The Master's Redemptionby anommalcolmChaptersPrologueChapter 1 or "achievement unlocked:cutiemark" Chapter 2 or Twilight's character growthChapter 3 or The Worst Day Ever!Chapter 4 or When the adventure tag starts to become relevant.Chapter 5 or The Lord and the "lady"Chapter 6 or A pattern developing Chapter 7 or Weapons of Bass DestructionChapter 8 or Of Honesty and AwkwardnessChapter 10 or Evil Enchantresses exist, but they are not zebrasChapter 11 or SUPER MEGA ULTRA HAPPY ENDINGIt is not overChapter 9 or In which the gods respect Koschei's authorityPrologueThe Master’s Redemption Prologue “Get out of the way.” I told him, preparing the shot. He sidestepped just as I fired my life force at that scum. It took the form of an intense electric blast. A human would be burned in an instant. Sadly, the president was no human. “You did this to me! All my life!” I raged. I blasted him again, stumbling forward as I did so. I screamed “You made me!” “One!” and step, “Two!” and step, “Three!” and step, after that, I lost my usual clarity to an unquenchable rage. “ARRRRRRRRRRRGH” I just would not stop my relentless attack. This fool had to pay the price for his hubris. No one manipulates the Master and lives to brag about it. He knew it too. That puffed up ass had the look of defiant despair, knowing he was dieing and could do nothing about it, but choosing rage rather than acceptance. Oh, for all my fury, a significant part of me took sadistic pleasure in his painful demise. The other time lords were just plain shocked, but I do not think any of them would have objected to his death. We were pretty much doomed anyway. The time lords, the oldest and mightiest race in all creation, definitively beaten, this time, for good (both literally and figuratively). And the world began to fade into a white light. There was no one left. No Doctor, none of those humans, no president (though that last one was definitely my fault, and I was very proud of it). Then I realized I was dead. The assault on the president was just too much. My life force finally burnt out. If this was what humans called the afterlife, well, I was not impressed. This was not heaven. It certainly was not hell. There was no pain. There was no fear, but there was no hope either. There was nothing, just empty space. Since there was nothing external, I looked inside instead. Then I made the biggest realization of my life. I smiled, thinking of him. “Can you hear the drums Doctor? No? Excellent, neither can I.” I mused in the empty void. The joy I felt at that moment was beyond description, even to my imaginative mind. It was like the light of 10,000 suns radiating from my core and filling my being. Yet, it was not volatile. It was calm, yet beyond control. It was glorious, but far from wild. Is this what it means, to be at peace. Without the sound of war drums to drive me on, I felt no desire for conquest, no rage, no malice, no conflict, and I loved it. Is this what humans feel like all the time? The lucky bas- Then the guilt set in. I never before had considered, just what it must have been like, to be preyed upon or manipulated by a time lord. But, now I know. It is horrible. To think, I had been doing that to others for hundreds of years. “If you could go back, and do it all differently, would you?” asked a disembodied voice. “Of course I would, but I cannot count how many ways that would destroy the universe. By the way, coming from a time lord, that is saying a lot.” I retorted. “That is all right.” it said, chuckling. “All you really have to do is answer the call for a champion, somewhere else.” “Wait, what?” I said as my body began to burn with an all too familiar sensation. I was regenerating, but this was different. It was like the archetype my body had always been based on had been transformed into something else entirely. “What the hell! Why do I have hooves?” ... Well, that is what I would have said. You see, my vocal cords were totally underdeveloped. I was in a white room. There was a female on a medical table. There were at least three of what appeared to be doctors. They were huge. One of them slapped my ass. It hit me. I had just been born, into a race of... sentient ponies? Author's Note Disclaimer: I own neither Doctor Who nor MLP:FIM. Non-profit entertainment usage. Chapter 1 or "achievement unlocked:cutiemark" Chapter 1 or "achievement unlocked:cutiemark" Chapter 1 As far as reincarnations go, I got it pretty damn good. I was born into a wealthy Canterlot family, not nobility, mind you, but still somehow filthy stinking rich. I was handsome, too. Muscular build plus navy blue coat plus sleek blonde mane plus brilliant green eyes equals total mare-magnet. Did I mention I was a unicorn. Because, being a unicorn is far beyond amazing. All of those spells are incredible. I had teleported many times, but being able to do it at will is wonderful. Every household task is easier with magic. I would know. I learned a spell for every single chore. My parents were so proud when I got into Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. I have got to say, that is when it began. I got my cutie mark. That is when I first met her. It was a sunny day, during my break hour, when I saw something that made my blood boil. Two colts had gone and cornered a filly, roughly my age. "Aww, if it isn't the loser who can't control her magic!" taunted (for lack of a better term) bully one. "Turned anyone into a plant recently, freak!" prodded bully two I will not lie, it took all my self-control not to simply obliterate them right there on the spot. As it was I forced their heads around to look me in the eye. Their faces went from malicious to confused to angry, and once they saw my eyes, terrified. I drew on some of the old time lord psychic ability, and my own special hypnotic power. My fury was barely contained, and, due to the aforementioned power combo, they could feel it. They also seemed to register the fact that I was a force way beyond them. "Leave her alone, if I get wind that you bully her, or anyone else, I will be very unhappy. If I am unhappy, you will be too. Understand?" I whispered, putting on my best aura of menace. They fervently nodded. I let them leave, and then turned to the filly. She had an amazing lavender coat. She had glorious amethyst eyes. Her cutie mark was a large pink star surrounded by five small white ones. She was looking at me slightly fearfully. It was heart-breaking. "Relax, I will not harm you. Ever." I said reassuringly. I gave her my best "friendly" smile. She brightened up quite a bit. "Thanks! My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?" she asked cheerily. Merciful Celestia! Was she adorable? I am glad I was, and am, extremely smooth. "Call me Koschei." I said. "Would you like to sit with me at lunch?" "Sure!" she squeaked. DDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... It was not until much later that I noticed my cutie mark. It was a black shield, with a red heart in the middle, and an hourglass inside of the heart. My special talent was protecting and loving ponies! Sweet! I assumed the hourglass refers to my time lord nature. Chapter 2 or Twilight's character growthLunch with Twilight was easily the most engaging time I had ever spent with anypony who was not another time lord. That is right, I said anypony. I went native a long time ago. Deal with it. I mean, she was not on par, intellectually, with most time lords, but she was pretty darn close. She was just a filly at the time too. Compared to most other ponies, she was stone cold brilliant. As it turns out, the two of us were a league all our own, and we were drawn together more and more. Lunch that day turned into lunch everyday. I was really her only friend, but not because she was rude or distant. She was really sweet and friendly. I was just the only person who understood what she talking about: advanced spell assembly, biochemistry, string theory. As for me, well, I could mingle with the lesser intellects, but she was the only pony I connected with. So, I had lots of "friends" but she was my only friend. If that makes any sense. One memory really stands out in my mind, and, since my memory is photographic, that means it is very significant. The sky was grey. There was a light northern breeze, and about 40% humidity. All in all, it was a melancholy day. It was appropriate, because Twilight was very agitated. "Twilight, what is wrong? I can practically hear your brain straining." "Why do you spend time with me?" "Where did that come from?" "Your smart and charismatic and so strong! Why would you be interested in a weak, nerdy little filly like me?" Whoa! I had known she had some self-image problems, but that was just heart-breaking, tear-worthy even. I turned to look her directly in the eye, and saw it. Most ponies are horrible at detecting the feelings of others. Luckily, I can read ponies like books. She was distraught. She was so insecure! I had to fix that. I placed a hoof on her shoulder, and began my explanation. "Twilight, we are two of a kind. We see the the world with immense insight. We both, as a mere foal and filly, have knowledge and wisdom most adult ponies never achieve. We both want to help others. We both see and understand and want nothing more than to be beneficial to all our fellows. And as if all this was not enough, you are very cute! Do not ever let anyone convince you that you are not worthy. You are the most amazing pony I have ever met." She was blushing like mad by the end of that, but I know it was what she needed to hear. I never again observed any lack of self confidence in her again. She even displayed some leadership ability. In group projects she began taking charge. In physical education, she devised strategies for every sport they made us play. More than once, I saw her defend other fillies from bullies, like I once did for her (though she did not use psychic power, or hypnosis, obviously). We only grew closer as well. Things were like paradise for a very long time. Chapter 3 or The Worst Day Ever!Chapter 3 Funny thing about living in an amazing slice of paradise, is that, once you get to the most glorious part, the next event always involves being dragged, kicking and screaming, straight to Tartarus. *Sigh*, this is how that happened. In our last year at Celestia's School, there was a cold night, like lying on a bed of pillows in front of the fireplace but still needing a blanket cold. Twilight and I were doing just that. We made a habit of reading together. We only had one blanket between us, so it was a bit intimate. I swear I did not plan it that way. We had just finished reading the "Complete Works of HP Lovecolt." We were having a spirited review of his work. "That was just disturbing. Everyone of those stories had elements of terror and unnatural power. I don't care if the monsters never won. This kind of hopeless grim dark fiction shouldn't exist. " "Twilight, if there is one thing these stories do show, it is that there is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Those, for lack of a better word, horrors were vast beings of unknowable power and infinite evil. Yet, in the end, courageous and intelligent ponies always bested them. Nothing is impossible, so hope always exists!" "You are insanely optimistic! You know that!" I just chuckled, pulled her into a hug, and said "And you love that about me!" There was no awkwardness, no hesitation, and no warning whatsoever. She pressed her muzzle straight to mine. Our lips met. The sensation was beyond the beyond. It was like when I stopped hearing the drums, except instead of removing a horrible dimension of my life, it was adding a glorious new one. Seriously, like living in 4d rather than 3d. The sudden introduction of this otherworldly pleasure, led to sensory overload. I actually passed out. I woke up the next morning in a daze. I got out of bed, wondering how I had gotten in to begin with. Then it came rushing back. I was quite satisfied by the previous night's events. "I AM SO ****ING HAPPY!" I screamed so loudly that I shattered a window. Then I saw a note on my bedroom door. It read as follow Dearest Koschei, I am so very sorry. I just hadn't thought about how you feel. If I'd known you were so averse to thinking about me like that, I would never have kissed you. I'm sorry. I, I won't bother you again. Sincerely, Twilight I was heart broken, both literally and figuratively. One of my hearts stopped. It is a good thing I have two. After taking a moment to get both hearts pumping again, I went looking for her. I did not have any classes with her, so I did it the old fashioned way. I ran up and down every street in Canterlot calling her name. I turned the entire school upside down looking for her. I continued to do so every day until graduation. She did not even attend the ceremony. The only conclusion, she was avoiding me. Worst of all, I knew I was not going to find her if she did not want to be found. *Sigh*, I... moved on. I went on to be a detective, but there was not a day that passed that I did not think of her. That wound would stay with me for a long time. Chapter 4 or When the adventure tag starts to become relevant.Chapter 4 So, about a year after *shudder*, that, I got my first case as a Detective. Ponies were disappearing in the city of Manehattan. Normally, this would not have even garnered any attention. Ponies disappear in the back alleys and dilapidated bars of that cesspool all the time. But, this time one of the victims was a noble. As a member of a respected Canterlot family, the nobility trusted me more than local police. I admit, I only accepted the case because they were offering me a fat pay check. As much as I felt for the victims of the crime, I really did not want to go to the deepest hell-hole in Equestria, when my specific purpose was thwarting the devil. I know what dieing feels like, and was not looking forward to experiencing it again. The night before I arrived in Manehattan, I was sitting in my train car reviewing the case, and all the other recent disappearances. Turns out, the noble in question disappeared after a demonstration of her magical power at the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Looking at the other recent disappearances, I realized that at least five other unicorns disappeared after doing the exact same thing. "Well, someone has plans for powerful magic users. That is not a good sign. I'll write to the royal guard in the morning. *Sigh*, at least I know where to start." ................. The next day, as I was walking down Art Avenue, I was going over my plan in my head. It was risky, and involved a little deception. I had not done any covert activities since I first became a pony. After 18 years without so much as a little white lie, I felt a little nervous about diving into the world of deception again. It did not help that my only real weapons were a fencing rapier and a dagger. I like swords, when they are energy based. These weapons were just plain primitive. I approached the school, and saw a poster advertising a show being put on by a mare to demonstrate her gem finding ability. "Wow, that is convenient." I murmured in surprise."I guess I do not have to be bait after all." Seriously, I was going to show off my abilities, and let the kidnappers come to me. This was better. I just had to watch and wait for the right moment to intervene. I approached the front desk. " Hello sir. Welcome to the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Are you here for the grand tour?" asked the secretary. " Yes, also I was curious about the magic demonstration tonight. Is it open to the public?" "Of course. I can sell you a ticket right now, if you like. It costs 10 bits." "Here you are. Do you know the demonstrator's name?" "Yes, I believe her name is Rarity." He went on to guide me to the tour group, chatting amiably. I tuned him out. That name, Rarity, sounded very ... significant. It was not familiar in the slightest. I had no memory of anypony speaking that name before, but it was driving my time lord senses wonky (yes that is a technical term. Wonky, I mean. I made up "time lord senses" as a simplifier) Seriously though, I knew I had never heard of her, but it was like I should have. Like, I had missed a big world-changing event. Something that altered the fate of the universe. And, I had the feeling that somepony, somewhere, was laughing at my ignorance. Chapter 5 or The Lord and the "lady"Chapter 5 I spent the rest of the day on the tour. I am so glad I did not attend that school. I found no less than seven secret rooms during the tour. All of them had less than upstanding contents: chains, whips, and even racks. It was really awkward. I was so relieved when it was over. The show was rather simple, impressive, but simple. Basically, a bunch of students scattered gems in a massive sand box. Rarity then used her spell to track them down, one by one. I was impressed though, even with both magic and my keen time lord senses, I could not have found half of those gems. Of course, I was a bit distracted throughout the demonstration. Seeing her in person, I was sure of it. She was somepony important. Time was warped around her. Why though? And why had I never heard of someone so significant? After the show ended, I followed her. She had a room at a local hotel. It was on the second floor, with a window overlooking an alleyway. So, of course, I staked out the alley. I was not disappointed. Not thirty minutes passed before a dark figure flew in her window. I went up the fire escape, and was almost inside, before she screamed. I slipped in, and saw the figure trying to drag her out the bathroom. She had a good grip on that door knob. She was pretty good at kicking too. The figure was so distracted by the hooves hitting his face, he seemed be forgetting to use his fangs. He was sort of like a thestral, but had no coat, just leathery skin with small patches of hair. Oh, and he smelled, badly.I cast a sleep spell. He was out pretty quick. Almost like he had no magic resistance whatsoever. He definitely was not native to Equestria, where every living thing has magic, and magical resistance, to varying degrees, of course. "Thank Celestia you're here! That uncouth brute almost had me!" Rarity said with a posh accent. "You are welcome. I am Inspector Koschei. I was hired by the nobility to apprehend the criminal responsible for a recent disappearance. It appears you were next."I immediately set about restraining the creature for interrogation. It looked a bit awkward, a bat-like equine tied to a chair. "Shouldn't you call in, get proper approval, before setting up a make shift interrogation room?" "If this were a recognizable creature, then, yes, I would. But, I do not know what it is, what it can do, or if it has accomplices. I would like to do this now, even against regulation, rather than wait and possibly waste my only opportunity." I cast an awakening spell, and the creature slowly woke up. It was furious. "Release me at once! And I might kill you quickly, worm!" it roared. I smirked. I leaned in close and place my hooves on it's temples. I began sifting through the underdeveloped heap it had instead of a mind. I found out quite a bit. Once I knew what I needed to know, I let go of his temples. I shoved him to the floor. I stood above him and spoke my piece. "Krillitane, I would like nothing more than to waste you right here, but I need a message delivered, and you are the only one fit to deliver it. I want you to go back to your people, and give them this ultimatum: Leave this world immediately, or suffer for your crimes. Flee, or face justice at the hands of the time lords." I spoke with cold confidence. He was looking fairly defiant, until he heard the term time lord. He cringed, and looked at me like I was a god. I suppose, to one such as him, I was the equivalent. As soon as he was untied, he flew away like a bat out of hell. Then, Rarity got curious. "What under Celestia's sun just happened?" She asked. "That was a krillitane. They are an alien race that absorbs the physical traits of any species they conquer. They were trying, unsuccessfully, to assimilate unicorn magic. I read his mind, found out their plan, and put forth my ultimatum. They are going to leave, because even they know that five krillitane are no match for a me." "And just who are you, that monsters flee in terror?" "I am a time lord. More specifically, I am The Master. I am more than 1,000 years old. I have dueled with gods and demons. I have met and defeated hundreds of dangerous opponents. I have survived cataclysms that make the return of Nightmare Moon seem like a childish prank. Right now, I am the single most advanced being in Equestria, and its greatest defense against monsters like the krillitane. That, is who I am." I turned and walked out, giving no indication of noticing her expression. I was three blocks over before I burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The look on her face. It was priceless!" That I laughed when a young mare gave me a "you are so amazing" kind of look, could probably be used to call my sanity into question. I facehoofed when I realized that I still had not found out what made her so special that time itself warped around her. ...................... "Unfortunately, none of the victims survived. Their remains have been recovered, and turned over to their families." I finished my report. "Good work Inspector. That psychopath could have been serious trouble. Go home and rest. You'll get your next assignment tomorrow." "Yes, sir." I walked out of there chuckling at an inside joke. Serious trouble? Oh, he had no idea. Then it occurred to me. The krillitane had never been equines before. Does the journey to this universe ponify every species from my universe? Because they had not been here long enough to assimilate an entirely new body. Food for thought. Chapter 6 or A pattern developing Chapter 6 or A pattern developing Chapter 6 I did not get to rest that night, at all. They practically dragged me out of bed, saying I was the only one for the job. They did not actually tell me what the job was until I opened the files, on the train, after it left the station. After reading the files, I facehoofed. "First, they send me to a criminal cesspool. Now, they send me somewhere so far out in the country that I could get lost. Are they hazing me? Do all the newcomers go through this crap? And, for that matter, what is with the murder cases? Why can I not get a simple burglary?" I was to investigate a strange phenomenon. Lots of critters in a back water village were found, well, as skeletons. Not my problem, except, recently the local animal caretaker was found in the same state. Pony skeletons are not commonly found, especially inside a recently inhabited home, even if it was their own home. The skeleton was in mint condition as well. That was troubling. What destroys flesh, blood, nerves, etc... but leaves bones without so much as a scratch. I could not come up with a likely answer. Acid? No, dangerous acids are so heavily regulated we would no immediately if that was it.Dark magic? Maybe, but that is so rare in Equestria, that this would be the first case in, about 400 years. Some kind of plague? That was the most likely. Also, the only one I was afraid of. "*Sigh*, this is going to suck!" .................. The next day I walked into the local Police station, as they claimed to have collected a clue they just did not know how to interpret. I flashed my badge as I approached. "We've been expecting you. Right this way." She led me into another room. This room contained 4 interesting features: A white unicorn with spiky hair and a music cutie mark, a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane, and a brown diary. The best part, both of the pegasi were warping time. I was getting serious deja vu. "So, you're the hot shot they sent to solve the case, huh?"the rainbow one challenged. I promptly ignored her, and turned to the yellow pegasus. I smiled sweetly as I spoke. " What is your name, miss?" I inquired, offering her my hoof. "My name is Fluttershy. Pleasure to meet you! These are Rainbow Dash and Vinyl Scratch." she said, vigorously shaking my hoof. I turned to talk to the others, only to find them staring in shock. "Er... Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, somewhat creeped out. "I have known 'Shy since childhood, and she isn't that comfortable talking to me. Usually, she barely says two words to new ponies. But, you got her to open up at first sight. What did you do?" "Ponies just trust me. Always and completely. I am awesome like that." Chapter 7 or Weapons of Bass DestructionChapter 7 Rainbow Dash puffed herself up and started bragging about how awesome she is. I tuned her out after she said 20%. I turned to Fluttershy. "So, what brought you here Fluttershy?" "I'm the animal caretaker back in Ponyville. I came here when I heard the animals were dieing. I went to see if I could help, but found the... remains, of the local keeper when I arrived." she responded. "And the others?" "Rainbow came to, as she put it, watch my back. She's very protective. Vinyl is here because... I actually don't know. What brought you here? Before you met up with us? If you don't mind telling me." "This town lets me keep my work shop here." Vinyl answered. "Really? What do you work on there?" I asked. "Mostly, I make modifications for my bass cannon." She explained. I was actually impressed. In a place like Equestria, I really had not expected that to catch on for another 2000 years or so. I mean really, harnessing bass as a weapon is something most cultures do not even considered until well into the space age. " I am impressed. When I wrote those articles on potentially weaponizing dubtrot, I did not expect anyone to follow through on my ideas." I said, and Vinyl's face lit up. "You're Koschei!" "I am." "Wow! You're my he-" "Hey were you even listening to me!" Rainbow Dash interrupted, when she finally noticed our side conversation. "Nope!" I responded,"Now, let us have a look at that diary." I will not bore you with the mundane details. There were only six significant words, in the form of a question, at the end of the last entry. A question that chilled my blood. "Why do I have two shadows?" That certainly put things into perspective. It made the whole case perfectly sensible. I immediately looked around. One, two, three, four. Great, 4 shadows and 4 ponies. Yep, all we had to do is draw the swarm into a central location and obliterate them. What could obliterate the shadows that melt flesh? "Hey Vinyl! I know what did this, and I am going to need your workshop." "Why? What are we up to?" she asked. I grinned. "We are going to drop the bass... ALL OVER THEIR HEADS!" ............................................. "So is it ready?" Vinyl asked. She was really excited about this plan. She got to help save a town from an immeasurable threat, meet her idol (seriously! me! how crazy is that?), and said idol was hooking her up with some free apps for her bass cannon. We had set up on a roof in town overlooking a courtyard. The courtyard had a beacon that would draw the swarm in. Then we drop the bass all over their heads. "Yes it is. Splash setting installed. Targeting parameters programed. Max volume raised to 3000 koscheins. Designation, Weapon of Bass Destruction." Yes, I named a unit of measurement after myself. I am that badass. Vinyl was giving that hero-worship look. I activated the beacon. The swarmed gathered quickly. We only had to wait for about 10 minutes before enough arrived. I calculated that it must be every one of them for 20 miles. Massive writhing shadow. "Vinyl, drop the bass." Yes, I knew I was abusing that statement, but I could not help it. It is so much fun to say. The splash setting worked marvelously. The entire courtyard was flooded with base. The sheer magnitude cracked the earth, and made the clouds shake. The swarm was obliterated. Once the bass dissipated, Vinyl and I were chattering about the future of bass-based technology. RD had had enough though. "What are you? Huh? Detectives are not generally capable of weapons engineering. What's your angle?" "Look at my cutie mark. My special talent: protect and love ponies. That is my angle. As for my skills, I was not always a detective. As for what I am, I am Koschei, alias The Master, and I am both shield and sword for our nation, against any and all major threats. Does that answer your questions?" Rainbow was stunned. Vinyl, once again, had eyes full of hero-worship. Fluttershy was just relieved it was over. I smiled, it was not like the day I met Twilight, but it was a great day. Author's Note Feel free to comment if you know the shadows' real name. I am not telling. Chapter 8 or Of Honesty and AwkwardnessChapter 8 Over the next few months, I actually did ordinary work. No more krillitane trying to assimilate unicorn magic. No shadow swarms eating ponies. No god of chaos breaking out of his ancient prison and stomping all over reality. Oh, wait that last one happened, just not to me. I was so happy that that incident fixed itself. Still, why did Celestia refuse to release the identities of the ponies that busted him up. It was Nightmare Moon all over again. Saved by the elements of harmony, but nopony knew who they were. Once again, I had the feeling somepony was laughing at my ignorance. Anyway, Vinyl kept in touch. Turns out she actually spends most of her time in Canterlot. We hung out pretty often. At first all we talked about was bass technology. Then we discovered how much we really had in common.We both loved to read. We were both loved gourmet food. We both played video games in our free time. I had almost forgotten how good it feels to have a companion. Because of the way both of my most recent companions (Twilight and Lucy) ended up, I fear I had developed a social phobia. Vinyl brought me out of my shell again. The next time something major happened, Vinyl and I were on a trip to Appaloosa. It was a nice enough place, all things considered. It was not until our third night there that something happened. Something so incredible that it could only happen to me. I saw somepony from my old school. I was sitting in the saloon, waiting for Vinyl to get back from the gift shop. My old classmate sat on the stool next to me. Both of us stiffened up. We both looked at the same time. We both recognized each other. It was awkward. "John." "Harold." "What are you doing here?" "Waiting for my companion to get back from the restroom. And you?" "Waiting for mine to get back from the gift shop." It went into an awkward silence after that. I was trying to get a grip. My guilt was killing me, but I have trouble with apologies. Stallion up, I told myself, You will not feel better until you do. "*Sigh*, for what it is worth old friend, I am sorry, for, well, everything." I apologized. "I forgive you, old friend. How long has it been for you?" "Nineteen years. What about you?" "600." He said with a grin. Then we really got talking, and drinking, and salt licking. ................... About thirty minutes later, his companion walked in. He immediately grabbed her and started dragging her over in my direction. "Consarnit Doctor! What's gotten into ya?" "There is somepony here you have got to meet." he responded as they approached. "Howdy pardner! A'm Applejack!" She was an orange earth pony mare. She had a blonde ponytail, green eyes, and an apple based cutie mark. Oh, and she was warping time. This was just getting redundant. "Hello, I am Koschei." I introduced myself. She actually recognized me. That I did not expect. "Wait, as in The Master!" She inquired. The Doctor looked as shocked as I felt. "Er... Yes. How do you know of me?" "HA! Your the only thing Rarity wants to talk about. The gallant stallion that saved her from the krilli-whatsit." "Krillitane." "Yeah that was it. Then both Fluttershy and RD showed up with a story about you and that DJ vanquishing a mass of flesh-eating shadows." So, all the time-warping ponies knew each other. Interesting. "Huh, I guess I have been less than subtle in some of my exploits." "So, it's all true? They weren't exaggerating at all?" "No, I have done some crazy things." We spent the rest of the night chatting and drinking. When Vinyl arrived, she just joined in. .................... It was almost time to go. I waved the Doctor to the side. "Doctor, do you know why your companion is bending time?" "Got no idea. Do you?" "No, but she is the fourth one I have met that does that. Rarity, RD, even Fluttershy all warp time." "And she knows them. And they know you. And she knows me. And I know you. All connected." "Ever get that feeling your missing something important?" "Only when Applejack is around." "Followed by the feeling that somepony is laughing at your ignorance?" "Yes, it doesn't bode well does it?" "Just stay alert. Good bye Doctor." "Goodbye Master." That was an interesting night. Still, It was nice to be friends with the doctor again. Just like when we were kids. Good times. Author's Note John Smith Harold Saxon aliases Chapter 10 or Evil Enchantresses exist, but they are not zebrasChapter 10 It was my day off. I just wanted to sleep all day. With dreams like mine, who would not. But Vinyl dragged me out of bed. "Come on! We're going to a party!" "Okay, I am coming. Stop being so loud. I just woke up." "Are you all right? You've been sleeping a lot more then usual lately." I blushed really bad at that. The things I had been doing with her and Twilight in my dreams...Well, I was not going to tell her. EVER! "I am fine. Just really enjoy dreaming." "Oh, what about, hmmm?" She asked coyly. "Frolicking in the fields with a childhood best friend that I lost a long time ago and continuously feel guilty about how it ended." "Oh! I'm so sorry." It was not a lie either. I missed Twilight. ............................ "Vinyl, we are going to a party, why does it smell like death up ahead?" "I don't smell anything." "Rubbish pony noses." I muttered angrily to myself. Seriously, ponies have horrible senses. That makes my life suck sometimes. Too much pepper in food. Too much perfume being worn. Way too noisy. Can they detect anything without having to overkill it? Anyway the party we were going to was in the woods in Canterlot Central Park.The party was in a clearing surrounded by dense bushes. I pushed through it before Vinyl. I got a good look at the situation. "Vinyl, when this is over, you are treating me to the most expensive restaurant in Canterlot." "Why do I have to-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH" she said as she got through the bush."Not good." It was like a stereo-typical witch lair. There was a massive bubbling cauldron at the center. There were a bunch of prisoners tied up off to the side. Then there were the witches themselves. They looked sort of like hippogriffs, except, instead of eagle/pony hybrid, they were a crow/pony hybrid. And they were old, wrinkly, somewhat misshapen. And they were practically radiating magic. "Well, well, well, what have we here? A musical pony called Vinyl and a... Nameless One? How is your name hidden?" That was telling. Crow-like, smell like death, magic power, affinity for names..... How do things from my universe keep getting here? "Vinyl, please run." "And leave you alone, no way!" "Vinyl, I can take them. Their power will not work very well against somepony who's name is hidden. But it will work on you." "Fine, but if you die, I will be furious" "If these beasts are what finally takes me down, so will I." Vinyl runs back threw the path we just cleared. One of them moves to stop her, but I teleport above her and stomp her face into the ground. With my hoof still on her neck, I turn to face the other two. "What in the darkest pit of Tartarus do you three think you are doing here? For that matter, how the hell did you escape the Dark Space?" "The words of Shakespeare freed us from the dark space. We attempted to conquer Earth, but that meddling Doctor imprisoned us in a crystal ball. When the TARDIS crossed dimensions, our prison was weakened, and we slipped through the cracks. As for what we're doing, we will consume these ponies and use their natural internal magic to augment our power. We will break open the Dark Space and rebuild our empire." "You... are very fourth-coming with this information." "You won't live long enough to stop us!" She lunged forward, only to crack her beak on my shield spell. I snapped the neck of the one I had pinned. I looked over my shoulder, and bucked the third one (who thought she could be sneaky) in the face. I heard skull crack. Then turned to the last one. "What is really sad, is that you are easily one of the most powerful races in the universe, but without my name, you are just plan helpless. Bet the Dark Space looks pretty good right now. I could send you back if you like. It is either that or execution, Carrionite." "Never!!!!!" She screamed. "Have it your way." I said. I cast a spell that made her burn. Green flames of pure magic. Same color as my Eyes. I went about untying all the prisoners. The last one was a pink earth pony mare. She had three balloons for a cutie mark. She was warping time. Chapter 11 or SUPER MEGA ULTRA HAPPY ENDINGChapter Eleven To put it mildly, the pink earth pony was positively ecstatic. Not to be rescued, I think she was just ecstatic because that is what defines her. Like the Doctor, with his TARDIS. "OMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSHYOURTHEMASTERI'MYOURBIGGESTFANYOUWERETHEBESTVILLAININTHEENTIRESERIESEVERANDNOWYOURAHEROYOUSAVEDRARITYANDDASHIEANDFLUTTERSHYANDYOUWEREGOODFRIENDSWITHTWILIGHTCHAPTERTHREEMADEMECRYITWASSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSADANDICOULDN'THELPANDNOWYOUSAVEDMEIHAVETOTHROWYOUATHANKSFORSAVINGMEPARTYGASPTHEREAREN'TENOUGHSUPPLIESHERETOGIVEYOUTHEPARTYYOUDESERVEMEETMEINPONYVILLEINTHREEDAYSYOU'LLHAVEAPARTYWORTHYOFYOURGREATNESSIFIHAVERAIDEVERYPARTYSTOREANDBAKERYINEQUESTRIA!" She said all that in one breath, then zoomed away. I just stood there staring after her. For three hours. Vinyl showed up. She walked over to me with a cheerful expression, then looked worried when she saw my expression. "What's wrong?" "I am having an existential crisis." "Why?" "Somepony just broke the fourth wall, IN REAL LIFE!" Vinyl just shook her head and said" You get used to it. Pinkie Pie does that all the time." ................................ Three days later I walked into Ponyville to find the entire place in festival mode. There were rides and games.There were baked goods everywhere. Pinkie Pie grabbed me. She dragged me to the top of a massive stage. She grabbed the microphone and spoke into it, surprisingly slowly. She wanted everyone to understand. "This is the one! This is the stallion who saved me and Dashie and Fluttershy and dozens if not hundreds of other ponies from monsters and criminals! This is our newest hero! This is the Master!" All of the ponies cheered. And I recognized some of them. Rarity was looking starry eyed. Rainbow Dash was cheering loudly. Fluttershy was smiling shyly. Applejack was cheering as loudly as Rainbow Dash. And, there he was. The Doctor just smiled and looked in my eyes. The look, it said "I'm proud of you, old friend. You earned this." I heard it then. A song began to fill me. An amazing, wonderful song, full of hope and joy. It went like this .................................... Three hours of partying later, I stumbled into a library to take a break. I then heard an angelic voice. "If that's another drunken party goer, I am sealing that door with magic for the rest of the day." I walked right up stairs to the room the voice came from, and our gazes met. "Koschei? Wha-oof!" I tackle-hugged her mid-sentence. Then I kissed her with unbridled passion. She was shocked at first, but melted into it. After about five minutes, I drew back to look at her properly. "Twilight, I missed you so much." "What happened?" "You jumped to conclusions my love. I wanted to be with you. I still do." "You mean I rui-" Once more I cut her off. This time with a kiss. After a moment, I drew back once more. "Does not matter. We are together now. I love you." "I love you too!" And we bucked. And it, was beyond glorious! Author's Note I am not going into greater detail. I like my teen rating. Thank you very much. It is not overThose of you who loved this story with a passion, fear not. The story is over because our hero feels he has finally redeemed himself, but I am not done with the master. He has many more adventures ahead of him. This is only the first in a series. If all goes according to plan, a long series. Until then, this is Anommalcolm, logging out. Chapter 9 or In which the gods respect Koschei's authorityChapter 9 I was having a lucid dream of the best kind. It was Twilight, Vinyl, and myself laying on a blanket under the stars. There was hard cider. There were delicious candies. There was even, wait for it, SLOPPY ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES!!! I swear the only downside to being a pony is being a herbivore. I miss being able to eat meat. Any way, the mares and I were cuddling, when suddenly, Princess Luna lands right next to us. "Please you have to- Wait, what are you doing with those two?" "These are the only mares I have ever been close to and I dream of being with them forever." "Okaay........ Anyway, I need your help." "With what?" "LUNA! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE!" Nightmare Moon landed on the other side of me "I SHALL-Wait what are you doing with those mar-AHHHHHHHHH!" I had smacked her upside the head. "Listen up, maggot! You are not out in a place where you are in control. This is my dream. I, am a very lucid dreamer." "YOU DARE- AHHHHH!" "Shut up, maggot!" I said with wide eyes and a grin. I winked at Luna, then continued."You allicorns may have god-like power, but your minds are like that of ordinary ponies. My mind is that of a time lord. Power here in the dreamscape, is based on the strength of one's mind. I am in charge here." Nightmare actually seemed to have gotten the point. So I turned to Luna for answers. "Why did the elements not destroy her?" "She is an allicorn. She's immortal.They separated us, but she's been haunting the dreamscape ever since. She doesn't have a physical body though." "I see. Alright, maggot, from now on you give the ponies sweet dreams. No more nightmares, or I will kick your flank. Are we clear?" "Yes, sir." "You will address me as Master." "That is very naughty, Master-AHHHHHH" "Shut up, maggot! Not even in your dreams! Understand!" "Y-yes master." ............................ After Nightmare left, I turned to see Luna looking at me. "What?" "Master? Seriously?" "Oi, what is wrong with my name?" "Wait, that's your real name?" "Yes." "Why?" "Time lords often have titles as their name. For example, an old classmate of mine is named Doctor." "Okay." "Yeah." "Well, I gotta go lower the moon see ya bye!" And with that she was gone. I turned back to Vinyl and Twilight. "Where were we?" Author's Note Short but sweet. After all the other crap, He gets an easy fight, and sweet dreams as a reward.
PrologueThe Master’s Redemption Prologue “Get out of the way.” I told him, preparing the shot. He sidestepped just as I fired my life force at that scum. It took the form of an intense electric blast. A human would be burned in an instant. Sadly, the president was no human. “You did this to me! All my life!” I raged. I blasted him again, stumbling forward as I did so. I screamed “You made me!” “One!” and step, “Two!” and step, “Three!” and step, after that, I lost my usual clarity to an unquenchable rage. “ARRRRRRRRRRRGH” I just would not stop my relentless attack. This fool had to pay the price for his hubris. No one manipulates the Master and lives to brag about it. He knew it too. That puffed up ass had the look of defiant despair, knowing he was dieing and could do nothing about it, but choosing rage rather than acceptance. Oh, for all my fury, a significant part of me took sadistic pleasure in his painful demise. The other time lords were just plain shocked, but I do not think any of them would have objected to his death. We were pretty much doomed anyway. The time lords, the oldest and mightiest race in all creation, definitively beaten, this time, for good (both literally and figuratively). And the world began to fade into a white light. There was no one left. No Doctor, none of those humans, no president (though that last one was definitely my fault, and I was very proud of it). Then I realized I was dead. The assault on the president was just too much. My life force finally burnt out. If this was what humans called the afterlife, well, I was not impressed. This was not heaven. It certainly was not hell. There was no pain. There was no fear, but there was no hope either. There was nothing, just empty space. Since there was nothing external, I looked inside instead. Then I made the biggest realization of my life. I smiled, thinking of him. “Can you hear the drums Doctor? No? Excellent, neither can I.” I mused in the empty void. The joy I felt at that moment was beyond description, even to my imaginative mind. It was like the light of 10,000 suns radiating from my core and filling my being. Yet, it was not volatile. It was calm, yet beyond control. It was glorious, but far from wild. Is this what it means, to be at peace. Without the sound of war drums to drive me on, I felt no desire for conquest, no rage, no malice, no conflict, and I loved it. Is this what humans feel like all the time? The lucky bas- Then the guilt set in. I never before had considered, just what it must have been like, to be preyed upon or manipulated by a time lord. But, now I know. It is horrible. To think, I had been doing that to others for hundreds of years. “If you could go back, and do it all differently, would you?” asked a disembodied voice. “Of course I would, but I cannot count how many ways that would destroy the universe. By the way, coming from a time lord, that is saying a lot.” I retorted. “That is all right.” it said, chuckling. “All you really have to do is answer the call for a champion, somewhere else.” “Wait, what?” I said as my body began to burn with an all too familiar sensation. I was regenerating, but this was different. It was like the archetype my body had always been based on had been transformed into something else entirely. “What the hell! Why do I have hooves?” ... Well, that is what I would have said. You see, my vocal cords were totally underdeveloped. I was in a white room. There was a female on a medical table. There were at least three of what appeared to be doctors. They were huge. One of them slapped my ass. It hit me. I had just been born, into a race of... sentient ponies? Author's Note Disclaimer: I own neither Doctor Who nor MLP:FIM. Non-profit entertainment usage.
Chapter 1 or "achievement unlocked:cutiemark" Chapter 1 or "achievement unlocked:cutiemark" Chapter 1 As far as reincarnations go, I got it pretty damn good. I was born into a wealthy Canterlot family, not nobility, mind you, but still somehow filthy stinking rich. I was handsome, too. Muscular build plus navy blue coat plus sleek blonde mane plus brilliant green eyes equals total mare-magnet. Did I mention I was a unicorn. Because, being a unicorn is far beyond amazing. All of those spells are incredible. I had teleported many times, but being able to do it at will is wonderful. Every household task is easier with magic. I would know. I learned a spell for every single chore. My parents were so proud when I got into Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. I have got to say, that is when it began. I got my cutie mark. That is when I first met her. It was a sunny day, during my break hour, when I saw something that made my blood boil. Two colts had gone and cornered a filly, roughly my age. "Aww, if it isn't the loser who can't control her magic!" taunted (for lack of a better term) bully one. "Turned anyone into a plant recently, freak!" prodded bully two I will not lie, it took all my self-control not to simply obliterate them right there on the spot. As it was I forced their heads around to look me in the eye. Their faces went from malicious to confused to angry, and once they saw my eyes, terrified. I drew on some of the old time lord psychic ability, and my own special hypnotic power. My fury was barely contained, and, due to the aforementioned power combo, they could feel it. They also seemed to register the fact that I was a force way beyond them. "Leave her alone, if I get wind that you bully her, or anyone else, I will be very unhappy. If I am unhappy, you will be too. Understand?" I whispered, putting on my best aura of menace. They fervently nodded. I let them leave, and then turned to the filly. She had an amazing lavender coat. She had glorious amethyst eyes. Her cutie mark was a large pink star surrounded by five small white ones. She was looking at me slightly fearfully. It was heart-breaking. "Relax, I will not harm you. Ever." I said reassuringly. I gave her my best "friendly" smile. She brightened up quite a bit. "Thanks! My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?" she asked cheerily. Merciful Celestia! Was she adorable? I am glad I was, and am, extremely smooth. "Call me Koschei." I said. "Would you like to sit with me at lunch?" "Sure!" she squeaked. DDDDDDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... It was not until much later that I noticed my cutie mark. It was a black shield, with a red heart in the middle, and an hourglass inside of the heart. My special talent was protecting and loving ponies! Sweet! I assumed the hourglass refers to my time lord nature.
Chapter 2 or Twilight's character growthLunch with Twilight was easily the most engaging time I had ever spent with anypony who was not another time lord. That is right, I said anypony. I went native a long time ago. Deal with it. I mean, she was not on par, intellectually, with most time lords, but she was pretty darn close. She was just a filly at the time too. Compared to most other ponies, she was stone cold brilliant. As it turns out, the two of us were a league all our own, and we were drawn together more and more. Lunch that day turned into lunch everyday. I was really her only friend, but not because she was rude or distant. She was really sweet and friendly. I was just the only person who understood what she talking about: advanced spell assembly, biochemistry, string theory. As for me, well, I could mingle with the lesser intellects, but she was the only pony I connected with. So, I had lots of "friends" but she was my only friend. If that makes any sense. One memory really stands out in my mind, and, since my memory is photographic, that means it is very significant. The sky was grey. There was a light northern breeze, and about 40% humidity. All in all, it was a melancholy day. It was appropriate, because Twilight was very agitated. "Twilight, what is wrong? I can practically hear your brain straining." "Why do you spend time with me?" "Where did that come from?" "Your smart and charismatic and so strong! Why would you be interested in a weak, nerdy little filly like me?" Whoa! I had known she had some self-image problems, but that was just heart-breaking, tear-worthy even. I turned to look her directly in the eye, and saw it. Most ponies are horrible at detecting the feelings of others. Luckily, I can read ponies like books. She was distraught. She was so insecure! I had to fix that. I placed a hoof on her shoulder, and began my explanation. "Twilight, we are two of a kind. We see the the world with immense insight. We both, as a mere foal and filly, have knowledge and wisdom most adult ponies never achieve. We both want to help others. We both see and understand and want nothing more than to be beneficial to all our fellows. And as if all this was not enough, you are very cute! Do not ever let anyone convince you that you are not worthy. You are the most amazing pony I have ever met." She was blushing like mad by the end of that, but I know it was what she needed to hear. I never again observed any lack of self confidence in her again. She even displayed some leadership ability. In group projects she began taking charge. In physical education, she devised strategies for every sport they made us play. More than once, I saw her defend other fillies from bullies, like I once did for her (though she did not use psychic power, or hypnosis, obviously). We only grew closer as well. Things were like paradise for a very long time.
Chapter 3 or The Worst Day Ever!Chapter 3 Funny thing about living in an amazing slice of paradise, is that, once you get to the most glorious part, the next event always involves being dragged, kicking and screaming, straight to Tartarus. *Sigh*, this is how that happened. In our last year at Celestia's School, there was a cold night, like lying on a bed of pillows in front of the fireplace but still needing a blanket cold. Twilight and I were doing just that. We made a habit of reading together. We only had one blanket between us, so it was a bit intimate. I swear I did not plan it that way. We had just finished reading the "Complete Works of HP Lovecolt." We were having a spirited review of his work. "That was just disturbing. Everyone of those stories had elements of terror and unnatural power. I don't care if the monsters never won. This kind of hopeless grim dark fiction shouldn't exist. " "Twilight, if there is one thing these stories do show, it is that there is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Those, for lack of a better word, horrors were vast beings of unknowable power and infinite evil. Yet, in the end, courageous and intelligent ponies always bested them. Nothing is impossible, so hope always exists!" "You are insanely optimistic! You know that!" I just chuckled, pulled her into a hug, and said "And you love that about me!" There was no awkwardness, no hesitation, and no warning whatsoever. She pressed her muzzle straight to mine. Our lips met. The sensation was beyond the beyond. It was like when I stopped hearing the drums, except instead of removing a horrible dimension of my life, it was adding a glorious new one. Seriously, like living in 4d rather than 3d. The sudden introduction of this otherworldly pleasure, led to sensory overload. I actually passed out. I woke up the next morning in a daze. I got out of bed, wondering how I had gotten in to begin with. Then it came rushing back. I was quite satisfied by the previous night's events. "I AM SO ****ING HAPPY!" I screamed so loudly that I shattered a window. Then I saw a note on my bedroom door. It read as follow Dearest Koschei, I am so very sorry. I just hadn't thought about how you feel. If I'd known you were so averse to thinking about me like that, I would never have kissed you. I'm sorry. I, I won't bother you again. Sincerely, Twilight I was heart broken, both literally and figuratively. One of my hearts stopped. It is a good thing I have two. After taking a moment to get both hearts pumping again, I went looking for her. I did not have any classes with her, so I did it the old fashioned way. I ran up and down every street in Canterlot calling her name. I turned the entire school upside down looking for her. I continued to do so every day until graduation. She did not even attend the ceremony. The only conclusion, she was avoiding me. Worst of all, I knew I was not going to find her if she did not want to be found. *Sigh*, I... moved on. I went on to be a detective, but there was not a day that passed that I did not think of her. That wound would stay with me for a long time.
Chapter 4 or When the adventure tag starts to become relevant.Chapter 4 So, about a year after *shudder*, that, I got my first case as a Detective. Ponies were disappearing in the city of Manehattan. Normally, this would not have even garnered any attention. Ponies disappear in the back alleys and dilapidated bars of that cesspool all the time. But, this time one of the victims was a noble. As a member of a respected Canterlot family, the nobility trusted me more than local police. I admit, I only accepted the case because they were offering me a fat pay check. As much as I felt for the victims of the crime, I really did not want to go to the deepest hell-hole in Equestria, when my specific purpose was thwarting the devil. I know what dieing feels like, and was not looking forward to experiencing it again. The night before I arrived in Manehattan, I was sitting in my train car reviewing the case, and all the other recent disappearances. Turns out, the noble in question disappeared after a demonstration of her magical power at the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Looking at the other recent disappearances, I realized that at least five other unicorns disappeared after doing the exact same thing. "Well, someone has plans for powerful magic users. That is not a good sign. I'll write to the royal guard in the morning. *Sigh*, at least I know where to start." ................. The next day, as I was walking down Art Avenue, I was going over my plan in my head. It was risky, and involved a little deception. I had not done any covert activities since I first became a pony. After 18 years without so much as a little white lie, I felt a little nervous about diving into the world of deception again. It did not help that my only real weapons were a fencing rapier and a dagger. I like swords, when they are energy based. These weapons were just plain primitive. I approached the school, and saw a poster advertising a show being put on by a mare to demonstrate her gem finding ability. "Wow, that is convenient." I murmured in surprise."I guess I do not have to be bait after all." Seriously, I was going to show off my abilities, and let the kidnappers come to me. This was better. I just had to watch and wait for the right moment to intervene. I approached the front desk. " Hello sir. Welcome to the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Are you here for the grand tour?" asked the secretary. " Yes, also I was curious about the magic demonstration tonight. Is it open to the public?" "Of course. I can sell you a ticket right now, if you like. It costs 10 bits." "Here you are. Do you know the demonstrator's name?" "Yes, I believe her name is Rarity." He went on to guide me to the tour group, chatting amiably. I tuned him out. That name, Rarity, sounded very ... significant. It was not familiar in the slightest. I had no memory of anypony speaking that name before, but it was driving my time lord senses wonky (yes that is a technical term. Wonky, I mean. I made up "time lord senses" as a simplifier) Seriously though, I knew I had never heard of her, but it was like I should have. Like, I had missed a big world-changing event. Something that altered the fate of the universe. And, I had the feeling that somepony, somewhere, was laughing at my ignorance.
Chapter 5 or The Lord and the "lady"Chapter 5 I spent the rest of the day on the tour. I am so glad I did not attend that school. I found no less than seven secret rooms during the tour. All of them had less than upstanding contents: chains, whips, and even racks. It was really awkward. I was so relieved when it was over. The show was rather simple, impressive, but simple. Basically, a bunch of students scattered gems in a massive sand box. Rarity then used her spell to track them down, one by one. I was impressed though, even with both magic and my keen time lord senses, I could not have found half of those gems. Of course, I was a bit distracted throughout the demonstration. Seeing her in person, I was sure of it. She was somepony important. Time was warped around her. Why though? And why had I never heard of someone so significant? After the show ended, I followed her. She had a room at a local hotel. It was on the second floor, with a window overlooking an alleyway. So, of course, I staked out the alley. I was not disappointed. Not thirty minutes passed before a dark figure flew in her window. I went up the fire escape, and was almost inside, before she screamed. I slipped in, and saw the figure trying to drag her out the bathroom. She had a good grip on that door knob. She was pretty good at kicking too. The figure was so distracted by the hooves hitting his face, he seemed be forgetting to use his fangs. He was sort of like a thestral, but had no coat, just leathery skin with small patches of hair. Oh, and he smelled, badly.I cast a sleep spell. He was out pretty quick. Almost like he had no magic resistance whatsoever. He definitely was not native to Equestria, where every living thing has magic, and magical resistance, to varying degrees, of course. "Thank Celestia you're here! That uncouth brute almost had me!" Rarity said with a posh accent. "You are welcome. I am Inspector Koschei. I was hired by the nobility to apprehend the criminal responsible for a recent disappearance. It appears you were next."I immediately set about restraining the creature for interrogation. It looked a bit awkward, a bat-like equine tied to a chair. "Shouldn't you call in, get proper approval, before setting up a make shift interrogation room?" "If this were a recognizable creature, then, yes, I would. But, I do not know what it is, what it can do, or if it has accomplices. I would like to do this now, even against regulation, rather than wait and possibly waste my only opportunity." I cast an awakening spell, and the creature slowly woke up. It was furious. "Release me at once! And I might kill you quickly, worm!" it roared. I smirked. I leaned in close and place my hooves on it's temples. I began sifting through the underdeveloped heap it had instead of a mind. I found out quite a bit. Once I knew what I needed to know, I let go of his temples. I shoved him to the floor. I stood above him and spoke my piece. "Krillitane, I would like nothing more than to waste you right here, but I need a message delivered, and you are the only one fit to deliver it. I want you to go back to your people, and give them this ultimatum: Leave this world immediately, or suffer for your crimes. Flee, or face justice at the hands of the time lords." I spoke with cold confidence. He was looking fairly defiant, until he heard the term time lord. He cringed, and looked at me like I was a god. I suppose, to one such as him, I was the equivalent. As soon as he was untied, he flew away like a bat out of hell. Then, Rarity got curious. "What under Celestia's sun just happened?" She asked. "That was a krillitane. They are an alien race that absorbs the physical traits of any species they conquer. They were trying, unsuccessfully, to assimilate unicorn magic. I read his mind, found out their plan, and put forth my ultimatum. They are going to leave, because even they know that five krillitane are no match for a me." "And just who are you, that monsters flee in terror?" "I am a time lord. More specifically, I am The Master. I am more than 1,000 years old. I have dueled with gods and demons. I have met and defeated hundreds of dangerous opponents. I have survived cataclysms that make the return of Nightmare Moon seem like a childish prank. Right now, I am the single most advanced being in Equestria, and its greatest defense against monsters like the krillitane. That, is who I am." I turned and walked out, giving no indication of noticing her expression. I was three blocks over before I burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The look on her face. It was priceless!" That I laughed when a young mare gave me a "you are so amazing" kind of look, could probably be used to call my sanity into question. I facehoofed when I realized that I still had not found out what made her so special that time itself warped around her. ...................... "Unfortunately, none of the victims survived. Their remains have been recovered, and turned over to their families." I finished my report. "Good work Inspector. That psychopath could have been serious trouble. Go home and rest. You'll get your next assignment tomorrow." "Yes, sir." I walked out of there chuckling at an inside joke. Serious trouble? Oh, he had no idea. Then it occurred to me. The krillitane had never been equines before. Does the journey to this universe ponify every species from my universe? Because they had not been here long enough to assimilate an entirely new body. Food for thought.
Chapter 6 or A pattern developing Chapter 6 or A pattern developing Chapter 6 I did not get to rest that night, at all. They practically dragged me out of bed, saying I was the only one for the job. They did not actually tell me what the job was until I opened the files, on the train, after it left the station. After reading the files, I facehoofed. "First, they send me to a criminal cesspool. Now, they send me somewhere so far out in the country that I could get lost. Are they hazing me? Do all the newcomers go through this crap? And, for that matter, what is with the murder cases? Why can I not get a simple burglary?" I was to investigate a strange phenomenon. Lots of critters in a back water village were found, well, as skeletons. Not my problem, except, recently the local animal caretaker was found in the same state. Pony skeletons are not commonly found, especially inside a recently inhabited home, even if it was their own home. The skeleton was in mint condition as well. That was troubling. What destroys flesh, blood, nerves, etc... but leaves bones without so much as a scratch. I could not come up with a likely answer. Acid? No, dangerous acids are so heavily regulated we would no immediately if that was it.Dark magic? Maybe, but that is so rare in Equestria, that this would be the first case in, about 400 years. Some kind of plague? That was the most likely. Also, the only one I was afraid of. "*Sigh*, this is going to suck!" .................. The next day I walked into the local Police station, as they claimed to have collected a clue they just did not know how to interpret. I flashed my badge as I approached. "We've been expecting you. Right this way." She led me into another room. This room contained 4 interesting features: A white unicorn with spiky hair and a music cutie mark, a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane, and a brown diary. The best part, both of the pegasi were warping time. I was getting serious deja vu. "So, you're the hot shot they sent to solve the case, huh?"the rainbow one challenged. I promptly ignored her, and turned to the yellow pegasus. I smiled sweetly as I spoke. " What is your name, miss?" I inquired, offering her my hoof. "My name is Fluttershy. Pleasure to meet you! These are Rainbow Dash and Vinyl Scratch." she said, vigorously shaking my hoof. I turned to talk to the others, only to find them staring in shock. "Er... Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, somewhat creeped out. "I have known 'Shy since childhood, and she isn't that comfortable talking to me. Usually, she barely says two words to new ponies. But, you got her to open up at first sight. What did you do?" "Ponies just trust me. Always and completely. I am awesome like that."
Chapter 7 or Weapons of Bass DestructionChapter 7 Rainbow Dash puffed herself up and started bragging about how awesome she is. I tuned her out after she said 20%. I turned to Fluttershy. "So, what brought you here Fluttershy?" "I'm the animal caretaker back in Ponyville. I came here when I heard the animals were dieing. I went to see if I could help, but found the... remains, of the local keeper when I arrived." she responded. "And the others?" "Rainbow came to, as she put it, watch my back. She's very protective. Vinyl is here because... I actually don't know. What brought you here? Before you met up with us? If you don't mind telling me." "This town lets me keep my work shop here." Vinyl answered. "Really? What do you work on there?" I asked. "Mostly, I make modifications for my bass cannon." She explained. I was actually impressed. In a place like Equestria, I really had not expected that to catch on for another 2000 years or so. I mean really, harnessing bass as a weapon is something most cultures do not even considered until well into the space age. " I am impressed. When I wrote those articles on potentially weaponizing dubtrot, I did not expect anyone to follow through on my ideas." I said, and Vinyl's face lit up. "You're Koschei!" "I am." "Wow! You're my he-" "Hey were you even listening to me!" Rainbow Dash interrupted, when she finally noticed our side conversation. "Nope!" I responded,"Now, let us have a look at that diary." I will not bore you with the mundane details. There were only six significant words, in the form of a question, at the end of the last entry. A question that chilled my blood. "Why do I have two shadows?" That certainly put things into perspective. It made the whole case perfectly sensible. I immediately looked around. One, two, three, four. Great, 4 shadows and 4 ponies. Yep, all we had to do is draw the swarm into a central location and obliterate them. What could obliterate the shadows that melt flesh? "Hey Vinyl! I know what did this, and I am going to need your workshop." "Why? What are we up to?" she asked. I grinned. "We are going to drop the bass... ALL OVER THEIR HEADS!" ............................................. "So is it ready?" Vinyl asked. She was really excited about this plan. She got to help save a town from an immeasurable threat, meet her idol (seriously! me! how crazy is that?), and said idol was hooking her up with some free apps for her bass cannon. We had set up on a roof in town overlooking a courtyard. The courtyard had a beacon that would draw the swarm in. Then we drop the bass all over their heads. "Yes it is. Splash setting installed. Targeting parameters programed. Max volume raised to 3000 koscheins. Designation, Weapon of Bass Destruction." Yes, I named a unit of measurement after myself. I am that badass. Vinyl was giving that hero-worship look. I activated the beacon. The swarmed gathered quickly. We only had to wait for about 10 minutes before enough arrived. I calculated that it must be every one of them for 20 miles. Massive writhing shadow. "Vinyl, drop the bass." Yes, I knew I was abusing that statement, but I could not help it. It is so much fun to say. The splash setting worked marvelously. The entire courtyard was flooded with base. The sheer magnitude cracked the earth, and made the clouds shake. The swarm was obliterated. Once the bass dissipated, Vinyl and I were chattering about the future of bass-based technology. RD had had enough though. "What are you? Huh? Detectives are not generally capable of weapons engineering. What's your angle?" "Look at my cutie mark. My special talent: protect and love ponies. That is my angle. As for my skills, I was not always a detective. As for what I am, I am Koschei, alias The Master, and I am both shield and sword for our nation, against any and all major threats. Does that answer your questions?" Rainbow was stunned. Vinyl, once again, had eyes full of hero-worship. Fluttershy was just relieved it was over. I smiled, it was not like the day I met Twilight, but it was a great day. Author's Note Feel free to comment if you know the shadows' real name. I am not telling.
Chapter 8 or Of Honesty and AwkwardnessChapter 8 Over the next few months, I actually did ordinary work. No more krillitane trying to assimilate unicorn magic. No shadow swarms eating ponies. No god of chaos breaking out of his ancient prison and stomping all over reality. Oh, wait that last one happened, just not to me. I was so happy that that incident fixed itself. Still, why did Celestia refuse to release the identities of the ponies that busted him up. It was Nightmare Moon all over again. Saved by the elements of harmony, but nopony knew who they were. Once again, I had the feeling somepony was laughing at my ignorance. Anyway, Vinyl kept in touch. Turns out she actually spends most of her time in Canterlot. We hung out pretty often. At first all we talked about was bass technology. Then we discovered how much we really had in common.We both loved to read. We were both loved gourmet food. We both played video games in our free time. I had almost forgotten how good it feels to have a companion. Because of the way both of my most recent companions (Twilight and Lucy) ended up, I fear I had developed a social phobia. Vinyl brought me out of my shell again. The next time something major happened, Vinyl and I were on a trip to Appaloosa. It was a nice enough place, all things considered. It was not until our third night there that something happened. Something so incredible that it could only happen to me. I saw somepony from my old school. I was sitting in the saloon, waiting for Vinyl to get back from the gift shop. My old classmate sat on the stool next to me. Both of us stiffened up. We both looked at the same time. We both recognized each other. It was awkward. "John." "Harold." "What are you doing here?" "Waiting for my companion to get back from the restroom. And you?" "Waiting for mine to get back from the gift shop." It went into an awkward silence after that. I was trying to get a grip. My guilt was killing me, but I have trouble with apologies. Stallion up, I told myself, You will not feel better until you do. "*Sigh*, for what it is worth old friend, I am sorry, for, well, everything." I apologized. "I forgive you, old friend. How long has it been for you?" "Nineteen years. What about you?" "600." He said with a grin. Then we really got talking, and drinking, and salt licking. ................... About thirty minutes later, his companion walked in. He immediately grabbed her and started dragging her over in my direction. "Consarnit Doctor! What's gotten into ya?" "There is somepony here you have got to meet." he responded as they approached. "Howdy pardner! A'm Applejack!" She was an orange earth pony mare. She had a blonde ponytail, green eyes, and an apple based cutie mark. Oh, and she was warping time. This was just getting redundant. "Hello, I am Koschei." I introduced myself. She actually recognized me. That I did not expect. "Wait, as in The Master!" She inquired. The Doctor looked as shocked as I felt. "Er... Yes. How do you know of me?" "HA! Your the only thing Rarity wants to talk about. The gallant stallion that saved her from the krilli-whatsit." "Krillitane." "Yeah that was it. Then both Fluttershy and RD showed up with a story about you and that DJ vanquishing a mass of flesh-eating shadows." So, all the time-warping ponies knew each other. Interesting. "Huh, I guess I have been less than subtle in some of my exploits." "So, it's all true? They weren't exaggerating at all?" "No, I have done some crazy things." We spent the rest of the night chatting and drinking. When Vinyl arrived, she just joined in. .................... It was almost time to go. I waved the Doctor to the side. "Doctor, do you know why your companion is bending time?" "Got no idea. Do you?" "No, but she is the fourth one I have met that does that. Rarity, RD, even Fluttershy all warp time." "And she knows them. And they know you. And she knows me. And I know you. All connected." "Ever get that feeling your missing something important?" "Only when Applejack is around." "Followed by the feeling that somepony is laughing at your ignorance?" "Yes, it doesn't bode well does it?" "Just stay alert. Good bye Doctor." "Goodbye Master." That was an interesting night. Still, It was nice to be friends with the doctor again. Just like when we were kids. Good times. Author's Note John Smith Harold Saxon aliases
Chapter 10 or Evil Enchantresses exist, but they are not zebrasChapter 10 It was my day off. I just wanted to sleep all day. With dreams like mine, who would not. But Vinyl dragged me out of bed. "Come on! We're going to a party!" "Okay, I am coming. Stop being so loud. I just woke up." "Are you all right? You've been sleeping a lot more then usual lately." I blushed really bad at that. The things I had been doing with her and Twilight in my dreams...Well, I was not going to tell her. EVER! "I am fine. Just really enjoy dreaming." "Oh, what about, hmmm?" She asked coyly. "Frolicking in the fields with a childhood best friend that I lost a long time ago and continuously feel guilty about how it ended." "Oh! I'm so sorry." It was not a lie either. I missed Twilight. ............................ "Vinyl, we are going to a party, why does it smell like death up ahead?" "I don't smell anything." "Rubbish pony noses." I muttered angrily to myself. Seriously, ponies have horrible senses. That makes my life suck sometimes. Too much pepper in food. Too much perfume being worn. Way too noisy. Can they detect anything without having to overkill it? Anyway the party we were going to was in the woods in Canterlot Central Park.The party was in a clearing surrounded by dense bushes. I pushed through it before Vinyl. I got a good look at the situation. "Vinyl, when this is over, you are treating me to the most expensive restaurant in Canterlot." "Why do I have to-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH" she said as she got through the bush."Not good." It was like a stereo-typical witch lair. There was a massive bubbling cauldron at the center. There were a bunch of prisoners tied up off to the side. Then there were the witches themselves. They looked sort of like hippogriffs, except, instead of eagle/pony hybrid, they were a crow/pony hybrid. And they were old, wrinkly, somewhat misshapen. And they were practically radiating magic. "Well, well, well, what have we here? A musical pony called Vinyl and a... Nameless One? How is your name hidden?" That was telling. Crow-like, smell like death, magic power, affinity for names..... How do things from my universe keep getting here? "Vinyl, please run." "And leave you alone, no way!" "Vinyl, I can take them. Their power will not work very well against somepony who's name is hidden. But it will work on you." "Fine, but if you die, I will be furious" "If these beasts are what finally takes me down, so will I." Vinyl runs back threw the path we just cleared. One of them moves to stop her, but I teleport above her and stomp her face into the ground. With my hoof still on her neck, I turn to face the other two. "What in the darkest pit of Tartarus do you three think you are doing here? For that matter, how the hell did you escape the Dark Space?" "The words of Shakespeare freed us from the dark space. We attempted to conquer Earth, but that meddling Doctor imprisoned us in a crystal ball. When the TARDIS crossed dimensions, our prison was weakened, and we slipped through the cracks. As for what we're doing, we will consume these ponies and use their natural internal magic to augment our power. We will break open the Dark Space and rebuild our empire." "You... are very fourth-coming with this information." "You won't live long enough to stop us!" She lunged forward, only to crack her beak on my shield spell. I snapped the neck of the one I had pinned. I looked over my shoulder, and bucked the third one (who thought she could be sneaky) in the face. I heard skull crack. Then turned to the last one. "What is really sad, is that you are easily one of the most powerful races in the universe, but without my name, you are just plan helpless. Bet the Dark Space looks pretty good right now. I could send you back if you like. It is either that or execution, Carrionite." "Never!!!!!" She screamed. "Have it your way." I said. I cast a spell that made her burn. Green flames of pure magic. Same color as my Eyes. I went about untying all the prisoners. The last one was a pink earth pony mare. She had three balloons for a cutie mark. She was warping time.
Chapter 11 or SUPER MEGA ULTRA HAPPY ENDINGChapter Eleven To put it mildly, the pink earth pony was positively ecstatic. Not to be rescued, I think she was just ecstatic because that is what defines her. Like the Doctor, with his TARDIS. "OMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSHYOURTHEMASTERI'MYOURBIGGESTFANYOUWERETHEBESTVILLAININTHEENTIRESERIESEVERANDNOWYOURAHEROYOUSAVEDRARITYANDDASHIEANDFLUTTERSHYANDYOUWEREGOODFRIENDSWITHTWILIGHTCHAPTERTHREEMADEMECRYITWASSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSADANDICOULDN'THELPANDNOWYOUSAVEDMEIHAVETOTHROWYOUATHANKSFORSAVINGMEPARTYGASPTHEREAREN'TENOUGHSUPPLIESHERETOGIVEYOUTHEPARTYYOUDESERVEMEETMEINPONYVILLEINTHREEDAYSYOU'LLHAVEAPARTYWORTHYOFYOURGREATNESSIFIHAVERAIDEVERYPARTYSTOREANDBAKERYINEQUESTRIA!" She said all that in one breath, then zoomed away. I just stood there staring after her. For three hours. Vinyl showed up. She walked over to me with a cheerful expression, then looked worried when she saw my expression. "What's wrong?" "I am having an existential crisis." "Why?" "Somepony just broke the fourth wall, IN REAL LIFE!" Vinyl just shook her head and said" You get used to it. Pinkie Pie does that all the time." ................................ Three days later I walked into Ponyville to find the entire place in festival mode. There were rides and games.There were baked goods everywhere. Pinkie Pie grabbed me. She dragged me to the top of a massive stage. She grabbed the microphone and spoke into it, surprisingly slowly. She wanted everyone to understand. "This is the one! This is the stallion who saved me and Dashie and Fluttershy and dozens if not hundreds of other ponies from monsters and criminals! This is our newest hero! This is the Master!" All of the ponies cheered. And I recognized some of them. Rarity was looking starry eyed. Rainbow Dash was cheering loudly. Fluttershy was smiling shyly. Applejack was cheering as loudly as Rainbow Dash. And, there he was. The Doctor just smiled and looked in my eyes. The look, it said "I'm proud of you, old friend. You earned this." I heard it then. A song began to fill me. An amazing, wonderful song, full of hope and joy. It went like this .................................... Three hours of partying later, I stumbled into a library to take a break. I then heard an angelic voice. "If that's another drunken party goer, I am sealing that door with magic for the rest of the day." I walked right up stairs to the room the voice came from, and our gazes met. "Koschei? Wha-oof!" I tackle-hugged her mid-sentence. Then I kissed her with unbridled passion. She was shocked at first, but melted into it. After about five minutes, I drew back to look at her properly. "Twilight, I missed you so much." "What happened?" "You jumped to conclusions my love. I wanted to be with you. I still do." "You mean I rui-" Once more I cut her off. This time with a kiss. After a moment, I drew back once more. "Does not matter. We are together now. I love you." "I love you too!" And we bucked. And it, was beyond glorious! Author's Note I am not going into greater detail. I like my teen rating. Thank you very much.
It is not overThose of you who loved this story with a passion, fear not. The story is over because our hero feels he has finally redeemed himself, but I am not done with the master. He has many more adventures ahead of him. This is only the first in a series. If all goes according to plan, a long series. Until then, this is Anommalcolm, logging out.
Chapter 9 or In which the gods respect Koschei's authorityChapter 9 I was having a lucid dream of the best kind. It was Twilight, Vinyl, and myself laying on a blanket under the stars. There was hard cider. There were delicious candies. There was even, wait for it, SLOPPY ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES!!! I swear the only downside to being a pony is being a herbivore. I miss being able to eat meat. Any way, the mares and I were cuddling, when suddenly, Princess Luna lands right next to us. "Please you have to- Wait, what are you doing with those two?" "These are the only mares I have ever been close to and I dream of being with them forever." "Okaay........ Anyway, I need your help." "With what?" "LUNA! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE!" Nightmare Moon landed on the other side of me "I SHALL-Wait what are you doing with those mar-AHHHHHHHHH!" I had smacked her upside the head. "Listen up, maggot! You are not out in a place where you are in control. This is my dream. I, am a very lucid dreamer." "YOU DARE- AHHHHH!" "Shut up, maggot!" I said with wide eyes and a grin. I winked at Luna, then continued."You allicorns may have god-like power, but your minds are like that of ordinary ponies. My mind is that of a time lord. Power here in the dreamscape, is based on the strength of one's mind. I am in charge here." Nightmare actually seemed to have gotten the point. So I turned to Luna for answers. "Why did the elements not destroy her?" "She is an allicorn. She's immortal.They separated us, but she's been haunting the dreamscape ever since. She doesn't have a physical body though." "I see. Alright, maggot, from now on you give the ponies sweet dreams. No more nightmares, or I will kick your flank. Are we clear?" "Yes, sir." "You will address me as Master." "That is very naughty, Master-AHHHHHH" "Shut up, maggot! Not even in your dreams! Understand!" "Y-yes master." ............................ After Nightmare left, I turned to see Luna looking at me. "What?" "Master? Seriously?" "Oi, what is wrong with my name?" "Wait, that's your real name?" "Yes." "Why?" "Time lords often have titles as their name. For example, an old classmate of mine is named Doctor." "Okay." "Yeah." "Well, I gotta go lower the moon see ya bye!" And with that she was gone. I turned back to Vinyl and Twilight. "Where were we?" Author's Note Short but sweet. After all the other crap, He gets an easy fight, and sweet dreams as a reward.
