Carnival Of Souls

Chapters

Spike you killed him!
HRRNG
The Hounds Unleashed
Was That A Pony?
Mine are totally bigger!
Prologue
Are ya livin, or just existin?

Spike you killed him!

Chapter II

“Spike you killed him!”

The sky above Ponyville roiled and rumbled like a restrained titan. The clouds had formed seemingly from nowhere, and the hurricane winds had started soon after. Normally the weather team could have prevented such a storm, but not today. This storm was the effect of powerful magic being used.

In her cloud home, on the outskirts of town, a certain rainbow maned pegasus watched the raging weather with a growing sense of unease. Rainbow Dash was nervous, though she would never admit it.

Looking out one of the windows in her room Rainbow Dash saw something that made her hair stand on end. As Dash watched clouds began to swirl and twist, forming what should have been a tornado above her home. But the eye of the maelstrom never descended, instead lightning began to arc from one cloud to the next, building strength.

As Dash looked on in awe something plummeted from the center of the vortex. Plummeted that is, right towards her house. With a resounding crash a pony fell through the roof and landed on the floor mere feet from her.

After the initial shock of having somepony fall through her roof, Dash approached the unmoving form angrily.

“Hey! What’s the big idea just busting into someponys house like that?” She asked poking him in the ribs with a hoof.

Not receiving a response, Dash looked over her unwelcome guest. He was a pegasus, slightly taller than her. His coat was odd, a deep red striped with black almost like a zebra. His black mane was disheveled and he had a chinstrap goatee. Lying beside him was a ball cap that had fallen off as he had fell through the roof.

“Hey, you OK?” she asked worriedly, still receiving no response.

“Great....” Dash thought looking out at the storm. “I can’t fly in this weather and now I’ve got some unconscious pony who I don’t even know passed out on my bedroom floor.”

After repairing the hole in the roof, Dash did the only thing she could think of and dragged the unconscious form to her guest room, hoping that the storm would clear soon so she could get help for the unconscious pegasus.

_________________________

The library creaked again in the gale force winds. Twilight Sparkle, Ponyvilles resident librarian, lifted her head from the book she was currently enjoying. This was one of the worst magical disturbances since Discord had been re-imprisoned. Twilight could feel the magical energies swirling and dancing above her.
Suddenly the pressure built to a crescendo directly above her, then vanished.

“What was that?” she thought. Looking over she saw Spike, her baby dragon and number one assistant, wrapped in his blankets snoring softly. Suddenly there was a thump from the attic.

It hadn’t been the thump of something falling, it had been the sound of somepony moving around.

“Ohmyohmyohmy! There’s somepony in my attic!” the lavender unicorn screamed in her head.

“Spike! Spiiiiiiiiiiike!” she said, shaking the groggy dragon awake.

“Hrmmmm......what is it Twilight?” Spike asked drearily.

“Spike,there is somepony in the attic!” Twilight stated. At this Spike sat upright quickly, a look of the terror on his face.

“What if it’s a zombie pony? Oh my gosh, what are we gonna do Twilight?” Spike asked.

Hearing the eccentric reaction from her assistant calmed the librarian down somewhat. After all somepony had to be calm.

“I’m sure it’s not a zombie pony Spike. It might even be the wind.” she explained, but the statement sounded hollow in her ears. She had lived in this tree for almost two whole years now, and it never made noises like that, unless somepony was up there.

“Come on Spike, we’ll go together just to be sure.” she said.

“Hold on a sec Twi.” Spike said. Reaching underneath her bed his claw came back with a frying pan in it.

“Just in case, you know.” he said glancing at Twilight sheepishly.

Smiling at the baby dragon, Twilight turned and started toward the stair case leading up into the attic, levitating a candle from the desk as she went. Ascending the stairs, Twilight began to put a spell together, just in case something were to happen.

As they topped the staircase Twilight used her magic to brighten the light from the candle so they could see better. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Dusty books were organized on shelves alphabetically, with maps and star charts strung haphazardly across the room. But as the two passed a book shelf, there, on the floor lay a pair of glasses. Someponys’ glasses.

The sudden realization that there was another in the room may have accounted for Twilight and Spikes reaction. As Twilight started back peddling she bumped into something. Whirling she saw a tall unicorn stallion blinking furiously in the bright light.

Spike too had been frightened, and as he turned, he had swung the frying pan.

“Oh! Excuse me but-” the stallion had started, just before Spike smashed the frying pan into his face with a resounding BONG!

As Spike lowered the pan, Twilight noted a look of confusion on the stallions face. As Spike backed away the tall unicorns eyes slowly went in opposite directions, resembling a certain blonde maned mail mare, before he fell to the floor unconscious.

“Spike you killed him!”

_____________________

“What’dya mean we can’t go to the club house? It’s not that bad outside!” Applebloom complained for the thousandth time. Standing beside her were Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Applebloom Ah done told ya no. The storms to bad for ya’ll to be headin out right now.” Applejack said. The orange earth pony was getting tired of her sisters antics.

“Now ya’ll just go upstairs to yer room, ya’ll can stay here tonight.”

Turning away from Applejack, Applebloom looked at Big Macintosh.

“Big Mac, tell Applejack to let us go.” the little filly pleaded.

“Nope.” the big stallion stated simply, drawing a series of whines from the fillies as they headed upstairs.

As the storm continued the three looked around Appleblooms room trying to think of something to do. Continuing to ponder Sweetie Belle looked out the window in time to see a flash from inside the barn.

“Did you see that?!” she exclaimed excitedly, drawing the attention of Applebloom and Scootaloo.

“Did we see what?” Scootaloo asked.

“That bright light from the barn.” Sweetie Belle explained.

“There’s a light in our barn?” Applebloom asked looking out the window. As she watched there was another flash and the barn seemed to quiver.

“What’dya think it could be?” the youngest Apple asked curiously.

“Maybe it’s an alien!” Scootaloo said.

“Or a monster from the Everfree forest!” Sweetie Belle stated.

“Or maybe it’s a ghost!” all three said in unison. Agreeing this was the most possible explanation the three made the only plausible decision.

“Cutie Mark Crusader’s Ghost Hunters!” they said excitedly, climbing out the window and shimmying down the drain pipe.
Keeping out of sight the three made their way across the yard and to the barn door. By this time the wind had stopped howling and the rain was coming down in a steady drizzle and not the flood from earlier. Opening the barn door the CMC went inside.

Lying on the ground, in the middle of the barn, was a large earth pony. Steel grey in color with a black mane and a close cut beard, he was as big as Big Macintosh.

Approaching the prone form Scootaloo was the first to say anything.

“Hey Mr. Ghost, why are you haunting Applebloom’s barn?” the pegasus filly asked, getting no response.

“Maybe he cain’t here us.” Applebloom said reaching out tentatively and booping the large stallions nose.

“Ohhh.......mah head.” rumbled the large stallion.

“Hey girls, he doesn’t have a cutie mark either!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle excitedly.

As if finally registering the voices the massive earth pony opened his brown eyes, and met the beaming faces of three little fillies.

“Howdy Mister! Whatcha doin in our barn?” the red haired filly with the pink bow asked.

“Why don’t you have your cutie mark?” the orange pegasus rapid fired.
“I really like your mane!” the pearl white unicorn stated.

“Why are horses talking?” Case wondered aloud.

___________________

Alright short chapter this time, sorry. This chapter was a pain to write, really couldn’t decide where I wanted to go with it, but kinda like the way it turned out. Alright this will probably be the shortest chapter in the whole fic so I gotta get writing. Again I appreciate the suggestions and the helpful replies. Always like to hear from the people reading so until next chapter, Adios!

-Shattercrazy-

MLP FIM owned by Hasbro not me.(NOOOOOOOO!)
All other characters came from the dark void that I call a mind.
No ponies, people, or evil plot devouring monsters were harmed in the writing of this story.

HRRNG

Chapter III

“HRRNG!”

Sunlight was beaming into the window. Right into a certain red and black pegasus’s eyes.
Blitz decided he had awoken to worse hangovers before. He had dreamed about fighting some strange scarecrow monster with his friends when they had been saved by some magic, indigo haired young woman. All he could think about at the moment was that he had a headache and needed a cigarette. As these thoughts ran through his mind someone started poking him in his side.

“ Not the first time I’ve woken up in this situation.” he thought to himself, as a mischievous smile spread on his face.

Rolling over he quickly grabbed the offending appendage and pulled its owner down into a hug.

“Hey what’s the bi-” a voice said before Blitz pulled the speaker further down for a kiss.

“ Ya know it would be better if you kissed ba-” Blitz started as he opened his eyes and saw who he was kissing.

Scratch that not who.......What.

Staring back at him, wide eyed with a hint of red creeping into its face, was a blue horse with multi-colored hair.As the realization sank into his brain the horse suddenly pulled free from his now loose hug and shot to the other side of the room in a rainbow blur.

“ Hey! What’s the-I mean why-Who are-” the blue horse stuttered still recovering from the stealth smooch.

Blitz said something smart and witty then like

“HRRNG!” before flailing about in a futile attempt against the sheet he was wrapped in, before he fell off of the bed.

“Talking demon horse!” he exclaimed from his new position on the floor.

“Hey I’m not a demon!” the cyan pegasus stated vehemently.

“WHY SANITY? WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?” Blitz screamed to no one in particular raising his arms into the air. Or what should have been his arms.

Looking in wonder at his upper appendages Blitz saw that where earlier he had two arms, he now had to red and black striped legs ending in a set of hooves. Glancing at the blue horse on the other side of the room, he began to realize something. Something that a talking horse could not compare to.

“Hey I’m talking to you!” exclaimed the bird horse.

“Oh God........I’m a horse!”

______________

The large earth stallion levered himself up slowly to a sitting position. As he did so the three fillies in front of him continued to ask questions.

“Are you a farm pony?” asked the cream colored filly with the red mane and pink bow, pointing at his worn grey cowboy hat lying beside him.

“You’re not a ghost are you?” the orange one with the purple mane and wings demanded.

“What are these?” asked the pearl white one with the light lavender mane and horn, pointing at the metal tags dangling from a chain around his neck.

Case took all of this in stride, reeling in all of his own questions. Looking at the three fillies in front of him he smiled easily.

“One question at the time, please.” he rumbled in his deep voice.

At this the three turned quickly and began whispering too low for him to hear. Wondering if he had offended them in some way, Case was suprised when the three whirled back asking the same question together.

“Why is your cutie mark on your front leg instead of your flank?”

“Mah what?” drawled the draft horse.

“Yer cutie mark. Ya know, the mark ya git when ya find yer special talent.” the cream colored filly said.

Looking down at where his left arm should have been Case saw a muscular steel grey leg, with bluish-black tribal work descending from his shoulder to where it terminated at a black hoof.

“Hmmm......ain’t that interestin.” he thought to himself. Realizing he couldn’t do anything about it the cowboy simply shrugged to himself before answering the question.

“Ya mean mah tattoo?” he asked pointing at the intricate swirling pattern with his other hoof.

“You’re what?” asked white filly.

“It’s a tattoo. Uhmm.....kinda like a drawin that’s permanent.” Case explained.

“So it’s not a cutie mark?” asked the orange filly.

“Not that Ah’m aware.....” the big pony replied.

“Ok, next question! What are those?” asked the white filly pointing at the metal tags dangling around his neck.

Looking down at the small metal squares it took Case a moment to reply.

“Nothin important......” he said quietly.

“Mind if Ah ask a question?” Case said quickly changing the subject before the three could reply.

“Sure!” they piped in together.

“What’s ya’lls names?”

“Oh we fergot to introduce ourselves girls!” the red haired filly said.

“Sorry about that! Ah’m Applebloom and this here’s-” said the cream colored filly before the orange one interjected.

“I’m Scootaloo!” said the little pegasus.

“And I’m Sweetie Belle!” the white unicorn stated.

“Hmm.....Applebloom, Scootaloo, ‘n’ Sweetie Belle.” Case said, indicating each with a nod of his head.

“Nice ta meet ya’ll.”

“So what’s your name?” asked Sweetie Belle intently.

“Most folks call me Case.” he stated. At this his stomach rumbled loudly, causing Case to smile apologetically.

“Oh ya must be hungry! Why dontcha come into the house and get somthin ta eat.” Applebloom stated excitedly, after all the Apples were known for their cooking.

“Ah don’t know if that's a good-” Case started before he was interrupted by Applebloom.

“Aw, c’mon it’ll be fun, plus Granny Smith loves ta meet new ponys.”

Seeing that he wasn’t going to win this argument, Case retrieved his hat from the floor and followed the three out of the barn into the slackening rain.

____________________________

He was in the desert. No.....not the desert. He was in Hell. Pinned behind a wall by gunfire, in a small backwater town in Iraq, with a name he couldn’t pronounce, Hell seemed to fit perfectly.

As the bullets continued to impact on the wall beside him, he couldn’t help but think of the things in life he had wasted. His chance with Brittany. Going to college on a full ride scholarship. Not joining the Army and getting killed.

As these thoughts ran through his head, the soldier looked across the street at two of his squad pinned behind a small pickup truck. The only two left on that side of the street.....The only two left with nowhere to go.

Even as he watched the windows of the small pickup blew out as the heavy AK-47 slugs impacted into them, showering the two soldiers taking cover with shards of glass.

The sergeant of the squad called for suppressive fire so they could cross.

“How far is that gap? 20,30 yards?” he thought to himself, rolling around the corner of the building and firing his M4 on full-auto.

As the hail of bullets drove their assailants behind cover the smaller of the two soldiers behind the pickup started sprinting toward him.Ten.......Fifteen yards......Before a Taliban soldier rolled from a doorway and fired that AK. It’s distinctive TAT....TAT....TAT being forever burned into his brain. As he watched the sprinting grunt staggered and fell halfway between the truck and cover.

He didn’t remember running to the fallen man. The next thing he knew he was just there, leaning over him, pressing sterile gauze to his right shoulder.

“Nothing major hit. Dark blood. Veinous bleeding. No bubbles, lungs intact then.” his brain told him, drowning out the sergeant yelling for him to get back to cover, the sound of the AK firing at him. But not the sound of the second soldier behind the pickup.

As the wounded soldier had fallen the second had moved. Coming from behind cover, howling like the damned he had opened up with the M249 SAW he wore strapped across his chest. As the enemy had ducked back into cover he had began walking toward their position still firing.

One of the closer enemies flanking behind a building appeared right in front of him slightly to his left. As he had emerged into the street the large soldier had pivoted and cut him down before he had a chance to raise his weapon.

Walking past the now mangled corpse he had knelt and picked up the fallen AK and began firing it in bursts one handed beside the SAW. Two more of the enemy went down under his pressing assault.

Turning back from the SAW gunners path of destruction, the medic rolled the wounded soldier on his side to check for a pass-through wound. His search was rewarded with a clean hole through the back of his patients vest.

“He needs help Doc....” Blitz said dragging his own M16 up and aiming downrange.

Looking up the medic saw something that made his heart miss a beat. The large soldiers suicidal charge had the entire enemy force held at bay......until the terrifying sight of an RPG filled a window.

The CRUMP of the grenade launcher told him that Blitz had fired his underslung M203. Arcing lazily downrange the high explosive round detonated just below the window with the RPG causing the building to collapse on one side, and the hostile firing the rocket launcher to jerk.

The missile shot out of the window and to the side of Case, who was heading toward cover. And he almost made it too.

As he reached the side of the building the rocket impacted beside him, blowing him fifteen feet in the air back toward Doc, where he bounced on the ground to a halt a few feet in front of him face up.

____________________

“NOOOO!” Doc screamed setting up rapidly in the bed, calming down as he realised it was a dream. Reaching up he tentatively touched the tags hanging from the beaded chain around his neck.

“Just a dream......” he said to no one in particular, though if there was anyone in the room with him he couldn’t tell without his glasses. Fumbling around blindly for a moment he was rewarded with the sound of the lamp on the bedside table crashing to the floor.

“Crap.....” he said to no one in particular again. As he continued fumbling a lavender dot began forming in his field of vision. When he knocked something else off of the table he heard a polite cough before he realized the lavender dot was someone.

“Uhm......May I help you?” he asked.

“I’m not sure you want to help at all, considering you were in my attic a two in the morning!” came the venemous reply.

“Say what? I apologize, I had no idea Miss......” Doc said, fishing for information.

“No Idea! How do you have no idea of being in my attic? How did you get in there anyway? Was it Trixie? She’s back for revenge isn’t she!” stated the purple blob.

“Who?”

“The Great And Powerful Trixie. She hired you to do something, didn’t she? Something to ruin my reputation!” the blob said vehemently.

“No it was the Great Pumpkin! “ Doc exclaimed, deciding to play along with whatever game the blob wanted to play.

“The.......What?” asked the blob.

“The Great Pumpkin! Doer of things! Knower of Stuff! Bewaaaare!” Doc said waving his arms above his head comically.

“Your........Your joking........Right?” said the blob.

“Yes I’m joking. Aren’t you?” Doc asked. Something wasn’t quite right with his hands. He could feel them but he couldn’t......Feel them. It was like his fingers were shoved into some sort on mitten he couldn’t take off. And why did his arm look navy blue?

Coming out of his revelation that something was wrong, Doc turned to the mumbling of the Blob.

“.....crazy Spike. I don’t think he dangerous. No we don’t need the frying pan!”

“Uhmm.....Excuse me Purple Blob, but do you happen to have my glasses?”

“Yes. But I’m not sure I should give them to you.” It stated.

“Might I enquire as to why?” Doc asked.

“I’m still not sure you don’t want to hurt me.”

At this Doc couldn’t help but snort out a laugh.

“I assure you nothing is further from my mind than to harm you Miss. Also I would love to know whom I have the priveledge of addressing. Most people call me Doc.”

“Doc, as in Doctor?” asked the blob.

“That is correct.”

“Doctor Who?”

“Not now, but maybe after I know your name.”

“What?”

“Doctor Who? You know....the T.V. show.”

“The what?”

“You are kidding me? Nevermind.....Let’s start over from the beginning. Hello my name is Richard, but most people call me Doc.”

“Okay. I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is my assistant Spike.” as the blob spoke it split apart into another, slightly smaller purple blob.

“Twilight Sparkle? Spike?.....And people think our names are crazy.” Doc thought to himself.

“It’s nice to meet you both. Now may I please have my glasses back, I’m getting a bit of a headache.” Doc said.

“Alright......but first you have to promise you won’t try to hurt anypony.”

“Again with the Pony......” Doc thought.

“I swear on my life.” Doc stated.

“Alright.......Here they are.” Twilight said.

Reaching out slowly so as not to frighten them Doc attempted to grab his glasses.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“Trying to grab my glasses.”

“Why not use your magic?”

“Ok. Now I know she not all there in the head.” Doc thought.

“Because I’m not a wizard Harry.” Doc mumbled to himself.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing! Uhmm.....I seem to be having some trouble, could you please help me?” Doc asked innocently.
As he sat back and closed his eyes he felt the familiar weight of his glasses settle on his nose.

“Much better.” he said opening his eyes.

As everything came into focus, Doc began to realise something. Twilight Sparkle was a horse. A horse with a horn. Spike, who still had not said a word, was a dragon. Looking down at himself he saw that the reason for his arms appearing blue, was because they were blue. And his hands weren’t hands, but instead blue hooves.

Turning his head in increasing panic he realised he was in a house, made from a tree. And on the wall was the most startling discovery yet. A mirror. And staring back at him in said mirror was a navy blue horse with his sandy brown hair, glasses, and hazel eyes..........And a horn coming from his forehead.

Doc started to scream. Why was he a horse? Why did he have a horn? Why did horses talk? Why was there a dragon? Why was-BONG!.......Doc crumpled back to the bed with the familiar derp eyed expression as Spike turned from the bed, frying pan still raised, to look at the stunned Twilight Sparkle.

“What?” the baby dragon asked innocently.

“He was freaking out!”

“I know Spike.....but why?”

_____________________________

End Chapter the Three

Welp it’s been a while! Sorry to all you who were waiting for this. I’m getting a little more time on my hands now so I should be able to pop a few more chapters out soon. On a side note 12 hour shifts suck! Now down to business! Hope I didn’t disapoint with the chapter and again criticism is welcome, just remember this is my first fic. Also I don’t really know where to put this so I’m putting it here, It’s My fic Right? Right! I would like to get a few pre-readers if anyone is interested. Uhhmm......send me a message if you would like to.And again thanks to you all for reading this and making my day!

-Shattercrazy-

Hasbro owns everything MLP not me
I write this with no intent to make money
No Ponies,People or Purple Platipusses were harmed in the writing of this fic.

The Hounds Unleashed

As Case followed the three fillies out of the barn into the slackening rain he glanced around at his new surroundings. He seemed to be on a farm or plantation of some sort, judging by the looks of everything.

"Could be worse......" he thought to himself as the trio led him inside of what appeared to be another barn.

Removing his hat at the front door Case quickly realized the inside of the house was much to his liking. It had a rustic feel to it that peaked his rural, country interest.As they entered the kitchen Applebloom placed a slice of pie on the table in front of him before asking

"Whatd'ya want to drink Mr. Case?"

"Uh.....coffee'd be nice,and just Case'll do." he said quickly.

"We got milk?" Applebloom asked hopefully.

"Milk'll do just fine Applebloom. Thank you." Case said. As Applebloom was pulling the milk from the refrigerator Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo edged closer to the steel colored draft horse, trying to look at his tattoed leg. Noticing their not-so-subtle attempt Case swiveled around and held his left foreleg up for them to see.

"If that's not your cutie mark, then where did it come from?" Sweetie Belle asked eyeing the intricate design.

"I had it done a bit ago." Case stated.

"What do you mean "Had it done"?" Scootaloo inquired.

"Well it's uh'm.......it's kinda hard to explain." he mumbled.

"It doesn't look hard.I even bet my sister Rarity could dye fur just like that." Sweetie said.

"It ain't dyed there Sweetie Belle, it's........" as Case said this he looked at his proffered leg closely for the first time and noticed that it indeed look as if the swirling design had been dyed into his fur, instead of the usual needle and ink.

"Well ain't that somethin?" Case marveled to himself as Applebloom sat a glass of milk in front of him.

"Here you go Case, the best apple pie in alllllllll of Equestria!" the red haired filly stated proudly.

As Case turned his attention to the pie in front of him the three fillies huddled together and began whispering to low for him to hear. Noticing there was no fork on the table Case lowered his muzzle and took a bite of the pie. Instantly overwhelmed by the taste he hardly noticed the fillies exit the room. It was perfect! Crispy crust, cinnamon and apple blended perfectly,he decided that this was the best pie he had ever eaten.

Turning to tell Applebloom about the pie Case's dark brown eyed glance locked with a pair of emerald green eyes belonging to an orange, blonde maned mare standing in the doorway. Who did not look happy.

"Who the hay are you?!?!"

For the second time Doc awoke with a splitting headache. He couldn't believe it. He was a horse. Not just any horse, a freaking Unicorn! Reaching up slowly he touched the horn protruding from his forehead. It felt like it was around eight inches long and made out of bone.

I can just hear Blitz now making jokes about my "Boner"..... Doc thought to himself.

Groaning as he rolled off the bed Doc face planted on the hardwood floor.

"Are you alright?" asked a feminine voice Doc remembered all to well.

"Floorsh......hurt......fashe......" he mumbled from his position on the floor. Fumbling around he managed to get himself into a sitting position as Twilight approached him cautiously. As he regained his senses he felt something in the female unicorns general direction, almost like a breeze tingling against his skin. As Doc pondered this strange sensation his glasses positioned themselves on his snout, enveloped in a lavender aura.

As the slim rimmed spectacles settled on his face the world became instantly clear, allowing Doc to view the lavender unicorn standing before him. Glancing around the paramedic noticed the absence of a particular purple and green lizard.

"He isn't waiting to hit me in the head again is he?" Doc asked cautiously. At this the lavender unicorn blushed slightly.

"Uh'm about that......I apologize for the way Spike reacted, he's a little jumpy when he's scared." Twilight said.

"Scared? Of me? Why would anybody be scared of me?" the blue stallion asked.

"Look at yourself! It's not everyday you see a pony as big as you, I mean your size can intimidate most ponies." As Twilight spoke she waved a hoof over Doc's still sitting form for emphasis.

"Uhm.....considering I haven't gotten the chance to look at my new self, I assumed I was normal sized." Doc stated. At this the purple mare looked at him quizzically before replying.

"What do you mean your new self?" Twilight asked.

"You know, the fact I'm a pony now?" Doc replied.

"Wait....now? What were you before?"

"A human. You know bipedal creatures with oposable thumbs." At this the lavender unicorn giggled.

"Oh I get it! You're joking. Humans are an old mares tale."

"I assure you Twilight Sparkle, we humans are indeed very real." Doc explained getting to his feet........all four of them.

"You cannot be serious? A human? That's not possible." Twilight stated vehemently.

"Yes, yes it is. Why are you looking at me like I'm crazy?"

"SPIIIIKE!" As the lavender mare yelled, the baby dragon responsible for the two lumps on Docs head clambered up the stairs........with a frying pan.

"NO! Not again! I will not be brained again by cookware wielded by the Geico mascot!" As Doc began to rant he felt something build up inside of him, focusing on the frying pan in. As Spike topped the stairway Doc felt the buildup flood out of him threw his horn. The frying pan erupted in white hot flame, melting in the awestruck Spikes claw.

As Doc looked on in awe at the spectacle Twilight's own horn gave off a purple glow and the ebb of energy flowing from his horn winked out. Turning back the the tall navy colored unicorn she stated vehemently

"Stop being so destructive! You've already broken my lamp and now melted one of my good pans, and you haven't even been here a day!"

"Whoa now, the lamp was completely accidental and I will make reparations, but how can you blame me for the pan? I haven't moved an inch from this spot since this conversation started so how could I have done that?" Doc put in on his behalf.

"It's your magic. All unicorns learn how to control it when they are still young."

"I'm sorry but I believe I've already made it clear that I wasn't a unicorn less than twelve hours ago." The medic said becoming annoyed with the fact that the lavender mare could not get the idea through her head.

As Doc was about to voice his annoyance the ringing of a bell interrupted his thoughts. Turning at the sound Twilight glanced at Spike disapprovingly.

"You didn't lock the door did you." she said, more of a statement than a question. The little lizard shrugged before replying

"What? You were awake and it's already past time for the library to open."

"Twilight Daahhling! It's time for your weekly appointment!" came a voice from downstairs that sounded to Doc as if it belonged to the Queen on England. As the voice continued to whine about time and appreciation for ones looks, Twilights eyes grew wide before she said

"Rarity!"

On the outskirts of Ponyville, in a home made of clouds, a red and black striped pegasus was having a mental breakdown.

"Why?!?! Why am I a horse?!?! Of all the animal's a horse?!? Seriously?!?! I couldn't have been a Cheetah or a Lion?" Blitz ranted to the ceiling of the home. As his charade of questions continued unanswered, Rainbow Dash tried to reason out the situation before her.

Here was a perfectly healthy, if somewhat bizzare colored, stallion losing it over being a pony.

"And I thought Pinkie was crazy." Dash thought, rolling her eyes at the theatrics.

Noticing that his performance was not having any affect on the ceiling Blitz turned his attention the the rainbow maned mare acrossed the room from him.

"Where are my cigarettes?" he asked, as if he hadn't been interrogating her roof a second before.

"I'm the one asking the questions here bub! Who are you and what's the big idea crashing into my house in that storm last night?" she asked,flying right up to the goatee'd pegasus and looking up at him menacingly.

Locking his green eyes with the magenta ones of the mare, Blitz tried to reason with her.

"Cigarettes please?"

"Who are you?" Dash asked, not being deterred. Sighing at the realization he was not going to get them yet, Blitz answered.

"Shane or Blitz. Most call me Blitz though. Now please, cigarettes?"

"Why did you crash into my house?"

"I did not mean to, talking flying horse of nicotine denial. I don't even know where I am or why I'm a horse." Blitz said, losing hope of seeing his Marlboros until the line of questioning was done.

"We're ponies! And what do you mean you don't know where you are? Where did you come from?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Ponies, Horses, Whatever! I have no idea where I am. I came from Panama City Beach Florida, and before I answer anymore questions, Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Rainbow Dash! The fastest flier in Equestria and future captain of the Wonderbolts! The most loyal friend, and bravest, best pony around!" She stated proudly rearing up on her hind legs.

"You know......I thought I had an ego problem but now,not so much. Anyway, is there a phone I can use anywhere around here?" Blitz asked. A look of confusion crossed Rainbow Dash's face as she asked

"What's a phone? And don't you want my autograph or something? Ya know, me being the future captain of the Wonderbolts and all."

"Oh for the love of god! How do you communicate with other......ponies?" Blitz asked.

"We write letters, or just fly over and talk to them." she stated, looking at Blitz as if he were insane.

"And just where am I supposed to get on a plane around here?" he asked sarcasticly.

"What's a plane? And why don't you just use your wings?" Dash asked. At the mention of wings Blitz looked over his shoulder and noticed, for the first time, the red feathery appendages angling from his shoulder blades. As he began to hyperventilate he glanced back at Rainbow Dash and asked

"Can I please have my cigarettes now?"

"What's cigarettes?" the rainbow maned mare asked. Throwing both front hooves into the air Blitz yelled

"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-"

___________________________________

"We are sorry sister, we have failed thee." Princess Luna said, once more in here regal pony form.

"It is alright Luna, you could not have known that magic would be difficult on them. But we must find them before the end of the week or I fear all we have done will be for naught." her sister ,Princess Celestia, said nuzzling the indigo haired alicorn.

"What shall we do Tia? You said yourself that magic will be difficult on them, and Shining Armor is still on his honeymoon with Cadence. How will we locate them?" the princess of the night inquired, switching from the royal canterlot voice.

As the words left her mouth the door to the throne room opened and one of the guard poked his head in before announcing.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Sergeant Speaker has arrived." he said, looking to the royal sisters for directions.

"Send him in Blazing" Princess Celestia said naming the guard as she spoke.

"Yes Ma'am!" Blazing said, swinging the door open to admit the Sergeant.

As he entered the throne room Speaker removed the flat brimmed hat atop his head, revealing the silver-grey high and tight mane that was required of all new recruits, and bowed to the royal sisters. He was a pegasus pony, slim and wiry, with a tan coat and a close cropped tail.Looking at the sergeant few would have known he was the finest drill instructor in the Guard, and one of the Princess's most trusted commanders.

"Sergeant L. Speaker reporting!" he said straightening to his full height, which might have reached one of the guards chin.

"Really Loud Speaker, must you always be so formal?" asked Luna playfully, knowing well how much the drill instructor loved formality.

"Ma'am I apologize, but I've been doing this for so long it's just natural." the old warhorse said smiling at the two princesses.

"What have you summoned me for, if I may be so bold?" asked Speaker.

"Your father was the same way Loud, always straight to the point. It's one of the things I liked in him." Celestia said.

"Not to mention the fact that Tia was chasing you around the palace as a foal while your father was on duty." Luna said, making the sergeant smile bashfully, remembering the days when the sun goddess would play hide and seek with him.

"Yes Ma'am. I seem to have turned into him in my old age."

"Which is not a bad thing. He was one of my best, as are you." Celestia stated, before returning the the task at hand.

"Speaker I have called you here today because we need you to find somepony. Some ponies actually. There are three of them, all stallions."

"Yes Ma'am. Is there anything I should know about them? What color are they? What species of ponies are they? Are they dangerous?" Speaker asked.

"As far as color goes we are not sure, but they are most likely all three species of pony. And as for dangerous that would depend on the situation. I don't believe they would harm anypony unless provoked, but do not take any chances. Magic also seems difficult to use on them, so unicorns would probably be next to useless unless they where significantly powerful enough. We need the three of them back here by sundown tomorrow or sooner." Luna said.

"Yes Ma'am. I'll find them, but I ask that I can pick my squads." Speaker said, replacing his hat atop his head.

"Anypony you require you may have. And Sergeant we need them here in one piece."

"Yes Ma'am. Only the amount of force necessary to bring them will be used." And with that the Drill Instructor spun on his hooves and marched out.

Deep beneath the surface of Equestria, in a cave long forgotten by most the air shimmered and rippled.Suddenly a slash appeared,floating in mid air.Out of the gap stepped a towering scarecrow appearing monster.Clothed in tattered rags and a tall pointy hat the creature would have been intimidating enough without the two glowing orange orbs set within it's dark void of a head.Striding accrossed the chamber confidently navigating the twisting winding curves of the tunnels with ease.

The creature had been here before. This was where it had first re-entered reality for the first time in ages. As the monster finally approached it's destination, it reached it's clawed hand under the tattered coat it wore and removed a bandolier of what appeared to be glass lanterns. In the center of the chamber, wrapped in chains inscribed with wards of bonding, was a cube of complete darkness that seemed to suck the very light from the room.

As the creature approached the cube it knelt, holding the bandolier before it like a sacrifice. Out of the lanterns flowed a glowing silver aura that seemed to form and twist into the faces of different people. These were the souls the monster had collected on it's journey. These were the beginning of the ritual to open the cube. The first keys needed to release the master of the horror knealing before it.

As the souls of many flowed from the bandolier into the cube, the chains began to slacken. With a clattering creak a multitude of chains fell from the cube. As the seven foot tall monster stood and replaced it's bandolier a cloud began to form beside it, taking shape in the form of a hooded, glowing spectral figure. Hovering beside the giant monster it appeared small and insignificant.

But the hooded figure was far more dangerous. As it turned to face the cube a melodious, resonant voice broke the silence addressing the stick thin giant.

"You have done well, my slave. Soon these chains will no longer bind me, and this world will know my wrath. Go now, the two of you, and bring me more souls so that I may conquer this realm."

As one the towering monstrocity and the ghostly apparition turned and began their hunt for more souls.

----------------------------------------------

The End Chapter 5

Long time coming but I hope it was worth the wait. Not very long but I just can't get motivated enough to make the chapters longer. I still have big ideas for this story and I'm going to finish it so hold on to yer hats!

MLP owned by Hasbro
OCs owned by me

None were harmed so far in the making of this story

Was That A Pony?

" Damn." Blitz said to no one. Standing on the balcony of a home made of clouds, with a rainbow waterfall, it was the most sensible statement he could make.

Taking a drag from his freshly lit Marlboro, he simply let himself be enraptured by the nicotine rush that went to his head. The rainbow headed horse, who kept reminding him that her name was " Rainbow Dash " , had placed his things in the drawer by the bed he had awoken in. After digging through it for what seemed like a lifetime he had discovered his pack of cigarettes and his Zippo were both intact, along with his trademark orange ball cap.

Turning at the sound of foot steps, Blitz found Rainbow Dash looking at his cigarette curiously.

" What's that? " she asked, after noticing his glance.

" Cigarette. " he stated, exhaling a cloud of smoke in the process.

Coughing and waving her hoof in front of her face Dash's nose wrinkled at the smell.

" So.....what's it do? " she asked, drawing a knowing smile from the strange pegasus before her.

" It kills your lungs, makes your clothes and hair smell like smoke, yellows your teeth and keeps me from turning into a raging monster." Blitz said, spitting the still lit stub over the balcony. Despite the fact that he had saw Rainbow Dash use her hooves like hands he still could'nt get the hang of it.

" But if it does all of those bad things, why do you still........you know, use em? " Dash asked, drawing a laugh from the other pony.

" It's a hard habit to kick, once you really get going. Though..." he said, glancing at the semi full pack lying on the cloud-floor " I'll probably won't have much of a choice in another day or so. " Turning his attention back to the multi-hued flying horse before him, Blitz decided it was time for his own questions.

" So....now what? " he asked.

" What'dya mean, ' Now what '. You fell into MY home. If nothing else I should ask you now what." She said vehemently.

" That was not my fault, Talking-Flying Horse! I just want to know what's gonna happen to me now, huh? After all I did land in Your house. The way I see it, you should be the one who knows whats going on here, not me." Blitz said angrily.

At his unexpected outburst, Rainbow Dash had lost a little of her bluster.

" It's alright. " she thought " He does'nt seem like he knows how to fly, so It should'nt be too hard to get away from him if he get aggresive. "

" I've already told you, MY NAME IS RAINBOW DASH!!! she said, growing louder with each word until she was screaming.

Blitz stared at her for what seemed like an eternity, an unreadable expression on his face.

" Come on Blitz think! What would Doc do? He'd probably say something smart that would make everything seem like it was all a joke." he thought.

" I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. " The cyan pegasus opened her mouth with a venemous retort, then closed it quickly when Blitz's words settled in her mind. She had not been expecting an apology from this stubborn flank of a pony.

" Uhm.....It's okay......You know, you never told me your name. " she said finally.

" Oh...Uhm, Shane. But everybody calls me Blitz. It's...ah...nice to meet you Rainbow Dash. " Blitz said.

" Likewise."

There was a moment of awkward silence, in which Blitz became very interested in his hoof, before he spoke again.

" About the whole, ya know, Flying-Horse thing, it's just, I'm not a pegasus. At least I was'nt before I ended up here. I don't know whats going on and, to be honest I'm a little concerned I'm going crazy."

" What do you mean you were'nt a pegasus before. What could you possibly have been? " Dash asked, laughing a little at the absurdity of it all.

But if what Blitz had said before was crazy, what he said next was insane.

" I was a human."

" We need to see Twilight. " Rainbow stated, through her fit of laughter, drawing another annoyed look from Blitz.

" I hope the guys are having a better time than this.......Come to think of it, I hope they're okay......"

_______________________________________________

" Who the hay are you!?!? " The orange pony asked vehemently.

" Case.....Uhm.....Mah name's Case ma'am. " Case replied unsteadily, looking at anything but the mare blocking the doorway.

" Case huh? What're ya doin in mah house? How did ya get in? What do ya want? " she questioned, advancing on the large cowpony setting meekly at the table.

" Ah'm not.....Ah mean.....Ah don't-"

" Applejack! " Applebloom practically shouted as she re-entered the kitchen, followed by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

" Applebloom! What in the name of Celestia is goin on here? " Applejack asked, tossing her loose mane over here shoulder with a shake of her head.

" This is Case! We invited him in because he was in the barn after that weird flash." the red haired filly stated.

" Wait just a dawgone minute! He was in the barn? Where all our harvested apples are? " Applejack said, rounding on Case.

" What were ya doin to the apples? Did Flim and Flam put ya'll up to this? What didja do to our apples?" She asked angrily, imagining all of the horrible consequences if this strange stallion had poisoned there livelyhood.

" Uhm, Ah ain't-" Case began before the crusaders interrupted.

" He aint done nuthin!" Applebloom stated.

" Yeah we got to him before he even woke up! " Scootaloo said.

" He's really nice, that's why we invited him in." Sweetie Belle chimed in.

" Ya'll invited him in? Ya'll know you ain't supposed to talk to strangers! He coulda been trying to rob us, and you let him in our house! And why in Equestria were you outside in this storm in the first place?" Applejack demanded.

As the three fillies told the tale of the strange flash in the barn, their escape and the finding of the large grey earth pony, Case quetly washed and stacked his plate and glass before shuffling out the door , unnoticed, into the downpour.

Putting his hat on as he walked down the muddy driveway the rain quickly soaked him to the bone.

" And that's why we invited him in." Applebloom finished.

" So let me get this straight. There was a big flash in the barn? And when ya'll got out there he was just laying on the floor, out cold? So why did'ja invite him in? " Applejack asked.

" Because he was hungry! " Sweetie Belle stated.

" And he aint got nowhere else to go. " Applebloom chimed in.

" Did'ja ask him if he had anywhere to go? "

" Well......no. But he was in the barn all alone! Thats gotta mean he did'nt have a place to stay! Right Mr. Case?.......Mr. Case? " Scootaloo started, bringing all eyes to the now empty table.

" Where did he go? " Sweetie Belle asked.

" Maybe he went in the living room. " Applebloom said, before dismissing the idea. He would have had to walk around them to get to there. While the three fillies quickly searched the house, waking Big Macintosh in the process, Applejack simply stared at the washed and stacked dishes.

" He cleaned up after hisself........After all the stuff Ah said........it......don't make no sense...... "

Clearing her thoughts with a shake of her head, Applejack turned to see her brother standing at the bottom of the stairs, a blank expression on his face.

" How long have ya been there? " she asked.

" Not long." Macintosh said.

" Ya think maybe Ah was a little hard on him? "

" Eeyup. "

" But he coulda hurt somepony! He coulda foalnapped the girls, or worse. " Applejack said, but the hollowness of her own words rang in her ears as she replayed the way Case acted in her mind.

" He seemed nervous. Scared almost.....And why'd he wash up after hisself? "

Glancing around she noticed that the front door was slightly open.

" Consarnitt! " she swore, grabbing her hat from the hat rack. At a questioning look from her brother she said " A'hm goin to get some answers."

" Eeyup. " came the reply.

His eyes popped open, closing again in the bright sunlight. His right cheek hurt. Moving his arm seemed to take all of his energy as he slowly reached up and touched the spot of discomfort on his jaw. With the blood on his fingers came the full realization of what had happened crashing into his brain.

Case sat up unsteadily in time for Doc to appear beside him, a worried look on his face.

" Are you Okay? " his friend asked him.

" Right as rain Doc.....right as rain. " Case replied getting to his feet. Glancing around he saw his SAW lying a few feet away, miraculously in one piece.

" Case let's go! We're sitting ducks out here! " Doc said attempting to pull him along. He might as well have tried to move a mountain for all the good it did, as Case shrugged off his hand and retrieved his weapon in a hail of bullets. Turning back Case saw Doc staring at him from behind the wall he had taken for cover, a look of shock on his face.

" Reckon Blitz needs us Doc. " Case said heading back for his other comrade, firing as he went. As he slid down beside Blitz the steady CHOP-CHOP-CHOP-CHOP of an attack helicopter became audible over the gunfire, just before the Apache crested the buildings to their right and began strafing the buildings at the end of the street where the Iraqi's were firing from with 50. cal rounds.

" I guess we're not gonna die today. " Blitz said flexing is injured arm, as the helicopter continued to spit death at the other end of the street.

The words had hardly cleared his lips when another insurgent appeared wielding an RPG. Before either of the three could raise a weapon and fire the man launched the missile straight into the side of the helicopter, sending it crashing to ground in a cloud of dust and debris. Before he could duck back into cover, the steady Tat-Tat-Tat of Doc's M4 cut him down.

" GET YOU'RE ASSES BACK INTO COVER! " Sergeant Jordan yelled at trio standing in the middle of the street.

" There's still someone in there! " Blitz said getting to his feet and heading toward the downed chopper ignoring the order, followed closely by Doc and Case.
__________________________________________________

Applejack found Case standing on the edge of the orchard staring into the darkness.

" Hey! Ah ain't through with you yet! " she said drawing closer to the still staring stallion.

" What's the big idea running out like that? " Applejack huffed, not getting a response.

" Ah'm talkin to you! " she said becoming agitated at being ignored by the steel colored draft horse. Stepping closer she looked up at his bearded face, but his dark brown eyes were unfocused under the brim of his hat.

" Are ya alright? " she asked waving a hoof in front of his face. As if snapping out of some sort of trance Case shook his head before looking at his surroundings, as though seeing them for the first time.

" You alright? " Applejack asked again drawing his eyes to her. As their eyes met Applejack thought she saw something in those dark eyes before he turned his gaze towards the ground.

" Yes Ma'am. " Case said not moving.

" Why'd you up and run off like that? " she asked.

" Don't wanna be where Ah'm not wanted ma'am." he replied still looking down.

" And why'd you wash up yer plate and glass? "

" It was mah mess, and I was raised to clean up after mahself ma'am. "

" And yer hat? Why'd you take it off at the door? " Applejack continued, determined to get the answers she wanted.

" It's disrespectful to wear a hat inside ma'am. " Case said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

" And the girls? Why was ya with them? "

" They were there when Ah woke up. Ma'am with all due respect ya shouldn't be out in this weather. If you get sick it'll be mighty hard for you to take care of yer farm. " Case said, drawing an annoyed look from the farmer.

" Well Ah wouldn't be out here if Somepony hadn't run out afore Ah could talk to him. " she stated, stomping her hoof.

" Like Ah said ma'am, Ah don't wanna be a problem to nobody. "

" Well ya let me decide on whether yer a burden or not in mah home. Ya got that? " she asked drawing a nod from the larger pony.

" Now where are ya goin? " she asked. Looking around it took Case a moment to reply.

" Ah ain't real sure......figured Ah'd just keep walkin till Ah found somebody Ah know or that blue haired lady that brought me here."

Applejack stood quietly for a moment, letting the rain water gather in the brim of her hat before speaking.

" So you really ain't got nowhere to go? No home or family? "

Case shook his head still not meeting her eyes.

" Look at me. " she said forcefully, surprising Case. Raising his gaze slowly his dark brown eyes met her emerald green.

" Ma'am? " was all he said.

As she stared into his eyes, Applejack saw nothing but sincerity in them. Being the Element of Honesty, she had a very good sense of when ponies where telling the truth.

" It's Case, ain't it? " she asked quietly.

" Yes Ma'am." he replied just as quietly.

" Can you work on a farm? "

" Yes Ma'am." came the reply.

" If yer willing to pull yer share ya can stay in the spare guest room. But if yer in MY house ya follow MY rules, understand? " Applejack asked.

" Yes Ma'am " Case said.

" Rule number one......stop calling me Ma'am. The name's Applejack. " she stated offering her hoof.

Reaching out slowly Case touched his hoof to Applejacks, who proceeded to shake it up and down violently.

" Case, Miss Applejack. It's a pleasure." he said, drawing a scowl from the farm pony.

" Yer gonna call me 'Miss' Applejack now Huh? "

" Yes ma'am. " came the reply, drawing a smile from the blonde maned cowpony.

" Fine! Fine! Secondly: Our rooms are off limits unless otherwise stated. Understood? "

" Yes ma'am. "

" Well come on Sugarcube, let's get out of this rain. Ah gotta go into town in the morning and yer gonna be coming with me. " She said heading back towards her house, not seeing the smile crease Case's face.

_________________________________________________

" Rarity! " Twilight said as her eyes went wide.

" Well she sounds like she is becoming annoyed. " Doc stated a little too loudly.

" Oh! Twilight who is that? I didn't know you had a visitor. And a stallion by the sound of him! You simply must introduce me to him! " the voice said growing louder as it's owner came up the stairs.

" He's not...I mean.....he just needed........" Twilight stuttered as a snow white unicorn mare with a blue mane appeared at the top of the stairs.

" This book. The Study of Equestria Languages Volume VI. Why yes I can see why you would keep it as a personal read Twilight. I appreciate your allowing me to borrow it on such short notice. " Doc said, grabbing the book from a shelf and flipping through it as though it were the most important thing in the world.

Glancing at Twilight, he saw the grateful smile she gave him before turning back to Rarity.

" Yes! And what would be your name Mr. Random Stallion whom I have never had the fortune to meet? " she asked laughing nervously at her friends suspicious look.

" Ah. Doc, Miss Sprakle. Doc will do. " he said adjusting his spectacles professionally.

" Just a random customer hmmm? " Rarity said glancing past the tall navy stallion, to the disheveled bed and the broken candle lamp.

" Yep! Just a random stranger who I've never seen before this day! " Twilight said trying to think of something to change the subject.

" Hmm? And you. Doc was it? What would be your reason for wanting that particular book? " Rarity asked as a knowing smile began to form on her lips.

" Science! " Doc stated, holding a hoof up in the air dramatically.

" And you need it this early because? "

" The pursuit of knowledge never sleeps! " Dramatic Pose.

" And the lumps on your head? "

" I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to- " Doc started before a purple aura surrounded his mouth sealing it shut.

" Okay okay. Rarity he was in my attic last night. How he got there I still haven't figured out and he doesn't know either. As for the lumps, well Spike got excited and hit him with a frying pan........twice. " Twilight said, deciding the truth would be better.

Nodding her head sagely, Rarity gave the still muzzled stallion an appraising look before speaking.

" And you have yet to alert the authorities to the fact you had an intruder in your home? What if he had meant you harm? Or had been a thief? What then? Twilight you are a beautiful young mare, living alone. When a random stallion just happens to be in your home in the middle of the night you do not invite him to a cup of tea! " she stated.

" Rarity I am more than capable of taking care of myself. " Twilight retorted.

" Twilight, I'm not insinuating you can't. But look at the size of him. And he is a unicorn as well. What if he had blocked your magic? There is no way you could have stopped a stallion of his size from simply having his way with you! " Rarity stated dramatically, with her foreleg over her eyes.

Glancing at the hopping form of Doc Twilight couldn't deny those statements. If he had somehow managed to nullify her magical talents she wouldn't have stood a chance. She barely reached to his chin!

As these thoughts swam through her mind a bump made her glance in Doc's direction to see him lying on the floor thrashing about. It was then she realized she still had his muzzle suppressed in her magic and he couldn't breathe.

" Oh Celestia I'm sorry! " she exclaimed releasing her magic as Doc was verging on unconsciousness.

Coughing and gasping he staggered to his feet drunkenly.

" Alright I'll buy you a new lamp! " he croaked.

__________________________________________

The door to the Royal Guard academy barracks flew open with a loud BANG! causing the sleeping recruits to hastily get to their hooves. The shouting that followed did not match the pony that followed but the recruits would have stood no taller in the largest instructor had entered instead.

" UP! UP! UP! YOU HAVEN'T EARNED THE RIGHT TO SLEEP IN THOSE BEDS YET! " Sergeant Loud Speaker thundered striding through the doorway.

As he marched back and forth down the sole aisle between the two rows of bunks inspecting the recruits he continued to rant.

" RECRUIT SPUDS! DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS LOCK IS ORGANISED TO IMPONYAL GUARD REGULATIONS? "

" NO SIR SERGEANT SPEAKER SIR! " Recruit Golden Crisp, nicknamed Spuds by Sgt. Speaker for the three potato chips as his cutie mark, answered shakily.

" AND WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT SPUDS? DO YOU THINK YOU AND THE REST OF THE RECRUITS SHOULD RUN TO THE OTHER SIDE OF CANTERLOT AND BACK SO YOU'LL REMEMBER HOW TO FIX YOUR LOCKER? "

" NO SIR! IT WAS THIS RECRUITS MISTAKE SIR! THIS RECRUIT SHOULD BE PUNISHED ALONE SIR! "

" WELL THAT'S NOT HOW IT'S DONE SPUDS! I LIKE YOUR INITIATIVE THOUGH! SHOWS GOOD CHARACTER! LISTEN UP! ROLL CALL, RECRUITS MIDNIGHT RUSH, EMERALD SPARK, HOT SHOT, ROCK SLIDE, AND ROLLING THUNDER STEP FORWARD! EVERYPONY ELSE TO THE EDGE OF CANTERLOT AND BACK DOUBLE TIME! " Speaker finished.

As the other recruits headed outside Loud Speaker approached his chosen five inspecting them all from head to hoof before speaking.

" At ease recruits. "

As the five semi relaxed the short drill instructor removed his flat rimmed hat, exposing his iron grey high and tight mane.

" You five will not be part of the final exam to be elevated to the Imponyal Guard. " he said quietly drawing a series of gasps and outraged replies from the selected five.

" Sergeant Speaker! I know you didn't find the poison joke in your coffee funny at the time but I thought all the kitchen duty I had to pull made up for that ! " Hot Shot started. A Unicorn pony with a pale yellow mane and fiery red fur, Hot Shot was the best shot with offensive magic that the drill instructor had seen in years. His cutie mark was a bulls eye target with three arrows in the center. He was also one of the most mischevious.

" This is just wrong Sir! I know I am the only female recruit in this barracks sir, but I don't think that disqualifies me! I have passed all the exams with flying colors! I had record scores on both trajectory and tactics! " Emerald Sparks said vehemently. Another Unicorn, with a wheat colored coat and emerald green mane to match her eyes, she had indeed passed all prior tests with outstanding scores. Her cutie mark was four emeralds. She also liked to flirt and had a very mean temper.

The remaining three simply remained silent, staring blankly ahead. But judging by the muscles twitching in their jaws, Loud Speaker knew he had hit a nerve.

Midnight Rush was a Pegasus of slim build with a deep blue coat and silver mane. He was the fastest pony in the regiment at the moment, and he was nearly inseperable from Hot Shot, the two always into trouble together. His cutie mark was a silver tornado.

Rock Slide and Rolling Thunder were Earth Ponies, twins actually. Built like the boulders their family was known to farm in mountains north of Canterlot. Both with mud brown coats and caramel colored manes their only distinction being their cutie marks. Rock Slides was a mound of boulders, while Rolling Thunder had a boulders with a lightning bolt through the center. Freakishly strong the both of them, but neither had much experience outside of their farm or the city of Canterlot.

" ENOUGH! " Thundered Loud Speaker, bringing silence to the barracks instantly.

" Pack what you need. You will not be taking the exam." At this the five assembled seemed to deflate with the certainty that their dream was over.

" The Princess's have given me a high risk mission with the choice of the entire Guard to select as my team. I have selected you five. If this mission succeeds, you will not be a part of the Imponyal Guard........You will be my personal Team of Operatives. You will be given security clearance to go anywhere and do anything for the good of the Kingdom of Equestria. You will answer only to myself and the Princesses themselves. Do you accept these conditions. " Loud Speaker said quietly.

The looks on the faces before him ranged from awe to ecstatic. Emerald Sparks was the only one to reply.

" But Sergeant Speaker.......Why us? We've all been in more trouble than the rest of the recruits combined. What do we have to offer that somepony better doesn't? "

" That Sparky is precisely why I have chosen you. None of you have access to my record, yet you all know my reputation. Never have I failed. Even in the worst situation my record in unmatched. I have seen and done things that would condemn most ponies to an asylum. But I also have always hoof picked my team. Always the best.......Always the black sheep that the higher up commanders wanted to discharge. And why you ask? Because those who have the potential but are scorned will rise above and prove to all that they are the best. " Loud Speaker said.

" Now pack your things! We brief in fifteen with the Princess's! "

_______________________________________________

Blitz rubbed the bruise he could feel forming on his shoulder. After Rainbow Dash had shown him the basics of flying he had attempted to fly with her to the town she called Ponyville.

Everything had been going great. He jumped off of the balcony of Dash's home like a pro. He opened his wings just like he was taught and felt the wind rush up and hit the feathered appendages perfectly. Then the ground had rushed up and hit him and he had been walking since, much to Rainbows amusement.

At least they were in town now. Blitz had seen ponies of all colors and races. He had even been tackled by a gray Pegasus mare with straw colored hair and bubbles on her flank. As he had tried to untangle himself he had noticed the wall-eyed look she had given him before booping his nose and flying off after a brown earth stallion with a disheveled mane and an hourglass cutie mark.

" There's Twilight's place. " Rainbow Dash said from above him, pointing at a large tree house.

" One sec. " Blitz said as removed his hat with his wing and pulled his cigarettes and lighter from inside. He flipped on of the nicotine sticks into the air and caught it in his mouth before striking the zippo on his flank and lighting it.

" Okay that was pretty cool. " Dash said grudgingly as she flew down beside him.

" Yeah and it only took me years to learn. " Blitz said getting his first good drag since they left the cloud house. Of all the things that Rainbow Dash had taught him, the ability to use his wings like hands was his favorite.

As they continued towards the house-tree blitz caught sight of a large steel gray stallion wearing a light brownish cowboy hat. As he looked closer the hat slowly came into focus, along with the pony himself. Half a head taller than the ponies around him and twice as broad he was clearly a draft horse.

Dark bluish black tribal designs covered his left foreleg and he had a neatly trimmed full black beard. All of this Blitz took in in an instant before Case turned to a blonde maned pony wearing a cowboy hat who led him into a hardware store.

"C'mon Rainbow Dash! " he said as he bolted down the street headed for the hardware store.

He hadn't taken more than ten steps when he was ambushed by a pink ball of what at first he mistook for cotton candy.

" OHH MY GOSH! YOU'RE NEW IN TOWN! I KNOW BECAUSE I KNOW EVERYPONY IN PONYVILLE AND I DON'T KNOW YOU! I'M PINKIE PIE! WHAT'S YOUR NAME! OOOH! LEMME GUESS! BRIGHT BOLT! NO? RED STRIPE! NO? HEY! I'VE NEVER SEEN A PEGASUS LIKE YOU BEFORE! YOU'VE GOT STRIPES ALL OVER YOU! ARE YOU RED WITH BLACK STRIPES OR BLACK WITH RED STRIPES? OOHHH! LEMME GUESS RE-" the ball of fluorescent energy said before Dash interrupted her.

" PINKIE! This is Blitz. We really need to see Twilight right know so please can't this wai- " Rainbow Dash said before Pinkie Pie began again.

" YOU'RE RIGHT RAINBOW DASH! THERE'S TWO MORE NEW PONIES IN TOWN RIGHT NOW! BLITZ IT WAS FUN TO MEET YOU! I'LL SEE YOU AT YOUR PARTY TONIGHT OK! BYE! " and with that she was gone, leaving Blitz standing with his mouth hanging open and his Marlboro dangling.

" The hell was that? "

___________________________________________________

Case walked along pulling the empty cart happily. After returning to what he now knew was Sweet Apple Acres last night, he had been introduced to Big Macintosh, who Case took an instant liking to. The large red stallion was the first pony so far he had been able to look eye-ball to eye-ball. Quiet and soft spoken, Case had sensed a kindred spirit in the red draft horse.

Granny Smith on the other hand, had instantly thought he and Applejack were an item. This had brought a series of giggles from the CMC, a snicker from Big Macintosh, a red face from Applejack and Case both. Applejack had stuttered out several excuses as Case had become very interested in the wall paper.

After the awkward pleasantries Case had gone to bed and awoken himself before sunrise. He had found Granny Smith still in her rocking chair. Sometime in the night her blanket had fallen from her and he gently placed it back, before walking outside and sitting on the front porch.

Before long he heard a thump upstairs, followed by hurried hoof beats down the stairs and across the kitchen. If he would have turned he would have seen Applejack standing with the door ajar staring at him. She hadn't put her mane in it's trademark ponytail yet, so her golden hair spilled around her in a sea of curls.

" Howdy, Miss Applejack. " Case's rumbled not turning around.

" .......Howdy Case.......How'd ya know it was me? "

" Welp......I figured you'd figure I'd up and run off so you was gonna try and catch me fore Ah left. " Case said turning to grin at the blonde maned cowpony.

" Or do Ah owe ya an apology? " he said.

" Why're you up so early? " Applejack asked, changing the subject.

" Always liked to get up early.......watch the sun come up. Used to do it all the time with mah Daddy......." Case said with a hint of sadness in his voice. Shaking his head he smiled at Applejack before starting again.

" So what am Ah doin with Macintosh? "

" Go hitch up the cart in the barn, Ah'll be out shortly. " she said still looking at him.

" What do Ah' hitch it to? " he asked, not yet catching on.

" Yerself. " was all she said before closing the door.

He had then proceeded to haul the cart from Sweet Apple Acres to Ponyville, with Applejack in tow.

The trip threw the town had been un eventful besides the stares he got. Assuming it was the tattoo he continued on unbothered entering the local hardware store with Applejack after leaving the cart parked outside.

As he was following Applejack, something exploded out of a wooden rain bucket and jumped on his back.

Something........Pink.

" OH MY GOSH!YOU'RE NEW IN TOWN! I KNOW BECAUSE I KNOW EVERYPONY IN TOWN AND I DON'T KNOW YOU! YOU'RE THE SECOND NEW PONY IN TOWN I'VE MET TODAY! I'M PINKIE PIE! WHAT'S YOUR NAME? OOOH! LEMME GUESS! IS IT IRON SIDE? NO. STEEL HAMMER? NOPE! OOHH! I KNOW IT'S CA-" it said before Applejack interrupted her.

" Howdy Pinkie! Ah see you've already met Case. We was just fixin to head over to Twilight's and see if sh-" she said before Pinkie exploded again.

" OOOH! CASE! THAT'S A COOL NAME! HEY APPLEJACK I'M THROWING CASE A PARTY TONIGHT AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER MAKE SURE AND SHOW UP OKAY BYE!" And with that the talking ball of confetti simply vanished.

" C'mon Case lets get to Twilight's! " Applejack said grinning at Case's frozen look of surprise.

" Please tell me you saw that......."

______________________________________

" I cannot believe of all the things that could have killed me a cute purple pony almost succeeded. " Doc said.

" I told you it was an accident! I seriously wasn't trying to harm you. I just forgot my spell is all. " Twilight said defensively.

" Now Now please! Let us go downstairs and see if we can't do something about that mane of yours my dear. " Rarity said.

" Yes lets go downstairs where there is no chance of you throwing me off of something! " Doc stated heading down the stairs as a pillow rocketed at him from thin air.

As Rarity began massaging Twilights scalp with shampoo Doc and Spike took this moment to converse for the first time without a bludgeoning being involved.

" So......yeah Sorry about the whole frying pan thing dude. " Spike said rubbing the back of his neck In embarrassment.

" Don't worry about it Spyro we're cool. " Doc stated holding his hoof out for the little dragon to bro fist.

" What's a Spyro? " Spike asked bumping his tiny fist to Docs hoof.

" In my world he is possibly the most famous and awesome dragon of all time. "

" Really!? You think I'm Awesome? " the little dragon asked swelling with pride at the thought.

" Completely! Just look at you! You're a freaking DRAGON! "

As Spike and Doc continued Rarity and Twilight had their own conversation.

" Just look at him Twilight! He get's along so well with Spike." Rarity said.

" Yes but he also thinks that he's a human. Rarity there has to be something wrong. Maybe Spike hit him to hard the first time." Twilight sighed.

As Spike and Doc began a game of checkers the board suddenly shot up from the floor and a pink whirlwind attacked Doc.

" OOOH MY GOSH! YOU'RE A NEW PONY! YOU WANNA KNOW HOW I KNOW? BECAUSE I KNOW EVERYPONY IN PONYVILLE AND I DON'T KNOW YOU! I'M PINKIE PIE! LEMME GUESS YOUR NAME! IS IT BLUE VELVET? NO. MIDNIGHT SWIRL? NAH! OOOH I KNOW YOUR THE 12TH DOCT-" the pink thing said before Twilight interrupted.

" Pinkie Pie! I'm so glad to see you maybe you can help. This is Doc, he's a unicorn who thinks he's a human, which we all know is crazy bu-" Twilight started before Pinkie Pie blurted back in.

" WOW! A HUMAN! THAT'S SO COOL! I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO MEET A HUMAN! AND YES TWILIGHT THEY ARE SO REAL! JUST ASK THE AUTHOR HE CAN TELL YOU! ISN'T THAT RIGHT SHATTER- WAIT WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M GETTING SIDETRACKED? I AM NOT CHANGING THE STORY FROM HOW YOU WANT IT GO! AUUGH! FINE! BUT I GET TO HELP ON THE NEXT ONE, DEAL? YAY! ANYWAY DOC I'M THROWING YOU A SUPER SPECIAL SUPRISE PARTY TONIGHT SO BE AT SUGARCUBE CORNER TONIGHT! YOU GUYS ARE INVITED TOO BUT BE QUIET! IT'S A SUPRISE! " and with that the pink whirlwind vanished back up under the chess board.

" Was that a pony? "

___________________________________________________

End of chapter 6

Alright people I will now outline todays twelve point agenda.

Or I'll just say thanks for sticking with me through my computerless time.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter except for I could not get it to a stopping point. I've got the next chapter ready to go and it's going to be where all the action starts so if that's what your waiting for tune in next time.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Pinkie Pie, you guys and gals should get to know her she's great at taking over a story when you least-klnkn Pinkie Pie Stop! I told you kwfv
v m,.a

Hey everypony! Shatter's a little tied up at the moment so now I have the computer! Shatter said he's got a reaaalllly big chapter planned next time and he's right! It's gonna have explosions and fight scenes and a moose! Can you believe it! A MOOSE!

Hasbro owns all rights to MLP
I own a shoe.

Mine are totally bigger!

Chapter 7

Mine Are Totally Bigger!

The massive doors leading into the throne room opened noiselessly, the hinges magically greased to be absolutely silent. Six ponies marched through in parade ground unison, hooves ringing on the marble floors. Their leader, a short tan Pegasus stallion, bellowed the order to halt as they drew near the royal throne. Or more importantly, the two alicorns standing in front of it.

" Thank You Loud Speaker. You may stand at ease my ponies. " the taller of the two stated in a regal voice. With her multi hued mane and tail that seemed forever in a breeze, Princess Celestia looked every bit the ruler of a vast empire.

At her side, with a mane and tail to rival the midnight heavens themselves, stood Princess Luna, ruler of the night and Celestia's younger sister.

The Goddess of the Suns' words had the desired effect, as the five raw recruits eased from their rigidly held parade posture. Glancing at the tan drill instructor, Celestia saw the momentary flash of disapproval quickly hidden behind his clean shaven face. Meeting her eyes for the first time he snorted lightly at the playful smirk she gave him.

" Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, may I present my chosen five recruits. " Loud Speaker announced, waving a hoof at the assembled five ponies.

" As always Speaker, you have chosen them. You have never been wrong before, and from their appearance they will perform superbly." the Princess of the Sun stated, drawing a round of timid smiles from the assembled recruits.

" With all due respect Princess, that remains to be seen. " Loud Speaker replied, giving his team a withering glance.

" We are ready for briefing my Princesses. Time, as you have already told me, is not on our side. " the drill instructor said.

Sighing Celestia nodded sagely before replying.

" Alas that is so. Before we begin I must first warn you all that what you will hear now is for your ears only. Do I make myself clear? " Princess Celestia asked, drawing a series of acknowledgements from the gathered ponies.

" Last night you may have noticed the strange weather formations toward Ponyville and the Everfree Forest. Unicorns may have felt the magical properties involved, but I can assure you very few unicorns are alive today who could even attempt such a feat as that."

As she spoke, the six before her stood at rapt attention, straining to catch every detail.

" This storm in itself wasn't a storm at all but a portal. Whom that portal transported is very important to the survival of our world. I need you to first travel to Ponyville and seek out the Elements of Harmony. Inquire as to any strange individuals around Ponyville and the surrounding area while you are there. "

The Princess of the Moon stepped forward and spoke for the first time.

" Three were teleported, all males. Thou must return them to us at all cost. Do them no harm if at all possible. " Luna said, brooking no arguments.

" Are they dangerous my Princesses?" Loud Speaker asked.

" They are all trained soldiers, and........heroes in the eyes of some." Princess Luna replied quietly.

As she spoke, the princess of the night levitated a scroll to the drill instructor. Unrolling it slowly, Speaker read it aloud so all could hear.

" Tel Dyson Riley. 24. Sergeant. Combat Engineer. Six years, three tours. 23 confirmed kills. Recipient: Purple Heart, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Honorably Discharged.
Richard Raymond Thompson. 22. Specialist. Combat Medic. Four years, two tours. 11 confirmed kills. Recipient: Silver Star, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Honorably Discharged.
Shane Phillip Ellenburg. 21 Specialist. Infantry. Three years, two tours. 18 confirmed kills. Recipient: 2 Purple hearts, Bronze Star, Congressional Medal Of Honor. Medically Discharged for wounds received in combat. "

After Loud Speaker had finished reciting the list, a deep silence settled over the gathered ponies before Princess Celestia spoke softly.

" War heroes in every sense of the word. " She whispered.

" But.......my Princess.......Why have we not heard these names? If they are heroes.......shouldn't we know of them? " Emerald Spark asked hesitantly, prompting the drill sergeant to speak.

" Because.......The awards you've just heard referenced are.........." Loud Speaker hesitated, glancing at Celestia for permission to divulge the information few were privy to, drawing a nod from the princess.

" Combat awards given to humans. " Speaker finished, making the assembled ponies gape.

" But.....but......humans are an old mares tale! " Hot Shot stated, followed by a chorus of agreements from the other recruits.

" I can assure you......they are anything but. " Speaker said.

" H....How?.....How is that possible? " Midnight Rush spoke for the first time.

" Some things are simply left buried, Midnight Rush. Humans are a young and war-torn race. My sister and I did not believe it would be wise to allow such ferocity into our realm. " Princess Luna stated.

" These three are unique. Equestria has need of them and for now that is enough. " Princess Celestia said.

Stepping forward, Speaker glanced at his assembled team. Looking each in the eye in turn he saw no hesitation, which brought a smile to his lips.

" We will bring them back, my Princess. But.......how do we recognize them? " he asked, drawing a small smile from the Princess of the Night.

" Oh.....They will be hard not to........."

_________________________________________

The helicopter was turned on its side when they reached it. Luckily the cockpit was facing away from the enemy gunfire or the pilot would have been dead already. The restraining harness had succeeded in keeping him inside, but the ruptured fuselage would have condemned him to an inferno in a matter of minute.

" Judging by the angle, I'd say his leg is broken. " Doc yelled as bullets whizzed by over his head.

" He appears unconscious as well. " he continued, lost in thought.

" Well don't just sit there get em' loose! " Blitz hollered, firing blindly around the wreckage.

Snapping back to reality, Doc began fumbling in his pockets frantically. Glancing around his eyes locked on Case's leg for a moment..

" CASE! KNIFE! " he yelled.

The large soldier pulled the knife from the sheath and handed it, hilt first, to the medic. Turning back to the pilot, Doc began sawing through the harness that kept him strapped inside. With a final cut, the unconscious pilot fell heavily into the medics arms, before being placed on the ground gently.

Shaking his head at the situation that was undeniably Case's fault, Blitz leaned around the wreckage and fired his grenade launcher. He was rewarded a second later with a muffled WHUMPF! and the sound of men dying, along with a searing pain from his injured shoulder.

" SHIT! " he mentally screamed, sucking in a ragged breath.

Glancing over the crouching form of Doc, Blitz saw Case firing wildly over the nose of the downed chopper. As he ducked back down he caught Blitz's eye and a look of alarm crossed his face.

" YOU GONNA BE ALRIGHT? he yelled.

" I"LL LIVE! DON'T STOP SHOOTING THOSE BASTARDS! " Blitz replied.

Nodding wordlessly the cowboy resumed his barrage of bullets.

" That'll leave a scar......" Blitz groaned to himself, noticing the ragged tear below Case's right eye.

" Heh. Funny, the details you notice when your surrounded by death. " he thought, turning back to fire a burst at one of their attackers.

" Don't worry sir, we're gonna get you out of here. " Doc told the co-pilot, who was apparently awake, judging by his moving arms.

As Doc cut through the first strap, the turbine sparked igniting the fuel that had drained from the fuselage and pooled around the cockpit. As they all looked on in horror the spreading flames licked up the side of the helicopter and engulfed the man trapped within.

______________________________________

" Was that a pony? " Doc asked, looking around the interior of the tree house for the pink ninja.

" My dear, you have just had the pleasure of meeting Pinkamena Diane Pie, or Pinkie Pie for short. " Rarity said smiling at the look of shock still plastered on Docs face.

Shaking his head, the medic turned back to the purple and green dragon standing before him.

" So can you do any dragon things? " Doc asked drawing a confused look from Spike.

" Like what? " he replied.

" Well, you know.......flying, breathing fire, maybe have armored scales that are impervious to mere mortal weapons. Stuff like that. " Doc said.

" Well, I can't fly. As for the armor thing, I don't think so. I can breathe fire though! But it's not very much......" the dragon said, hanging his head.

" Whoa now! The fact that you can breathe fire at all is wicked! Dude you are my new hero. " the medic stated, bringing a glowing smile to the little dragons face.

" Really? You know, I can also eat solid gemstones like candy! " Spike said, puffing out his chest at the praise, not noticing the subtle wink Doc gave Rarity and Twilight.

" I wish-" Doc started, before the ringing of the door bell interrupted him.

As the door swung open a cyan Pegasus strutted inside. Though strutted would have probably been an understatement.

" Twilight! Rarity! Thank Celestia you're here. Your not gonna believe what happened! Last night during that.......storm......." the rainbow maned mare started, before noticing the dark blue stallion.

" I'm going to start charging you ponies for the looks I'm getting. " Doc said, adjusting his spectacles.

" Oh my gosh! Look how tall he is! " she said trotting over to stare up at the medic.

" Yep. definitely gonna start charging......" he muttered, before the sound of hoofsteps met his ears.

Walking through the door, proceeded by the smell of smoke, came a short red and black striped Pegasus with a chin strap goatee and the stub of a cigarette clenched between his teeth. As the newcomer glanced up and locked eyes with Doc a wide, toothy grin plastered itself on Blitz's face.

" Sonnuvabitch. " the striped Pegasus said.

" I know of only one person that short, ugly, and brash. Good to see you're alive Blitz. " Doc stated, grinning at his friend.

" And here I was hoping-NO! Praying you had died in that weird ass trip. I reckon I gotta put up with your shit again.......It's good to see you too Doc. " Blitz said, rolling the unlit stub around his mouth.

The two shook hooves quickly before they were interrupted by a slight cough.

" Oh! Right, uhm.....Blitz this is Twilight Sparkle, her assistant Spike, and Rarity. Twilight, Spike, Rarity this is my good friend Shane, or as we call him Blitz." the paramedic said, gesturing to the individuals he had named.

" Twilight and Spike had the generosity to not kick me out after I appeared in their attic last night. Though Spyro has a mean swing on him, and Twilight attempted to smother me." Doc joked, bringing a blush to the lavender unicorns cheeks.

" Shame you didn't succeed.....Anyway it's nice to meet the three of you." Blitz nodded before continuing.

" This, annoying bundle of feathers, is Rainbow Dash. Best flier in Equestria, future Wonderbolt, Lord of the Dance, Keeper of Souls, Raider of the lost Ark, Commander of the Starship Enterprise, and anything else I can make up." he gestured to the cyan Pegasus with the annoyed look on her face.

" It's a pleasure, Rainbow Dash. And don't take anything he say's personal. He kinda grows on you. Like a cancer cell or genital wart. " Doc smiled, inclining his head to the rainbow maned mare.

" It's okay. I'm just glad he has somepony else to annoy now. " Dash replied, glaring at the striped Pegasus.

" Rainbow Dash, this giant, poor excuse for a male occupying the space beside me is Richard A.K.A. Doc. He's the best field medic you'll ever meet and the worst Tonk player in history. He enjoys long walks on the beach, candle lit dinners, wearing a star spangled leotard in-OOOPH! " Blitz continued, before Doc tackled him.

" Twilight, are you sure they are sane? " Rarity asked of the two flailing stallions.

" Yeah, they seem awfully strange to me. " Rainbow Dash piped in.

" At this point, I'm not sure of anything." Twilight replied as the two disentangled from each other.

" I won. " Doc stated.

" Bullshit." Blitz replied.

" Breakfast is ready! " Spike yelled from the kitchen, where he had disappeared to unnoticed.

" Does that mean we can eat? Cause I'm starved! " Blitz exclaimed.

" Me too. Twilight do you mind? " Doc asked, as if they were not just throttling each other.

The three mares stared at them for a moment before anyone spoke.

" What's wrong with you ponies?!? Fighting in the presence of a lady! Why I never! " Rarity harrumphed.

" Woah! Calm down Rarity, we was only playing. We didn't mean nothing by it. " Blitz replied, adjusting the ball cap atop his head.

" Please forgive us Rarity. Guys typically do things like that where we're from and we may have gotten carried away. But I assure you it will not happen again. " Doc said, attempting to smooth over the situation.

As if on cue, Blitz's stomach growled, returning them to the question at hand.

" Twilight, may Blitz and I partake of your food? " Doc asked.

Before replying, Twilight pulled her two friends into a huddle.

" These ponies are crazy! Doc thinks that he is a human!A Human!" she said, drawing a concerned look from Rainbow Dash.

" Blitz thinks he's a human too! But everpony knows humans are just an old mares tale." Dash said, looking at the librarian for confirmation.

" Both of them are clearly dillusional. I need to write to the princess about this. She may know what can be done to help. I need you girls to keep an eye on them until I get a reply. " Twilight said.

Turning back to the two stallions Twilight spoke.

" I think breakfast sounds like a wonderful idea! Why don't the two of you go with Rainbow Dash and Rarity, and I'll be along momentarily. " She said, smiling nervously.

" Their up to something......" Blitz mumbled out of the corner of his mouth, drawing an imperceptible nod from Doc.

" Just play along for now. " Doc replied nodding at the lavender unicorn.

" Right this way Dahlings! " Rarity cooed.

" Please tell me you saw that....." Case said, glancing around for the pink tornado that had assaulted him.

" Eeyup! That's Pinkie Pie for yah! " Applejack stated turning to leave.

Shaking his head, he followed Applejack outside back to the cart. As Case placed himself inside the harness Applejack rummaged around in the cart before trotting back inside the store with a basket. As he finished with the final buckle, the blonde maned cowpony ambled back through the door, holding a sack of nails by the sound of it.

" Ya coulda had me get them Miss Applejack. " Case said.

" Ah don't need nopony to help me. " She said, tossing the bag over the side of the cart with a soft Clank! before heading towards a large tree house with a library sign in front of it.

" Why God........Why can't Ah be like Blitz? He always knows what to say to a girl. All Ah can do is upset 'em." Case muttered, following Applejack.

As Case pulled the cart up in front of the library and started to unhitch from it, he was surprised to see Applejack smile and wave him towards the front door.

" Come on Case! Ya gotta meet mah friends while we're here. " she said, confusing the draft horse further.

" Guess she weren't mad after all. " he mumbled to loud.

" What was that Case? " Applejack asked, looking at him expectantly.

" Uhm...Nothin Miss Applejack. Just talkin to mahself. " the steel colored pony stated.

" All right then sugar cube. This here's the library. Ya can wait here while Ah run one last errand and then I'll introduce ya to Twilight. " the orange mare said.

" Ya sure? Ah don't mind helpin, Miss Applejack. " Case said.

" Ah'll be alright Case. Just stay here until Ah get back. " And with that she turned and marched off towards God knows where.

Grunting to himself Case turned pulling his trademark hat from his head and rummaging inside for a moment before producing a rumpled pack of Marlboro Reds. Hoofing one from the pack he placed in gingerly between his teeth and leaned casually against the side of the cart, the cigarette unlit.

Truth be told he had quite a while back but the familiar taste and feel was a comfort that helped keep him focused. As long as he was focused he wouldn't drift back to that awful place......wouldn't smell the smoke.......wouldn't hear the screaming.

Screaming........God awful screaming.........

Sighing Case decided he would take a glance into the library. Wasn't like he had anything else to do and being alone with his thoughts was not a pleasant idea.

Case removed his hat from atop his head and spat the unlit cigarette out as he passed through the threshold. The interior of the tree was lined, wall to wall, with bookshelves full of literature. He marveled at the world of knowledge around him before a slight scratching sound caught his attention.

Glancing around he noticed a purple unicorn scribbling on a piece of parchment. As this was his first time seeing unicorn magic at work, Case stood quietly watching the purple glow surround the quill.

Minutes passed by, before she rolled the paper up and returned the quill to its place. As the lavender mare turned back to her writing desk, she noticed the large gray pony occupying the room as well.

" Oh! I apologize, I didn't hear you come in. May I help you Mr...? " the mare asked, smiling.

" Case. Nice to meet ya ma'am. " Case replied, before continuing.

" Ah'm just lookin at the moment Miss...? "

" Twilight. Twilight Sparkle, Ponyvilles resident librarian. It's nice to meet you as well Case. " she stated, before noticing the intricate spiral designs on his left foreleg.

Noticing her noticing, Case raised the appendage so Twilight could get a better view.

" This is amazing. I've never seen anything like this. What is it? Where did you get it? What's the significance of the patterns and shapes? " She rapid fired at the bearded cowboy.

" Calm down sweet heart, it's just a tattoo. " Case said, smiling sheepishly.

" Sorry! I tend to get a little carried away in the pursuit of knowledge. " Twilight blushed, before continuing.

" I would love to hear anything you can tell me about it. Maybe, if you don't mind? " she asked, smiling.

" Not much to say. A needle gets dipped in ink and stabbed into the chosen area, drawing out the design. After the wounds heal the ink stays. S' about the jist of it. " Case said, smiling apologetically.

" It sounds painful. " Twilight remarked.

" Yes Ma'am. " Case agreed.

" Where did you have this procedure? " the lavender mare asked.

" Heh......long way off. " the cowboy replied.

As Twilight continued her inspection of the tattoo, something metallic caught her eye hanging from a chain around Cases' neck. Glancing at the dangling strips of metal, her mind instantly went to the last place she had noticed the same necklace.

Realization hit the librarian like a freight train. The same metal tags that were hanging on this stallion were also hanging from the necks of Doc and Blitz.

" You're one of them....." Twilight whispered, wide eyed.

" Ma'am? " the steel colored stallion inquired confused at the statement.

" I've never met you before today. You have those strange markings on your leg. And that necklace......You're one of them! " she said, nearly hissing the last part.

" One of who? " Case asked.

As if on cue the sound of arguing came from the kitchen.

" Mine are totally bigger! "

" No way! Look at how saggy yours are while mine are puffy and majestic."

" Please! Those will never be as round and perfect as mine! They're full of this thick, sweet liquid that drives everyone insane with just a taste! "

Shaking his head Case looked back at Twilight and smiled apologetically.

" They been givin ya a hard time? " he asked.

The lavender unicorn stared at him suspiciously for a moment before replying.

" You have no idea. "

As if on cue the argument in the kitchen started again.

" Look how long mine is! Your 's is all short and shriveled. Hardly satisfying at all. "

" Satisfying! Please I could satisfy anybody with this! I specialize in quality over quantity anyway! "

As the voices built, Case sighed wearily before heading to the doorway followed closely by Twilight.

Doc sneezed, causing a white cloud to billow from his flour coated muzzle. Of course it wouldn't have been coated in flour if the red and black pegasus opposite had not thrown a hoofull in his face.

" You're always like this! Whenever we argue about anything of mine being bigger and better than your's you act like this! " the bespectacled stallion yelled.

" I do not! You just can't take the fact that mine are of a finer quality than yours! Rainbow Dash, tell this dumb-ass how much better mine is! " Blitz shouted.

" Alright! Pull yer britches up and put them things away! "a deep voice rumbled from the doorway, followed closely by a large steel colored draft horse.

" Told you he wasn't dead. Bastards too stubborn to die. " Blitz mumbled through the mouthful of pancakes he was currently wolfing down.

" Case? Am I glad to see you! Please explain to this nit-wit how my magnificent, syrup filled pancakes are better than his too fluffy pillows he dares deem food." Doc said, pointing at the massive mound of pancakes he and Blitz had amassed between them.

" Happy to see ya'll too. " Case said.

" WHAT HAPPENED TO MY KITCHEN!?! " Twilight Sparkle shouted, seeing the mess for the first time.

Without so much as a pause between bites, Doc and Blitz pointed a hoof at Rainbow Dash and Rarity and said-

" They told us we could do it! "

Deep in the Everfree Forrest

" I knew it! I knew it! I told you that we could find it again! " A bright orange unicorn stallion stated to the large purple stallion beside him.

The orange pony called himself Drifter, because that was mainly what he did. As for his large friend, Triple Scoop was his name, though most ponies just called him Scoop.

" Yeah, yeah I see it. " Scoop replied, lightly shoving Drifter playfully.

Standing before them were the remnants of what was once a stone fortress, though time and nature had reduced the once proud structure to what amounted to a vine covered tomb.

" Total score bro! Imagine all the treasure that could be waiting at the bottom of that! " Drifter said excitedly.

" Lets set up camp before it gets dark, then we can plan out our.......hey.......do you hear that? " Scoop asked perking an ear up.

From all around them came the sounds of something large crashing through the forest.......and coming right toward them!

" Oh Celestia what is it? Is it a manticore? Is it timber wolves? We're gonna DIE!!!! " Scoop whimpered loudly.

" Calm down Scoop. Just stay calm and quiet. " Drifter stated, marveling somewhat at the larger pony's panic.

As the crashing grew louder Drifter stepped forward between the growing noise and the cowering Scoop. With a resounding crash the beast sprang from the tree line into the clearing.

Beady eyes glared at the trespassing ponies before the beast reared to its full, towering height.

" A squirrel? Really? Ha! All that for a- OH SWEET LUNA! " Drifter yelled turning to see the towering scarecrow monster holding his friend in the air by his throat.

As the orange pony looked on in horror, the stick thin creature raised a small silver bell and began to ring it lightly. A shimmering silver mist seemed to pour out of Triple Scoop's mouth and nostrils and into one of the many glass lanterns hanging on the bandolier on the monsters chest.

" Hel.....p.......Dri......ft......" Scoop pleaded before the color drained from him and the light left his eyes.

Frozen in terror, Drifter could only gape as the creature tossed his now drained best friends body to the ground without a second glance. As the monsters burning gaze fell on him Drifter felt his paralysis lift. Drifter whirled and ran into the thick underbrush......or attempted to before vines whipped out and ensnared his body spread eagled.

" OH SWEET PRINCESS'S ABOVE HELP ME! " Drifter screamed, thrashing around before coming face to muzzle with his attacker.

Staring back at the orange pony was a ghostly hooded figure. As Drifter looked on in horror the shade lifted it's hooded head and brought it smiling visage next to his, locking its glowing yellow orbs on his light blue ones. The monster lifted a clawed hand and placed it affectionately on the stricken pony's face.

" Would you care to make a deal? " it asked in a lulling tenor.

" Anything you could ask for in this world. Riches, power, women. It could all be yours. All you need do is sign the contract. " the creature said waving a ghostly hand and making a shimmering scroll appear and unfold before the terrified pony.

Glancing at the pale parchment, Drifter eyes were drawn to one sentence in particular.

'Upon an accord the payment shall be in the form of the signer's soul.'

" No......Please no! I don't wanna do this! Please just let me go! " the orange pony pleaded.

" As you wish. " the spectral apparition said making the scroll disappear, along with the ensnaring vines.

Drifter breathed a momentary sigh before the scarecrow held him aloft by his throat and threw back it's tattered coat, exposing the glass lanterns and the silver bell.

" OKAY! " Drifter screamed.

" Okay I'll sign anything you want! "

" The contract will only be offered once. " the shade said in that lilting tenor.

As Drifter looked on in horror the monster holding him began to raise the silver bell in it's giant claw.

" Who are you? " Drifter asked shakily as the bell began to toll.

" Where are my manners? " the ghost asked, swiftly turning it's burning gaze to the doomed pony.

" Hello little thing. I am Brell. "

___________________________________________________

As Always I own nothing. Sorry for the wait......been busy. If you are still reading this I love you!

Prologue

Carnival Of Souls

PROLOGUE

Be forewarned! This tale, should you choose to continue reading, is racked with grief and peril. The tale of how the ordinary can do the extraordinary. You have been warned........

Some things that are lost, should never be forgotten. Legend fades to myth, to be forgotten altogether with the passage of time. Such is the case with Pandora’s Box. A being of unimaginable power, with the ability to transcend realms, had been bound to the box at the beginning of time. The box had lay dormant for centuries, until a young maiden named Pandora, had discovered the box in a long forgotten temple beneath Rome. Curiosity got the best of Pandora, as she gazed upon the black cube that seemed to draw the very light from the room. She had taken the box, with the intent to sell it, but something about it called to her. She opened the box, and released something that was never meant to be freed. The being went on a rampage nearly bringing the Roman civilization to ruin, and opening a gateway to another realm, intending on conquering both at the same time.
But something happened then that the demon had not planned upon. From the new realm came two other powerful beings. Alicorn sisters they were, rulers of the other realm. They battled the demon but to no avail. As they were on the edge of defeat the sisters summoned a powerful weapon to be used on the being, the six Elements of Harmony, Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, and Magic. As their final play the sisters used the magic of the elements, attempting to destroy the demon once and for all. But their most powerful weapon did not work.
Seething with rage from its near demise the being had prepared to deliver the final blow to the alicorns, when from the ashes of Rome stepped Pandora.
In her arms she cradled three new elements, Rage, Honor, and Courage, that had been created when the demon escaped. These new elements were the Elements of War, pure unrestrained power. The being was distracted by this new ploy long enough for the alicorns to summon the Elements of Harmony once more, along with the three new elements. Using the power of the nine the sisters created a banishment crystal and bound it to the box. But the use of the crystal came at a terrible price.
For whosoever used the crystal must fuel it with their life. Guilt ridden for letting the being escape Pandora had volunteered and had stood alone before the demon. As it reached out and picked her up she activated the crystal. Eldritch light played from the crystal to Pandora and up the demons arm. As the world looked on in terror Pandora faded and was gone, while the demon was pulled, body and soul back into the box.
Taking the box with them for safe keeping, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna left the Elements of War with the rulers of Rome, seeing them as to dangerous to their realm of peace. As they departed they closed the tear in between realms and placed the box in a place known only to them for safe keeping.
Now the seals on Pandora’s Box are weakening and inside the demon of old watches and plans, knowing that soon he will be able to manifest in the world once again........

Thus our story begins.

END PROLOGUE

First off Thanks for reading my story, if it makes it through screening!
Second this is my first fan fic so comments would be nice.......ya know tell me whether I should continue writing or cease butchering the English language.
Thirdly and most importantly I don’t own any characters from My Little Pony Hasbro does.
All OCs are my twisted creations and if you want to repost this story feel free, just please lemme know so I can keep track of where it is.
No ponies or other worldly beings or people were harmed in the writing of this fic.......

Shattercrazy-

Are ya livin, or just existin?

Chapter I

“ Are ya livin,or just existin?”

“The seals are weakening Tia.”
“Are you positive Lu?”
“Yes.” the indigo alicorn nodded solemnly before continuing.
“We still have some time before they will be weak enough for him to escape, but he will be able to manipulate events soon.”
Princess Celestia seemed deep in thought for a moment before she asked.
“How long before he can release his pawns?”
“A week at best maybe less.” Princess Luna replied uncertainly.
The larger white alicorn turned away from her sister,looking out over their kingdom, sighing at the thought of the evil from so long ago being set free again.
“We cannot hope to defeat him alone can we?” she asked.
“No Tia we can’t. We will need their help.” Luna said straining the word.
“They are unpredictable Lu, what if they won’t help? Or worse side with the darkness?” Celestia asked.
The princess of the night joined her sibling at the window overlooking their beloved world.
“They will help us Tia. They may be unpredictable, but their hearts are pure. They won’t let our world be destroyed.” she said.
“For our sake Lu, I hope you are right.”

Chapter One

It was the same as any other spring break at Club La Vela. College students from all over the country had headed to Panama City so they could join in the wild parties that the city was known for. Anyone who had ever heard of spring break knew Club La Vela was the best place to party. Unfortunately it was also the best place for trouble to break out.

“P-please stop!” the young woman said. She was in the parking lot,where a group of drunk young men had cornered her against a vehicle.

“Aww c’mon babe, jus lemme have a little kiss.” said the young man who was leaning over her.

“Please I just want to leave.”

“Well I’m not asking bitch now give me a kiss!” the boy said grabbing her by the arm making her cry out in pain.

“I don’t think she wants to friend.” said a new voice from behind the group.

Turning at the unfamiliar tenor the group directed varying degrees of drunken stares at the newcomer. 6’4 and slim, with sandy brown hair, the young mans green eyes betrayed his annoyance from behind his thin rimmed glasses.

“And I don’t recall this being-HEY!” at this moment the young lady had broken away from his grip and ran back inside the club.

“Oh you’re gonna pay for that.” the boy said, as the other four who had the girl trapped, circled the newcomer.

The girl had ran crying into the club and was blindly heading toward one of the bigger rooms when she bumped in to someone. Falling down she fearfully looked up expecting to see the face of the drunk boy from outside. Instead she looked into the bearded face of a very big young man dressed like a cowboy.

"Ah'm real sorry about that, you alright Miss?" said the cowboy in a deep baritone voice full of concern.

“P-Please d-d-don’t hurt me!" she said from the floor.

"Sweetheart why on earth would'ja think Ah was gonna hurtcha?" came the confused reply.

As the cowboy knelt down to offer the young lady a hand she began to tell him about the group outside and the paramedic who had rescued her. After she had related the story the cowboy ushered her toward another large, clean shaven man wearing a black t-shirt with Security written on it.

“Hey Matt, take Miss...” the cowboy said looking at the young lady expectantly. As he waited for her answer his vision swam for a moment, as though everything were under water.

“Leah.” came the reply.

“Take Miss Leah to the bar in room five and tell Jacob to get her anything she wants.Put it on mah tab.” the cowboy finished, shaking his head to clear away the momentary dizziness that had occurred when the world seemed to shift.

“Alright Case.Where are you going?” Matt asked.

“There’s some trouble outside the south exit so Ah’ma go see what Ah can do.” Case said over his shoulder walking toward the exit. After a few minutes of walking the young woman asked

“So the cowboy, his name is.......”

“Riley. But everybody calls him Case.” Matt replied.

“Why Case?” she inquired curiously.

“Well everybody says he’s like a Case knife, always there when you need him.”

“And the young man outside who saved me?” she asked.

“Sounds like Richard, by your description. But we all call him Doc,on account of him being a paramedic.”

“I see. Matt is it?” she asked.

“Yeah.” he said turning to face her. As his eyes met hers Matt felt himself being drawn into her turquoise orbs. He began to notice for the first time how her indigo hair seemed to draw the light from the hallway. When she spoke her voice was different than before, no longer scared, but powerful like someone used to getting what she wanted.

“Matt I appreciate what you have done for me but I no longer require your assistance.Go back to what you were doing and forget all of this.” she said reaching out and touching his arm.

Matt’s next rational thought was that he needed to head back into the dance room and get a drink, having totally forgotten the petite indigo haired young lady that was nowhere to be seen.

“Not good.” Doc thought as he was grabbed from behind in a bear hug.He had disabled one of his attackers with a well placed kick, taking a glancing blow to the ribs in the process. As the boy had fallen the world had pitched and swam for a moment, allowing the young man behind him to make his move. He fought to break free but the guy holding him was either very strong or he knew his wrestling. Judging by the hold he had, Doc figured it to be the latter.

“I’m gonna teach you to keep your nose where it belongs from now on!” the leader of the group said, advancing on the trapped young man.

Just as the medic was starting to lose hope he saw a large shape exit the clubs darkened doorway. Dressed like he always was in dusty cowboy boots, faded wranglers and a grey shirt under a denim jacket encasing his broad frame, Case was exactly the type of help he needed. A bored expression on his bearded face, the cowboy slowly reached up and removed the faded cowboy hat from his head and sat it on a trash can.

“You’re gonna regret ever being born when I’m done with you! I’m gonna beat the-What are you smilin at? Something funny?” snarled the leader of the group as Doc broke out in a grin. Noticing the medics glance behind him the drunk college student turned and spotted the burly cowboy.

“Get your ass outta here or you’re next!” he hollered pointing at Case. The cowboy continued his slow approach towards the group, getting just within reach of the last two before saying anything.

“Ah believe one’a ya’ll owes a young lady an apology.” Case said in a bored monotone.

“Really?” the leader asked. “I didn’t know the bitch h-” he started before he was interrupted by Doc.

“Tread carefully.” was all the medic said, but it was enough. Whirling the gang leader back handed Doc shouting

“SHUT THE HELL UP!”

“Let. Him. Go.” said Case. The monotone was gone, the deep baritone of his voice dripping with menace.

Whether the gang leader was brave or just stupid drunk Doc would never know.

“Or what?” he sneered slapping the medic across the face again.

At this Case lost his permanent good natured temperament. Without saying a word he started walking toward the ring leader.

“GET HIM!” shouted the young man as one of his friends took a drunken swing at the cowboy.

Without breaking stride Case simply stepped out of the way of the shaky punch. As the other boy over balanced Case grabbed his arm arm and pulled, whipping his own head forward, dropping the smaller man bonelessly with a headbutt. As all eyes focused on the cowboy Doc made his move. Lifting his booted foot and stomped on the boy’s foot holding onto him. He was rewarded with the sickening pop of broken bones and the hold on him lessening.

Breaking free he spun and opened palmed the young mans ear, deafening him. As the dazed young man stumbled back the medic K/O’d him with a well placed shot to the temple. Reaching down he retrieved his spectacles, replacing them on his face as the leader of the group turned back to him. A look of confusion was still on his face when Doc broke his nose.

Lounging in one of the chairs by the bar Shane was enjoying the beat of the music and the taste of a Marlboro. Known as Blitz to most people because of his love of speed, he looked every inch an athlete. At 5'8 he was slim and toned, with black hair and a chinstrap goatee, wearing a pair of holey jeans and a white t-shirt. Reaching up he adjusted the ball cap setting atop his head, before dousing his cigarette and heading towards the exit.

As he was crossing the dance floor, the world seemed to tilt and swirl in front of him for a moment. As he regained his composure from the little incident he saw a petite young woman with indigo hair come through the door way, with tears streaming down her face.

“Are you okay?” he inquired as he got closer to her. Startled she spun toward him with fear filled eyes.

“Please don’t hurt me!” she said, all but drowned out by the sound of the music in the club.

“I’m not gonna hurt you. Are you alright?” he repeated.

“Yes, I’m fine now.” she said. Shaking his head in disbelief Blitz said

“Most people don’t cry when their okay doll. It’s alright now, you can tell Blitz what’s going on.”

Taking a moment to compose herself the young woman told Blitz of how the paramedic had rescued her earlier, and how the cowboy had went to his aid.
“Of course! Leave it to Doc to steal my thunder and Case to just appear where trouble is.” he said jokingly waving over another security guard to assist the young woman.

“By the way, I didn’t catch your name Miss.....” Blitz said backing towards the door.

“Leah.” the young woman answered.

“Right well then Leah, when this is settled I believe I’ll treat you to a dance. And Blitz doesn’t take no for an answer.” he said disappearing into the darkened hallway.

Breathing contentedly, the indigo haired young lady turned to the security guard beside her, to realise it was Matt, the same young man whom Case had asked to escort her to the bar. Smiling playfully she repeated the process from earlier and was gone before he had a chance to blink.

Doc looked down at the whimpering form of the gang leader as he cradled his bleeding face. The other boy had had enough that much was certain, but there were still more to be dealt with. Coming out of his thoughts he ducked the sidearm punch threw at him by a large, gap toothed boy with a pierced nose. Lashing out with his boot he caught the drunk man square in between the legs.

Looking around he witnessed one of the group soar into the dumpster beside the club, having been hurled by Case after the boy had sucker punched the cowboy. That left a total of three left to deal. Even as the thought crossed his mind a fist came hurtling towards the back of his head, only to be stopped short by an interfering blur.

Turning at the new arrival Doc was met with the smiling face of Blitz, standing over the prone form of his assailant.

“Aw c’mon now Doc,can’t always save your ass now can I?” he teased before charging over to one of the last two drunks.Dodging under the clumsy swing of the boy as he ran past him, he didn’t see the second until the fist connected with his ribs. As the wind rushed out of him he stumbled and would have taken a nasty blow to the face if Doc had not stepped in and layed the guy out with a trash can lid.

“Hmm. Who’s saving whom now?” Doc laughed turning in time to witness Case send the final combatant into the realm of unconsciousness with a bone shattering right.

“Well would you look at that Blitz, I believe that sucker punch to his face may have actually helped with Case’s good looks.” Doc joked pointing at the burly cowboy as he retrieved his hat.

“Heh. Still gotta long way to go before Ah start lookin as ugly as you though.” Case joked back.

“Nah, I think he’s got a point Case. A few more beatings like that and you might start to even resemble me in all my manly glory.” Blitz said playfully.

“God forbid. Ah’d rather sand paper a bobcat’s butt in a phone booth than look anything like either one’a ya’ll!” the cowboy said

Dusting themselves off they headed back inside the club leaving a mass of semi-conscious college students outside as the police arrived on the scene.

" So let me get this straight, the cops didn’t do nothing? " asked Blitz incredulously.

" No. But their taking those kids in to stay the night in lockup. " said the barkeep, a skinny guy named Jacob with a platinum blonde mohawk and silver hoop earrings.

" Still I don’t like it. " rambled Doc holding a bag of ice over his newly acquired black eye.

" Gave you a nice black eye, didn’t they Doc? " Blitz asked, his rib was still aching from the blow he had taken.

" Nope. I took the manlier course and broke his hand with my face. " Doc said sarcasticaly.
Looking around the janitors were sweeping up the floors and security was escorting out the few who were to drunk to walk.

" Man honestly you guys are lucky, if you didnt do such a good job as bouncers the boss would'nt let you come around. " Jacob said.

" Well if we wouldn’t a been here then he'd a had'im a lawsuit for rape, or worse a murder at his back door. " growled Case as he half-supported half-carried a man from the room. His left cheek was swollen from the sucker punch he had taken.
" True that man, true that! " Jacob said wiping down the counter.

" Speaking of job, how about our pay Jake? " Doc asked.

" Yep here you guys go. " Jacob said handing each of the young men an envelope with their name on it. Reaching inside Doc counted out the five 100 dollar bills.

" Yeah it's always a pleasure Jake. " said Blitz stuffing his envelope in his pocket.
Case entered the room removing his now stained jacket, revealing a tribal design on his left forearm.

" What happened to you? " Blitz inquired.

" Guy throwed up on mah jacket....." the cowboy muttered, tossing said jacket onto a barstool.

" Look on the bright side, the swelling in your face takes away from all the ugly! " Doc joked.

" Ah'm just wonderin what happened to Miss Leah earlier." Case said, rolling his eyes at the medics playful joke.

“Yeah I still owe her a dance!” Blitz wheezed half-heartedly.

As the three young men continued to chat amongst themselves suddenly the room began to spin once more.

“What the hell-” Jacob started before his voice erupted into a blood curdling scream.

As the room continued to shimmer and twirl, the three young men witnessed what appeared to be a tear form in the very air above the bar. From out of this hole in reality stepped something from a nightmare.

Standing seven feet tall it looked like a scarecrow, with long spindly arms and legs, covered in tattered rags of clothing and a pointed hat. From underneath this hat two glowing orbs of fire was the only distinguishing feature in an otherwise black void.

Swiveling toward the creator of the noise, the creature brought up one of it’s clawed hands and began to shake a small silver bell. As the three looked on in horror, Jacob seemed to wilt and dim as something pale and shimmering began to pour out of him. As the sparkling vapor began to draw near to the creature it pulled aside its ragged coat, revealing a bandolier full of what appeared to be glass lanterns. It reached in and opened one of the containers and the shimmering mist was sucked inside.

As the last of the pale light entered the lantern it began to emit a faint glow. As Doc, Case and Blitz looked on in horror, Jacobs limp body fell to the floor unmoving. Seeing his friends fate Blitz was the first to react. With reflexes honed by years of sports he scooped up a beer bottle and hurled it at the creature’s head.

As though seeing them for the first time the scarecrow thing lashed out at Blitz as he started moving. Quicker than the eye could follow it’s clawed had missed him by a fraction of an inch before he dove out of the way. As it turned to make another attempt Doc yelled, drawing it’s attention away from Blitz.

Turning towards this new prey it lashed out again trying to capture the paramedic, but he ducked behind the bar, as it’s clawed hands left deep gouges in the wood top. Leaning over the counter to continue it’s assault the scarecrow had a bar stool broken over it’s head as Case brought it crashing down.

Swinging it’s arm wide it knocked the cowboy twenty feet, to collide with the wall. Turning towards Blitz it brought it’s hands together, sending a shock wave out that hurled the athlete over to land beside Case.

Rushing to intercept the monster before it got to his friends, Doc got between it and them holding one of the legs of the bar stool Case had broke. Thinking desperately for a plan he heard a shuffle behind him, and a moment later was joined in his stand by Case and Blitz.

As the scare crow monster drew nearer it began ringing that bell again. With each chime the trio felt weaker and weaker.

Summoning all his will Doc stood against it, and felt the weakness leaving.

Summoning all his courage Blitz fought back, and felt his strength return.

Summoning all his self control Case rebelled, and felt the affliction disperse.

Suddenly the monster was hurled back through the wall. Turning in suprise the three boys saw a lone figure standing in the middle of the room with her hand outstretched. A figure with indigo hair..

As the three watched in amazement the demon began pulling itself from the wreckage. Closing her hand the wall above the monster cave in on it pinning it for a moment. Turning towards the three confused young men she said

“I knew you three were the ones. I will explain later, but now I offer you a choice. Stay here and perish with your world, or come with me and perhaps become part of something extraordinary. Choose now I cannot stay much longer in this realm.”

Even as she spoke the rubble began to shift and quake as the scare crow thing dug it’s way out.

“Well guys, what do you think?” Doc asked.

“Hell yeah. I’m not staying here with that thing.” Blitz said pointing at the shifting pile of sheet rock and lumber.

Grabbing his hat from where it had stayed miraculously untouched on the bar Case said

“Are you livin, or just existin? It ain’t very often a chance like this comes along. Ah'm in!” pushing his hat down on his head.

“We’re in Leah.” Doc said.

Smiling at this the indigo haired woman brought her hands together in thunderous clap. Just before the trio’s world went black a voice spoke.

“You have done well Luna.” it said.

“Thank you Tia.” replied the voice of the indigo haired woman formerly known as Leah.

As the conversation waned there was a sudden jolt.

“I’m losing them Tia!” Luna screamed.

“Hold them Luna, hold them!” shouted the voice of Tia.

“I can’t! Something about them makes it hard to focus! TIA HE-” was the last thing Case, Doc or Blitz heard before their world erupted into pain and everything went dark......

END CHAPTER I

Alright glad that’s over.Between work and sleep I don’t have a whole lot of time to work on this but I’m gonna keep it up as much as possible as long as people keep reading. As I said comments and suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks for reading!

-Shatter-