirmation of the unicorns safety, Twilight was being lead through the forest by the strange silvery creatures with her friends by her side. Presumably, the silver wolf, and small flying companion are leading Twilight and the others to wherever they came from, which the studious unicorn hoped was the ruins of the old castle. "--so your certain you've never seen creatures like these princess?" Fluttershy asked the larger pony as she, and the rest of the group kept looking over the two strange creatures ahead of them. "I'm quite certain Fluttershy. If I personally haven't seen them, or read about them from old field, or wild life guides, then they are a complete mystery." Celestia said to the tall slender butterscotch pegasus. "But whatever they are they certainly are intriguing." The aged alicorn said as her eyes scanned over the silvery creatures, especially the wolf that was ahead of the group. "I'm more curious in where they're leading us to." Rainbow Dash said in a more guarded tone, while keeping a strict eye on the wolf and little flying creature buzzing around Twilight. Wings half-spread ready to take flight and action if they tried anything. "Well I doubt after saving Twilight, that they are leading us into a trap." Applejack said as he walked close to her unicorn, who was busy in studying the small flying thing buzzing around her. As the group continued to walk through the forest the group stopped momentarily when the wolf made a small howl, and started to run ahead of them all. Even the little disc thing also flew off ahead of the group. The seven mares plus Spike all ran to catch up to the two creatures, but when they did the whole group broke through the tree line, and found themselves on the path that leads back to Ponyville. With the wolf and flying creature in the middle of the path, but they weren't alone. The group was surprised to see a large floating, thing staring at them with three other small disc things floating around it. "How about that! They brought us back to Ponyville." Pinkie Pie said as she approached the wolf, and actually started to pet it. "Thanks guys that was very sweet of you~" "Pinkie Pie be careful!" Rarity said as she trotted up to her friend, but stopped when the flying disc creatures start fly about, and heading straight back into the forest. The wolf then side-lined the pink earth pony, and the rest of the group and was heading back to the forest. "Hey wait!" Twilight said as she chased after the creatures. But after taking only a few steps from where she was currently standing, the wolf spun on its paws and gave a rather loud roar or growl, stopping Twilight in tracks while causing the others to flinch or jump back a step. The wolf continued to make a low guttural growling sound, obviously trying to intimidate the ponies. Fluttershy then slinked slowly towards her friend before grabbing her arm, and gently pulling the lavender unicorn to her side while the whole group takes a step back. "We should go Twilight; I think it's telling us to leave and not come back to the forest." Fluttershy said as continued to gently drag her friend away from the forest. "B-but...the thing in the forest--" Twilight was cut off when the wolf creature made another low growl, but this time the ponies actually felt their bodies vibrate. "Fluttershy's right Twilight, we should leave before it becomes hostile." Celestia advise as she ushered the rest of the group to head to town, which they all did quickly, only waiting for Fluttershy and Twilight to follow suit. When the whole group was a good five or so feet from the border of the forest, they all watch the wolf go back to a more relaxed state before slipping back into the forest. With the creatures now fully gone, the group were all left with various questions. However the one with the most questions, and the one to initially go to the forest, was still craving for the answers that she sought after. But now all the possible answers to every question that's been festering inside her is out of reach, and the creatures that saved her now seemed to trying to keep her out of the Everfree. "Now Twilight--" Celestia said as she turned her student to look at her rather than the forest. "I know that you want this questions that you have answered, but clearly whatever is going on in the Everfree you cannot charge in blindly. So I want you to refrain to going to forest." "But princess--" "No buts!" the princess said in an authoritative tone like a stern mother, stopping Twilight from trying to make some kind of argument to try and let her pursue her quest for answers. "Do I make myself clear Twilight Sparkle?" the unicorn could only give a defeated sigh while she slouches slightly. "Yes princess." "Good." Celestia said as she pats Twilight on the head. "That being said, I myself am now intrigued what is going on in the Everfree, so, I will send in a small team of guards to gather some intel." Twilight instantly perked up as Celestia explained her own little plan in investigating what is going on in the forest, but before Twilight could even saw anything, the princess raised her hand. "Once I have determined what is going on in the forest, and perhaps find out what those creatures were, and this thing that you saw land in the forest. Then I will inform you on what I have discovered." The unicorn could only nod in understanding after the princess had explained everything that she plans on doing. After that, the princess bid Twilight, and her friend farewell, and teleported back to Canterlot to begin preparations to begin the operation. As for the six mare's and Spike they all decided to take it easy for now, since they can't really do anything until Celestia informs them of her discoveries. But as the others continued to make their way back to the town. Except Twilight took one last glance towards the Everfree Forest, her eyes just scanning the tree line for a bit, before turning away and following after her friends.
A New World Discovered	Chapter 9	The morning sun was accompanied a chorus of birds chirping as an early morning breeze wafts through the forest. Amongst the ruins within the forest Kiburi and Andrew were already wide awake, and sitting outside their tents they pitched yesterday while they cooked some eggs, bacon, and some pieces of toast over a fire they made, while coffee was being brewed in a kettle. While the two security officers were getting their breakfast, and day ready John was still peacefully sleeping in his own tent which was set up rather close to the entrance of the ruins, with sketches of mural pictures and portraits, and an open laptop with images of cryptic writing on it. Outside of the young man's tent, waiting for him to finally wake up, was Lucky patiently waiting for his primary operator get ready for work. "Here you go Kiburi." Andrew hissed as he held a plate towards his partner. "Thanks." As Kirburi took his plate he watched as Andrew removed his mask, and revealed his heavily scared mouth and throat, with cybernetic instalments lining the jaw. "So how much longer do you have to wait till your full facial restoration?" "My appointment was scheduled to be in two months, but there were some corporate shenanigans or something. So I'm not sure anymore." Andrew replied, his voice heavily ragged and mumbled without his mask aiding in his speech. "Well hopefully you won't have to wait for too long." Kiburi said in an effort to give his friend some comfort as he starts eating. As he was in the midst of chewing his first bite a loud yawn caught his, and Andrew's attention as they both saw a still sleepy John waddle his way over to them. "Well look who finally decided to wake up." Andrew teased through a mouth full of food as John sat down next to him, and started to pour a cup of coffee into a small mug. "Coffee first. Talk later." Was all John said as he took the mug in both his hands, blew his coffee down to a manageable temperature to drink, before taking a long slow sip before a comforted sigh escaped his mouth. "Nectar of the gods." "So John what's the plan for today?" Kiburi asked his fellow crewmate. "Continuing my research of the ruins. You?" "Andrew and I were debating in patrolling the forest, and maybe set up some more early warning systems." The taller man said before taking a sip of his own mug of coffee. "Well if you guys do that be careful, don't want you guys to be turned into chew toys for any beasties." John remarked as Andrew handed him his own plate of food. As the three men went about in eating their breakfast, as well as discussing the more finer points of their tasks for the day, back in the ship both Henriette and Aria were finishing getting washed up and, and getting their own breakfast made. While Henriette was making the food Aria was checking the terminal settings, plus the robotic units own systems and power levels. The young girl was also checking the security footage from the various cameras that Kiburi and Andrew placed around the ruins, and so far there wasn't much to look at aside from a few animals just on the other side of the large chasm. But as Aria was checking the footage see did see something strange, it was only for a brief moment on the camera, but girl could've sworn she saw a lion...with a scorpion tail. "Breakfast is ready Aria." Henriette called out to the girl who left the terminal and made her way to the mid-section of the ship, where she saw Henriette place two plates of food on a table. "Is everything operational?" "Yeah everything is booted and powered up, and the robos are all operational." The girl said as she sat down, stretched a bit, and delved into her breakfast. "So Henriette what are we going to be doing today? Are we going to survey the equine aliens?" "Yes, however since the equines have a general notion that we are here, since we had Observer and Lucky save one of them. So we'll have to be more cautious in our study. I don't want the inhabitants to think we're a possible threat due to some sort of misunderstanding." Aria and Henriette started to exchange ideas on how they could go about in studying the aliens. Since they used the Observer unit and its assist drones to help save one of the aliens, the two women thought that the inhabitants might be weary, or exited to see the flying units that their observations of them might be hampered. Or the inhabitants might attempt to capture the Observation unit, or its assist drones to try and study them, or just destroy them. That's when Aria had an idea on how to circumvent this issue. And when Henriette asked what this idea was, Aria simply got up from the table and headed to Lucky's terminal and started to fiddle around with it, then a moment later something small came flying into the ship. Lucky's own assist drone. Back outside the guys seemed to have finished with their meals, and Kiburi and Andrew were getting ready to set out to do their patrol and set up some more early warning systems on the other side of the chasm, John was napping a little bit more by the camp fire. Probably to get some more sleep time before going back into the ruins to continue his work. Leaving their sleeping friend behind the two security troops treaded across the rope bridge, and when they reach the other side they took a moment to just observe the forest before them, and noticing that even though it was a bright and sunny day the forest was heavily shaded and dark, making it really hard for the pair to even see more than ten feet past them. The two men then ruffled through their packs, and pulled out what appeared to be slick black vizors that they placed over their eyes. With the vizors equipped the two men were now able to see more clearly in the dark forest as they entered, and started to begin their patrol. While Kiburi and Andrew entered the forest, John woke back up again and seemed to be very energized as he hops in place for a moment, and walked to his tent. Then after a few minutes John re-emerged from the tent, dressed up, laptop and satchel in hand as he makes his way to the ruins. With Lucky following him. And as John passes through the entrance something came whizzing out of the ship, which was Lucky's bird-like and the Observation unit with its four assist drones, all of them flying over the chasm then over the forest canopy. Heading off to who knows where. ~~~~~ Exiting out of Sugarcube Corner and startling a few of the nearby towns ponies was a group of royal guards, two pegasi, two earth ponies and one unicorn. All garbed in their traditional golden armor, but with a cloak covering their bodies, along with loaded satchels slung across their shoulders. The group of guards then started to make their way through the town, all the while hearing the towns ponies whisper, and gawk at them as they pass bye. But they mostly ignored the ponies idle chats and gossip, and just continued on their merry way towards the town park. And then leaving the town behind entirely as they started to walk down an old path, and as the group did so they finally broke their silence and started talking. "I can't believe we have to go through searching the Everfree Forest because the princesses favorite student saw something, and nearly got herself killed for it." one of the earth pony guards said in an obviously annoyed tone as he trudged behind the rest of the group. "Stow it Lance. No need to get all moody because you were finally given a mission that cuts into your lazy time." The pegasus mare ahead of the stallion said as she re-adjusted her cloak. "I just don't see why we have to go do something that Twilight Sparkle was clearly more than willing to do on her own." Lance grumbled and snorted. "After all she went off to stop Nightmare Moon for heavens sake, and the princess had no problems in letting her do so. Even if she had her friends." "Regardless Lance we were given this mission by the princess herself." The second earth pony stallion said as he slowed down his trotting and stood by his fellow guards side. "Besides, don't tell me your at least a bit curious." The stallion continued as he looked at the Everfree Forest that was just ahead of the group. "We're about to head into a forest rarely visited or study, to look for creatures that even princess Celestia herself said she's never seen before. And if we track down those strange creatures, they might lead us to where Twilight saw this thing she's been trying to find." The rest of the group and Lance looked at the stallion as he continues to talk. "We might get some extra pay for our discovery, as well as recognition about this little exploration." "Always looking for the promotion aren't you Aegis?" the second pegasus said in a somewhat mocking, yet joking tone as she looked at the stallion with a smirk. Who in turn chuckled back in good humor. "Well whatever the case maybe, I'm just glad to finally be out of the castle, and put on an actual mission. And not just patrol the castle halls repeatedly." The unicorn mare ahead of the group said as she and the rest of the team stood in front of the forest. "Look alive ponies, today we'll be heading into the Everfree Forest and looking for these creatures." The unicorn levitated two large pictures out from her satchel, showing images of an emaciated silver skinned wolf, and a floating disc creature with four of its young ones. "Gotta say, these things look pretty gnarly looking. Especially that wolf." The first pegasus mare said as looks at the picture. "I mean it looks like its nothing but skin and bones, how is it even alive." "Unknown." The unicorn mare said before rolling the pictures up, and placing them back in her satchel. "But that's why we're going into the forest. however before we do so let me go over the formation I want us to go in with." The unicorn then used her magic to create a small screen beside her, with a few images of herself and the other ponies of the team to be lined up when they enter the forest. However unbeknownst to them as they were discussing about their movement strategy, two small objects came flying out from the forest canopy, but one of the two pegasi noticed them. "Hey! Look up there!" the mare pointed to where the flying objects where, and spotted a small disc thing chasing a small grey bird. "That's one of those disc creatures!" Lance said in startlement. "Zephyr, Nosedive try capturing that thing!" the unicorn order to which the two pegasi tossed their satchels, and cloaks off and took off into the air. The two mares flew up to the disc creature, which made what sounded like an alarmed buzzing sound, and started to fly off in a different direction. Trying to give the two guards the slip. But the two mares were hot on its little trail, but they just couldn't grab it whenever they got closer, it manages to give them the slip and quickly fly off in a different direction. But the two pegasi kept at it and tried to catch the blasted thing, and after about five or so minutes Nosedive managed to finally catch the little flyer, by means of her name sake. Nosediving from high above and snatching the disc creature up like a falcon catching a mouse. "Gotcha ya you little buzzard." Nosedive said as she held the creature tightly in her hand. "Just what is it though?" Zephyr said as she looked at the creature as it tries to wriggle its way out of Nosedive's hand. "Not sure. But let's head back down and show it to Lieutenant Flare." Both pegasi started to fly back down to ground level where they meet up with the rest of their team. "Lieutenant Flare we caught the creature that was chasing the bird." The unicorn trotted up to Nosedive and started to examine the creature as she took it in her magical field. Both Aegis and Lance trotted up to the unicorns side to get a better look at the creature as well. "Well...I'm stumped on what this thing could be." Lance said as he crossed his arms and tilted his head in confusion. "Yeah it doesn't even look like its made out of flesh or bone, its skin is like our armor." Aegis said as he stroked his chin, a moment later he looked back towards the Everfree. "Now I'm even more curious about what we might find in there." "Agreed. We should move out then." Flare said to the group. "But ma'am what about this little guy? Are we going to take it with us?" Zephyr asked as she pointed to the little creature as it flies around in the magic field. "For the time being I'll keep it in stasis." Flare said as she shrunk her magical field, to where it was now only a limited field that just covered the creature. Once the creature was put in its stasis field Flare stuffed the creature into her satchel, and looked back towards the forest. "Alright everypony, move out!"
A New World Discovered	Chapter 10	Deep with the forest, further from where the main camp site was, Andrew and his partner Kiburi will slowly and carefully venturing through the forest. Scouting out the terrain an ensure that no threats, wild life or otherwise, were close to the camp site and put the non-competent personal in harm. The duos scouting as allows them to get a feel for this new world, allowing them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings, in case they do need to return to the forest for some kind of task or mission. But as the pair continue to traverse in the dense forest, they noted just how dark it was in the barricade of trees, despite it being very early in the morning with the sun high up in the air. Now that he was by himself Andrew started to noted just really how dark the forest was, and a sense of claustrophobia was very slowly creeping in on him. In fact the forest and sensation of claustrophobia actually reminded Andrew of his last off world excursion, which causes him to bring a hand to his masked mouth. "Man. You really can't see much in this forest without night specks." Andrew said as he continued to scan his little section of the forest, trying to ignore the creeping sensation of loneliness and claustrophobia. "Which is why we need to be extra cautious where we step." Kiburi's voice said over the radio along with the sound of twigs and brush rustling around. "We don't know what could be lurking amongst the trees." "Rodger." Andrew responded as he continued to slowly trudge through the dense underbrush, gun held close to his body, and his eyes scanning everything they can see with careful scrutiny. While the soldier steadily walks through the trees, he catches glances of a few animals that were either peacefully eating, or were just passing by. So far, nothing strange or crazy was coming out of the literal wood work, but Andrew better than to be off-guard when on an alien planet. "Andrew. Kiburi. This is Henriette, do you read?" Henriette's voice calls out over the young man's intercom, causing Andrew to hunker down by a nearby tree while he answers the call. "This is Andrew I read you Miss. Henriette." Andrew said over the radio, followed by Kiburi who also replied to Henriette's call over the intercom. "I want you two to be on guard, one of Observers drones was captured by a small group of the locals, and they appeared to be heading into the forest." "Rodger that. What shall we do than ma'am?" Andrew asked over the radio. "Do not engage or come in contact with them yet, observer from a distance." Henriette replied. "And what about the drome ma'am?" Kiburi quickly asked over the radio, and received just as fast response. "For the time being leave it, I doubt these aliens will be unable to anything with it, plus we don't know how these aliens will react to us yet." With their orders given Andrew went radio silent, and started to stalk through the trees trying to ensure that he is not seen or heard of by the incoming inhabitants of this world. As the soldier continues to stealthily stalk through the tree line, a faint rustling sound came from a dozen or so feet from his position. Ducking down into a nearby brush, and positioning his rifle to be ready to fire if needed. A moment later the solider watched as the aforementioned natives came into the view, all of them looking slightly on edge as they keep looking over their shoulders. Andrew then lowered his weapon and just watched the group stumble through the forest, nickering and whining at each other quite loudly. 'Not exactly a quite bunch are they.' Andrew internally said as he continues to watch the group continue on their way, almost blindingly walk through the forest. but are going in the direction of the ruins. "Miss. Henriette do you copy." "I read you Andrew. What's going on?" the woman asked the man who keeps his voice down as he replies, after his masks gives a quite hiss of vented air. "I have the natives in sight, and their not exactly being subtle about being in the forest. but they seem to be going in the general direction of camp." Andrew informed the leader of the group. "What should our next move be?" "Make your way back to camp, I will get in contact with Kiburi and tell him the same. We will come up with something, for now, head back." "Rodger." Andrew then quietly emerges from the brushes that he was hiding in, and starts to carefully maneuver around the natives and make his way back towards camp. While the soldier was making his way around the group of natives, another rustling within the bushes caused not only Andrew, but the natives to stop as well. And what came out of the woods caused all in present to become worried. Coming into view was something that Andrew has only seen in games and old text books, a large manticore came stooling out of dense forest covering, and looked really cranky as its face was very expressional. The big hybrid feline then started to growl at the natives, who were inching away from it slowly while Andrew just hunkered down in another collection of dense foliage. 'This doesn't look good.' Andrew mentally stated as he readied his weapon, while reaching to his intercom. "Miss. Henriette do you copy." Andrew whispered so he wouldn't draw any attention. "Andrew what's wrong?" Henrietta asked worriedly. "The natives are in a bit of a pickle, something that looks like a manticore just came out of the tree line, and it look like its going to attack them." Andrew said as he kept an eye on the group and the hybrid feline. "Should I intervene, or let the natives handle things themselves?" a moment goes by before Henriette responds. "...if the manticore does attack scare it off, but make sure to stay out of sight." "Rodger!" Andrew holds his rifle up and aimed at the beast, ready to fire if it starts to attack. Which didn't take to long as the manticore leaps at the group of natives. Just as Andrew was about ready to start firing his weapon, the group of natives was surround by what looked like a dome force field, and the moment that the manticore came in contact with it bounced off it like a rubber ball. Causing the large feline to be flung backwards a good few feet away, but all that seemed to have done was make it angrier as it reoriented itself in mid-air, and then charged at the dome again this time slashing at it with its claws. "If I'm going to intervene I better do it now!" Andrew then pulled his trigger and unleashed a burst fire of bullets, which soared through the air and between the beast and the natives dome. Scaring the bejeezus out of the beast and the natives. Quickly acting on the confusion, Andrew grabbed one of the flashbangs from his belt and chucked it right at the manticore, nailing it in the face. Then a second later the flashbang went off, turning the entire area of the forest blinding white, and causing the manticore to roll around on the ground in agony, roaring in pain as it rubs at its eyes with its paws. "Alright guys take this opportunity and--" Andrew didn't even need to finish his sentence when the natives dropped their shield, which seemed to protect them from the flashbang, and made a run for it by running back from where they came from. with the natives running back from where they came from, and the manticore still reeling in agony, Andrew took the opportunity to make a mad dash back to camp. Hopefully nothing else pops up. ~~~~~ Today was the start of Lieutenant Flare and her teams dive into the Everfree Forest, and search for a strange object that the princess has assigned them to look for and report back. The group was also tasked to investigate the appearance of some strange creatures that showed up, and helped save princess Celestia's pupil Twilight Sparkle. And the day started off good enough when the pegasi of Lieutenant Flare's team, Zephyr and Nosedive, were able to capture what appeared to be a young version of the flying creature they were assigned to look for. However when the group of guards entered the forest, to start their investigation into the strange sightings, they have been wandering around aimlessly with idea in where to begin their task. Although the groups excursion was delayed when they came across a manticore, and had to defend themselves via a shield. But the manticore attack was nothing when compared to what happened next. As the manticore was gearing itself up for another attack, a loud sound like miniature explosion erupted from the trees, and then a barrage of what looked like very small glowing orange pellets, whizzed between the manticore and Flare and her cohorts. Needless to say whatever those things were certainly gave the beast, and the guards a good fright as they came out of nowhere. But the strangeness wasn't over. After the little pellet things zipped past the group and beast, something then smacked into the manticore's face causing it to stagger for a bit. Now Flare and her team weren't able to see what exactly what it was, before the entire forest turned a blinding white. Lucky the group was spared whatever happed to the manticore, as the shield dulled the white light that just, spontaneously appeared in front of them. Whatever happened, the patrol of guards took the opportunity to make a run for it, putting distance between them, the manticore, and whatever else was in the forest with them. So now after the group had ran for a good few minutes, they eventually came into a small clearing where they stopped their running and took a moment to catch their breathes. "Well I can definitely say this mission is off to a great start." Lance says sarcastically as he flops down, his cloak crumbling around him. "I can certainly say that I wasn't expecting to run into a manticore." Nosedive says as she takes a moment to cool herself down by flapping her wings. "This is the Everfree Nosedive, we could run into anything in this forest." Lance says as he takes his helmet off. "Although those little glowing orange things, and that white light, that I didn't expect to see in this forest." "Yeah those were weird." Aegis said he looked over to Flare as she was fanning herself with her cloak. "Do you think those were some kind of spell boss?" "No." Flare instantly rebuked as she drops her cloak. "I didn't sense any magic from, whatever those thing were, but whatever caused them it gave us a chance to re-group." "So Lieutenant what's our plan now?" Zephyr asked the leader of their little patrol. "Given the fact that there is a possibly angry manticore back there--" Flare pointed towards where the group just came running from. "And that there is something else back there, I think we should try a different section of the forest." "Does that mean we can go home?" "Lance!" Flare and the rest of the team said in unison with unified annoyance for the stallions bellyaching, which only caused said stallion to just give a low groan. "We will check a different section of the forest, but for the time being lets take a break to finish catching our breathes." The rest of the group decided to take the opportunity to relax. After all, without knowing what could come out of the forest, the group will need to have their wits about them. but as the group rest Flare turned to look back to where she and the others came running from, and started to wander just what were those little glowing orange pellets, and what the blinding white light was. And what either caused them to appear, or where they came from.
A New World Discovered	Chapter 11	"This could be a slight problem." Henriette said as she rubs the bridge of her nose as Andrew, Kiburi, John, and Aria stand around her as they were meeting up for an important discussion. "If the natives are sending in what we are assuming are scouting parties, then it's only a matter of time that they discover that we are here before we are ready to make first actual contact." "Especially since we still don't know how to interpret their own langue, spoken or written." John said as he stood between his fellow crew members. "Also we still don't know how these people will react to us before we're prepared to make ourselves known." Aria said as she rubs her head as fidgets next to Henriette. "So what shall we do miss?" Kiburi asks the leader if the group. "Are we going to continue with the mission, or are we going to have to bail?" Henriette sat quietly in her chair as she thought about what to do next, and as she sat there the rest of the crew waited for her to give them an answer. A few more seconds later and Henriette seemed to have finished her mental deliberation and looked at the crew as a whole. "If we stay then these equines will find us sooner than we want. But if we leave then we'll only announce our presence even more and may have to withdraw before anything brash happens, which could set this whole project back months." "So what's going to be our game plan?" John asked as he scratches the top of his head. "...we might just need to push up our time table of introducing ourselves to the natives." The rest of the crew seemed unsure about this line of reasoning, and their faces showed. "I know this maybe brash, but I think it would be better for us to approach the natives first, rather than them find us and think us as invaders before we can correct them." "But Miss. Henriette we don't even have the means to comminate with them." Andrew said in a caution tone before his mask hissed. "Which is why we might have to make a more, drastic step." Henriette then turned to the consul she was sitting at and started fiddling around with it, until the screen changed to a picture of the native that Lucky and the recon drones saved from the wooden wolves. "And I think she might be the best way to further expedite our mission." ~~~~~ Twilight Sparkle was sitting alone in her room as she sat on her bed, book in hand and was just reading to past the time. Today has been a rather boring one so far. all of the chores were pretty much done, and not a lot of work was laid about for the unicorn to really get any progress underway, and with Spike gone to Rarity's boutique to 'help' the fashionista Twilight was left all by her lonesome. But luckily she has her books that she can read to occupy her time, although even her books can only do so much to alleviate the mare's own growing boredom. Closing her book and letting out a small sigh the mare placed the book down on he bed and trotted out of room, heading towards the library's balcony to get some fresh air and think about what else she could do. And as the mare stood on the balcony thinking about what she could do for fun, and occasionally glancing at a passing pony who greats her and she greats back, the mare then heard a slight buzzing sound. Her ears perked up and when she looks around for the source of the noise, she finds a familiar silver creature buzzing around the tree when she leans over the railing. "'It's one of the strange creatures!'" Twilight said quietly as to not frighten the creature as it buzzes around, before flying in through the balcony door. Twilight then followed it into the room, quickly closed the door behind her and just started watching the little thing fly about. As she watches the creature the mare then decided to take this opportunity to study it, and quickly grabbed a quill and a paper nearby and starts to write down everything she notices about the creature, and its own behaviors. Whilst the mare shifts focus to the flying creature, and the paper she was writing on, she started to inch closer to the creature as it just flies around the room, occasionally bumping into objects or making a louder whirling sound. Then as Twilight stood a few feet from the creature it spun in place and looked at her, before it started to fly over to the mare who then reached out and petted the little thing on its head, which made it tetter and petter as it buzzed happily. "I really wish I know what you, and the others are." Twilight bemuses as she removes her finger from the creature as a thought came to her. "Especially that silver wolf creature. It looked like it was just a boney skeleton, but its body looked like it was covered in a layer of metal and had armor on it." as Twilight muttered to herself she felt the creature nudge into her, gently pressing itself into her like it was trying to push her, more than just nuzzling into her. "What are you doing?" Twilight chortled as she looked down to the creature. The little flying creature then flew over to the balcony door and bumped into it, the unicorn then trotted to the door and opened it but as she dose so, more of the small flying creatures showed up. "There are more of you!" The unicorn moved out onto the balcony and just looked at the small cluster of flying creatures, watching them flying about before heading off into the distance. All except one. The little creature then flew over to Twilight, and with a small pincer that appeared from its underside, gently pinched down on the mare's sleeve and starts tugging. Clearly the creature was trying to make her follow her, and as much as she would like to do so and study these little creatures further, and possibly the larger version of themselves, Twilight did promise that she wouldn't go to the Everfree and go looking--Twilight's train of thought stopped as something came to her. she did promise the princess that she wouldn't go to the Everfree and search for the strange flying black object she saw, but she technically didn't say she couldn't go to the forest for any other matters. After mentally deliberating the implications of her promise to the princess, and her desire to continue to study these strange and fascinating creatures, the mare headed back inside the library and levitated her bag, scrolls, and other such needed items over to her before going back out onto the balcony. As she stood on the balcony the creature tried to tug on her sleeve again, but it was stopped when Twilight pointed to herself, and then out towards the general direction of the forest hoping that the creature got what she was trying to convey. And it seemed to work as the creature buzzed and flew in a circle, before flying off towards where the others flew off. "Alright. I'm only going to study the creatures, observe them and nothing more." Twilight said more to reassure herself on what she was doing. A moment later Twilight's horn lit up with magic, and then she vanished with a small flash of light and magical pop. Then a second later at the far end of the Ponyville, right on the boarder that leads into the Everfree, Twilight re-appeared. "Okay. Now I'll first have to find my new little friends." Just as Twilight was about to go looking for the little creatures, she stopped as she slightly turned her head and caught something out of the corner of her eye. Turning to look what it was Twilight flinched when she found the strange metal-skinned boned canine. The creature was standing just a few feet from her, and was looking straight at her with its large orb-like eye, which stared at her with an strange sensation. Like it was looking her all over like it was studying her as well. Twilight cautiously approached the canine creature, but when she took only a few steps the creature itself began walking over to her, and when it was a foot from the mare it then sat down and gave a haggard sounding yip. The unicorn took this as a sign that the canine was peaceful, and reached out to pet between its stiff hears. "Wow. You feel really cold to the touch." Twilight said to the creature as she withdraws her hand from the canine, who then stood up and started to rub against the mare. "Ow! Ow! You also feel really jagged!" Twilight said in mild discomfort as she feels the creature rub against her, feeling its pointy and rough parts jab and poke into her sides. Just as the canine finished rubbing against her Twilight heard the familiar whirling and buzzing of her little flying friends, and when she looked up she not only found them but their larger parent member as well. "Hey there!" Twilight said to the large flying creature as it floats down to Twilight, and ever so gently pressed itself against the mare's chest. "You guys really are a lot friendlier than I thought you would be." Twilight said as she pets the creature on the back as its little ones flew around the pair. The mare was just amazed that she was able to meet these strange creatures again, and seeing that her saviors from the timberwolves were all so friendly. Once the large flying creature had enough of the unicorns petting, it then flew back a few paces and just floated in mid-air, while its little ones orbit around it. the unicorn looked between the creatures, and none of them were moving, in fact they were all just remaining idle that they looked like statues. Since they were staying still Twilight decided to take this opportunity to study them, and since she was able to get up close to the creatures she could easily see their features better. "You lot truly are an interesting bunch." Twilight muttered as she examined the canine creature close up, and was really looking up close at its armor and body overall. Just as the unicorn was studying the canines shoulder plating, the creatures all moved around her started to move again, and was making their way to the forest. Twilight turned to follow after them, but she stopped in tracks, and outright fell on her butt after she stuttered backwards. Standing just outside the tree line, surrounded by the creatures, and looking down at her...were two bipedal creaturess. The likes of which she has never seen before ever, or even thinks is possible. "Wha--what are--" Twilight stuttered as she just looks up at the creatures who continued to look down at her, surrounded by the other creatures who all seemed friendly with it. One of the two creatures, the one that had long wavey hair and a similar body type to her friend Rarity, broke away from the others and started to walk over to Twilight. Who in shock and fear of an unknown creature scampered back a few feet. When the creature was a foot from her Twilight ignited her horn with magic, but before she used a spell to either defend herself or teleport away, the creature knelt down and gave the mare a gentle smile. The smile was sincere, and the creature...it gave off a peaceful and gentle aura, which made Twilight start to calm down. The creature then reached out with a small hairless hand, dainty in appearance. The mare looked from the hand to the creature's face, and still saw its gentle smile as it looked down at her. Probably against her better judgment, Twilight cautiously reached out with her own hand, and took the creatures own hand in hers. Feeling its smooth skin against her lightly fuzzed palm.
A New World Discovered	Chapter 12	Twilight was over completely and utterly over the moon right now! Cause right now, she was sitting in some kind of unusual building that was built just a few feet from the old, ruined castle, and was surrounded by five bipedal creatures that she's never seen or read about, along with the two strange metal skinned creatures with the little ones flying around. At first Twilight was scared out of her mind when two of the bipeds came to her, and actually guided her to the source of the strange sighting that she snuck out to try and see what was going on. But once the unicorn saw that none of the creatures wanted to hurt her, she allowed them to guide her through the forest safely until they made it to the creatures metal home. When Twilight was brought to the creatures home she studied them all as best she could, noting in how the bipedal creatures shared many physical traits with ponies. With the main differences being their heads, having no fur, tails, wings, horns, or pony legs. and the clothes that all of them were wearing were all varied from one individual from another. The leader of the group, the tall female creature with the long curvy mane and glass, seemed to be dressed up in something that looks like a business suit. The creature that walked beside her during the trek through the forest was more, bulkier in that it was wearing some kind of strange armor with fabric covering it, and it was caring a strange black object in its hands. The other members of the group were also quite interesting to look at as well. The third member of the group was probably the tallest compared to the rest, just a head taller than the bulkier possible soldier of the team. And it was dressed up in some fairly casual looking clothes. The fourth creature was about the same size of the female with the long curly hair, and was dressed up much like the solider, but what really made Twilight take interest in the creature was the metal mask it had. and then the final member of the group was defiantly the smallest of them all, and was the most scrawny, and its clothing was like the tall one being all casual except for the gloves and goggles it also wore. But as much as Twilight was positively delighted to meet such strange, new creatures, she was a little perplexed. None of these creatures seemed to speak Ponish, or any other language that Twilight is familiar with. Yet Twilight remained intrigued by these strange creatures, even more so with their home which was unlike anything that she's ever seen. The whole structure was completely made out of metal, from the walls to the floor, everything was polished metal. Aside from the overall construction of the building, there were other tings in the building that were just strange. Like the large rectangular picture frames along the walls, all of which had extremely shinny images on them...images that shifted and swirled. It was actually mesmerizing to watch though. "Just who are these creatures? And what are they doing here in Equestria, or more importantly where did they come from." Twilight muttered quietly to herself as she focused attention back on the creatures, and seeing that they were still in a rather heated conversation with each other. "If only I knew what they were saying. Just as Twilight thought about being able to understand these creatures, an idea came to her. well, more like a thought really. The unicorn then started to dig through her satchel before pulling out one of the books inside. The book in question was a typical tome of magical spells that Twilight reads to mostly pass the time, but now with the book in hand Twilight started to flip through pages, looking for one entry in particular that she thought she remembered seeing in it. Or at least hoped this particular book had the spell she was thinking of. "Ah-ha! Here it is." Twilight said a bit louder than her previous hushed words. Looking up for a moment Twilight checked to see if the creatures caught her little outburst, but they were still engaged into their personal talks. Looking back down to the book she was holding, Twilight started to read up on the spell she had opened up, which was a translation spell. Or at least a rudimentary version of the spell. Twilight's never tried using such a spell before, as Equestria rarely, if ever, meets other species or races that don't speak Ponish themselves. Luckily though Twilight was quick study so learning the spell shouldn't be to hard, although using and casting the spell without any practice was another story, and since she doesn't want to frighten these new creatures she was going to have to get this spell right in one cast. So Twilight read the spell down to the last syllable, mesmerizing every spell component and sequence there was, until she had everything committed to memory. 'Okay. Now to see if this spell will actually work on them.' Twilight mentally internalized as she quietly stuffs the book back into her satchel. "Here goes nothing." Twilight took in a short breath before lighting up her horn, and began casting the spell on the creatures. They were all startled and started to panic as all of them started to develop a purplish glow around them, and they all looked towards Twilight, some looked panicked and confused but the soldiers looked ready to attack Twilight! But as the two made their way over to Twilight, she heard them speak Ponish! "I told you it was a bad idea to bring this alien here! It's trying to attack us!" "No wait!" Twilight quickly said as she stood up from her seat and held her hands out! "I wasn't attacking you; I was casting a translation spell so we can understand each other, I swear!" thankfully Twilight's words seemed to catch the creatures off guard as they all looked at her with shocked expressions. That's when the creature with the curly mane took a few cautious steps forward towards Twilight, but was stopped when the bulkier soldier stuck his hand out in front of her. "You...can understand us?" the female creature asked in a calm, bewildered, yet soothing voice as she looked at Twilight with wide eyes. "Yes." Twilight answered quickly. "I used a basic translation spell so that we can understand each other on a fundamental level." "A translation spell?" the tall slender creature said as he looked himself over for a second before looking back at Twilight with a confused expression. "You mean you used, magic on us?" Twilight just nodded her head. "Incredible! Actual magic!" the smaller creature said in an excitable voice. "We just witnessed actual legitimate magic being used, this is an incredible find!" Twilight seemed a little curious on how excitable the small creature sounded, especially as it seems she's never witnessed magic. Or even heard of it. "Is magic not common where your from?" Twilight asked. The leader of the group shook her head. "Where we're from magic is make believe, not real." "Not real! But how is that possible?!" Twilight asked in utter shock. "Perhaps we should introduce ourselves, and tell you what we are...and where we came from." the leader said before gesturing Twilight to sit back down as she sits in a nearby chair, while the other creatures either stood or sat down next to them. Once everypony was situated Twilight listened with baited breath as the creature spoke about where she, and her fellow creatures came from, and who they were. and what an incredible tale the leader of these creatures was telling. this group of creatures apparently are not from Equestria, or the planet itself, they were instead travelers from another world! Explorers that sail the endless expanses of space in their ship, which was actually what the building they were all in actually called. As they traverse through the vast void of space, studying every planet that they come across and see if its inhabitable, or be used as an agricultural hub in case their home world is stricken with famine, or something terrible happens. And Twilight's own home world was just their latest discovery, but according to what the groups leader, Henriette, was saying the ponies were the first actual alien life forms that they have meet. Now originally the group was to study the ponies from a distance, and see if they were peaceful and if it was possible to establish political ties, but with the patrol of guards that was sent to investigate them they thought it would be better to be more direct. And since they're strange creatures, which were actually robots, have had encountered Twilight once before and saw that she was also trying to study them, Henriette made the decision to bring Twilight to the group to try and establish communication. "And that is our story Twilight." Henriette said as she finishes wrapping up telling the unicorn everything about the group, and their mission. "This is...wow. I honestly don't know how to react to this." Twilight said as she took some time to absorb everything that she was told. "So, what happens now?" "Well for one thing, we would like to know if your people have some kind of diplomatic leader we could meet with, and explain to them everything we just told you." "Of course!" Twilight all but shouted as she jumped up to her hooves. "I know the royal family personally, in fact, Princess Celestia is my mentor when it comes to magic." "Well she be willing to meet us?" "Certainly. I can even write up a letter, and send it to her." "And how do we know your not just playing nice, to lure us into a false sense of security." The bulky soldier, who Henriette introduced as Kiburi, said in a skeptical tone as he gave the mare a cold stare. "I would never do that! no pony in Equestria would do that to any creature for no reason." Twilight argued. "And how can we believe you?" "Kiburi that's enough." Henriette said in a commanding tone as she stood up. "I doubt Twilight would do such a thing." "As head of our teams security I'm only being cautious." "I understand but we--" As the two humans debated with one another, Twilight's ears were assaulted by a blaring siren sound that just started going off. "What's going on?!" Twilight asked as she looked at the group of humans, and watched as the tall human called John rushed over to one of the walls with the picture frames, where they spiraling images turned into...Twilight wasn't sure what the new images were. but she was amazed that they fact that the images changed at all. "One of the proximity alarms just went off, it looks like those ponies guards sent to look for us are in a spot of trouble." "Where?" Twilight asked worriedly. "Northwest of our location...and it seems that they're in a fight with something big." "We have to go and help them!" "Kiburi you and Andrew go with Twilight, John take control of Lucky & Aria you take control of Observer." Twilight was impressed in how effectively the group reacted to Henriette's commands, with the two soldiers grabbing their weapons while John and Aria sat down in front of the frames, where they started to fiddle around with the machines in front of them. a second later the mechanical wolf named Lucky started to run out of the ship, with the soldiers and Twilight following behind it and Observer flying overhead. ~~~~~ "Try this on for size!" Aegis shouted as he picked up a large rock and chucked it at the massive cragadile that was trying to turn him and his fellow guards into an afternoon snack. But the rock was smashed to pieces by a simple tail whip from the large stone hide reptile. "Lance don't give the thing ammunition!" Zephyr shouted as she bobbed and weaved through the pieces of rocks that were sent towards her way. "My bad!" "Everypony fallback to the ridge!" Flare shouted as she casted a shield spell to black the cragadile's charge, but like with the rock the large reptile easily smashed right through the shield spell. "Lieutenant!" Nosedive shouted as she dove towards the groups leader, and snatched her up before the cragadile was able to get its jaws around the unicorn. "Could this day get any worst for us." Just then as if from nowhere a horrible guttural howl roared out from the forest, causing Nosedives ears, and her fellow guards to ach in pain along with the cragadile. Then from the tree line the guards watched as the skeletal wolf came bursting out of the foliage, and tackled the cragadile and actually managed to shove it a good four feet. The guard ponies then watched as two strangely clothed creatures came bursting out of the trees, followed by none other than Twilight Sparkle! But the guards attention was quickly brought back to the cragadile, as it and the skeletal wolf started to wrestle with one another. Yet the wrestling match was quickly over with as the wolf leapt off the cragadile, and the guards then heard rapid 'brrrt' sounds, and again seeing the small flashes of fiery sparks that they saw before just peppered and harassed the cragadile. Eventually the large reptile up and left the guards, and the other creatures as it turned tail and started to waddle back to where it came from. "Is everypony alright?" Twilight Sparkle asked all the guards as she approached them. "Yeah we're fine." Flare said as she was placed back down on the ground. "Bat what are you doing in the Everfree Forest Twilight? The princess gave you explicit orders to remain in town. "I know, but I've discovered something that all of you might want to know." Twilight said as she gestured to the two strangely clothed bipedal creatures and the wolf. Flare and her subordinates all gave each other an unknowing look before looking back to Twilight. "Very well, let us see what you have discovered."
Wànlǐ Chángchéng / A Great Wall	pre	Yúhuī's eyebrows went up, but it was the growl from behind that claimed most of Meng Huàn's attention. "Careful," Tiāngǒu said, and when Meng Huàn glanced back, the dog was standing right behind him, those glowing red eyes almost on a level with Meng Huàn's own. "Once I've had a taste of something, Moon Horse, I don't give up till I've had my fill." His nostrils flared, and he sucked a big breath through them. "And you, I could scarf all the way down to your fancy silver shoes." Meng Huàn could only stare, something cold and sharp as a tempered blade shivering through him; it took a fair amount of effort to roll his eyes and pretend he hadn't felt it. "Please. You can't expect me to believe you'd be willing to settle for a snack when a full, five course meal is waiting for you?" Tiāngǒu blinked, and Meng Huàn lowered his head and his voice. "My brother--" he began. But Yúhuī cut him off: "--is the ruler of all Cōng Mǎ Guó. And as much as one might wish otherwise, discussing in more than general terms how he might be dislodged from that spot could be considered a crime were one to take the current statutes at face value." He began walking toward them, this gaze, as far as Meng Huàn could tell, fixed firmly on Tiāngǒu's. "And we're a great believer in taking statutes seriously, aren't we, Tiāngǒu? It's by statute, after all, that you're entitled to custodianship of His Highness's domain." Reaching Tiāngǒu's side, Yúhuī finally raised his eyes to meet Meng Huàn's. "Since that domain had been abandoned and left bereft by its former custodian, that is." The mockery in Yúhuī's voice was quiet but definite, and Meng Huàn didn't need to force the hair along his neck to bristle. "My exile--" And again, Yúhuī cut him off, his face suddenly very close to Meng Huàn's: "--doesn't concern me in the slightest!" the unicorn hissed. "In point of fact, sir, the only pony I can think of who's a greater fool than you is your bloated toad of a brother, and to dispose of you both, I need only sit back, enjoy the fine figs grown in the palace gardens, and read a leisurely book or two!" The cold malice radiating from him filled Meng Huàn even more than what he'd felt from Tiāngǒu, but then Yúhuī was turning away. "So thank you for stopping by, Your Highness. Since you showed yourself in, I believe you can show yourself out." Like everything else in Cōng Mǎ Guó--Twilight rolled the phrase around on her tongue several times till she felt she was getting closer to pronouncing the pitch accents correctly--the palace archive was just different enough to shudder her to a stop every once in a while. Not so much because of the architecture or the color scheme or the slight alteration in the filing system, but, well, the names of the Canterlot Tower castellans and administrators, ponies whose lives she'd written reports about during her years as Celestia's student, none of them were the same. None of them! And yes, she was expecting it. But each and every time she unrolled a scroll, her eyes jittered across the names like a poorly inked quill across parchment. She still managed to piece things together, of course. Even though the mares she remembered were all stallions here and vice versa, they all seemed to have done pretty much the same things, and she found her way eventually to the right room and the right section and the right shelves for official government contracts from six hundred years ago. Dusty didn't begin to describe the place, the only light creeping down from a window as narrow as a knife slit up near the ceiling. Using her own hornglow, she found the paperwork detailing Tiān Shàng's agreement with Tiāngǒu; she found the increasingly concerned notes from the palace astronomers; she found copies of the frosty correspondence Tiān Shàng had sent asking Tiāngǒu if all was well-- And that was it. The files ended there without any of the notarized documents the contract said Tiān Shàng needed to cancel the contract, no required list of grievances, nothing! She even looked through the other sections on the surrounding shelves just in case the paperwork had gotten put away in the wrong place, but she didn't find any of the forms or letters she needed to find. Panic started tightening her stomach, but she forced it away, took a breath and a step back. A little thought brought her exactly the spell she needed, and closing her eyes, she cast it, let it expand out from her like fragrance from a flower. And when she opened her eyes, she could see the magical residue of every spell that had been cast here in the past five years, the stuff lumpy and glittery and clinging to the scrolls and the shelves. Or rather, she couldn't help noticing, clinging to the scrolls in one particular section of shelving: the section she'd been looking through that contained everything related to Tiāngǒu. The rest of the room didn't show any signs of activity either magical or otherwise, and that made suspicious little wheels start turning in Twilight's head. Leaving the archives, she let the motion of those wheels start other wheels, thoughts tumbling through her like a stream across a bed of stones. Unfortunately, the ideas that insisted on washing out the other end weren't any she much liked, so she kept turning and returning them, her steps carrying her out of the palace library and back upstairs to the lab where Bómù's mirror still stood embedded in the apparatus she'd built around it. Her reflection had bags under its eyes, and she realized that she hadn't really gotten a full night's sleep since arriving in this universe. Had that really only been two days ago? She reached out, touched the mirror's hard, cold surface, and couldn't help wondering if all this was happening in Equestria, too. Had some female sky dog shown up demanding to take control of Luna's moon? She'd certainly never heard of Celestia making a deal like Tiān Shàng had made with Tiāngǒu, but, well, even after all these years, Twilight seemed to learn new things every week or two about her former mentor and current friend.... Behind her, darkness flowed through the doorway, Meng Huàn stepping into the room with a sinuous grace that made Twilight catch her breath. "Ah," he said with a sideways smile. "Looking for a way out?" Heart pounding--not because he was so attractive, she told herself, but because of the plan she'd been forming on her way up from the archives--she turned around and shook her head. "I don't leave problems unsolved," she said, a little surprised at how resolute she sounded. Meng Huàn's ears perked, and his smile made Twilight do some inner chiding when the word 'adorable' appeared so quickly in her thoughts. "Good news, then?" Meng Huàn asked. "Ah." Twilight cleared her throat and told him about the missing paperwork and the magical residue, his ears slowly wilting and his expression getting blanker and blanker. "So," he said when she'd finished. "Somepony stole the documents." Twilight held up a hoof. "Not just anypony. Yúhuī grew up here in the palace, so I'm sure he knows the layout; I'm sure he has the power to get in and out undetected; and after his break with Tiān Shàng, I'm definitely sure he would spend some time planning his revenge. Back home in the detective stories I've read, they call that 'motive, means, and opportunity.'" She couldn't keep her own ears up. "And since you're asking, I'm going to guess you weren't able to trick them into turning on each other?" "Alas." Meng Huàn sat on the floor of the lab, his mane barely billowing around his shoulders. "This Yúhuī is annoyingly focused and determined." That smile pulled his muzzle again, his dark eyes growing warm. "As opposed to another pony of my recent acquaintance who is proving quite delightfully focused and determined." He nodded to her. "I'm assuming, therefore, that you have a plan." It took some effort for Twilight to pull her gaze away from his, but even more effort for her to look back up at him again. "I know I've got no right to ask this, not with the way we've only just met, but--" She took a breath and blew it out. "Do you trust me, Meng Huàn?" "Unhesitatingly," he said so quickly, Twilight had to blink a few times before she could answer. "But--" And even though it would make her plan more difficult, she still had to say it: "I'm not Bómù!" He smirked. "Thank the midnight sky for that." She couldn't keep from giving a little stomp. "This is serious, Meng Huàn!" "It is, yes." In the quiet, his voice seemed to deepen. "Bómù has saved my life, both literally and metaphorically, at least three times, and among all ponies, I love him second only to my brother. So, yes, you are not him, but I have seen and sensed your greatness and your gentleness, the qualities that earned Bómù my brother's love and earned him wings very similar to those you yourself wear so fetchingly. So, yes, Twilight Sparkle, I shall once again agree with you. You are not Bómù." The light in his eyes made Twilight never want to look away. "And I shall also say again: thank the midnight sky for that." Everything in her shaking and whirling, Twilight couldn't keep from blurting out, "'Cause you need to give the moon to Tiāngǒu!" "What?" The warm quiet shattered, Meng Huàn actually leaping back from her. "You...you would have me abdicate?" With an almost physical wrench, Twilight forced her mind toward the plan she'd come up with. "Tiāngǒu will take your power, and knowing what I know about Sunset Shimmer, I'm absolutely certain that Yúhuī already has some spell set up to transfer that power to him. And once he's shown his true self, all monstrous and stuffed full of magic and malice, that's when we'll be able to stop him, strip him of that power, and return it to you." Meng Huàn's jaw hung open, and the eyes that had shone so invitingly a few seconds ago were now staring at her like she'd suddenly sprouted scales. "That's madness!" he choked out. "It's balance." Still shivering, Twilight slipped into the relative comfort of her lecture voice. "My experiences have shown again and again that the power of Harmony ebbs and flows in direct proportion to the power of Disharmony rising up against it. Harmony is a reactive force, dormant when unopposed and only responding in equal measure when it's attacked." She couldn't stop a little grin. "My friend Pinkie Pie says, 'Never play an ace when a deuce'll do,' and that seems to be how Harmony handles things. Except, well, a lot of the time it won't do anything at all till that other ace gets slapped down on the table." The air didn't seem quite as close to shattering around them; at least Meng Huàn was listening instead of galloping from the room. Twilight swallowed and presented her conclusion. "So I say we force the issue. Give Tiāngǒu what he wants, and when Yúhuī reveals his plan by betraying Tiāngǒu and trying to take over Cōng Mǎ Guó, we'll be able to summon up the local version of Rainbow Power and stop him." "'We?'" Meng Huàn asked. Twilight blinked, the flaw in her plan suddenly jabbing her like a nutshell in her gums. Still, she went on: "Bómù's friends and I. I mean, they're practically the same as my friends back home, so we should certainly be able to...to..." Seeing his wide eyes, more than a little white around the rims, made her voice trail off; she swallowed, stepped closer, and touched his shoulder. "I can stall Yúhuī for a day, I'm pretty sure, but then I'll have to admit that the paperwork to prove that Tiān Shàng cancelled Tiāngǒu's contract just isn't here." The muscles under his velvety hide were tense, hard as granite against her hoof, in fact, and Twilight couldn't keep from rubbing his shoulder, wanting nothing more than to soothe him. "I'll make an excuse to head back to Ponyville today--I mean, back to Xiǎo Mǎ Cheng--and I'll talk to Bómù's friends. If we can't come up with a better plan, I'll bring them back with me tomorrow, and we'll do what we always do: get the bad guy." Meng Huàn remained frozen; without even thinking, Twilight cast a warming spell over the hoof she was rubbing his shoulder with in the hope that it might help. His eyes rolled closed, though, and he shivered, something Twilight didn't know how to interpret. "In my head," he said quietly, "I have this voice. It's the voice that convinced me to embrace my jealousy and hatred a thousand years ago, the voice that convinced me to continue punishing myself with the Ye Biān Zǐ after my return." Not knowing what else to do, Twilight kept caressing his shoulder, but when his eyes opened, she almost froze herself, the expression she saw there harder by far than his tense muscles. "That voice right now, Twilight, is trying to convince me that it's no coincidence that you and Yúhuī and Tiāngǒu all appeared at exactly the same time. It wants me to think that the three of you are working together, that you conspired somehow to eliminate Bómù and are now bent on destroying me and usurping my domain." "You--" Twilight could barely get the words out. "You don't really believe that, do you?" For half an instant, she was sure he did, was sure he was going to do something rash and terrible and that she would have to do something just as terrible to defend herself from him. But then he drew in a great, shuddering breath, everything about him relaxing as he blew it back out. "I don't," he said, and the tiny curve of his smile made Twilight feel warm all over. "I've come to the opinion that this particular voice doesn't have my best interests at heart, and I'm vowing here and now that I will no longer heed its advice." His gaze darted over to where she was still rubbing his shoulder, and his smile grew. "Thank you for that, by the way." "Eeep!" Embarrassment flooding her, Twilight pulled her hoof away. "I'm so sorry, Meng Huàn! I didn't mean to--!" "To comfort me?" The smile spread to his dark eyes, and the warmth around Twilight spread, too. "To reassure me? To help me through a rough patch as friends often do?" "Oh. Well. Yes." Twilight couldn't stop a giggle. "That. Those three things. That's exactly what I meant to do." "Then you succeeded." He reached out and touched her hoof so gently, it felt more like the flutter of a passing bird's wing. "Still, we'd best inform Tiān Shàng." Tiān Shàng was holding court, of course, something Twilight had watched Celestia do innumerable times. She'd even done it herself on a small scale, opening her palace in Ponyville for a few hours a couple afternoons a week so folks could stop by who might have questions or concerns about matters of friendship. But there seemed to be a good deal more pageantry involved here. Back in Canterlot, it was pretty much just Celestia or Luna with their respective chamberlain meeting whatever ponies had sought an audience atop the throne room dais, but peering in through the back doorway of the Yue Mǎ Jīng throne room, Twilight saw unicorns with long trumpets floating in front of them, heralds in brightly colored tunics standing at the public entrance, scribes and scholars speaking quietly to each other or working at small desks spread around the base of the throne. "My brother," Meng Huàn murmured behind her, a chuckle in his voice. "I can recall a time when he would've snorted roundly at such protocol." His sigh wafted across Twilight's neck and made the hair stir at the base of her mane. "At least my exile had one positive consequence." "More than one," Twilight said quickly, looking back and up at him. "I've been researching an article for several months now that I plan to submit to the Canterlot Historical Society about the way that modern Equestria largely owes its existence to the millennium our two princesses spent apart. If Bómù was working on a similar article--" She stopped, a thought wrinkling her brow. "Though if he's been developing mirror magic, he probably hasn't had much opportunity to do much else. Still, I can look through his files and--" "It's all right, Twilight." The twinkle in Meng Huàn's eye got her feeling all warm again. "After we get the mirror working properly, you can send me a copy of your article once it's published." He squinted, and a bubble of light popped from the tip of his horn. "Let me get Tiān Shàng's attention, and we can begin putting your plan into action." Doubts about her plan started bubbling louder and faster in her brain--how it wasn't so much a plan as an extended bout of wishful thinking, for instance--but she pushed them all down to watch Meng Huàn's bubble drift almost invisibly out into the throne room. It wafted to the top of the dais and popped beside Tiān Shàng's ear just as his most recent supplicant was turning away. Tiān Shàng's ears folded then, and he stood with a whisk of his sunrise colored tail. "Forgive me," he announced, all the courtiers' heads startling up from their work. "Some urgent business has just come to my attention, so court will stand in recess for one half of an hour." He bowed to the room, descended the steps with every bit as much elegance as Celestia, and moved in a stately fashion toward the doorway Twilight was peering through. Stepping back, she nodded to him as he came in, closing the door behind himself. "Your message said a half hour, brother." His smile had a few more teeth in it than Twilight had ever seen from Celestia. "Will routing these villains take so short a time?" "Not entirely, no." Meng Huàn looked at Twilight. "Tell him what you didn't find." "Didn't?" Tiān Shàng's ears folded again, but then his expression darkened like a stormy afternoon. "Yúhuī's taken the paperwork, I assume?" Twilight kept her voice quiet. "The way magic loses the individual markers of the unicorn who cast it so quickly, there's no way to prove that the residue I found in the archives came from Yúhuī: it was just too old. But if I can make him think that I have a way of further testing it--" And as quickly as she could, she explained what she had in mind. "I don't like it," she finished. "But with Sunset Shimmer, we had to wait till she hit rock bottom and had actually transformed into a monster before we could show her how she was destroying herself." With a swallow, she looked up at Tiān Shàng. "So I'd be happy to hear any other idea. Any other idea at all." For a couple breaths, Tiān Shàng remained motionless and scowling; then he turned to Meng Huàn. "Your thoughts, brother?" Almost hoping he would stomp in disgust and demand they come up with something better, Twilight shivered a little when Meng Huàn just exhaled loudly through his nostrils. "I'm not fond of it either." Another of those partial smiles pulled his lips. "But I can think of no ponies into whose hoofs I would rather put my life than the two of you." "Very well!" Tiān Shàng's wings shot open, light filling Twilight's eyes. And when they cleared, the three of them were standing in a stretch of hallway outside an ornately carved and arched door, the guards on either side straightening to attention. "Tiāngǒu!" Tiān Shàng called. "Yúhuī Yì Yào! We come with information regarding the case you've brought before us! May we enter?" A moment of silence, then the door swung open, Tiāngǒu looming behind Yúhuī, the unicorn standing there with that smug look on his face. "Of course. I somehow suspect it'll be good news you've brought to my friend and myself." Just the tone of his voice made Twilight want to grind her teeth, but instead, she pasted as honest a smile as she could manage over her snout and followed Tiān Shàng inside, Meng Huàn gliding quietly in behind her. "Actually," she said, "the news is that I'll need at least till tomorrow morning to complete my task." "What?" All Yúhuī's smugness tightened into anger. "All you had to do, girl, was look for some paperwork! Are you entirely incompetent?" Tightening her own smile just a bit, Twilight sparked her horn. "Not entirely," she said, and knowing he would recognize it, she began spinning the residue detection spell. "It's just that I found several things I wasn't expecting in the archives, and I'd like to analyze them a bit further." Yúhuī's brow had wrinkled at the first glimmer of Twilight's magic, but she was more than a little pleased to see his eyes go wide in what could only have been alarm as she continued demonstrating the spell. "Back home," she went on, "I have exactly the books I need in my library, so I'm hoping Bómù has similar books in his. And I'm sure you'll agree that it'd be quite a shame to taint my final decision by conducting an incomplete investigation." She looked from him to Tiāngǒu. "You've already had to go through so much to stake this claim, sir, I know you wouldn't want some last minute snag to make things even more difficult." Tiāngǒu snorted. "Do whatever you want, pony." And when he smiled, it was nasty and greasy and made Twilight want to head for the nearest bathtub. "I always find that obstacles of this sort stimulate the appetite." Again, she refused to show her reaction and turned her attention back to Yúhuī. His forehead was wrinkled, but Twilight could almost smell his mind spinning, trying to figure out if she really had a way of doing something as impossible as tracing old magical residue back to the spell's original caster. "Very well," he said slowly. "You may have till tomorrow's dawn, Miss Sparkle. As you say, we all want this to be done correctly. In fact--" A bit of his previous smugness returned. "Perhaps I should come with you and help you search for--" Tiān Shàng's snort cut him off, Twilight almost shying sideways at its vehemence. "With my brother's life at stake, perhaps I should call out every professor from my university to assist! Perhaps several squadrons of the royal guard would be useful as well!" "Or perhaps--" Meng Huàn's silken voice drifted through the air as gentle as moonlight. "We should trust Princess Twilight to know what she's doing and how best to do it." His words took on a midnight coldness. "That is what we all agreed to in this case, is it not?" The uncertain silence that followed almost got Twilight's wings rustling, but then Yúhuī shrugged and waved toward an alcove lined with bookshelves. "The only things I miss about Yue Mǎ Jīng are the libraries and the kitchens, and I have no objection to indulging myself in them till tomorrow morning." He gave Tiān Shàng a scowl. "And don't be melodramatic. Tiāngǒu taking control of the moon won't endanger Meng Huàn's life any more than you controlling it during his exile did." Shaking his head, he turned for the alcove. "So send up a steward when you go, will you? I'd like to order lunch." A snickering drew Twilight's gaze back to Tiāngǒu. "Go on," the dog rumbled. "We'll be here when you get back." Too busy stewing over everything that could still go wrong, Twilight didn't even notice that neither of the two princes spoke till they'd all traveled several corridors from the Mù Lán Shǔ Suite. "So," Tiān Shàng said then, startling her out of her thoughts. "I've got to get back to court. You should get some rest, brother, and Twilight, I--" He swallowed. "I'll see you tomorrow." "You will," she said, trying to put some firmness in her voice. Nodding, he spread his wings; light swirled around him, and he was gone. She turned then to Meng Huàn, and everything inside her tightened up, wanting so much to say something comforting. But-- "I'll see you tomorrow, too," was all she could get out. "You will," he replied, a calmness around the big, dark stallion that she couldn't face. Spinning, Twilight flared her horn, teleported to a point just above the castle's highest tower, and began pumping her wings toward Xiǎo Mǎ Cheng. She would find a way to do this. She would. She would.
Wànlǐ Chángchéng / A Great Wall	5 - Wǔ	Fortunately, during his patrol that evening, Meng Huàn sniffed out another spot in the dreamscape where the guǐ guài were beginning to bore their way through his barriers. So he was able to spend several satisfyingly crunchy hours concentrating on pest control rather than on whatever tomorrow's dawn might bring. Not that he had lost faith in Twilight. In fact--and he tried not to think about this, too--he had perhaps too much faith in her. Because, yes, he had dealt with many a monstrous and disreputable character during his centuries serving Cōng Mǎ Guó, and yes, neither of those adjectives could apply to Twilight Sparkle in the slightest. But still-- No. That foul little voice in his head was absolutely and completely wrong. That she had appeared when Bómù had disappeared and had been followed almost immediately by Tiāngǒu and Yúhuī was utter coincidence. Of this, Meng Huàn was more than certain. Bringing his hoofs down smartly upon the final brace of squirming vermin, he couldn't help smiling at the thought of Twilight-- And a part of his dream sense tolled like a deep and distant bell: Twilight had just fallen asleep, he realized. The quiet gong went off again, and his ears perked up. She wasn't just asleep; she was also trying to direct her dreams toward him, her attempts to stir his realm shaky but not entirely without skill. A conjured waterfall sluiced the bug guts from his shoes, and he whisked himself from the darker borders of his domain to the more hospitable portions near the center. Following her unmistakable lavender scent, he stepped through a shimmering wall into a dream of deep blue skies and white fluffy clouds only to see Twilight herself hovering with her eyes closed just to his left. Her head kept nodding, touching her horn to the pearlescent surface that in all actuality, she shouldn't have been able to sense in the slightest. Each touch made the whole dream waver, and each waver sent out the signal he'd been hearing. Staring, he recognized it as a technique he'd taught to Xīng Xuán Wō more than a thousand years ago, though he couldn't recall the sorceress ever actually using it to contact him. He'd thought a few times about teaching it to Bómù, but Twilight's Princess Luna had apparently done more than just consider it... Twilight's mouth went sideways. "C'mon, c'mon!" she muttered. Her eyes came open, and she started back. "Meng Huàn! Is...is it you, or am I dreaming?" Glad that his dark complexion hid his blushes so well--Tiān Shàng would surely have had something to say about how a gentlecolt shouldn't stare at a mare without her knowledge--he couldn't help cocking his head and smiling. "Am I the sort you're likely to dream about?" That got her blushing, but she cocked her head and smiled as well. "I'll answer that if you'll tell me how long you've been standing there watching me." Her smile faded. "Seriously, though, I talked things over with Píng and Hóng and everypony, and while we're not entirely sure what we'll be able to do, we all agreed that we need to be there and ready to do something in the morning in case anything happens." Her smile came back more than a little sheepishly. "So I kind of commandeered the midnight postal express train, and we're all on route. We should be there just before dawn." Something loosened in Meng Huàn's chest, a tightness he hadn't even noticed till it was gone and he could take a full breath. "I shall look forward to your arrival," he decided to say instead of one of the more effusive sentiments he could feel lurking about on the back of his tongue. "Me, too," Twilight said, and for half a heartbeat, Meng Huàn thought she might say more. But she yawned instead, her ears folding and a hoof covering her mouth. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I just--" "You need your sleep." He bowed to her. "You shall all have as pleasant a night as I can give you in the hope that you might be refreshed when next we meet in the waking world." He puffed a gentle breath over her; her eyes rolled closed, and one of the clouds around them drifted up so she could settle into deeper slumber atop it. Tempted to lean down and press a gentle kiss to her forehead, Meng Huàn instead leaped through the wall of her dream and out into the larger dreamscape, a troubling thought prodding at him for the first time. If he was indeed forced to give up the moon, how would that affect his role here? All his duties were linked, of course, but the more he considered it now from his vantage point floating above the assembled and assorted dream worlds of his charges, he realized that he'd always seen his role as Night Bringer in a secondary light. Dream was his name, after all, and serving the ponies of Cōng Mǎ Guó as their Dream Guardian gave him a satisfaction nothing else in his long, long life ever had. So what would happen to the dreamscape should Tiāngǒu and Yúhuī succeed? Gritting his teeth, Meng Huàn plunged through the aethersphere to the outer reaches of his realm. In his heart of hearts, he had to admit that he expected the next day to be fairly ugly despite all Twilight's efforts, so the best use of his time now, he felt, would be in reinforcing the boundaries and barriers around here. No matter what happened, he swore that he would return, but, well, his previous absence had lasted a thousand years, and while his brother had done what he could, Tiān Shàng was too connected to the waking world to enter here with any more force than a simple daydream. Meng Huàn had in fact only gotten things back up and running correctly in his realm within the last dozen moons... Time flew, Meng Huàn circumnavigating his entire domain. At one point, he felt a rustle of something from Twilight, but when it vanished before he could begin turning his attention in that direction, he realized that she must've woken. Rising a bit closer to the waking world himself, he sensed the time for dawn approaching-- And further sensed a disturbance, something as rough and uncomfortable as sand against his inner eye. With a snort, he brought himself to full consciousness, leaped from bed, perked his ears, and held his breath. Alarms clanged somewhere on the palace grounds; concentrating on them, Meng Huàn let his magic carry him vapor thin and lightning fast to the guard barracks. Lights blazed from the windows, ponies inside quickly pulling on their armor while those outside loaded the emergency carts with rope and sandbags and other equipment. And with the sun not yet up, all Cōng Mǎ Guó was still under his jurisdiction. Meng Huàn coalesced beside the burly pegasus directing traffic from a perch above the barracks gate. "Report, captain," he said. The captain saluted but didn't, Meng Huàn was glad to see, cease from his duties. "Dam collapse, Your Highness, between here and Xiǎo Mǎ Cheng. Washed out the train tracks and a nearby settlement of farmers. Good thing this new Princess Twilight was right there with Prince Bómù's friends: the message we got says they're pulling folks out, rescuing cattle and sheep, and doing what they can to hold things together till we arrive." He cast a sideways glance at Meng Huàn. "So if you'll pardon me, Your Highness?" "Yes, of course." Meng Huàn refused to let his voice falter and stepped back. "Carry on." With another quick salute, the captain flapped to the top of the lead cart. "Company! Move out!" he shouted, and the ponies in harness pulled the entire convoy out of the courtyard at nearly a gallop. His internal clock chimed; not letting himself think, he whisked away to the balcony outside Tiān Shàng's apartment. "Brother?" Tiān Shàng asked, his brow wrinkled. "Did I hear emergency gongs?" "You did," Meng Huàn answered. But before he could continue, a gruff voice said behind him, "A tragedy, really." Whirling, he blinked to see Tiāngǒu and Yúhuī, the two of them sitting at the end of the balcony, the big dog's eyes glowing in the light from Tiān Shàng's room. "Except," Yúhuī said with the smallest of shrugs, "it could hardly be called a tragedy. Those poor farmers did nothing to bring their misfortune upon themselves." "True." Tiāngǒu shook his head. "Perhaps an investigation of the construction company who built the dam will be in order." His smile spread jaggedly along his snout. "I'll look into it once I take my rightful place as steward of the night." "Dam?" Tiān Shàng's mane puffed out. "Has there been an accident?" "No." Meng Huàn took a step toward the two and could barely keep from shouting. "If you know about it, then you were there. And that means it was no accident." Yúhuī merely shrugged again. "I'm sure Tiāngǒu's investigation will be both complete and thorough, but for now"--he nodded toward the eastern horizon--"perhaps we could have the dawn and bring this farce to its conclusion?" The crystal blue of Tiān Shàng's mane was absolutely bristling, something Meng Huàn didn't think he'd seen in a dozen centuries. "What have you done, Yúhuī?" Tiāngǒu growled, a rumble of thunder under his words. "That doesn't matter, Tiān Shàng! What matters is that I've been the very soul of patience these past two days! But I have rights under the agreements we signed, rights that you will honor!" His voice dropped. "Or you and this entire world will pay the consequences." Tiān Shàng seemed ready to continue arguing, but Meng Huàn lit his horn. "The rescue efforts, brother, will go much more smoothly in the light of day." He reached out, pushed the moon downward-- And felt it slip from his magical grasp like ice beneath his hooves. "Ahhh," Tiāngǒu said, his eyes slitting halfway shut. "That's what I've been missing." The suddenness of the loss struck Meng Huàn so squarely in the chest, it stole his breath and made him gasp. "Damn you!" Tiān Shàng shouted. "We know Yúhuī took those letters! If Twilight were here--!" "She's not," Yúhuī said, Meng Huàn unable to stop a shiver. "And what you know doesn't matter in the slightest if you can't prove it." The whole world seemed to freeze then, Tiān Shàng's eyes narrowing to slits. "This is my domain," he whispered, yet the building seemed to shake. A grin stretched tight across Yúhuī's muzzle. "You admit it, then? Should we call you Emperor Tiān Shàng now? Or perhaps you'd prefer the title of Tyrant?" "Brother." Meng Huàn concentrated and managed to gather enough air into his lungs. "Follow the law. Raise the sun. And trust." For another long moment, nothing continued moving anywhere around Meng Huàn. Then with a sigh that was very nearly a snort, Tiān Shàng bowed his head. His horn began to glow, the eastern horizon did as well, and Yúhuī gave a chuckle that to Meng Huàn's ears contained more than a little nervous relief. "So predictable," the unicorn said, and when the first ray of morning light washed over the balcony, Yúhuī's fiery coat seemed to grab it and hold it suspended. "And as you cannot prove you ever cancelled the contract with my friend Tiāngǒu, I believe the power of the night will now devolve back to him." Something lurched deep inside Meng Huàn's chest, and for all that he knew resistance would prove useless, he couldn't keep from trying to clamp his teeth shut as the burning, wriggling sensation forced itself upward along his throat. The pressure built and built, his head pounding until he couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't stop his jaw from popping open. Thick tendrils of silvery light spewed from his mouth in a twisting rush and burst across the balcony to smack straight into Tiāngǒu. The dog's smile grew, the silver flow vanishing into his black hair and giving it a shimmer like oil on water. Meng Huàn refused to let himself collapse. "We will...appeal this," he managed to say, wincing at how hollow the words sounded. "Of course." Yúhuī stepped toward Tiāngǒu, his horn flaring with the beginning of a spell. "But without copies of those letters or some other proof, I can't imagine you'll have a leg to stand on. Speaking of which"--lightning arched from him to Tiāngǒu--"why don't you sit, boy?" The foul stink of Yúhuī's horrible magic made Meng Huàn gasp-- But the lightning fizzled as it stuck Tiāngǒu. "Ah." The big dog turned his grin toward Yúhuī. "Sweet treachery." He smacked his lips, reached a paw up to his own neck, and made a jerking motion. A tube of light suddenly appeared squirming between Tiāngǒu and Yúhuī, Tiāngǒu holding one end of it and detaching it from himself with an audible pop. "Speaking of predictable," he said, and flexing his foreleg, he whipped the tube of light into motion, cracking it out to wrap several coils around Yúhuī's neck. The unicorn's gasp choked off, and Tiāngǒu wrenched the coils tighter, hauling Yúhuī partly into the brightening air. "Astonishing." The dog shook his head and turned to face Tiān Shàng. "In all my long, long life, I've never come across any being--pony, minotaur, griffon, or otherwise--who has hated another as much as this one hates you." He raised the tether a bit further, Yúhuī's eyes bulging and his front hooves scrabbling at the glowing coils. "He even cast a concealed siphon spell on me about two minutes after we first met, I assume in anticipation of this very moment when he planned to betray me." Yúhuī's face turning redder and redder, Tiāngǒu shoved his snarling snout into it. "You truly thought I wouldn't feel such powerful and grotesque magic, fool? And now that you've actually activated it, you've rendered the agreement we signed null and void under the 'partners attacking partners' clause. Which means I have no further obligations to follow our contract's strictures either." Exposing most of his teeth, Tiāngǒu tossed his end of the glowing tether over the balcony rail. "A pleasure doing business with you, Yúhuī Yì Yào." The rest of the tether followed, yanking Yúhuī off his hooves; without another sound, the unicorn was hauled over the edge and vanished from sight. Tiān Shàng reared back on his hind legs, unfurled his wings, shouted, "Yúhuī!" and leaped off the balcony after his former student. Tiāngǒu either didn't notice or didn't care, those hungry, glowing eyes never straying from Meng Huàn's. "And now for the rest of you," Tiāngǒu growled. Summoning his remaining strength, Meng Huàn leaped from the material realm into his true domain. Of course, ponies were waking up all over Cōng Mǎ Guó, lessening the dream world with each departure and thinning the power he could draw upon. Still, he could perhaps gather himself together here, then return to-- A huff of breath behind him, and something large and solid swept his hind legs out from under him. Trying to roll, he ended up tumbling instead, exhaustion making his wings flail rather than flap; he sprawled sideways, the cloudscape rough as gravel against his hide, and when he looked up, all he could see were Tiāngǒu's white teeth and red gaze. "Oh, yes." That voice, also rough as gravel, ground into his ears. "This is the tastiest part of all." "How?" was all Meng Huàn could squeeze out. The dog shrugged his big shoulders. "When Tiān Shàng gave me the night to run, I sensed this realm just beyond my grasp. I tried to take more of your power so I could enter here, but Tiān Shàng fired me before I could manage it. For centuries, I brooded, then that fool Yúhuī appeared with the letters he'd stolen and asked me if I wanted another chance." Fire licked from Tiāngǒu's eye sockets. "And once I've taken over their dreams, the ponies will either make me the sort of god you and your brother so stupidly refuse to be, or I will destroy them." Planting his hooves, Meng Huàn pushed himself up, lowered his head, and gave the only possible response: "No." Somehow, Tiāngǒu's grin widened even further. "Good," he said. "The meat's always sweeter when it tries fighting back." "Go!" Píng shouted below her. He gave the rope holding the retaining wall in place another tug. "We got this!" Water thundered past, the flood deflecting off the barricade Twilight had thrown into place using chunks from the shattered dam. A quick glance upriver and back down again showed her the immediate threat was over--the amount of water still left in the reservoir and the height of the makeshift levees they'd constructed made her almost certain the town was safe--but still she hesitated. "You're sure?" she called back. "One hundred percent!" Hóng swooped in to hover beside her, either sweat or water dripping from his mane. "Whatever's happening with Meng Huàn, it's happening right now, and you're the only one who can get there in time! So buck those jerks in the teeth, and we'll be along quick as we can!" Nodding, panting, her horn already buzzing with low-level exhaustion, Twilight closed her eyes, visualized the tower of the palace at Yue Mǎ Jīng, and cast her teleportation spell. Her ears popped at the change in altitude, but it was the magical turbulence in the area that nearly spun her around. Focusing on the center of the roiling waves of energy, she dove for what had to be Tiān Shàng's balcony, the construction and position reminding her of the spot back home where Luna and Celestia got together every morning to lower the night and raise the day. Two figures lay sprawled across the balcony: one large and white, the other smaller and golden-yellow. Fear drove her to steepen her dive, questions bursting through her, but when she pulled up to land, she saw the glow of Tiān Shàng's magic surrounding Yúhuī, angry red burns all around the unicorn's throat. Without another thought, Twilight rushed forward, added her magic to the mix, and slowly the marks faded, Yúhuī's ragged breathing smoothing out. Only then did Tiān Shàng settle back, everything about him as brittle as ancient porcelain. "Twilight," he said, his voice hollow. "The dam collapse. All's well?" "As well as we could manage." Twilight could barely keep from yelling. "Where's Meng Huàn? What happened?" "Tiāngǒu." Tiān Shàng nodded to Yúhuī, motionless other than his sides rising and falling. "Yúhuī did exactly as you thought, but Tiāngǒu was prepared. He...he strangled Yúhuī in his own spell, threw him off the balcony, then leaped for Meng Huàn, and I...I--" Tiān Shàng's ears folded, and Twilight realized he was trembling. "I didn't even think. I dove off after Yúhuī and left my brother to that...that--" "Why?" a quiet and rasping voice asked. Twilight snapped her head over and saw Yúhuī pushing himself into a sitting position, his expression wavering every bit as much as Tiān Shàng's. "Why would you--? After everything I-- You should've let me--" He put a hoof to his throat, his eyes wide and locked on Tiān Shàng. "Why?" Tiān Shàng shrugged, the normally elegant motion jittery. "I've failed you so many times before, Yào Yào, I...I couldn't let myself fail you again." Yúhuī's jaw dropped, and as much as Twilight didn't want to risk trampling the first budding blossoms of rapprochement she could practically smell flowering here-- "Meng Huàn," she said, forcing herself not to stomp the floor with all her might. "Where would Tiāngǒu have taken him?" "The dreamscape." Yúhuī's gaze darted back and forth between Tiān Shàng and Twilight. "When I...I stole the paperwork from the archives and tracked him down to...to start all this, he said getting control of the dreamscape was his ultimate goal." His breathing began speeding up. "I didn't pay any attention since I planned to steal Meng Huàn's power from him as soon as he took it in, but if that cur actually does take over the Realms of Dreams..." For the first time since Twilight had met him, every bit of smugness drained from Yúhuī Yì Yào. Anger began darkening Tiān Shàng's face. "The dreamscape. Of course. The one place I cannot follow." "I can." Twilight leaped up, her knees wobbling just a bit at the plan that sprang into her mind. "Kind of. But listen." She took Tiān Shàng's front hooves in hers. "You need to get to the scene of the dam collapse and get my friends--I mean Bómù's friends--I mean--" She shook her head quickly. "You know who I mean. Bring them back here as fast as you can so they can be standing by to use Rainbow Power or whatever you call it here." If we can even do it, she pointedly didn't say out loud: Tiān Shàng was looking unstable enough without bringing that up. Another shake of her head, and she turned to Yúhuī with a swallow. "The only way I know to get into the dreamscape is by going to sleep. So when I confront Tiāngǒu there, the first thing he'll do is lash out to attack my body here." And for all that Twilight wasn't sure that this was the right way to go, she really didn't have any other choice at this point. She took a deep breath, her tired muscles twinging. "You're the only one who'll be strong enough to stop him from getting to me. Because if he so much as wakes me up, he'll have won, and none of us wants that." "You--" Another layer of astonishment plastered itself over Yúhuī, then he blinked, and all his shivering firmed up. "I will not fail," he said with a nod. Wishing she had time to think of something else, Twilight instead nodded back and turned to Tiān Shàng, the alicorn's scent a strange mix of sour and sweet, of fear and hope. "Then go," Twilight said to him, and pushing aside her doubts, she cast the dreamwalking spell Luna had been teaching her. She'd almost gotten used to the initial swirl of disorientation--she could feel her physical self slump into a sleeping heap at the same time as she felt her immaterial self whisk away through the latticework of atoms and energy and into the tenuous uncertainty of the dreamworld. Forcing her inner eyes to open, she found herself standing on a cloud in the same infinite blue sky she always visualized at the beginning of any dream spell. With a focusing breath, she slid deeper into the magic, opened her inner eyes a second time, and saw the wall of her own personal dreamspace right beside her, the usually invisible partition curving now like a pane of glass up, down, and all around. Tapping on this surface would get Luna's attention--and Meng Huàn's as well, she'd discovered earlier. But attention wasn't her goal this time; the breath she took quivered in her lungs, and she had to take another before she could focus enough to sink even deeper into the magic. Opening her inner eyes a third time, she watched the glass soften and shimmer till it became something much more like a gigantic soap bubble enclosing her. One more breath, and spreading her wings, she sparked her horn and threw herself with all her strength at the bubble's surface. It popped, and so did the whole world, darkness crashing over her. Driving winds slammed her first one way, then the other, but following Luna's directions, she didn't tense up, didn't fight, didn't try for any sort of control. Instead, she imagined her muscles turning to butter, to ice cream, to flowing hot fudge--they'd been having dessert when Luna had explained this part of the spell to her the first time.... The memory made Twilight laugh, let her relax even further, and the winds were suddenly gusting through her rather than against her. Breathing the tumult in and blowing it out, she lowered herself along the slope into the last level of the spell. The winds wheeled around once more until they were traveling with her, and opening her inner eyes the fourth and final time, she saw a world of silver, gray, and black, clouds like the palest possible cotton candy mounting to unimaginable heights and plunging to unfathomable depths. And directly ahead, in a space that seemed to be both empty air and limpid water, two dark figures lunged and circled, spun and attacked: Tiāngǒu as black as the bottom of a mine shaft, forest fire red streaming from his eyes and snarls bursting past his bared teeth; and Meng Huàn as black as a winter midnight sky, the starlight gleaming from his mane and tail as sharp as pinpricks. Meng Huàn was obviously lathered as well, his silver shoes striking the big dog but with less force each time. Gritting her teeth, Twilight rushed toward them, her horn protesting after the workout she'd already given it this morning, and fired the crystal entombment spell she'd learned from Starlight Glimmer at Tiāngǒu. The spell flashed but not fast enough, the fight shifting so that the blast just grazed Tiāngǒu's left rear paw; the sudden weight of the crystal that formed around his leg, though, threw him off-balance, and Meng Huàn's next kick flipped the dog over and sent him sprawling across the cloudscape. The relief that gleamed in Meng Huàn's eyes when he snapped his head around and his gaze met hers made Twilight want to start singing, and when he called her name, she drank it in as thick and nourishing as hot soup. She didn't dare let herself get lost in the sensation, though, and taking her stance beside him, she turned to where Tiāngǒu was climbing back to his paws. "Princess?" The big dog's lips curled back. "You're a fool to come here." He stomped, and a shock wave roiled the thick air. With a wince, Twilight tensed, hoping she'd read Yúhuī right. And when she didn't wake up--or get dragged screaming back to her squished and burning body--she let the hope she'd kept banked in her heart flare into a brighter flame. "Maybe I am," she said. "But you're the bigger one if you think you can get away with this." Tiāngǒu roared and leaped, Twilight lighting her horn at the same time as Meng Huàn. Their magic twined together, and it was like nothing Twilight had ever felt. Yes, she'd shared magic before with Celestia and Luna and even Tiān Shàng not too many minutes ago. But the silken smoothness of Meng Huàn's power seemed to caress hers, seemed to touch parts of her nopony had ever touched, and her exhaustion fled, refreshed by the wonder that surrounded her. "It's over!" she couldn't help crowing, directing their combined spell like a meteor straight at Tiāngǒu. "Yúhuī admitted to stealing the documents, so you've no right to Meng Huàn's moon! No right at all!" Her words seemed to strengthen the blast, and when it slammed into Tiāngǒu, the dog howled like an avalanche. The spell smacked him backwards, tumbling head over tail, and crashing into the invisible wall of the dreamscape, he smashed right through, the dimness shattering to the light of early morning. With a gasp, Twilight sat up, a flickering dome of protection magic around her, Yúhuī hunkered down on the balcony floor next to her with his eyes clenched, his horn sparking, and sweat streaming down his face. Beyond the dome, she could make out ponies in motion--two large, five regular-sized--and one figure that had to be Tiāngǒu. "We're out!" she shouted. "Yúhuī! Drop your shield! Hurry!" Yúhuī started back, his eyes snapping open, and the dome crumbled to sparks. Pushing herself to her hooves, Twilight sprinted for the others. "Hóng! Píng! Everypony! Rainbow Power! Now!" "You got it!" she heard as well as "Yee-hah!" and "Whoo-hoo!" and "I should say so!" and "Oh, my!" Sliding into a spot between Fěn Hóng Bǐng and Lín Láng, Twilight gasped as light struck her from above, and while the multi-colored stripes and sigils that spread over the stallions beside her didn't look exactly like the ones she was used to, strength still flooded into her every bit as invigoratingly as it did back home. Feeling grateful and angry and powerful and right, she rose into the air, her new friends who were also her old friends rising along with her. "Tiāngǒu!" she called in a voice that reverberated as if from unseen mountains. She turned her attention to the big black dog just climbing to his paws at the far end of Tiān Shàng's balcony and pointed a hoof at him. "You've got as much to unlearn as you do to learn, so how about we start you over from the beginning and see if you'll maybe turn out better this time?" "What nonsense--?" Tiāngǒu started to shout. But Twilight's idea had already rippled out through her connection to the others, all of them agreeing instantly--especially Wēi Fēng Fǔ, the veterinarian clapping his hooves together and declaring, "That'll be perfect!" With one motion, they let the power of the rainbow arch upward, over, and down to inundate the still sputtering Tiāngǒu. "--is this?" came a squeakier voice, the colorful stripes swirling away to reveal a tiny black puppy running in circles. "No, no, no!" A silver mist drifted up and away from him, the puppy leaping on stubby legs and flailing his paws at it. "Mine, mine, mine!" "Now, Tiāngǒu." Wēi Fēng Fǔ stepped forward and scooped the puppy into the crook of his foreleg. "You'll be coming with me to my house, and we'll see if we can't teach you some better manners." The puppy gave a high-pitched growl and started gnawing on the tip of Fēng's hoof, but Twilight was focused more on the mist hanging in the air at the end of the balcony. If that was the power Tiāngǒu had taken from Meng Huàn, why wasn't it going back to him? For that matter, where was--? Spinning, Twilight felt her throat constrict at the sight of Tiān Shàng standing as still as a marble statue over the collapsed form of-- "No!" Twilight crossed the balcony with one flap and slid to Meng Huàn's side. Some of her panic puffed away when she saw his sides fluttering with his breath, but-- "Why is he unconscious?" She tore her gaze away and looked up at Tiān Shàng. The air around Tiān Shàng seemed to tremble. "His injuries," the elder alicorn said, his voice like the faintest breeze rustling a pine tree. "When Tiāngǒu tore his power from him, and whatever happened in the dream realm, he--" "No!" Cradling his head in her wings, Twilight touched her front hooves to his muzzle, his eyes closed, much too much gray in his hide. "'Cause we won, Meng Huàn! We stopped Tiāngǒu! Your power's right there! You just have to...have to wake up and take it back!" Not wanting to risk shaking him, not sure what to do, not able to see clearly with so much water filling her vision all of a sudden, Twilight leaned closer, Meng Huàn's slightly parted lips right in front of her. Without another thought, she pressed her lips to his, bent to touch her horn to his, wrapped her forelegs around him, willed the power flowing through her to cross over into him by any available method. He stirred beneath her, and she pressed herself closer. "Mmmm," came a gentle growl from his throat, then his lips were moving against her, his forelegs and wings embracing her, drawing her even closer-- After that, she seemed to lose track of things for a while: how many minutes went by before she drew back to take a breath, she couldn't begin to imagine. All she knew was that her whole body tingled as she looked down at Meng Huàn smiling up at her. "Good morning," he said, his words sweeter than cherry custard. She felt his hoof fluffing her mane where it spilled along the side of neck. "I've never cared for this 'rainbow power' look." His wings brushed hers, and she never wanted them to stop. "I must admit, though: you pull it off much better than Bómù does." Giving him about a quarter of a glare, Twilight leaned forward to meet his lips again, the air around her alive with the whistles and woops of her friends.
Wànlǐ Chángchéng / A Great Wall	6 - Liù	Dear Prince Bómù-- Twilight smiled as she always did at the little notebook, her quill pen's two shadows wavering over its final page in the light cast by her horn and by the candle on her desk. Originally, she'd planned on writing these notes to Celestia as a way of keeping herself connected to home, but the more she'd thought about it in the days following Tiāngǒu's defeat and Yúhuī's return to the palace as Tiān Shàng's student, the more appropriate it had seemed for her to buy a diary of the sort she always kept in her desk at home, fill it out, then leave it in the drawer for Bómù to find after he got back... According to the mirror gate's timer, the way between our universes will open once again in less than an hour. The pages of this notebook will tell you many of the adventures I've shared with our mutual friends here over the past twenty-seven days-- Though not all the adventures, she had to admit with another smile and a certain amount of warm tingling. She'd heard Rarity talk about how a lady didn't kiss and tell, and now that Twilight had done some kissing of her own, she found herself agreeing entirely. --but I look forward to meeting you in person to review the many notes I'm certain you've made concerning your stay in Equestria. She hesitated a moment, then wrote: Your soon-to-be friend, And signed it. She'd almost given in to her first urge and written "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you" over and over across the remaining space at the bottom of the page. But this was a document for posterity, she couldn't forget, and-- "Twilight?" a hesitant voice called from the doorway, and Twilight glanced over to see Dào Gōu peering in. "You busy?" "Just finishing up." Flexing her magic, Twilight tucked her quill into the inkwell, pulled open the drawer of Bómù's desk, and set the diary into the empty space where his should've been. "But you should be in bed, Gōu Gōu." With a grin, she wagged a hoof at the little dragon. "I don't want Bómù thinking I let you stay up till the middle of the night." "I'm going, I'm going." Dào Gōu's annoyed look faded almost immediately. "I just...what you said at Bǐng's party earlier, how it wasn't really a going away party 'cause you're just gonna be in the universe next door and can come through the mirror anytime after you show Bómù how to fix it..." Dào Gōu's claws scritch-scratched the crystal floor as she shifted in place. "Did you mean that?" "Well, of course!" Twilight couldn't keep from spreading her wings, hopping over, and giving Dào Gōu a hug. "I've had a wonderful time here this past moon, and my examination of Bómù's spell shows it to be remarkably stable for his first try at a mirror portal. Once we get the timing issues worked out, it shouldn't be any problem to maintain the connection. You could even come over and meet Spike!" Taking a step back, Twilight touched Dào Gōu's nose. "Though I don't know if any one universe could survive with both of you inside it." "Ha, ha." Dào Gōu folded her arms, then started running her claws up and down along her shoulder scales. "But really, I-- I mean, Bómù's great, and it'll be great having him back, but-- Ever since Jīng Yíng Jiă married Prince Jie Zòu and moved up north, I...I've kinda missed having a sister, y'know? So these past couple weeks've been--" Her usual hot, dry scent grew humid in Twilight's nose, and she cleared her throat. "Anyway, I'm gonna make you your own bedroom down the hall so you'll have a place to stay any time you want to come visit." Twilight had to clear her own throat before wrapping Dào Gōu in another hug. "Thanks, Gōu Gōu." This time, it was Dào Gōu who pushed away. "And don't tell Bómù I let you call me that! 'Cause no one but him can call me that! And he can't, either!" She turned and stomped off down the hall as loudly as her little claws could manage. "Yeesh! Some ponies!" A deep, wonderful chuckle behind her sent warm shivers rustling up Twilight's spine; she smiled, took a breath, and turned to see Meng Huàn sitting with his legs tucked under himself on the balcony outside the open double doors, the moonlight shining soft and silver in his coat. "Might one be so bold as to say that you seem to have made some friends during your stay?" And as much as she wanted to fly to him for a more interesting sort of hugging, she instead put on a semi-annoyed expression. "You mean the kind who spy on me through my bedroom window?" Meng Huàn blew loudly through his lips. "Amateurs! Those of us who really care for you spy on you in your dreams." At that, she couldn't keep from jumping across the room to taste those lips, his perfect wings taking her and holding her. "You're lucky you're so cute," she said when she could. "Because otherwise, you'd be pretty creepy." "Well?" He shrugged, her wings riding up and down where they rested on his shoulders. "I am a fiendish creature of the night, after all." "Speaking of which--" She tapped his chest. "I stopped by Fēng's cottage this afternoon before Bǐng's party to check on Tiāngǒu. He's getting along well with the other puppies, but I...I'm pretty sure he still remembers everything that happened." She couldn't stop a shiver. "We'll need to work extra hard to make sure he doesn't grow up just as mean this time as he did the last time." "Indeed." Meng Huàn cocked his head. "Perhaps I should consider adopting him. Wēi Fēng Fǔ is an excellent veterinarian, of course, but I'm led to understand that a permanent home is much more conducive to a youngster turning out right." Twilight blinked, the idea feeling absolutely right to her. "Of course! And having a pet'll be great for you, too! Why, Luna's opossum Tiberius is--" Saying Luna's name made Twilight's voice freeze, her thoughts snapping back to how soon the mirror was going to open and-- And send her home. She looked past Meng Huàn at Xiǎo Mǎ Cheng, the windows mostly dark, the town and the woods beyond bathed in moonlight. "Twilight?" Meng Huàn nuzzled her neck. "Is everything all right?" "Yes, but--" She pressed the side of her head against his. "I don't want to go." "You're not really going." His lips found her ear, and she had to close her eyes as he gave it a little nibble, his next words coming to her as the slightest of whispers: "That's what I've been telling myself all week so I wouldn't fall weeping into my oatmeal every morning. We'll be just steps away from each other. Just steps." "I know, I know!" Unable to keep still, Twilight leaped from his embrace and started pacing back and forth across the balcony. "But we'll still have so many tests to run on the mirror's interfacial mechanisms! And even if they are as stable as they seem to be, it'd be sheer foolishness to risk multiple crossings! I mean, the passage between the universe where King Sombra was good and Celestia and Luna were evil stayed open for more than a thousand years, sure, but only because hardly anypony ever crossed through! And even then, every time Celestia used it, it grew more and more imbalanced till the flux rate ratios finally caused it to--!" Meng Huàn loomed up before her and gently pressed a hoof to her lips. "You'll fix it," he said, the confidence in his voice making Twilight's heart flutter. "You and Bómù together, I'm firmly convinced, will be well on your way to solving every problem in every possible universe before the next week is out." Smiling, she gave his hoof a kiss. "I don't know, though." She put on her best phony pout. "I'm still thinking I might have to kick him in the head first." "Always a popular option." He stepped back and spread his wings. "Still, we do have an appointment." Twilight nodded, and looking up at her coltfriend, she had to swallow against the tightness in her throat. Four weeks ago, the idea of being in love had rarely if ever tickled its way into her thoughts. But now? Now she couldn't imagine living another moment of her life without this amazing pony beside her. And if she everything went right, she wouldn't have to. Spreading her own wings, she leaped into the night sky, felt him rising with her, his magic reaching out. She met it, twined her magic with his, and together they slipped into the spaces between space. And so it came down to this in the end. No, not the end! Meng Huàn could barely stop himself from stomping the floor of his workshop. This was only the beginning, and barely even that! Standing beside him, Twilight glanced up. "Looks like it's my turn to ask," she said, turning her attention back to the mirror, the timer floating above the glass having swept its pointer nearly all the way around its entire circle over the course of the previous four weeks. "Is everything all right?" "It is." He draped a wing across the sweet curve of her back, felt the tension there, began stroking his feathers back and forth in a way he knew she enjoyed. "I do have to wonder, however, why you're so determined to play this out in this fashion. If your theory is correct, then you know why they did it, so you've no reason to--" "I know, I know!" She squirmed under his wing, but then he felt her shoulders relax; with a sigh, she leaned against him. "I just want to hear them say it. That's all." He nodded, and something pinged from the mirror. Looking forward, he watched the same silvery glow come over the reflective surface that he'd seen there four weeks--and a lifetime--ago. This time, though, the glow began to ripple, and as he watched, it whisked away like a morning dew, the frame becoming a doorway into a room beyond. That room looked very much like his own workroom, Meng Huàn could see, and in it stood a tall, dark, alicorn mare--Princess Luna, he assumed--with her wing brushing Bómù in almost exactly the same way that he was brushing Twilight. Stepping away from him, Twilight stomped across the room and through the portal, Meng Huàn following her. And while nopony said a word, when Meng Huàn met Bómù's eyes, his friend's gaze darted away more quickly than any hummingbird. Twilight settled to the floor like a thundercloud just inside the other workroom, Meng Huàn sitting beside her and trying very hard not to let his astonishment show. He'd thought, after all, that getting to know Twilight and coming to appreciate the wonderful differences between her and Bómù would've prepared him for meeting his own doppelganger. But instead of the sort of distorted reflection of himself that he'd expected, he found himself blinking at a flesh-and-blood pony. Yes, she was an alicorn mare, but Twilight had gotten him used to that once novel idea, and yes, her magic crackled the air around her in ways he'd never felt before. Still, his overall impression was less of meeting his mirror universe duplicate than of meeting a sister he'd never known he had... The silence continued to thicken, Meng Huàn keeping his promise not to say a word, then-- "How?" Twilight asked. Bómù glanced up at Luna, and she stuck her chin out. "I take full responsibility for what occurred, Twilight Sparkle, and I'll not have you placing any blame upon--" "Umm, hello?" Bómù raised a front hoof. "Co-conspirator right here." "Nonsense." Luna sniffed. "I instigated the crime; therefore, my guilt is greater." "Not necessarily." Puffing out his chest, Bómù tapped it. "Without my technical know-how, none of this would've been possible." Luna rolled her eyes. "Please. You were at most an enabler of my--" Twilight cleared her throat with a volume and precision that Meng Huàn had never heard before, and the mouths of the other two snapped shut with a simultaneous clicking of teeth. "Once again," Twilight said, her own teeth clenched, "I'm asking 'how'?" The two swallowed so loudly, Meng Huàn could hear it. Then Luna stepped forward, her head bowed. "I began researching mirror universe magic after we all returned from our adventure in the Crystal Empire during which the love of the unicorn Radiant Hope revivified that arch-fiend Sombra and began the process of his reformation. I could see how this silently tore at Celestia: the love of her life, after all, had been the Sombra of Starswirl's now inaccessible mirror universe. So I sought to discover a mirror realm where a third Sombra might be found with whom my sister could perhaps strike up some sort of correspondence." With a sigh, Luna raised her head. "Casting about the universes, however, brought me nothing but silence. I was almost convinced that I'd somehow fumbled the spell until--" She looked down at Bómù, and Meng Huàn recognized all too well the shimmering smile in her eyes. "Until I met Bómù's spell coming the other direction. And he-- That is, I--" Her gaze fell to the floor again, all trace of a smile gone. "I'd had these dreams, Twilight, ever since you returned me to myself from the depths of the Nightmare, dreams where you...where I...where we--" "Yes," Meng Huàn said, knowing exactly what Luna didn't want to say. "Twilight and I have discussed my similar dreams concerning myself and Bómù." Luna nodded, and Bómù blushed. "The more Bómù and I talked through the interface, the more intrigued I became by him. And I knew that I had to--that we had to..." She scratched one front hoof over the stone floor. Nuzzling the side of her neck, Bómù gave his familiar sideways grin. "Just my luck, right, Meng Huàn? The mare of my dreams, and she lived in another dimension." More silence settled over them, and Meng Huàn struggled not to break it. Even Twilight seemed to be wavering beside him, the storminess she'd been projecting slowly breaking up. "And?" she asked almost gently. With a stomp, Luna gave a snort. "And we needed to maintain the balance! That was what doomed Celestia's romance with the alternate Sombra: the imbalance it caused between the universes! So for Bómù and I to be together, we...we had to...to--" "To get us together," Twilight finished, poking Meng Huàn in the side. Bómù sighed. "It was the only way." His voice broke. "Luna said you thrived in adversity, Twilight, and Meng Huàn's never happier than when he's helping someone in distress. So Luna and I, we engineered the mirror to strand you there, and...and..." He trailed off. At this point, Meng Huàn was finding it almost impossible to keep a straight face. Looking down, he was relieved to see Twilight finally smiling. "All right," she said. "But you owe us! And I mean a double date! With all the trimmings! Right now! At Pony Joe's!" She leaped forward to wrap a hug around the startled Luna. "And thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Letting all the laughter he'd been holding in burst out, Meng Huàn leaped right behind her and scooped Bómù up in his magic. "Change the worlds for the better, I believe was the last thing you said to me!" He spun the younger alicorn around. "It's a good thing you so often know what you're talking about, Bómù Guāng Shǎn: that's all I've got to say!"
Wànlǐ Chángchéng / A Great Wall	Appendix - Bèi Kǎo (The Names)	People: Xīng Xuán Wō (星漩涡) for Starswirl Meng Huàn (梦幻) for Luna Meng Yǎn Yue (梦魇月) for Nightmare Moon Tiān Shàng (天上) for Celestia Bómù Guāng Shǎn (薄暮光闪) for Twilight Dào Gōu (倒钩) for Spike Jie Zòu (节奏) for Cadance Tǐ Lei Ke (体雷克) for Tirek Hóng Ruì Qì (虹锐气) for Rainbow Dash Píng Guǒ Jiǔ (苹果酒) for Applejack Lín Láng (琳琅) for Rarity Fěn Hóng Bǐng (粉红饼) for Pinkie Pie Wēi Fēng Fǔ (微风抚) for Fluttershy Tiāngǒu (天狗) for just, y'know, Tiāngǒu Grampa Bīnzǐ (槟子) for Granny Smith Hǎi Táng Huā (海棠花) for Big McIntosh Yúhuī Yì Yào (余晖熠燿) for Sunset Shimmer Mr. and Mrs. Dàn Gāo (蛋糕) for the Cakes Dìyù Quǎn (地狱犬) for Cerberus Jīng Yíng Jiă (晶莹甲) for Shining Armor Places: Cōng Mǎ Guó (聪马国) for Equestria Yue Mǎ Jīng (跃马京) for Canterlot Xiǎo Mǎ Cheng (小马城) for Ponyville Yǒng Yě Shēng (永野生) for the Everfree Tián Píng Mǔ (甜苹亩) for Sweet Apple Acres Jì Xiāng Yī Xuān (骥骧衣轩) for Carousel Boutique Fāng Táng Diàn (方糖店) for Sugar Cube Corner Things: Ye Biān Zǐ (夜鞭子) for the Tantabus Jīng Pò Yǔ (精魄语) for the Language of Names
A World Worth Dying For	pre	"How many worlds have you been to now?" asked Sombra. The question came a bit after Twilight had finished off her first plate and had gone back for seconds. Thankfully, Spike had been prepared. The alicorn took her time with the bite in her mouth, mentally counting the number of times she'd jumped. Swallowing, she finally gave her answer. "This would be...timeline thirty-three." Sombra nodded thoughtfully. "I see. And judging from your surprise and paranoia, I would hazard a guess that not many of those worlds were peaceful." "You could say that," said Twilight with a slight grumble, raising a hoof and pointing towards Chrysalis. "Four timelines were taken over by changelings with the last survivors having escaped to holdouts in the Everfree Forest." Her hoof turned towards Sombra. "And there were at least five worlds where you had turned Equestria into a war-torn state, forced to fight an increasingly desperate battle against mind-controlled ponies." "And the others?" asked Chrysalis. "Tirek got the upper hoof in a few. Discord had at least one world under his control. Every time I came through the portal and saw it was night time, I automatically assumed Nightmare Moon had taken over, and some worlds were just...empty." Twilight shivered slightly at the memory. "I see. And if you do not mind my asking, why is this Starlight Glimmer proving to be such a challenge to you? If the blast you struck me with yesterday is any indication, you do not lack for power." "If it was a simple fight, maybe, but all Starlight has to do in order to send the timeline into freefall is interfere with Rainbow. Even if I try to fight her, the fight itself is distracting enough to the point where Rainbow will want to come watch." "Then why do you keep holding back?" Chrysalis' question was followed by a very uncomfortable silence. "I'm sorry?" said Twilight finally. "Yeah, what are you talking about?" asked Spike. "I've been there. Starlight is pretty tough." "I've no doubt this Starlight Glimmer is a powerful unicorn, especially since she can manipulate and modify Starswirl's spells. However, as a unicorn you could do the same, and now you have a pair of wings," said Sombra, his voice still amiable and friendly despite the line of reasoning he was traveling down. "I realize you may not have trained in combat magics, but do you really expect me to believe this Starlight can hold a candle to your power?" "Twilight?" asked Spike uncertainly, glancing between the former ruler of the Crystal Empire and the Princess of Friendship. Twilight simply looked down at the table. Sombra waited, but when no answer was forthcoming, he sighed and nodded his head. "As I suspected, you are reluctant to take a course of action that might lead to her death." Twilight's head shot up and her eyes narrowed. "If you've come here to judge me and dictate how I treat my enemies, you may as well leave. I didn't kill my world's Tirek and I'm not going to kill Starlight, even if I have to go back a hundred times to talk her down. I just have to make her see reason." Sombra held up a placating hoof. "Peace, Twilight, I am certainly not one to pass judgment on your actions. I only ask you to look at the logic of the situation." Letting out a huff, Twilight sat back down and drained the glass of water she'd had in front of her, giving the former king a curt nod. "Many of these other worlds you have been to have been unsafe. Some have been wastelands, others have had ruling tyrants who attacked you almost immediately upon your arrival. From my understanding, this is the only world you've had a moment of peace in, yes?" Hesitantly, Twilight nodded. "If you refuse to use your full power against Starlight, and you continue to be flung into these other timelines, how long do you think it will be before one of these other world's tyrants captures you? Captures the spell you carry with you? Or perhaps you end up in a world that has been completely destroyed, leaving nothing but a void? Are you willing to chance that with another thirty worlds? Another fifty? How many more do you think you must travel to before you can talk Starlight Glimmer down?" Twilight hung her head. The odds weren't good. She'd clashed with much less friendly versions of Chrysalis and Sombra on multiple occasions now, and the brief fights she'd had with Nightmare Moon had been...unpleasant. "I have to try," she said finally. "I'm sorry if that's not good enough for you, but I wouldn't be the princess I am if I didn't trust in the power that made me an alicorn in the first place." Sombra looked thoughtful. It was a little unnerving seeing the normally berserk and mindless pony acting so regal and composed. Just as he was about to speak again though, Chrysalis interrupted. "Or you could just stay here." "What?" Twilight's mind shifted gears as the far more brash and direct ex-tyrant took over the conversation. "That's the point King Obfuscation was trying to make. Instead of risking a worse or inescapable timeline on a miniscule chance of talking down a crazy unicorn you're not willing to kill, just cut your losses, plant yourself in a timeline that's not so horrible, and make the best of it," said the changeling princess with a huff. "Chrysalis, I can't just abandon my friends like that." "Then you need to start taking this seriously," growled the changeling, her eyes practically glowing. "Maybe this timeline doesn't mean much to you, but it means everything to me. And now it's being gambled with by somepony unwilling to do what's necessary, all because she believes she can achieve a slightly better outcome!" Twilight tried to take a soothing breath, but every calm feeling was rapidly evaporating under the changeling princess' criticisms. "You're right. I do believe I can do it," she said, just audible enough to hear, her voice slowly getting louder. "Maybe this Twilight was better than me. Maybe she knew enough magic to bring you back," she said, nodding towards Sombra. "Maybe she was diplomatic enough to talk you around and bring you to our side." Twilight was shaking slightly as she stared at Chrysalis. "Maybe she was more practical than me. Made better calls. But you know what? That's why she's dead!" Her shout made the windows rattle and the furniture shake. Chrysalis and Sombra looked stunned. "She's dead because she took the most logical choice available to her. I'm alive because I believed that as long as I had my friends, I'd find an answer, no matter how difficult or dangerous it was. Maybe the odds were slim, but I was willing to take a chance and give it every ounce of effort I had!" Chrysalis' rage seemed to seep into the air around her as she stood up from her seat. "Just because you bet everything and won doesn't make your decision any less idiotic! If you're going to destroy this world when you leave, the least you could do is make sure there's a world worth replacing it!" "Chrysalis, enough." Sombra's voice cut through the building rage. With a huff, Chrysalis sat back down, nearly cracking her glass as she picked it up in her magic. "I did not come here to judge your actions, merely to lay out our point of view. I'm quite aware I can't stop you if you are truly determined." For emphasis, he bowed his head and motioned with a hoof to his missing horn. "My answer hasn't changed," said Twilight firmly, looking down at the table in front of her. "Then we have nothing further to discuss. I only ask that you wait until tomorrow morning so that I might give you something before you make your next trip." "I'll need at least that long to prepare the spell," murmured Twilight softly. "I'll wait." With a final nod, Sombra rose from the table, Chrysalis following closely behind him. The Changeling Princess didn't even glance back, her magic grabbing the door behind her and slamming it shut. "Are you okay, Twilight?" asked Spike hesitantly once the library was empty. "I'm going to finish the spell right now," replied the princess, heading up the stairs towards her room. "Tell anypony else who comes that I'm asleep." --- Magically constructing a scroll was tedious, tiring work that took a lot of energy and precision, but Twilight welcomed the monotony. Starswirl's tattered scroll rested beside her as she continued to construct the spell, copying it word for word, her quill as magically precise as she could make it. The drain on her magic was significant, but not debilitating, and the morning slowly turned into afternoon while she worked. She was just putting the finishing protections on it (tear-proof this time) when she heard a knock at the door. "Spike, could you get that please?" There was no response and the knocking continued. Rubbing a hoof over her eyes, Twilight yawned and made her way down the stairs, feeling a bit too drained for a teleport, and opening the door by hoof. "Howdy, Twi, hope you haven't been working yerself to death." Behind the door with a large brown bag in her mouth was Applejack, and following close behind the usual scent of apples was the scent of warm food. All of a sudden, all the demands of her body she'd been ignoring while working came back in full force. "Did Spike sell me out?" asked Twilight, stepping aside and inviting the farm pony inside. "Course he did, but I coulda guessed it myself," teased Applejack, giving her friend the bag and letting her withdraw the apple foodstuffs from within. Half of it was gone within a minute, the princess quickly filling her neglected belly. It wasn't until Applejack produced a second bag that she finally slowed down enough to talk in-between bites. "Mmhh...needed that...more than I thought." "Everypony needs more apples in their life," said the farm pony playfully. "I'm guessin' you've been hard at work on that spell all day." Twilight paused, the apple tart halfway to her mouth. Slowly, she nodded. "I just wanted to get it out of the way. I'm still not entirely convinced something crazy isn't going to happen. It has in every other world." "Don't need to justify yerself, Twi, I really did just come by to give you some food," assured Applejack. "Sorry, I just...had an unpleasant conversation with Sombra and Chrysalis this morning," murmured Twilight sheepishly, floating the snack the rest of the way to her muzzle and finishing it off. "Truthfully though, I would like you to stay. I know y'all don't see yerself like the other Twi, and we might be a bit off-puttin' to you, but it ain't much of a stretch for me to see you as a friend, and I ain't afraid of getting to know you again." Twilight's breath caught in her throat. Even though she knew what she wanted, or rather, 'had' to say, she couldn't get the words out. Fortunately, an interruption came in the form of a knock on the door. "I'll get it," said Twilight immediately, grateful for an excuse to do anything else, at least until she saw who was standing at the door. Pinkie Pie was front and center, a brown paper bag in her mouth, and behind her was Rarity with a package of her own. "Heya, Twilight! We brought food!" said Pinkie in way of greeting. "Oh, well, thank you, but Applejack already took care-" "Not that kind of food, Spike told me to prepare some desserts!" amended Pinkie Pie, holding the bag in one hoof and pushing it open with her muzzle, the sweet scent of sugary confections quickly emerging. Twilight couldn't help but wonder if Spike was sabotaging her, but outwardly she simply smiled and stepped aside, trying to ignore the aching feeling in her stomach. --- Twilight could tell her friends were making an effort to avoid talking about her pending trip. Most of their talking points revolved around swapping stories, comparing and contrasting their worlds, and having a good laugh at the particularly facehoof-worthy things each of them had done. "So yer sayin' Big Mac stole your Smarty Pants doll after that whole mess?" "Yeah, I was way too embarrassed to ask for it back. I didn't even want to look at it again after Celestia cleaned that mess up for me," grumbled Twilight. "I'm a little envious that your Twilight avoided it." "Oh, believe me darling, our Twilight had her moments. During her first year in Ponyville, she got into an exasperating feud with Blueblood that Celestia finally had to put a stop to. Something about the border of the Everfree Forest encroaching on Applejack's farm, yet not having the proper authority to remove it based on some legalese." Applejack let out a small groan. "Darn thing was so complicated I was about ready to give up the land if it would quiet things down." "And there was that time we had to pull her away from the Crystal Kingdom's library," added Pinkie. "She was suuuuper into that place." "'Course, then we found out she was doin' research to heal Sombra and we all felt kinda bad," murmured Applejack. "I'll offer you forgiveness on behalf of my other self," said Twilight with a small giggle. "Celestia knows I had to be pulled out the library several times my first few weeks here." Another knock sounded at the door. This time Twilight didn't even get up, pulling open the door with her magic and letting Fluttershy inside. Spike was with her, riding on the pink maned pegasus' back. "Enjoy your time out, Spike?" said Twilight in way of greeting. Spike picked up on the underlying accusation in her voice. "Hey, c'mon, Twi, I was just curious about what happened to me. It's like I just vanished off the face of Equestria." "You didn't stay around for much longer after...Tirek," said Applejack. "We tried looking for ya, but the trail went cold around the dragon lands." Spike sighed, hopping off Fluttershy's back and taking his place at Twilight's side. "I still can't believe I'd go without saying a word. Something else must have happened." Twilight looked around the table, her eyes narrowing in on Rarity who seemed to be suddenly very interested in her hooves. "So, Rarity...did you let him down gently?" Spike looked across at the purple-maned mare, realization dawning. "Oh...yeah, that might do it." Rarity winced and let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Spike, I really am." "No, it's okay," assured the young dragon. "It was a different me, and...well I guess I've always kind of known." "For what it's worth, it really was just a matter of your age, dear," said Rarity softly. "I always enjoyed having you around and you were very helpful." "Thanks," said Spike, somewhat morosely. "Still kinda hard to believe I just left like that though." "Everypony reacts differently to loss," said Fluttershy softly. "I'm certain you'll come back someday." Twilight could only hope she was right. Long-lived dragons tended to have a skewed concept of time, and Spike was on track to outlive most of them, unless more of her friends had a destiny as an alicorn. "So, Rarity, you've been subtly hiding that package for most of the evening now," said Twilight, searching around for something to change the subject to. "Ooh, is that a present? Wait, was this a present party?" said Pinkie, her eyes going wide as she sucked in a breath. "Oh no, the one party other Twilight is having over in this world and I forgot a present! What do I do?" "You relax, dear. Not every party requires presents. Besides, this is a rather long overdue gift," said Rarity as she levitated the package over the table. Twilight quickly unwrapped it, her mouth opening slightly as she saw the gift inside. It was a pair of saddlebags. Sturdy, well made, and lacking much of Rarity's usual flair save for a set of very carefully embedded amethysts in the shape of her star-burst cutie mark. She didn't even need to try it on to know it fit perfectly. Back in her home world, she'd commissioned something similar, but had forgotten it after all the chaos with Tirek. Twilight blinked. There was water in her eyes. She swallowed, opening the bags and seeing the careful work done inside; spaced sections suitable for holding books, scrolls, papers, quills, and even an ink jar. It was exactly how she liked it. Her voice wavered as she spoke. She tried to say 'thank you', but all that came out was a shaky, barely audible, "I h-hate this." Rarity looked shocked. "R-really?" "No! Not...not this! It's wonderful! I just...I hate all of this!" She took another breath, her body trembling. "I hate all these alternate timelines, I hate Celestia for being right and not putting guards in my castle, I hate Starswirl, I hate Starlight Glimmer, and I hate this stupid choice!" Her head landed on the bag, her tears leaking out onto the treated material. Almost immediately, she could feel hooves wrapping around her and hugging her tight. Pinkie and Applejack were on either side of her, and seconds later Rarity and Fluttershy were at her back, placing comforting hooves upon her. "This world...hic...is wonderful, and...and I've been to so many worlds where things were terrible, but...I still want to go back," she choked out. "And I hate feeling this way!" Her friends were silent, the only sounds coming from Twilight's quiet sobs. It was Rarity who finally broke the silence. "Then go back. I was intending this as a parting gift, I never wanted to guilt you into staying." "But...Starswirl, his theory stated-" "Y'all know I ain't very smart when it comes to time stuff, but it seems to me like you sittin' here at all means Starswirl don't know everything," said Applejack. "Yeah...magic has a way of doing that to you," said Twilight, chuckling a bit despite herself. "So if that crazy pony was wrong once, he could be wrong again," finished the farm pony. "Don't you worry about us. Our Twilight left us a good world to live in." "But...what if this world disappears once I leave?" asked Twilight softly, wiping a foreleg across her eyes. "Then we'll still be your friends, right?" cut in Pinkie. "It's not like we're going to stop existing in that case, we'll just go back to being the ponies you remember. And you'll remember us too, so we definitely won't disappear!" Twilight took a moment to mull that logic over in her head. It was a bit of a leap, but Starswirl's litany of time magic was full of logical leaps. Her eyes turned to Fluttershy, the last of the group who had yet to speak, silently asking her if she thought the same way. "I...just wanted to say that I'm happy we're friends," said the pegasus softly. "I mean...I'm sure our Twilight knew that, but I never really told her directly." Twilight smiled, sniffing one last time before turning to pull the pegasus into an embrace. "If there is absolutely anything I have in common with the Twilight of this world, it's that she felt the same way." CRASH! The five ponies sitting at the table jumped suddenly as the door was flung open, admitting a panting Rainbow Dash with wet fur. "Sorry...I'm late...weather was terrible. Did I miss anything?" Rarity smiled and shook her head. "We'll fill you in darling, now dry yourself off," she demanded, levitating and flinging a towel at the rainbow-maned pegasus. --- Twilight let out a relieved sigh as she finished the last part of the spell scroll and rolled it up, carefully placing it in Rarity's bag. Task finished, the quill she'd been using moved over to another piece of parchment and finished a few last words before that too was rolled up and sealed. The moon was at its peak in the sky and the brief rainfall in the afternoon reflected the soft white glow. Like almost every night in Ponyville, it was a peaceful and serene sight. The sight did nothing to quell the alicorn's tension though. "Spike, you awake?" There was a grumbling reply as the young dragon was roused from his basket. "Mmhh?" "It's time to get going." Spike's eyes shot open and the blanket was flung off at the revelation. "What? But I thought-" "It has to be now," the princess insisted. "If I wait any longer, I'm not going to have the will to leave. Please, just...don't argue." Spike's eyes looked from the pony to the scroll on her desk. "Are you going to at least message Celestia first?" Twilight swallowed. "If this world stays behind when I leave, they'll find it on my desk," she explained, picking up the dragon with her magic and placing him on her back. Spike let out a small sigh. "Alright, let's go then," he murmured. "I hope you're not going to regret this." Twilight could only hope the same. Concentrating, the alicorn pictured the forest that she'd appeared in just yesterday, and with a violet flash they were gone. A moment later, the forest appeared around them with the crystal table just a few meters away, glowing like a beacon in the moonlight. "So do we have a plan to deal with Starlight Glimmer?" asked Spike, his voice quiet. Twilight nodded her head as she activated the scroll inside her bag. "I have a plan. I just need-" SHINK! The spell was suddenly cut off, the surrounding forest illuminated as a bright violet shield shimmered into being around the crystal table. Twilight swallowed. She recognized that particular color of magic. Slightly off, slightly different, far more powerful than she remembered, but there was only one pony it could be. "Heya, sis...you weren't going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?" Slowly, Twilight turned. Standing in the open now was her brother, a warm smile on his face, a kind look in his eyes, a familiar shield-and-star cutie mark on his flank... And a pair of wings at his sides.
A World Worth Dying For	Part 3: Steadfast	Shields had always been Shining Armor's specialty. He'd used one to hold back an army of changelings once, and that had been while he was dazed, mildly brainwashed, and unable to reach his full power. As an experiment, Twilight had once tested her brother's shields, and it had taken nearly five minutes of concentrated effort to break through his best work. And that had been after she'd gotten her wings. "Heya...BBBFF," murmured Twilight softly. "Those wings look good on you." "Thanks, sis," he replied, his voice equally soft as he walked towards the table, standing between it and his sister. "Although I should thank you, too." Twilight shook her head. "I never actually managed that in my world. I'd always assumed Cadance had a plan to help you ascend." Shining chuckled. "Maybe she did, but as it turns out, fighting your way through Tartarus and demanding answers of the guards there works just fine." His focus shifted from his sister to the dragon on her back. "It's good to see you too, Spike. The Crystal Kingdom has really missed your visits." Spike sighed, his claws tightly clutching Twilight's mane. "You're not letting us leave, are you?" he accused. Shining avoided his gaze, looking off to the side. "You know...when Tirek and Discord invaded Canterlot, I tried putting up a fight. Mobilized the guard force and the Wonderbolts. Ever since Chrysalis invaded, Celestia made sure to keep a robust standing guard force on call for emergencies. I thought it would be enough." "Shining, it wasn't your fault," said Twilight gently. Her brother continued as though he hadn't even heard her. "But then Tirek and Discord arrived. Tore through our guards like tissue paper. Left us all drained of our magic. A few hours later, I learned that my sister was dead." Twilight swallowed. She could feel Spike's claws digging more deeply into her mane. "And somehow...she's back. Even when that idiot guarding Tartarus said your spirit wasn't salvageable, here you are...about to throw yourself into another unwinnable fight." "Guess we know who tipped him off," grumbled Spike. "Shining, you didn't fail me," insisted Twilight. "No one could have predicted that disaster. It was just a lot of things that all went wrong at-" "No, sis, I did," insisted Shining, cutting her off and turning back towards the table, his horn starting to glow. "But I'm not going to let it happen again. Not when I have the power to change things." The violet shield glowed brightly for a few moments and then slowly started to shrink, pressing against the crystal map from all sides. For a moment nothing seemed to happen, and then magical sparks began to fly, an earsplitting grinding sound filling the clearing as the crystals began to compress against one another. "Stop it!" Even knowing it was hopeless, Twilight threw her magic at the shield, scouring it for any sort of weakness, slowing the compression a little bit, but not enough. "Are you going to force your friends and family to lose you all over again?" demanded the white alicorn. "Velvet and Night Light heard you were here, do you really think so little of this world that you'd abandon them, too?" The magic intensity increased as Shining redoubled his efforts. Twilight felt sweat dripping down her brow, but she pushed back, feeding her own magic into the shield and disrupting his ability to control its size. "I'm not your Twilight!" she snapped, trying not to choke on the words. "And it's an insult to your Twilight's memory to try and replace her with me!" "Then why did you call me your BBBFF?" he demanded. Twilight's eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat. Her magical hold slipped and for one moment she could see a hairline fracture appear on the table as Shining took full control of the shield. CRACK! BOOM! The crash of thunder in the clearing was deafening. Streaking so close to her mane that Twilight could feel the heat, several bolts of yellow lightning struck the shield, making spiderweb cracks along it until one finally shattered it. The following detonation of magic bathed the clearing in a bright violet light. "You can't keep her here, Shiny." There was a sizzling sound followed by a pop, the sudden influx of air and magic nearly making Twilight stumble as Discord appeared next to her. The draconequus had a grim look on his face, and in the mild darkness, the scar that ran along his muzzle and down his neck glowed eerily. The look on her brother's face shifted slowly from one of resignation to rage. Twilight had never seen her brother so angry before. "So...once wasn't enough for you, Discord? You want to take away my sister again?" "She was never your sister to begin with, and right now she has her own brother who is missing her," he replied. "Twilight, it's time for you to leave." The alicorn hesitated. She didn't want to do this, not with Shining angry enough to fight her hoof and horseshoe to stay, but she couldn't see any way to talk him down. Resisting the urge to yell out an apology, Twilight ran, barely paying attention as a wall of pink clouds blocked Shining's attempt at another shield. "Grab it, Spike!" she shouted, levitating the scroll from her bag and giving it to the dragon while leaping up onto the table and preparing her spell. The magic built up and the portal began to distort the sky, and then suddenly Twilight felt another magical presence. With a snarl and a flash of green fire, Chrysalis appeared on the table in front of her, the flames lashing out at the vulnerable piece of parchment. In her panic, Twilight did the first thing that came to mind, focusing her magic on Spike and the scroll and teleporting them away. Cursing herself for missing the changeling's presence, Twilight faced her new opponent. "Thirty worlds, and the one time you actually seem to be a decent ruler I still end up fighting you." "Then don't fight me," said Chrysalis, her voice lacking its usual dulcet tone. "But if you're determined to erase this world, I'm not going to stand idly by and watch it hap-." Twilight's magic lashed out before the changeling princess had even finished talking, striking her point-blank with Starlight's crystal encasement spell. The violet prison formed swiftly around her, but moments later green cracks began to appear, shattering it almost immediately. "Still trying to play the pacifist?" mocked Chrysalis with clear derision in her voice. "If I'm going to cease existing once you leave, you should have no trouble killing me!" Her horn glowed and her eyes flashed. Even though she'd been expecting it, the mental attack hammered at her defenses, a cry leaving her mouth as what felt like hundreds of needles pricked at her brain, searching for a way in. "You...always...use this!" gasped Twilight, sweating slightly as she focused her magic internally, compressing her thoughts and placing her own mental barrier around them. Taking a breath, Twilight pushed outwards, purging the foreign influence and sending Chrysalis staggering back as she forcibly broke the link. Her follow-up blast was very non-pacifistic and sent the changeling princess flying. "If I didn't know how to defend myself mentally, you'd be dealing with Nightmare Moon right now." Her horn glowed, the pattern for a stasis spell starting to form, only for her magic to slam against Shining's shield as her brother teleported in between her and Chrysalis. Scrambling to her hooves, Chrysalis turned and retaliated, pushing right back with a blast of her own. Twilight braced herself, only for the blast to go wide as Discord appeared and casually slapped it aside with his tail, detonating it against one of the surrounding trees. "Never thought I'd see the two of you working together," said Twilight, taking a moment to catch her breath as Chrysalis did the same. "And you're working with your own killer," snapped Shining. "Today is full of surprises." Twilight flinched at that, opening her mouth to protest, but Discord cut her off. "Save your breath, princess. You know what you have to do." Raising his clawed hand into the air, Discord snapped his talons. The sound seemed to reverberate around the clearing, making Twilight's very bones shake, and the effects came soon after. Beneath her, the grass turned a bright shade of blue. The white rays of moonlight shifted color, bathing the ground in a prism of light. Scents of flora, fauna, and more spices than she could name drifted past her nose. The very air around her felt like it was being twisted, and the magic inside her body seemed to protest simply standing in proximity to the Avatar of Chaos. Across from her, Shining and Chrysalis were feeling the strain as well, the violet glow around her brother's horn flickering before fading entirely along with his shield. "Do try your best against Chrysalis," said Discord, his voice coming out distorted and deeper than she'd ever heard before. "I'd hate to die for no reason." "Wait, what are you-" Like a viper, Discord moved, sliding along the ground, the light bending and twisting around him as he moved through the miniature realm of chaos he'd created. In the next moment, he tackled Shining, and with a multi-colored flash of light, the two of them were gone. As if a rubber band had just been flicked, the surroundings suddenly snapped back into order, the colors, scents, and sights all reverting to normal. The lingering chaos magic in the air vanished completely, leaving Twilight with the changeling queen between her and the crystal table. Panicked questions flooded into Twilight's mind. What had Discord just done? Was her brother okay? What did he mean by dying? She had no time to spend thinking about any of that, though. Chrysalis had recovered and she looked just as determined as before. Focusing her magic, Twilight blinked from existence and reappeared on the table, forming her own shield around it and herself, blocking Chrysalis out. "Spike! Where are you?" she called out. She hadn't teleported him far, just to the edge of the clearing. Her eyes darted around as Chrysalis furiously attacked her shield, but the treeline remained free of dragons. Cursing internally, Twilight turned her attention back to the changeling princess. Had the other members of her hive found him? Was this fight being watched by them right now? There was no time to think. Regardless of what was going on, she wasn't going to get the time to look while Chrysalis was in the way. Not even bothering to drop the shield, Twilight fired a blast straight through it, scorching the ground as the changeling princess jumped away, retaliating with a blast of her own. Spreading her wings, Twilight took to the air, dodging the energy and scanning the surroundings, hoping to see a flash of purple somewhere. No such luck. "If you really cared for your home, you wouldn't let me stand in your way," shouted Chrysalis after her, suddenly vanishing in a flash of green light and appearing above her, gathering power for a massive magical attack. Unwilling to risk the crystal table below her, Twilight landed back on the table and shielded, wincing as she felt the desperation in the magic. She was starting to put her own life force into her attacks now. "Please...stop," said Twilight, landing back on the table and weathering the assault behind a shield. Cracks were forming, but just as quickly fading as Twilight pushed more of her magic into it. "I just want to go home." "You have a home here!" snarled the changeling, pushing even harder, the entire clearing filling with a brilliant green light. "And ponies that care about you! And right now, you're taking them all for granted!" Twilight flinched, her hooves sliding along the crystal as she was pushed back harder and harder, the magical assault getting more intense by the moment. Taking a deep breath, the alicorn watched as more and more cracks appeared...and then suddenly she pulled the magic out of the shield. Chrysalis' blast destroyed it almost instantly, striking hard against the crystal map, but Twilight was gone, teleporting in the distraction and appearing right by the changeling's side. Chrysalis tried to turn, but Twilight's spell was already out, hitting her center of mass. The crystal prison formed around her, far stronger and sturdier this time, entrapping her once more. This time she didn't break free. "I'm sorry," said Twilight softly, fighting back tears. "I never wanted to take away anyone's home." Five minutes was the best she could hope for. She needed to find Spike and she desperately needed to leave. All of the magic being thrown around had doubtless attracted some sort of attention by now. Closing her eyes, Twilight expanded her magical senses and searched for her assistant, looking for his unique signature. "Come on, Spike, where are you?" she said to herself, voice shaking slightly as seconds ticked by and her search grew longer. Finally, on the edge of her senses, she could feel him. The aura of chaos that Discord had manifested must have been wider than she thought, and it was probably a good thing his magic hadn't come into contact with the scroll. Just as she was about to teleport, however, the atmosphere around her suddenly became distorted. She turned her head upwards just in time to see the air ripple and a tear open up in the sky. Moments later, Discord's body was flung from the tear, plummeting towards the ground and hitting hard. Right behind him was her brother, wings outstretched and glowing with a white aura that was almost painful to look at as he gently floated downwards and landed on the table. "Order magic...such a hassle..." complained the draconequus with a hacking cough. "Those paladin types were never any fun." "Celestia may have let you remain free after what you did, but I wasn't going to take any chances. Turns out it was time well spent," said Shining, his voice echoing slightly. Discord chuckled, twisting on the ground as he tried to get back on his feet. His body was covered in burns, and the scar along his muzzle was glowing an angry red color. "Better take your chance to kill me now...once your sister leaves, it won't matter." The white alicorn didn't need a second invitation. Without any warning, a dazzling white light flew from his horn towards his downed opponent. Discord didn't even try to move. "Stop it!" Twilight teleported, but she didn't have time to throw up a shield. Her wing came out, shielding her face as the white light traveled towards her...only to splash harmlessly against her body, leaving behind a gentle warmth. "Not even a singe?" came Discord's weak voice as Twilight checked herself over for injury. "Not one bit of chaos in you...a shame, really..." Twilight swallowed, turning and facing her brother, the bright aura fading from view as his natural color replaced it. "I'm going back," she said firmly. "This isn't my world. My brother isn't a killer." Shining recoiled as if he'd been physically struck. "Twilight, he-" "I don't care! You're not my brother, and I'm not your sister!" The magical blast that followed shattered her brother's shield like it was glass, the heavy emotional blow doing just as much damage as her magic. His wings spread and he took to the air, but Twilight followed, pummeling him with wave after wave of magic, driving him back from the table and towards the forest, her continued attacks stripping trees of their branches and leaves. He tried to summon more shields, but none of them lasted longer than a few seconds under her assault, and a particularly potent blast finally broke through his guard completely, sending him flying backwards into one of the trees. Panting, Twilight landed on the ground, watching her brother shakily get back on his hooves. She didn't give him a chance, though, her horn charging an increasingly familiar spell. Pop! The sound of a teleport registered in her ears just before a weight landed on her back. For an instant she could feel the chitinous body of Chrysalis pressing against her before a pair of fangs sank into her neck, delivering a bite and a payload of venom that quickly coursed through her system. She opened her mouth in a cry of pain, but even as she felt her body going numb, her magic reacted, grabbing the changeling princess in a telekinetic hold and slamming her into one of the nearby trees. The queen's body crumpled into a heap. She didn't get up again. Internally, her magic was fighting against the venom, but it was going to take time, and Shining wasn't going to give her that time. "Sis...even if you hate me for the rest of your life...I can't lose you again. I won't lose you again." Twilight didn't respond. She couldn't trust her own voice. She tried to focus her magic, but the process was sluggish. She could see her brother's magic building, she knew what spell he was going to cast, and she knew she had no time to defend. POP! The magical report of a teleport filled the clearing and white light burned her eyes. For a moment, Twilight thought she had looked directly at the sun, and when the spots cleared from her vision, she found that wasn't entirely inaccurate. Standing regally between her and Shining was Celestia, her horn glowing, holding Shining's magical blast encased in her own golden aura. With a slight turn of her head, she sent it skyward, the magic quickly fizzling out. Silence dominated the clearing as the Sun Princess settled her wings, seeming almost casual as she looked from one alicorn to the other. "My apologies for stepping into the middle of your sibling dispute, but take it from my experience, these alicorn fights never end well for Equestria." Twilight wasn't sure if Celestia was joking or not. Instead she simply opted to sit down and catch her breath. From the princess' back, her number one assistant finally revealed himself, quickly running to her side, a worried look on his face. "Twilight, are you alright?" The purple alicorn chuckled weakly. "Heya, Spike...guess I have you to thank for this?" she asked, motioning towards Celestia with a hoof. "I remember the Want-It-Need-It spell even if you don't want to," grumbled the young dragon. "I told you we should have just messaged her first." Twilight couldn't help but agree. Before she could respond, though, another bright flash of magic filled the clearing, and a slightly disheveled Cadance appeared beside Celestia. "Oh good, Equestria still seems to be in one piece," she muttered, quickly sparing Twilight a smile before rounding on her husband. "And so are you, miraculously. Although once I'm through with you-" "But Cadance, she-" "-is trying to go home, Shining. To the ponies she loves and the ponies who love her." The rest of the conversation became too quiet for Twilight to hear as Celestia filled her vision. "How are you feeling?" "A little bit paralyzed, depleted, and emotionally unstable...but otherwise fine." Celestia smiled. "Well, perhaps I can fix one of those problems for you." Her horn glowed and the last few traces of Chrysalis' venom faded from her body. Twilight shakily got to her feet. That had certainly helped, but it was going to take some time for her magic to properly regenerate. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I left, I just..." "You were in a very difficult situation, making a choice nopony should ever be forced to make," said Celestia calmly. "At the very least, you should be proud of yourself for not hesitating to the point of inaction." "I don't feel proud...I feel miserable," confessed the smaller alicorn. "Many such decisions you'll make as a princess will leave you feeling like that," counseled Celestia. "Such is the price you pay for the title. Still, I am glad I managed to catch you before you left." Twilight wobbled, leaning against Spike for support. "I'm probably not going to be leaving just yet. I still have another fight ahead of me and I can't go back with my energy drained." "Good. I'll need a few hours to go over this with you," came a new voice from the treeline. Twilight's head whipped around just in time to see Sombra emerge, a cardboard box balanced on his back. "I shall go check on Discord," said Celestia, her face carefully neutral. "And what exactly is that?" asked Twilight as Sombra lowered himself to the ground and slid the box off his back. "Every single note I could find that Twilight made in her pursuit to pull my essence back together," said Sombra. Twilight gasped. "You mean-" "Yes. I don't fully know what misery you suffered in your world from my other self, and I've no real right to ask you for anything..." Twilight didn't even let him finish before the lid was off the box and the papers were spread out in front of her, eyes rapidly scanning across the immaculate hoof-writing. Many of the diagrams and spells she'd never even heard of, but her other self had cross-referenced everything and had a fully formed index of all the books she'd used. Sombra coughed into a hoof, realizing that the alicorn was completely absorbed. "Right then...I suppose I'll just go check on Chrysalis." It became apparent almost immediately that she wasn't going to be able take everything with her, but it was feasible to pick out the most important bits and pieces and take them with her in Rarity's bag. The work was soothing, helping her relax and take her mind off the coming trip, her magic gradually recovering as she read. Slowly, papers and scrolls filled her saddlebags as she catalogued and organized her other self's research. This was still going to be a job and a half, and there was a small possibility that the rituals and magic might work a bit differently in her world, but hopefully she wouldn't have to spend two years on the task like her counterpart had. It wasn't until the sun suddenly rose in the sky that Twilight realized how much time had passed. She looked up just in time to see the glow from Celestia's horn fade as the sun finished its ascent into the sky. Shining and Cadance had retreated to the other side, laying down beneath one of the trees in the soft grass, the pink mare keeping a wing tightly wrapped around her husband as he looked at his forehooves. Sombra and Chrysalis also seemed to be in a deep discussion of some kind, and Discord had vanished completely. Feeling strong enough to stand, Twilight slowly made her way over to Sombra and Chrysalis, avoiding the gaze of the latter. "I think I have everything I need," she said softly. "I can't promise you a hundred percent that it will work, but I will try." "That is the best I can hope for," acknowledged Sombra with a nod of his head. He paused, drawing out a moment of silence before gently nudging the changeling princess with a hoof. Scowling, the princess spoke up. "When I was young, my mother, Queen Chrysalide, took me to Canterlot in disguise. We took a guided tour of the castle, but I wandered off and got lost in the hedge maze. I was stuck in there for nearly an hour, but a royal guard named Stalwart found me and helped me find my way out." Twilight hesitated, not certain of how to respond. "It's a memory I've never shared with anyone," she snapped, clearly irritated. "And since it happened before you were born, I'm certain your Chrysalis has the same memory, so...if you managed to find me in your world...then maybe..." "I'll try," said Twilight firmly. "Do you, um...have any idea where you might be?" "No," said Chrysalis flatly. "But you have a dragon who has my fire-mail address. You'll get an answer, just...be patient with my other self. She's a bit of an ass, but she'll come around...if she knows what's good for her." Despite herself, Twilight couldn't help but giggle as a small tinge of red appeared on the changeling princess' muzzle. "I do have one last gift for you," said Sombra, interrupting the retort on Chrysalis' lips. "I never really named this spell, and I would not recommend it except in the most dire of circumstances, but I believe this is one of those few appropriate times." Producing a scroll, he gave it to Twilight who quickly read over its contents. "This...this is the spell you used on my brother," she exclaimed, her eyes going wide. "The one that made crystals grow out of his horn!" "A nasty piece of work I engineered back when I was king and consumed with dark magic. Unless this Starlight Glimmer knows dark magic of her own, she won't be able to overpower it," said Sombra grimly. "It's also quite painful." Twilight nodded, committing the spell to memory before rolling up the scroll and levitating it back, a new plan already forming in her mind. "I understand, but I think I passed the 'last resort' phase of this battle ten worlds ago." "Understandable," agreed Sombra. "Just-" "I'm well aware of the perils of dark magic," she insisted. "I'll be just as happy as you if this is the only time I ever need to use it." Slowly, her legs took her in the direction of Cadance and Shining. The latter was laid out on the ground, looking far more depressed than she'd ever seen her brother before. Even Cadance's comforting wing around him didn't seem to be cheering him up. "So...did my other self do the sunshine dance with you every time we met after a long absence?" asked Twilight, trying to find something to break the tension. Cadance looked pleasantly surprised. "Oh? You still do that in your world?" "What? Of course I do! 'Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake...'" Standing up gracefully, Cadance extended her hoof just in time to receive the clap and finish the dance with her. "...clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Giggling like a filly, Cadance reached forward and drew the violet princess into a hug. "I'll be honest, I was a bit sad when we stopped doing it. Our Twilight thought it was too embarrassing." Twilight scoffed. "Hmph. As if I'd let a little embarrassment stop me from performing our sacred bonding ritual. Not to mention that it helped me tell you apart from Chrysalis." "Changelings have standards!" called out Chrysalis from behind her. Flicking a wing in her direction, Twilight sighed and turned to her brother. "So...I'm pretty sure you could make a case for being the 'Celestia' of us, especially considering the white coat and the 'defender of the realm' motif, but I'm not sure I'd make a very convincing Nightmare Moon. 'Eternal Twilight' doesn't quite have the same ring to it." Shining's head jerked up, the stallion taking a moment to get the joke. "That's not funny." "Not even a little bit?" "No." Cadance sighed, lighting her horn with a familiar spell. Shining opened his mouth to protest but the princess of love silenced him with a hoof as a bright pink heart slowly emerged from her horn, briefly shining bright enough to make the sun seem dim by comparison, before it popped like a bubble. The effects were gradual, but potent. Twilight saw her brother's eyes water, and then a choked sob escaped. "Dammit, Cadance, I..." His head upwards, his eyes finally meeting her own. "I missed you so much, sis...a-and when you were about to leave without a word, I...I screwed up..." Twilight knelt down, her forehooves wrapping tightly around his neck as she rested her head against his. "I'm sorry...I felt that if I had to disappoint anypony else, I wouldn't have the strength to leave." Shining's only response was to hug her in turn, letting a few tears dampen her mane while his wife soothingly rubbed a hoof along his back. Twilight remained there, holding her brother close, until Cadance's spell had run its course and her brother was once again able to suppress his emotions. "You know I hate it when you do that," grumbled Shining, slowly withdrawing from the hug. "You would have hated yourself even more if you let her leave thinking that you resented her," countered Cadance bluntly. Shining nodded, taking a breath before standing up, settling his wings at his sides as he looked down at his sister. "Twilight...I still don't want you to go...but if your Shining Armor is anything like me, then he deserves to have his little sister in his life. I wish I had something more to offer you than words, but...you have my support." Twilight gave him a brilliant smile, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from her back. The moment was quickly followed by a giggle, though. "Wow...you actually sounded like a prince there for a moment." Cadance let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. "Oh good, I've been working with him on that for ages." "Hey, c'mon, I'm trying to be serious here!" "Oh...hehe...I know, it's just...I'm placing it alongside years of memories of you being a dork." "Hey!" "Oh, don't fool yourself, Twilight...your brother is still a complete dork." Shining opened his mouth to respond but closed it suddenly. "Princess," he said, his tone far more somber. Celestia sighed, though there was a smile on her face. "Celestia, Shining. Call me Celestia." "I'll work on it, princess." Shaking her head with amusement, the Sun Princess turned towards her displaced student. "Twilight, if you wish to leave now, no one here will stop you, but I believe the rest of your friends and family would like to bid you farewell first. If you don't think you can handle it..." Twilight shook her head. "No, I'll stay." "Oh good, and here I thought I was going to have to beg for a couple hours' extension." The sound of a balloon popping followed the familiar voice as the draconequus suddenly appeared in the clearing. There were several burns on his body from his battle with Shining and the sunscar was still glowing slightly, but he seemed to have almost completely regained his energy. Twilight gave him a puzzled look. "What do you need a couple hours for?" "Oh, don't you worry your pretty little tail over that," replied Discord, giving her a pat on the head. "I'm just feeling...inspired right now, and this might be the last chance I get to cause some real chaos for this world." "Discord..." Celestia's voice held a hint of warning. "Nothing irreversible, I promise. And far, far away from Canterlot, too." The Sun Princess sighed. "Well...it's not as though you need my permission, but fine. You may indulge yourself this once with my blessing. It's the very least I could do after you helped my former student." "Fantastic!" His claws snapped and suddenly he was next to Twilight, crouched low to the ground, his pawed hand shielding his muzzle as he whispered into her ear. "Princess, when you get back to your world and fix everything, find my other self and give him the secret passphrase." His voice died down to a point where only Twilight could hear him. Twilight's eyes narrowed and then widened before her head jerked away. "I'm a stupid what?! No! I'm not saying that!" Discord let out a chuckle. "Ah well, worth a try. Toodles!" With another snap of his claw, the draconequus vanished, leaving the flustered princess behind. "Where do you think he's going?" asked Shining a moment later. Twilight shook her head. "To cause somepony else trouble for once. So who's showing up?" Chrysalis tilted her head slightly, as if turning her head towards an invisible voice. "Pinkie has already spread the word, so you should probably expect half of Ponyville at this point." "That's not going to be too overwhelming, is it?" asked Cadance gently. "No...this is a world worth remembering, and if everything does fade away once I leave and put things right, I'll make sure it stays in my thoughts." Just past the treeline, she could see the bright coats of her friends, with several more ponies following behind them. The scent of food and sweets began to fill the air, and from the corner of her eye, she could see Celestia's magic at work, turning the temperature from cool to pleasantly warm as the sun's rays seemed to get slightly brighter. "So, uh...we do have a plan for beating Starlight Glimmer this time, right?" said Spike cautiously, taking a place by her side. "I'd really rather not go through all this again." "Oh, don't worry, Spike, this is definitely going to be the last world she sends us to." --- An Undetermined Number of Miles Away... Starlight Glimmer smiled as she turned and checked herself in the mirror, making sure her makeup was in place. 'Our Town' had started out a bit rocky at first, but over the past few months, things had descended into a peaceful tranquility. While the occasional critic still showed up every now and again, nopony yet had been able to resist the allure of equality. Just as she was about to get her morning meal, though, a hurried knock sounded on her door. Frowning slightly at the break in routine, Starlight answered the increasingly frantic pounding. "Sugar Belle, how wonderful to see you," said the unicorn with a warm smile. "Is something wrong?" "No! I mean...no. It's just...a new pony came into town this morning and he's...strange. A-and you said you wanted to be informed of all new arrivals, too!" Starlight smiled, her forehoof extending to give the other unicorn's slightly gray mane a rub. "Thank you, Sugar Belle, you've done well." The new arrival in question was already drawing a crowd by the time she arrived. He was...odd, to say the least. His coat was brown, but near each of the legs were distinctly different colored patches of fur that extended towards his hooves. A pair of wings adorned his back, one bright blue and the other a murky gray color, and his tail was twisted into a braid of two alternating shades of red. Even his mane was slightly off-putting, striped black and white almost like a zebra, and on his flank was a bold black cutie mark consisting of a circle with what looked like an eye in the center and eight arrows pointing outwards from it. "...never have enough space on my coat to put all the colors I want there, so I like to change it constantly," he told the crowd of gathered ponies. Before her eyes, the brown coat seemed to shift slightly, turning a dull shade of green instead. "Now tell me, where is this leader of yours you speak so highly of?" Pushing her way through the crowd, Starlight finally came face-to-face with the oddly colored pegasus. "Welcome to our humble town," she said in greeting. "My name is Starlight Glimmer. Have you come here to learn about true friendship?" Beneath his pony disguise, Discord grinned. "Oh boy! You bet I have!" His hoof rose a few inches off the ground before coming down against the dirt, filling the air with the distinct sound of a pair of claws being snapped.
A World Worth Dying For	Part 4: Epilogue	Teleporting long distances was a risk. It took a lot of magical power, and if anything was in the way at the destination, the caster would be bounced back to their starting point minus the power they used. Fortunately, Twilight knew of one place in the Crystal Kingdom that wasn't going to have anything in the way, and with a fizzling sound, she, Spike, and Starlight Glimmer appeared right next to the crystal heart. The last of the three was dangling in the air thanks to Twilight's telekinetic hold. Along her horn was a series of small, violet crystals, glowing brightly as they absorbed her magic. Purposefully, the alicorn began to walk, pulling the unicorn behind her past the guards who simply saluted after they'd gotten over their surprise. Starlight's expression was subdued, her muzzle turned towards the ground, avoiding the gaze of both the dragon and the princess, wincing on occasion as her horn sparked in defiance of the crystals. "I...don't suppose you could remove this?" asked Starlight weakly. "I promised you I wouldn't run." "And I believe you," said Twilight. "But the pony who taught me that spell didn't teach me the counterspell." Another spark jumped from her horn, the unicorn briefly biting her lip to stop a cry of pain. "I really didn't know just how important your friendship was to Equestria." Twilight held her tongue, silencing the sharp retort that immediately came to mind. If Starlight had just done half as much research on them as she'd done on Starswirl's idiotic spells... "All friendships are important, Starlight," she said instead. "I just wish you hadn't given up on yours so easily." "What? But I-" "Did you ever try to write?" interrupted Twilight before the unicorn could finish. "Visit? Connect with him again? Look him up once you were older and had your own income?" "But...but he-" "-Obviously didn't realize how much his friendship meant to you," finished Twilight for her. "He's not blameless, but you put yourself into this spiral of depression just as much as he did." Starlight let out a miserable sigh as she floated along behind the princess, trying to work some feeling back into her numb legs. "So...are we heading to the library?" "No, we're going to see a specialist," said Twilight cryptically. --- Sunburst groaned, rolling over on his bed and knocking the book he'd been reading to the floor. It was early. Too early. Several choice words entered his mind in the time it took for him to make his way from the second floor of his house down to the front door, but every single one of those words died on his tongue when he saw who was on the doorstep. "P-princess Twilight! Sir Spike! And...Starlight...Glimmer?" The other unicorn looked almost as surprised as him, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open. In a panic, she looked towards the princess, but Twilight ignored her. "Greetings. You have my apology for waking you at such an early hour, but I can't afford to wait any longer than I have." Sunburst blinked and turned his focus back to the princess. "It's no worry at all, Princess! I'd be happy to lend you my assistance, but I'm not sure-" "Excellent," interrupted the alicorn, stepping inside and pulling Starlight along behind her, bringing her upwards into the air and displacing several books from the couch before setting the unicorn on the cushions. "I'm sure you've noticed the crystals around her horn, yes?" Sunburst adjusted his glasses, squinting slightly at the violet crystals that were affixed to her magical focus. "Yes, I see...that is some rather nasty dark magic. I'm not sure if I have the power to-" "I don't expect you to break it," said Twilight with a wave of her wing. "But from what I understand, you have extensive knowledge of the Crystal Library, so if anypony knew where to look for information on how to dispel such magics, it would be you. I'll be back in a couple hours to provide the power for your counterspell. Any questions?" "N-no, none at all! I'll get right on it!" "Good." The princess turned and walked towards the door, the baby dragon giving the two of them a sheepish wave before it shut behind them. As one, the two unicorns let out a breath, the tension in the room departing along with the young princess. "Sorry for dropping in unannounced," said Starlight meekly, shifting slightly on the couch. Sunburst hesitated, searching around for something to say. Finally he settled on courtesy. "Would you like something to drink?" "Only if you're willing to levitate it for me," grumbled Starlight, gesturing to her horn with a hoof. Sunburst brought a hoof to his mouth and coughed. "Right...sorry. So, um...why did Princess Twilight hit you with such a nasty spell?" Starlight looked surprised. "You can tell?" "Of course," said the unicorn confidently. "There's clearly quite a bit of power behind the spell, far more than that of a normal unicorn, or even a powerful one for that matter. And the color of the crystals matches the glow of the princess' magic she was using to um...carry you." Starlight chuckled weakly. "You always were good at analyzing magic like that. And, well...I may have screwed up. A lot." The researcher's inquisitive look told Starlight that her answer clearly wasn't satisfying enough. Groaning, the unicorn took a breath and let it all out at once. "I stole her cutie mark, broke into the Starswirl the Bearded wing of the Royal Canterlot library, stole a forbidden time spell, briefly fractured the timeline via a butterfly effect, and nearly doomed all of Equestria." Sunburst gaped. It was tempting to ask if she was pulling one over on him, but a memory from his foal-hood reminded him that Starlight was terrible at making jokes. "And...you're not in prison?" "Probation," murmured Starlight. "Although after what I did..." She trailed off, avoiding his gaze and looking around the cramped but cozy house. "You seem like you've done well for yourself." "Ah, well...not really," he confessed. "I'm mostly just a researcher, helping to catalog and organize the texts in the crystal library. I...never really had your talent for magic." "At least you put your magic to good use," countered Starlight. "All I did was make everypony around me miserable and turn Equestria into a wasteland." The crystals on her horn suddenly began to glow, a few sparks leaving her horn and a yelp of pain escaping her mouth. Sunburst was by her side in an instant. "You can tell me about it later," he said hurriedly, his horn glowing softly as he began to analyze the magic afflicting her. "I have a couple of spells that might ease the pain at least." Starlight nodded her thanks, letting out a sigh of relief as her old friend's magic began to take the edge off the pain. --- "Do you really not have a counterspell for that crystal magic?" asked Spike, the skepticism clear in his voice. Twilight smiled, her eyes opening as she let the eavesdropping spell fade. "Of course I have a counterspell, Spike. I would never have used it otherwise. I just figured this would be a good opportunity for Starlight to connect with her old friend." "So what are we going to do in the meantime?" asked Spike, as Twilight began to leisurely walk towards the crystal palace. "Oh, I've got a checklist," said Twilight with a smile. "Borrow some books from the crystal library to help Sombra, convince Cadance to start negotiations with Chrysalis, and make sure Starswirl didn't leave any more world-altering spells lying around." Spike took a glance around him, as if checking to see if anypony was trying to listen in on their conversation. Leaning towards Twilight's ear, the dragon whispered, "So are you ever going to let Starlight know that the mess she caused might actually be beneficial in the end?" "Not a chance in Tartarus, and if you so much as hint that to her, I'm cutting off your ice cream supply for a year." "Okay, okay...yeesh." "Which reminds me. Spike, take a letter to Celestia. I'm bumping up 'sealing Starswirl's archive' to number two on the list." Reaching into her Rarity-brand saddlebag, Spike instinctively withdrew the supplies he needed and began to write, easily managing the dexterous feat of riding and scribbling simultaneously. "So what's the first thing on your list?" he asked curiously. "Spending some quality time with my brother," said Twilight firmly. "Starswirl isn't that important."
Suites and Kisses	pre	<--- --- --->
Suites and Kisses	The June-Bug Consort: 4	<--- --- ---> Room Service <--- --- ---> . Lotus had just helped me, slipping out of the nighttime suit I had been wearing; then assisted me, in slipping into my daytime suit with Rarity at her side. I had woken up with hooves, in place of hands and feet. Curious. My sister June had chosen these stockings and gloves, but I can't complain now; I had after all chosen to put the garments on, side by side with her. With Rarity's help: I am now wearing a glossy, black knee-long pencil-skirt; I am finding surprisingly comfortable. She had also helped me slipping into the matching blouse-jacket; making it a complete outfit I can go out in, proudly. Rarity gave me electric metallic blue lips to go with my metallic bloody red lips. Curious, but I had assumed she knew these things. If my lips are metallic bloody red, hers are electric metallic blue; if my eye-shadows are electric metallic blue, hers are metallic bloody red. We had been made into the matching pair, swapping the colours between lips and eye-shadows. Curious. I had used the plaque the day before, just as I had seen Lotus and Rarity using it today; but I can use the plaque by myself, even with these hooves. I had not been locked out, or in; this is why we have the plaque, controlling everything, in the suite in the first place. Even if I, myself does not know of it, or the reasoning behind the choice. While changing clothes is a bit tricky on me, right now; but I had Rarity helping me out, with this. Just as she had helped me, presenting me with the breakfast buffet. I place the frog of my right fore-hoof onto the plaque, mentally spreading the fingers I had the other day; the door is sliding up, as if I had spread physical fingers. I step out of the room, with Rarity in tow. As I had stepped up to the room, to my sister June's room; I am walking into the room, seeing her standing with her fore-hooves on the door to her wardrobe. "Clip, clop; clip, clop." is heard, as I am walking over the floor, approaching my sister. She looks up, turning her head towards me; her mouth closed, her lips tightly pressed together. Even if, it seems as if she is straining to part her lips, opening her mouth. "Kiss her.." Rarity suggests; "I am certain, she will love it!" she explains. She is looking up at me, with her head lowered submissively; looking up at me, expectantly with hope and excitement shining in her eyes. I smile at her, she smiles back; recognizing me, and Rarity behind me. Of course. "She would?" I ponder, hesitantly; "but she does look quite hot, where she is standing; I would have to admit!" I mouth, in response. "Yes, she does indeed.."Rarity offers; "wouldn't you say?" she then coos. "She is my sister.." I ponder; "but, I guess I should take your suggestion.." I concede. "Clip, clop; clip, clop.." is heard, as I trot over to my sister; where she is standing, waiting for me. Rarity is quiet, while she is observing my progress; as I trot over to my sister, June. I had to walk around her, just as I had to slip in under her right or left arm; or is that her fore-legs, in her current form? I do not quite know, but refuse to let this confusion get in the way. In her current form, I do find her very hot; I can not help myself, it is just how I feel about what I see before me. "June, my little June-Bug.." I mouth. I had intended to place my hands on her hips or waist, but I have no hands; so I end up placing my fore-hooves on her waist, as I continue approaching her as I am. She looks at me, with big eyes; winking: once, twice, thrice; as she is looking at me. It is, as if she tries to say something, her mouth is incapable of conveying, in her current situation I take it, as confirmation. After a moment, I gently place my lips on hers, parting my lips onto to find my tongue slipping out. In surprise, I feel my tongue sneaking in between her now slightly parted lips. My tongue, now lolling in and out, in and out, in and out; on its way, as it slowly moves into her still tightly contracted mouth. She can do nothing. Let alone voice a protest. She is just looking into my eyes, as if she had been about to drown in the depth of my eyes right then and there. It is strange; even if I had known it is my sister June; but what I see and feel under my hooves, as well as the lips I feel pressed against mine, is just the excitement she offers me. I can not stop myself, and she is not asking me to. I press on. My tongue, lolling in and out. It just feels so good, so right. She is wet, something I had realized the moment the tip of my tongue slipped in between her slightly parted lips; leaving me with the impression, of her being excited and wet. How else to interpret the signs, she is giving me? I do not know. I refuse to even search for alternatives. Maybe she will beat me senseless over this; when she is given the opportunity, but that is neither here nor now. As my tongue had reached about halfway into her mouth, maybe a minute had passed; I feel a contraction not quite an orgasm, but her mouth slightly relaxed. A moment later, I feel the next contraction, still no true orgasm; a sign, her mouth is slowly starting to relax. Still, her mouth still firmly contracted. Just her lips parted enough, for my tongue to slip in. She had managed to part her lips, only because I am kissing her; parting my lips, thus parting hers in the process. Had Rarity known it? It is, for Rarity to tell; romance is her field, even if she has yet to find her special Some-Pony to date. Maybe she will, or maybe she wouldn't? I have no idea. Only Pinkie may know, before it occurs. Pinkie knows, what I do not. Pinkie knows, what could not otherwise be known. However, I love the taste of the June-Bug before me; just as I love, just how slippery and wet she is. While it may be her lips, but what's the difference. Had Rarity told me something, about me or my sister? It is my sister June, but it is also the Pony who woke up in her bed and in her place; is it June, but it is still the Pony before me. I call her June or June-Bug, which she does not seem to mind; as a matter of fact, she seems to enjoy and prefer it. Thus, I will be referring to her as my little June-Bug from now on. Minute by minute, my tongue is lolling in and out of her mouth; slipping further and further into her mouth, with each consecutive push in into her mouth. Slipping into her mouth, further and further; only for the tip of my tongue to touch the back of her mouth, then entering her throat the next. I had not even realized it, as tightly contracted as her mouth is; tightening up further, each time she is contracting. Tighter and tighter, the tight contraction more pronounced each time, even if she is relaxing more, each time the contraction is passing. Just that she is remaining tight, contracted firmly; for as long as I am kissing her, as if she is refusing to accept it. Pretending she remains tight, contracted; for as long as I permit her to, while maintaining the kiss. Slippery and wet, she is exciting me in the process; though she is just remaining just as wet as she had been, the first time my tongue had slipped in between her still tightly contracted lips. She is not growing wetter, or more slippery over time. "She is eating me.." June realizes, as my tongue is lolling in and out, in and out; ever further in into her mouth, progressing further with each time. "But.. but.. but..." she considers, her thought reluctant stuttering over the situation; "she is kissing me, her tongue slipping in between my lips.." she considers; "yet, it feels exactly as if she were eating me!" she ponders, not quite realizing what it means; partially based on lacking experience, experiences of the act. How right she is. Even if she had never realized it or grasped the consequences of the experience, sensations or implications of it. The moment lasts, because I am enjoying it; just as she makes it last, even if she is not aware of how or why, and she is not in control of it right now. How, or why it is enjoyable; but it is, and I enjoy it for all it is worth. Excited, exciting June in the process which only excites me even further. While I may be in control, I am not controlling the situation more than my sister. Of course, the the inevitable does happen and I feel the strong contraction almost halting my tongue, but I persists in the joy. It is hitting her, with all the intensity of an earth-quake; just that it is in her mouth, as opposed where one may have been expecting. "Ooh, ooh; ooh, ooh, ooh; ooh, ooh.." she coos, as she is hit with the first orgasm. How could I not? She is so slippery and wet, she is exciting me. Should I have been envious or jealous of her? Just as one orgasm is hitting her, the next is following mere seconds later. Followed by another and another. Each consecutive orgasm, coming harder and faster than the last. Yet, she remains as wet and tight as before. Even if she manages to relax more with each consecutive orgasm hitting her. "Ooh, ooh; ooh, ooh, ooh; ooh, ooh.." she coos, experiencing yet another orgasm; making her feel as if she had been made out of rubber, melting from the growing heat building up inside. As strong as the first orgasm had hit her, she is still shocked by the strength of each consecutive orgasm only growing stronger as the excitement keeps building within her. I slow down, trying to make it last; though still pushing all the way, as far as my tongue could reach. Should I have? But I have no idea, as to exactly how far I reach; or where, in her mouth of throat my tongue is. How could I? She is so tight, I can't quite feel the difference. I never could. Moment by moment, minutes growing into hours; I continue, persist, as I enjoy the moment in time with my sister. Rarity is leaning back; where she lies on the bed next to us, soaking up all the love produced in the process. Just as Rarity is remaining quiet, silent; relaxing, the room remains quiet. Just one Changeling Aide stepping into the room for a few minutes, relieving Rarity of the burden of holding the Love. She steps out, just as quietly; the door closing behind her, leaving the room as she is stepping out. "Oooh, oooh; "ohh!" I mouth, parting my lips while pressing them tightly onto hers; only to pull back, for just a moment and my tongue is slipping out of her mouth. "Oh, oh, oh.." she mouths in response, as the next orgasm is hitting her. "I, I, I.." she mouths, lips still slightly parted; "can I speak?" she then inquires, incredulously. "Yes.." I respond, "so it would seem.." I then add, almost as an afterthought. "That, that, that.." she mouths; "still feels so good.." she continues slowly. "Yes, yes, yes.." I respond. "Can, can we.." she starts; "do it again, once I have caught my breath?" she inquires. "Yes.." I promise her. "I did not know, a kiss felt so good.." she proclaims; "but now I can't hold back.." she gasps, still short of breath; "but, if you enjoyed it; we will do this more.." she now offers. "Oh.." I respond; "but now I feel like jelly, inside.." she continues with an excited snicker. Rarity is sitting up, now as June's lips had parted and her mouth is no longer contracted; "If you like; I could help you, exploring this experience, tomorrow!" she then offers. "You could, Rarity?" I inquire; "if so, please do.." I continue. "Then, by all means; I will, just say the word and I will be helping you.." she confirms. <--- --- ---> Gift, for the June-Bug <--- --- --->
Suites and Kisses	Gift, for the June-Bug: 5	<--- --- ---> The June-Bug Consort <--- --- ---> . "Since you asked me, if I could help you to explore the Kiss; I could get you started a bit early, if you would like" Rarity is offering, as I am sitting in the sofa, sipping on a bottle of Sparkle Cola. "Yes, please!" I respond. "Me too, me too.." June chirps, in excitement. "Okay, June first; but I will tend to you too, May!" Rarity responds. "Thank you, thank you, thank you; Rarity.." June chimes. With that; Rarity is stepping up to my sister June, where she is sitting comfortably by my side in the sofa. "Just sit back and relax.." Rarity suggest, as she is leaning forwards; planting a kiss on the tip of June's nipple, before parting her lips and gently lick the tip of the nipple. Little by little, Rarity is parting her lips; slowly taking the nipple in her mouth, between her lips. After a moment, she starts sucking; gratified with a squirt of June's warm milk, before she is pulling back. "There.." Rarity coos. She is extending the index-finger of her right hand, slipping it into her mouth; before she is placing the tip of the finger at the very edge of June's lower lip, gently pressing down as she is sliding the tip of the finger into June's mouth with mounting pressure. Once she had slipped the tip of her finger all the way over June's lip, she pulls it out; only to slide the finger in and out, in and out over and over with increasing pressure. "Ooh, ooh, ooh; ohh, ohh!" June mouths, with her lips contracted. "Part your lips, please.." Rarity incites after about a minute and June complies in the effort of pleasing, unaware of how her lips are contracting tighter and tighter around Rarity's extended index-finger. "Open your mouth wide, please.." Rarity incites, after another minute and June complies, eagerly. "Why, oh why does she make it look so exciting; now I want to experience this, right now.." I ponder, quietly mouthing the words unconsciously. As much as June tries to part her lips and open her mouth as wide as possible, but all she is accomplishing; is contracting her lips, making the contraction more and more emphasized: taking a deeper hold of her lips, mouth and deeper down her throat. "Oh, oh, oh.." June mouths, lips firmly contracted, just as she is hit by the first sign of an oncoming orgasm. "Right this way, please; miss June-Bug.."Rarity coos, guiding June up from the sofa, on the way towards her bed room. I watch Rarity guiding June out of the living room, while maintaining the tease on the way out; only for rarity to open the door for the two, just before Rarity returns to me. Just that rarity is still with June to guide her to the bed. "Clip, clop; clip, clop; clip, clop.." is heard, as Rarity is trotting over the floor, towards me. The door to the living room slides up, as Rarity is entering the room; "Your turn, May, if you please.." Rarity exclaims; on her way over to the sofa, where I sit. "If you please, just lean back and relax; as I help you, enjoying the preparations!" she suggests. "Oh, but of course.." I respond, following her suggestion. "I hope; you will be enjoying this, May.." Rarity coos, as she is lifting her right hand, extending the index-finger. "I will, rest assured.." I respond. With that, she is placing the tip of her index-finger on the rim of my lower lip. Barely touching, applying pressure; as she is sliding the finger over the lower lip. I feel the tip of her finger sliding over the slippery gel, my lips are coated with; but barely even notice, how she is starting to contract my lips, as the tip of her finger is sliding over my lower lip. "So, so... so W.E.T. (deliciously Juicy).." I mouth, in stark realization; excited, by the sensations elicited by her touch and touches. Her left hand, on her hip; proudly demonstrating her grace, showing her figure off before me. I could not help, but notice each feature including the inch-long, semi-square metallic electric blue nails. Rarity, the mistress on stage; soaking up all the attention, with her moves and radiant elegance. Drawing my attention to where she desires it; leading me, from what she does not want me to see or think without even saying a word to the effect. Slowly, slowly; ever so slowly she is contracting my mouth as she is exciting me. Each time, the tip of her finger moves over the surface of my wet lip; she contracts me, as she is exciting me further and further. Minute, by minute; she continues. With each time, the pressure of the tip of her fingers inevitably grows slightly; only exciting me more, as my lips tighten up in contraction around her finger. Helplessly, yet eagerly; I succumb to her seduction, enjoying each and every instant of it. Feeling the tip of her extended index-finger, sliding over my lower lip, in and out, in and out. Slow, slow, slower, slower. Not faster and harder. She, Rarity knows her seduction; she knows how to use her appearance, as well as her motion towards the desired goal. It is not the tip of her fingers that are smooth, but the lubrication coating my lips; making it feel hot, as she slowly stroke the lower lip to contract my mouth further. She makes me feel hot, just by standing there before me; lending me the attention, teasing me into submission. Helplessly enjoying what she is offering so freely. Moment by moment, moment by moment; she causes me to contract, and I feel the first stumbling contraction not yet an orgasm. But, it is close, closing in with each stroke of her finger, as she is continuing her tease. Once the first, actual orgasm is hitting me; it feels like an earth-quake is rocking me to the very core, even if its origin is my lips and my mouth. She continues; never stopping, never slowing down. She drives me on, drives me further and I am hit by another orgasm even harder than the first. Rarity is standing before me, looking into my eyes; watching me, as I experience the next orgasm. Another, and another; orgasm after consecutive orgasm rocking me deeper and harder with each one. My eyes fluttering, as I feel hot and growing hotter. "Oh, oh, oh; oh, oh, oh, oh; oh, oh, oh.." I coo inwardly, with each new orgasm hitting me. "I, I'm, I'm, mmmh.." I ponder; "Melting.." I realize. She had given me all the attention, she had promised; now, I am shaking and shuddering under the intensity of the next orgasm as it is hitting, hard. I don't even realize it, or notice; as the tip of her finger is slipping out of my mouth, with a distinctly pronounced sucking noise. My lips, mouth contracted, as she effectively sealed my mouth; before she was letting go, pulling back. My eyes fluttering, a few more times; before closing completely signaling to her I am ready. I am hers to carry to bed. "Right this way, please.." she coos, as she is taking my right fore-hoof; leading me up and out of the sofa, down onto the floor. I follow her out of the room. She merely stops to place the palm of her right hand onto the plaque, spreading her fingers wide in order to open the door; stepping out of the room with me in tow, before the door quietly slides shut with a swoosh behind me as I had cleared the threshold. I follow her, Rarity; even if on all fours, breathing hard and fast in my highly excited and ecstatic state. My heart, pounding, hard and fast. She is leading me up the flight of stairs to my bed room, only to stop by the door to my room; extending the palm of her right hand onto the plaque; spreading her fingers wide to open the door; stepping into the room with me in tow, only for the door to slide shut behind me as I had cleared the threshold. "Luna is awaiting you, May.." she coos, folding the quilt up towards the wall. "Oh, oh.." I mouth, lips still tightly sealed. I am taking the hint, sliding into my bed as she had alluded to; only for her to fold the quilt back over me, lying under my quilt in comfort. She stands back, quietly; standing in silence, as she is watching me. Only taking a step forwards, placing the tip of her index-finger onto the rim of my lower lip; momentarily holding it in place gently pressing down further. I had lain my head on the pillow, as she placed the quilt over me; for me to doze off into sleep, Luna watching me from her unseen vantage point. Strangely enough, I see a mirror before me; the mirror, showing me the reflection of my face. My lips sealed, barely visible as if I never had them. "May, sweet May.. May, oh May.. May, sweet May.." she is cooing; as if singing a lullaby for me, even in my sleep. While fast asleep, I am still rocked by the distinct orgasms; experiencing them, as if it had been my heart-beats. As I sleep, Rarity is parting my legs, spreading them fairly wide; though she is also sliding my arms or fore-legs from my body, before bending my elbows to present me in a desirable pose. My hooves up, presenting the frogs up in what seems a placating gesture if I had had hands. There is a whirring noise of an engine, and the hissing noise of air being sucked out; my quilt vacuumed to hold me firmly into position, ready to play and be played with. Like this I lay, remaining in pose for the rest of the night; still sleeping, while enjoying the ecstatic state of the incurred stimulation and stimulation I had been enjoying. <--- --- ---> Luna had been singing her lullaby, for me. I am still aware of the voice singing the song as if in my ear; cooing in excited delight. Only now, I am awakened, by the booping on my lower lip; abruptly contracting, upon contact. My eyes flutter, in abrupt surprise; a reaction, to the unexpected waking up. What I see, is my sister June; my own June-bug, her extended index-finger still lingering for a moment on my lower lip. She is laying on her belly, on top of me, her face just inches above me where she lay. Just that she is her old self in the light pinkish skin-tone, I remember her by. On second thought; she still has her muzzle, big eyes and equine ears just as the day before. Maybe she had just changed into a different ensemble or suit of garments before she went to bed the other night? Her skin still soft and warm, smooth and glossy after the night she had spent sleeping in her own bed. I know it is her, or I think I know; because I recognize her, even if she may be wearing a suit, or just carries the effects of the suit she wore last night. I recognize her, her mannerisms. She is June, my June-Bug; would respond to nothing else, not here and not now. Just as I doubt she would respond to anything else, ever. She still is my little June-Bug. I feel her hands, the palms of her hands on my waist; slowly and seductively moving up onto my belly. Her fingers spread, spreading wider as she is moving up onto my belly. She is exploring my belly, in overt delight and excitement; just the way I had been expecting her. What I had not been expecting, it the touch of the touch-pad at the tip of the extended index-finger of her right hand; even if she has these hyper sensitive touch-pads on each of her fingers now. Just the top, from the final joint and all the way in under the nail. The soft and squishy sensation of rubbery flesh giving that special coarse and grabby joy. Had she chosen, to try on the gloves the girls tending the desk were using; to enjoy how their hands feel? She chose to keep her inch-long, semi-square nails crystal-clear; but I can not blame her, it does look just right for her. Of course I feel her pert breasts, pressing down on my own; the large, hard nipples rubbing on top of my very own. Only now she had slipped her hands up onto my belly, the tips of her fingers probing my belly button; the long and index-fingers of her right and left hand sliding in, probing and pulling to spread the orifice. She is obviously enjoying the squishy, elastic flesh on my belly; from what I can see, of her facial expression. I feel her hot breath on my face and pick up the sweet scent of her on her breath. She is breathing in, and out, in and out; deep and rapid pants. As I try to lift up my hooves, to grasp her; I am reminded of the quilt holding me firmly into place, while she lies on top of me. The vacuum effect still firmly in place. The squishy quilt over me, is holding me down; if and when I try to move, leaving me entirely in her hands and she is clearly enjoying it. Should I complain, but why? I am enjoying it, and she knows it. I can not deny it, and certainly not to her. She is knowing me; far too well, for that. "Oh, your belly button.." she snickers, excited over her discovery; pretending she had not known of it, as if she had not seen it or done it herself, already. Even with the quilt covering me, she manages to slip a pair of fingers inside to tease me; enjoying the effect it is having on my belly. "Wait, what if I.. ?" she inquires, before thinking better of it. She moves her hands up my body, stopping under my breasts; pretending to consider, before her fingers are sliding up my teeny A Cups to the top and find my nipples. "Should I?" she inquires, while tentatively pinching my nipples between the nails of her thumb and fore-finger for a moment; "naeh.. later, maybe.." she continues. Now, her hands move down and up to the sides of my cheeks where they slowly come to a stop. Just resting, holding my face in a firm grip. Musing, excited. "I know, you want me to fondle and cuddle your breasts and nipples; but you will enjoy me exploring your belly button with you later, as well.." she suggests. "Yes, I probably will.." I ponder, as her attention moves further up and her lips slowly moves towards my lips. "Oh, wait.." she coos; "what if you were to part your lips, to invite a kiss?" she inquires, suggesting I should be trying to part my lips before she is kissing me. Only for her to extend the index-finger of her right hand; planting the tip of her finger at the very edge of my lower lip and keeps it there, to cause my lips to contract even further if that had been possible. Trying to part my lips, not to mention open my mouth; would only drive home the point, deepening the contraction even farther than it already is. Even if I did not know, or if I am not aware of it right now. "Close your eyes.." she incites, just before she finally plants her lips on mine in a kiss. She is parting her lips, just enough for her tongue to slip out; before she is licking my lips, then slip the tip of her tongue in between my lips in an excited ease. She is licking my lips, leaving me to feel wet. This is, how much she had parted her lips; for now, at the very least. "Hay, you are wet; delicious, I love it!" she is mouthing in the act. And of course, I am wet, she had known that, all along. She just enjoys teasing me with it. Just driving the point home. She breaks of, after a few minutes; lifting her head, but leaving my lips exposed to her. Just enough, to tease me; to trick me, into trying to part my lips to kiss her. The effect is obvious, but I am not aware of it right now; acting as she had expected only to deepen the effect of the contraction further with each moment she is holding back. "Time for some fun, I know you will enjoy it.." she coos, as she is moving over to my right fore-hoof; exposed to her, since last night. I could do nothing, trapped under the quilt holding me in the spot. At first, she is just extending the tip of her tongue, licking the outer rim of the right fore-hoof; starting at the front or tip, then going back and forth; right and left, right and left. Slowly, slowly; she is starting to move out onto the frog, further and further out onto the sensitive flash. Teasing me, enjoying herself as she goes on. While her tongue is wet and slippery; she is leaving no wet trails behind, as she is continuing to tease me with the sensations she is forcing upon me. Not that I complain, enjoying it as much as I do; she had known it all along, even if she had never let on. She had chosen these stockings for me, even if it is the June-Bug who is in her bed right now; enjoying the same treatment, thinking I am on top of her and the situation. June remains on top of me, teasing the frog of my right fore-hoof; exposing me to the sensitivity, to the edge of what I can take. Moving all the way to the center of the hoof and continuing back to the rim of the hoof; leaving me drooling, if not for my lips being tightly contracted and effectively sealed shut. Only to move over to my left fore-hoof, as she had reached the edge of the right fore-hoof; repeating the process of teasing me by eliciting these sensations to show me me just how sensitive I am. Right and left, right and left, right and left; she had continued, repeating the tease. Breaking off, only after the third. She had applied the tip of her tongue to the frog of my right and left fore-hooves: once, twice and thrice. I am ready to scream, but I have no mouth. She is returning her attention to me, my face; sliding her hands up over my chest, only to stop on my cheeks: right and left, respectively. Now, placing her lips on mine in a deliciously warm kiss; parting her lips, licking my lips for several minutes just to fire me up. My lips are wet, soaking wet under her tongue; just as they had been, all along. She is relishing in my excitement, soaking it up like the little sponge she is. Though she is my little June-Bug, as far as I know; even if she may be her stand-in, for the occasion. Not that I mind, right now. Why? With everything she is giving me, and how good it feels; how good she feels, on my chest, as she is offering me everything. She is once more parting her lips, just enough for her tongue to slip out, exposing my lips to her caresses. Slowly, slowly; ever so slowly, she is parting her lips further as she goes. At first, she had made due with just licking my lips; then, the tip of her tongue slides in between my tight lips, into my mouth. Lolling in and out, in and out; slowly sliding further in, as she is parting her lips. Just a little bit, just enough; for her tongue to enter my mouth. As the tip of her tongue finally reaches the back of my mouth, she starts slowly parting her lips further; slipping the tip of her tongue down my throat. I feel her tongue, lolling in and out, in and out; further and further in and then down my throat. I am wet, soaking wet; all the way, as far as I can feel the tip of her tongue and an inch further down. I find myself contracting, in hard orgasms; over and over, just as I was the other day. I just never stopped experiencing them; even if it faded out, as I had fallen asleep the other night. While I am starting to relax, she is keeping me contracted; keeping me on the tip of my hooves all the way, making the experience as hot as she could possibly make and maintain it for me. With her on top of me, enjoying the moment; as if there is just the moment, everlasting. Eventually, she had driven me over the edge; leaving me orgasmic, coming hard and fast. As hard, and as fast as I can for her. She is relishing in my moment, enjoying holding me in place; only with the company, of the next Aide stepping in or out of the room. She remains on top of me, where she belongs; soaking it all up, as I am trapped in the cycle of the bliss of the perpetual orgasm. I love it, as far as I know. <--- --- ---> My June-Bug remains, faithfully on my chest; kissing me, into the very end. Moments passing, growing into minutes; minutes passing, growing into hours. Eventually the time comes, and she permits my climax; just a moment before, the safe moment is expiring and I fall asleep and slip into an unconscious state. Of course, I am forever changed, by the experience. I can not turn back, even if I could change my suit and appearance. <--- --- ---> June-Bug, Broken In <--- --- --->
Suites and Kisses	June-Bug, Broken In: 6	<--- --- ---> Gift, for the June-Bug <--- --- ---> . May had kissed me, into submission; or at least, I think it was May. She had been wonderful, working wonders for me; staying on top of me, all day. I had enjoyed it, to the very last instant. Even if she had made me use up every last orgasm I have, every last one I may ever have. Orally? But still; I had enjoyed every last one, all the same. How could I not? With May on top; it had been glorious, beyond words or expressions. In the end, she had permitted me the release of the climax; I had fallen asleep and slipped into an unconscious state a moment later. At least, I had enjoyed it all; she made me feel wonderful, made me feel hot as blazing Hell. <--- --- ---> Eventually, I am waking up again. It's a new day, a beautiful new day; with May on my belly, as I finally open my eyes. She is not impatient, as I wake up. She was never impatient, with me; was she, ever? It is, as if she had been waiting for me to wake up; all night, only too happy to wait for me. She has the most beautiful eyes, I had ever seen; the most beautiful eyes, I had ever been fortunate to gaze into. "You know, I ordered you a fresh hooficure; Lotus will polish your pretty little hooves for you in a moment.." she explains. "Oh, thank you, May!" I respond. "I know, you would do the same.." she merely responds; knowing my stand-in had done the same for her. She is slipping off of the bed, fluidly; as if she had been a pool of Goo, on the smooth surface of my quilt. With a distinct thump on the floor; she stands up beside me, folding the corner of the quilt up against the floor. "There, slip out from under the quilt; you will need to stretch your legs, after so many hours trapped in place.." she coos. "Oh.." I respond; "I guess you are right!" I continue, slowly sliding out from under the quilt. "Clip, clop!" is heard, as my hind hooves are hitting the floor, as I slide out of bed. Once I am off of the bed, she folds the quilt back; as if I had never even touched it, let alone slept and entire night or more. "Hop up onto the bed, it is more comfortable; lie down and rest.." she suggests. "Oh, thank you June-Bug.." I respond, as I sit down onto the bed; making myself comfortable, resting on my back. "That, is my cue.." Lotus muses; as she is opening the door, stepping into the small room. "Someone, eager for her hooficure?" Lotus inquires. "Yes, yes, yes.." I respond, eagerly. "Thought so.." Lotus proclaims. "Very well, then; lie down and make yourself comfortable, so I can offer you the hooficure.." she prompts. With that, I am slipping back up onto my bed; lying down, resting comfortably as I am waiting. I lie on my back, resting; enjoying myself, as she had suggested. I close my eyes. While I lie on my back, eyes closed; presenting my hind-hooves to her, she is preparing the can of hoof primer gel. Slowly applying the gel; from the middle, right and left, right and left. Starting at the root of the hoof, down to the very tip of the hard surface, of the hoof. She had started with the right hoof, repeating the process with the left hoof. Now, she starts over, from the center of the frog to the front of the hoof; right and left, right and left. Repeating the process, with the left hoof. Applying the gel: once, twice and thrice as she is saturating the hoof with the clear gel. She is capping the can, before producing the hoof-polish. Starting from the middle; right and left, right and left. From the root of the hoof, to the very tip of the hoof. Polishing the right and left hoof in turn. She is applying the suction-cup gel to the frog of my right hoof; from the center and all the way out to the tip. Right and left, right and left. Repeating the process with the left hoof. Applying the polish and suction-cup gel: once, twice and thrice. "There, beautiful.." Lotus pronounces. "Looks great, so glossy, I know she will love it.." May offers. "You love shiny, June-Bug; don't you, dear?" May inquires. "Yes, May; I certainly do, and you've known that since forever.." I proclaim. "Not, as if you made a secret out of it?" May teases, giggling. "This is why I chose the glossy Sapphire Lacquer for you, June.." Lotus coos her explanation. "Thank you, Lotus!" I respond. "You are quite welcome, Dear; and if you turn around, I will be extending your hooficure to your fore-hooves as well!" she promises. "Oh, you will?" I inquire, as I gather my hooves under myself; before I turn around, before I make myself comfortable on my bed. Only now, I face Lotus at the foot end of the bed; my hind-hooves in the air, behind myself. "Of course, Dear.." she proclaims. With that, she is producing the first of three cans required to perform my hooficure. I watch her, intently; as she is performing my promised hooficure, enjoying the vantage point. She is applying the primer, as I am watching; before she is applying the lacquer and suction-cup gels respectively: once, twice and thrice in interlaced order. Lacquer, suction-cup gel; lacquer, suction-cup gel; lacquer, suction-cup gel. The result is stunning, beautiful and utter gloss; as she leaves my hooves so glossy, I almost see my reflection in them. "Aloe could offer this, to my sister May; I know she would love, and adore it.." I ponder, while Lotus is performing her art. "Of course, June-Bug; Aloe is doing exactly that, and May loves it just as much as you do.." Lotus ponders, with a snicker. This will appear, like a dream; where I see my sister in one room, then step into the next room only for her to be there. Just that she is a girl here, and back to be the Pony I recall she was the other day in the next room. "You can ogle your hooves, for a moment; permitting the hooficure to take hold, curing completely.." Lotus offers. "Just a few minutes, but you do want to permit the lacquer to cure completely!" May points out. "Yes.." I respond, lying still; relaxing, as I wait for the lacquer to cure. Lotus is waiting, patiently; just soaking up my ambient love, as I enjoy her work. After a few minutes, May walks over to the door and lifts up her right hand towards the plaque; pressing the palm of her hand onto the glossy black surface and spreads her fingers wide in order to open the door; the door slides up and she steps out of the room, only for the door to slide shut behind her. "When you feel ready, slip out of bed and I will guide you to a new activity I believe you will be enjoying!" Lotus insinuates. "Oh.." I respond, remaining on my belly for a moment longer; before I am slipping off of the bed. "Clip, clop; clip, clop!!" is heard, as my hooves distinctly hit the floor, under the bed. "Right this way, please.." she offers, as she is walking over to the door out of my bed room and I follow her. "Wait, this feels good; but I have a distinct sense of the floor, under my hooves now.." I ponder, as I follow Lotus over to the door. "Is your hooves more sensitive, than you recall from yesterday?" Lotus inquires, as she is lifting up her right hand towards the plaque; gently pressing the palm down onto the plaque and spreads her fingers wide in order to open the door, stepping out of the room with me in tow. The door quietly slides shut behind me, unnoticed. "Uhm, yes; somewhat enhanced, I guess!" I respond, as she is leading me over to a door on the other side of the hall. "That much, was expected!" she responds, as she is approaching the intended door. Lotus is lifting up her right hand and gently extends her palm onto the plaque, spreading her fingers wide in order to open the door; the door slides up before her and she is stepping in with me in tow, only for the door to slide shut behind me as I had cleared the threshold. I can see a parabol mirror, covering the entire wall before me as I enter the room. There are two large, crystal-clear, squishy cushions on the floor with three feet of space between them. "One small detail, before I can introduce you to the excitement.." Lotus offers, as she is producing a tube of gel. "Oh.." I respond. With that, she is pouring gel into her right hand; before she starts spreading the gel over my belly, sliding some of the gel into my belly button in the process. Only stopping to poor more of the gel into her right hand; before she continues to work it into the skin of my belly. Only stopping, after she had emptied the tube; saturated my belly, with the clear gel intended for my belly. She is producing a metallic electric blue Silicone-plug; slipping it into the orifice corresponding to my belly button, on the top of the cushion before me. Naturally, the cushion had been lubricated before I had even entered the room. "If you would approach the cushion.." she suggests, "then place your belly over that plug, on the cushion.." she continues. "Oh, of course.." I respond, with a nod as I am trotting up towards the cushion before me. "Mount the cushion.." she is instructing me; "and wriggle your belly.." she adds, almost as a silly little tease. "Oh, but of course.." I respond; mounting the cushion before me, wriggling my belly. "This, feels funny..." I ponder, as I feel the tip of the plug she inserted into the orifice corresponding to my belly button. Lotus is stepping up behind me, placing her hands on my rump; before sliding her hands forwards and in under my belly, only to reach my belly button after just a few minutes of advancing. The next moment, I feel the fore-and index-fingers of her right and left hand sliding into my belly button; pulling her hands apart, dilating my belly button as she is aiming to slip the plug into my belly button. She slowly lets go of my belly button, as she is certain the plug is inside my orifice; pulling back her hands and stepping back. "Wriggle your body.." she suggests; "then lift your body a few inches up and off of the cushion you are resting upon!" she continues. "Oh, of course.." I respond; only to find the plug securely riveted into my belly button, holding me down; "Uhm, I can't pull my belly off of the cushion.." I add, explaining my situation. "Oh.." she responds; "of course not.." she continues. I feel the plug, riveted into my belly button; just as I feel my belly stretching, as if it had been squishy Silicone and not flesh. It is not, just that I do feel the plug in my belly button; it is in how I feel it stretching inside my belly button and how it is effectively putting an effort into securing the hold, in riveting me onto the smooth surface of the squishy cushion, my belly is resting on top of. I am stuck in place, on the top of the cushion. It is distracting me, but after a moment it is still feeling fairly acceptable in the end. Even if it is strange and unfamiliar; to the point, where it is distracting me. She is presenting me with a pair of crystal-clear Sapphire shoes: Horses or Pony shoes, that is. I have equine hooves now, so it makes sense to me; even if I can't quite see, why I need to wear them. "Try these on.." she offers. "Oh, okay.." I respond, as I am accepting the offered shoes before me. I lightly place my right fore-hoof on the first, then the left fore-hoof on the next; gently holding them in my grip, feeling the shoes on as if I had put a pair of shoes on. "Just a moment.." she mouths, producing a pencil or shoe-bonder. She is drawing the line along the rim between the right fore-hoof and the shoe. I feel the shoe bond securely onto my hoof. She is repeating the process, with the left fore-hoof. "How does it feel?" she inquires. "Kind of, as if you just glued the shoes onto my right and left fore-hoof.." I mouth. "Just in case, if you don't want to drop a shoe; worrying, you have to focus on gripping your shoes all day when you are out, walking.." she explains. "Oh, okay.." I respond. She is bonding, affirming the bond and reinforcing the bond by drawing the line thrice more. Once, twice and thrice. "There, now your shoes are securely on; will be protecting your hooves against wear and tear, when you trot on coarse surfaces!" she explains. "So I can put these shoes on, to spare my hooves from the wear and tear; swapping shoes, when they wear down?" I inquire. "Exactly.." she responds; "Excellent, excellent.." she ponders, with a distinct snicker. "One final detail.." she mouths, producing a can of clear gel; applying the gel to my right and left fore-hooves respectively, in turn. "Hoof Gel" the Label reads; "Permanent Bond Fixative" the subtitle reads; "Suction-Enhancer Release Prohibitor" the second subtitle reads. I can see the smooth coating of the Hoof Gel, she is applying to my right and left fore-hoof: once, twice and thrice; sealing the pretty shoes onto my hooves in a slippery and highly elastic membrane, fusing the shoes onto my hooves for the duration. "Now, if you don't mind.." she offers, putting a pair of matching shoes onto my right and left hind-hoof. Once the shoes are on, she binds the shoes to my hooves, before coating my hooves with a final coating of gel. "There, perfect.." May compliments Lotus' handiwork and craft mare-ship. "Close your eyes, and let me be the guide of your hooves.." May whispers, to me and I am closing my eyes, as a sign for her to commence. A moment later, she is indeed standing before me; placing her fore-hooves just above my fore-hooves; spreading my hooves gently, while guiding me to place my hooves correctly. "Hold on.." she coos, lightly pressing the frogs of my hooves onto the surface for but a moment. Yet, it is enough, without the option of letting go, for as long as I am wearing the shoes. "Clip, clop; clip, clop; clip, clop.." is heard, as she is trotting around me, ending up behind me. "Spread your legs, for me; so I can guide your hooves into a comfortable position.." she coos. Slowly, I am spreading my legs; feeling her hooves guiding my hind hooves onto the right and left sides of the cushion upon which I am resting. Slowly, she is guiding my hooves to the desired position. "Hold on.." she coos, lightly pressing the frogs of my hooves onto the surface for but a moment. Yet it is enough, and I feel the suction taking hold; without the option of letting go, as I am wearing these shoes. <--- --- ---> Completion or Depletion <--- --- --->
Suites and Kisses	Completion or Depletion: 7	<--- --- ---> June-Bug, Broken In <--- --- ---> . I had just undressed with my sister Julie, thus I am stark naked beside her. My clothes, in a pile on the floor of the wardrobe. Since I am alone, with my sister Julie; being nude does not bother me, even if nudity in public still does. "When in Rome, do as the Romans.." I ponder; "or, when at the Royal Twilight Inn; follow the local dress code, and you should be perfectly fine!" I conclude. There is a book, in my night stand; explaining how everything works, as well as lining out the general and specific rules to adhere to. I intend to stick to the rules, I have been given; or I have no place here. "I could live like a Princess, if I enjoy it here.." Julie ponders, giggling. The clothes were of Rarity's design, and the Enchantments were of Twilight's design; but I do not know it, even if I guess I could have read up on it, in the book. Though the Rules are of Chrysalis' design; she had after all established the hotel, offered by Twilight and her friends. "This looks like fun.." Julie exclaims; "You just have got to try it out.." she continues, offering to insert the metallic bloody red anal tube. "Anal Membrane-Tube" the Label reads; "Back Orifice" the subtitle reads; "Plug and Play" the second subtitle reads. "Oh, sure; help me out and insert it for me, will you?" I inquire. "Just turn around and bend over; so I can insert it, comfortably!" she suggests, with the tube in her right hand. "Would she ask me, to insert one for her; when she is done inserting this for me?" I ponder, mouthing the words; before I turn around and bend over for her. Maybe I should have been reading the label, and more carefully; but for now, I have been ignoring the label. Since she had picked the tube for me, she had extended her right index-finger and slipped the tip of the finger into the preferred membrane-tube; before slipping the finger into my anus and pulled the finger out, while leaving the tube in. I feel the slippery Silicon membrane slide in, then I feel her finger slide out; while the tube starts to propagate further and further into my preferred orifice, for as long as I could sense it. "There, the tube is in; how does it feel?" she inquires. "Surprisingly good, actually; I barely feel it, past the point you slipped your finger out.." I offer; "even if there is a strange, residual sensation as it is propagating inwards!" I explain. "While you are there, since it is not bothering you; would you mind, if I complete the process and bond the tube into place?" she inquires. "By all means, please do; but I hope, you have an extra.." I respond; "so that I can return the favour!" I conclude, chuckling. With that, I can clearly feel the tip of the lip-liner gracing my rump, as she is drawing the line to close the circuit and thus bond the tube into place. There is a momentary contraction, propagating inwards; just as the circuit is closed and the bond is taking effect. She is applying a lubrication, into my anus; supplying me, with the chance to enjoy what she had just offered me. She is once more picking up the lip-liner, bonding the tube into my anus: once, twice and thrice; leaving me with a slippery and wet sensation of excitement in its wake. As she is putting the pencil to the side, she is lifting up her right hand and extends her index-finger; placing the tip of her finger at the lower edge of the entrance, as if to caress my lower lip. I feel myself contracting, as the tip of her finger presses down gently. "Oh, oh.." I coo, in response; "That felt surprisingly good.." I continue, mouthing. "Now; do me, do me, do me.." she responds. "But of course, Yule; just hand me the tube, and assume the position so I can return the favour!" I respond. "Of course, Aug.." she responds; as she is handing me the second tube, right along with the lip-liner and the lubrication she had just applied to me a mere moment before; "please do, I want you to; just enjoy it, for all it is worth.." she continues. I am watching her, as she is assuming the preferred position; "Here goes.." I coo, with the offered tube on my extended index-finger; "I hope you will be enjoying it, just as much as I just did.." I suggest; slipping my index-finger into her anus, feeling how tight she already is. I withdraw my finger, as the tube had slipped in; picking up the lip-liner she just offered me; "I hope you do enjoy it; because I doubt you can extract it in a heartbeat, if it is not comfortable.." I offer; drawing the line around the tube, watching the bond taking hold, just as I close the circuit. "Oh, oh, oh.." she mouths, as she feels the tube propagate further and further into her anus; "that feels curious.." she continues. "These tubes were intended to be lubricated?" I ponder, as I apply the preferred lubrication; before I once more bring the pencil to bear: once, twice and thrice drawing the line, reinforcing the bond. I place the extended index-finger of my right hand onto the lower edge of her lubricated orifice, lightly pressing down; feeling her contraction, as I rub and caress her for about a minute or so. "Oh, oh, oh.." she mouths, in response. While Julie is distracted, I am extracting a pair of tubes for her: the Vaginal and belly button tubes respectively. "This should be fun.." I ponder, placing my right and left index-fingers onto the right and left of her orifice, lightly pressing down, caressing her, as I apply pressure. "Oh, oh, oh.." she mouths, in response. "You enjoy it, Yule?" I inquire, as I observe her reaction. "Yes, yes, yes.." she coos, mouthing the words. "Okay, I guess I can take her word for it.." I ponder; "If you turn around, and I will double the fun.." I offer. "Oh, oh.." she responds; "yes, yes, yes.." she continues; turning around, presenting herself to me. With her vaginal tube covering my extended index-finger, slowly inserting the finger into her; extracting the finger as I feel the tube in, leaving her to experience the tube propagating into her. She feels the tube slipping in, into her; propagating into her vagina, coating the inner walls of her womb in the process. Leaving her with the metallic bloody red Silicone membrane inside her. "Okay, here comes the fun part.." I suggest; drawing the line along the border of the inserted tube; bonding it into her, as I close the circuit and the bond takes hold. I apply the lubrication she had offered me, before I once more bring the pencil to bear; drawing the line along the inserted and now bonded vaginal tube: once, twice and thrice. Before she has any time to protest, I slip the third tube onto my extended index-finger; inserting it into her belly button, withdrawing the finger as the tube is inserted. She feels the tube slip into her belly button, propagating further and further inside; wondering just how deep inside the three Pi inch tube could possibly reach, into her. I bond the tube, into her belly button; before I apply the gel to her new orifice, slowly caressing it in and permitting the gel to take hold. "Belly Button Membrane-Tube" the label reads; "Plug and Play" the subtitle reads; "Three Pi Inch" the second subtitle reads. "Oh.." I put forth; "and before you ask; here is an identical tube, for you to insert into my belly button!" I proclaim, knowing she would want to treat me to what I had just offered her. "Just.." I ponder; "that I have no vagina, so I can offer her no vaginal tube for her to insert into me!" I ponder. I had almost been wishing, I could have offered her that opportunity; but I have no vagina, for her to insert the tube into. So that would fall flat, and be perfectly pointless. She would be sure, to come up with something, with which to compensate for it, to compensate for what I do not have. Nature had failed me, in this regard. I should not pretend to be disappointed, just because I do not have a vagina; why would I be sad, just because I am not a girl or woman? Not everyone could be a female. Maybe, just maybe; I would have enjoyed the chance to experience it for myself. Just that I can not have it. On the other hand, maybe I can have a second chance; to experience it, all the same. I had never been here, before; thus I had never had the chance, to explore the promised riches promised here. Riches, extending far beyond the experience of having a vagina. Having the chance to experience, exploring it. Of course, I had permitted my sister the joy; of extending me the joy, of inserting the tube extending me the joy. How could I not? Why wouldn't I? Without hesitation, she is accepting the offered tube; slipping the extended index-finger of her right hand into the tube, slipping the tip of her finger into my belly button with a squeal. She is promptly bonding the tube into my belly button, as I feel the membrane propagate further and further into the new orifice; only for her to apply the gel and reinforcing the bond: once, twice and thrice. "I'm going to explore this, with you tonight.." she suggests. "I was hoping, you would say that.." I respond; "but before you can do that, you have a final tube to insert for me; before I can insert yours, unless you prefer I did not!" I continue. She is selecting the tube for me, picking up a second for me to insert for her in turn. "Oral Membrane-Tube" the Label reads; "Plug and Play" the subtitle reads; "Filly Vocals - Extra Deep Play" the second subtitle reads. "They really have exciting choices, readily at hand.." she mouths, as she is lifting up her right hand, the index-finger extended; slipping the metallic bloody red tube onto her finger; "though I think you would prefer to part your lips, slightly.." she suggests, before putting the tip of the finger in between my lips. "Oh, oh.." I mouth, just as the tube slips in between my lips; "Okay!" I ponder, as the tip of her finger slides into my mouth. I feel the membrane coat my lips, my mouth, my tongue; before it continues to slide down my throat further and further, as it is propagating as far as it reaches. She is retracting the hand, extracting her finger; before she is producing the lip-liner, drawing the line around the tube. From the right corner over my upper lip, and from the left corner of my mouth; as she continues under my lower lip and thus closing the circuit, thus the bond is taking hold. I feel the contraction, as the bond is taking hold; propagating through my mouth, down my throat as far as I can feel it and then continues. "Oh, oh, oh.." I mouth, as she is retracting the lip-liner. "This looks, as if you were wearing lip-stick.." she coos. "Yeah, I guess it does!" I respond, snickering. "You don't mind?" she inquires; "considering, you can't even remove it by yourself right away.." she continues. "Any other place, I guess I would be humiliated to go out; fuming with rage, over how I look.." I point out; "but this is not any of these places; so I could go out without batting an eye, or I could just order my food in?" I offer. "However, while we are at it; why don't you just apply the lubrication, just for the fun of it?" I offer. "Since you ask me to do it, for you; how could I possibly say no, or deny you this?" she is inquiring. I just smile, as she is producing the proffered lubrication; applying it to my lips and thus lubricating the entire tube and orifice, in the process. Once she had applied the lubrication, she is producing the lip-liner: drawing a line along my upper lip, from the right corner of my mouth to the left; before she draws the line under my lower lip, from the left corner to the right. As the circuit is closed, the bond takes hold. She is repeating the process once, twice and thrice. As she had completed the process, she is offering me the tube, the lubrication and the lip-liner and I accept. I lift up my right hand, extending the index-finger and slip the finger into the tube; slipping the finger in between her slightly parted lips; pulling the finger back as the tube slides into her mouth. As I had inserted her oral tube, the tube is propagating further and further into her mouth and down her throat. I pick up the lip-liner, drawing a line over her upper lip from the right corner to the left; and under her lower lip, from the left corner to the right. As the circuit is closed; the bond is taking hold and she is experiencing the contraction propagating over her lips, through her mouth and down her throat; the same way she had experienced the tube propagating, as I was inserting it. Now I am applying the lubrication with a brush, the way I would have helped her put on lip-gloss; before I pick up the lip-liner: drawing the line along her upper lip, from the right to the left corner; then under her lower lip, from the left to the right. Once, twice and thrice I draw the line; reinforcing the bond. "There, how does it feel?" I inquire. "Fantastic; my lips are so smooth and glossy.." she responds with a snicker of her own. She is placing her hands on my cheeks, right and left; before she is pressing her lips onto mine in a kiss, before she is parting her lips and her tongue is slipping in between my lips. "Oh, oh, oh.." I mouth; "I'm wet, soaking wet; but it feels so good, I have no words.." I continue. My tongue slips out, in between her lips; eagerly meeting the tip of her tongue, teasing her. "Oh, oh, oh.." she responds; "I did not realize, this lubrication would make me quite this wet; or that it would make kissing quite this good.." she realizes. "That was good.." I confirm; "but right now, I want to conclude this adventure; before we explore, what we had signed up for!" I conclude. "Yes, (yes, yes); I guess we should do that.." she responds; "I'm eager to see, what we have before us.." she continues. "A pair of panties, and a top sounds like an idea.." I suggest. "Choose the panties, then I choose the top?" she offers. "Sounds like an idea.." I agree, picking a pair of metallic bloody red panties for myself, and another pair I hand over to her. "Rarity" the label reads; "G Cup" the subtitle reads; "Mare Pleasures - Ultra Tight" the second subtitle reads. I watch, as she is stepping into her panties. I lift my right foot and step into my pair, putting the foot down and lift up my left foot; slipping the left foot through and put it down onto the floor, before I pull the panties up all the way before affording the panties a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. A few thuds are heard, with each foot hitting the floor; before the squeaks of stretching Silicone announces pleasures to come, with eager anticipation. "I love your choice, these feel just right; so tight, it feels as if you had panted them onto my hips.." she pronounces, squeeing in overt delight. "The fluid elasticity certainly makes it comfortable.." I respond; "choose the top, so we can try them on?" I suggest, tentatively. "Oh, yes; the top, thank you for reminding me.." she responds, as she is turning her attention towards the interior of the wardrobe. "This looks like fun, if it fits me.." she mouths; "I hope Aug will enjoy, trying it on with me.." she ponders, snickering, at the idea. "Here.." she offers; I hope this will fit you.." she continues. "Thank you, Yule.." I respond, accepting the offered garment; watching her trying her own on, while I slip into mine. "This looks tight enough, even for me.." I ponder; pulling the top down over my head; only to afford it a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. "Squeak, squeak, squeak.." is heard; while I tentatively adjust the fit, before I settle to enjoy the tight-hugging feel of the metallic bloody red top, she had offered me to try on. "As a male, I was not asked to wear a top; but right now, I feel like sharing the experience with her.." I ponder. "Rarity" the label reads; "A Cup - Teen Ultra-Tight and Firm" the subtitle reads; "Productive Play - E Cup" the second subtitle reads. "Going by the label, this should go well with the rest of the ensemble I am currently wearing..." I observe. "Then, you should love this, Aug.." she suggests, picking up a pair of full-length toe-stockings and offers me to try them out; while keeping another pair, of identical stockings for herself. "Rarity" the label reads; "Ballerina" the subtitle reads; "Size 36" the second subtitle reads. I accept the offered garment. Lifting my right foot up and slip it all the way down, placing the foot firmly on the floor and lift up my left foot; in order to slip it into the other stocking, pulling it all the way up before putting the foot down onto the floor. "Full-length toe-stockings.." I ponder; "and they even fit me!" I mouth, snickering. I am watching Julie, as she is affording her stockings a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice; making the stockings fit just right, quite comfortably. "I guess, we can enjoy the fun, by tomorrow; after a full night's sleep, or a minimum of eight hours.." she muses, snickering in excitement. <--- --- ---> Gloves for Yule <--- --- --->
Suites and Kisses	Gloves for Yule: 8	<--- --- ---> Completion or Depletion <--- --- ---> . I had watched Aug pick a pair of gloves, he felt like trying on, earlier; they are very pretty and befitting, to his current suit. "Rarity" the label reads; "Full-Length Gloves" the subtitle reads; "Ultra-Tight - Ultra Feminine - Complimentary Fantasy" the second subtitle of his gloves reads. "Could you help me, putting these gloves on?" I inquire, holding a pair of crystal-clear gloves up demonstratively. "Rarity" the label reads; "Full-Length Condom Gloves" the subtitle reads; "Ultra-Tight - Hyper Smooth" the second subtitle of his gloves reads. "Since you are asking me for help; how could I possibly turn you down, Yule?" he inquires; "If you want to try these on, I will help you!" he continues. "Just for the night, but I just can not help myself; once I had seen them, I had to try them on to explore how it feels to wear these.."I explain. "Though I guess, I want to feel his hands all over my arms; while he is helping me put these gloves on, adjusting the fit for me.." I realize, as I had explained it. "The gloves of your choice may be a bit peculiar, but if you want to wear them; who am I to stop you, after what I have put on?" he inquires; "since you are all dressed up, for the night, just fold up the quilt and sit down on your bed; hold up your hands before you, so I can help you.." he explains. "Since you are wearing a girl's ensemble, I guess you do have a point.." I respond, as I am folding up the corner of the quilt and sit down onto my bed. "I am so excited and nervous, even if he had indeed promised to help me!" I realize, snickering. I am lifting up my right arm, balling up my fingers into a fist; making my best, to make it easy for him. He is holding out the glove for my right hand, before me; I slip my hand in, then starts spreading my fingers, once the glove is slipping past the wrist. As he continues to pull the glove further and further up, I am flexing my fingers eagerly; only to see the glove tighten up around my hand, thus restricting my fingers in the process. I can see my hand once more, balled up into a fist; as my hand is reaching the edge, and he is pulling the glove up into my arm-pit. I am presenting my left arm, for him to slip the second glove on; he is putting the glove on, pulling it all the way up in a slow motion. I spread my fingers and flex them as he is pulling the glove on only for the glove to slowly restrict my hand, as it is contracting around my skin. "Oh, oh, oh.." I mouth; "curious.." I snicker. While I am flexing my fingers, but my hand remains balled up; I feel the glove stretching, to accommodate for as much flexibility as possible. However, I can not flex my fingers; more than a bit, and never enough to make any difference. "Whoa.." he exclaims; "is this, the condom Glove you wanted to try on?" he inquires. "Yes, I believe it is!" I respond. "Then, by all means.." he responds; "but, I should offer you the rest of the treat.." he suggests. "Yes, (yes, yes); by all means, please do!" I respond, looking up expectantly at him. He is producing a tube of skin-tone lubrication; "If you want me to; I would be only too happy to assist, Yule!" he prompts. "Yes, please.." I respond. With that, he uncaps the tube and pours gel into his right hand; before he is rubbing his hands to spread it out evenly, before turning his attention back to me. "Here goes, if you have not changed your mind?" he inquires. "No, please go ahead; I want to experience this, and I clearly need your help for that!" I point out. With that, he is placing his cupped hands onto the tip of my glove; slowly caressing the glove, working the gel in into the surface of the glove. Spreading the lubrication, before he starts to move further and further along the glove. From time to time, he stops to pour more gel into his right hand; rubbing his hands, before he continues to spread the gel onto my glove. Once he had coated my right glove, he continues to work my left glove; all the way up to my arm-pit, at which point it would appear he had just run out of gel. "Seems this tube had been formulated, to be just enough for one pair of gloves!" he observes, with a smile. The gloves are covered or coated in the skin-tone lubrication he had used to polish the gloves I wear. Not a single drop is smearing or dripping from the gloves; it is, as if he had never applied the gel in the first place. However, the gel makes the gloves tightening up and contract around my arms, restricting my fingers' movement even further. "If you lift your feet up, I will help you up into the bed; so that you can sleep comfortably, all night!" he offers and I comply. I feel his hands pushing my feet in under the quilt; before he is helping me to fold the quilt back down, covering me up to my neck. "There; sleep tight, and sweet dreams!" he offers. "Thank you, Aug; sleep tight, and sweet dreams.." I respond. Now he is turning towards the door, walking the few steps; before he is lifting up his right hand and gently extends the palm onto the plaque, spreading his fingers wide in order to open the door. The door quietly slides shut behind him, as he had cleared the threshold and I find myself alone under my quilt. The light slowly dims down, as if it had been reflecting the light of a setting sun. I can still see the light of stars overhead, as if I had been lying under the open sky outdoors. "Curious.." I ponder. "So beautiful, I could cry.." is the last thought I experience; before I fall asleep, a mere moment after my head touches the pillow. <--- --- ---> I am still lying in my bed, as I wake up. The room is dark. As I open my eyes, I can see the contours of the room, identifying the few things I recall I had in my room. I am lying on my back, but it seems I can't quite feel my hands; even if I clearly feel something, from where my hands had been the other day. I feel the quilt over me, and the black Silicone sheet under me. While the quilt is holding me down, it is not what is pinning my arms down. After a moment, the door to my bed room is sliding up; Aug enters the room, before the door promptly slides shut quietly. "Good morning, Yule!" she exclaims. "Good morning, Aug!" I respond. She is stepping up to the side of my bed, plopping down to sit by my side, where I lay, restrained by my quilt. "I think; you need a kiss, right now!" she offers, as she is slipping down to lay by my side on the bed. "Yes, I would love a kiss, Aug.." I respond. She is stepping up to the side of my bed, plopping down to sit by my side, where I lay, restrained by my quilt. "I think; you need a kiss, right now!" she offers, as she is slipping down to lay by my side on the bed. "Yes, I would love a kiss, Aug.." I respond. It is a bit strange, to see my brother Aug standing before me, as a woman; when I recall her as a male, even if I still recognize all the features of the Aug I know she is still Aug, after all; and I had seen her putting the suit on, responsible for the changes I see in her new female form. However, there is one thing sticking out, up front; even if she is still wearing her metallic bloody red panties, I can clearly see his penis. It had been under the thin membrane, the panties consist of; but during the night, as the changes had come to the fore, the penis had slipped through, somehow. I can't point a finger at how, but I can clearly see the effect, and I can't quite deny what I see before me. I feel her hands, as she slides them over my chest; lying on top of me. She slowly moves her hands up over my breasts towards my chin, only for her hands to stop, as they are reaching my cheeks. Now, I feel the suction-cups covering the palms of her hands, the hyper sensitive touch-pads at the end of each finger. I even feel a hint of her inch-long, semi-square, crystal-clear nails. Even if I can't see the colour, and not just because her hands have yet to appear before me to clearly make the colour out. The metallic bloody red gloves she still wears makes it impossible for me to see. With her arms by the sides of my body, she is sliding into position; gently placing her lips softly onto mine, in a loving kiss. "Oh, oh, oh.." I mouth, as I feel the wet touch of her lips pressing onto mine. Her lips parting, her tongue slipping out; licking my lips, before finally slipping in between my lips. My tongue stretches forth, touching the tip of her tongue. My tongue is stretching further in between her lips, as her tongue slides in further into my mouth. I feel wet, as my tongue is sliding over the wet tongue of hers. Of course she is wet, I should have known it; considering how I was lubricating her lips, as I was applying the lip-gloss. In the process, I had left her perpetually slippery and wet; only now, I find myself enjoying it more than I had dared to believe. I feel the tip of her tongue slide in, into my mouth; farther than I had been expecting, only to pull back out of my mouth as she is pulling back. "Just a moment; I have something to share, with you.." she prompts; before she slips out of bed, to stand on her feet a moment later. "Just too bad, I could not ask you; to help me, slipping the top off of me.." she offers, before she is pulling the top up over her head; leaving it onto the floor, only to reveal her breasts before me. "Oh, oh; yes, yes yes.." I mouth, as I see what she had been hinting at. "Wonderful, indeed.." I mouth. "I thought, you would say that.." she coos, snickering; "but just wait, until you can explore them, for yourself!" she points out; before she slips back, down onto the bed beside me. "Can she by chance, mean what I think she means?" I ponder, as I am ogling her. "I am saving the best, for last.." she points out; "while I had prepared your breakfast, in creamy and liquid form!" she promises. "Liquid breakfast?" I inquire and she just nods; "I guess, I just have to experience it.." I conclude. "Yes, I guess, you are right.." she responds. She is slipping up, presenting a breast to me; making the nipple slide into my mouth, between slightly parted lips. "Oh, one small detail.." she explains. She is lifting up her right hand, extending the index-finger; only to place the tip of the finger on the middle of my lower lip, pressing down gently. I feel my lips contract, under her influence. "Now, if you would just suck?" she coos; "and your breakfast is served.." she continues. "I will just have to try this.." I ponder, as I start sucking. While the tip of her extended index-finger remains, lingering on my lower lip: I start sucking, soon rewarded with my first squirt of warm milk hitting the back of my mouth. "Oh, oh; yes, yes, yes.." I mouth. Why she had given me the offer, to stop sucking and pull back at any time; the juicy and creamy milk is just too good, for me to pull back now. I had not even stopped, to consider; either stopping, or pulling back. Should I have? I am hungry, eager to enjoy the breakfast she is offering me. I continue to suck, rewarded with new squirts of milk. Freshly served, the milk is hot and creamy as promised. Maybe, just maybe; this is why, I could not stop myself or pull back. Though I guess, I could have tried to pull back, just enough; to effect tentative tugs, in a teasing manner. "Why, oh why?" I ponder; "I enjoy it, just as I enjoy the milk she is offering me.." I realize. "Should I have, but I can't make myself resenting it!" I ponder. If it is, her being on top, or if it is the offered milk that is turning me on? Yet, it is turning me on. I find myself growing excited. I eagerly swallow each squirt, she is offering me. Of course, I am enjoying it; it is a breakfast in bed, and one I will not have to clean up after or do any dishes after. Squirt, by squirt; minute by minute.. and the time is slipping by. Yet, I am still enjoying it. Even when I start to feel my belly filling up. I just could not make myself stop. Not now, and not quite yet. Should I? Why? I have no idea, not a clue. Not yet. Though I guess, the first clue is forthcoming shortly. Of course, the tip of her extended index-finger had been withdrawn; just as she had deemed my lips sufficiently contracted, but why not. I feel the large, hard nipple in my mouth, between my tightly contracted lips; enjoying each and every instant of it, even if this time is running short. "I think, you have had your fill; spare some appetite for your lunch, will you?" she pronounces, teasingly; just as she is starting to pull back. This, is the first hint; of just how tightly she made my lips contract, as she is pulling back. I feel my lips stretch, refusing to let go of her nipple; not just because I am still sucking, but that does help. "But, but, but.."I ponder, in protest; "it is so good, I want more.." I continue. "I may enjoy your belly, as it is; but if you keep sucking, it would be a dampener on your mood.." she explains; "and I know you don't want that, because I certainly do not.." she points out, pulling back. "Let's have some fun.." she offers, once more placing the tip of her index-finger onto my lower lip, gently pressing down and caress it. With that, I find my lips contract further; further and further, until she is withdrawing the finger once more. "Wait, wait.." she puts forth; "you did put on a pair of Ballerina stockings, didn't you?" she inquires and I nod. "Oh, yeah; I thought so, remembering slipping these on last night.." she concludes. "I would like, to see you up and about; prancing around, like the graceful Ballerina you are!" she exclaims. With that, she is folding up the quilt; for me to be able to slip out of bed, to stand on my own two feet. Once she is folding the quilt up, I can sit up; sliding my feet out of bed, pushing myself forwards to find myself standing on my own two feet as suggested. "Now, for the fun part; if you don't mind?" she suggests; "Since you would be hard pressed; to slip the stockings of, right now!" she offers. I just nod. With that, she is slipping the right and left stocking off of me; while I lift my feet right and left, respectively. "There.." she prompts, as she is folding the quilt down; if you care to slip onto the bed, resting on your belly for but a moment!" she offers. I nod and slip down onto the bed, soon to find myself resting on my belly; eagerly awaiting her assistance, with breathless anticipation. She is standing behind me, beside my bed; leaning down over me, as she is extending her right hand with her fingers stretching out. A moment later, I feel four of her fingers slipping in between my toes; slowly sliding up the length of my right foot, only stopping, as the tips of her fingers had caressed the entire length of the soul of the foot. I had felt her gently pressing down the tip of each finger, but just hard enough; for her to affect the desired change to the foot, as I feel the muscles of the foot relax as it is adjusting the posture. She is placing the tips of her thumb and index-finger just at the back of my foot; sliding the hand all the way up the thigh, only to stop as she is reaching the back of my knee. In the process, she had effectively laced up a ballerina slipper onto my foot and halfway up my thigh. I had felt the squishy, glistering black Silicon coating the soul of my foot; in the form of the soul of the Ballerina slip she was lacing onto the right foot. The front of the foot is covered in a stiff, glistering, light pink to skin-tone Silicone; continuing all the way up the slipper. There is a golden tip to my slipper, upon which I can balance comfortably. The metallic, silvery lacing reaches from the border between my toes and my foot, reaching all the way up to the top of the slipper. While my new Ballerina slipper initially does feel strict and tight, these sensations and feelings soon ebb out and slip my mind; to gradually be replaced, by a comforting and comfortable sense of my feet once more being nude. Once she had laced up my right foot and leg, she is repeating the process of lacing up my left foot and leg; to give me the sense of being the Ballerina, I had been promised to be. "There, perfect; how does it feel?" she inquires. I look up at her, smiling shyly; grinning, in joy and appreciation. Now, I once more slide my feet out of the bed; pushing myself off of the bed, only to find myself standing on the tips of my toes. I blink in surprise. "H.. how, how.." I mouth, in stark realization; "could it possibly feel so natural, to me?" I ponder. It feels, almost as it used to feel to stand up, on the entire foot. Just that I am half a foot taller than I used to be; as late, as last night. I feel the floor, as if I had been standing up; not as if I had been balancing, on the tips of my toes. "Step up to the wardrobe and open the doors to the daytime suits.." she suggests. "Oh, okay.." I just nod, as I am walking over to my wardrobe. She quietly opens the wardrobe before me; offering the view I had been anticipating. "Now, look into the mirror; look at your reflection.." she suggests, and I simply nod. I can see my red lips and blue eye-shadows, just as I clearly see the Ballerina-slips I am wearing; while Aug is standing behind me, watching me from behind in preparation. She is lifting up her hands towards my right shoulder, fingers outstretched; slipping her nails in under the glove, before she is pulling the glove down and off of my arm. "Oh, oh, oh; ooh.." I mouth, as I can see the bare skin of my arm and what had been my hand as late as last night. She is repeating the process, pulling the left glove off of me; watching my reactions, observing me as I realize what my choice of gloves is going to mean to my near future. "Yes, I guess this is the gloves you chose to wear.." she mouths, silently. I can not deny it, now; after I had seen the result, a full night's sleep had incurred me. As I am gazing into the mirror, observing my reflection; she is slipping her nails in under my panties, pulling the garment down. I can feel the slippery Silicone slide down my legs, where I stand. "Raise your arms up; against the ceiling, please.." she suggests, and I comply. With that, I feel the long nails slip in under the top I am still wearing. The next moment, she is slipping the garment up over my head; pulling if off of me, only to unceremoniously leaving it onto the pile of the last night's ensemble. She is leaving the garments on the floor of my wardrobe; selecting what I am to wear, for the rest of the day. However, I am already wearing my new Ballerina-slippers, and she had selected a pair of panties for me. Lift up your right foot.." she suggests, and I comply; only for her to place the metallic bloody red panties, under my right foot. "Put the right foot onto the floor, before you lift up your left foot.." she suggests, and I comply. She directs my panties to line up with where I am about to place my left foot; "you can put the left foot down.." she suggests. "Rarity" the label reads; "Tail-Panties" the subtitle reads; "Ultra Tight - Plug and Play" the second subtitle reads. As I comply, I feel her slipping the panties up. She is affording the panties a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. "There, perfect.." she exclaims. "These do feel pretty good.." I consider, knowing they were never to present me with anything less than the perfect fit, in the first place. She had picked a glistering black knee-length pencil skirt for me, presenting it before me; lift up your right foot, please!" she suggests and I comply; put down the foot onto the floor.." she continues and I comply; lift up your left foot.." she continues and I comply; "Put your left foot down onto the floor.." she concludes, and I once more comply. She had instructed me, to take a step; and now she is pulling my skirt up, only to afford it a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. "Rarity" the label reads; "Knee-length Pencil Skirt" the subtitle reads; "Ultra-Tight - Membrane-Skirt" the second subtitle reads. "Lift up your arms.." she suggests and I comply; whereupon she is slipping the pink daytime top down over my head, only to afford it a few tentative tugs: once, twice and thrice. "Just one final item; and you are properly dressed up, Yule!" she promptly points out, presenting me with the matching blouse-top, she had intended for me to wear. "Oh, oh, oh.." I mouth, in response. I am lifting up my arms, before she even had the time to prompt me to; leaving her to slide the right and left arms into their respective sleeves, before she is buttoning the blouse up, eagerly. "There, perfect.." she prompts, placing a hand onto the wrist of what had been my right arm. I feel her lifting up her hand up towards her rump; only for her to promptly press my hand in into her anus, before I even had the time to react. What had formerly been my right hand, now the head of a Yello, eagerly slides in, with little to no prompting. With the tip of the extended index-finger, she presses down on the lower lip; causing herself to contract, thus holding me firmly into place. "There, how is that?" she inquires. "Tight.." I mouth; "but slippery and wet.." I continue. "I am trapped.." I realize; "but I find myself, enjoying it to the point of finding it exciting.." I realize. "You signed up for it, Yule; I hope you enjoy it, because you have until tomorrow, like this.." she muses, snickering. With that, she is grasping my free hand, or what had been my hand; guiding it up towards my face, slipping my hand in between my tight lips. "There, I hope I am making a good point.." she suggests, as she is affording the hand a few tentative tugs and pushes: once, twice, thrice. "Oh, oh, oh.." I scream; "yes, yes, yes.." I mouth. "Follow the sensations, back to their individual causes.." she suggests; "and maybe, just maybe; you can control your arms, as they are now!" she prompts. "Oh, oh; okay..." I respond. With that, she is walking over to the door out of my bed room; lifting up her right hand and extend the palm of the hand gently onto the plaque; spreading her fingers wide in order to open the door. She is stepping out of the room, pulling me out right along with her. The door promptly slides shut quietly behind me, just as I had cleared the threshold. With my right hand, in the position it is in; I have no choice, but to follow her, as she is continuing over to her room. <--- --- ---> Tentacles and Glory Holes <--- --- --->
Breaking Habits	pre	SNAP! The entire group, save Discord, was instantly rendered immobile, and they lay stuck in their last positions like living statues. Promptly, the shield surrounding the shadow burst and he was freed once again. "So, is that it as far as your plan goes? Sort of lackluster if you were to ask me. Any other ideas?" It was clear that Discord had run out of ideas as soon as this one had been foiled. It had been a long shot to begin with. He looked around frantically, hoping that some opportunity or plan or anything else would make itself clear. It didn't. "Then that plan has got to be almost as pitiful as you, honestly. How about a true draconequus-to-draconequus battle? Might I suggest a change in scenery? Perhaps - " After another snap, they were teleported to the edge of a cliff, with waves splashing against the rocks below them. "Then again, that may be too dramatic. How about..." Their surroundings melted away into the starry night sky, and the two floated in the farthest reaches of the cosmos. "...Hmm...I'm not really in a sci-fi mood..." The land now changed to a gorgeous meadow decorated to the brim with flowers. "And this is far too happy..." "Enough stalling!" bellowed Discord. Acting as if he were offended, the shadow returned the environment back to the way it was - or, how it was after his chaotic alterations. "Oh. I merely wanted to make things more exciting." "I think they're plenty exciting as it is." The true Discord took a step forward. His counterpart stepped up as well, floating in the air slightly as he spoke. "So. Let me understand your point of view. You think being the Spirit of Chaos doesn't warrant a need for..." He stroked his beard. "Hmm, what's the word...chaos?" Starting to brave his own creation, real Discord flew up so that the two were on the same level. "No. I just don't think being the Spirit of Chaos has to involve hurting friends." Back and forth, one of them floated up just enough to be above the other, and the cycle repeated over and over again until they were hanging high in the sky. The ponies below could do nothing but watch, still as statues, as the scene unfolded. "Friends? The ones that rejected and scorned you?' "And the ones that have stayed with me flaws and all, throughout this whole incident." The two remained at the same elevation as they continued nearing one another. "Even through everything I've created." "Please. Do you think they really care?" He glanced down at the others, kept in the same positions by the spell, and took an actual moment to consider. "...Yes," he said with the most confidence he'd had all day. "I think they do." The two deities were face to face at this point, with mere inches separating them. They stared each other down in an intense standoff for what felt like hours, although it was probably only seconds. At last, the impostor broke the silence. "Hmph. Have it your way. You can join them and wallow in black licorice." He reached out to snap one final time and condemn them all to a tasteless doom, when Discord grabbed his talon right before the spell was cast. A golden glow appeared where he touched his other half, and the other was suddenly paralyzed. A sudden pain seemed to flush through his counterpart's body. Thus, Discord took the opportunity as the shadow struggled, reciting the counterspell. "Two ends of the Earth, two halves of one whole. Though both differing, both part of one soul - " His other half was trapped, but relentlessly tried to wrestle the spell in vain. " - two sides of one coin, two parts of one form - shall join once again and be once again born." The two of them began radiating in a magical aura that continued to get brighter and brighter, the shadow continuing to try to move and break away from his other. After a while, a blinding flash of light engulfed them both, and extended until it covered the whole of Ponyville. Once the light cleared, the Mane Six found themselves able to move once again. Everypony was relieved, and had to stretch after having been stuck in such awkward positions for the past few minutes. "Is everypony alright?" exclaimed Twilight, looking to make sure that all her friends were there. While the others were still dazed over what had happened, Fluttershy's eyes immediately darted to where her draconequus friend lay. She galloped over to him in a heartbeat. "Oh my, is he alright?" Rarity said upon noticing him. Following her cue, everypony ran to their draconequus friend, who was spread across the road motionless. Fluttershy was the first to his side, but the rest soon followed and encouraged him to get up. Nopony wanted to ask the damning question, even as tears started to flood Fluttershy's eyes. They all persisted trying to wake him, not one of them giving up hope. And it took a moment of coaxing, but soon he showed signs of life. Groggily, Discord came to and rolled over so to as face away from the others. "My, my. Can I take one nap after saving Equestria from myself? I swear, ponies and personal space..." Ignoring his less-than-likeable attitude, Fluttershy embraced the exhausted spirit in a heartwarming cry of relief. Every one of them soon followed and joined in, until they were all in one giant, slightly uncomfortable, group hug. All Discord could manage to do was groan in discomfort.
Breaking Habits	Party Time	Just one day after another catastrophic event had threatened the whole country, Equestria was back to normal, with only Ponyville's residents having been truly affected. And of course, wherever any opportunity arose near Pinkie, a party was soon to follow. Everypony was gathered in the ballroom at Twilight's castle, which was decorated to the roof with streamers, confetti, balloons, and any other ornament you'd expect at one of her parties. Yet despite the festivities, a surly Discord sat off to the side, while the rest of the town was enjoying the sweets and entertainment that came with every celebration. He exaggerated a sigh. "May I ask exactly what has occurred that demands a party in my honor?" he asked when the party planner finally came near. "Because, silly, it's your very first Went-Through-An-Existential-Crisis-That-Almost-Threw-Equestria-Into-Chaos party!" Pinkie declared with far too much enthusiasm. He merely rolled his eyes and jeered, "I wonder how many times you've thrown one of those...." "This happens to be the fourth one yet!" She gave a wide smile and then hopped along to cater to the other guests. Ignoring why she'd ever had throw more than one of such a celebration, Discord's attention was drawn to the ponies still partying among cake and friends. He wondered if even they knew why they were celebrating. He hadn't done much to deserve this. Right before he went into deep thought over the subject, his ears perked at the sight of Fluttershy drawing near, along with the rest of her friends. He wasn't sure if he'd want to talk with the others, though, especially after yesterday's events. Nonetheless, there was no escape at this point. "Why, hello, my dear," he weakly smiled. It was at this time that he noticed the majority of them carried what looked like gifts. He almost gagged at the thought. "I'm assuming that those are for me?" Twilight stepped forward and levitated her gift within Discord's grasp. He glanced lazily at the wrapped box, but wouldn't take it off her hooves. She sighed. "We realized we don't give you enough credit for just being you. And everypony deserves that much. So, what better way to show our gratitude than with gifts?" The draconequus pushed the box back toward her. "I appreciate the thought, but I hardly need gifts when I can create anything without thinking twice." He snapped up a score of wrapped boxes all around the ponies. "That's true, but you can't create something that has meaning." She pulled one of the gifts open with her magic to reveal that there was nothing inside it. There was nothing inside any of them for that matter. The fake presents then disappeared, but Discord still refused any offerings. Teasingly, Twilight nudged the present in his face. Again, he was reluctant, but ultimately decided to take it. Tearing the wrapping off in a single go with his talon, he opened it and pulled out - to no surprise - a book. Upon opening it, however, he discovered that there was nothing written on the pages. "I think this one's defective." He continued flipping through the dozens of blank pages, trying to figure what it was. The princess giggled. "It's meant to be a journal. I was thinking, you could probably conjure and read any book that you want in all Equestria. But what if you got to write your own stories and notes?" She smiled. "...A journal?" She nodded. "For writing?" Her grin only grew in anticipation. Clearly she thought this was the best gift there was to offer. Although he had a lot of criticisms, he resolved to keep his mouth shut, lest disappoint them all. "...Thank you." He hadn't ever thought of writing anything for himself. That could prove rather interesting, considering he'd been around longer than any of the other princesses. Then again, it was highly unlikely he'd stay in one place wrong enough to write half a word. "Might I go next?" Rarity kindly asked before revealing her unwrapped gift: a long scarf with an erratic pattern of various colors and crystals on it. "I wondered what types of clothing might suit you, and once I got the idea of a scarf in my mind, I simply couldn't let it go." She took the liberty of wrapping the accessory around his neck. Of course, his immediate inclination was to take it off, but he decided to keep it on. At least until everypony left. The rest followed in the same behavior, stepping up and presenting their gift, each of which usually served little function to him - including Applejack's basket of apple-related treats, and Spike's action-packed yet rather unengaging comic books. The only one he remotely enjoyed was Pinkie's gift of cupcakes. And there was no doubt that he'd enjoy whatever gift Fluttershy offered, but it did happen to be a homemade pillow that was surprisingly comfortable. After only a few minutes, though even that was far too long for Discord's patience, the only one who hadn't presented a gift of some sort was Rainbow Dash. She stood nervously behind everypony else, trying to shield herself as if they would forget she hadn't given him anything. Unfortunately for her, Pinkie jubiously bounced over to her. "So where's your gift, Dashie?" She jumped all around her, checking every corner of her body. "Ooh, ooh! Is it invisible?" "Rainbow," Applejack pressed her friend. "You brought something, right?" Rainbow Dash meekly stepped out of the crowd of ponies. "Well...I had a gift. I mean, was going to..." So far, nopony was impressed with her excuse. After frantically looking around and finding no sympathy, she burst into a rant. "Okay, what in Equestria would you give to somepony who can make anything they want? If I knew he'd take comics, scarves, and an empty book, I'd have brought something!" "What about a hug?" Pinkie suggested. "No," she and Discord replied in unison, with dead seriousness in their voices. "I think that'd be just fine," Fluttershy said with a smile, condemning the two to make amends after everything that had happened so far. The two of them looked at each other unsurely, awkwardness already settling in before they even made a move. Discord glanced over to Fluttershy in hopes that she would change her mind. She didn't. The two edged closer to one another, trying to put off the inevitable. A few more moments of sheer discomfort passed, until Rainbow broke. "Okay, this is ridiculous. Here!" She practically flew into the draconequus' arms and embraced him for as long as the two could bear before suddenly letting go. "All right. Happy...existential...crisis...chaos thing." Rainbow angrily blushed. "Why, thank you," Discord smirked at Dash's embarrassment, ignoring his own. But he did appreciate the thought. There was some idle chatter among the group, discussing trivialities that only close friends would care to talk about. The conversations that lasted for what seemed like an eternity only drove Discord more and more mad. Whenever he had a minute to think, he considered whether or not he should keep his presents or throw them into some other dimension. He'd have to keep the pillow, of course. Then again, the scarf was getting rather comfy. And the apple themed desserts didn't taste that bad, either... After a while, everypony was starting to become bored of the small talk. Soon, Pinkie brought life back to their celebration. "Well, are we all just gonna stand here? C'mon, ponies, this party hasn't even started!" She rushed over to turn on some music and liven up the party for the town. Not long after, everypony was back into the spirit of things. Before joining the rest of them, Discord took a moment to observe the ponies as they went to dance, play games and stuff themselves with cake. He couldn't understand how they were here all merrily, when yesterday he'd sent the entirety of the town into pure chaos. He didn't even comprehend why he himself was allowed anywhere near here. To be fair, though, he hadn't had any spontaneous urges to turn the balloons into disco balls, or turn the streamers into snakes in quite some time. After creating a hideous world with no chaos, as well as reviving his chaotic playground that engulfed Ponyville, he wasn't sure if his magic itself was safe to use. It didn't seem possible for him to have a better roll in Equestria than the despot who ruined everypony's lives. As he continued to look, however, he started to become bored with the lackluster party favors and cliche games that'd been used time and time again in these ponies' parties. He couldn't bear to watch it any longer, and yet was apprehensive about only causing more of a mess. But living like this - whether holding back chaos or letting it roam free in the world - wasn't truly living for him at all. Resolving to find some odd compromise in a magic that was meant to be unpredictable and unbalanced, he snapped and added his own flavor to the party. Wilder decorations took form. There were impossibly-shaped balloons and floating streamers; the crystal walls became a variety of colors and were bouncy like gelatin. The treats were replaced with an assortment of odd-looking goods that didn't seem all that edible. The pony residents were immediately shocked and almost appalled by the sudden changes. Discord winced and started to regret having done anything at all. He closed his eyes, expecting an uproar of hatred from the crowd. Yet instead, he heard a roar of joy and elation. Much to his surprise, the ponies seemed to actually enjoy the unexpected liveliness added to the party. The fillies were the first to enjoy it, ricocheting off the gelatinous walls and stuffing themselves with the bizarre sweets on the tables. Others were mystified by the strange decor, inspired by the impossible geometry of the balloons, or toying around with the magic streamers. Soon everypony was making games out of their new chaotic playthings, and having even more fun than before. Discord had probably seen the majority of the universe's untold secrets...and this had to be one of the oddest things he'd ever seen. "So when I cause a tsunami on a hot day I get chastised, but when I liven up a party it's fine?" Discord defeatedly slumped down on the floor. "You ponies are ridiculous." Ponies were legitimately enjoying some of his creations, things that he assumed only he could appreciate - maybe sometimes Fluttershy. It wasn't that he'd never tried entertaining others, it's just that it'd never actually worked before. But right here, right now, he was making others happy with his nonsensical sense of humor. Even if it was only for a little while, at this party he'd never asked for. Maybe there was a balance between chaos and reality? "Come on, Dizzy, are you gonna be a party pooper at your own party?" Pinkie yelled from across the room, where she was dancing with the rest of her friends. "Shake that tail of yours!" The others signaled him to come over and dance. He'd usually be annoyed by the thought of spending time with any ponies other than Fluttershy, but right now he was in the mood. He teleported next to the Mane Six and began showing off some of his silly and random dance moves, including his feet tap-dancing on their own and his body twisting in all sorts of illogical ways. And he was actually having a good time for once, along with everypony else. It was never a concept he could quite grasp. Him, coexisting with ponies? Living happily amidst both harmony and chaos? Something about that just didn't make any sense to him. But then what fun is there in making sense?
It only gets weirder-er	pre	"... and then ah said ' ah'm sorry ah don't speak french'." they both laughed at whatever (most likely lame) joke Travis had said. They turned and noticed us. "if you well pardon me Travis I must speak to Twilight." he nodded and did a half bow. She came over to Twilight and spoke again. "As I have written to you my worries, they have come true." Twilight turned serious and nodded, I didn't know what they were talking about. Both of them went to another room and left us. Travis came over to me now. "So what happened?" I assumed he was talking about Pony-gra but I didn't want to talk about that...ever. "Just be glad you didn't go." I was going to leave it at that, nothing else needed to be said.
It only gets weirder-er	This is why we can't have nice people	It's now been about three weeks since we have been in Equestria and couple of days after Pony-gra, thankfully, nothing has happened. Oh I do have all my hair back. How you ask? One day Travis came over to the tree house where I was alone and having an unusual lunch. When he came in he stared at my shinny head with light fuzz still on it. "Hey fat ass, what ya doin'?" I flipped him off as I continued eating... "Is that clay?" he asked as he came over and I was eating... brown clay. I nodded my head as I shaped it into a burger and kept on eating, it wasn't half bad. It was fully bad. "Why are ya eatin' clay?" I held up a finger to motion him to stop as I finished the last of the clay. Then I held my nose shut and closed my eyes like I was trying to pop my ears. Travis jumped back when the clay erupted out my head and face, I then smoothed it around and with a pop it became normal hair. "Just like before." I ran my hand through my new hair as Travis stared at me. He was about to ask me how I did it but he thought better then to. It's pretty awesome to be able to do just about anything you wanted. This was really the high light of my week after Pony-gra which was great. No Lyra, no being drugged, no waking up with no hair, and no cake. But something did happen that was quiet... pleasing. I was wondering aimlessly around town since Twilight was busy with some experiment or something. I saw Travis with Applejack selling apples like normal, usually I would go over and give him hell but I didn't feel like it. I felt a disturbance in the force. I started snooping around town looking for this feeling of unease. I was rowing through the town in a small boat and paddled in the air slightly above the ground as I looked though a spy glass. Then as I came closer to the tree house I felt it. I got out the boat and it floated away into the sky to never be seen again. I crept around the tree house until I found an open window and as I peered inside I saw this disturbance. I stood there and watched for about ten minutes before Travis happened along. "Hey what you doin'?" he came over to stand next to me. "Watching TwiShy." he raised an eye brow and looked in the window with me as we watched Twilight and Fluttershy get it on. "Nice." was all he said as we both stood there for a couple of minutes before another voice sounded behind us. "What are you guys doing?" we both jumped and turned to find Rainbow Dash behind us. Travis looked guilty as hell and I just shrugged and motioned for here to be quiet and come here with us. She walked up with a quizzical look on here face and looked through the window and stopped dead. She looked wide eyed at the scene inside the tree house. "woah." she just kept watching in a trance as we watched with her. She was really getting into it and I decided to have a little fun as I bent down and got real close to her ear. "Nice isn't it? You're really liking this arn't you? I'm sure they would let you join." she couldn't pry her eye's from the action inside. "Do you think so?" she said a little distant as I smirked and got closer, breathing on her ear. "Yeah I do. Just go inside and have a fun time." she started biting her lip and suddenly turned away, leaving us. Travis and me continued to watch as Rainbow Dash walked in side. Twilight and Fluttershy stopped and stared at her as she walked seductively to them, after a couple of nervous glances we were now watching TwiShyDash. After a couple more minutes there was another voice right between us. "You guys are pervs." it was Pinkie Pie and she just watched with us. I shrugged my shoulders and turned back when she brought out a tub of popcorn, so now the three of us ate popcorn while we watched a threesome. Needless to say it was a pretty good time. Now skipping ahead a coupe of days later I went over to Sweetapple acres to see Travis. Instead of being like a normal person (where's the fun in that?) I quietly crawled in through the window to his room where he had is back to me. I know being a big guy you wouldn't think I could sneak so easily but I can, just think of me like a fat ninja. All around the floor by him was crumpled up pieces of paper and he was writing on another. He finished it and held it up to look it over, that's when I crept up behind him and quickly snatched it. He turned around with a scared face as I jumped back with the letter beginning to read it. "Give it back asshole!" he tried grabbing for it but I moved out of his reach. I started reading out loud. "To the dearest Princess of the Moon, Luna, who's mane is like silk night and coat of dark blue such as the sky as the sun makes way for you. I am but a stranger to this land and to you but the heart knows not of such things. I would throw my self in a daggers path that aimed for you. I know that you are royalty and I am but a commoner but when I lay my eye's upon you I feel as if I were a king. Even if you were to refuse my love I would still love you from afar so as not to bother you again. Travis." I looked up at him and his face, ears, and neck was beat red. I looked down at the letter then back at him. I am a horrible friend. I quickly turned around and jumped out the window with the letter still in hand. Travis tripped trying to climb out the window so it gave me an even bigger head start on him. Again I know I'm a big guy but I can ran fast like hell. After some more running with Travis still trying to catch up I made it to the tree house and burst in side. "Spike!" he was sweeping the floor and I tackled him to the ground. "Send this letter to Luna!" he looked at me scared and confused. "Send. Luna. Now." he nodded his head and let out green fire. Travis made it in time to see the green flames eat the last bit of the letter and stopped dead. He went from red to white to gray. He just stood at the door way doing nothing as I got off Spike, walking away. He stood there for two hours when Twilight came back from where ever she was and tried to get pass him. "Travis? Excuse me." she couldn't get him to budge and decided to just use her magic to teleport on the other side into the tree house. "What's wrong with him?" she asked as Spike was still cleaning and I sat on the couch reading a book. "Oh I broke him." it was the only answer I gave her as I kept on reading. Not to much later Spike let out a burp and a letter popped out. He opened it as Twilight came over to him. "It's from Princess Luna." that snapped Travis back to life as he quickly looked at him. "She says that she needs all the girls and the humans in Canterlot in a hurry." Travis looked like his skin turned black like it was poisoned. I got off the couch and went over to him since it seemed like he broke again. I snapped my fingers in front of his face. "Ah'll murder you later." he slowly looked at me with hatred in his eye's and I laughed as I went to get ready to go. Twilight had Spike round up the others and soon we were in a carriage on our way to the Princess. To Travis this must have seemed like death row and I was trying not to laugh the entire time. The carriage took us all the way to the castle and Travis looked ready to pass out as we got out the carriage. We were greeted by a guard. "Princess Luna will be with you momentarily until then she said to make your self comfortable in the castle." he turned around and led us in side the majestic palace. We all went our separate ways in side, except Travis he just kinda stood there. It felt so great being in side the castle as I walked down the halls and then out side on a balcony where I found Rainbow Dash messing with two Pegasus guards. She was making faces and doing other dumb stuff to make them do anything but they stood there like stone. I walked up to them as she gave up. "Here lat me try." she watched me with a raised eye brow as I slowly walked up to the one on the left. As I got to him I got as close as possible and ran a hand under his jaw covered in white fur. His eye's twitched a little at this and I brought my face to his ears. "You're going to like this." I whispered into his ear and pulled back a little. I then started to run my tongue up along the edge of his ear causing his eye's to roll to the back of his head. I flicked the tip of his ear as Rainbow Dash let out a gasp as she was looking below the waist (so to speak since... you get what I mean), even the other guard was staring. He suddenly took off with his legs crossed as he flew off. Rainbow Dash started laughing so hard she was crying and the other guard eyed me warily. I left the two on the balcony and began roaming the halls again. Mean while Travis was in the in the throne room staring at the floor when suddenly Luna and Twilight came in. He looked up at them and Luna didn't even acknowledge his presence as they stopped in the middle of the room. "Just as I feared, the peace negotiations have gone sour with Saddle Arabia. They have threaten war." both held a serous face and then a unicorn guard came in with scrolls floating in the air. Twilight went to him and he gave her one from the many he had. As Twilight was busy with the guard Luna looked towards Travis and he froze but then she smiled at him. He felt relief and returned her smile in kind. Now back to me. I was wondering the halls when I saw another two guards stationed at an elaborate door. I was probably going to the moon for this. "Hey there is a mare stuck between the railing on the stares and she can't get out. I mean you should see her it's funny since her tail got caught and is being held high and everything." the guards looked at each other real quick then at me. "We'll go at once... to help her of course." they both left a little bit faster then a walk and I turned back to the door. I slowly opened it and slipped in side while closing the door softly. It was a massive chamber decked out for a royal female. I made my way through the dimly lit room to find a large, majestic, round flank sitting on a mass of silk cushions. Princess Celestia was reading some scrolls and had a mass more of them next to her. Time to be sent to the moon. "Hello there sunshine." I spoke smoothly as I ran a hand through my hair but she didn't respond. Maybe she was really into her ready like Twilight would get. I cleared my throat loud to get her attention but it still didn't work. I was starting to get annoyed. "Hey miss bubble butt." you see her flank, while sitting down from what I could see, was nice. Round, firm yet still had some give, and big. I am an ass man. But I was trying to get her to notice me already. "Hey twat!" I raised my voice and she put down her scroll. Ok moment of... never mind. She used her magic to get another, still ignoring me. "So you just going to be a royal bitch?" still not a single reaction. At this point I was getting a little pissed. "Fine... bitch." I turned and went back for the door but some shifting stopped me. I turned back to see her... sipping from her tea cup. I stormed out and closed the door hard, confusing the guards as I left. I went to the throne room to see if they were done yet. I saw Twilight with the guard, as she finished a scroll he would quickly replace it and carefully give her another, and Luna was eying Travis from across the room. Damn, I was hopping she would whip him or something. She motioned for Travis to come to her and he did as I decided to get with in hearing distance just in case. He stood next to her and I was a few feet off. Was Twilight and the guard closer? Luna and Travis whispered to one another and I couldn't hear anything. Twilight and the guard seem even closer now. I wasn't sure but the two had been getting closer and closer to... Suddenly the scrolls in the air exploded, sending pieces of paper everywhere, and while every one was confused the guard had ran forward and leaped into the air holding a... I moved as fast as I could but it wasn't fast enough, he was already coming down on Luna with a knife but he never got to her. Travis moved into the path of the blade and the guard landed right in front of him with the hilt on Travis chest, right at his heart. I yanked the guard back and pushed him to the ground but he didn't move. When was I holding a knife? When I grabbed him he took the knife with him and I had some how got a hold of it. Now he was laying on the ground with his back to us holding his throat, twitching. I dropped the knife and turned to Travis who was on the ground not looking to good. "That was a very stupid thing to do." I said as I knelled down and placed my hand on the wound trying to stop the blood. Twilight came over with fear in her eyes. Luna didn't know what to do she just watched as Travis life flowed between my fingers but soon it slowed down. "Hey... ah'm ok." I softly shook my head. "No you're not idiot." soon the blood stopped. "No seriously ah'm fine." I looked at him and he seemed ok, besides the blood that is. I slowly lifted my hand and underneath there was no longer a wound. We all stared at the spot where the knife and clearly stabbed him but it was gone. I looked back up at him in disbelief. Then I slapped him really hard up side the head. "Asshole." I got up and stood there as he tried to get up but Luna stopped him. She didn't care if the wound was gone she had some other guards come and take him somewhere to lay down while I was fuming. First Celestia ignores me and my best friend nearly dies, pulling a Jesus trick out his ass and acts like he never got stabbed at all. I looked back at the died guard, he wasn't moving any more. Great now we're going to get caught in a middle of a war. I need some chocolate.
It only gets weirder-er	I am not a whore	It was official, we were at war with Saddle Arabia and their king would not try to make any peace negotiations. It would be about a month for some reason before any battling took place, so that gave plenty of time to screw with Travis. I spent the next couple of days after the attempted assassination stabbing and cutting him (I'm such a great friend). After I got bored with that I decided to give Celestia another chance. I made my way to her chambers once again but there was no guards this time so I walked right in. She was laying on her side while reading a book with her back to me. "Hi." I stood a little away from her and she stood up. Still turned away from me she lowered her head to the ground and raised her flank, stretching with a groan. I nearly got a face full of sunshine. "So is this how you apologize?" she stood back up and I thought she was going to turn around but she just laid back down. I squinted at her as she continued reading. "You just going to tease me?" she didn't move or respond, I was starting to get annoyed again. I expected a sly grin as she looked at me from the corner of her eye but she kept on ignoring me. "So you're still going to be a royal bitch arn't you?" still nothing from her. I just turned and left before I did something stupid like pin her down and start nibbling on her face. I would probably get executed for that. I was angry and that made me hungry so I went to the castle kitchen. It wasn't a long walk since I had been there before on a tour of the castle. When I got there... it was a fat man's dream. Spices of every kind, foods from around the world, and the sweets. A whole walk in closet of sweets, I was drooling on my self. After a half hour Twilight came down looking for me. "Meason are you here? Travis said to look for you in your natural habitat." I was in the middle of eating a hunk of chocolate as I was cooking something wonderful. "Oh there you are. What are you doing?" I was dumping the contents of the large frying pan into a giant tortilla as she came over to me. I wrapped it up and poured cheese on top. It was a two foot long, six inch wide burrito. "This saucy bastard is called the A.D." she looked it over with a raised eye brow. "What's that?" I turned to her looking like the terminator, left eye robotic and my right arm with no skin just metal also speaking like him. "It is known as the Anal Destroyer. It consist of egg, guacamole, every known cheese, every known spicy pepper, and hot sauce in a big ass tortilla. After ingesting you will not be able to shit for a week and after a week to the very second you took the last bite... you better hope you're strapped on a toilet." she gave me a weird look as I went back to normal and then eyed the A.D. Using her magic she picked it up and started eating, the first bite made her moan in delight just like... never mind. I watched her eat the monster burrito and some how finish it all. She wasn't able to move at all as she sat there comatose by pure awesomeness. I had to carry her back to her room and she was not so light any more, I should know since was was on top of... stopping there. After putting her to bed I walked around until I saw Travis in the garden with Luna. I sneaked closer and listened. "I am sorry I have not been able to talk to you sooner. I received your letter and..." the stood facing each other surrounded by blooming roses and a gentle breeze blowing through the air. Travis was nervously playing with his shirt and Luna looked off to the side. "You were true to your word about throwing your self in front of a dagger... I thought it was... sweet." this was almost painful to watch, I wish I had a cam-corder to tape this. Both were blushing and looked at one another. "Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" she asked Travis and he stiffened up. After a coupe of seconds he nodded. "Ah would love to." too sappy, I had to walk away. I left the two before I saw what happened next. I went back to walking around the castle for hours and nothing happened at all. I was bored out of my mind, I wish something would happen. I just kept wondering around and would peak into random doors. Some were empty, some had sleeping ponies, and one had a stallion clopping like no tomorrow. But nothing interesting at all. Until I found a lone door in a hall. I walked into the room and stopped in my tracks. "What the hell?" "THIRTY FOUR!" that damn voice was annoying most of the time, but it did have it's uses. I looked all around the room that stretched for miles before me. The walls bent outward and the ceiling was a sky of green clouds that had purple rain falling from them. It was grape, I know because one rained right on top of me. The floor started to shake and the tile I was on suddenly shoot into the air with me on it. Raising higher and higher I could see a castle come into view. It was Canterlot but... everything was upside down, inside out, and everything in between. I stopped right at a path that led into Canterlot and started going down it. It led me not to the castle but to a large, empty throne made of fused pieces of wooden furniture. I slowly went to it as I looked for any one but no one was there. I decided to sit down in the throne and surprisingly it felt like a really soft pillow. "Do you like it? I made it my self." I couldn't see who had spoke but I knew who it was, a deep, manly voice that sent shivers down my spine. If I was a girl and heard that voice my panties would drop so fast they would be half way to China ( but what would it be here though?). "Hello Discord." suddenly the throne shook and the next thing I knew I was sitting in his lap. "So you know my name but I don't know yours." I looked up to the mismatched head that twisted above me. He had a cool smile with interested eyes as he looked at this strange being in his lap. I gave him a small smirk and slipped off his lap, walking away. He sat back watching me leave and then floated in the air. Suddenly I stopped walking as he wrapped his body around me and came face to face with me. "You're leaving already? But you'll miss all the fun." I smirked again and looked at him with half opened eyes. "The God of Chaos, I like that because you bend everything to what you want and cause everything to lose control. With no control things become exciting and fun." he gave me a smirk this time and kept watching me while wrapping a little closer. "But I like control. Because with a little control you can make things go a long way and even more fun." you see my mouth says thing before my brain can kick it in the mouth and I end up in bad situations like this one. Discord pulled his head back a little and thought. "I never gave any one control before." "Who said you'll be giving it." SON OF A BITCH! I need to put my foot in my mouth to stop this kind of shit from happening but it was to late. He brought up his bird claw hand and trail a finger under my chin. "Who are you?" I was screwed and almost literally. I was about to answer but then there was a loud banging and Discord rolled his eyes. He uncoiled around me and the room started to shrink, everything reverting back to normal. "Come in!" he walked past me and sat down on a couch that was once the throne while the door opened. It was Cadence and she just came to my rescue. "Hello Discord. Is the human... oh there you are." she looked at me while Discord took a glass cup and twisted it into different shapes of creatures. She looked me up and down before she spoke again. "I was wondering if you weren't to busy that if you would accompany me to the garden." I just gave he a strange look but I wasn't about to say no to a 'get out of jail for free' card. "Good bye Discord." I walked with Cadence and just happened to look back at him as he shaped the glass into a pair of hand cuffs and winked at me. I was beginning to wonder if there was any strait males or did I just turn them all gay. We walked out the room and I could hear things twisting and warping in side. We left his room and made are way back to the garden. "I am Princess Cadence." she looked t me with a smile as we walked. "I am King Meason." hey she didn't know that. She gave me a surprise look. "That is surprising." I looked at her with a raised eye brow. "Why, is it because I don't look like I could be one?" she went a little wide eyed and blushed as she shook her head "No it's not that, it's just umm... what are you King of?" I was loving this. "I rule over the land of Hostess. We are prosperous and have large amounts of land and other territories but unfortunately we recently lost the wonderful land of Twinkies, they will be sorely missed." she nodded her head and she listened. "I am sorry to hear that." I shrugged my shoulders and smiled, let's just hope she never finds out. Soon we were at the gardens and saw Luna and Travis sitting on a bench real close together. They were just talking to each other. "This is why I asked you to come with me. I am glad Princess Luna had finally found some one but I worry about what he is like. She had never really had any form of relationship like this." I nodded my head and thought about the same for Travis. I always thought he would die a virgin. "Travis is a good guy. He's a one girl kind of guy who is nice and will respect them. He's like Luna, he doesn't have much experience either, I had to teach him a lot of things." I talked as we watched them and suddenly they were both kissing. "Well I am glad to hear that. What did you teach him if I may ask." we both kept watching them as they finally broke apart and stared at each other. I wish I had a sling shot. "How to talk to girls, what to do around them, stuff like that. He wasn't ready yet for bedroom lessons yet." she looked at me real quick and I watched her out the corner of my eye. "So do you have anyone you're with?" I asked as I still watched the two in the garden. "I am married to a stallion named Shining Armor. Right now he is taking part of our agreement." I looked at her with a raised eye brow. "And what would that be?" she looked around nervously and blushed. "Well once and a while we both agree to go for somewhere for a couple of weeks and... experiment." I just happened to know about that form Pony-gra and the picture. I nodded my head and spoke. "So why are you here then?" she blushed more and looked up at me. "Well I've been to nervous to try anything at all." I just looked at her in silence and she shifted uncomfortably. Then suddenly she said. "Would you like a massage?" it took me off guard and I had to take a second to processes it. "Sure." I shrugged my shoulders and she smiled. She motioned for me to follow her and we left the two in the gardens. Soon we went into a room that I assumed was the royal massage parlor since it had everything need for massaging. "Here." she used her magic and gave me a towel. I was confused at first then it hit me. Get undress and wrapped this around my waist. I just undressed on the spot and she quickly turned around. When I was done she led me to one of the tables and motioned for me to lay down. As I laid down on my stomach she let down her mane and took off everything she had on as she gathered the things she needed. "Just relax." she flew up and landed on top of me, straddling my waist. Then she began rubbing oil onto my hairy back. She started wonderful strokes as she massaged deeply into my muscles and it was all great. Until I felt a searing burn like red hot pokers digging into my back. I quickly looked back to find her levitating a lit candle and poring the wax on my back. "Shh, don't worry." I was trying to get her off me as she pour more but then she found my weakness. She quickly lowered her head to my neck and bit me. I let out a moan and melted just like the wax as she grind her teeth into my flesh, it was more firm nibbling then chomping. "Maybe you can give me those bedroom lessons." she pulled back just long enough to speak and went strait back to biting. I couldn't help it as I pushed into her bite, it was just to good. I nodded my head as she poured more wax while still biting. It didn't burn any more since my brain was focusing on the teeth, the wax even felt good now. If the Princess of Love wanted lessons in love, who was I to say no?
It only gets weirder-er	A rut on the dark side	So it turns out that Cadence is a liar, she was never nervous at all. Seven times makes you really tired and hungry, which is why I woke up. I was still in the massage parlor when I woke up, Cadence out cold on top of me on a couch. Needless to say she didn't need lessons at all but I'm not complaining though. Ok well maybe a little. The heat from the wax was still in my back not going away, it felt like a dull burning. I have done some kinky stuff but that was a first. I tired to gently push her off of me but she had her hind legs wrapped around my legs like a vice. "Where do you think you're going?" she picked up her head and looked at me seductively, this was reminding me of Lyra but no so drugging-you-twice-thinking-I-killed-you-and-force-you-to-marry-me look. "But I'm hungry." I said with a little whine and pouting. She just put her mouth down to my chest and started running her tongue up to my neck where again she bit me. I was going to have a wonderful time trying to explain all the bite marks on my neck. I was trying not to moan but this was a losing battle. "Ok maybe one more time." I said as I closed my eyes but then I heard something. While Cadence was nibbling on my ear I tried to look around. Then I saw the edge of a rainbow mane up high on a shelf. I reached behind me on a table and grabbed a book that was laying there and tossed it at Rainbow Dash. It hit her and caused her to fall off with a yelp but before she could hit the ground Cadence used her magic to stop her. She looked up at us with a nervous chuckle and Cadence grinned evilly. "If you wanted to watch you just needed to ask. Sit here." she used her magic to bring Rainbow Dash over to us and then promptly sat her down on my face. "Here's breakfast." mean while (hey if you want the clop write it yourself) Luna and Travis were sitting down to a private dinner in her chambers (this would be the first time he as every seen a girls room I'm sure). It was a lovely dinner of deep fried hey fries and salad (I really miss meat and every day Spike looks more and more appetizing) in a candle lit setting. "... and that's why ah don't bowl any more." both of them started laughing at another of his (lame) joke. After wards Luna had a more serous look on her face. "If you don't mind me asking... why do you... love me?" both of them blushed and Travis pushed around his food on his plate. "Well... it's hard not to. Ah mean..." she looked him with gentle eyes and when he tried to go on she shot forward and kissed him. She knocked off most of what was on the table and knocked him back to the floor with her on top. She broke the kiss but then blushed hard. "I'm sorry. I didn't-" Travis put a finger to her lips and smiled. It was a very cheesy moment if you ask me. After wards they picked up what fell off the table and Travis noticed something sitting on a counter. It was a ball gag. "Oh yes that was a gift from somepony. They said it was to help me sleep better but when I asked Twilight how it worked she wouldn't give me a strait answer." Travis was a little wide eyed as he looked down and the black strap and red ball. "Uh that's not what it's used for." she gave him a confused look and used her magic to pick it up. "Then what is it for?" he grabbed it from the air and messed with it. "Well when two people want something different in the bedroom... they use things like this." she gave him a slightly less confused look. "How is it used?" he slowly looked up at her and got closer, bringing the ball gag around her. "Well like this." he carefully put the ball in her mouth and the strap on the back of her head. Travis thought he would need to change pants when he looked at her. Luna had the most innocent of looks on her face as she had a ball gag on, she then tried talking but was muffled. He was about to take it off of her when the door opened and Twilight came in. "Princess Luna I was... coming back later." she slowly back out and closed the door with wide eyes. Leaving this awkward situation, I had manged to get away. After tasting the rainbow while the love dove gave me a mouth hug they went on each other. They were so busy with each other that they never noticed me slip out and I never noticed that I was naked. I kept wondering why guards were giving me strange looks and maids were biting lips and batting eye lashes at me. It wasn't until I ran into Rarity and Applejack did I found out. "Um darling where are your clothes?" I gave Rarity a weird look and looked down. Eyup, in my birthday suit. At least this time I knew where they were. "That is a question not for me so I'm going to raid the kitchen again." I walked pass them while putting a little thrust in my step, give them quiet the eye (and mouth) full. I went to the kitchen once again, I mean skittles are nice but I need something more filling. "Whatcha cookin'?" Pinkie Pie popped out of no where as I had on a white apron that said kiss the cook's glorious ass. "Pizza." I was rolling out the dough and was getting ready to tossed it up and spin it. I failed, never been good at doing that, and just rolled it out again. After putting it in the oven for a minute I was getting ready the rest of the topping but Pinkie had something else in mind. "... and this and this and this..." she was in a counter tossing down different items for the pizza. Peanut butter, jelly, marshmallows, hot sauce, BBQ, and anchovies. "What the hell, why not?" "THIRTY FIVE!" we both ignored the booming voice as I pulled out the dough and we piled on the topping, slipping it back in. As we waited Pinkie Pie picked up a very large whisk, you could fit a small cantaloupe in it, and turned to me with a devilish look on her face. I just shook my head and said. "Sorry not big enough." she just cracked a big grin and pulled out an even bigger one, you could fit a watermelon in it. "Why don't we check on the pizza, you first." she put down the whisk and stuck her tongue out at me. We pulled out the pizza and set it to cool off, it looked interesting to say the least. I got a pizza cutter and cut it down the middle, one for me and one for her. Pinkie Pie just shoved hers in her mouth while I looked mine over. "Here goes nothing." I brought it to my mouth and took a large bite. It was the most wonderful disgustingly tasty thing I've every eaten, like being kicked in the tongue by pure sugar while vomiting. We stuffed our faces and Pinkie Pie pulled something out her tail. She handed it to me and it was my clothes. "You should have seen them they were going at it like no tomorrow." I put my clothes back on and we left the kitchen as it was getting close to dark. Everyone had their own rooms and that's where they were heading except me. I had something planed for my virgin friend. It all would have gone smoothly if he hadn't woke up. Luna also happened to be walking the halls as she heard him screaming. She opened his door to find him tied up with his bare ass in the air. I had a glowing red hot brand in my hand. "What's going on here?" she asked and I just stared at her as Travis sighed in relief. "It's your mark so he'll be yours forever." I pointed the brand to her, showing her that it was a crescent moon. "Ok." she nodded and turned back out the door. "Time for your Cutie Mark." I'm sure he woke up everyone in the castle as I branded both ass checks. He'll heal fast so he'll be fine. I left Travis a mess as he rubbed his healed and throbbing ass. Luna went back in with a confused look. "Are you ok?" Travis looked up from the floor with a look of disbelief. "That ass hole just got done brandin' me..." she gave him another confused look. "What is branding?" I am quiet a wonderful friend, I thought to my self as I made way to the very top of the castle. The night was cool and a soft breeze blow in the air. Even before my pronominal fuck-you-do-what-I-want powers I was still pretty wild and energetic. But it was all ways nice to relax and take everything in. I was on a balcony at the near top of the castle, looking over Canterlot and the land beyond. It was quiet beautiful. "So you can keep still." I smiled as this new female voice sounded behind me. Someone I thought would never be here. "Have you ever realized, that for good or evil, you can stop and look around... It makes me sad." "What does?" "That the two words have to exist so that we can define anyone different from us. They don't exist naturally and yet we try to make everything fit them. Two words that caused so many problems between others." there was a simple short hum behind me like an answer. We both stood there and looked up at the sky. The many stars dotted all around, seemingly endless and countless. "And yet you fear evil still." it was another female voice that I could not mistake and how both of them were here I don't know. I gave a soft chuckle before I spoke. "No because good or evil there is beauty in everything and that beauty makes me smile." "So you fear nothing?" "A fool fears nothing but a brave man shows no fear. I do fear something and I now everything about it." "what is that you fear?" I didn't answer for a few moments, I traced out the patterns the stars made in the night sky. "My self." there was more silence before the first voice spoke again. "And why would you fear your self? Why not just love yourself?" I could hear as two sets of hooves came closer to me each on a different side of me. "Why do I fear my self? Because I stopped looking under my bed for monsters when I realized their inside me." there was more silence but then the two leaned closer both with their mouth right by my ears. "Maybe you would like..." "... to show us this monster..." "... for the night." "... for the night." they both said the last three words at once and it sent a cold chill down my back. "You also asked why do I not just love myself. I do, there's just so much I need to spread it around." "Why not just everywhere?" I might just be one of the luckiest guys ever. "Oh trust me, it get's everywhere and there's always plenty." and with that two different legs wrapped around me and we took to the sky's. I'm it was going to be one hell of a walk but worth it. Hey, good or evil everyone needs love. Some at the same time.
It only gets weirder-er	Back to business	Travis was hanging out by the front gate as he was looking for something to do since Luna was in a meeting discussing the plans for the up coming war. He was thinking about what to say to her as an apology when she had said something serious and he quickly said 'that's what she said'. A loud booming voice called out forty and there was an awkward silence afterward. He was sure he blew he chances with her now. After a little mopping he looked up to see me heading his way. "Where ya been?" I walked up and he looked at me with a raised eye brow. I had my shirt off and part of hit in my pocket so it hanged by my side. I was cover from the neck down in bite marks. "I would tell you if you weren't a virgin." he gave me a pissy look and flipped me off. "Well fuck ya too." I started laughing and noticed someone heading our way. It was a royal guard and soon he was standing in front of us. "Princess Luna ask for you both to join us at the war gathering committee." Travis and I looked at each other and I shrugged my shoulders, soon we followed the guard to the meeting. I put back on my shirt as we entered the large room that had about twenty ponies and Luna. The mane six were in the front of the group so we made our way to them. "I have called you here to announce that we are soon assembling our troops and heading for battle with Saddle Arabia. They want war and we shall answer but I need help. Today I am choosing five of the elite as generals in the army." talk erupted through out the crowd and Luna held up a hoof to silence them. "I have already pick the first and it is Shining Armour to lead the unicorns, now it is time for the other four." when she said his name I tried to hide but then she continued. "I would ask of you, Travis, to be another. Your healing abilities would make it difficult for the enemy to kill you." Travis went wide eyed as she spoke. "Ah'll do it." great now we're going to lose. She motioned for him to come forward and stand with her. "Now I ask of Rainbow Dash to lead the Pegasus as general." Rainbow Dash squeak in excitement and flew over to them. "I ask you Applejack to lead the earth ponies as the forth general." Applejack tipped her hat and made her way to them. "Unfortunately I have not been able to think of a fifth general and will have to choose amongst you before me." that caught my attention like an ADHD kid and something shinny. "MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME!!!" I started jumping up and down waving my hands. Luna didn't seem to see me. "Someone strong." I went over to a table that sat twenty and lifted it above my head. "Like this?" she just went on. "Some one intelligent." I ran over to a wall and started writing numbers and letters with chalk. After I was done I pointed to it. "That's the equation to life!" but she just kept going on. "I do not know who co-" "HEY WANKER, DON'T IGNORE ME LIKE YOUR BITCH SISTER!" everyone went dead silent and Luna looked at me wide eyed then behind me. I turned to see Celestia walking at the back to another door at the other side of the room. "Yes you! You bitchasswhoreretartedfucker!" she just walked out the room through the other door. I turned back to Luna who was at a total lost. "We-we have our fifth general." I slowly walked up to them with a large smile. I was going to be leading my own troops and slaughtering enemies with great joy. Hey you can't spell slaughter with out laughter. "Generals it is time to meet your troops." we were lead by some guards to the barracks and some how I ended up in the back with Shining Armour. "Uh... hey." he said trying not to make eye contact, it was really awkward. "You never cal-" "Iscrewedyourwife." I spoke real fast and then made my way for the front of the group. Finally we made it and were lead separately to our troops. I never seen a more bad ass group of guys since the time I cloned my self (is it considered incest or masterb... never mind). I looked them over as they stood at attention. Ponies, dragons, and minotaurs that all looked like they could kill you just by sneezing on you. Especially a big ass red dragon that had three feet on me and twice as wide. "What's your name?" I stopped in front of the hulking dragon and spoke. "Rathlos." he had a voice deeper then mine but not as seductive. "Ok Rathlos I want you to answer me something. You're standing here in front of your general looking like on over sized hunk of meat so... why are you here?" he straitened up some more and spoke loudly. "Because we're the best of the best of the best sir!" I had a big grin from this. "Damn right! That's what I like to hear!" we were going to kill so many enemies that their bodies would be named as a hill. We could 300 this and win, no need for everybody else. I was satisfied with my troops and decided to leave for a bit while they went through practice drills. I was going to go to the library and try to find a book about the best gutting methods, I needed to be on my A game. And of all the ponies I find there was Celestia. I went strait for it. "So what's your problem with me?" I glared at the back of her head as she was sitting on a couch reading. She was still ignoring me and it really pissed me off. "Ok fine. I don't need to know so you can just go fuck yourself with a cactus." I waited for a second for anything but nothing at all happened. I glared hard at the back of her head and it started to become solidified. The word bitch in big block yellow letters came out of my eyes one after another and floated to her, bouncing off the back of her head. She just scratched the spot they hit and kept reading. I turned around and left, she was just really pissing me off. I don't know what the hell is her problem but she has done nothing but ignore me. As I was walking away I realized I was going to need equipment for this war but I didn't know where to get it. I wondered back to the barracks to see if I could solve this problem. Travis beat me to it though, he was putting on a suit of armor. It was dark blue, smooth and shiny. It looked like dragon scale and the helmet even had a few spikes going back from above his ears. Lucky ass hole. "So where's my stuff?" I looked at Luna with my arms crossed. She turned to me and spoke. "We didn't have measurements to make you armor, we had Travis done a few days before." a few days before? So Travis was already hoof picked and everything. "I don't care, armors for pussies any ways. Just give me something large enough to over compensate." she lead me to a weapon rack that had many, many different weapons. I looked them over trying to decided what I would use. Then I found it. "Oh yeah! Come here you saucy bastard!" from the rack I pulled out... "The RAMABANANA!" it was a seven foot long, two foot wide, solid metal rod covered in large studs. It ha to have weighed at least a thousand pounds but for this lightly brown god it was nothing. Travis was watching me running my hand over it and shaking his head. "Ah'm sure ya going to do more then use that for just war." I turned my head around, my back still to him. "Oh differently. You first." I started walking back wards to him as he went wide eyed. I turned my body around with the rod aiming for Travis who ducked at the last second. "Prepare your an-" a loud ringing cut me off before Travis was sodomized. Guards and soldiers started running with weapons. I picked up Travis and we followed them to the front gate. A large black vortex was pulsing some distance form the gate. Discord was in front of it looking it over. Luna, Travis and me went to him. "Discord what is the meaning of this?" Luna spoke angrily as we came to him. He turned around with a board expression. "This isn't my doing Mooney, I-" he was cut off as a long violet horn erupted out his chest. He looked down surprised when it glowed brightly. Suddenly he exploded and I, in the middle of us three, was hit at full force and thrown back. Luna and Travis looked at the few remaining bits of Discord and then at what killed him. It was an eight foot tall unicorn, slender and graceful, the three foot long horn covered in blood. From the head, a smokey black mane and tail to match. all the way down to the front legs and shoulders was a sick violet that faded to a dark blue for the rest of the body. Cold steel gray eyes looked at the two before... him. He was easy to mistake as a girl because of his body until he spoke. "Hello Princess Luna. Sorry about the mess." he spoke in a cool low voice that made your skull vibrate. "King G'afssa." Luna stared back covered lightly in Discord. "I have come to give you one last chance to surrender." "Never." he stood tall and looked down at the two in front of him with a smirk. "So be it." he turned around and walked back into the vortex. It snapped shut with a loud snap and was gone. Very sudden entrance and exit, strait to the point. "Ew ew ew ew! He got in my mouth!" I got up spitting out what was left of Discord, I was covered nearly head to toe in his blood. That was a rather brutal way to go I thought, at least I didn't have to worry about being handcuffed any more... by him. Travis was still in shock from what happened and Luna was staring at where the portal was. Soon she turned and left, having Travis come with her while I on the other hand was still spitting out chunks. "He taste like expired chocolate milk and stale cotton candy!" I was ready to throw up as the two passed me and left me. So now Discord was dead and we have meet the king of Saddle Arabia, well I didn't since I was blown away in Discord soup. I made my way back to the castle and went to found somewhere to take a bath. I found it without much trouble, blood was blinding me the entire time, but when I entered I was not alone. I started undressing when I heard some one clearing their throat. I looked up as my pants dropped to see Fluttershy in a hot tub. We were in a large bathing/spa room but I didn't care I just wanted to get Discord off me. I was fully naked and stepped under a shower head, turning it on full blast hot. "Are-are you ok?" she asked as I scrubbed my self hard to get off the dried blood. "No, not really." I said as I lathered my self with soap. With in a couple of minutes I was completely clean and went over to Fluttershy in the hot tub. With out a word I slipped in still naked. "You know at Pony-gra I learned more then one thing about my self." this came out of no where from her and I looked at her as she got closer to me. I think I liked where this was going (and if I was writing clop for this it would be about 100,000 words long because Fluttershy is best pony). She placed a hoof on my hairy chest and brought her face real close to mine. What happened next to say the least was the best experience I ever had (hey I told you if you want clop write it yourself). I'm just hoping no candle wax this time and who would have known that she could hold her breath for so long.
It only gets weirder-er	FINALLY!!!	I woke up the next day around noon in a different room. I rolled over blinking away the sleep from my eyes and found Fluttershy asleep peacefully next to me. I snuggled up close to her and she let out a content sigh, I could do this forever with the best pony ever. Unfortunately other people make plans and they involve me. "Meason you in here?" I looked up to see Twilight entering the room. She looked a little shocked to see me in Fluttershy's bed. "What, You can't share her?" I said sitting up and smirking. Twilight went red in the face and looked down. "Luna needs to talk to you in the throne room, she didn't say what about though." I hate it when other people involve me in things when I could be sleeping or eating. I got out of bed and dressed while Fluttershy woke up. She looked at me with a sleepy grin and laid back down, I have that effect on people... and ponies apparently. I followed Twilight but she didn't enter with me, instead she walked off as I went in. I found Luna speaking to some guards and when she saw me she dismissed them. "Good you're here. How did you sleep?" I walked up closer as she spoke. "I'd say pretty good for that fact I was ridden all night." she looked at me confused. "Somepony rode you last night?" I face palmed and sighed. Being sent to the moon really kills your knowledge of slang... and just about everything else too. "Yes. What was it you needed to talk to me about?" she straitened her self and spoke more seriously. "I have received word of an advancing army, small in size. I want you to take your troops and meet them in two days time." I wonder what this king was planing, it seemed like a trap. I nodded my head any ways with out a word. "One more thing... we have a spy amongst us..." mean while Travis arrived at the front gate with a roar. Guards looked at him confused as he pulled up in a coughing truck. "Yall fella's mind opening the gate?" they looked at one another then nodded, soon Travis rolled in with the engine purring like an ancient asthmatic cat. He managed to fix the truck with some help of the Apples and apparently apple juice made great fuel. Suddenly there was a loud bang and smoke started spewing out from under the hood. Travis hit his head against the steering wheel and sighed. "Told you it was a piece of shit." I came walking came walking over to him and the new BBQ smoker. He glared at me as I went to the driver side window. "Any hizzles, Luna needs to talk to you about something. Most likely about how great I am or something along those lines." he gave me a blank look. "Right because ya leave everyone stunned thanks to yer enormous ass." I smirked at him and wiggled my ass. "I know, it is amazing." I backed away so he could open the door and go speak to Luna. "She's in the throne room and while your gone I'm going to turn this bucket of rust into porta-potty." he kept walking and flipped me off. "Touch it and yer dead." I laughed as he walked away, I didn't want to touch it anyways. You would almost get lock jaw just by looking at it. I left and went to gather my troops and tell them about our up coming mission. I found them doing manly things like arm wrestling, lifting weights, and making out. The last one was a little bit of a problem since they were all male but I don't judge. "Line up ass hats!" everyone quickly formed a line in front to me and all stood at attention. I walked up and down the line and spoke. "In two days all of us, the most elite, are going to intercept a small army on their way here. What they are planing we don't know but it doesn't matter because we are going to send them back in a match box. DO YOU UNDERTAND ME?" "SIR YES SIR!" they answered back in unison loud and clear. "I want you doughnut punchers suited up and ready when that day comes aND I WANT TO BE BACK IN TIME FOR AN AFTERNOON NAP! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?" "SIR YES SIR!" "Dismiss." I turned and left them to go to get something to eat since it was already noon. There was more traffic in the halls as things were getting in gear for the war but it didn't take me long to get there. I arrived in the kitchen to find a fire from hell itself and three panicking fillies. I sat back and watched them try to put out the blazing fire the engulfed the whole stone oven. "Here try this!" Sweetie Belle said as she handed a bucket filled with liquid to Applebloom. Unfortunately it was oil and the fire just grew bigger. I had to stop them from burning the castle down. "Ok move back three mustkatards." they turned to me scared and I pulled them back behind me. I stood a little ways from the fire and took a deep breath, my chest swelled up to three times it's size. Then I let out my breath real fast over the fire. The girls gasped in surprise as they saw the flames literally freeze and ice over. I walked over to the fice-ice sculpture and broke off a small piece of a flame, popping it into my mouth. "Oh spicy yet cool." I let out a cough and smoke came out my mouth. I turned to the three now nervous fillies. "We didn't mean to..." "...we we're just tryin' are luck at makin' ice cream..." "... for our Cutie marks." I gave them all a strange look. "... And why did you need the stove? Actually never mind, I'm going to go take a nap." I left the three of them poking at the fire-ice and went to find a couch to sleep on. It seemed that Rainbow Dash had the same idea as I found her on a large red couch that sat opposite of an identical one in a large room towards the back of the castle. I laid down on the other one and closed m eyes when I heard Rainbow Dash talk in her sleep. "Spank me harder." I opened my eyes to look at her still asleep, I was going to remember that for next time. I closed my eyes again and soon fell asleep. Travis at the time was with Luna after the had their private discussion (not even you're allowed to know. Why? Because it's private and not my favorite type of private either). "... and then he was swimming in a sea of cheese." both laughed as Luna was talking about a random pony's dream she had remembered. They were talking and walking the halls going slowly to the back of the castle. Travis thought about something and then spoke. "Will Ah had a dream once were ah saw one of the most beautiful being alive. Ah followed her everywhere but she kept slipping further away until she was gone. Then ah saw a falling star and ah wished ah could find her again and you know what happened?" Luna looked a little uncomfortable as he talked about some one from his dreams. "What happened?" Travis gave her a smirk. "Ah woke up here and found her." they stopped walking as Travis looked into her eyes and she realized he was talking about her and blushed hard. If I had been there, thank Celestia's round ass I wasn't, I would have been puking up rainbows. So skipping the part where Luna leads Travis into an empty room and they make out with nothing else happening they were now walking again down the halls. They then happened to come up on a sleeping light brown angle with a hand down his pants, Rainbow Dash had woken up and left before they came. "Aww he looks like a retarded monkey." if I had been awake Travis would be flying out a window. "He is deep in sleep dreaming." Luna commented as she looked at me that gave Travis an idea (which he doesn't have many). "Ah wonder what he's dreamin' about?" he looked at Luna and she got the idea. She pulled him closer and her horn flared with magic. They both closed their eyes as the magic wrapped around them and they were gone. In a split second they were back with wide eyes. "Let's never go there again." "Yes... I would have to agree with you on that." they both gave me one last startled look and slowly walked away. Moments later when they were gone I woke up feeling great. It was getting close to night time and most of the people in the castle were winding down. Unfortunately for them I was winding up. I started creeping through the halls as music played from unseen electronics and I played a violin. The moon was raising and I knew the perfect song. I started playing as I walked past rooms of ponies trying to sleep but now worried about the strange music going down the halls (and to let you know the song is Moon Trance by Lindsey Stirling the woman who would be the mother of both Octavia and Vinyl). As the song picked up faces peaked out doors watching me dance to the music that I played. They haven't heard something like this before and it sent chills up their spines. As the song came to the end I danced strait to a corner that was cloaked in shadows, then as the last note was played I disappeared into the shadows and all was quiet. Doors slowly closed and ponies tried to sleep but were a little scared to close their eyes and I popped up in the shadows in their room. And by the will of some cosmic asshole I ended up in Celestia's room. "I'd rather be in hell right now." "FIFTY!" even the loud booming voice didn't cause her to look up from the scroll she was reading. "Ok I'm getting real tired of your shit. Since the first time I met you have done nothing but ignore me and it's pissing me off. I'm about snap." my eye was twitching as I looked at her, still ignoring me. "What the fuck is your problem? YOU CANKEROUS WHORE MONGERING SLUT BAG-" as I was yelling at her she stood up and starting doing something strange. She closed her eyes and her cheeks puffed out, afterwords letting out an excited sigh. If I had been able to read minds this is what I would have heard. Finally! Those bubbles have refused to pop for so long and I can hear again... who is this screaming at me? "- ASS HAT SHIT LAND PONY!" she turned to me with a confused look. "Are you ok?" I think what little sanity I had crumbled away ( and it's been small and withering away much like my conscious). "Am I ok? OH SO NOW YOU CAN HEAR ME?" I started yelling again and as I was about to go on when an even louder scream cut me off. "OH YES JUST LIKE THAT!" it wasn't a scream of anger, more of the variety of screams that I like. We both had a confused look on our faces and I turned to leave and find out who it was. I walked down the hall to two guards at a door with wide eyes. Celestia was right behind me as I walked into the room to find Travis on top of Luna... "Ahhh!" ... giving her a massage. "Aww..." I pouted as Celestia looked at the two a little mad but then gave a sigh of relief with a shake of her head. Travis looked at us like he was in major trouble but Luna had a dreamy face on. "Oh worry not sister... we did that an hour ago." a lot of things happened at once. A let out another 'ahh' and Celestia's head turned on a swivel right back at me. While she wasn't paying attention Travis jumped out the window as Luna started dozing off. When Celestia turned back to find Travis she immediately went to the window to find him climbing down some vines that grow along the wall. He looked up with a nervous chuckle and she gave him a stare of daggers. Then she used her magic to levitate him with her and took off. I watched them fly off and then it hit me like Brown and Whitney (allegedly). I slowly made it to the bed and sat down by Luna as she opened her eyes. "You ruined him... I can't make fun of him... for being a virgin... any more." I started choking up as I spoke. One of my greatest joys in life was gone. Luna just grinned and closed her eyes again as my world was falling apart. My two chin retard was a man now.
It only gets weirder-er	Pre Pear Uranus	So now it was the day before I was to lead my troops to meet the small approaching army. At the moment I was polishing my Ramabanana while my soldier prepared their armor and weapons. It was peaceful as I rubbed all the way up then all the way down in smooth motions while watching manly things happening in front of me by manly, sweaty soldiers. Life was good. "Sir, you're needed in the throne room." a guard had come to inform me that I was summoned by a Princess but not what for. I stood up and motioned for Rathlos to come forth. "Polish my Ramabanana until it... gleams." I handed off my rod and made way for the throne room. And here I was expecting Luna to discuss about tomorrow but instead I get... "A royal stuck bitch. What do you want?" the moment I walked in my mood went strait to fuck you. Celestia sat at the throne and we were all alone, I never gave her a chance to say a word. "I have more important things to do then being in the same breathing air with a stick-up-the-ass twat." I turned right back out the door living her with a shocked expression, this was most likely going to get me executed or something but no one ever made me instantly mad like she did. It felt like I drank the essence of a midget trying to reach the candy on the top shelf for the last hour with no one to help. I just walked off in a random direction to get away from her. Some how I ended up in front of a dearly departed. "You will be miss Lord of that was all fucked up and awesome." I placed my hand on the door that was once Discord's room. The piece that we did find of him were only enough to put in a small box and cremate it, the rest of him was soup. I slowly pulled my hand away and walked off from the living area of the greatest masterpiece ever. All this sadness and blow up gods was making me hungry (really I was just looking for an excuse to eat), so I headed off to the kitchen once again. Along the way I heard familiar voices in a room I passed so I went back to it quietly. "Stop that tickles!" "Nope." it was Luna and Travis doing something that I'm sure I would record and place online. That lucky bastard got the one princess that wasn't a bitch and some one to be with (I bet your like "but Meason you've been with so many ponies already so what's wrong?). Well little side narrator voice this is the problem. I want someone, dear I say it, a special somepony. Even back home I was a man whore who craved to be with someone and it's the same here. It's the same everywhere. I backed away from the door and wasn't hungry any more. I went back to the barracks and found my rod all nice and shinny. I turned to see my troops with everything ready for tomorrow and it was only noon. "Ok men listen up!" they all went strait into a line and stood at attention. I walked in front of them and was quiet for a second. "Tomorrow we, the best that Equestria has, will meet with those saddle backs. We are to slice, cut, and gut every last one of them. Some of you will die and that's a sacrifice I am willing to make." I paused again for a moment. "So for tonight... show of hands, who would like to watch a movie?" they looked at one another confused but then slowly hands, claws, and hoofs raised up. "... and cuddle?" all but one hoof stayed in the air. I nodded and grinned, movie night was on. So skipping the movie about a stallion who thought he was a mare and engaging in many late nights with stallions that ended hilariously, the most manliest pillow fight that ended up in only one near death, and the massive sleep-spooning session we are going to the next day. "Ass holes and elbows!" I yelled out to my still sleeping troops. They got up with groans and moans. "I want you rump rangers ready by the time I got to the bathroom and drop a midget!" "SIR YES SIR!" they all answered at once and I nodded satisfied. I left and made way to the throne room hoping Luna would be there. She was. "Ah Meason, how did you sleep?" she asked as I approached. "If there was a bowl of soup it would have been better." I said with a bounce of my eye brows and the left one fell off and floated down to the ground. "I wish you luck in your battle." she spoke as I picked up my eye brow and licked it, sticking it in place. I guess she learned not to question what I said about my nights. I nodded and headed back to the barracks to find them suited up and ready. "Assemble at the front gates!" I called out at they made way to their distention. Now I stood alone as I picked up my Ramabanana. "And now you contemplate wither or not you will come back." I voice said behind me as I stood there. I chuckled and didn't turn around. "Our spy?" "No, just a messenger. The real spy still lurks around. I came here to tell you that you won't be coming back if you lead your troops. Instead go back home. We can show you how." go back home to earth? Screw that noise. "I'll pass." I walked off with that and can feel that they were gone. Moments later a stood in front of my troops. Raising my rod high I let out a shout. "Forward march!" and with that we began our way to glory. Mean while in the throne room with a bitch, a two chin retard, and nighty night time. "I hope they come back soon and victorious." Luna spoke as she played with Travis's hair. "He'll probably die." Travis said and if I had been there Luna's hoof would 'accidentally' be down his throat. Then Celestia spoke up. "Why does he yell at me?" she was really confused when she could her again and all she heard was me screaming at her. Then from there on all I did was yell at her some more when she was near. "No idea." they all sat there for a bit until royal duties needed to be attended to by Celestia. Luna and Travis left her be. "Since we have nothing to do until Meason comes back, why don't we head up to my chambers?" Travis had a large grin on his face and they both hurried to her room. Then a little bit later Travis found him self with his arms tied to two poles and in his tighty whities. "Umm Luna?" he called out from in his knees when suddenly a crop floating in the air slapped him on his ass. He let out a yelp and out step Luna in black leather and stockings. "It's Nightmare Moan." she went up to Travis and forced the ball gag on him. "Remember the safe word rhymes with orange." and suddenly I don't feel sorry for him. I wish I was there to see him groan behind the red ball in his mouth and Luna man handling him. How did she learn that you ask? I told her about it and said Travis would love that. She did it out of love. I did it out of friendship (snicker). We soon were approaching the battle field and I could see the Saddle Arabia army closing in. Now Luna said small. This was more 300 and they were not the Spartans, I hated to see what there main army was like. Then we were staring each other down with only a hundred or so feet between us. ~Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together, Brighter than a lucky penny, When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear, And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine.~ You know how terrifying it is to see a large man with a huge rod skipping and singing about happiness and coming right at you ready to murder you? I would shit my pants. I lead the charge and my men soon after me. Then they charged to meet us and we soon clashed with ponies flying through the air with a flick of my wrist. They had ponies, dragons, minotaurs alike in their army but it didn't matter. I was sending them flying, smashing them into the ground, and swiping them away like nothing. I couldn't thing of anything else I'd rather be doing right now as I crushed them with mighty, earth shattering blows. "Keep at it man, I want to bath in blood tonight." I called out over the roar of the battle and the cries for mercy from the stallion under my foot. I ignored him and with a twist of my foot there was a loud snap and no more crying. Now remember back when Luna told me about this battle and I felt like it was a trap? I have great instincts. Two large groups of unicorns flared with magic and two huge portals opened out of thin air. What came out was two very large and stout living rocks. Earth trolls (now to my knowledge they are not in the show but are in the comic and yes I have the comics because they are awesome /'3'\). Very tall, gray skin that makes them look like a rock, a jutting under jaw, and stupid looking expressions (like Travis). We were winning but I didn't like this. Mostly because they were swinging their large arms around like clubs and attacking any one. I knew I had to take them out fast. "Rathlos left, I'll get the right!" he spotted the large creatures lumbering towards us and took off after the left one while I went for mine. Sprinting with my rod trailing behind me I closed in on it and when I got close to it I jumped up while swinging the Ramabanana upward. It connected with it's jutting lower jaw with crack and it tumbled back wards landing on several ponies. With one down I turned to see Rathlos with a chain wrapped around the others neck and he was pushing with his legs until he was standing on it's back with both ends of the chain in his claws. I ran over as it fell to it's knees and knocked Rathlos off. The chain was still wrapped around it's neck and I picked up Rathlos with a grin. We both grabbed an end of the chain and pulled as the creature tried to go forward, helping us choke it. Soon it just fell over limp with one last growl. I was about to high five Rathlos when I was suddenly swatted away by a large chalk gray hand. "General!" Rathlos yelled for me from the other side of the other troll, it got back up as we were taking out the other one. When I was hit my rod was knocked away and I was now being bored down upon by an angry brute. I looked past it and nodded at Rathlos who turned and yelled. "FALL BACK!" the two armies started to separate with the Saddle Arabians down to roughly half it's original size and mine not by much. Soon they were off in the distance and I was surrounded with an angry troll trying to rip me apart. The only thing I could do was duck and dive out of it's grasp as the army stopped me from getting do my rod. Until it finally caught me and held me up to it's ugly, angry face and holding tightly making me squeak out the wrong end. "Hey did you hear the one about the two alicorns and the earth pony?" it growled and slammed me into the ground. I guess it did and didn't like it. "He's still alive, we'll take this one back." I heard a voice talk but it was distant as I blacked out. As I was taken prisoner my army reached Canterlot where Luna waited by the gate with a sore Travis. They watched as they walked by towing the huge rod on a cart unable to carry it. Rathlos walked up to her with a sad shake of his head and she simply nodded. Travis looked at them confused them back at the Ramabanana as they carted it away.
It only gets weirder-er	Is it wrong if I said I liked it?	When I woke up everything was dark but with faded light trying to get through. Then I noticed I was blind folded, I could feel the cloth wrapped around my eyes and head. I was being slightly tossed around on a hard wooden surface and I wasn't able to support my self since my legs and hands were bound together. "Halt!" I heard a loud yet muffled voice and I slid a little forward as we came to a stop. I must have been in a wagon or something to be transported. Then there was the sound of shuffling movement and a flapping of cloth being held back. "Now don't you try anything." I heard a gruff voice spoke as a pair of claws grabbed my legs and pulled me to it's owners. I held still, resisting the urge to start yelling stranger danger, as they pulled me to them and my legs were cut free from their bindings. I was pulled out and set on my feet as a pair of hands along with the pair of claws marched me forward. "Ew, what is it?" "I have no pro or con feelings to this being." "Dat ass!" ok so a mixed sort of comments coming from others I couldn't see as we passed by them. I heard more more hushed talk as I was lead to somewhere unknown until finally we were stopped by a voice. "What are you bringing to the doors of the throne room?" then the voice that dragged me out answered. "We're... not entirely sure but it was leading troops from Canterlot." there was a moment of silence where I suspect they were inspecting me. "Take it in, the king sits at the throne." I was pushed forward and tripped on some stairs, laughing came from around me. After a little more slight trips I finally made it up the stairs and lead down a long hall. We kept going until I was forced to stop. "Bow before the king!" someone screamed in my ear and then I was hit in the back of the knees and punched in the stomach, forced to my knees (which I usually don't mind but their weren't being very gentle). Finally the blind fold was ripped off and I had to blink my eyes from the sudden flow of light. The first thing I saw was cold steel eyes. "King G'afssa we have brought you... something." I didn't turn to see who was talking, my eyes were locked with his. His stare was holding and there was a hot wind blowing. He looked me over with an unreadable expression and finally talked. "Who are you?" now normal this next thing I was going to say I would mentally beat my self but here's why I didn't. I noticed below him, with collars and chains, was three feminine stallions laying down before his throne. It was the best shot I had. "Who ever you want me to be." he raised an eye brow and smirked. Suddenly his horn flared up and I was lifted from the ground, turned up side down and inches from his face. "I've never had something so... exotic." wow that was easy and now it was time for the fun part. "My king, our spy has informed us that he is one of the Five Generals of Canterlot." well fuck there goes any hope of my survival. G'afssa looked me over then smiled a nasty smile. "Maybe you can be of some use... take him to my chambers." suddenly he brought me forward and kissed me. Ok I've kissed guys before, mostly out of joking, but this felt different. Why? The king started to use tongue and pried open my mouth with his, snaking his tongue down my throat. I mean literally down my throat. His tongue was smooth, thick, and very long. Not only did it stretch out my throat from how thick it was but it went down and literally tickled my lungs. It was the strangest sensation ever besides self sod- with a sudden yank he pulled out his tongue leaving me gasping for air and saliva all around my mouth. I was dropped onto the floor and then picked back up by some guards that lead me away. "So how do we get him back?" Travis asked as he leaned on a table with both arms, maps and other papers spread out on the top. The princesses, the other generals, and Fluttershy along with Pinkie Pie gathered around the table, Twilight and Rarity were gone somewhere and no one had seen them. "We don't." Luna said bluntly and before an out roar could lash out she spoke again. "The castle of G'afssa as been entirely moved to a new location and we can not find it... so until such time there is nothing we can do." I basically had no chance of bring rescued by these fuck tards so I was going to have to do it on my own. "Go ahead and make your self comfortable." the guard said as he cut off my hand bindings and pushed me into a very large room with a cold laugh. Everything was mostly hidden in shadows but what I could see was silk of various shades of purple covering nearly everything. "Now what are you?" I jumped and turned to see the king slink out the shadows of the room. Ok deep breath, now relax. I regained my posture and let my body read boredom. "Why is that so important?" he gave him a half smirk and looked at him casually. Then suddenly he used his magic and took my feet from under me and I landed on my back. He was over me in an instant. "Who are you?" he had a hungry look in his cold eyes as his face was dangerously close for another tongue stretching. "You'll have to tease it out of me." is was as if he knew it as he face read 'challenge accepted'. Just as Cadence did, he went strait for the sweet spot as he firmly sunk his teeth into my neck and I let out an involuntary moan. He took it as me enjoying it but I didn't (don't give me that look... fine maybe just a little) and stopped. Then he dove in to tongue punch my throat and as I was slightly choking as he used his hind legs to push mine apart. He shifted and caused me to raise my waist into the air and that's when he struck. He started to grind hard into my raised crotch with his eyes fluttering close. After a minute he pulled back and stepped away, leaving me panting on the ground. "Now to make sure no one bothers us." he walked over to the open doors of a balcony to the out side and this is where we stop time. There's me, laying on the floor about six feet away from King G'afssa, who stood near the ledge of the balcony. Now I had some choices right now. A, accept what was about to happen and live, hopefully. B, make a break for it out the door and have a fifty-fifty chance of die or escaping. C, I wasn't about to become a sex slave again (fucking Eskimos). Time to unpause and Kevin Bacon his ass. I stood up fast and ran at him. He turned in time to see me jumping at him with both feet aiming right at him and slamming into his chest. With a shocked gasp he flipped over the ledge and fell down. I got up and leaned over to watch him fall. "Can you fly, you sucker!? Can you fly?!" then I was flung back and slid across the floor to the middle of the room. He now flapped wings made of some kind of ethereal energy and the force of him shooting back up tossed me back. He landed gently on the balcony and the wings dissipated as he slowly walked to me. That's when he slammed his front hooves into my chest over and over. Over and over. All the while with a cold smile until my count got to thirty six and he stopped. I curled up clutching my chest trying to breath, I'm sure he broke a rib or two. "I'm finished with him." I didn't know who he was talking to but suddenly I was forced onto my knees. I was spitting up blood as he slowly turned to me. "If only you had behaved, you wouldn't be going to the dungeon. I'm sorry though, we could have had an amazing life together." he was enjoying this and I was about to say something when a large minotaur stepped in front of me. The last thing I saw was his meaty fist clubbing down to my face. Mean while in retard land Travis was getting ready to sleep. He wasn't sure if was going to be able to with his best friend a prisoner with Celestia knows what happening to him (except she doesn't even know). "Don't worry love. I am sure he is fine." Luna spoke as she laid in the bed in her chambers with Travis. This didn't help comfort him but there was nothing he could do. He would lay down with Luna and they would wake up the next day to keep the war going on. The Saddle Arabian's had a large army but ours was better trained. This left the war in a stalemate and not going anywhere soon. And that left me at my third day in the dungeon. Fifty five. That was today's count so far. I wonder if this guy ever gets tired? "Ok, ok. The name is... Kunta Kinte." he might have believed me until I started snickering from the rope I was hanging by my wrists, dangling a foot of the ground. Another crack of the whip left a trail of pain along my back with the other fifty five of today. Holding the whip was an ugly, large green dragon with missing scales and scares all over his hide. "Your trying my patients!" fifty seven came with the last word. I must be a glutten for punishment. "Sticks and stones might break my bones but chains and whips excite me." that earned me two more lashes. He was growling with anger as he tried to get information from me. He wasn't going to though, my mouth was closed tighter then a crap's sphincter. Well maybe not as tight. "Hit me baby one more time." I think he had enough because I lost count somewhere after seventy. It's good thing I have a high thresh hold for pain but everyone had their limits and I couldn't even make smart ass remarks any more. "Come I am done with him." I hung there for a second before suddenly dropping to the ground on my back causing my to suppress a cry of pain. A tall lanky purple dragon pulled me to my feet, rebinding my hands, and lead my out the torture room and back to my cell. It was a small cage of bars with a nothing in side but a filthy floor that I slept on. It was dark, dank, and musky like the usual prison cells. I was walked into my cell and left in the dark, I wasn't sure what time it was since there was no way to the out side but a couple flight of stairs. I don't know how long it had been but I was asleep on the ground on my side facing the cell door. Something caused me to open my eyes and it was out side my cell. I don't know who it was, all I could see was a pony covered all the way in a tan cloak. I lifted my head a bit to look at them as the shadows hid the face under neath. Then a lock of purple hair fell out as something was floated through the air. "So your the spy..." I slowly started to black out again as a former friend left me in the dark. Alone in the dark, in pain, and waiting to die. All so familiar.
It only gets weirder-er	Do you even praise the sun?	I was woken up by cold water being tossed on me. I blinked the water out of my eyes and spat it out of my mouth as a guard walked in, roughly pulling me up to my feet. He marched me out and back to the same place as before. Today he wasted no time, didn't even unbind my hands and tie me up, no the ugly green dragon just tarted beating me. He kept punching me in the face and stopped only to kick me in the stomach. With one finally punch he knocked my onto the floor and I laid there spitting out a tooth. "Aww man, that was my favorite tooth." he glared at me as he walked over to a large pot I hadn't seen that sat over a fire. "Unfortunately for you we no longer have any use of you." he clicked open the cover of the pot and bubbling oil sloshed with in. "Oh deep fry, thirteen spices?" he quickly came over to me and picked me up by my hair to my knees. "What is wrong with you? Don't you realize you are going to die?!" he snorted in my face and I looked at him with a bloody grin. "We all die sooner or later." he let go of me and walked back to the pot. "Unfortunately for you it will be sooner." he turned to me with a dark smile and was about to walk to me when a loud bang stopped him. He turned and look at the door to the dungeon as a lanky purple dragon walked in. "What's happening?" the torturer asked as the dragon took off the helmet hiding it's face, green spikes coming up. As my bindings fell to the floor I rushed forward and slammed into the green dragon, pushing him into the boiling oil and the lid falling with a click. From in sides was screams of agony as the lock kept the cover from opening. Just another scream to haunt my dreams. "Meason!" the dragon rushed down and had me lean on him for support. "Spike?" I looked confused at the dragon who looked like an older version of him. "Come on we need to get out of here." he helped me up the stairs and out the dungeon. More loud explosions sounded through out the castle causing soldiers to run around. Soon we were out in the court yard with the front gates in sight. "Come on we're-" "Don't let them escape!" we looked back to see a large group of guards coming after us. Spike picked up the pace and I tried my best to run. We got out the gates but they were closing fast. We made our way over a hill when we were in trouble. "Uh oh!" "What do you mean 'uh oh'? The armor Spike was wearing started to get to big for him and he started getting smaller. "The spell is wearing off!" we kept going but then we ran out of ground as we came to a cliff edge. The armor was to much and Spike fell forward still in the chest plate, then we were surrounded. Spike got out the armor and stood in front of me as I looked over the cliff. A stallion lunged at Spike with his sword but I was faster. Spike closed his eyes waiting for the killing blow but it never came, instead the blade was sunk to the hilt in my left hand between the bones of the middle and ring finger. I kicked him back and the sword jerked with him, going upwards and cutting through the rest of my hand leaving it nearly in two with two fingers on one side and the other three on the other side. I stepped back and grabbed Spike with my still working hand. "Looks like you're going to fly early!" I spun around and flung him off the edge and watched as he dropped from sight. Then a blur of rainbow and purple shot up as Rainbow Dash flew with him safely in her arms. I was taken down by the guards and dragged back to the castle. There was holes in the stone from the magic infused bombs Rainbow Dash had been dropping. I was lead to the throne room where an angry king sat. "If only you could behave. Now I have to send them your head on a pike." I was forced to kneel with my hands tied behind my back, blood still pouring from my ruined hand. I was getting light headed. "You were so beauti-" a loud explosion interrupted the king and behind us a large section of the right wall fell in and a very large red dragon hissed angrily. I kicked out and knocked down the guard next to me before jumping up and running to the dragon. Unable to use my arms I slid to him and wrapped my legs around his large arm. "Fly you idiot!" I said as he shot down fire to keep the guards away. Backing out of the hole he turned and with a mighty leap took off into the air. "I'll show you an idiot when I drop you." he growled at me as we flew off. The castle was shrinking in the distance as I watched upside down from the dragon's arm but I was still bleeding and my vision started to blur. I couldn't help it as my legs relaxed and I slowly slipped off the dragon. The last thing I remembered was something soft, multiple sets of wings, brushing against me. Travis paced up and down the hall of the infirmary. I had been brought back nearly gray and nasty lashes all over my back. Right now the doctor did everything she could for me. Then four of the mane six came, Twilight and Rarity still missing. "Is he..." Applejack started but the door opened and the doctor stepped out. They all waited for the news. "How is he doctor?" Travis asked nervously as the blond mare looked up at him. "We managed to put the hand back together and get ride of the whip marks." the mares let out sighs of relief but Travis was still worried. "Ok but how is he?" the mare looked at him confused but then understood. "I don't know how being tortured is like but we think he'll be ok." then from in side a loud voice yelled out. "Get your hoof off my ass! What the hell are you doing?" "SIXTY THREE!" Travis shook his head with a sigh. "He's fine." he walked past the doctor and into the room where I was resting on the bed. "Hey there ass hole." I said as Travis came closer. He didn't react or anything, he just sat down at the edge of the bed. After a few moments of silence he spoke. "Ya know we couldn't find ya. Ah was sure yer were dead..." aww he cared about me, how sweet. "Die? Yeah right, not until I get to watch you and Luna do it so I know you really aren't a virgin." I grinned at him and he just shook his head, getting up to leave. As he left the girls came in to see me. After a little bit of tears and hugs they left me to get some sleep. I wasn't sure how long it had been but I woke up to the sound of the door opening and two mares walking. "Hello darling." it was Rarity and she had a sad look on her face. I smiled as I sat up and then saw Twilight behind her unable to look up at me. She slowly walked up to the bed with her head hung low. "At least I'm alive." I said and she couldn't take it any more as she jumped up on the bed hugging me while crying. I hugged her back and ran a hand through her mane to calm her down. See Twilight had been the spy, well actually a double agent. We had no idea where the king's castle was so we had a plan. The plan was to get some one in side with a magical tracker then cause some damage before rescuing the in side man. This was what Luna needed to talk to me about when she told me about the spy and then about the plan but not telling me who it was. That one day everything went according to plan. Well except the being tortured part. While Rarity distracted the guards Twilight gave me a small knife to free my self. Like I said no one but the two and Luna knew who the 'spy' was and when the purple strip in her hair fell out I knew it was her. "I-if I had known..." she said as she cried in my arms. It wasn't her fault, I knew what I was getting into. After awhile she calmed down and got down from the bed. They both left and I laid back don to sleep but about ten minutes later the door opened once again. It was Celestia. "Hello Meason." she came in and softly closed the door. I just sighed and said nothing. "No yelling?" she asked as she came closer. "No, don't have the energy." I heard her sigh in relief as she came to the right side of my bed. "Then will you let me talk?" I just looked at her as she watched me. "Sure." over the next few minutes she told me why she had been ignoring me. "Well... I feel like a complete ass hole." I said and she chuckled. "Then let's start over. I am Princess Celestia." I looked at her and smiled, no more anger. "I'm Meason." then she started to get on the bed and softly laid down on me, I became really confused. "Here let me apologize for making you feel like I was being rude to you." she slowly lowered her muzzle to my mouth. So keeping this teen and not having the sex tab lets just say the next couple of hours were the best apology I have ever got. Luna and Travis were coming to visit me and when they opened the door they both went wide eyed. "Can we try that?" Travis asked Luna as neither took their eyes off us. "Only if you be a good boy." she said as they closed the door quietly, we never heard them open it in the first place. Afterwords I was finally left alone to get some sleep but now I could barely move my hips which was fine with me. I woke up the next day and was surprise to find my self in a bed and not a cell floor. It took me a second to remember I was no longer a prisoner... of King G'afssa. The next few days went by pretty quick with Celestia making sure I got my daily dose of vitamin D and I made sure she did too. I was finally released and made my way to the kitchen. I knew they were serving me food from here but my mind was like 'hospital food' and it just tasted nasty. Along they way I meet a very sick looking Twilight. "Are you ok?" asked her as she leaned against the wall. "I'm suppose to be giving a speech in a few minutes but I feel terrible." I looked her over again. The shakes, the sweats, and the pudgy stomach. "When's the last time you used the bathroom?" she looked at me confused. I don't remember how long it's been but those were the sign's of the Anal Destroyer about to live up to it's name. "You should go to the bathroom... now." she was still confused but then she went wide eyes and with a flash of light she teleported away. From the floor above I could her screams of agony and I chuckled. Then a mare came by looking swiftly everywhere. "Have you seen Miss Sparkle? She's due in five minutes for the speech." I was about to shake my head but then I stopped. "She came down with... something. I'll be taking her place." she looked at me then shrugged, motioning for me to follow her. She lead me to a balcony that had war officials and citizens ten feet below. I clapped my hands and spoke. "Wardrobe." the mare looked at me confused when suddenly a curtain dropped in front of me and ponies rushed behind it. When it lifted I was wearing a black silk Italian suit. "Flawless? Check." "Make up." I went to sit down and a chair pulled up beneath me. Different ponies came this time and applied the necessary make up was applied. I stood up once again. "Flawless once more? Double check." I stepped pass the mare and onto the balcony to a podium. There was a magical speaker to amplify my glorious voice for all to hear. "In the place of Twilight Sparkle, who as fallen ill most likely due to enemy efforts, I, Meason, will give you her speech." I looked down at the podium where a stack of cards sat. I picked them up and thumbed through them before tossing them away. "A warning to the people..." I started off with a slight echo in my voice. "To the good and the evil. This is war. To the soldier, the civilian, the martyr, the victim... This is war." I could see Travis down below face palming (this is totally original and not a rip off). "It's the moment of truth, and the moment to lie, the moment to live and the moment to die. The moment to fight, the moment to fight. To fight... to fight... TO FIGHT!" this was getting the crowd riled up. "To the right, to the left, we will fight to the death! To the edge of the world. It's a brave new world form the last to the first. Because... THIS IS WAR!" the crowd erupted into cheers and I bowed. I turned and left with a large grin. I'm such the motivational speaker.
It only gets weirder-er	In memory of our dearly beloved Ramabanana, forever in our heart.	So far, in this chaos, it's been a month of war. I didn't think I'd be slaughtering my enemies with a smile... I guess old habits die hard. Right now Travis, Shining Armor, and Applejack lead their troops to battle with a very large army of Saddle Arabia. Rainbow Dash lead an air assault on the king's castle until it was no longer standing, they now moved somewhere else. They suffered heave casualties but they seem to never end. And what was I doing you ask? "Raise the flag!" I called out and soon a blue flag with a large white gold c was waving in the wind. I stood on the deck of my ship, the Semanizer, wearing black leather boots, purple pants, a white shirt, a black captain's cloak, and a large feathery rainbow hat that would put a cursed pirate to shame. I was in all sense, majestic. Then my crew, dragons, ponies, and minotaurs, all wore short white and blue sailor outfits complete with the little hat. The ship broke across the waves of the calm, deep blue sea with the sun up low in the morning. A glorious day for meeting the end. "Ready the port side cannons!" I ordered as I steered the ship so they would face the ten Saddle Arabian ships closing in on us. They were black with gray sails and seemed to hoover across the water. I was sent out to stop the sea invasion with only the Celestian flag ship with me. It was a large white gold colored ship that waved a golden sun on it's flag. Celestia her self was on the ship so she could watch the out come of this battle. As the ship lined up there was a silence. "Orders Captain?" Rathlos, in his snug sailor's outfit, came to me waiting as the ten ships came closer. I looked at them with a smirk, it was time to send them to a deep watery hole (Travis: That's what she said!). "Make it rain!" I called out to my men on the deck and they got into position. The cannons were pointed at the ships but then they were pulled back and pointed up. With a barrage of loud bangs they went off and cannon balls soared up into the air. Normally they would never hit but these were not normal cannon balls, they were Meason Ball's (extra salty). As they reached their peak in the air, they exploded into a deadly cloud of burning shrapnel that rained down on the ships like needles. Sails were set ablaze and the fire quickly spread to the rest of the ship, all but one ship was hit. Soon the burning ships started to sink as the crew jumped into the waters and left the last ship alone. "Captain starboard side!" I was interrupted in my moment of victory as a ship prepared to board us. It came from nowhere it seemed but it didn't matter. From cannon fire or hull to hull I would sink anyone. "Lower deck cannons fire, the rest of you dogs kill 'em all or I'll be guttin' you!" as I issued my order boards were dropped from the other ship onto mine and soldiers started running across. My men drew their weapons as I stood there not moving. The two side clashed in battle cries and cannon fire as a dragon soldier ran at me. As he brought his cutlass down I side stepped and spun the wheel, causing it to hit him repeatedly in the jaw. That caused my ship to tilt more into the other and the main sails of both ships to lock together. As we battled it out the other ship started taking shots at us. "I'm surrounded, you poor bastards." I said as a large group of soldiers circled me. I pulled out my Ramabanana (from where is a secret) and spun with it out stretched, knocking them off in all directions. For ten minutes we fought while the lone ship still fired at us but then there was a loud groaning noise. "Captain their sinking, we'll be taken right down with them!" after punting a minotaur off the side I looked over to see their ship going down and then I looked up to see us still locked together. If I didn't figure out something fast we'd sink with them. I sighed as I brought my rod to my face, it was the only way. "I'll miss you my sweet." I gave it a soft kiss before arching back and aiming right at their mast, flinging it with lightning speed (because I can). It punched through their mast and separated us, slowly they sunk alone as my Ramabanana soared in the air and disappeared into the distance. It was the last time I saw that beautiful hunk of anal pulverization. As we finished off the last of the soldiers I noticed we weren't being fired at any more. The ship sunk, the last soldier was killed, and the other ship seemed to be fleeing. All in a days work. My crew started cheering and I smirked. "No one can stand up against the might of the Semanizer, right boys?" I yelled out and was answered by more cheering. I noticed the lone ship still out there so I pulled out a spy glass from my coat pocket and looked at it bouncing on the waves. It seemed badly damaged and looked like it was covered in barnacles and seaweed. I looked on the deck to see what I believed was the captain. "Ha, that pony has a squid on his face." ...... oh fuck. I quickly looked over the side once again to see something large squirming in the water. I knew we were in trouble. "To the life boats, abandon ship! Back to the Celestian flag ship!" I shouted and the crew looked at me confused. Rathlos came up to me quickly. "Captain, what's-" he was cut off as a large torrent of water exploded out the sea and shot into the air. As the water fell away it reviled a massive tentacle (and not the Japanese kind). I kicked away Rathlos as it came crashing down and then several more erupting out the water soon after. "Abandon ship, that's an order!" now my crew moved as tentacles waved around and snaked around the ship. Pegasus and dragons with wings took off into the air, the rest loaded into the life boats and the unicorns used their magic to speed the boats away. "Last boat Captain!" Rathlos called out as the last of my crew loaded onto it. I started to run for it but then a tentacle smashed down in front of me, blocking my way. I looked past it and at Rathlos. "AN ORDER!" the last thing I saw of them was Rathlos shouting and the boat dropping out of sight. More tentacles wrapped around the ship and loud groans sounded in the air. I turned around and tried to make for the other side of the ship when another tentacle dropped down. "Bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger!" I was trapped and a loud snap rang into the air as the ship started to pull apart into two halves. I sighed and watched as the side of the ship I wasn't on get pulled under. The tentacle blocking me slipped away back into the water and I made my way to the end of the ship as it started to tilt up. "Gentleman, it's been an honor." I pulled out a violin as my band stood with me with more violins and a cello. We played slow as the ship tilted more and was pulled into the sea. Celestia watched in horror as I went down with tentacles slamming into the water. There was a few moments of silence as all my crew made it to her ship. Now the beast set it's slimy appendages on her. She watched as the water frothed with the coming of the monster and waited for the incoming doom. Then suddenly the Kraken stopped and started to surface. It floated there not moving with it's tentacles waving in the air. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" everyone looked around confused as a booming voice spoke. "IT'S TIME FOR THE FIRST EQUESTRIAN MONSTER BASH! THE TERROR OF THE SEA IN ALL IT'S SLIMY GROPINGNESS... THE KRAKEN! NOW HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE FOR THE YELLOW MAN'S TERROR. THE SQUINTY EYED MAN'S DESTROYER. THE ORGINAL, NOT THE RETARDED T-REX NEW YORK VERSION... GODZILLA!!!" from in front of Celestia's ship the water boiled and slowly rose with theme music. On top of Godzilla's head me and my band played it's theme music and stopped to jump down onto the ship but the song still playing. Celestia stared at me in shock as I turned to Godzilla. "Godzilla used hyper beam!" I turned and pointed dramatically at the Kraken out in the sea. Then letting out a mighty roar, Godzilla opened it's mouth as a blue glow built up. It then shot out and sped into the water with a thunderous clap, pulling down the slimy beast under the water. Suddenly a large torrent of bloody water shot up in a spout and bits and pieces showered down. "It was super effective!" Godzilla turned and looked down at the ship with it's menacing panther face and caused some of the crew to get scared. I raised a hand and saluted as Godzilla dropped back down into the sea. Next thing I know Celestia tackled me with a hug to the deck. "You scared the fuck out of me!... You better put it back in then." she gave me a devilish smile. Who knew that I was such a good lover (I did)? "Back home boys." I called out before being stripped. As we sailed back home the crew was treated to Sunny getting the D (also the only D 12 year old's should be getting). The return trip home was longer then it should be but it's hard to work with massive tenting. "I'm glad you two are getting along so well now." Luna said as we sat at a massive table in the court yard with other tables filled with ponies. We returned home to a feast befitting a brown god such as my self. The mane six, both princesses, Shinning Armor, Travis, and me all sat together for the feast. "Oh we've done more then just get along. Just the other day in the shower-" "Now before ah loss my appetite. What's the plan now?" Travis cut me off before I could continue the wet shower scene. "First we're gona do some more 'hiya's' and then some 'kayaa's' and finish with some 'boya's'!" that was Pinkie Pie talking. Since her, Rarity, and Fluttershy were not generals they did other stuff. Pinkie Pie the strategist, Rarity and Fluttershy medics. Twilight still did some spy stuff. "Sounds like a solid plan, let's eat!" I said slamming down my fist on the table and food was brought out by servants. They filled up the table with mouth watering morsels and I dug in. I grabbed a bowl of chunky soup and took a bite. When I swallowed I felt strange and not like a normally do. My throat felt like I was eating cough drops and I became itchy all over. Everyone became worried when I suddenly stood up and started twitching wildly. "Is it poisoned?!" Rarity said in panic as I then started to scratch all over. Travis looked at my bowl and pulled it to him to taste it. "Squid? Oh he's fine." they looked at him and then at me as I started rubbing against a pillar to relieve the itch. "The only thing it does is make him itchy and then give... him... lot's of energy." he slowly looked up at me with horror as a weird noise started emitting from my body. I started flickering with crashing computer sounds. Then I derezzed from existence. The fabric of space-time and of reality right before my eyes and yet I could not grasp it as I was bounced off the portals of other dimensions. In the span of a second and a million years I traveled what was eons. Everything also smelt like snozzberries. Suddenly I flashed back into darkness. Darkness was soft yet firm, warm, and had a heart beat. I slowly looked up to the face of a wolf. With a step back my mouth dropped, I must be in hell cause this was yiff. I rematerialized face first into a massive pair of tits of a she wolf furry. Then there was more of them, more furries of different species with perfect asses and breast. All with no clothes. Slowly they approached me and inspecting me with their hands with 'oh's' and 'aw's'. They ran their hands along me and the wolf in front of me grabbed my hands. She guided them up and strait for the round melons on her chest. I'm an ass and tit man but ponies don't have tits really, so this was amazing. Suddenly I started flickering again and before my fingers could brush the luscious mounds I disappeared. Next thing I knew I was standing on top of the table with everyone looking at me. "Uh hey Meason." Travis said as I stared in front of me with my hands still in position. "But I didn't..." I squeezed at the spot where they once bounced and unaware of everything else. "I wonder what happened?" Rainbow Dash said as she flicked some peas at me and I stood there unresponsive. Glorious groping what what was going to happen but alas the cosmos was an ass hole.
It only gets weirder-er	Oh the places you will shortly sleep at	"...For tonight, we party!" cheering sounded through out the court yard as I thrust my mug of cider into the air. We were entering the second month of the war and had just whipped out a massive force with few casualties. This war was dragging on but we were doing good as we came back home with more and more wins. We figured we had some time to our selves after the battle and decided it should be used for fun, so that we could escape our responsibilities even if just for a night. Large barrels of wine and other alcohol was rolled out as the party begun. Music was brought to us by none other then DJ Pon-3, who came up to me as the party was bouncing. "So long time no see." She said as I looked at her and tightened my lips as I nodded. I remembered more then I wanted to from Pony-gra and she was a large reminder. "But seriously, when our you going to come dance for me again? I have a lot of customers asking-" I quickly shoved a drink into her mouth as Celestia was coming over. I went to meet her as Vinyl was coughing from the sudden intrusion of fluid down her throat (that's what she said. Wait no, that's what she did. You know what, forget it). Celestia looked at me with a raised eye brow. "She was really thirsty." she gave me a look that said 'sure' and shook her head. She then leaned in real close to me and whispered into my ear. "Why don't you go get us a barrel and we'll go off somewhere else." I liked the sound of that as I pushed my way through dancing ponies. When I got the barrel I turned to see her slipping into the walk way to the garden. I rushed to the walk way with some mare holding onto my leg saying with a slur about how much she loved popcorn. I finally shook her off and made it into the garden where a large tent was set up, one of those that could fit about ten people. I went to the opening and called out. "Celestia you in here?" there was some shuffling and a cough. "Come in." I paused because the voiced that answered was feminine but very deep, it made me real reluctant to go in. I slowly ducked in and saw her sitting down while sucking on a small, long hose that was connected to a vase. A paused once again after rolling in the barrel. "You have hooka here?" she smiled at me seductively and floated up another hose. I sat down and took the hose as she opened the barrel. "Hooka and Applejack Daniels, what could make this better?" I took a long puff from the hose and felt the tingling and slight light headedness. Sweet melon, nice. I looked up and saw her biting her lip with her eyes half closed. Ok this is how it could get better. "But first..." she stopped me as I was about to crawl over to her and lifted the lid as she replaced the tobacco in side. Before I could really see what it was she covered it up and took a puff. I was about to fallow suit but then she leaned forward and kissed me while blowing the smoke into my mouth. The sticky icky. Now to the fun part, that we're skipping because this isn't clop, where I remember everything until a large, round plot made everything go dark yet warm. I woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and someone puking out side the tent, a beautiful day. I began stretching my neck and went left to see Celestia asleep besides me. Then I went right to see another sleeping white muzzle but with purple hair. I don't remember Rarity ever coming in but she looked like she went through five rounds with... me. I tried to flip over onto my stomach but something was holding down my legs so I lifted them to see what it was. An orange cowpony slept between my legs with her head covering my crotch. I really wish I could remember what happened. I was tempted to just close my eyes and go back to sleep but other people make plans that involve me. A guard rushed in the tent to find me. "General Meason, we have reports of troops advancing in the streets!" I quickly got up causing Applejack to fly forward and was fully dressed. I fallowed the guards to the front gates to see a small band of soldiers stumbling down the street, they looked like they had been through hell and back. I ordered them to open the gates and I went out to intercept the soldiers. When I reached them they stopped, about fifteen horribly worn down Saddle Arabian troops, suddenly they started to fall over one after another. The one in the lead, a minotaur with both horns gone, fell into me and I quickly grabbed him, none of them were armed. "Ple... ase..." he motioned for me to come closer and he whispered in my ear. After that he died, all of them were dead. I gently set him down and stood up as several guards came up to me. "Bury them..." I turned and walked past the confused guards going to the court yard filled with spent bodies. "TIME TO SLAUGHTER..." I started, yelling out to my soldiers mixed in the piles of sweat and hang overs. Suddenly they shoot up and stood at attention. "... OR DIE BEAUTIFULLY!" they answered back as I looked a them. Rathlos popped up in front of me with two large stallions still passed out on his shoulders. "I want you Ass Pirates at the front gates fully armed in ten minutes, do you understand me?" "SIR, YES SIR!" with that they left and other started to wake up with groans of disapproval from all the shouting. I didn't care if I made their heads throb more, I had work to do. I went to get the weapon I made to replace the Ramabanana. Forged in the fires that burned to melt nacho cheese, made of metal extracted from the colon of a porn star, and cooled in piss because there was no water and I had to go bad. The weapon that an entire nation could not lift was wielded in my hands with ease. None could withstand the might of... The Blackhead The Blackhead was a ten foot long, one ton mace. The head of the mace was my head, the metal was melted and molded into an exact replica of my head but with a rape face. The last thing anyone at the end of this would see was my face getting ready to fuck them up for good. I slung it over my shoulder and made way to the front gate. "Meason wait!" I stood at the front of my troops as Celestia came to me. "Where are you going?" she asked me confused, no one had told her what had happen. I paused for a second then sighed. "Ghastly Gorge." with that I turned and ordered my men to start marching. I left her even more confused as a guard came to her to explain what had happen. We made our way to Ghastly Gorge on the information told to me by the dying soldier. What he told me brought back suspicions I had about this war. We may have been winning but something wasn't right with the war. Soon we had our destination in sight. "Scout the area." I ordered as I looked down into the gorge. I could see holes along the walls where the ells hid in side. "So what we lookin' for?" Applejack walked up besides me along with Pinkie Pie and Travis. They came with a small troop of soldiers in case of trouble and they started scouting too. "A cave." they looked around confused at all the holes on the walls. "Which one?" Travis asked as Rathlos came up to me. "South side left wall sir." I nodded and we fallowed him to where he told me. From above we had a perfect vantage point of the cave on the ground. Two guards stood watch at the entrance. "Ok easy enough." I said as I brought out my weapon and jumped. I landed right in front of the surprised guards as Pinkie Pie bounced down next to me. Applejack slid down the side and came down with no harm but Travis... He smashed down next to me in a pile of broken bones but soon he stood back up ok. With one swing I took out both guards and flung them into a hole in the wall where a hungry hiss sounded with in. "That was easy." I said as I put away the Blackhead (not telling where though). Some times I need to keep my mouth shut because after I said that soldiers started jumping out the holes in the walls. So now we were surrounded with our troops at the top. "We're screwed." Travis said as they closed in. "Fear not my window licking friend for I have a plan. Pinkie Pie it is time." she looked at me surprised then started rubbing her flank. "Aww already? I'm still sore from last time and everyone is watching." I faced palm and shook my head. "No Pinkie the other time." it finally dinged in her head and we got into position. We stood a little apart, my legs a little spread and her on her back legs doing the same. Then we stretched out our arms and started to slowly move them in wide circles. Right before my finger tips touched her hooves we spoke at once. "Meason Digivolve to..." "Pinkie Pie Digivolve to..." With that we touched and a blinding light hid us from everyone else. When it died away something else stood in in the spot between us from where we once were. Every looked at us in awe. Fusing with Pinkie Pie if like being mind fucked with awesomeness and A.D.H.D. We had become one and what we were was amazing. We were a genderless, pink anthro in an orange, sleeveless jump suit. We had the same mane and tail of Pinkie Pie but brown like my hair. Our eyes were white but had different colored poka-dots in them. "We are Pinkson... or maybe Meapie. we don't know we have to write this down real quick." we sat down and pulled out a pen and paper to write down the possible names to call our self. "Umm Meason or Pinkie Pie or who ever you are.... we're still surrounded." Travis said nervously. We looked up and around us. With a smirk we rushed forward and started pimp slapping and nut kicking everyone in reach, we think Travis may have got nut checked too but we didn't care. When they kept on coming more and more we needed a new plan. With a powerful leap into the air we brought the base of our palms together and started charging. So um Meason, I was digging around the back part of our brain and found this box that said- Shh it's ok Pinkie, there's no reason to call the cops "Super creamy triple strawberry dream delight batter beam!" After the little bound and gag a pink beam erupted from our hands and shot directly down at everyone below. "Oh fu-" Travis tried to speak as the beam slammed down and washed over everyone before rapidly cooking into a humongous cake. We floated back down and landed on the cake in a cloud of smoke as we separated. "Hell yeah cake!" "EIGHTY EIGHT!" we bounced around on the cake for a bit until we heard muffled yells from under us. "Oh no we have to eat them out!" "EIGHTY SEVEN!" I'm sure Travis said a that's what she said underneath all that cake. Pinkie Pie and me started eating our friends to freedom. It was delicious until I bit into something more fleshy. "Hey you're not a cake... oh I could totally take advantage of this situation." what I bit into was Applejack's plot, it was raised higher then her so her head was still in the cake. She tried saying something but it was muffled and that's when I moved into position. I started slapping her cheeks and played them like a bongo with real sounds effects too. I would have kept going but she wiggled so much that she set her self free. "Ok here's the deal, you take your troops and look around. Pink Sink and me are going into the cave." every one split and went to do their jobs. Standing at the entrance we waited a second before going in. "Pinkie... before we go all the way in you should know..." we walked further into the cave and out of ear shot from anyone. What we saw would make us come out an hour later with smoke bellowing out the cave. I came out with Pinkamena and we stood at the entrance in silence. "It was the best thing we could do..." She slowly looked at me and then her hair slowly bounced back to normal. She jumped up and gave me a hug while smiling but I couldn't. She jumped back down and walked off as I stood there. Slowly my skin took a gray hue, my hair fell down from it's curls to strait, and I started to become skinny, my stomach caved in and I no longer had a gut as I lost weight from all around my body. "It was the best thing we could do..." I said to my self, trying to re-ensure my actions. I no longer had the strange, funny yet good feelings any more. I just felt...
It only gets weirder-er	Meason did it	"... and I have received reports that you have ordered your men to mutilate the bodies of the fallen enemies. I see no point in such an act." I stood before Celestia as she sat on her throne while Travis, Luna, and the Six watched from behind us. Celestia was pissed at me as she glared down to the former near male version of Pinkie Pie but more spicy. Still grayed color, flat hair, and skinny I stood there with out a word. Then she had a softer expression and spoke more kindly. "Please Meason, you don't talk to me, I don't see you, and look at you... what's wrong?" that was an easy one. I found out just how powerful King G'afssa was in that cave with Pinkie Pie. We found the reason to why this war was going on for so long. I don't know why it affected me like this but it hit me hard. I sighed and finally told her the truth (and no I'm not coming out the closet). "What the minotaur had told me furthered my suspicions..." I went on to tell her why I ordered my men to tear apart the bodies at Ponyville after the raid. Ponyville had been razed but we were able to evacuate everyone to Canterlot first. That's also where I meet an old friend dragging himself along the snowy ground of early winter. When I was being tortured I remembered every little detail especially my torturer. I hadn't noticed until he was in my face screaming but one of his eyes was completely black. I took my troops to fight off the raiders and found a dragon that looked like his scales had been burnt off. Then I saw his eyes and I made sure his body wasn't going to get back up again. I ordered my troops to do the same and then pile them up to torch them. King G'afssa was keeping them alive and as long as the body wasn't to damaged this war would never end for us. "Now I need to make sure that everyone is ok." I turned and left Celestia after telling her everything. I passed by everyone else with looks of shock and horror on their faces, Pinkie just stared at the floor. Without another word I left and made way for the court yard where everyone from Ponyville took refuge at. None of them were hurt but losing your home was always painful. I watched from a little distance away at the sad and worried faces. That's when I noticed the three fillies huddled in a corner and I went to them. "Are you ok girls?" I knelt down in front of them with a sad smile. They were here alone because Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were needed elsewhere, no one knew where Big Mac and Granny Smith where. "Just trying to sleep..." Sweetie Belle said and sniffed, I noticed she had been crying and so had Applebloom. Scottaloo was trying not to but she was on the verge of breaking down. I took off the large coat I had been wearing, I never noticed it had been draped across my shoulders, and wrapped the crusaders in it. ~Come stop your crying It will be alright Just take my hand Hold it tight I will protect you From all around you I will be here Don't you cry For one so small, You seem so strong My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry 'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more~ They finally fell asleep and so had a lot of the others listening to me sing. Nearly everyone stopped and watched me sing to the three fillies until they went to sleep. The magic dome above that kept out the snow amplified my voice and calmed a lot of worried souls. I stood up and walked away as it became hard to see. I stopped at the walk way out of the court yard and used my finger to wipe away something on my face. It was tear and it clung onto the tip of my finger before I watched it splash on the ground. "What was it he said... real men don't cry..." I started walking again and went up to the second floor to an empty room that I made my little hide out. Inside the room was a small stool I sat on and a candle on the floor that cast a dim light. The Blackhead sat in a corner in a puddle of liquid but it was to dark to see what it was. I sat on the stool looking at my hands hanging down in between my legs. I sat there for some time in complete silence. "You should try this cake, I made it with triple sugar." Pinkie Pie, coming out of nowhere, bounced up and down on her tail with a plate of cake in front of me but I didn't move or do anything. She stopped bouncing and looked me over. "Hey come here real quick." she went to the door and opened it, waiting for me. I slowly stood up and followed her but she just went right out the door and to the ledge. She waited for me to come up next to her and pointed down at the court yard. There I saw Applebloom clinging onto Big Mac while sobbing, Granny Smith held the other two to comfort them. "You did that. If it wasn't for you who knows how many of them would have escaped. I know what we saw in the cave was... but that's over you don't have to be sad anymore." as Pinkie spoke I watch the five stay together and kept them selves warm. "I'm not sad... I'm angry. Not only is he keeping them alive through the pain of death but his controlling them. There is only a handful of soldiers that are actually fighting for him and not against their will..." I hadn't noticed I was holding onto the railing real tight that my hands stuck to them a little as I pulled them away. "Then you know what we need to do." with that said Pinkie left me alone as I stared down at the Apples, Sweetie, and Scottaloo. The way all five of them were close together and... smiling. "Once this winters done I do..." I watched them still but then something happened. I smiled because I did do that, I saved them in time and now they were all together safe. Slowly the color came back to my skin and my hair started to curl again. The belt I wore snapped off as I went from a 20 to my normal 40. I wasn't that sad, mad, little man anymore. Again, I was the guy who was going to pound a gay King's ass (not like that). I was the guy who planned on winning this war.
It only gets weirder-er	There's a surprise adoption	The sun shined down harshly in the middle of the sky with out a single cloud. An ocean of sand spewed out in all directions as hills and valleys. The heat was nearly unbearable and not a single breeze was flowing. It was a perfect day to die. "Men we have fought against impossible odds, stared down the throat of horrendous monsters, and slaughtered countless enemies. And now..." I paused as I looked at the approaching army in front of us. The two armies were separated by about a football field and a half of scorching sand. I turned back to face my troops. "And now we're going to do it again. But after today none would dare challenge us. We will live forever in history as the greatest army ever known!" a deafening roar was cried from my troops on the front line. The rest of the army stood behind us because we would be the first to charge. I turned once again to face the enemies in nothing but black shorts, my small pot belly hanging out proud covered with black curly hair just like the rest of my body. "For those of us who live will have everything they desire and for those of us who die... WE SHALL DINE IN HELL!" "NINETY NINE!" with a finally look back I nodded and took a deep breath. "CHARGE!" with my mass of men we surged forward and the opposition did the same but the rest of our army stood back for now. I ran alone in the front until suddenly a hulking red dragon was next to me. "Rathlos throw me!" I ordered and he nodded his head before picking me up and flinging me upward. I flew high and fast before finally stopping in air but before I started to fall back down a brilliant ray of light shot at me. I held my hands above my head as the light hit them and stayed there. The light started to solidify and took shape into a weapon that was a present from miss shinny butt her self, the Hammer of Dawn. The Hammer of Dawn was a white gold, six foot long hammer. The head on one side was a battle hammer that glowed brightly and the other side was a battle axe shaped as a raising sun. I had it raised over my head as I started to fall down and towards the enemy line. While still in air I brought it over and shot it strait at them with the speed of light. It struck the ground and sent out a shock wave of searing light, then I landed next to it only a split second later. I grabbed the handle and flipped around, slamming it to the ground again and sending out another shock wave. My troops closed in and broke the front lines with ease since a majority of them were stunned or burnt. Travis watched as we clashed and raised his arm to signal the army. The sun light skirted away from Travis as he wore his dark blue dragon scale like armor that had wisps of smoke raising from it and his sword too. Like me, Travis was given a weapon by Luna. The Shadow Stalker, a four foot long sword with teeth all along the blade that was pure black. Then he dropped his arm and the rest of the army charged but he stayed in place until they had had left. "Ah'll be right back." he said to no one in particular and turned around, walking off. The rest of the army joined us in the battle, the final battle. ~Stop! Hammer time!~ I stood in front of five soldiers with confused faces as my back up dancers started again. The music resumed and so did the dancing but I swung my hammer and took them all out at once. It was a once in a life time opportunity. I continued smashing and slashing through hordes of soldiers, making sure they didn't get back up. Then the sky darkened and I looked up to see a swarm of Pegasus closing in. "I think they need to be about twenty percent more dead." I took out a canister and pointed it upward while pulling a string attached to the bottom. With a blast it shot out a flurry of sparks that shot up into the sky and exploded below the approaching swarm. I lied when I said there wasn't any clouds in the sky. A massive cloud hidden by magic loomed above even higher then the mass of enemy Pegasus. When the signal was sent our own mass of Pegasus launched from the cloud but upward. Then they held their position as a lone streak of rainbow shot down at full speed. Moments later there was a thunderous clap in the air and an explosion as Rainbow Dash performed a Sonic Rainboom in the middle of the enemy Pegasus. The shock wave scattered most of them and the rest of our Pegasus came swooping down to get the rest. We now had a battle in the sky and the ground. I crushed a soldier, smudged him into the ground as I watched him completely die but then I looked up and noticed a line of soldiers in front of me. I had a witty comment prepared for this moment but it was taken away from me by the blaring of a Win Dixie horn and the screaming of- "Leeeeeeeeeroooooooooy Jeeeeeeenkiiiiiiiins!" suddenly Travis's Shitty Chitty Bang Bang slammed on top of several of the soldiers in front of me and then rammed into the rest. I watched as he drove away, running over more and more enemies as Luna stood in the bed using her magic to fire a cross bow. That bastard, those were my kills. Now nearly an hour into the battle things where getting heavy. "What are you at Rathlos?" I called out over the chaos as I saw him wielding two battle axes and tearing through a large group of enemies. "176 sir!" he replied after decapitating a minotaur. "305, you better work harder!" I laughed as he smirked and redoubled his efforts. He was most likely going to catch up soon since most of the enemy soldiers started to flee when I got near, making me work for them. After awhile it got annoying having to chase them down but after catching my current victim I felt something... gay. "It's been awhile." I slowly turned to see King G'afssa undressing and killing me with his cold eyes. He worn no armor or had no weapon and yet stood out here in the middle of the battle. Then suddenly one of our soldiers rushed him from behind but he didn't move. With a flash of his horn the soldier exploded into a cloud of red mist. "And that's why we could never have anything together." I rushed him myself but he moved this time as he turned and ran from me. I weaved in and out of soldiers as he seemed to slip through everything and one. I lost sight of him as Travis drove by in front of me, sending bodies into the air or crushing them underneath. After that is when I saw him standing alone ahead of me. "It's a trap." I said to myself as I ran at full speed while readying my hammer. The entire time he stood there with bedroom eyes as I bared down on him. Then that's when it happened. I was feet away from him and about to bring the hammer down when he was gone and a suddenly explosion from the ground reviled two ponies manning a cannon. Then there was a deafening boom. I stood there for a second before slamming down the hammer on the two ponies. "Interesting..." I mumbled to my self as I stepped away to fight more. I smashed and slashed a few more enemies before I noticed I was surrounded by a large group. With a look around a blew air out my nose as directed my sight upward. Seeing pass the clashing, swarming Pegasus I could see the sky. It was bright blue and calm. "Really interesting..." as the enemy closed on my I brought up my hammer and tossed it into the air. Instead of falling back down it shot up and glowed brightly. At about twenty feet in the air it erupted into a fountain of light that blazed back down to the ground and shot out in all directions. "Meason! Meason!' I slowly opened my eyes to see Twilight over me in panic. I said something, not quite sure what, ending it with a laugh so she would know it was a joke but it did nothing to calm her down. Then I realized something else. We where back at the beginning of this whole crazy story. You know the story where two best friends get sent to the place of their dreams. Only one problem though... I thought the hero never dies. Now with the hole in my stomach from the cannon said differently. "Listen Twilight... there's nothing you can do here. They need your help elsewhere." I watched the tears well up in her eyes as she tried to argue with me. "Go... I'll be alright. You know me... I'm the tough one." I gently pushed her away as a tear fell from her face onto my slightly parched bottom lip. She left my field of sight which itself was shrinking. Soon I didn't hear anything. "I hear hell is nice this time of year." a loud bang sounded but this was different as confetti rain down all around. The war stopped for a moment as everyone gathered around clapping and cheering. "And that ladies and gentlemen is Meason's one hundred use of the word hell!" Pinkie Pie bounced out of nowhere with a large trophy as I stood up and dusted my self off. Everyone surrounded me as I was handed the Word Award. "First of all I would like to thank all of you asshole, truly, with out you I would have no reason to speak and wold never get to a hundred." there was more applaud before I continued but before I could speak Pinkie Pie poked her head out the hole in my stomach with another explosion of confetti. "Pinkie get out of there or you'll stretch me out." "That's what she said!" Travis quickly quipped and more confetti rained down again. "Ladies and gentlemen that was Travis's one hundred use of 'that's what she said'." more cheering went on as he was handed his trophy. "All people back in places!" Michael Bay called out and everyone went back to their positions. I went back to the scorched ground I was laying at from the blast from the Hammer of Dawn. "Let's see I finished with..." "Action!" Travis slammed his foot into the gas peddle as a large minotaur was in his path of destruction. He plowed into it and it went under the tires with crushing and gurgling sounds. that's when Travis saw it. A large catapult being loaded and moments later firing. Suddenly the impact area of what was thrown exploded behind the Celestian army lines, they were firing bombs. Travis jerked the wheel and headed strait for the war machine. Up ahead to the right he saw a small clearing with scorch marks. He could see a purple unicorn running from something in the middle. Then he saw it, a small, hairy pot belly. "Honey in front of us!" Luna called from the back of the truck and Travis snapped forward to see King G'afssa standing near the catapult. With a new found rage Travis slammed his foot down again. The engine roared as he topped a hundred, aiming Shitty strait at the king. Time then slowed down. The king faced down the Mane Six, Shining Armour, and Princess Celestia. What was being said was lost (just like in every time slowed down scene except the slow deep voices). Travis's truck closed in on the king and the rest watched with wide eyes but before he hit everything stopped. The allies had mixed expressions of shock and horror as Travis closed in. the King had a smug smile as he looked at them through half closed eyes. Luna had just jumped out the back when Travis pushed even harder on the gas. Travis had a face of pure two chin rage as he grasped the steering wheel tightly before impact. The time resumed. The truck exploded with a massive boom, sending the truck over head in a series of flips. It landed behind the allies upside sown in another explosion. The flames from the initial explosion snaked around the king as he laughed. Luna gently flew down with Travis, teleporting him out just in time. "Do you really think you could kill me with a bucket of rust?" he laughed again as they all stared him down. that's when the all attacked. Magic, arrows, swords, and a cake with a fuse was shot at him. With the king still laughing everything was deflected from him, the cake hitting the catapult with another explosion. It crashed to the floor sending pieces and bombs off in all directions. "First I will kill all but you Celestia and while you are tied down at the foot of my throne, you will watch as I destroy your kingdom and the land." King G'afssa gloated in victory. Travis was the first to charge with his sword ready to plunge into the king's black heart. With a flash he was thrown back to the group as the king chuckled. Then Rainbow Dash charged, then Applejack followed by Shining Armour. Each was thrown back but kept getting back up and charging until they were to tired to move. The entire time they charged at the king the rest noticed something in the background. Someone was slowly approaching them. The combatants around ignored the being as they stumbled forward then stopping to stoop out of sight for a second before continuing. As Travis and the others couldn't charge anymore the being was very close. "Time to die." before King G'afssa could do anything there was a hissing noise from behind him. Annoyed he spun around but wasn't fast enough as a hand grabbed his horn and a knee slammed into his jaw. Meason sat on top of the king's chest and everyone saw where the hissing came from. A small wooden barrel was lodged into the hole in his stomach with a very short fuse that was winding down fast. Meason grabbed the king's head and held him close. "SEE YOU IN HELL!" "ONE HUNDRED AND ONE!" BOOM
It only gets weirder-er	This is the fun part	"Clear!" THUMP. ... THUMP, THUMP, THUMP, Thump, thump. Mixed noises filled my ears and a violent coughing fit shook me back to reality. Water sprayed out my mouth as my eyes opened slowly and light blinded me. "Sir! Are you with me? You've been in an accident, do you understand?" Slowly fuzzy shapes and figures came into focus. An EMT leaned into my field of sight. "You're going to be fine sir." I felt hands on my frozen flesh and a sudden weightless feeling as I was lifted off the ground. People and background swarmed in and out my vision as I tired to figure out what had happened. An accident? Raising water and an upside down cab flashed in my head as I realized what was going on. Thump, thump, thUMP, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP. "Sir I need you to calm down!' An EMT said somewhere in the distance as I tried sitting up as hands firmly pressed down on me. Little talking ponies, cake, Pony-Gra, war, cake! Travis. I looked around as I was rolled on a gurney to find my best friend while a mask with flowing oxygen was placed on my face. Bodies obstructed my view but before I was placed in an ambulance I got a glimpse past them. A stocky cop pulled up a zipper on a black bag on another gurney as I was loaded up and the doors closed. He was gone... and none of that had ever happened. I closed my eyes as a loud knock sounded on the doors to the ambulance. "Sir I need you to stay awake so you can answer some questions for me." I opened my eyes again to see the stocky cop sitting next to me. He had a white handle bar mustache but didn't look older then thirty. Dirty tan skin and beady little red and yellow eyes. Couldn't this wait? "If a man rode into town on a horse on Friday and left three days later on Friday how did he do it?" the cop looked down at me with a serious face as if the question would decided my fate. "... the horses name is Friday..." I managed to say as the cops eyes got wide. Then he started to laugh uncountably and holding his stomach as it started to unravel. Soon the cop turned into one long strip that swelled up while the inside of the ambulance melted away. "Correct!" finally the swollen strip took form and Discord sat by me. He wiped a tear away from his eye as he looked down at me. "Well aren't you going to get up? We have a funeral to get to." he slipped away from me as I looked around confused. I was laying in a bed with white comforters and blankets. I pulled them back to find my self dressed in white PJ's. Everything around was nothing but a plain of solid white until Discord popped up again waving me over. I slowly walked to him as he leaned over a ledge looking at something below. Now I knew. I knew that no one saw me and King G'afssa die because Shining Armour throw up a solid shield that no one could see past. With the Kings death the war ended. Like I said before no one knew how powerful he was. No one knew that he had enslaved the minds of every pony in the entire kingdom of Saddle Arabia. So when he died the awoke from a never ending nightmare and the should-be-dead could finally rest. The king was tossed into a pit in the middle of nowhere and the all the other dead was given a proper burial. I was buried with honers. So now Discord and me looked down from our little piece of heaven. Below was a cold, gray, and rainy day, my grandma did say the angles cried when someone they love died. We were looking down at Canterlot, in the gardens. A mass of ponies gathered around a casket set high on wood, closed of course. Near my body stood Celestia and Travis with the Six close by. Black veils were worn by mares, black bow ties by stallions, and Travis in a bright green dress (from the agreement he never knew we had IRL). "Before we continue, the finally wish of the departed shall be carried out." a light blue stallion that was organizing the funeral spoke out. Afterwords a light brown unicorn stepped out, he had curly dark brown hair and brown eyes that set behind rectangular glasses. His cutie mark was hidden underneath a black suit. A band set up behind him as he walked up to a mic on his hind legs, grabbing the stand and bringing it close. After the song a majority of the crowd was in tears if they hadn't been already. Through running eyes Celestia nodded at Travis. He stepped up in front of the crowd and cleared his throat. "Meason was... a fat asshole who always got on my nerves and caused problems." a crack of thunder interrupted him before he could go on. "... But he was my best friend. He was the one every day that would be their to make me smile and help me out with anything. I... I really don't know what else to say but... you asshole. You had to leave me by myself." he stared at the ground and couldn't go on any more. He stepped back and turned to the casket where my body (halves) laid. Then Celestia turned to the casket with her horn glowing. The wood underneath my coffin suddenly burst into golden flames even though the wood was soaked. All eyes watched as the flames crept up and licked the box until soon it was eating everything away. "Come on Meason lets go get a drink." Discord pulled me away and we headed into the light plain. -one year later- The Princess and Travis sat in the garden enjoying a light picnic. Today was the one year anniversary of my death and later on that day they were going to visit my memorial but I had other plans for them. "Luna, can't you two wait for tonight?" the two looked up at Celestia with their limbs tangled together. They giggled nervously as they separated and stood up but suddenly were rocked off their feet. A thunderous clap sounded in the air. "What was that?" Luna said as she helped Travis. "It sounded like 'Burrito' in the ancient language of Pedobear." Travis said as he looked around. Then in front of them the fabric of reality tore open and blinding light shone through. "Damn it Travis, you're late again." I said as I shuffled the deck of cards. I sat at the poker table with Discord to my left and Sombra to my right. The three stared in shocked as I looked at Travis annoyed. I motioned for him to hurry up and he finally moved. "But..." he stepped into the rift and before the princess could follow it snapped closed. Travis took the set across from me as the cards were dealt out. He looked at the two with me then at the middle of the table where a folded piece of paper was placed. "My, my, so how have you been two chin?" Discord said as he peaked at his two cards. Sombra let out a chuckle as I set down three cards. An ace, a two, and a king. "Meason what's going on?" Travis said as he looked at his two cards. "A game." I spoke as I looked at my hand. Sombra let out a grunt and I set down another card, another king. "Damn just so impatient." I said with a sigh. Discord nodded and I sat down another card, another ace. "Oh dear." Discord said as he folded. Now it was between the rest of us. "Ok lets see 'em" Sombra smiled as he flipped his cards, two two's. He let out a smirk but his face fell as Travis turned his over, two kings. I smiled as they looked at me. "I fold." I scooted back and stood up. "Time to go." I picked up the folded piece of paper and walked to the other side to Travis. "I'm think that's not how the game goes but whats the point in making sense." Discord said as Sombra flipped over my cards. "See you later ass hat." I pulled Travis up from the chair and shoved the paper in his hand. "You take care of your self." I patted his shoulder and punched him in the face. He fell back and it the ground hard. "Dear are you ok?!" Luna rushed over to Travis who was suddenly back. He looked around confused with a hurt nose but then he looked at his hand with the paper. He opened it up and in big, black, block letters it read one word. ONE. Sombra growled at me as he looked at my cards, two aces. I shrugged my shoulders and walked away from the two. -next day- "Are you sure love?" Luna asked Travis as her sister and the six gathered around in Ponyville. He nodded and raised the paper into the air. It was pulled away into the air and made it's way up higher and higher until it was out of sight. They all waited and waited... and waited. "I'm sorry love." Luna nuzzled Travis as his shoulders fell. "So top or bottom?" Discord asked me as I laid back away from him. "Well..." I stopped as I felt a tugging sensation. "Well it looks like that's a question for another time. I'll see you guys later." I stood up and walked over to the end of white that showed the land below. I swan dived off the ledge and fell. "REEEEEESPA-PA-PA-PA-PAWN!" I shot down to the invisible barrier that separated the High Land. You will travel far, my little Kal-EL- "Wrong franchise!" I shouted out as I was about to hit the barrier. The sky shook when suddenly there was a loud clap and an explosion of blue that faded into silver. Rainbow eat your heart out. The ground was closing in fast and I realized I didn't know how to fly. I impacted with the ground so hard I created a small explosion of dirt and stone in the middle of town. They ran over to the hole as I started to climb out. "Meason!" Travis ran up to me with a huge grin and his arms out stretch. As fast as lightning I slapped him upside the head. "You idiot! You were suppose to go home with that." he stopped with his head cocked sideways. Everyone gathered around me happy and smiling that I was back. "So who missed me the most?" I said as we walked away. I put my arm on Travis shoulder as we walked and he shook his head, both of us grinning. -Five years later- "So Meason we need to talk." Twilight sat me down on the couch in the library as the rest of the six gathered around. "Now we know you are Celestia's mate." I snickered at that for reasons unknown. "But she had said she will allow one of us to be with you too." I was still grinning but then it slowly faded away as I realized what was going on. "Now let me state why you should chose me-" "Wait a minute who said he was choosing you egg head?" Rainbow Dash interrupted Twilight. Soon all six were arguing loud and never notice me slip around them and out the door. I walked away quickly while looking over my shoulder, not noticing the mass in front of me. I ran head long into something and was knocked down to the floor. I looked up to see a mint green mare. "L-lyra?!" she stood in front of me with a soft smile on her face, a face I hadn't seen in about six years or so. I stood up and dusted my self off. "Where have you been?" she giggled and shrugged. "That's not important but I want you to meet someone." she stepped aside to reveal a small mint green colt with curly light blue hair with brown stripes, a large grin on his face. "oh he has your insane eyes." I looked between the two as she got closer. "And his father eyes." my mind stopped working as I looked back at the colt. Big brown eyes. "Oh fuc-" "Daddy!" I slowly stepped back as he approached me. "Daddy!" I then stopped and took a deep breath, doing the responsible thing as a father. I leaped over him and tore the hell out of there. Soon I was being chased down by the colt with Lyra close behind. So this ends this epic journey... Or does it?
My Little Background Pony: New Neighbors	pre	"What are you doing?" Octavia asked. "Put simply, I'm reversing the oil so that it has the opposite effect," Turner answered. "Whereas before the oil caused a weakening of the adrenal system, this further-modified version will give a boost of adrenaline to anypony who ingests it. It should counteract the effects of the previous oil long enough to get everypony out of here." "But how do we get it to them?" Bon Bon pointed out. "Well, I assume Silverware still has another batch of salad somewhere in here." At Turner's words, Silverware perked up and went what looked like an icebox, pulling out a large bowl of salad. Turner unstoppered the bottle and poured the contents into the bowl. "Mix the oil into the salad so that it covers practically everything. After that, you all can administer it to the ponies in the dungeon; even a single lettuce leaf will be enough to bring their energy back. Also, Octavia, once the salad's ready, I want you to escort Silverware out of the cave. And one last thing; Bon Bon..." He gave the sonic screwdriver to her. "I've already set the sonic to open the cages. Just point it at the locks and press the buttons." "But where are you going?" Bon Bon asked. "Somepony has to provide a distraction for the Krillitanes while all this is going on," Turner pointed out. There was a short silence until Octavia spoke. "I don't suppose we can talk you out of this?" "Not in the slightest," Turner replied with a no-nonsense kind of tone. "Just be careful," Derpy said. "Aren't I always?" he said with a smile. Derpy just gave him a smug look and said, "Well, there was the cliff, the manticore, facing Nightmare Moon alone, and, oh, let's not forget getting chased by alien ponies." "Oi!" Turner exclaimed. "We all lived. And this time will be no different. You have my word." Not waiting for any further responses, he ran back into the cave.
My Little Background Pony: New Neighbors	This is Real Magic	Bras watched as his subordinates worked the controls of the computers and apparatuses needed for the assimilation process. That stallion's trick with the sonic device took him and the others by surprise. He knew there was nothing ordinary about that stallion from the beginning, but technology like his couldn't possibly have been found on this world. He would need to be ready when they met next. "The scout's still not back, Commander." A Krillitane came up to him with information regarding the scout he sent to search the caves. "We'll worry about that after we're done here," Bras replied cooly. "With all due respect, sir," the other started, "why do we need to concern ourselves with them? They are nothing compared to us. They may not even be in the tunnels anymore." "They are still here," Bras said, surprising his cohort. "None of them, especially that stallion, strike me as the kind to leave their fellow ponies in distress. Besides, however unlikely it may seem to us now, should they escape, they will reveal our existence. Our purpose is infiltration and quiet subjugation. We can't risk them telling anyone about our existence. We need them either in the dungeons or in the ground before that happens." "Commander," another voice called out. Bras turned to the Krillitanes at the main terminal. "The chamber's ready, sir." Bras smiled and walked to the open assimilation chamber. "Sir, before we continue," the Krillitane continued, "I should warn you that you'll be the first of our kind to have these features. There is no small amount of risk in being the first to advance our evolution; it's possible your body may not be able to handle the mutation." "Are you saying something will go wrong?" Bras replied. "I would hope that such esteemed scientists as yourselves would be a little more confident in your abilities." "Just maintaining a realistic outlook," the other pointed out. "No matter," Bras said. "As your commanding officer, it my duty, my obligation, my privilege to take such risks for the Krillitane objective." Having said his piece, he stepped into the chamber. The walls closed up, sealing him inside. The scientists carefully worked the controls at their station. The assimilation chamber hummed to life and light could be seen coming through the cracks between the walls. A muffled groan could be heard inside, like Bras was straining to keep himself alive. Then it all stopped. The humming died down and the lights faded. Once of the scientists pressed a button on the console and the chamber opened up. Bras stumbled slightly but made his way out just fine. He looked very similar to how he did before, with the addition of a dark brown unicorn horn between the pre-existing buffalo horns. "Commander?" Bras' second-in-command stepped forward with an inquisitive look. "How does it feel?" Bras looked around and settled on a rock in the corner. He stared at it, almost like he was trying to scare it into submission. Finally, his horns, all three of them, became surrounded in a dark aura. The rock had a similar aura around it as it rose off the ground and flew from side to side. "Magical," he finally said. "Oh, come on!" a slightly familiar voice exclaimed. "All the words you could have used, and you went with 'magical'? I can't decide if that's stupid, cliche, or stupidly cliche!" "I had a feeling you were still here Mr.... Turner, was it?" Bras said before turning to the entrance. The stallion was, in fact, standing there. "Have to say, though," Turner continued, "that was fascinating. I've never actually seen Krillitane assimilation before. I suppose that's one more off the bucket list. And it's simply amazing that you were able to master levitation and manipulation so quickly." "Yes, well, as fun as it is listening to you ramble," Bras said, his voice becoming darker, "I can't have you running about. And we could always use a few more ponies for the assimilation. What's a little more magic, right?" "You'll have to catch me first!" Turner circled around and ran back through the cave. "All troops, move in and intercept!" Bras yelled out. As soon as Turner came back to the fork, he whistled loudly. That would be the signal for the girls to get ready. He then made his way down the only tunnel he hadn't gone through yet. He didn't know what lay at the end, but knowing was not important; he still had to lure the Krillitanes out of the girls' way. He ran for what seemed like a long time. He was starting to tire, but the sounds of wings and hoofbeats behind him kept him going. Finally, he ran into a dead end. He almost didn't see it due to the lack of a light source, but his eyes had gotten used to the darkness just enough to keep himself from smacking face-first into the wall. The tunnel had just stopped: no chambers, no forks, no exit point whatsoever. He was completely trapped. He heard something clicking its tongue behind him. "You should know better than to go running around unfamiliar territory." Turner circled around and stared as confidently as he could at Bras. The Krillitane commander lit up his horns, most likely out of courtesy for Turner's vision problems; the light was still minimal, however, due to the dark aura. "I'm touched by your concern," Turner replied, "but shouldn't you be more worried about finding me alone? I did, after all, have five other companions." "If these companions are anything like what I believe them to be," Bras returned, "They will not be too far away." "Then where are they?" Turner asked with a smug grin. "And what are they doing in the meantime? You were right about ponies being a danger to your plans, but you still don't give them enough credit." Bras chuckled. "In saying that, now I'm even more curious. You speak as though you are something else entirely. And your sonic device is most definitely not of this world. You are more than what your appearance would claim. Who are you, Time Turner?" Turner was silent. He could almost feel Bras' emotions within his accusations: curiosity, excitement, and just the slightest hint of fear. "You're right," he said at last. "I'm not what I seem. To you, and to everyone for that matter, I look like any normal pony. An earth pony. Not even special like a pegasus or a unicorn. But inside is a life that would make even the bravest of beings quiver with fear. I've seen and done things that most could only dream of. All of time and space is at my hoof." He paused to look at the comprehension in Bras' face. "That's right. I'm a Time Lord. And not just any Time Lord, either. In war, I am salvation. In peace, I am the glue that keeps it there. To my enemies, I am the Oncoming Storm. My very existence led my own people to mistrust me. I am... the Doctor. And I will not allow you to conquer this planet." Bras was silent for a moment. Finally, he started laughing again. This was more than a simple chuckle, almost more like an actual laugh. "Call yourself whatever you want, Doctor." He spat out the name as though mocking him. "Time Lord or no, you are still just one pony against my entire company. Tell me how you have the advantage." Turner didn't answer; he was too busy looking at an aura of blue magic behind the Krillitanes. "Like this!" Bon Bon's voice shouted. She held out the sonic screwdriver and turned it on. Once again, the Krillitanes buckled under the noise. "Timey! Get out of there!" Turner wasted no time following Vinyl's voice past his former pursuers. He galloped over to his friends. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he said to them. "Where are the others?" "Derpy and Lyra are leading the prisoners out of the cave," Bon Bon said. "And yes, we did get all of them out." "We just wanted to make sure you were all right," Vinyl added. "I'm glad for that," Turner said. "But what is that?" He pointed to the object Vinyl was carrying with her magic; it was what alerted Turner to his friends' presence in the first place. It looked like the salad bowl. "Leftover salad," Vinyl answered. "Not enough mouths to feed." Before they could continue, however, all three heard grunting from the direction of the Krillitanes. Suddenly, the air around them started to distort and wave, almost like water. Then, one by one, they started getting up, like the noise caused by the sonic wasn't affecting them. "Hold on," Vinyl whispered. "That's a sound barrier! I'd recognize that anywhere." "Wait, then does that mean...?" Bon Bon started. "Bras does have magic now, yes," Turner finished. "I think it's quite clear now that the advantage has fallen to us," Bras stated. "You're all out of tricks, Doctor." "Then try this!" Vinyl said. She threw the bowl at the Krillitanes, causing the salad to spill out. The contents landed on the opposing army. The Krillitanes screamed in pain, some of them complaining about burning. "Nice move, Vinyl," Turner said. "Looks like there was just enough oil. But we better get out of here." Bon Bon quickly gave the sonic screwdriver to him and they all ran back to the outside. Bras, through his pain, glared at the retreating forms of the three ponies. With little else to comfort him, he could only scream, "Dooooctooorrrrr!" Suddenly, he and his entire army were engulfed in flames. Even with the number of Krillitanes, the explosion wasn't big enough to even reach the trio. However, the shock caused the cave walls to crack under the pressure. It didn't take long for the cracks to travel along the cave, causing the whole place to collapse. The cave-in seemed to follow the ponies as they ran down the final stretch of tunnel. They kept running until they finally saw light, and even then, they didn't stop until they were outside and far away from the cave entrance. They turned back to find the mouth of the cave was completely covered by boulders. Turner sighed to himself out of relief before turning around. He saw a large crowd of ponies, all standing around and wondering if what had been happening to them was even real. Some were even looking back at the cave after the collapse. "You're sure you got all of them?" he asked the girls. "Every last one," Bon Bon confirmed. Turner held up the sonic screwdriver and turned it on. Immediately, the rings snapped in half and fell off the ponies' bodies. The crowd barely had time to wonder what had happened before Turner shouted, "Oi! What are you lot waiting for? You're free now! You've probably got friends and family waiting for you! Off you go!" The ponies were still confused by everything, but eventually, the crowd started to drift away. "Turner!" Turner was immediately squeezed by a set of hooves. The only way he knew it was Derpy was because of the shrill voice. "Thank Celestia you're safe!" "Derpy..." Turner eeked out. "Do you mind?" Derpy realized what she was doing and immediately released him. "Sorry. I just got nervous when that cave-in started." "What happened in there, anyway?" Lyra added as she and Octavia reunited with the group. "Long story short," Vinyl answered, "those Krill-things really don't like their leafy greens." "Wait, you mean you blew them up?" Lyra asked in semi-hysterics. "What else were we supposed to do with that leftover salad?" Vinyl replied. "On the plus side," Turner added, "that cave-in destroyed the Krillitanes' laboratory, and without those computers, there was nothing to deadlock the assimilation rings." He lightly waved the sonic in his hoof. "So is that it, then?" Derpy asked. "Are they gone for good?" "I figure that once the top brass notices their special ops forces have failed," Turner pointed out, "they'll decide to take their business elsewhere. No more jigsaw ponies for us." "Then I propose we head back home," Octavia declared. "I don't know about the rest of you, but this mare needs her beauty sleep." It seemed no one had realized how late it was. When Turner looked up, he saw that dusk was beginning to fall. "Perhaps we should turn in," he conceded. "It's been a long day for many ponies, especially us. Allons-y."
My Little Background Pony: New Neighbors	The Next Day	The sun had been up for a few hours when Turner knocked on the library door. He was almost immediately greeted with, "Sorry, but we're closed for the day." "It's just me, Miss Sparkle," he replied. After a few seconds, the doorknob glowed bright purple and the door opened. Turner stepped inside. The first thing he noticed was that the stench was gone. The second was Twilight sitting near the center of the room, her face partially buried in a book, though still looking up at Turner. "Just wanted to see how you were doing," he said. Twilight sighed. "As well as can be expected." There was a brief pause. "Do you know what the most draining part was? It wasn't that I was kidnapped or that they were... exploiting me, as best as I understand it. It was just... them. Those creatures shouldn't even exist under any stretch of the imagination, and yet there they were." "Trust me," Turner responded, "there's more to that statement than you realize." "And then there's that," Twilight continued. "You said you weren't really what you claimed to be. You actually knew what they were and what was happening. And you had that... thing that made the noise and... Just who are you?" "I said I would tell you, Twilight," Turner stated. "But I can't tell you everything; just enough to help you understand." He paused until Twilight nodded for him to continue. "I come from very far away, farther than even you can imagine, on another world entirely. All I want to do with my life is experience everything the universe has to offer. Do you understand me?" Twilight nodded slowly and uncertainly. "But make no mistake; if there's one thing that has been entirely true, it's my character. Everything you've seen with me is one hundred percent what I've always been. Besides, what estranged offworlder would take the time to read the Lightning Strike series?" Twilight giggled at this. "You know what?" she started. "I think I can find a better reason to trust you, whether you're actually and alien or not. When you talk to me, and I mean really talk, like we're doing now, you actually call me Twilight, not Miss Sparkle." She smiled at him. "I think that's as good a reason as any." Turner returned her smile. "Well, since I'm here, you wouldn't happen to have the second Lightning Strike, would you?" "Actually, I figured you'd want to read that, so I've had this reserved for you for a few days now." Using her magic, she pulled a book from the central desk. "I'll just mark this as checked out later." Turner looked at the title: Lightning Strike and the Stable of Secrets. "Thank you Miss Spa... I mean, Twilight." Turner barely caught himself in time. "My pleasure, Turner." Having said their goodbyes, the stallion walked out of the library. Derpy was waiting for him outside. "So how is she?" "Better than I would have thought," Turner answered. "She was well enough to let me borrow this, at least." He held up the book for her to see. "Good to hear. You know, you're a good friend, Turner, helping innocent ponies like that." "Just doing my good deed for the day. Besides, whether it be you girls, Twilight, or just some stranger, I can't, and won't, let anyone suffer needlessly." "And that's why I say you're a good friend," Derpy concluded. She looked at the book. "I really do love this series. You're gonna love the part where Lightning fights the--!" "Oi! Derpy! Spoilers!" Turner shouted hysterically. Derpy just laughed.
Eating Dessert First	pre	Twilight was sure the chickens in the coop, the tweeting birds in the trees, and the rabbit who was... glaring?... at her, were also Fluttershy's friends, but it said a lot for her prowess with animals if she really had managed to make a pet of a draconequus. "Why do you have a draconequus for a pet if you're so scared of space?" "Well, he needed someone to take care of him, and somewhere to live." "But you know they're never happy unless they're in Deep Warp, right? Don't you think it's cruel to deprive him of space?" "I... I'm sure Discord could go to space anytime he wanted to... and he is happy. He's very happy here with me." Twilight had never heard of a happy draconequus, and didn't think such a thing was possible. "If you won't join our crew, then maybe you'd be willing to lend us the draconequus? Maybe he's very happy here with you, but I'm sure being in space would also make him happy." "I'll ask him." Fluttershy put her forehooves to the sides of her mouth. "Discord!" she called. "Could you come down here, please?" You couldn't ask a draconequus anything. They were animals. They couldn't talk, and their disharmonious nature made them incredibly difficult to train. And they were stupid even for animals. Cats who were trained in gunnery could communicate if they had language implants, as long as they were hooked into the gun system or some other system that could read the output of their implants. You couldn't put speech implants in a draconequus anymore than you could put them in a gecko or a fish. Twilight did not point this out to Fluttershy. If she'd tamed a feral draconequus, maybe she did have fantastic levels of insight into their behavior and what it meant. And then a tall, slender creature with a snakelike body, but on legs, walked - on two legs, like a human, a minotaur or a baby dragon - down Fluttershy's staircase. "Fluttershy! You have guests?" it said, in a voice exactly like a stallion's. "You should have called me down sooner!" Twilight stared at the draconequus in shock, her eye twitching slightly. "That - that draconequus just - talked." "How rude! Calling me 'that draconequus' like I'm some exhibit in a zoo! Discord, master of chaos, at your service, madame captain." He bowed deeply, with a feathered hat in his hand that hadn't been there a moment ago. Twilight felt acutely nauseous, and cold, and her vision was graying out at the edges. She'd just felt the flux of chaos, only a flicker, like she was suddenly and without warning in Deep Warp for a nanosecond only. "It--how - I don't--" "Twilight! Calm down!" Spike said, but his voice was sounding strangely far away. "Oh dear. She seems to be going into shock? Spike, get some damp, cool towels please. I have a stack of towels in the kitchen, on the counter; just run cold water on a couple of them, squeeze them out so they don't drip, and come back quickly." "On it!" "Was it something I said?" the draconequus asked, in a false-soliticious voice that had the undercurrent of a chuckle in it. "Here, let's get the dear captain onto the couch." And then she felt it all around her, chaos, seething and mind-breaking like the Deep Warp, lifting and surrounding her. It was too much for her. In terror and shock, Twilight fainted. When she opened her eyes again, Spike was next to her, pressing the cool compress against her forehead. "...come on, Twi, you gotta wake up. You don't faint from unusual things happening! What's wrong? You gotta wake up and tell me what's wrong!" "I believe she may be entirely too magic-sensitive for her own good," a male voice said. Who was that? There hadn't been a stallion... no. No, wait. That was the draconequus. "Oh, dear, is she reacting to your magic? Is there anything we can do for her? I'd bring out the smelling salts, but I don't have a lot of experience with unicorns... or ponies, really, at all..." Twilight sat up and pointed a hoof accusingly at the draconequus, who was still standing on two legs. And wearing clothes. Aside from the top hat, she hadn't noticed earlier, but he was wearing shorts and an open jacket. "You talked!" "I did. I do that rather often. It's actually one of my greater pleasures in life." "Draconequui don't talk." "Humans didn't believe in unicorns before they met you ponies, and look where you all are now." "And they don't have magic!" Discord smiled very thinly, the oddly pony-like jovial expression he'd been wearing replaced with his red eyes fixating on her coldly. Twilight shivered. She'd never been attacked by a draconequus, but they were nasty, fierce beasts. She'd seen plenty of training videos of what not to do near draconequui if you weren't a handler, and knew ponies who'd been nearly ripped apart by one of the beasts. "The interesting thing about magic is that to perform a spell, you have to be sapient. You can have plenty of natural magic, and there's no shortage of magical creatures on Equestria, but they don't do spells. Their bodies just perform the magic for them, and generally it's only one or two things." "For instance," Fluttershy said eagerly, "timber wolf recombination into a mega-timberwolf. That's very much like a magical spell, but it's instinctive. They can't vary it the way you unicorns can, or the way a pegasus can approach a cloud in different ways, assessing what they want to do and how to do it." "But draconequui aren't sapient!" "I've been listening to him for the past five minutes, Twilight," Spike said dryly. "Pretty sure he's sapient." "How? Are you genetically engineered or something?" "Ma chere capitaine, you have it backwards. I'm not the one who was interfered with." He sat down on Fluttershy's coffee table. "A little bit sensitive to magic, are you? Either you swooned at my astonishing good looks and incredible erudition, or you sensed the very, very tiny opening I made to the Realm of Chaos. Do you pass out every time your ship goes in there, or have you never flown with a draconequus?" "You-- opened a portal to... the Realm of Chaos? Is that the same thing as Deep Warp? It - it felt like I was suddenly surrounded by Deep Warp. Without a shipfield to protect me. Did you do that?" "And I'll do it again, as often as I like. If you want me and Fluttershy on your crew, you will most definitely have to get used to it." "Discord, we're not going to be her crew!" Fluttershy said. "I'm not her crew! I can't go to space!" "How are you talking?" Twilight asked. "The same way you are. Once upon a time a mommy draconequus and a daddy draconequus loved each other very much, and then the mommy draconequus laid an egg, and I came out, and they talked to me until I started talking back. Is there something particularly difficult to grasp about this concept?" "Don't be rude, Discord. She doesn't know the history." Discord stood up so quickly his swishing tail knocked the coffee table over. "She should know the history!" he snarled suddenly. "Ponies like her are the entire reason--" Spike jumped onto the couch, trembling, possibly shielding Twilight with his body or possibly taking cover within the range of a magical shield if she cast one, Twilight wasn't sure. But Fluttershy, showing no fear, put her wing on his arm. "Discord. Please. She doesn't know. And if Rainbow vouches for her then I'm sure she's the kind of pony who would be very upset if she did know, and I'm sure she would take your side." Discord was breathing hard. "She's a spacer. Ponies wanting to go to space and control every last aspect of how they do it is why I was in Petrifax for three hundred years." Twilight's eyes widened. Petrifax was the legendary ultra-secure ward of Tartarus, itself a maximum security prison. It was almost a death penalty. The Way of Harmony, practiced by all of Equestria for hundreds of years, would never tolerate executing a captive criminal, but Petrifax sealed criminals into magical sleep. Forever, in theory. "But you're not there now. You're out. You're safe." "For the moment." "I... hate to ask, but... why were you in Petrifax?" Twilight asked hesitantly. "That depends on who you ask. You want the pony version of the story?" He chuckled. "If you listen to ponies, it was because I was a terrorist, fomented chaos, and attempted to overthrow Queen Celestia and take over all of Equestria myself, and came dangerously close to doing so because I'm the most powerful chaoticist, probably ever, but certainly alive back then." "Uh... how much of that is true?" Spike asked anxiously. He chuckled again. "All of it." "Discord..." Fluttershy said warningly. "What? They won't believe me anyway." He smiled widely, cheerfully, but it never reached his eyes. "And it doesn't matter anyway because I am reformed! Fully and completely obedient to the lawful authority of Equestria, not a single spark of a desire to rule over ponies, or anyone, in my heart." Discord leaned forward into Twilight's face. "I'd give myself a halo to get the point across, but I certainly don't want you fainting again, Captain Sparkle." Fluttershy sighed. "Discord doesn't want to tell you his version of the story," she said. "Because if he did, and you didn't believe him or you didn't care... that would be very hurtful. He's much more sensitive than he pretends to be." "Fluttershy, you're doing this all wrong. Don't you have to wait for my back to be turned to gossip about me behind my back?" "But I don't believe that anypony that Rainbow would have referred to me could be that cold-hearted. Have you met any of Rainbow's other friends?" "Uh, yeah. Rarity's our backer, and she may come with us as a cat handler because her cat Opal is licensed for gunnery and Spike's still an apprentice. Applejack's signed on as our engineer, and Pinkie Pie's going to be the cook and morale officer. Which is why I need you! Not only are you a xenomedic, but you're obviously experienced at creating the kind of multi-animal habitat we need in space, so I won't need a habiteur." Fluttershy shook her head. "We're not talking about that right now and anyway I'm not going into space. My point is, that if all of those mares vouch for you... then I think you can be trusted with this information." She turned to Discord. "Do you want to tell her, or should I?" "Well, since you have your heart set on spilling all my secrets, who I am to stop you?" Discord asked sharply, bitterness in his voice. "I... I mean, if it's going to cause strife in your... uh, friendship, you don't have to tell me. I was just curious." "All draconequui are sapient, Twilight." Twilight blinked at Fluttershy's quiet words. "...What?" "Or they would be, if... if ponies didn't break them." Her voice went very low and quiet. "I--" Draconequui were easily the stupidest, hardest to train animal Twilight had ever met who were physically more complex than a small lizard. They couldn't be sapient. "That doesn't make any sense." "It does. We... uh, we do things to them. So that... so that they become like animals." "How? How would you turn a sapient creature into something that isn't? And why?" "Well, to begin with the how," Discord said, in a tone of false cheer that was completely at odds with what he was actually saying, "you capture adults, and when they lay eggs, you take their eggs from them. And when the baby draconequus hatches, you cut off its thumbs." For the first time, Twilight noticed that Discord had four digits on his mismatched paws, not the three that every other draconequus had, and his were longer and didn't move as a group. "You tape the fingers together so they can't move them independently. And you put them in a tank of warm water, like their egg, but with no light or sound." The bitterness he obviously felt about this was coming through more and more strongly in his voice. "You put a breathing mask on them, with a nipple in it for drinking their food, and you put them in the tank, and you close the lid. For two years. Two years of no sound, no light, no real sensation at all. No one to touch them or hold them or talk to them." Twilight's jaw worked. She swallowed. "They'd die. Foals... foals don't live if no one touches them." "Oh, but these aren't foals, they're draconequui, so it's all perfectly okay. They survive it just fine. Of course, after that they won't let anyone touch them, and they don't comprehend that language even exists, and they live in a state of aggression and fear that keeps them from learning much of anything. Also, did I mention that the solution they're fed isn't draconequus milk, or pony milk, or formula, but something specifically designed to have inadequate proteins and vitamins for brain growth? Physically they recover. Mentally, they do not. Ever." His voice cracked. "Pony foals have an advantage. Ponies are herd animals. Without the herd, they die. Draconequui can live through having no parents, no family, no caretakers, no one to love or care for them at all or even talk to them. You'd think that would be an advantage, but it's not. We can live through being turned into brute, mute beasts. Which means that anyone who wants to exploit our talents can do that to us, and we'll survive, so we can still be used." Spike said, in a choked voice, "That's... that's horrible." "They'll get around to doing it to you dragons too, Spike. Just you wait. Sooner or later, oh, what a pain it is to have to pay dragons to ride our spaceships and kill boojums for us! Wouldn't it just be so much better if they could be pets, like cats, and couldn't take care of themselves?" "That won't happen," Fluttershy said firmly. "Dragons get too big. It takes a very strong pony to be able to restrain a draconequus if it attacks. No pony would be able to restrain a dragon." "True. And they always have the option of using cats. Humans don't even have dragons - their gunnery teams are always a cat with a human partner. Whereas what draconequui do... is irreplaceable, and no one else can do it. As much as humans like to think they can master chaos, they can't... and ponies, at least, know better." "Why... why didn't Queen Celestia do something about this?" Twilight whispered. "A sun-lover, are you?" Twilight's shock and fear must have shown in his face, because he laughed. "Oh, don't worry. No one's going to rat you out to Moonie the Great. My shield spells don't allow anypony to hear or see anything near the cottage until they get close enough that we can hear them." "Well." Twilight swallowed. She'd just met Fluttershy. The fact that Rarity, who shared Twilight's goals, had referred her to Rainbow Dash and Rainbow Dash had told her about Fluttershy, suggested that Fluttershy was not a moon loyalist, but that didn't mean she was on the side of the sun either. "It doesn't really matter what I thought of Queen Celestia, anymore, does it? She was banished or killed over a decade ago, and she's not coming back. We all live under Queen Moon now, and that's just the way it is." "Very pragmatic of you," Discord said. "So. Now that you know the deep, dark secret of the draconequui... can you see why possibly I might have wanted to foment a little chaos, back when there were any free draconequui who could have benefited from it? Why I thought it might be a good idea to terrify ponies with the wrath of the free draconequui, so they'd make an outcry to their government to stop stealing and torturing our children? Why, when a pragmatic, sensible Queen was just looking out for the interests of her people in a universe that suddenly had another spacefaring race in it, I might have turned to an emotional young Princess for aid, and when she refused to betray her sister for the sake of countless draconequus cubs being tortured into mindlessness, I might have thought it a good idea to depose them both and rule by force?" He went down to one knee, his voice softening. "Why I might have wanted to drive ponies mad, drop the Realm of Chaos on their heads and use my magic to make them terrified, aggressive, paranoid and barely intelligent anymore... just like they were doing to my people's children?" Twilight bowed her head. "I... I guess... if someone was doing that to pony foals... someone who ruled over me but wasn't even a pony... I might think about doing the same sorts of things." She sighed. And then added hastily, "But of course, Queen Moon has the best interest of our foals in mind. She's not doing anything like that, and obviously she's a pony too! So she'd never..." She trailed off. Discord's head was bowed as well, but whereas her head bow had been in respect and guilt... he was shaking, eyes tightly closed, tears running down his cheeks. Fluttershy was kneeling by him, her forelegs around him. "It's all right," she said. "You can cry if you need to. No one here will blame you. It's all right." "It's never going to be all right," Discord choked out. "It's never going to be all right, Fluttershy, because I failed--there aren't any left--our culture, our civilization, gone, and none of us but me are anything other than animals--" "I know. I know. It's terrible. But you're alive, and you're free, so you can have hope, right? Even if you can't ever do anything for the other draconequui, there's one draconequus who can think left and you can make sure he has as happy a life as you can." "I'm sorry," Twilight said to him. "My race did this to you, and I'm not even sure why--wouldn't intelligent draconequui make better navigators?" "Oh, much better," he said, lifting his head and wiping the tears off his face with the back of his lion arm. "You've never worked with as amazing a navigator as I am, I can promise you this. But--" He shrugged. "We didn't like some of our working conditions. We wanted the right to be captains ourselves, not just navigators. Or to occupy any position... just because all of us can navigate the Realm of Chaos doesn't mean some of us might not have preferred to be doctors, or cooks. And ponies said, if they gave in to our demands, before long we'd be the only ones running the ships. Because we're the only ones who can take you through what you call Deep Warp, and if we can hold every other position as well, what would stop us from shutting ponies out completely? So we went on strike, and shut down space... or at least, any ships trying to go through the Realm. Right after we'd all discovered that humanity was also in space, competing with Equestria for colony worlds and trade routes." He lowered his head again. "In retrospect... that was a rather big mistake." Twilight's heart sank. She'd been thinking, surely Queen Celestia couldn't have known, couldn't have had anything to do with it. Queen Celestia was kind, and compassionate. But if this had happened just after ponies had made first contact with humans, the only other race to have discovered the secrets of the Deep Warp... a race that, while based in harmony as ponies were, was also more aggressive, more xenophobic since they'd had no other intelligent races on their world, and less willing to share territory? A race more willing to kill? And if the draconequui going on strike had run the risk that humanity would take over the stars and leave ponies with nothing, and if giving the draconequui what they wanted had seriously seemed as if it, too, might cut ponies off from space, leaving only the draconequui to cross the stars from Equestria? It had been wrong. It was still wrong, and she couldn't comprehend how Queen Celestia could have let it go on for three hundred years. But... that initial decision... yes. Yes, the pony who'd been her teacher for five years, before the stars had aligned and her banished sister had returned and deposed her, could have made a cold and practical decision like that. Which made Twilight feel even more guilty. "Oh," was all she could say, and then, again. "I'm sorry. I know that doesn't really help, but... I'm really sorry." "Would you free us if you could?" Discord asked, looking down at her (even on his knees he was taller than she was). "Would you take the risk that maybe we might hog space travel all for ourselves, to let children who should grow up to walk and talk and think be free to do that?" Twilight nodded. "There are humans who can manage the Deep Warp. Even if ponies can't, who's to say that maybe griffins or minotaurs couldn't learn the same trick the humans use? And ponies get along with humans - and most races, honestly - better than griffins, and pegasi and griffins make the best pilots, and if your ATK field fails you're definitely going to want a powerful unicorn aboard, and most habiteurs are earth ponies for a reason. Space travel works best when it's ponies collaborating with other races; the crew I've put together so far is mostly ponies, but we have a dragon, and probably a cat, and I'd be honored to have a talking draconequus for a navigator, if you wanted. And if I ever saw an opportunity to help you free the babies who haven't - who aren't hopeless, yet, and the eggs, and make sure they're raised by good people of whatever species... I'd take it. Because what we're doing to your kind is just wrong." "Well then." Without warning, Discord flopped at Fluttershy's feet. "Please! Please, please, Fluttershy, please let me go to space! You have no idea how long I've longed to feel the Realms again, you can't even imagine it. Pleeeease." "Um... I would never want to stop you, Discord. I'd miss you, but I would never want to stand in the way of you doing what you love..." "No, you don't understand, I need you. I can't manage on my own! You have to come with me, or I can't go!" "Discord. You can so perfectly well manage on your own, if you're in space with friends. I know that here on Equestria you can't go out in public, but of course if Captain Sparkle knows you're intelligent, you'll get along just fine with her and her crew." "No, I won't. Ponies don't even like draconequui. And even if they did..." He looked up at her plaintively from his position on the floor. "I'm going to need a handler. I always did before, we all always did. Someone has to help us come back to ourselves when we come out of the Realms, someone has to vouch for us, and make sure we eat, and... and all those things, and I can't trust a trained draconequus handler because they'll think I'm stupid and they'll always be fighting with me to try to make me obey, like an animal. I need you." He lifted his head almost all the way to her head, which was impressive considering that most of his body was still sprawled on the floor. "Please. I promise I'll protect you from space, if you come with me and... and help me." "But... the animals..." "If I leave you'll have to turn the sunlamps off. My enchantment won't hold when I'm gone. If you bring them and you come with me, they'll have a nice, bright, sunny habitat, without a madmare trying to micromanage how much light they get. They'll be happier! I'll be happier! You'll be happier because you won't feel like you have to hide out at the edge of the Forest!" "But it's space," Fluttershy said helplessly. Spike sauntered up to her. "So, I was looking at your bookshelves and I saw you have a lot of books about animals, and notebooks where you were writing down all kinds of nature watching stuff and things from studying animals you meet?" "Um, yes," Fluttershy said, obviously as nonplussed by the apparent non sequitur as Twilight was. Twilight had faith that Spike wasn't just randomly interrupting, though, and his next words bore out her faith. "So, wouldn't you like the opportunity to study a dragon? At close range? A safe, pony-friendly, ba - juvenile dragon, who's used to being a research subject and can even help you organize your notes?" Fluttershy swallowed. "Um... maybe?" "And we might be visiting a lot of colony worlds where the flora and fauna haven't been fully catalogued yet," Twilight said. "You might discover an animal no one's ever encountered before." Discord, now sitting next to Fluttershy rather than sprawled on the floor, pulled her onto his lap, holding her gently. "I know you're scared, Shy," he said. "But I'm scared of what might happen if I leave you here. What if Moon's goons ever do figure out who shut down Cerberus and busted me out of Petrifax?" Twilight's eyes went huge. "He's... he's not really a computer," Fluttershy whispered. "He's three dog brains, running the whole system. They used dogs because they don't get bored being on watch all the time, but... he's wired in. He never gets to run and play. And if you know some programmers..." "You broke into Petrifax and released a prisoner?" Twilight stared at her. "You broke into Tartarus?" "It, um... if you know that the security system is actually kind of a dog, except with three heads instead of one... I'm not really that special. I just had insider knowledge." "How?" Fluttershy shook her head. "I can't tell you. I can't even tell Discord. Can't take the risk." "But if I left you behind and the Mooninites figured out you were the one... Fluttershy, they'll interrogate you, and they'll want to know your accomplices. And they'll torture you. I'm... I can't leave you behind. No matter how much I want to feel the Realms again. You freed me." Discord's head bent and turned sideways so he was looking directly at Fluttershy despite the fact that she was still in his lap. "Please, Fluttershy. Please come with me." Fluttershy bowed her head and said something in such a tiny voice it was incomprehensible. Discord said, "What was that?" before Twilight had a chance to ask. She lifted her head. Still in a tiny voice, but at least audible now, she said, "I'll go." "You will?" Discord stood, lifting Fluttershy into the air as he did so. "Yes! This is wonderful news!" The nauseating feeling of raw Deep Warp fluxed around Twilight for a second, and confetti fell from the air. She swallowed the nausea back down. If he was going to be her navigator, she had to get used to that. It was probably a small price to pay to get a draconequus navigator who was intelligent enough to understand orders and self-controlled enough to not try to rip every pony's face off. "Great!" Twilight said. "Um, we'll have to make arrangements to get you to the ship. I'm pretty sure you're not going to want to travel in a draconequus cage." "Given how distinctive in appearance we all are, and the fact that I'm a fugitive from the law... you're correct about that. I could fake being mindless and snarly for a few minutes, but all it would take is one Wanted poster." They didn't actually use Wanted posters anymore, but the PlaNet probably hadn't existed when he'd last been free, and Fluttershy actually had very little information technology in her home. Discord might not even know what the PlaNet was. He might have to be trained on how to use computers at all. Though the amazing thing about a talking draconequus was not whether or not he knew how to use computers, but that he knew how to talk. "I'll make some arrangements." Applejack had been a farmer before she'd been an engineer, and farmers had to ship product. Maybe she knew someone discreet who could smuggle a person aboard a ship. "And I'll call you when I've got the details hashed out." "I don't have a phone," Fluttershy whispered. "They're so loud when they ring." She could change their ringtone, but Twilight was gathering that Fluttershy's anxiety levels were pathological. And wondered if she'd been this bad before she broke a prisoner out of Petrifax. And how she had done so, and how she had known of this particular prisoner, and why. But she wasn't going to get any of those answers tonight. "All right, I'll send Spike with a message, or come myself." "Or you can send Rainbow. She knows Discord's smart." Twilight breathed deeply. Rainbow had said that Fluttershy had a draconequus, but that he was "a royal pain to deal with." She'd been grinning when she'd said it. Dash was another spacer, used to draconequui; of course she'd known that Twilight would take her meaning to be that Fluttershy's draconequus was ornery, like every other member of the species. "I think I'm gonna have a little conversation with Rainbow about that." "Wait, does this mean I get to work with the most stupendously awesome pegasus pilot ever, Rainbow Dash?" Discord clasped his paws in front of his heart, or where his heart probably was, anyway. "Be still my beating heart!" "Discord, be nice," Fluttershy advised. "Oh, I'm sincere. I'd very much like to see if that pilot is even half of what she claims to be." His clasped paws turned into a cat's cradle, steepling and running through each other, like Spike did when he had an idea that he thought was devious. "If you can't work together with my pilot, you can't be my navigator, Discord," Twilight said. "Whatever's between you and Pilot Dash, can you keep it professional?" "I am the very soul of professionalism. Besides, by the standards of every other draconequus out there, I could put a whoopee cushion on her seat every day and fireworks in her breakfast cereal and I'd still be infinitely more professional and easier to work with than they are." He had a point. Once they were out of Fluttershy's house, Spike took out the smartbook before Twilight even had to ask him to. "So I'm checking off xenomedic, draconequus, and draconequus handler, right?" "And habiteur, don't forget." She grinned. "I think that's everyone. This is really happening, Spike! I'm really going to be the captain of a crew! Of my very own ship!" "Well, it'd be kind of silly to register a ship in your name, get a backer, and hire crew members if it wasn't really going to happen," he pointed out.
Eating Dessert First	Dick Cordry, Agent of P.O.N.Y. (Human, Sci-Fi)	Bob Thistlewaite had just gotten through the security checkpoint and was pulling into the parking lot of the secure government facility where he worked, returning after a late lunch, when an explosion tore through the center of the building in front of him, and a river of rainbow light poured upward into the sky. Bob was a dignified, professioral sort of man, the kind of 50-something fellow who felt most comfortable being clean-shaven and wearing tweed and horn-rimmed glasses. He was native to the Midwest, and most of his colleagues would have been surprised to hear anything stronger out of him than an "Oh, gosh." Maybe, in dire circumstances, an occasional "damn." Today, he stared at the light pouring endlessly upward out of the center of his workplace, and said, "Holy fuck." Then he ran. Toward the building. If what he feared was happening was actually what was happening... first responders wouldn't be able to handle this, and the project couldn't survive untrained outsiders seeing such a spectacular failure, either. It was going to be up to employees like himself to rescue the others. He was sick with fear, but he ran toward the building to rescue his coworkers, because he had some idea what might be going on in there. They'd been trying to find a way to access endless clean energy by exploiting the energy gradient between their own universe and one with different physical laws, full to bursting with far more energy than Earth life could ever have tolerated. And it looked like they'd succeeded. The metal detector inside had turned into a menacing, metallic maw, twisting and groaning in its place, trying to wrench itself out of the ground so it could devour people. Bob assumed, anyway, from the gnashing of sharp metal teeth. He went around it, through what was normally the exit. All of the security people were stone statues, literally. The security desk was gone, or so he thought until he looked down at his feet and realized that the floor was now the exact color and texture of the desk, in blotches that looked like puddles. As if the desk had melted. In a corner of the room, Susan from HR was crying and screaming and holding her hands over her head. Bob caught the faintest glimpse of something the reddish-orange color of her hair moving under her arms. He jerked his head up, not looking at her, and shucked off his tweed jacket. "Susan!" It was hard to run toward her without looking at her, but if his wild and uninformed speculation was correct, looking at her at close range would be fatal. He threw the jacket onto her head. "Hold that on your head!" She grabbed it and wrapped her head with it. "Why?" she sobbed. "Why?" There was no easy way to explain "because I think your hair is turning people to stone." "I have to try to get the others. Can you get out of the building? Carefully! Keep that jacket on your hair, don't let anyone see your hair!" As she stumbled off, his jacket wrapped around her head like a turban, he went deeper into the building. Every step he took, he saw a new horror. Jay Patel's face on the trunk of a tree, shaped in a soundless scream. Malcolm Johnson stuck to the ceiling, apparently unable to get down, his gravity inverted. Brenda from Accounting was blue and gasping for air, her legs fused together into a fish-like appendage, scaled. Acting on another hunch, he picked her up and staggered back the way he came - she wasn't light, and he wasn't either young or the sort of guy who works out - until he met up with two security officers who'd been spared from Susan's hair. "Get her to the water fountain!" he shouted at them, noting how every time she fruitlessly gasped, the skin on the sides of her neck realigned, flaps lifting and sticking out... like gills. "Put her head under the water or she'll die!" The fountain was hopefully still on. It was much too shallow to have sufficient air for a creature the size of a human for very long if the jets weren't aerating it. Back into the building. Oksana Nikolaev was unchanged, but screaming, standing still with her hands up at either side of her face, shrieking. He shook her. "Get out of the building! Go that way!" He pointed. "What's happening?! What's happening?!" "It doesn't matter." Oksana was in IT and not cleared to know the full details of the project. "Get outside, fast!" He passed other co-workers who were either beyond help, or who were like him, unchanged and assisting others. His key card didn't work to get him into the secure area, but Peter Andrews, who was built like a tank, was able to bodyslam the door open from the inside, and to move the security desk so it was now propping the door open, allowing anyone inside to escape. Peter stared at Bob as if he'd grown three heads when Bob attempted to go in. "What the hell, Bob? We need to get out, not in!" "Have you been outside since this started?" "No, but I've been trying to get there." "I came in from the outside. There's some kind of unidentified energy coming out of what's probably Lab 0, going up. Given the nature of the project... someone's got to turn that damn thing off." "You can't. You don't know what's in there - the things I've seen." He shuddered. "It'd be suicide." "And what if the entire planet is destroyed because no one here wanted to shut off the tap?" "Well. Okay, then. Good luck, and godspeed. I'll pray for you." Bob was an atheist, but he took the offer in the intent it was made in. "Thank you. Be safe." "There are blobs," Peter said. "Roving blobs of light, and if they touch you... something happens to you. It's different every time." "I'll be careful." Emergency lighting was active beyond the secure door, but it wasn't hard to see. There were indeed blobs of light that transformed everything they touched, floating aimlessly through the halls. The air was filled with what looked like fireflies. He almost slapped a mosquito before realizing it was a co-worker who was new enough that he didn't know the guy's name, shrunk to the size of a dragonfly and granted insect wings, that he'd been trying to use to escape. Stephanie Armundsen, who'd been merged with her wheelchair so now she was essentially a centaur with wheels instead of legs, offered to get him out of here. She was one of the few who'd been changed in a way to make her more functional; her wheels could scoot down the corridor far faster than either her original powered wheelchair or an average human's legs. Bob kept moving toward Lab 0, dodging the blobs. When he reached the corridor with the labs - with three other scientists who had all apparently had the same idea, but one of them had been granted an octopus for a head and now Bob had no idea who he was - he almost jumped out of his skin, and he did jump backwards away from the corridor. Here, the floor was made of people, an undulating wave of crying, screaming heads of people he knew. There was no way to get to Lab 0 without walking on them. Xing was the first one to dare it. "If we don't shut down the portal, this is the whole world," he said, gesturing at the screaming floor, and gingerly walked out on it. The faces cried and screamed harder as he stepped on them, no matter how carefully he tried to walk, but there wasn't any choice. He was right. The portal had to be shut down. This wasn't the kind of energy Bob and his coworkers had been expecting. Something more similar to an earthly energy, maybe heat or electricity but flowing endlessly, because the power gradient between their own and the target universe was steep, according to the math. This energy was like nothing on earth. Like magic, a malign, chaotic, transformative magic that warped everything it touched. It was probably possible to harness it to solve Earth's fossil fuel problem, but it was obviously much too dangerous to do so. Bob only hoped it was possible to close the portal. According to the test protocols he'd read, it had been intended to be tiny, the diameter of a pinpoint. They'd underestimated the gradient, he was guessing, and the energy had blown the portal wide open. When he got into Lab 0, there was no avoiding the light. The rainbow-colored energy, thick and viscous like no earthly energy ever, was boiling endlessly out of the portal, and not all of it was going up. He staggered and fell to his knees, feeling something happening to him, but he couldn't tell what. Above, the clouds had turned into black, menacing giants with cruel, angry faces, lightning lancing out of them constantly. The rainbow light spilled out against them and smeared, running this way and that across the bottoms of the clouds, as if it was a liquid, but spilling up, and as if the clouds were solid objects. In despair he saw the apparatus, or what was left of it, home now to spindly metal monsters stuck to the ruins of the apparatus by their feet, engaged in beating each other violently. The portal wasn't being held open by the apparatus, and no earthly force could possibly shut it now. Octopus-head, who Bob thought might be Viram, tried anyway, staggering through the thick light over to the apparatus to try to--what, repair it? When most of it had turned into battling stick figures? Behind him, Margritte shouted. "I'm going to try to get the secondary prototype from Lab 2! Maybe we can use it to close this thing!" "We can try!" Bob said, but he didn't go with her. Xing did, and the two of them could move it on their own. The prototype in Lab 2 had never even worked; there was no real hope it could shut anything down. But there was something inside the portal. Something moving. And he could just barely make it out. It seemed at first to be the shadow of a monster, something twice the height of a human and shaped like some kind of impossible snake. As he watched it come into focus, it seemed to shrink, and reform into a more human shape, and then shrink some more, and more. And then, the rainbow light began to dim. The writhing multicolored light of wrongness in the center of the room shrank, just like the figure in its center had. It shrank, and shrank, and then light seemed to go rushing back into the hole, like a vacuum. And for the first time Bob saw the figure clearly. It was a human boy. He was tall and lanky and his face hadn't much body fat, so Bob's initial guess was that he was a teenager, but he was naked and his pubes were hairless and childish, so he hadn't hit puberty yet. He had black spiky hair in a mohawk, the high cheekbones of a Native American and the strong nose and chin of a classic Roman emperor. His race was impossible to determine, because his body was mottled with different colors, as if he were a chimera, embryos merged in the womb to become one person. While his face had the reddish tinge of Native American or Hispanic skin, his torso and half of one of his arms was the dark brown of a person with African ancestry, but his legs and half an arm were the golden tan of a European from the Mediterrenean, and one arm was pale beige like a Northern European. His hands were up, like Oksana's were, but not positioned next to his face. They were held out, and flexing, pulling and pushing on invisible threads. His eyes glowed yellow and his body was sheened with sweat, his expression one of great strain. The screaming and moaning from outside in the corridor stopped. The stick figures battling each other in what remained of the apparatus fell over, limp. He and Viram both stared at the boy, and Viram no longer had an octopus replacing his head. When Margritte and Xing returned, wheeling the prototype, they had news. "The people - on the floor - they're alive! They're not in the floor anymore!" Margritte said. "Is the portal closing on its own?" Xing asked. Bob wanted to ask them what they thought the boy was doing, but he saw that the boy had collapsed on the ground, folded over. The portal continued to shrink. "It... might be?" he said. "I'm going to see what I can do for the folks in the hall," Margritte said. "They looked like they were alive, but... I saw a lot of limbs missing." The boy lifted his head. His eyes were no longer glowing, but they actually still looked yellowish. "Do you people have any idea what you've done?" he asked in a shrill, boyish voice, reinforcing Bob's thought that he must be quite young, just very tall. "DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU'VE COST ME?" "Young man--" Viram burbled, despite having an octopus for a head, and stopped, apparently at a loss of what to say. Or unable to figure out how to say it with his new vocal chords. The boy's colors weren't the only mismatched thing about him, Bob realized. One arm was long but thin, and had six slender fingers on it, with very long nails. One was shorter, muscular, and had four fingers. And one of his legs was longer than the other, and stronger; the shorter leg looked thin to the point of serious weakness, and had no toes. The larger one had some kind of bony growth pushing out of the back of his heel. There were also bony growths marring the smoothness of his forehead, like horns trying to grow out of his skull. Had the energy done this to him? Was he from Earth at all? No one's son had been brought to work today, and no child could have gotten into the secure area. But the portal to the other universe had been more than wide enough for a living creature to pass through, the size of a human. Or larger. "I can never go home now!" the boy screamed. "It took everything, everything I had, to fix your mistake, and all the magic's gone every which way and dissolved into your world and there's nowhere it concentrates, no way I can get it back no matter how much chaos, and it's all your fault!" His legs gave out on him again. This time he went to his knees and started to sob. Bob went to him. The boy flinched slightly when Bob knelt down beside him, but didn't try to evade Bob's hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," Bob said. "I'm not going to pretend I understood half of what you just said, but if our carelessness hurt you, I apologize. We never meant to harm anyone. We just wanted clean energy to save our world." "Idiots," the boy sobbed. "You're all big idiots. And I'm a bigger idiot because I volunteered, but what was I supposed to do? None of the others would have had the strength to survive the trip in that turbulence, let alone have enough strength to get back. They're - they were my friends. I couldn't - I couldn't - it would tear them apart and I knew it and I couldn't-" "Shh," Bob said. "It's going to be all right." "No, it's not! I'm never going home again! Never - never going to see--" "I shouldn't have said that." He pulled the boy, very gently, onto his lap, more of a guide than a tug, but the boy went with it without much hesitation. "Of course it's not all right. But you're alive, and if I'm right about what just happened here, you saved lives. I don't know who or what you left behind, but we won't leave you all alone. We'll take care of you." He hugged the sobbing child, fatherly instincts he'd never known he had rising up. He'd lived his life never expecting to have a child in his care; sure, it was possible for a gay man to adopt, but a single man of any orientation had no business adopting a baby, he'd thought, not if he has a challenging career, and if he's too focused on his job and too old to feel comfortable with this new world where he could be out and even get married if he ever met a guy he wanted to marry... how would he ever have time for a child? Besides, babies were annoying. But he held a strange little boy in his lap as the child cried, and he stroked the boy's head, and murmured reassuring words, and somehow, it felt natural. The boy screamed something against Bob's chest, but his voice was muffled, absorbed into Bob's shirt. It sounded like "Fuffershy" or something like that. Maybe the name of his dog? He then fell to sobbing even more hysterically. Later, Bob found out that all the changes had mostly reverted. Brenda could breathe air again, and had two legs, but they were still covered in fish scales. Jay wasn't a tree anymore, but his brown skin was rough and more rigid than it should be, barklike. Susan's hair stopped turning people to stone, but it remained thick red tentacles on her head rather than hair. And as Margritte had observed, the people who'd been fused into the floor came out missing limbs when they were unfused. But they were alive and they weren't a floor anymore. He didn't learn any of this until after the boy had cried himself to sleep in Bob's arms, until eventually the first responders did show up and started collecting people to go to the hospital, and the boy was one of the ones they took. A naked child with deformities turning up in the middle of a secure installation was a matter that required medical investigation before anyone was allowed to begin the more prosaic inquisition into his name and origin. As it turned out, when Bob checked up on the boy, the child was claiming amnesia. He didn't remember his name, his family, or anything apparently, including how he got where he ended up. The hospital found nothing physically wrong with him and recommended transferring him to a psychiatric ward, due to the amnesia; but because the government was paying for it and the social workers were arguing against it, saying that if all he had wrong with him was amnesia then inpatient psychiatric treatment was an inappropriate placement, he ended up in limbo for four days, watching cable television non-stop in his hospital bed. By the time it started to sort itself out, he claimed that he'd remembered his name, Richard Cordry, but he wanted people to call him Dick. This, apparently, was enough to shut down any talk of psych wards. When Bob next checked on the boy, he had disappeared into the foster care system, and no one was willing to tell Bob where he'd gone.
Eating Dessert First	Chaos Battle (Last Draconequus)	With a huge, savage grin on his face, Discord faced off against the entities. They were creatures of pure magical energy, formless and faceless, and there were a lot of them. More than he could easily count, which didn't mean much because he was bad at counting, but still. There were distinctions between them; five or six of them were large, full of magic, pulsating with the alien energies they carried; another maybe five or six were smaller, and then there were a whole lot of much smaller creatures, darting around, zipping through the airless void. So, big bosses, middle management, and cannon fodder. He'd seen this pattern before on the last incursion, though there had been a lot fewer of them then. Plainly he was going to have to do some knitting when this was over. The inner thaumosphere of the world beneath him protected against incursions like this; the entities that were able to come through the dimensional gateways were multiverse travelers, would-be world conquerors, and the like, not eldritch, incomprehensible creatures who could drive an ordinary pony mad if the pony only looked at them. But the outer thaumosphere, the magic that held and moved the sun and moon, had no such protections... which meant Discord was going to have to reinforce spacetime around here, to seal it up tight enough that creatures like this couldn't get through. After he beat this group of bozos, obviously. "Why do you stand against us?" the largest one, presumably the leader, said. "You alone of these creatures can comprehend us. Your nature is more akin to ours than to theirs. Why not join us?" Discord laughed mockingly. "As if I don't know that you guys eat each other?" he snickered. "Listen, 'join us in villainous friendship' might work on sappy little ponies around here, but I can see it for what it is - a total scam to sucker me out of crushing you like bugs." His face hardened. "This world is mine. And I don't share. Leave, or face the consequences." They weren't really speaking, of course. There was no air in space, and the entities weren't capable of speech, per se, anyway. The creatures conveyed ideas directly into his mind with infinitesimal flickers of magic, and he returned his replies to them the same way. So the fact that they interrupted his little speech with a massive working, all of the creatures feeding energy into the leader's spell matrix, and altered the strong nuclear force in a spherical radius around him several trots wide, destroying his physical body instantly, didn't prevent him from finishing his sentence. Discord reformed himself as pure magic, no longer dependent on the ability of matter to hold itself together at the atomic level, and sent them the concept of a sneer. "Oh, please. You'll have to do better than that." As he spoke, his magic intersected with their patterns, imposing the concept of compaction - solidifying the magic they were made from and making it denser. The creatures were unused to physicality, and thus to physical threats; he was able to grab several of the smaller ones with a giant scoop summoned from magic and throw them into an equally gigantic blender. Sadly, he didn't manage to get any of the bigger ones, but their time would come. The creatures were intellivores, from a dimension of pure chaos where nothing was ever real except for magic and the order that intelligence could impose on it. They devoured each other when they had the chance, growing larger, more powerful, smarter and gaining the memories and experience of the one they'd eaten, so the largest ones were the most dangerous, not just because of their size or magical prowess but because they were also the smartest. The world below, with its enormous population of different sapient species, and animals so high on the sentience scale they were almost sapient, was a smorgasbord of riches for them, and since magic was one of the things they devoured, even the most powerful of ponies wouldn't be able to stand against them. Maybe the centaurs, themselves known to have magic-absorption abilities, would be able to fight, but Discord didn't plan to ever let it come to that. This was an unusually large incursion - he'd fought off much smaller groups of these creatures before - but protecting the world from entities from beyond it with the potential to destroy magic was one of the responsibilities of the Chaos Avatar, and he had every intention of doing just that. Fighting against Celestia and Luna, and the occasional jumped-up unicorn who had yet another Surefire Plan To Defeat The Chaos Lord (none of which ever worked, of course), was certainly fun, and sometimes even challenging, but this was going to be a serious workout. His grin got wider. How long had it been since he'd actually been in danger? The fact that losing was a theoretical possibility made the heart he didn't currently actually have beat faster and sent thrills through the veins he didn't have either. Oh, this was going to be fun. Or it wouldn't be. But he was committed either way, so he was determined to have fun with it. As the larger ones spread out around him to form a loose sphere, several of the small ones he hadn't caught in his scoop flew at him, and he felt the pull as they entered his magical corona. They were trying to consume his magic. He manufactured a large straw, stuck it in one that didn't get away quickly enough, and pulled at the raw chaotic magic the thing was made of, sucking on the straw as he drew in the magic. He couldn't do that to ponies or other creatures made of matter infused with organized magic, whether harmonic or any other type, but these creatures had no matter in their composition; even when he cast solidification on them, they were still made of nothing but magical energy. The other small ones fled, recognizing that he was a bigger threat to them than they were to him if he could eat them before they ate him. On the other hand, perhaps the blender had been a bad idea. The four small entities he'd thrown in a blender had merged into one of the medium sized entities and the conglomerate was currently working on breaking their way out of his blender. That hadn't worked the way he'd hoped. Aside from the ones still trying to break out of his blender, all of the larger entities flung Confusion at him. Their magic worked roughly the same way his did - rather than structured, controlled patterns of magic programmed to cause a result, like unicorn magic for instance, theirs involved the direct application of raw magic against the patterns of reality, which meant they were throwing concepts at his existence. But two could play that game, and he was far better suited for it than a unicorn would be. He threw up a shield that essentially exemplified the foal's chant "I'm rubber, you're glue, what you say bounces off of me and sticks to you." The concept of confusion bounced off his shield and scattered across all of the creatures, dazing them. The larger, more powerful ones easily shook the confusion off, but the smaller and medium sized ones were hit disproportionately, considering that the spells had originated from the powerful ones and had been intended for Discord himself. The larger ones were still firing spells at Discord, concepts like "death" and "dissolve" and "shield shatters" that his own natural shields were well capable of dealing with as long as he didn't get hit with too many of them at once. The others couldn't focus their attention, which made it a lot easier for him to dodge or deflect all of the attacks, since fewer of them could attack him at the same time. Ricochets off his deflection hit some of the larger creatures and did damage, but didn't kill them any more than they'd be able to easily kill him. Discord cast his own confusion spell, a fog to dull senses beyond the immediate near range. It wasn't a literal fog, of course; in space that wasn't possible. Besides, the creatures didn't use vision, primarily; they were directly sensing magic. They'd get free of that quickly enough, but this opened Discord up to use his signature attack. Separately, he whispered in the ears of most of them, in the illusory guise of another of their kind. Why don't we ally, and sit this fight out? Either the alien will defeat our leaders, but he'll be weakened by then and vulnerable, so we can take this world for ourselves without the leaders to take the best of everything and leave us the scraps; or, our leaders will defeat the alien but they'll be weakened. Why not fall on whoever survives this battle, when they're vulnerable, and consume them? The entities had no concept of loyalty or friendship; they held power over one another solely by force, fear and self-interest. The strong consumed the weak to get even stronger; the weak followed the strong in hopes of being able to gather enough scraps to increase their own strength. Discord was honestly amazed they'd managed to put together a force this large; there might be as many as forty of the entities, all told. Their leaders must be particularly powerful to be able to attract so many followers; either that, or Discord's world was just that attractive to them. He couldn't influence them by playing any positive emotions against them, as he did with ponies all the time, but their complete lack of loyalty to each other was a huge weakness for him to exploit and do what he did best, stir up his namesake. Some of those he targeted recognized that it was him, and cast spells to banish the illusions he was generating in their mind; others recognized that whatever entity he seemed to them to be impersonating wouldn't actually make an attempt to make that deal with them, perhaps due to internecine rivalries; still others didn't recognize that it was an illusion at all, but were offended at being approached by what seemed to be a lower-status entity, and tried to devour the imaginary entity. But he managed to get several to drop out of the fight and hang back, including one of the larger ones and a few of the medium size. And then the most powerful one, no longer fogged by any confusion spells, hit Discord directly with fear. He'd overextended himself, whispering soft dissension to so many of the entities; the fear spell penetrated his shielding completely. Suddenly terrified of the creatures, Discord teleported away, but they found the thread of his teleport and followed him, surrounding him as he reappeared. A tiny part of his mind knew this was a spell, that he wasn't really about to be horribly devoured, at least not as long as he kept his guard up and kept fighting, but his emotions screamed at him that he was about to be killed, that he had to do something now, now now NOW! Emotion amplified his powers, and Discord had the entire thaumosphere of the world he was protecting to draw from. Consumed by unreasoning terror, he threw all of his power at the fabric of reality, and created an entropy vortex. It was a mindless, churning hole in reality, similar to the blender he'd created earlier crossed with a suction cleaner, except that what it sucked in and "blended" was the fabric of existence itself. Like the tornados he'd once used against the dragons, but made of pure entropy, the fundamental force of dissolution and decay. It spun wildly through space, without course or direction, and any of the entities unlucky enough to get too close to it were sucked in, screaming. All the creatures dodged frantically, attempting to put as much distance between themselves and the swirling death as they could. Two other entities, a large one and a mid-size one, attempted to retaliate by generating their own entropy vortices, copying his spell... a mistake on their parts. Without the thaumosphere of an entire planet to fuel them, they didn't have the power to create an entropy vortex. The smaller of the two simply burned all of the magical energy it had trying to power the spell, and fizzled out and died because if you tried to cast an entropy vortex and you didn't have the enormous amounts of energy needed to create something so antithetical to existence itself, it would drain everything you had... and the creature, being nothing but magic, burned itself out like a candleflame flaring and consuming its entire candle in a single moment. The other entity had enough power to bring the thing into existence... for the mere second it took for its own creation to instantly devour it, because it hadn't had enough strength both to make the thing and to cast it away from itself. Without its creator to fuel it long enough to fully establish it, the vortex that had eaten its maker faded. A third entity, another of the large ones, tried the same stunt, learning from the example of its dead compatriots by casting the thing away from itself as it created it. The vortex snapped into existence near enough one of the medium sized ones that the creature fled toward the vortex's maker... the last thing it ever did, because the large entity was so badly drained by making the vortex and casting it at a distance that it would have died of lack of energy if it hadn't desperately intercepted the fleeing entity and devoured it. Its vortex, too, fizzled. None of them had the power they'd need to create such a thing; Discord himself would have burned himself out completely, even with the power burst that terror had granted him, if he wasn't bound to the magic of an entire world. Every magical creature on the world beneath him would have experienced a nanosecond of a microscopic dip in their magical potency... a dip that not even trained magical researchers were likely to notice, because the enormous energy it took to create an entropy vortex that lasted long enough to do damage was still a drop in comparison to the vast ocean of magic of all life, animal, vegetable and mineral, on the planet. Despite the fact that he wasn't made of matter and didn't have lungs or a heart, Discord panted, imaginary lungs heaving in the airlessness of space to draw in air that didn't exist, while his imaginary heart pounded frantically and his imaginary head and neck beaded with imaginary sweat. The shape he took when he was made of magic was by default based on the mortal creature he'd been born as, and it mimicked that mortal body's reactions. The fear spell was winding down, its creator more concerned with escaping the entropy vortex Discord had made than maintaining its spell. He was still more frightened than he could remember being in centuries, but not so terrified that he couldn't think straight, not anymore. The fighting cadre in front of him was heavily whittled down; only three of the big ones remained active, only one of the mid-size, and what looked like maybe half of the original complement of small ones. But that was still more than enough to kill him if he dropped his guard. They were limited in their energy resources - there wasn't much they could draw from the outer thaumosphere, where the magic was thin, so for the most part all they had was what they could eat and what they had brought with them. Just like him when he went world-walking, they didn't have access to the energies of their own dimension now that they were no longer in it, and had to work with what they'd carried and what they could garner here. But any of them that managed to drain any of his magic would weaken him and strengthen them, and now that his own vortex was starting to fizzle, unable to dissolve enough prey to fuel its unnatural existence, they were recognizing weakness, firing spells at him that he was hard put to dodge. He was exhausted; while he had access to a whole planet's worth of magic, his own personal magical life force would be drained any time he performed a working that large, and it wouldn't regenerate as instantaneously as his physical form would. The spells that the creatures were firing at him would hit, sooner or later, and he wouldn't be able to deflect or resist them all. He needed to change this up some, move onto territory where he had an advantage. He flung unreasoning pride at one of the three largest entities - not the biggest, the leader, and not the one who'd had to eat a compatriot to survive, just now. The larger entities had the most ability to resist his spells, but he'd been sizing up the creatures for some time, just as they had him. He couldn't count them, but for the bigger ones, the ones who had enough magical mass and intelligence to have distinct personalities... he was beginning to know his enemies. And this one would be vulnerable to pride, yes. The glory of making the kill for itself, the potential to surpass its hated rivals by being the one to taste the alien protector's blood and drain it. So he flung his spell like a lance, and ran for the planet, flying at top speed, letting the entity dive after him, as the leader of the entities shouted admonishments to return, not to be drawn out by the alien, that it was a trick. Discord's target, convinced that things were the other way around and that Discord was its target, shouted back something at the leader that Discord couldn't get all the nuances of, since the communication wasn't aimed at him. Something like "Stay back, this kill is mine!" Perfect. The inner thaumosphere of his world had protections of its own. As soon as the entity crossed into the planetary thaumosphere, spells woven around the world intended to keep malevolent intruders out began sapping the creature's magic. If it could get down to the planet's surface and take prey, that drain wouldn't make a difference; there was so much magic and so much sapience to be devoured on this planet. If the creatures managed to overcome Discord and came down in force... the tiny entities might not make it all the way to the surface before being drained to death by the world's protections, but the bigger ones would, and nothing on the planet would stop them. Aside from maybe a centaur. But there couldn't possibly be enough centaurs to deal with entities who'd managed to feed on ponies, he was fairly sure. Celestia and Luna would throw themselves into combat against the things, and they would fall, be devoured and make matters much, much worse. As amusing as it would be to see the look on their faces when they realized they were up against something that love, friendship and harmony, not to mention alicorn powers, couldn't make a dent against - well, something besides him - he wasn't going to let that happen. They made marvelously entertaining enemies, and he wasn't entirely convinced part of him didn't still love them, from back when Celestia had been his one true love and Luna had been his little sister of the heart. So drawing even one of the creatures into the thaumosphere was risky, but he knew the rest would hang back to see how badly the world's protective spells ate into their comrade before they followed. There was a reason none of them had broken ranks to try to descend to the planet already, despite that being where all the food was. He struck with the concept of compaction again, making the entity dense enough that the gravity well could actually affect it, and it started to fall. An uncontrolled fall wouldn't harm it - it wasn't matter enough to be splattered when it hit - but he knew from previous battles that the creatures absolutely hated being moved by forces outside themselves. For entities from a dimension of pure chaos, they were certainly control freaks. The creature burned more magic to negate the pull of gravity and stay on the trajectory that followed Discord, as much sideways as downward. Discord compacted it some more. It used more magic to resist its heavier, more matter-like attraction to the ground. Then Discord went up again, and it had to change its trajectory, which was somewhat difficult for it when it was so close to being matter. Of course, it fired killing spells at him the whole way. He dodged, deflected, and unraveled the spells, depending on how close they got to actually hitting him. Some got through and wore against his personal magic stores, bringing disruption that he had to spend his own magic to heal. Through a series of loops up and then down, Discord led the creature out over the ocean, where if this didn't work or went bad, he'd have more of an opportunity to recover before it would find any life to drain. Oceans teemed with life, but mostly not near the surface. It hadn't spent any of its own reserves in reversing the compaction Discord had inflicted on it; it was single-mindedly focused on killing him. Good. He imposed on it the concept of solidity, transforming it into matter. Outraged, it blasted him, tearing tiny holes in the pattern of his magic, embedding concepts that would slowly dissolve him from the holes outward. That actually hurt. The sudden fury he felt as pain tore through his magical essence amplified him, increasing his strength, and he pulled on the thaumosphere again for the power to perform an impossible working. An entropy vortex within the world's inner thaumosphere would be the worst idea possible and Discord would never take that risk. Instead, he inverted the entity's matter. Inverted matter had killed him once, the first time he'd died. It had been dragons who'd created it, pooling enormous energies and sharing them via some sort of ritual that he was pretty sure was now lost to dragonkind, and as far as he knew he was the only being left in the world with the spells to do it. In the split second that the creature still existed as a being of inverted matter, Discord gazed - from a safe distance, but longingly - at the impossible mass, at matter that vibrated at a rhythm the exact opposite of all other matter, so beautifully disharmonious and perfectly antithetical that neither it nor anything it touched could survive. His heart hurt with the beauty of it even as he remembered, quite clearly, how that beauty had killed him, ascended him, and torn from him the last semblance of a normal mortal's life and loves. The creature exploded, all the inverted matter he'd just changed it into converting into wild, raw energy, along with all of the air and water vapor that touched it. It was more of a series of explosions, really, if you watched it with time slowed down to a crawl; the substance of the air touching the surface of the beautiful disharmony of its nature would cause both that layer of air and that layer of surface to explode, and then, nature abhorring a vacuum, more air would rush in and annihilate the second layer, and so forth. An onion of perfect destruction. He wished he'd had the forethought to summon a magical recording device so he could watch it happen over and over. Discord didn't necessarily enjoy the chaos of destruction all that much, most of the time, but that was because it tended to harm the living creatures of the world, and ensuring that they lived guaranteed far more chaos. When there was spectacular destruction and nothing he cared for was being harmed... now that, he loved. Even made of magic, he could feel those shockwaves. The first time, he'd been at ground zero and hadn't lived long enough to feel them; he'd held the beautiful thing in his paws, gazing upon it in awe, feeling for the first time the presence of something so much larger than himself that it could be deemed worthy of worship - the pure and fundamental concept of Disharmony, expressed so exquisitely and impossibly in the form of a crystal made of matter oppositional to matter. And then the dragon mage who'd been keeping it penned in a magical force field had dropped the force field. Discord wasn't even sure there had been time for it to actually fall into his paw before the bloom of annihilation had torn him apart, annihilating his very atoms. It had all happened so fast. There weren't any dragon mages anymore, or if there were, they were hiding really, really well. As he started to exert his magic again to heal the holes in his pattern, he felt a pull where there shouldn't be. One of the smaller entities had taken the opportunity to drop into the thaumosphere and latch onto him while he was distracted, and now it was bloating like a tick, leeching his magic from him. It was a small one, and couldn't drain him very fast, but it was rapidly getting bigger... and it was licking and sucking at his mind, fogging his brain, driving his thoughts into the type of chaos he liked to inflict on others but hated to experience. In a surge of unreasoning panic, confusion clouding his senses too badly to come up with any more carefully calculated plan, he used an enormous quantity of magic to grab the thing, pull it off himself with brute force, and fling it. Too late, as his senses cleared, he sensed the delight and amusement of the creature. It was laughing at him. It was also, now, almost the size of one of the medium-weights. The reason such a massive quantity of magic had only managed to fling the creature a short distance away was that it had eaten most of the magic he'd thrown at it. It charged at him again. Discord dodged, but his reactions were slowed; he hadn't fully recovered yet from the creature trying to eat his intelligence. It laughed at him again and wheeled around for another pass. Discord smacked himself in the head, trying to wake himself up, but it was as if he was stuck for the moment in a half-asleep state, his consciousness temporarily damaged by the creature. If it got him again, it might knock him unconscious, and then he'd never wake up. He threw up a barrier around himself. The creature ate through it, clinging to the barrier so Discord couldn't fly away, because he hadn't thought to make the barrier independent of himself like a wall; it was a bubble around himself. It was getting bigger and bigger, reminding Discord of a tick, bloating itself on his blood. Except it was his magic, not his blood. His half-asleep mind wondered, What happens if a tick drinks too much, too fast? Without the ability to reason out why this might turn out to be a very, very bad idea, he started feeding the creature a high-intensity stream of pure magic, a firehose of raw mana. Eagerly the creature drank, getting bigger and bigger, rapidly bloating to the size of one of the large creatures, and beyond. He heard it laughing triumphantly, mocking him for his stupidity or perhaps the ease with which he'd given up and surrendered to it, giving it exactly what it wanted. And then it exploded. For several minutes Discord floated there, breathing heavily even though he shouldn't technically need to at all. He converted himself back to matter, gathering the loose fragments of magic that had been released in the explosion and using them to make an oxygen bubble for himself, since he was high enough in the atmosphere that there wasn't enough oxygen to supply a matter-based draconequus body with its normal needs, let alone while he was hyperventilating. Some part of him must have recognized that the creatures weren't likely to have any adaptations to prevent overeating, in a universe where they had to devour each other to get any mana at all, he thought. It seemed unlikely to the point of near-impossibility that any of them would ever have an opportunity to devour as much magic, as fast, as he'd just thrown at that creature. He convinced himself that this had been a clever plan based on a recognition of the creature's weaknesses, so deeply buried in his subconscious that he'd had no trouble intuiting them while he was fogged and half-conscious from the creature feeding on him, rather than admit to himself that he'd just done something spectacularly stupid and had been incredibly lucky that it had worked. As he rose back out of the inner thaumosphere to continue his fight against the rest of them, he noted that several of the ones he'd convinced to stay back and attack the winner at the end were gone... and that the two largest of his opponents were significantly bigger and stronger than they'd been before. All of them circled him warily, their personal shields at maximum strength. Without trying to take any of them on, Discord teleported to the rift they'd come through. He left behind an illusion of himself so they wouldn't realize what he was doing, but the largest ones were strong enough now to see through the illusion instantly, and barked their orders accordingly. The entire swarm fell on him, trying to prevent him from sealing their escape route - not that they'd yet come to the belief that they'd need one, but they hadn't survived such a savage place as their home universe by being overconfident. He suspected that up until this moment they hadn't realized he had the power to seal dimensional rifts. Discord teleported out of the swarm before they could land on him, but only a short distance away. They followed. He teleported again. And again. Multiple hops, increasing the risk every time that one of the creatures following him would land straight in the maw of another; none of them trusted their comrades not to devour them. With good reason, considering the absence of about half of the ones he'd tricked into hanging back. The risk was too high for most of them; they started fanning out, teleporting to form a wide sphere around him rather than practically on top of him. Which meant that he had a precious second or two to cast the spell that would seal the rift before he had to throw his shields up again. They also hadn't realized his range; he didn't need to be on top of the rift to seal it as long as he knew it was there. Given that he could reach the sun from any point on the planet below, at any time, without having to have a special connection to it like Celestia did, his effective range was... not limitless, but far, far wider than they'd probably guessed. A brief touch of his energies against the rift so he could fully grasp its pattern, and he hadn't needed to stay there, touching it, to seal it. They fell on him then, radiating fury. The small ones and the only remaining midsize who wasn't hanging back clamped onto his shields, eating their way through. He couldn't shake them by teleporting again. The larger ones were sending waves of emotion at him - concepts like fear, apathy, despair, and weakness. Discord strengthened his shields against the barrage. In the long run, all that was going to do was feed his attackers, but he needed to buy a little time. He generated an illusion of himself faltering and collapsing, while he sent the concept of triumph, the joy of victory and the pleasure of feeding at them. Most of the creatures fell for it, eagerly devouring nothing in the belief that they had him in their grasp, freeing him to teleport away from them. The largest one shrieked in rage, having seen through his illusion right away, and flung more mana than he thought any individual one of the things had at him, warping space around him. Suddenly he was in a space made of impossible angles, where the fabric of spacetime itself bent around him in ways that would have broken a pony's mind. Discord's physical brain might not have been much better at comprehending this twisted space; reality had folded over itself, again and again, creating a labyrinth of dimensions that no three-dimensional creature could process or understand. But right now, Discord was made of magic, and fully in sync with his own nature as a creature of Chaos; he didn't need to truly comprehend. His perceptions brought information into his mind, unfiltered, and he responded without the need to impose the familiar on what he saw. The smaller entities pursued him into the maze. They were much more adept with the physical laws that had been imposed on the space around him than he was; he was reacting on instinct, accepting what his senses told him no matter how impossible his experience might say it was, but they were familiar with this kind of space and knew how to maneuver in it. There were places where spacetime folded in such a way that a creature he had evaded could go in the opposite direction from him, down a tunnel that pointed away, and then reappear above him or to his side, blocking his path. Two of them managed to chase him into a blind pocket, a dead end that there was no escape from. He could feed them until they popped, again, but if they were smart enough that they'd figured out how to disengage from seeing what he'd done to their comrade, all he'd do would be to make them more powerful. When all else failed, Discord was fond of simple solutions to complex problems. He tore a hole in spacetime. The density of space here, after multiple folds, made it impossible for him to make a shallow cut, the kind that would take him into a world where the laws of physics were at least vaguely similar to here; instead, he managed to cut his way into one of the Deep Dimensions, near the core of reality. Discord entered the rift, but only partially; there was a monobloc, a supermassive black hole the mass of a universe far below his rift, radiating magical energy and all the other kinds as well so intensely he'd be disintegrated long before the gravity pulled him in. A black hole would, eventually, suck everything in that came near it, but the corona of the black hole, at the edge of the event horizon, held so much energy that even its gravity couldn't quite cage it all; they radiated more intensely than any star possibly could, when they were this big and this powerful. Plus the laws of physics didn't work the same here. This was a universe immediately prior to a Big Bang, where all the matter and energy that there would ever be in that universe were gathered in a single impossible sinkhole. If Discord lost his grip on the rift and fell fully into the proto-universe, he wouldn't survive more than a moment. The creatures pursued him, falling for his ruse, and couldn't slow down or change direction in time as they came out in the other universe; they were instantly blasted by the quasar below. First the energies filled them, bloating them until they exploded; then those same energies imploded, crushed by the weight of all of a universe held in a single point, and were sucked down as strands of spaghetti. Had Discord been fully in that universe, he'd never have seen all of that; it was only because his timeflow was bound to his own universe that he could see what would take millions of years in a place where gravity was so intense that time itself could barely move. But then, had he been fully in that universe, he'd be dead quickly enough that even with time slowing to a crawl near the event horizon, he'd still have no opportunity to react or save himself. He pulled himself back out of the rift - and almost fell back in, pushed hard by the concept of gravity, setting "down" as his rift. One of the larger creatures must have sent that one, letting the spell ooze along the "walls" of the folded dimension until it found a target. Only by stretching himself across the rift, frantically pulling it back together as he braced himself against his own reality, could he manage to avoid being shoved in. As his rift closed enough that he could let go without falling in, he fled the cul-de-sac of impossible angles and folded space that he was in, dodging as more of the small creatures came at him. The entities were going all out, now. His senses for magic told him that the ones who he'd tricked into sitting out the battle had come back in; now all of the mid-size and all of the larger ones were ranged around his labyrinth, blocking the exits, as small creatures zipped through the corridors of non-Euclidean geometry, hungry for him. They had learned. They would hit him, grab a draught of his magic and life force as they struck, and then zip off before he could retaliate. He threw concepts at them, but ineffectively; they understood the geometry of this place, and every time they hit him they dazed him, biting into his intelligence. Meanwhile, the large opponents keeping him boxed in were sending more concepts, loneliness and heartbreak and exhaustion... things too close to his actual weaknesses, the things he felt deep down, for him to have any good defense if they hit him. And the labyrinth kept changing. The creatures weren't so overwhelmingly powerful that they could keep feeding power into it to change it, but Discord's instincts told him it wasn't random; they were using some sort of complex mathematical algorithm. Simple math was almost impossible for Discord, who could barely count and had a hard time remembering the results of simple addition or subtraction; but complex, highly advanced math was something he seemed to understand by intuition, particularly when it related to patterns. He understood Order. An agent of Chaos had to, else how could he disrupt it? He flew, dodging both the small creatures and the spells ricocheting off the walls, mapping out the pattern of the labyrinth's changes. In this space, he couldn't reach or draw from the planetary thaumosphere, and every time his opponents landed a hit on him they drained him and strengthened themselves. They had no route home anymore and no way to get more mana except by devouring it, but there was only one of him and still a good number of them. This wasn't sustainable. He had to find a way to defeat them and get out of here, but there were only so many exits from this twisted space, and his experience in trying to cut his way through told him that he wasn't going to be able to get to anywhere he wanted to go and it was going to take way too much energy to try. And the exits were blocked by entities. Some of them were only middleweights, but after his first fight with a small one that had tried to devour him, Discord didn't want to fly directly into one of them any more than he wanted to fly directly into one of the large ones. They had him completely bottled up. Which gave him an idea. As two of the small ones came toward him, Discord made no attempt to flee. Instead, he generated a Klein bottle of spacetime out of the passageway in front of him, and sealed it behind the two creatures as they skidded into it. He contracted it so it could easily fit in the tiny dimensional spaces that had been created by the folding space, and imposed his will on it to accelerate time inside. There were things he could do out here, far from the planetary thaumosphere, that would be so dangerous within the inner thaumosphere that for all intents and purposes they weren't even in his repertoire there. An entropy vortex was one such thing. Time acceleration was another. When time was accelerated in a sequestered space, the heat energy released by normal entropic decay would have nowhere to go; it couldn't dissipate across the time differential. The more matter was trapped in fast-time, the more heat would be generated. Magic didn't tend to decay into heat, it decayed into raw, unpatterned magic, but the same thing would happen. Within the accelerated Klein bottle, the tiny amount of hydrogen that could be found in the vacuum of space wouldn't be sufficient to get really hot, whereas capturing any portion of the atmosphere of a planet would heat to solar fusion levels very, very quickly if the time was accelerated as high as he was doing now. But the magic of the two entities trapped within was a different story. The creatures would expend a great deal of magic trying to escape, and then they would starve to death and dissipate completely into raw magic, and the temporal pressure would ensure that the magic would reach explosive levels at some point. The idea was not to be all that close to his Klein bottle when that happened. It was a huge expenditure of magic on his own part, and he couldn't compensate by drawing from the thaumosphere, so this was a large risk, but it had to be done. He had to escape this maze of dimensions and impossible angles, or they'd wear him down and win by attrition. He charged for one of the exits, one guarded by the smallest of the mid-size creatures. As he ran/flew/skated across reality, he wove a fear spell around his bottle, designed to be powered off of any raw magic it encountered. The creature saw him coming, but stood its ground, pseudopods of energy extending to try to grasp him before he could get close enough to escape. He folded space and gravity so that the creature was "down" and the Klein bottle rolled (more or less; it wasn't made of matter, so it couldn't actually roll) toward the creature, who, of course, punctured it to try to drink the magic it was made of. The resulting explosion did not actually kill the middleweight; it was still alive after so many of its comrades had died in this battle, largely because it had excellent reaction time. But it couldn't avoid the fear spell that was flung outward by the explosion, powered by the raw magic contained within the time bottle. Shrieking, the creature fled, terrified. There was now raw magical energy all over the place; the living creatures that had contained most of that magic before were gone, their patterns disrupted to nothingness. Discord sucked in the magic as he cleared the edge of the labyrinth, crossing the realicline into familiar three-dimensional space. The labyrinth collapsed. Apparently something had been fueling it, and that something had been himself. Discord was shocked to realize how much weaker he was than he'd thought when he was in the labyrinth; somehow the space itself had been drawing energy from him, sustaining itself off of his magic. If he'd known, he might not have created that Klein bottle. Although, considering that he'd have still needed something spectacular to escape with, maybe he would have. Without the labyrinth sitting in the space between him and them, all of the creatures now had a clear, straight-line shot at him, and he was weakened. The entire swarm, including the large ones, charged at him. Discord fled. Many of the attacks they flung at him landed; he didn't have the strength to dodge or shield from everything. He only blocked or dodged the deadly ones; the ones that were just intended to crush him emotionally and beat him into submission from the inside got through. He laughed, and cried, and screamed in terror, sometimes simultaneously, as their attacks bombarded his emotions, but he kept running. This isn't real, he sobbed when the sudden despair hit and the desire to just give up. They're doing this to me. I don't want to let them win. And then anger and overweening pride, almost enough to make him give up his flight, turn around and attack them. Almost. The sheer number of emotional attacks blasting him made his emotional state too chaotic for him to be able to decide to do anything except what he was already doing, because no emotional state could last long enough for him to make a decision to change tactics. Behind him, he flung land mines of doubt, caltrops of confusion, spiked pits of hunger. He cast illusion after illusion, but none of them were good enough to make the creatures lose track of him. When one of the largest ones barreled into his hunger concept, it stopped to devour some of its comrades that had fallen prey to his other traps, a middleweight and two small ones that were consumed with confusion or doubt. There were few enough left now that he could count them, six or seven or something like that, but most of the ones left were large and powerful. Ahead of him, he cast another illusion, but it looked exactly like what was really there, so he didn't think they'd noticed. He hoped, anyway. One last large working. Do or die time. If this didn't work, he'd have nothing left, but time wasn't on his side here. The energy that had been stolen from him was his essence, the energy he was made of in his magical form, not anything he could quickly or easily replenish, and every spell he cast drew on some of that regardless of how much energy he could draw from other sources to power the spell itself. He needed a decisive win, quickly, or they'd wear him down. The creatures had only performed one working as large as his entropy vortex, or his Klein bottle of time, or his transforming a creature into antimatter, and that large working, the imposition of the laws of their spacetime on a small section of his, had somehow been keyed to power itself from him. He'd killed most of them, but none of the ones who were left were anywhere near as drained as he was. When he reached the place where he'd placed his illusion, he stopped and turned, gasping despite the continuing lack of a need for oxygen in his magical form. A scattershot of spells toward them, small entropy spells and fear concepts and a hunger or two. None were supposed to hit, though he would hardly be unhappy if they did. The point was to hide the larger working he was performing. His spells didn't hit. And then they were on him, surrounding him, warping space around him so he couldn't teleport. The dimensionality remained the same but space thickened, toughened. Now he could only run by physically moving through space. Only seven of them. Not enough to form a sphere. But they took up positions roughly approximating a dome, moving in on him. Recognizing that he was too tired to keep running, he guessed. He'd chosen to make a last stand here, and thus they were behaving as if he was cornered, and in some senses he was. Far away, something large and ponderous groaned, resisting the pull of his magic with its weight and inertia. Even farther away, he felt the towering rage of a pony, a disharmony so near to his heart that he could sense it from even this distance, and magic trying to resist his. It was useless, of course. His magic was already in motion; he'd put enough power into the spell that nothing was going to stop it. With what little was left of his strength, he shielded against the creatures. They attacked full force. Again, he blocked the deadliest spells, but part of his mind recognized them as a feint, something they knew he'd waste his strength on defending against, so that the spells they actually intended to hit him would get through. And they did. He was struck with a barrage of futility, despair, exhaustion, recognition of weakness. The sense of being defeated, of resignation, of surrender. He knew the emotions came from their attacks, but he was generally ruled by emotion; he had little defense against his emotions turning on him. He was close to giving in, dropping his shields and letting them end him, when a thaumosphere rushed at him, similar enough to the thaumosphere of his world that its touch invigorated him. A magic created by chaos churning, the fire of creation blazing, reshaping the elements of matter themselves. The others felt the rush of magic before the gravity, and the gravity before Discord's illusion broke down and they perceived the blinding light. With all of his strength, Discord dodged out of the way, shooting straight down out of the plane of his weapon's approach. It wasn't enough. The corona caught him, fire and heat and magic so intense even he was hard-put to hold himself together, but the magic created here was raw and chaotic and part of his world, and he'd felt that magic so many times before - in battle, in love, or when he reached to touch it and use it of his own accord, as he'd just done. It was destructive but it was familiar and he took as much strength from it as it took from him in burning him. The entities were not so fortunate. A tiny star, a blazing fusion reactor held together by magic, barreled into them, swallowing them, pulling them into its core. The ones that tried to feed on the magic exploded. The ones that tried, desperately, to hold themselves together in the face of such overwhelming chaos... failed. One managed to hold itself together - and then, far-distant Celestia caught her star with her magic, her rage at Discord's tearing it from its orbit causing the star to blaze hotter than ever, and all foreign magic within it was crushed and swallowed and torn by Celestia's will bearing down on it, purifying the star. With what had to be a mind-boggling level of effort, her magic wrenched it back, pulling it away from Discord and back toward where it belonged. A good thing; he wasn't sure he'd have had the strength to flee its gravity, himself. Other planets had full-size stars, and he'd tested himself against some of them. They were much, much too far away for magic wielded on a planet to manipulate, and much, much too massive for even his magic to do much. His world had a star so small, it wouldn't fuse atoms or hold itself together if it weren't bound to itself by magic... but it was still a star. Still a raging, massive fusion reactor, considerably larger than the moon and much further away. It had taken everything he had to pull it here. He wouldn't have had the strength to put it back. Luna was helping. Distantly he could feel her magic as well, pulling on Celestia's sun, helping Celestia wrestle it back to its proper spot. Good. He hadn't wanted to save the world from entities that would devour magic and thought, only to have it die of the cold and darkness with the loss of its sun. Discord drifted in space, too weak and tired to do anything else. He didn't have the strength to reach out to the thaumosphere and pull in more energy. He was only alive because the sun's magic was inherently chaotic. Maybe eventually he'd regather enough of his strength to return to his world. Maybe he wouldn't. Right now, he no longer cared. The spells that had gotten through, at the end, would have devastated him if he weren't so tired. If he tried to marshal his thoughts, to think something constructive, all he could think about was how no one on that world below would ever believe he'd just risked his life to save them all, and none of them would care, and if he did die up here they'd all either throw a party or simply ignore his death completely, and no. Much easier to drift, without thinking, without remembering, without trying to feel anything at all. And then a rectangular box, upright and apparently made of wood, appeared in space. That's my time machine, Discord thought, his emotions too emptied from the attacks he'd endured to feel anything more than mild surprise. It changed to slightly more intense surprise when a brown Earth pony wearing a tie stuck his head out of the box, and shouted into the airlessness of space. "That's him! Great whickering stallions, he looks terrible!" You probably wouldn't look so great yourself if you'd just hit a bunch of mind-devouring eldritch horrors from another dimension with the sun, Discord thought, but was too tired to actually say it. Wow, Celestia is going to be so angry with me. I can't wait to see it. The thought cheered him up slightly, restoring just a fraction of his energy. He wondered how an earth pony was shouting into the vacuum of space, but not enough to bother using his perceptions to detect the pony's patterns and figure it out. "Of course he looks terrible, he's just nearly been killed fighting off creatures that would have devoured every mind in Equestria, and everywhere else in the world as well," a very familiar voice that Discord had thought he'd never hear again said, and Starswirl the Bearded stuck his head out of the time machine. "Well? Don't just float there, boy! Swim on over here, we're here to rescue you!" Discord prided himself on the ability to adapt to anything, absorb any new information, and never, ever reject anything he saw with his own eyes or heard with his own ears as "impossible", but his old teacher and an obviously non-magical pony attempting to rescue him, in his own time machine no less, was apparently over his limit. Who knew? He stared at Starswirl uncomprehendingly. "He's plainly been through a lot, Star," the earth pony said. "Maybe you should reel him in." "Hush, Turner. He's perfectly capable--" "He seems to be missing most of his left half," the earth pony pointed out. "He might be less capable than you think, at the moment." "Oh, all right." Magic tugged at Discord, pulling him toward his time machine and the two stallions. Wait, my left half is missing?... Huh, so it is. Must've forgotten to rebuild that. I wonder when it got zapped. Discord mustered up enough energy to regenerate most of his missing left side, but couldn't be bothered with his goat leg yet. The talon was important though. It was so much easier to snap his talons than it was to snap the digits of his lion paw. Too soft. As he tumbled into the time machine, the earth pony shoved the door closed, and the aura of Starswirl's magic winked out. Today it was bigger on the inside, which was interesting, because Discord could never get that spell to hold while he was actually using the thing to travel in time, which meant Starswirl had managed to pull off something he couldn't and he really needed to learn how the stallion had done it. Later. "My time machine," he said, his voice hoarse and gravelly. Apparently he hadn't come back into the form of matter as complete as he'd been when the creatures had first annihilated his body. His vocal chords didn't seem quite right. "We've got him!" the earth pony said. "Let's get back to Equestria. Allons-y, as they say in Prance!" "I haven't got it in me to do a warp," Starswirl said. "We'll have to take the long way home, unless Discord can manage to pull himself together enough to teleport us. How about it, boy? Got a teleport in you, or no?" Starswirl had disappeared over four hundred years ago. Discord and the alicorns had thought he was dead. "I'm pretty sure I'm older than you," he managed to croak out. "Yes, yes, most likely, but to me you'll always be that crazy boy who kept trying to dump snails on my head. Do you need a doctor? Because the closest we have is the Doctor here, Ti--" "Spoilers, Star! Just call me Dr. Hooves. We know each other in the future, you see." "Why do you have my time machine?" "Sorry, that's also spoilers! Though it's a magnificent piece of work, completely brilliant. I have to admit, when I knew you in the future, you always struck me as more of a goof than a genius, but this is amazing! How did you do it?" "Chaos," Discord mumbled, waving one paw aimlessly. "He'll never explain how he did it," Starswirl said in a cranky tone. "He probably doesn't even remember. Genius boy, but disorganized and fluff-brained to the point where you wonder why he doesn't lose his head." "Well." The earth pony - Dr. Hooves? - hit some buttons on the time machine, and Discord felt it come to a complete stop in space, an absolute stop rather than a relative one, which meant that the planet was now rushing toward them at thousands of gallops an hour as it whirled through space. "By my calculations, it should only be a couple of hours before the world catches up to us, and then we can activate motion again and head on down!" At some point Discord was going to want an explanation as to how Starswirl knew he was in trouble, and where he got Discord's time machine, and why he was traveling with an earth pony from the future, and why he wasn't dead, but right now he was too tired for any of that. He knew he shouldn't let his guard down around any pony, even Starswirl, but right now it was impossible to care. Discord closed his eyes and curled up on the floor of his time machine. "I want a blanket," he mumbled, and didn't bother staying awake long enough to know if they'd given him one or not.
Maybe Love Bites Twice	pre	Sparky gives a little smile as he turns his attention to the rain still pelting against the window, "Y-ya...I can get something in a little." Violet gives a little smile as she turns her attention back to one of the other books at the end table behind her. To the mare's turned eyes Sparky adjust the uncomfortable wet satchel around him as he tries to plan out for the mare's late night request. End of chapter 4
Maybe Love Bites Twice	Chapter 5	Chapter 5 - Why plan? The morning sun hangs unusually high in the sky today, which would make you think that Twilight perhaps slept in a little later. But, seeing as how that is unlucky the next best thing is that the sun was just raised faster today. This totally plausible fact tumbles in your head for a few moments, which is a decent break from the normal thoughts you have had since Rainbow came back to the house yesterday with everypony else. Truthfully when you first heard the idea of Luna being some bad pony you just shrugged it off, especially seeing as how Celestia's letter said that she still had Luna...But after hearing Twilight and her friends talk for the better part of the day you realized that the slightly socially awkward princess of the night whom you and Twilight had baby sit Violet a few times may have not been the nice and kind pony you took her for. Still though, you have a weird feeling in the back of your mind about the whole situation. You slowly start to drift from your thoughts as you turn your attention to the lavender mare beside you, "Hey Twilight, how come Celestia only got us tickets but not anypony else?" The mare's locked stare to the castle's outer walls that continue to get closer and closer is broke for the moment as she turns her head to speak up, "The elements of harmony are no longer bound to me and my friends...Celestia most likely wants us because we were the last two ponies to have contact with them." She nods her head to the satchel she has on around her as she continues, "...I just hope that all of my old reports on the magic of friendship will help with connecting the elements back to harmony." You blink to the comment as you look over the bag, "What happens if they can't?" Your words hold the mare's attention as she shakes her head, "I don't want to think about that right now." Twilight slowly starts to turn her head back to the path in front of her as she continues, "It took over a thousand years for somepony to find the elements of harmony, and it was just by luck that me and my friends were able to connect to them." Twilight's tone makes the words stick a little to your mind as you shake your head, "I don't even think I believe in that kind of luck anymore." The strange confidence you have holds as Twilight turns her head back to you as you trail on, "You'll get that crown back to whatever it needs to be." A slight smile comes up too Twilight's face as she cocks her head, "I thought you were the negative one?" You cock your own smile too the comment as you turn your head back to the castle that now lays only a few hooves from you. However, your trot is brought to an end as an armored pegasus mare trots forward from the gate, "Halt, who goes there?" Twilight takes a step forward as she speaks up, "Twilight Sparkle." The guard mare blinks to the name as she takes a step back from the middle of the drawbridge, "O-oh sorry Mrs.Sparkle, Celestia has been expecting you." Twilight nods her head to the comment as she starts forward, "Thank you." You follow after her as you swing your head around the few guard ponies that seem to be going about their normal routines. As the trot through the castle courtyard starts to come a little more towards the center you trot a little more next to the mare as you speak up, "Do you think Aerolight knows about everything?" Your words slow the mare's trot a little as she nods, "Of course, maybe we can stop by after this and see what he knows about Princess Luna." You nod to the comment as you move a little ahead of the mare and up the short staircase to open the door for the mare. The normally expected gesture goes for the most part unnoticed by the mare as you trot in behind her. The inside of the castle is definitely something you have become familiar with over the years, however that does not mean all of your old feelings are put to rest. Which really is no surprise, especially seeing as how nine out of ten castles you get summoned to always end up with some kind of problem. But as you look around to the various guards, maid and random ponies that just trot around the halls you walk down you begin to allow your mind to rest. You and Twilight's trot through the castle's hallways comes to its end as you both now stare to the closed doors of the throne room. Twilight moves ahead of you as she sparks her horn to one of the doors and begins to move inside with a slight smile, "Princess." The word brings your legs up a little faster as you move inside to stand next to the mare, all the while as you hold your eyes to the sight in front of you. The stained glass windows light the room up with a colorful and cheerful lighting that even shines to the large throne towards the back of the room where the white mare sits. However, for the moment your eyes turn to the familiar crystal mare that stands a little next to the throne with a few pieces of papers floating to her magic. However, as you stare to the two ponies you start to realize the one thing they have in common, they both look to be tired or stressed. "Hello Twilight." Celestia's calm voice rolls from her seated position as she turns her head to the crystal pony next to her, "Starlight could you give us a moment please?" The mare nods to the comment as she floats her papers from Celestia and begins to trot towards the throne room's door. But she gives a little pause to her trot as she gives you and Twilight a little nod hello, which you both return. Her nod however does not hinder her pace as she moves out of the room and closes the doors behind her. Just as the doors close Celestia's voice comes up, "Thank you for coming so fast Twilight." Before the mare can really finish her sentence Twilight speaks up as she takes a little step forward, "What happened Princess, has Luna really turned?" Celestia seems to hesitate for the moment as she speaks up, "Yes, and this is why I need your help." She does not move from the throne as her calm voice continues to ring out, "I have been able to break Discord's spell over the crown, but I fear my magic may not be enough to fully revert the crown back to its original state." Twilight proudly holds her head up as she taps her hoof to the satchel around her, "Not to worry Princess, me and my friends were able to find our old friendship reports, with them we should be able to reconnect with the elements." The words do not alter Celestia's expression a she just speaks up again, "I'm sorry Twilight but I have reason to believe the crown will only be reactivated with something of equal power." Your ear flicks to the comment as you start to think a little, what could be as strong as the elements of harmony? You hold the thought as you try to remember everything you know about magic and how it affects literally everything. However, this thought only brings the idea that Celestia is about to ask you to find some element tree or something like that. "...I need you to bring the Crystal Heart to the castle." Celestia's words bring you back to reality as you now listen to Twilight's question, "The crystal heart?" "Yes." Celestia nods her head as she continues, "The Crystal Heart is the only other easily obtained power source of harmony." Twilight blinks to the comment as she cocks her head, "Princess are you sure it's safe to take the Crystal Heart from the city?" The words quickly bring a response from Celestia as she speaks up, "I have been looking into magic and its effects on the ponies around it, and I believe that as long as we use the heart quickly and return it there will be no problem." You slowly bring your voice out as you speak up, "What could happen to the Crystal Empire?" Your words turn Celestia's head as she stares to you for a moment, but her silent stare is brought to an end as she nods, "The Crystal Empire would just feel a little different, but nothing of true concern." Twilight now brings her voice up as she holds her voice to a respectful low, "Princess what if we were to take the crown to the empire instead?" "No." Celestia shakes her head as she continues, "We can not risk somepony taking the crown, even in it's current state it could be used for the wrong reasons. At least with the Heart it is active, and will not allow itself to be used for anything other than its purpose." Twilight slowly nods her head to the comment as she speaks up, "Yes Princess." "Thank you Twilight, I know I knew I could trust you." Celestia holds a little smile as she bows her head a little, "Do make sure you send a letter when you have removed the Heart." "Yes Princess." As Twilight's words come down the lavender mare turns back to you as she begins to trot towards the doors, you follow her turned trot as you follow her out into the hallway. However just as you close the doors behind you the crystal mare waiting outside comes towards you and Twilight with a little smile, "Well that was faster than I had expected..." The mare lowers her head a little as she continues a bit sheepish, "I trust the Princess has not asked something to hard." You look over the mare's expression a little surprised. Sure it must be a bit disheartening for Celestia's newest errand pony to be passed up on one of Princess Do-nothing's little tasks, but it is not like these are the kind of things everypony should beg for. Before you can bring your voice up Twilight speaks up, "Yes, but at least this way we can stop by and see Aerolight." Starlight gives a little smile to the comment as she brings her voice out, "Do tell him I say hello, I we were going to catch up but...Not after yesterday." Twilight cocks her head to the comment as she speak up, "Where you here yesterday?" "Oh yes." Starlight's ears flop down a little as she continues, "I was the first pony to find Celestia and Luna after she must have changed....When I saw them Luna had taken the element of harmony crown." She shakes her head a little as she squints to the ground, "I just do not understand why the crown's magic would have lasted so long in Luna, especially if that was the only thing holding back Nightmare Moon?" Twilight nods to the comment as she stays silent for the moment. However, her silence brings the crystal mare's voice up as she brings her head back to a normal position, "Well I should get back to Princess Celestia, I have not yet finished showing her my report." Twilight's expression changes a little to the comment as she nods, "Of course." You and her both take a step aside as the mare returns to the throne room. To the absent hallway you and Twilight bring your trots up as you set out to the train you inevitably have to get back on. - - - (A few moments later) The trot back through the castle only takes a few moments, however as you exit through the castle doors Twilight breaks her thinking silence, "We still have a little until we have to get to the next train, we should stop by and see-..." "Twilight!" A deep stallion's voice turns yours and Twilight's heads as you both turn to a decorative armored blue unicorn stallion trotting from a small group of guards in the courtyard. Twilight sparks a smile to her face at the pony's sight as she speaks up, "StoneGem." You look over the stallion with your own smile, but it starts to fade as you look over his up all night eyes. Despite his expression he holds a cheerful tone as he stops his trot a little in front of you both, "I had figured Celestia would summon you two here." A slight sigh comes from the stallion as he nods, "At least I can rest a little easier tonight." Twilight nods a little to the comment as she speaks up, "The Princess already knows how to help Luna..." Her ear flicks to her own words as she lowers her head a little, "How is she?" StoneGem gives another little sigh as he speaks up, "She has refused to talk to anypony...I would take you to her, but Celestia has made it clear to everypony that no one is to see her with her presence." Twilight cocks her head to the comment, but she holds her tongue as she speaks up with a different question, "Where is Aerolight today? We want to see him before we get going." A slight chuckle comes up from StoneGem as he speaks up, "Aerolight asked to do the night shift tonight...It's a little unusual for him but I would guess it was because of the mare he had with him. Of course with the situation I still told him to stay alert and-..." "What mare?" Twilight's voice comes up a little over StoneGem's as she awaits an answer. StoneGem shrugs as he speaks up, "I'm not sure, some pegasus." The words just bring Twilight's voice up a little more as she shakes her head, "Well what did she look like?" StoneGem just blinks to the comment as he shrugs, "Sorry Twilight it's been a little hectic the last two days, I can't really keep track of Aerolight, and seeing as how he's matured over the last few months I don't need to." He turns his head back to the small group of ponies still in the courtyard as he speak up, "Sorry Twilight, but I need to get everypony on the same page today." You nod to the stallion as you say good bye and begin to push the mare along, "Come on Twilight maybe Aerolight is busy." Your words bring the mare's voice up as she blows a little to the comment, "Pfff, we can stop by for a moment, i'm sure he won't mind." A slight smirk comes to your face as you nod your head, note to self, God Princess of the night may have turned evil and want to take over the world, son still more important... The thought holds a slight smile to your face as you turn an eye to the fast paced mare beside you, at least I corrupted her in a good way. End of chapter 5
Maybe Love Bites Twice	Chapter 6	Chapter 6 - Visitor? The trot through the awaking city proved a little more today than you or Twilight would have thought, especially in the residential area. But, as the simple two story house comes within a few hooves Twilight's voice comes up, "We'll just say hello and get going." You just give a simple nod to the comment as you continue to let the mare's excuse for wanting to see this mare Aerolight took the day off for slide. As you near the front door of the house Twilight trots forward as she knocks her hoof to the door. However after a few moments no pony comes to the door. Twilight again brings her hoof to the door, this time as she calls out a little, "Aerolight, it's your parents are you home?" You wiggle your hoof to the mare as you speak up, "Maybe he's not home?" Your words slowly bring the mare's hoof from the door as she waits for the moment, "...Oh, I hope he's okay." A slight chuckle comes from you as you shake your head, "I'm sure he's fine...Now, shouldn't we be heading back to the train station?" Twilight slowly turns her eyes from the door as she nods, "Yes, the next train should be here within the hour, at least we can be early for it." You nod to the comment as you speak up, "Good, somepony has to do Princess Do-nothing's bidding." Twilight gives an annoyed sigh as she turns to you, "Celestia has done a lot for everypony, and a lot for us. I can't even imagine how hard it is for her to face this problem again." The mare's strong tone brings a nod from you as you stretch your legs out a little, "Then let's not try and bother Aerolight with it." As your words come down the mare brings her trot up and back towards the street you only just came from. - - - (Across Equestria) The young stallion's eyes continue to shut for the moment as his head rocks to the sway of the moving surface he rides on. However, as his thoughtless mind and closed eyes are finally shot open as his head bangs against something. Aerolight quickly jumps a little to the upright position he sits in as he frantically looks around to try and place himself. But before he can a little giggle flicks his ear and he now snaps his eyes to the pale green pegasus mare with mint and white mane, "How was your sleep?" Aerolight just blinks to the never before seen young mare as he quivers his mouth for the moment, "Um...I...Uhhh..." The mare across from him holds a little smile as her girly and giggly voice comes up again, "You know, you look pretty cute when you're clueless...Mr.Guard." The word flicks Aerolight's ear as he blinks to the mare, "M-Milky?" A little smirk holds to the mare's face as she speaks up, "Have you been cheating on me?" Aerolight's mouth again quivers as he tries to think through his confused and slightly dazed mind, all the while as he continues to look around the train car he currently resides in. Judging from the sun outside and the lacking ponies it seems to be early in the morning, however this fact brings no cooling sensation of clarity as the young stallion just struggles to remember even walking to the train, let alone getting on it, "W-what's going on?" The mare across from him loses her smile a little as she cocks her head, "You don't remember?" "N-no..." Aerolight's voice raises a little as he looks over the mare, "A-and who are y-...." Before his words can come to a finish his mouth binds with a little green magic to his lips. The mare across from him just smiles as her green eyes sparkle a little to the early morning light, "You know Aerolight you are a lot easier to deal with when you're asleep." The magic to his lips slowly comes undone as the pegasus in front of him continues, "...But I was getting lonely." Aerolight just blinks to the mare as he speaks up in a lower voice, "Where are we going?" The mare cocks her head as she looks the stallion over, "Don't you remember?" She turns her attention towards the window as she playfully starts to tap her hoof to the glass, all the while as her almost school filly like attitude comes through in her young girly voice, "You took off work today to take me to see something special..." She cocks her head back to the stallion across from her as she holds a playful little smirk to his confused stare, "...I do hope you intend to make this trip worthwhile." Aerolight just shakes his head to the comment as he speaks up, "W-what special something?" The mare holds a smile as she turns her eyes back to the window, "I can't believe you would forget what you told your filly friend...Why if my name wasn't Minty Hooves I might start to think you forgot all about the good sight seeing you promised." "Minty Hooves?" Aerolight blinks to the name as he slowly drifts his hoof to his head and whispers to himself, "What happened last night?" However, the young stallion does not stare to the floor of the train for long as he turns his head to the window. The train's speed has held to a steady and quick roar as it continues to barrel through the bright spring fields that sits to the outskirts of the large crystal city that sits a little down the rails. Aerolight just blinks to the sight as the mare across from him turns back to his stare with a little smile. "Oh Aerolight..." The young stallion slowly turns his head as he looks over the mare that now leans a little closer to him. "Do you remember last night?" Aerolight holds his tongue for the moment as he just looks to the pale green mare in front of him, "Yes." Minty holds her little smirk as she studies the stallion's face, "And what did you want to know last night?" The words again stump the stallion for a moment as he continues to search his mind through the confused haze he sits in, "I asked....um....Why you came back?" "Yes, you did." Minty's smile widens a little as she turns her head to playfully stare to the stallion, "Ask me that question." Aerolight squints to the mare as he slowly brings his voice out, "W-why did you come back?" The mare slowly brings her front hooves to the stallion's bottom knees as she stares deep to his eyes, "I can't tell you...And you have to trust me." Despite the mare's new body and voice there is one thing that has stayed the same, and that is her eyes. The strong, deep colored pupils that stare back to the younger stallion are what his own gaze latches to as he speaks up in a low voice, "A-alright Milky..." The name brings a slight smirk to the mare's face as she nods, "My name is Minty, and you are going to show me what I have always wanted to see, ever since I was a little filly...The Crystal Heart." End of Chapter 6
Maybe Love Bites Twice	Chapter 7	Chapter 7 - Hooves out The early morning sun well over most of the crystal buildings as it continues to shine down its warming rays. Despite the fact that it is still a little early the light refracting through the crystal made structures around the city's main street glows with a bright and cheerful coloring. The colorful lights that sit a little to the simple light blue street however bring no interest to the light purple mare. Instead, her focus has been to the ponies around the street she tries to refrain from getting to close to, for fear of one of them bumping into her a little to hard. A loud and slightly annoying intake of air comes up from the stallion on her left as Sparky's voice rings out, "We should really move to the outer part of the city." Violet's ear flicks to the comment as she just squints to the stallion with a, why? Like look. Sparky notices the mare's stare as he nods to the more spaced out buildings around them, "Well it's a lot more like Ponyville's main street." He takes another deep breath as he smiles, "And that hard stone like smell is not that bad out here." The mare just rolls her eyes to the comment as she nods her head back to the road behind them. It takes a moment for the pegasus to pick up on the gesture, but with a pretty good guess of what she means he speaks up, "It's not really that far from the castle" The stallion turns his eyes back to the castle that still sits a decent way from them." A slight laugh comes up from the stallion as he turns back to the more open fields of green that sit to the empire's outer area, "Come on, you don't miss Ponyville a little?" The comment turns the mare's head as she starts to take a look around the fields to either side of her. But she does not agree to the stallion's comment as she just continues to trot along. Sparky just sighs to the mare's turned eyes as he adjust his wings from the two satchels he has around him, "You'll like Ponyville again when you get back." As his words come down he turns his attention to the crystal and dark wood train station that starts to get within a short gallop. However, his eyes shift from their set goal as he, like the majority of other ponies around him look to the sky for some reason. The strange impulse to look up holds Sparky's trot as he just blinks to the clear blue sky. But his stare is brought to an end as the mare that has moved a little in front of him tugs to his mane with her low glowing horn. Sparky brings his eyes down as he gives a slight chuckle, "I have no idea why I stopped kind of wer-..." Before the stallion's words can reach their end a loud and unexpected sound of lightning cracking over head cuts his sentence off. The sound brings Sparky's head up as he looks to a bizarre stream of green, pink and gold light almost like a rainbow. But, instead of the normal defined lines of a rainbow these colors seem to be smeared across the sky, stranger still it seems to be growing. Sparky blinks to the sight in the sky as he reaches his hoof out towards the mare, "Violet do you se-..." Sssshhhiiiizzzzzzz The sound piercing noise brings Sparky's hooves back to his ears as he stumbles back a little, however as he quickly brings his eyes open he stares to a bright blue wall of magic that has formed in front of him. The pegasus quickly springs forward as he shouts to the mare on the other side, "Violet?! Violet?!" Sparky's words go unheard to the pregnant mare as she just stares dumbfounded to the wall of magic that has popped up in between them. But her gaze to the wall is quickly changed as she snaps her head towards the bright sky and swirling colors above her. The three colored lights have now started to spin together, and from the whipping mane on Violet's head there must be some force to it. Sparky bangs his hoof to the wall in front of him as he screams out, "Violet, can you hear me!? Violet?!" The mare does not turn her head as she just continues to stare to the bright colors that lay only to the sky behind the wall. However, the sight of the mare is quickly brought to an end as the wall of magic glows bright with the white similar to that of the sun's, which quickly forces Sparky to turn his eyes. His heart pounds as he shoots his eyes open and quickly back towards the wall of magic, however as he stares out into the world outside of the wall he is left with a completely different scene. The bright green fields with spring flowers that roll towards the woods and crystal train station are now bare with bright white fires burning to them. No train tracks are visible and the train station is no where to be seen, but the thing that now has the stallion slamming his body full force towards the wall is the absent mare that no longer stands behind this wall of magic. "VIOLET!!" Sparky's voice is weak as he feels himself starting to break down as he continues to stare into the fiery world that lays behind the bubble of magic he is trapped in. But just as he feels himself starting to lose his mind out of fear the scene in front of him turns dark. Sparky's mouth quivers to the impossibly black screen that sits outside of the magical wall. The dark world outside quickly changes again as a purpley green wisp of what looks like magic starts to form in front of where Sparky stands. The form quickly starts to take shape as two green and red eyes open to face directly towards the pegasus. Sparky just blinks to the sight behind the wall of magic as he speaks up in a low shaky voice, "S-Sombra?" The figure takes on a ghostly like shape as it gets a little closer, with each inch it comes closer the dark gray coat and outline of the pony gets a little more visible. And just as it seems that Sombra is about to walk right into the wall of magic the world around Sparky disappears into nothing but a simple black background, to which the stallion pays no mind. "Hello Sparky..." The red horn of the stallion slowly starts to form from the shadows around Sombra as his echoey voice continues to ring out, "...I must choose my words carefully, or your mind might kick me out. My friend you must understand this dream if you wish to safe yourself and your mare." Just as the words ring out Sombra's figure starts to fade and the stallions green eyes look up towards where the sky once sat. Sparky's heart pounds as he blinks to the fading figure in front of him, "W-what?! TELL me! Tell what you want? Sombra? Sombra..." - - - Sparky's whispers slowly bring the sweaty stallion awake as he quickly sits up in the bed. His hooves dart to his tear filled eyes as he desperately tries to remember something from the fading nightmare he was just stirred from. His slightly frantic motions start to disturb the sleeping mare next to him as Violet clenched her eyes a little tighter all the while trying to pull the blanket that was just moved back over her. The mare's early morning noises flicks Sparky's ear as he quickly turns to the mare and wraps his hooves around her, "Violet!" The tight grip the mare has just been locked to quickly flings her eyes open as she tries to push herself from the stallion's hold. Sparky is a little reluctant to let go but he does as Violet begins to use her magic to pull his mane. As she frees herself she brings her hooves up as she gives an annoyed and rushed comment. "I-I just had a horrible nightmare." The mare blinks to the stallion's sweaty chest and face as he continues, "It-it was us and we were going to the train station and-and then this wall split us and I was trapped in the city! And then everything was on fire! And Sombra...muffpp-..." Sparky's mouth is warped shut as Violet gives a silent sigh, but her magic is brought to an end as she slowly sets her head back to the pillow. To the absent magic Sparky brings his voice up a little more as he continues, "I-I don't think we should go to Ponyville today." Violet cocks her head to the stallion as she gives a silent laugh, her hoof slowly comes to Sparky's mouth as she holds her smile. Sparky just blinks to the mare's reaction, but before he can bring his voice up Violet starts her hooves up. Her comment brings a fast response from the stallion as he shakes his head, "W-what? What does me being worried about being a dad have to do with a dream like this?!" The mare holds her little smile as she continues to just stare up to his serious face from her pillow. Again her hooves come up as she moves just a little close to the stallion. Sparky just shakes his head to the mare as he sits up a little more, "No, Violet this dream was way too real and-..." His words are cut off as Violet brings a hoof to his, as she wraps her hoof around his she guides it towards her large belly. Sparky bites his tongue hard not wanting to make the mare mad, especially seeing as how her mood swings could be at any moment. His pause has however started to allow his mind to doubt his own experience as he starts to entertain Violet's reason. She brings Sparky's hoof to rest over her belly as she turns a little more to her back to bring her hooves up for a quick comment. Sparky slowly grinds his teeth as he waits for the mare's lengthy words to come to an end, and as they do he slowly brings his voice up, "M-maybe we can send a letter to your mom huh? I mean all I have to do is take one to the library and they can send it to her with magic." Violet rolls her eyes to the comment as she turns her head towards the still early morning sun that peeks over the city. But, she does bring her head back to the stallion as she sparks up a comment. Sparky nods to her as he speaks up, "Ya we don't have to be at the station until noon, it only takes a few minutes for me to get to the library, and I can just tell her to send it back to the library." The mare gives a little nod as she sighs. "Alright i'll be back in a little." Sparky quickly moves from the bed as his voice rings out, but as he does his back leg gets tangled a little to the bed's covers and he tumbles to the ground. The unpleasant rush of cooler air brings Violet to push herself up from the coverless bed as she just stares towards where the stallion fell. Sparky quickly frees himself from the covers as he picks them from the ground and places them back to the bed, "S-sorry Violet." The mare just rolls her eyes as she starts to move towards the side of the bed. "You don't have to get up, we still have a few hours before we have to leave." The stallion's words bring the mare's horn up as she shakes her head and starts to float the covers of the bed up and into the air to make the bed. Sparky holds his head down a little as he trots towards the door, "I'll be back in a few minutes." Violet just nods her head as she glares a little to the bed she was brought from. The mare's stare goes unnoticed as Sparky makes quick words of the short staircase towards the stairs. Violet's spell begins to come to its end as she turns her attention to the hall, and then more importantly to the bathroom. Sparky's trot down the stairs is quick as he turns his attention to the kitchen table, his wings flair out a little as he starts to think out loud, "Okay Sparky it was just a dream...But lets send a letter just to make sure there's no random colors in the sky in Ponyville." His words pause his trot as he stands in the kitchen, "Oh man...I hope i'm not getting all those dreams Mr.Sparkle talked about." Sparky shakes the thought out of his head as he speaks up, "Paper...paper...paper-Ah!" The pegasus quickly takes himself from the ground as he grabs a sheet of paper and then turns back to the table to write something down with the pen Violet used to write the note she left out yesterday, which still sits to the table. The pegasus's hoof writing has never been as good as Violet, and truthfully the majority of letters sent out are written by her, but despite this fact Sparky continues to try to bring his racing mind to words. The sound of heavier hooves to the stairs start to clap to the house as the light purple mare just blinks to the stallion that hovers next to the kitchen table as he struggles to finish the letter he wanted to write. Violet squints to the stallion's almost rushed hoof movements as she gets a little closer, but she only watches out of the corner of her eye as she trots past the stallion and instead more into the kitchen. "There done." Sparky's hoover moves more towards the living room as he turns to the mare, "Alright I'll be back in a few minutes alright?" Violet just nods her head as she continues to stare into the fridge to allow her mind to pinpoint which unbearable craving she has this morning. Sparky moves to the door as he scoops up the satchel from the spot underneath the key rack. But just as he stuffs the letter into his bag the door on his left rings out with the sound of somepony knocking. The sound actually catches Sparky off guard for the moment as he turns to open it. However as he looks over the dark cream coated stallion at the door his voice comes up with a friendly and slightly confused tone, "Hey Aerolight?" Sparky's eyes slowly drift to the pale green mare next to the young stallion, but as no name comes to mind he turns back to Aerolight. Aerolight gives a little smile as he speaks up, "Hey Sparky, is Violet home? We were hoping she could show us around the crystal castle-..." Before his words can come to an end the mare on his right leans into him as a girly like squall of glee runs from her, "Like OH my Celestia, I totally did not believe you were like related to Thee Violet Sparkles." The mare's voice may be a little high pitched, but her realistic excitement brings a slight smile to Sparky's face as the mare pokes her head a little more towards him with a playful whisper, "I totally didn't believe him when he said our date was seeing the Crystal Empire!" Sparky gives a friendly little chuckle as he speaks up, "Ya... Um-." The pegasus's slight stutter is saved as the light purple mare comes next to him in the doorway. Aerolight's eyes widen to the mare's puffed outsides as he takes a step into the house, "Hey Violet." The mare next to Aerolight losses her smile for the moment as she looks over the other mare in front of her. Despite Violet's weight she is able to bring her right front leg up as she gives the young stallion a little hug. Sparky moves aside as he allows Aerolight and the mare to come inside. The flashy smile to Aerolight's face brings his voice up a little more to his normal tone as he turns to the pegasus in the room, "I knew you got my sister pregnant but I didn't think you would be having twins." Sparky's eyes widen to the comment as he quickly and nervously shakes his head, "N-no we're not having twins." Aerolight playfully turns his attention back to the mare as he holds his smile, "Maybe you should lay off the cupcakes huh?" The comment rolls Violet's eyes as she forces herself to keep her hooves on the ground instead of trying to risk a comment. Sparky however does speak up for her as he tosses a comment to the young stallion, "Well maybe somepony would know more about his sister if he came out of the shadows more than once a year." Minty just stands silent in the room as she watches the two stallions going back and forth with a slight smirk to her face. "Pff..." Aerolight just rolls his hoof to Sparky as he speaks up, "No normal pony gets this big after five months." His flashy smile holds as he turns back to the mare, "But then again when have we been normal?" The comment brings a slight wheezing laugh to Violet as she turns her attention back to the kitchen table to sit down. Minty however brings her voice up as she holds her girly tone, "You know I hear some unicorns can have an early pregnancy like nine months or something." Sparky's ear flicks to the mare's voice as he shakes his head, "No, we've been careful with everything." A slight smile comes to Minty's face as she nods, "Of course..." As her words end she turns her attention to the stallion next to her as she bumps Aerolight a little, "So are we going to the castle?" Aerolight is silent for a moment as he shifts his head between the two ponies in the room, "Oh this is Minty Hooves everypony." A slight chuckle comes up from the stallion as he continues, "And we were wondering if one of you could give us a tour of the castle." Minty quickly takes over as her excited voice comes out, "Yes of course, I have always wanted to see the castle." She brings her hoof up to her mouth as she continues, "...C-could we see the Crystal Heart as well?" Violet's ear flicks to the mare's comment as she turns her gaze to Sparky for the moment. The light orange pegasus pauses for a moment as he tries to speak up, "Uh...Well Aerolight we were actually planning on going to Ponyville to see everypony today, after I send a letter." "OH, do you mean like your parents?" Minty taps Aerolight as she continues, "Didn't that StoneGem tell you your mom and dad where getting summoned by Celestia?" Aerolight just blinks to the mare's words as he speaks up, "O-oh ya." Minty playfully taps Aerolight again as she looks to Sparky and Violet, "He took me along when he took today off for our little trip, isn't that right Aerolight?" The stallion just nods to the comment as he tries to give a little smile to Sparky and Violet's stares. "Wait? So your mom and dad are not in Ponyville?" Sparky holds his ears up to the next words as he impatiently waits for Aerolight to continue. With a nod the young stallion brings his voice up, "Ya, Celestia wanted them." His voice slowly comes down as he continues, "Yesterday Luna attacked Celestia, and it may be because of the elements of harmony." Sparky and Violet's eyes go wide as the stallion speaks up for their confusion, "Whoa whoa what do you mean?!" Despite the news Minty's expression holds no surprise, but her reaction is not what everypony focuses on as Aerolight slowly rubs his neck with his hoof, "Well we're not supposed to say anything right now...But I figure Cadence or Shining will tell you." "W-well we just got up and I haven't gone to check the mail yet." A slight smile comes to Sparky's face as he lowers his head. His comment however flick's Violet's ear as she quickly brings her hooves up to him. Sparky shakes his head as she speaks up, "N-no I said I sent the letter yesterday...But I came straight home after work because it was raining." Violet just rolls her eyes as she pulls out a few chairs from the table as she motions Aerolight to sit down. However he stalls for the moment as he slightly shifts his eyes to the mare. Sparky notices his shifting eyes as he speaks up, "Well our tickets are royal tickets...So we can go any day." He turns his head to Violet as he repeats his comment from earlier, "I don't think we should go to Ponyville today." Violet nods to the comment as Sparky continues, "Tell us what happened." Minty turns her eyes to the clock in the room for the moment as she trots towards the table, Aerolight quickly follows after her. End of chapter 7
Maybe Love Bites Twice	Chapter 8	Chapter 8 - Trust me The cooling tea that sits on the table stands as testament to the lengthy and unexpected amount of time Minty has stayed in the house for the three ponies to catch up. However, aside from monitoring how much time that has passed with every quick glance towards the clock she has fared well for the situation; even giving into the conversation when needed. But, as Sparky starts to stand from the table Minty's ears shoot up, "Alright, well we really should get to the castle, I'm sure Cadence will have something for you Violet." To the stallion's words the mare starts to stand but before she can really bring herself up the stallion's voice rings out again, "No no, Violet you can stay here ." His wings flair out a little as he speaks up, "I can bring anything back." Violet just gives a little smile to the comment as she shakes her head. Aerolight looks over the large mare for a moment but he holds his voice back not really knowing who's side to take. So he instead just stands as he turns his attention to the pale green mare beside him. Minty however does not even notice his stare as she continues to wait for the first pony to start towards the door. "Alright Violet..." Sparky pulls his satchel from where it drapes on the chair as he speaks up, "Then lets get going, the streets get crowded around noon." The light purple mare sparks her horn up to the cup and tea kettle as they float to the sink for later. Sparky now moves towards the door with Minty and Aerolight following after him, as the front door comes open everypony starts to file out into the late morning sun. As the door closes Violet begins to take the lead and pace towards the tall crystal structure that is clearly visible in the center of the city. - - - (A little later) The short trot through the city has fared well with the only pauses brought on by Violet's slightly slowed speed. But even this has been no problem thanks to how close the house really is to the castle. Within moments the large overhang of the standing castle comes over head. Aerolight turns his head from the tall light blue crystal as he starts to look around to the few crystal guard ponies, however a slight smile comes to his face as he realizes how happy or laid back they all look. In fact most do not even really turn their heads to the four ponies that continue to near the steps towards the castle's open doors. Sure being with Cadence's right hoof mare and heir to the throne should be something that does not really need to be looked into, but the young stallion still holds his smile with the knowledge these ponies are allowing a changeling into the castle without even knowing. The thought slowly starts to drain the smile from his face as he finds himself slowly drifting his head to the pale green pegasus that has stayed to his side for the duration of the trip. His stare does not alter the mare's locked gaze as she starts up the stairs and towards the castle. Aerolight however halts his trot for a moment as he watches the mare trot even past Violet and Sparky on the stairs. But, his pause is short lived as he tries to clear his mind with the trot up the stairs he now begins. Sparky turns his head from Violet for a moment as he holds a low whisper to the young stallion, "Hey Aerolight." The words bring Aerolight's trot to a stop as he looks to the pegasus. Sparky nods towards the door that Violet just now trots into as he speaks up, "I know you're trying to impress that mare and everything, but maybe next time you should not promise a tour of the Crystal Empire huh?" Aerolight cocks a slight smile to his face as he nods, "I don't tell just anypony who my family is." Sparky gives a little nod as he starts to trot towards the door, the young stallion follows after him. Just as they come into the castle a stallion's voice comes up, "Oh, Mr. And Mrs.Wave...Hello." The older and well dressed crystal pony brings a smile to Sparky's face as he moves next to Violet, "Hello Nimby, is Cadence and Shining here?" The crystal stallion shifts his eyes to the two other ponies in front of him as he slowly continues, "Yes, they are in the throne room...Should I inform them of your arrival?" Violet nods to the comment as the crystal stallion turns around, "Follow me please." As the group starts to follow after the pony Aerolight starts to turn his head around the castle's hallway. Castle are not something foreign to the stallion, especially seeing as how he has to go in one just about every week for his schedule, but the slight glow of the crystal's walls give off a completely different feel than the old stone of Canterlot. "Just one moment." Aerolight turns his eyes from the unique building as he watches the crystal stallion dip into the throne room's closed doors. However, the stallion is only absent for a moment as he comes back to the room, "They wish to see you now." He moves aside as his words come down. Violet and Sparky take the lead inside with Minty and Aerolight close behind. Much like Canterlot's throne room the bright open windows shine into the room, but without the different shades of color brought on by the stain glass. Cadence and Shining both stand near the middle of the room as they hold their eyes to the four ponies that come in. For the moment though Violet and Sparky take the brunt of the attention as Cadence speaks up, "Did you get your mother's letter as well?" Sparky brings his voice up as he steps aside to reveal Aerolight a little better, "No, we just found out about Princess Luna when Aerolight stopped by." A happy smile comes up to Cadence's face as she nods to the dark yellow stallion, "Nice to see you Aerolight..." She sighs a little as she continues, "We all really need to get together on just a normal day." As her voice comes down the armored stallion next to her speaks up as Shining holds his hoof out, "Violet I know you probably want to help but we think it would be best if you just go home, the crystal heart started acting strange last night and in case it expels any magic you shouldn't be here." Violet just blinks to the comment as Sparky brings his voice out, "What's wrong with the heart?" Everypony holds their attention to the two ponies in front of them as Cadence speaks up, "We're not sure...Which is why we are a little worried. Princess Celestia wants to use the Heart to help Luna.-.." The mare's voice slowly is rolled over as Shining's comes in, "...But we can't let Twilight take the crystal heart with her if there's something wrong with it." Minty's eyes stay focused to the conversation as Violet desperately tries to fight her growing need to speak out. Sparky takes notice to the mare's tightening face as he speaks up to the best of his ability, "Did you tell Celestia?" Cadence shrugs to the comment as she nods, "She still wishes the heart to be moved. We were going to wait for Twilight to arrive, but there is no way we can release the heart to her if it is still acting like this." Minty slowly leans her head to Aerolight as she speaks up, "We can leave now...Thank you for the trip." Aerolight blinks to the mare's comment as he turns his head to her, but before he can whisper back the doors to the throne room comes open, "Sorry to bother you, but Twilight Sparkle has arrived." Cadence nods to the comment as she speaks up, "Oh please send her in." To the words the stallion opens the door a little wider to the two ponies in the doorway. However as you look over everypony in the room you pause your trot as you think to yourself, so much for this being some special mission. The mare next to you does not share in your surprise as she trots into the room with a smile and laugh, "W-what is everypony doing here?" Her eyes slowly drift to the unknown pale green pegasus next to Aerolight. But before she can bring her voice up again Shining speaks up, "They were just stopping by..." He turns his head to Violet as he nods, "You should get home." You and Twilight both blink to the heavier feel of the room as the lavender mare next to you speaks up, "Is something wrong?" Shining nods as he continues, "The Crystal heart has been acting up and we don't think its safe to move." "Acting up?" Twilight cocks her head to the comment as she continues, "Princess Celestia didn't say there were any problems." Cadence nods to the comment as she speaks up, "We have sent her letters, but she keeps insisting that there is no problem." You like everypony else just continue to volley your head back and forth to the conversation. Twilight taps her hoof to her mouth as she slowly brings her voice out, "Have you tried any spells on it?" Shining shakes his head as he answers, "We have not opened the chamber since this morning." "Alright." Twilight's voice takes on a firm know it all tone as she straightened her posture, "I can calm the magic and we can get it back to Celestia, if there is something wrong with it she will be able to-..." "NO." Your ear flicks to the unfamiliar voice as you like everypony else turn to the pale green pegasus next to Aerolight. Twilight just blinks to the mare's hard expression as she squints her eyes, "I'm sorry?" "Are you really this blind?" Violet and Sparky just blink to the mare's sharpe voice as they turn their eyes to Aerolight for the moment, but his confused expression brings no answer as he like everypony else just listens to the mare. "You will not be removing the heart from the crystal empire." Twilight slowly shifts her eyes to the dark cream colored stallion behind Minty as she speaks up, "Aerolight why are you in the Crystal Empire? StoneGem said you took the day off?" Minty trots a little in front of Twilight's gaze as she shakes her head, "Did you hear what I said?" The mare's sharp voice brings both confusion and annoyance to your mind as you just stare to the mare not understanding why she is being so fierce, especially to two ponies she does not know. Twilight's voice comes back a little sharper as she takes her attention to the mare, "Excuse me but who do you think you are?" Minty's eyes flash green as she takes a step forward. Your eyes widen as you watch the all too familiar shine of magic rush around her figure, and within the blink of an eye the magic comes down to reveal a spine chilling sight. "I am the Queen of the changelings and the rightful ruler of Equestria!" Where the pale green coated and mint maned mare stood now stands a bright white coated and blonde maned unicorn mare. However the thing that floods your memory is the burn scar that sits to the upper left side of her chest. It only takes a moment for everypony in the room to jump into action as Sparky moves in front of Violet, you, Twilight and Shining spark your magic up and as Cadence screams out towards the door, "Guards! Guards!" The door burst open to the first two armored ponies as everypony stares to the white coated mare. However, in this instance Aerolight has come in front of the queen. Twilight's voice is the first to ring to the room as her horn's glow lowers, "A-Aerolight step aside." Your magic completely fades to your body as you stare to your son that now stands sure eyed and firm in front of the mare. "No." Aerolight's words break Twilight's spell as she just blinks to the word, Shining and the guards however do not flinch to the words though. "N-no? Aerolight do you know what you're doing?" Twilight's eyes widen as she shakes her head slowly, "D-do you know who that is?" Aerolight swallows hard as he nods, "Yes, YES I do!" His words take the mare behind him by surprise as she just stares to the back of his head. You and Twilight both are stunned silent as you try to bring your voice out, "S-son she tried to kill you before you were even born! W-why are doing this?" Aerolight straightens his postures as a green magic starts to form around his shaky hooves, "I-I am doing this because...Because I-..." Ffffzzzaappp! Aerolight's words are cut off as the mare behind him sends a small bolt to the back of his head, "He is under my spell! I give myself if you will listen to me!" You and Twilight both bring your magic up again with a burning parental hatred to the mare, but before you can act the guards from the door have rushed past you as they move to detain the mare and stallion. Shining's voice comes up as he quickly gallops in front of you and Twilight, "Put them in the dungeon." The unicorns in the small group of armored ponies spark their horns up as they pop from the room with their teleportation spell. Twilight's voice is quick and building in emotion as she speaks up, "W-why did you take Aerolight?!" Shining slowly turns around as he brings his voice out with a low and calm tone, "We don't know if Aerolight is under a spell or not, w-we can't risk him being out until we know what's wrong with the Crystal Heart." Twilight's eyes flutter to the words as she shakes her head, "N-No, I can break the spell on Aerolight." Shining brings the mare in for a hug as he nods, "The knockout spell will stay on him for a few hours...You just have to wait until then." Twilight continues to shake her head as she repeats herself, "Aerolight didn't help on his own, h-he wouldn't." She turns her head to you as she continues to shake her head, "H-he wouldn't." You nod to the words as you bring your own hug over to the mare, "Of course..." As you feel Twilight's emotion starting to get the better of her you turn your attention to Sparky and Violet as you clear your throat and try to hold your own composure, "V-Violet I want you to go home until we figure out what's going on." The light purple mare shakes her head as she straightens her posture and turns to Cadence, despite her better judgment she brings up her front hooves one at a time as she hooves out her comment. Cadence blinks to the mare as she shakes her head, "I don't want you working on the heart Violet..." The mare holds an annoyed stare to the comment as she again hooves out a comment. However Shining is the one to answer her request as he nods and turns to you and Twilight, "She's right...We can't let you two take the heart until we know if somepony is waiting for you." You nod to the comment as Twilight starts to pull her head from you, "H-how long do we have to wait for Aerolight?" Shining brings his trot up as he answer her, "A few hours...You can wait here, I have to alert the guards to be on watch." End of chapter 8 > Chapter 9 Chapter 9 - Revelations The day has rolled on slow and dismal since Aerolight and the changeling were taken. Despite yours and Twilight's words Violet and Sparky ended up staying in the castle with you, which was actually the best thing for Twilight seeing as how she has started to beat herself up for not noticing some difference in Aerolight. You may not have broken down and cried like Twilight, half because you can not believe your own son would help a changeling and half for Twilight's sake. However, talking with Violet and Sparky about how Aerolight and the mare acted around them has started to lead you to believe Aerolight knew what she was. This fact along with Twilight's own fear to tell Celestia has sent chills up your back and you have been trying your best to avoid that thought as you instead try to pass the time in the dining hall Shining told you to wait in. Twilight's eyes still show there visible sadness, but the constant conversation brought on by Violet has helped to keep her mind off of her thoughts. You slowly start to drift your mind from your thoughts as you turn your attention from the table in front of you and instead to the light conversation the two ponies across the table have held with the mare next to you. "S-so you haven't started thinking about a name?" Twilight's voice is a little lower than normal but it holds to a steady tone. Sparky shakes his head as he speaks up, "Well we've talked about a few things...But it's to hard to pick a name until we find out if it's a colt or filly." Twilight holds a little smile to the comment as she nods her head, "Just make sure you have a name...You never know if something will bring a little surprise." As the mare's words ring to the large room the doors of the dining hall comes open. Shining now trots into the room as he brings his low voice up, "Aerolight should be awake by now...Are you ready?" You can feel Twilight's body shutter next to you as she stays silent. A few moments pass as Shining just stands near the doorways awaiting a response. But the moments of thinking are over for you as you stand up from the seat, "I'm ready." Shining shifts his eyes to Twilight as he looks her over, however she does not change her set gaze to the table. You turn your head as you put a hoof to her back, "I'll be right back." The words spark Shining's legs up as he trots towards the door, his trot quickly brings yours up as you follow after him. - - - (elsewhere in the city) The underbelly of the castle or wherever the two ponies were brought to has a hard musky smell of iron bars that have mixed with the heavy and slightly hotter air. However the bars that Aerolight's head leans to slowly starts to tug against his mane until his eyes start to open. Aerolight takes a deep breath as he brings his hoof to his head, "Ugh...." As he continues to rub his head he stares to the mare sitting in the cell next to his. Like his, her cell is nothing more than a simple bed, his stare prompts his voice out as he leans forward from his spot against the cell's bars, "Did you hit me?" The mare just blinks to the question as Aerolight continues to rub the back of his head, "Because I could have sworn you hit me." A slight laugh comes up from the stallion as he shoots a flashy smile to the mare, "You could have warned me." However the mare just shakes her head as her low voice comes out, "Do you have any idea where you sit right now?" The words flick Aerolight's ear as he turns his head around the cell he sits in, "Well it's not Club Luna...and the color scheme is too nice to be your house so-..." "Do not act coy Aerolight." The young stallion just chuckles to the words as he drifts his head down to the ground, "So...Is this who you really are Milky? Because everypony seemed to know you." "You have put yourself in great danger Aerolight-..." Aerolight starts up in a laugh as the mare tries to continue, "...And you have no idea-.." "Ha ha ha ha." "Aerolight" "Ha ha ha ha." "AEROLIGHT!" Milky stands from the bed as she trots over to the bars that separate them, "Do you have any idea what they are going to do to you?! They believe you helped me, and I do not know if I can save you-..." "Save me?" Aerolight's head pounds a little from his loud tone but he continues as he jumps from the bed and towards the bars Milky stands at, "...And what was your plan Milky?! To show yourself and hope they will listen??" The mare slams a hoof to the bars as she speaks up, "You can not know my plans!" "Why not?!" Milky's voice stalls for a moment as she just looks through the iron bars and towards the stallion in front of her, "Because you should not have to pay if I fail." Aerolight studies the mare's face as he slowly nods, "Then stop worrying about me." The stallion's sure words and confidence makes the mare take a step back as she just blinks to the stallion, however before the mare can speak the sound of the heavy doors to the dungeon sound. Milky quickly moves back to the bed as she holds her eyes from Aerolight's stare. The sound of hooves gets closer as Aerolight turns his head towards the hallway into the one exit room. However a feeling of guilt and remorse comes over the young stallion as he looks over you and Shining coming into the room. Your eyes lock to his as you swallow and turn your head to the stallion beside you, "C-could you give us a minute?" Shining nods without hesitation as he turns back from the room and trots away. You hold your eyes to the stallion's trot until he's too far to hear anything, and once he is you almost jump towards Aerolight's cell as you fiddle with the lock on the cell, "Aerolight listen to me..." The low and rushed whisper you hold burst through your mouth before you can really even think about your next word as you continue, "...I can get this cell open, when your out of it you can teleport just get out and meet me at-..." "I'm not leaving dad." "Damit Aerolight listen to me!" Your voice echos to the room and you shoot your eyes to the hall just hoping Shining is not coming, but your mind is at ease for the moment as you take notice to the empty hall. You take a deep breath as you turn back to the young stallion, "I'm going to get you out of here do you understand me?" Aerolight just smiles as he shakes his head, "You can't do this, you need to be their for mom-..." You poke your hoof to the bars as you bring your sharp voice up, "Right now you're who I'm here for and you're going to listen to me do you understand?" "I have always admired how much you can love..." The mare's voice turns your head as you stare with a built up rage to the mare at the bed, however as you look her over you feel a strange calmness come over you. Milky smiles as she continues, "...You two have a lot in common, especially how stubborn you can be." The mare's words flick your ear as you feel your magic starting to build, "And how do you know us so well huh?" Your trot move to her cell as you continue, "H-have you been following my family huh? Trying to finish your task? Huh? IS that it?" "Dad." You snap your head to the stallion as he shakes his head, "Don't." You blink to the stallion as a thought runs to your mind, "A-Aerolight...How do you know her." Aerolight turns his gaze as he tries to formulate the words he wants to use. However before he can speak up the mare has stood from her bed, "Do you want your son back?" You slowly turn your head to the mare as you just stare to her not knowing how to deal with her if she were trying to get into your head. "...Then allow me to explain myself." The words ring to your head as you stare to the unicorn that still sits trapped in the magical cell, "How do I know you won't just leave." Milky lowers her head as she slowly speaks up, "Because a pony can only run so long..." Her eyes flash as she slightly glances towards Aerolight, "...And a changeling can't hide forever ." End of chapter 9

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.