Diamond Heart

Chapters

Her Return
M.I.A. Celestia
The Maze
Crazed
Secrets Revealed
Searching For Harmony
Troubled Past
Overdue Explanations
Meeting of Fate
Magic and Lies
Freedom
Nightmares and Training
Unxpected Visit
Invasion of Privacy
Fate of a Clan
In The Bitter End
Before the Storm
Unexpected Visitors
To End A War Pt. 1
Waking Up Furry
Painful Beginnings
Harmony Returned

Her Return

I ran on all fours as fast as I could at Lisp. Stupid pegasi are so fast. He had just got on top of Bumble and was about to begin pummeling when I tackled him. “Easy, there! You don’t even know the-” I was bucked off of him. Lisp charged once more at Bumble, who had just got back to his hooves. Stupid Lisp, he didn’t even see me take his guitar. Getting to my paws while holding the guitar was the easy part, now here comes the hard part.

Gripping the guitar by it’s end gave me an odd feeling, like there was something wrong with the instrument. I charged at Lisp, who was once more on top of Bumble. I started to swing the guitar as I closed the distance. He turned to see me bashing his face, sending him flying backwards. Maybe I shouldn’t have hit him that hard. I didn’t want to kill him after all. When he touched ground, he stayed still. I offered Bumble a paw, which he took. “You alright?” He nodded, but he looked a little far from ok. Bruises here and there, but nothing major. “Alright. Do you know where Twilight Sparkle lives?” He nodded and pointed in the direction of Ponyville. I slung the guitar over my back and gave Lisp one more glance. He was starting to wake up, so I decided to keep on walking.

The walk to Ponyville was apparently longer than I had anticipated. When I was about halfway there, I heard a loud roar from behind me, along with Twilight running straight for me. "Hey! What's the rush?" She came to a halt right next to me, panting hard.

"A manticore is near the town, the others and I are going to stop it from coming any closer." I nodded and she took off once more. A manticore, in the same direction I just came from? Logic here must be twisted around a little bit. I took off after her, doing my best to stay hidden. Dashing along the treeline, I saw Bumble, but he was different. He was much taller, his yellow was a darker shade, and his mane and tail were flowing.

"Bumble? You look different." Twilight said, scanning him over.

"I am not Bumble, I am Nightmare Moon!" She yelled in what sounded like the Royal Canterlot Voice, yet a little quieter. Twilight and her friends let out a scream of fear. Twilight was the first to come to her senses and bring forth the elements of harmony. They took their positions and fired at her, to only show no effect.

"What?! Why isn't working?!" She laughed at Twilight, with a grim expression on her face.

"Using Bumbles evil side, my power is magnifed by hundreds! Your Elements are NOTHING!" She gave everyone an evil glare, and flew into the sky. "I may not be a alicorn, but I'm very powerful, and I will do what Luna wanted to do: Ever lasting NIGHT!" She said as the moon came up even though it was around noon, by my guess. She flew off as I stepped out from the bushes. I managed to get a scream from Rarity and the others, but not Twilight.

"Well, this is trouble." I said to Twilight, who nodded in response. "Our best bet is to inform Celestia before Nightmare Moon can cause anymore trouble." I shifted my sight towards Rainbow Dash. "Don't worry. We can get him back...Somehow." The five ponies were staring at me, but Dash nodded to me hesitantly.

"I'm sorry for their behavior. We should head to Canterlot immediately." I gave her a nod as we took off for Ponyville. We were going to need to get some sort of ride there, but I assume that Twilight has some means of getting us there. I hope...

M.I.A. Celestia

As the seven of us approached Ponyville, Rainbow Dash told us she had a bad feeling about Cloudsdale and took off. When we reached the library, we were all surprised to see a chariot waiting. "Princess Celestia has requested to see all of you, including the Diamond Dog. Time is of the essence." We all shared surprised glances as we climbed aboard. I asked the guard what was going on, but he just shook his head. "She will explain it when we get there." I shrugged as we began the trip to Canterlot Castle.

Through half of the ride, I decided to explain to Twilight about myself, feeling a bond of trust with her. "Twilight." She shifted her head to me. "I need to tell you, well, all of you something." Everypony zoned in on me, making me feel a little strange. I searched my head for the right way to put it, but the only way I could see was to just say 'I'm a human'. "Actually, nevermind. We're here." As they all turned to the castle, growing larger as we closed the distance.

"Celestia is in the main chamber. Please try not to wander, she wishes to see you at once." The guard said as we stepped off of the chariot. I thanked the guard and followed Twilight into the large main room. This place reminded me of Fable 3's layout, but a little larger and brighter. After many twists and turns, we appeared at the large throne room doors. "Everypony ready?" Twilight called to us. I gave her a nervous nod, as did the others, and she pushed the doors open. We couldn't believe what we saw.

"Celestia is missing!" Twilight cried out, adding to our panic. She started pacing around while I began walking to the throne. The others followed behind me, but I didn't focus in on them. I began to inspect the throne bottom up, but should have just started with the seat itself. There was a note left by Celestia. "By the time you read this, I will have been sent to the sun or somewhere nopony can reach me. At this moment, the elements of harmony won't stand a chance against Nightmare Moon, or anything for that matter. I fear we are doomed to eternal darkness, just like she always wanted." It was cutoff, most likely because she was banished in the middle of writing.

"What does it say?" Rarity said in a half-hushed voice. I think she still resents my kind...

"She has been banished to the sun or someplace where we can't get to her. She knew the elements wouldn't have worked, as well. Why can't things ever be simple around here?" My last statement made them nod in agreement, even though I thought that I kept that in my mind. "What do we do? We can't let her win!" I shouted out, startling all of them.

"I...I don't know..." I couldn't believe what Twilight just said. Feeling any hope I had slip away, I sat down in Celestia's throne.

"So that's it then...We just live under a tyrant for the rest of our lives..." The five ponies slumped down to the floor, tears filling their eyes. Seeing their faces made me wish that I could do something more to help them, but there was still one thing bothering me. Why hasn't Rainbow Dash returned yet?

The Maze

I heard the main doors open and shifted my glance. I stood up out of anger. Nightmare Moon had finally showed up.

"Hello my little ponies and you, its so nice to see your faces again, how was your visit? I'm sure it was...Breath taking." She laughed out loud, filling me with rage.

The others just kept crying, obviously still heartbroken over the loss of their princess. Well, looks like it's up to me.

"Ohh, does the mutt need to be taken out? I know a few places: Manehatten...The moon." At this, I felt my entire being fill with rage. The kind of rage that makes you do reckless things.

"Your not going to get away with this!" After I finished screaming at her, she just laughed at me. I'm going to enjoy taking her down.

"You furball! Prepare to suffer the wrath of NIGHTMARE MOON!" She screamed as a lighting bolt came out of no where and struck at me, but I dodged right and glared deeply at her. I will admit, that was close...

"Quit moving PEST! The sooner you get hit! The easier this will be!" She launched another bolt and nearly hit me, had I not been charging at her. She stuck her hoof in the air and the only reaction my body would let me do is stop moving. What kind of logic is this?

"I'm bored, being a tyrant can be boring, remember when Discord sent you ponies through a maze to find out the elements? Well, let me do the same." I just stared at her with a confused expression. She stomped her hoof on the ground and we were at the entrance, where she explained more. "Here's the deal: Each of you must make it to the end, what will you find at the end? Me!" You have got to be kidding me. She went on. "Here are the rules, rule one! No cheating." She stomped her hoof on the ground and Fluttershy's wings and Twilight and Rarity's horns disappeared.

"Second rule: If you try to leave, you will be banished to the moon." She laughed and said her final rule: "Rule three, I will let you be together, and I won't make your yin, a yang, instead you will be lost and eventually will GO CRAZY!" Then she got serious instantly: "If you win! Your beloved Princess Celestia will be returned, and you can plot your revenge and blah blah blah, any questions? To bad I'm not answering any! And with that! I'm off to watch!" She laughed and she disappeared.

I gave a smirk to the five ponies beside me, yet they gave me confused looks. "You seriously don't get it, do you?" They shook their heads. I had a sudden urge to facepalm. "Dog? Enhanced senses? Sheesh, for an evil queen, she's not very bright." This perked their moods up a little. "Now, first things first..." I got down on all fours and started sniffing. I caught mixed smells. Flowers, birds, bunnies, Nightmare Moon...Wait a second, Nightmare Moon! "Follow me, I got a lock on her." I barked as we began our perilous journey through the maze.

Crazed

After a few minutes of knocking dirt from my nose and smelling the scent of evil, I was tired. "Hold up guys, I need to rest..." I just plopped down on my stomach. Twilight came over to me and knelt to my level. "Wonder how close we are..."

"I don't know. Hopefully halfway." She gave me a smile, which I gave in return. I got back to my paws and stretched. Why is it easier to be on the bad side than the good? "Alrighty, back to..." Suddenly, walls encased all of us and the maze shifted. "Nightmare Moon! The hell?!" I growled loudly into the air.

"DID YOU REALLY THINK IT WOULD BE THAT EASY?" I followed the sound of her voice to see a giant floating glass dome. Again, so much easier on the bad side. "You still there?" I shouted out to the other five. I got four responses, the fifth was a squeal from Fluttershy. "Alright, go as fast as you can to the center. Good luck, everypony." I got the same responses as I took off. Why do I get a feeling this is going to get bad extremely fast?

After many twists and turns, I saw something out of the corner of my eye. A shininess unlike any other. Curiosity got the best of me as I got closer to it. It was piles and piles of gems! The sight made something inside me want to take them all for myself, and just keep them that way. Mine. I got closer to a stack of rubies as they began to melt away. I frantically looked around, seeing nothing but gems flowing in the wind as dust. After that, I felt a rage take over. I let out a fierce roar as I charged through the maze, eager to claw away at Nightmare Moon.

Twilight galloped like no other mare she knew, except for Rainbow Dash, but she flew. After a few more corners, she heard her friends saying rude things about each other. When she got there, she saw everypony, even the Diamond Dog, looking at her private letters. "I am amazed at how afraid Fluttershy is at everything, it's just laughable." She trotted closer to the crowd, who gave her all angry glances. "Is this what you think about us, Twilight? You say all of these things about your friends. Friends who have been with you through think and thin? Have you even been paying attention to the assignment given by Celestia?" The words that he shot at her cut through her heart like knives. Cold, unforgiving knives. A loud roar brought her back to reality, but she was still shaken at what she saw. Was it real or not? She couldn't tell, so she galloped away towards the center.

Applejack decided to take a break from going at her top speed, and resting at the first corner she saw. After a minute or so, she felt back to normal and kept on trotting. When she turned the corner, she saw a field full of dying apple trees. She continued to trot, staring in horror as she let her eyes drop upon what used to be a farm house. Above the door was posted 'Flim Flam Brothers Inc.'. "What in tarnation?" She said as she pushed the door open. A bell dinged, and Big Mac appeared in a suit behind a counter.

"What can ah get you. Oh, sis, it's you." His head hung low for looking how he did around her. She just looked at him confused. "When they took the farm, they forced me ta wear this..." His head hung even lower. A single tear dropped from Applejack's eye as a loud roar blasted her ears. She covered her face and folded her ears back to stop the sound. When she opened her eyes, she was back in the maze. She was shaky, but managed to keep on moving.

Fluttershy slowly made her way through the maze, ducking at the slightest sound. She saw something along the trail that made her scream in terror. Blood. Seeing no other path, she was forced to follow it. She could never have been prepared to see what she did. Twilight was laying against a tree, having a branch shoved through her side. Rarity had cuts across of her, similar to Applejack's. She looked to her right to see Pinkie Pie, her neck completely backwards. To her left was the Diamond Dog, sitting against the same tree next to Twilight. His fur was drenched in blood, and lodged inside his chest was his guitar. She trotted closer to him. "She was...Too strong...I couldn't save them...I'm s-sorry..." He fell over, landing on top of Twilight. Fluttershy closed her eyes and began crying. After what felt like hours, she heard a roar that disoriented her view. When she could finally see, the bloody, gore-filled mess was gone. She started galloping towards the center.

Rarity had been galloping the entire time, eager to rejoin with her friends. She turned a corner to see her store/house, but something felt off about it. She nudged the doors open and shrieked in terror. Her dresses, her tools, gems, everything, had been tossed around as if it was a foals plaything. She started to pick it up when something hit her like a brick. Sweetie Belle. She quickly galloped upstairs to her little sisters bedroom and shoved the door open. Before she entered, she saw something trailing to the bed. A small red trail of blood. She slowly trotted inside, afraid of who's blood it was. Her answer was given in a grim way. Sweetie Belle lay on her bed, eyes wide in fear. Her neck was sliced open, trailing blood down her white coat. Her body was badly bruised, to say the least. She was next to her sisters body when she finally collapsed to the floor, sobbing openly. A roar brought her back to reality, still sobbing. She closed her eyes again and galloped off towards the center.

Pinkie Pie was bouncing her way through the maze when a sound caught her attention. She switched to a 'Pinkie Gallop' and appeared inside some sort of building. Streamers and balloons filled the room, but they were all just grey. Even the cupcakes looked and tasted like they looked, Dull. She saw her five friends around her, but no Diamond Dog. She bounced her way to them, but they gave her a disgusted look. "Hey guys! Who's party is this?" She said cheerfully.

"Of all the bad parties I have been to, this is just THE. WORST. POSSIBLE ONE." Rarity said, raising her head in disgust. Pinkie felt hurt at this, she didn't even know how she threw this party. Her other 'friends' started saying even more hurtful things towards her, like "I feel like I should go home and BURN my eyes.". Her hair deflated as she gained an extremely sad look and closed her eyes, on the verge of tears. A roar went in one ear and out the other as she reopened her eyes. She was back in the maze, but still felt hurt at her friends statements. She shook these thoughts for the moment and charged towards the center.

Secrets Revealed

I ran towards the center of the maze, anger growing with each paw leap. After everyone met up, they started talking about some strange stuff...

"I don't feel that way!" "I thought you were all dead!" "My sweetie belle!" "You girls didn't like my party." "SILENCE!" Every pony looked at her, even I did.

"You have found me, so as I promised, your Celestia shall be returned." And with a flash, she appeared laying on the ground next to her, groaning.

The ponies went to help her, she began to laugh again, with the Elements over her head. "Well, now that this is over, now its time for ANOTHER GAME!"

We were all listening. "Its simple, its called Hide and seek, you find the elements, and if you don't find them by..oh lets say...an hour! I will destroy them and THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER!"

And with that the Elements are gone and she laughed again, then I rushed at her and began to strike at her. She flew up before that could happen.

"Forget I have wings? They are either at Ponyville, or Canterlot...Or both!" And with that she disappeared, leaving us.

"Alright, I want answers." I slowly walked towards Celestia. "Explain to me how it is you got banished to the sun, when you should be stronger than Nightmare Moon?" I thought about what to say next, but Celestia had put a hoof on my shoulder. She still had her smile, even though she looked a little bit groggy. I had a bad feeling of what she was going to say.

"You have done well, just take a moment to rest." Her words relaxed me, and I don't know why. "It's what I do." And she can read my mind, can't she? "Yes." Lovely... She let out a snicker before continuing. "Hold on for a moment, I need to contact two ponies." Her eyes closed and her face changed into a more focused form. Soon after, she relaxed and spoke. "They should be here shortly." And as if on cue, two alicorns dropped from the sky.

I scanned them over, especially the copper one. His mark was...A crosshair? Not to mention something on his back, it was too thick and long to be a sword. I then realized what it was. "I didn't think you had guns, Celestia. Being peaceful and all." She turned to me, a look of surprise. "Where I come from, they're common tools. Anyway, care to explain the two before us?" She looked over the two alicorns, then the mane 5, and finally back to me. "They are just some ponies here to help." Now I am not as dumb as you think, Celestia. But fine, I'll buy it for now. She gave me a nod and trotted over to the two alicorns, whispering something to them. Due to my enhanced sense, I could hear every word she was saying. Problem was, it was all gibberish. Right, alicorns have telepathy... The copper one looked straight at me, most likely trying to read my mind.

Good luck, buddy. Just cause Celestia can, doesn't mean I don't have my methods of blocking you out. He shook his head at me and went back to Celestia. I turned to the mane 5 with a worried expression. "Even if we find the elements, there is still one issue." They all looked confused. "You're kidding me? You don't notice the lack of loyalty?" They looked around frantically for Rainbow Dash. Then it hit me. "Son of a...I should have guessed it sooner." They all looked back at me. I turned to face the alicorns. "Nightmare Moon did something to Rainbow. I can think of a few things to do to her right now, but I won't due to the fact that the alicorns can read my mind...For now."

Turning back to the mane 5, let's just say my face made them look a little afraid. "I'll go to Ponyville with Twilight, the rest of you look through Canterlot. Tonight is Nightmare Night, right?" They told me I was correct, which made me a little bit more angry. "She could have hidden them anywhere then. It'll take a miracle to find them..." Another thought came to mind. "Or an alicorn or two..." I shifted around to find the copper one staring me in the face. He was the same height as me, but the gun makes the difference on power. "Alright, you already heard my plan, what were her orders to you?"

He grinned at me, "First things first, we need to get introductions out of the way." He said as the other alicorn moved up next to him. "My names is Aces, you can call me Spade. This here is Shadow," she made a polite bow. "Who we are and what we do I cannot tell you, any of you." He said addressing all of us, "But what I can tell you is that we will help you all find the Elements of Harmony."

"Call me Zin. I can tell you more about myself when this whole ordeal is over." I gave him a smirk as I finished the sentence. I took the guitar off my back and started to inspect it as I heard Spade's voice. There was a small button on it. That wasn't there before. I pressed it and the back of the guitar shifted from a backwards V into a sword, real blades and everything. "That's new..." I looked back up at Spade and Shadow, to see confused expressions. "Uhhh...Carry on." I felt a little awkward at this point. I slung my guitar...Sword....Thing on my back. Spade looked over us before speaking, changing the already made plans.

"Here is what the plan will be." His vision stopped on me. "Zin and I will head over to Ponyville and using my magic, will locate whatever Elements that Nightmare Moon might of hid there." Next to speak was Shadow, who looked over the mane 5. "You five and I will stay here in Canterlot and using my own magic will search for any of the Elements that she may of hid up here." They all nodded except for me. Spade looked dead on at my eyes. He gave a nod to me, which I returned. I got the feeling that he didn't trust me, or at least not my kind. This could be interesting, working beside an alicorn. I just hope Rainbow Dash is safe...

Searching For Harmony

"So, Spade. How do we get down there? It took us a while to get here, and we don't have that long." I looked over the mane 5, who had just left with Shadow. She's giving me the same feeling as Spade, a small amount of resentment. I turned back to Spade to find him spreading his wings out. "Two things come to my mind. One, you're insane. Two, sure you can handle it?" I finished my sentence with another smirk.

"Just grab my back legs." He scoffed at me. I did as I was told and he zoomed off. Man, flying like this was pretty startling, especially when it feels like you were going about 100 miles per hour. I couldn't tell how much time went by, but it felt like seconds when Ponyville came into view. "When I say drop, you drop." I looked up at him, and then back to the ground. We flew over the town square, filled with decorations and pony's alike. When they saw us flying in, they all stared in fear. "Drop." I let go, not realizing I did it. I really hope that he knows what he's doing.

I landed in front of a small group of three ponies, all of which looked extremely scared. I just shrugged and looked around for Spade. I heard a voice, more like a soft whisper. "I'll be back, stay here." I gave a nod towards the voice, who I guessed was Spade. I walked over to the fountain and just sat against it, waiting for my 'partner' to get back.

I heard the sound of tiny hoofsteps approaching me and turned my head. There trotted Scootaloo in her costume, dressed as a wonderbolt. I couldn't help but smile at this. "Hey, nice costume." She hastened her steps towards me.

"Really?" I gave her a nod as I heard another pair of hooves coming my way. I saw a cloaked figure stand before me, but the scent wreaked of alicorn. Spade.

"Come on, we have work to do." I said my goodbyes to Scootaloo as she was joined by her friends. We started walking in a random direction. "I have zoned in on one of the elements. Can you keep up?" I made sure the guitar/sword was locked tightly, and that the button was covered. I will need to name that thing sooner or later. After getting on all fours, Spade shot forward with me racing to keep up with him. After many twists and turns, we came upon a small pathway surrounded by bushes and trees. "Through here." He said, not even looking at me.

"You're quite the conversationalist, now aren't you? Anyway, this just leaves two more." I stated as we started down the path. After many tree branches hitting my arms and face, we came across a stone Nightmare Moon statue. "And I thought she was evil looking inside Bumble." I started sniffing around while Spade was using magic.

"It's here somewhere..." By the time he said this, I had already checked the area around the statue. I walked to it's front and looked into her eyes. It was like staring into the void, but a glitter caught my eye. Looking up, I gained a smile, which Spade picked up on. "What?" I pointed towards the statue's horn. Right on top of her head sat Twilight's tiara. Spade used his magic once more to bring it down, and put it inside his satchel. "One down, two to go." I let out a groan, knowing that this wouldn't be easy. When we started walking back, I decided to ask him a serious question.

"What's your problem with Diamond Dogs?" He stopped in his tracks, looking like he was drifting off. I saw him shake a little, before grasping reality. "Nevermind, let's just focus on the task, who knows how much time we have left." He closed his eyes for a moment, gaining the same expression that Celestia had. When his eyes opened, his pace quickened as he told me how much time was left.

"It's been ten minutes so far, and they already have one of the elements as well. Maybe I should have brought some of them with us..." A dim light was coming from his hood, most likely from his horn.

"You think? Either way, Nightmare Moon is kind of like Discord when you think about it. Discord made you think outside the box when you should really look inside of it...Wait a second...Spade, go look for the third one." I didn't give him a chance to respond before getting on all fours, charging away to the library.

The library doors were shut and locked, so I decided to knock. I heard no response, so I took out a claw and tried to pick the lock. Hearing a small click, the door slid open and I walked in. "Nice place." I thought aloud while walking down the rows of books. I started reading labels at random, looking for one of two things. One, the reference guide or two, the element in general. I searched under R to find nothing but a romance book laying open, but I left it and went to E for the book on the elements. After looking at twenty books, I found it. Flipping through a bunch of pages, I found a note stuck inside one of the pages. "You are so predictable. Right house, wrong book." I'm sooo going to hurt her. I threw the book to the ground and started tearing through the library. Checked in the basement, nothing. Checked in the bedroom, nothing. Checked everywhere in the main room, nothing! I was so frustrated I just fell backwards on one of the bookshelves. I felt something, well, two things, hit me in the head.

Looking down, I saw that romance guide and the element of kindness. Again, so going to murder her. As I stashed the element inside my pocket, I heard a sound at the doorway. I turned to see Spade and...Rainbow Dash? I got to my paws and took her off his back as an instinct. "Come on, we don't have much time left." I nodded and followed him out. I tightened my grip around Rainbow Dash's...Waist, I guess, and we took off towards Canterlot.

We touched down safely, more or less for me, and ran inside the throne room. The others were already there with their elements. "Give them to Celestia, she will take it from there." I took the elements that Spade had and rushed over to Celestia. She gave me a nod of approval and began her spell. Shadow and Spade trotted towards each other and began another small chat, actually speaking for a change. After a few minutes, I thought I heard a maniacal laughter, only to have my suspicions proved true. Nightmare Moon had returned to us, yet again.

Troubled Past

I jolted into an upright position in the bed I was in. Looking around, I saw a bland room filled with green furniture, IV's, and a very startled nurse. I couldn't remember a thing, except for where I am from and somewhat on how I got wounded. "Dear Celestia, you gave me a heart attack." The nurse chimed at me.

"Where am I?" I said, still looking around. She just gave me a smile, but I could smell the fear in her.

"You're in the Ponyville Hospital. You took quite a wound there. A member of the royal guard carried you here and told me you had life threatening injuries." She seemed to relax a little. "Do you remember what happened to you?" Those were the exact words I didn't want to hear, but I gave it a try.

The image in my head showed me trying to fight Nightmare Moon, but she launched something at me. It looked like a piece of the floor tiling, but I got a feeling that's not what happened. "I was...Fighting Nightmare Moon..." I saw the faces of the mane 6, as well as Celestia. "There were these six ponies...And one rather large one...Celestia." The nurse looked at me strangely, and called for a doctor. "There are these names in my head...They don't belong to anyone I know, though..." The names that rang through my head were Spade and Shadow. "There's more though, but I can't remember..."

When the doctor came in, his entire body tensed. What's with ponies and the way they treat me? He slowly stepped towards me, wreaking of fear. The closer he got, the more his body tensed. "If I wanted to kill you, you would be dead already." He looked surprised. Again, I'm tired of all of this racism. I got the feeling of someone watching me and turned to the window, but saw nothing. "How long have I been out...?"

"Three days. I would suggest keeping to light work due to your injury. We can't seem to get whatever it is out, at least not until your rib cage has recovered. Magic is wonderful, but limited. As for your memory, I am sure it will return to you." He gave me a hesitant smile, which I didn't return. Thoughts raced through my mind, mostly trying to remember who Spade and Shadow were, to no avail. I lifted the covers and got to my paws. "Sir, please stay down."

"The name is Zin, and I can walk it off..." I tried taking a step forward, but I fell to my knees. The only reason I hadn't fallen completely forward was due to grabbing the bedside and the nurse. She helped me back into the bed and told me to rest. "Do me a favor, though." She came closer. "Can you find..." I thought for a moment at the six ponies in my head, and chose the one I could trust. "I think her name is...Twilight?" The nurse gave me a nod as I fell back in the bed, still having the feeling of being watched.

'Take care.' I jolted upwards at the sound inside my head. I looked around frantically, but saw no one once more. I disregarded it and went to sleep, hoping that I may recover my memory soon. Forgetting is always a pain, especially when it's something as important as Nightmare Moon.

- - - Four months later - - - -

I was walking along the treeline where I originated, having recovered most of my memory. Everything up to the point of the showdown was a blank, which annoyed me very much. Twilight and her friends told me the exact same thing as what I remembered, but it felt like it wasn't my memory. The hospital ponies said that unicorn magic couldn't remove the object without damaging me badly, but that Princess Celestia or Luna could do it. She was too busy to help me, though.

I always walked when things were troubling me at home. The stupid things like when my parents argued or when they were yelling at me. My dad used to be a man of honor, until the bottle got the better of him. My mom resorted to smoking as a relief, but I couldn't convince her she was killing herself. I shook my head, remembering that none of that mattered as long as I was here. On the ground, I saw something extremely shiny. Bending down, I picked it up and inspected it. It was my IPhone that must have fallen out when I arrived and ripped my jeans. I put it in my pocket and focused on the elements around me.

The calming sounds and scents of the forest were relaxing. The trees, flowers, wildlife, Lisp. Wait, Lisp? I turned my head to find an angry pegasus flying straight for me. I put my arms to block his hit, but his velocity caused me to fly back. "Take my guitar, beat me with it, and help that stallion who slept with my marefriend. I knew I'd find you alone at some point, mutt." He had an evil smile across his face as he sat on me. I shoved him off and quickly got my claws out.

"Come on, be reasonable. I am wounded and wouldn't be much of a challenge right now..." I said, pleadingly.

"That gives me more of a reason to get my revenge here and now." He gained the same expression as Nightmare Moon when she took me down. I should have known better. He turned around and bucked me with all of his might, and to my luck, in the gut. I flew back a good distance to the forest, skidding on the dirt. The pain in my chest was once again acting up, due to the intense pounding my body had received. All I could do was moan as Lisp slowly trotted to my side. He stepped over me and proceeded to hit me at least three times.

Something made him stop and look away as he suddenly flew off of me. Barely able to move my body at all, I managed to catch a small glimpse of the fight. Someone or something was attacking Lisp. Winning, too, I might add. When it finished with Lisp, it moved over to me. I could make out a small expression of surprise before the pain overtook my body, forcing me to pass out.

"Are you paying attention, boy?" A voice called towards me. I opened my eyes, feeling tears around me. I saw my mother and father standing right there. My mom was trying to pull him away from me when he turned around and slapped her. The sadness in my body was soon replaced by a feeling of rage. "Woman! Don't lay a hand on me again."

"Leave her alone!" I screamed at the top of my lungs at him. He turned towards me and I braced for the smack of his hand. What I felt was no hand, but his bottle of whiskey hitting the side of my face. I fell to my knees as a mixture of blood and alcohol dripped down to the floor. I looked around quickly as my dad started a drunken laugh. There it was, my old baseball bat from little league. I quickly made my way towards it and used it to support me standing.

"What you gonna do? *Hic* Hit your old man?" I gripped the bat tighter as he gained his smile. When he saw me rush at him, his smile faded away. I smashed it in his side, forcing him off-balance and toppling to the ground. I walked next to him, gripping the bat even tighter. "You're in big *hic* trouble now." He tried to get back up, but I slammed the bat onto his back. He fell back down with a loud thud, along with a drunken groan.

"D-Don't make me hurt y-you..." I stammered, tears forming at the eyes. My mother looked at me, both shocked and disturbed. "I-I'm sorry..." Tears now streaming from my eyes. I felt my dad grab my leg, and I swung at his arm a few times. I heard a loud crack, thinking it came from my bat. I heard him scream out in immense pain, realizing I just broke his arm. I dropped the bat at this point and ran into the kitchen. I took my IPhone from the charger and ran towards the front door. My mom called at me, but I couldn't bear to face her. I ran. Not knowing where I was going, but I decided to see my friend who was at the school's library. She would know what to do...She always does.

The school's library had it's own separate wing, but she wouldn't be inside. I ran around back and found the ladder to the roof. She always loved places where she couldn't be seen. Climbing up with tears in my eyes, I heard the sound of shoes moving. "Sofia...It's me." I fully climbed up to see her move out from behind a vent. She had brown hair, glasses, and a insane laugh if you heard it. She was wearing her usual outfit, a black t-shirt, blue jeans, a messenger bag, and black/red sneakers. "I gotta tell you something..." She had a smile on her face when she saw me, but after a good look at me she noticed I was bleeding and crying.

"The hell happened?" She sounded worried, but kept her calm attitude as always. I started walking towards her as she ran towards me. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small first aid kit. After prying out the shards with my yells as protest, she put a bandage up to my face. She looked even more worried now, only because I had been openly sobbing. I fell to my knees, and she bent down to my level. "Hey, take it easy. What happened?"

I looked up at her, her face barely visible through the tears clouding my vision. "My...My dad was drunk and beating my mom. I yelled to stop him, but he hit me with his whiskey bottle. I fell to the ground and got my bat and tried to defend my mom...I broke his arm, Sofia. I can't go home, I could get taken away!" My stuttered scream echoed throughout the open space. I looked beyond her and saw the stars in the sky. Looking at each of them gave me a smile, and I fell to my back on the roof with her following me down.

"Sofia, let me be honest with you..." I turned my head towards her, as she did to me. "I lost all of my self control in there...I regret what I did, but if I didn't...He would have hurt her or me even more..." I looked back towards the stars. A few minutes passed, us just staring at the stars. I felt something needed to be said to her...She had a right to know.

"Sofia..." She turned to me with a smile, but I didn't return it. She figured something was wrong, and gave me a worried glance. As I was about to tell her, I backed down. "Nevermind. I think I will stay up here tonight. How about you?"

"I don't need to be home anytime soon. Mom is out of town for a few more days, so might as well stay here with you." I thanked her and zipped up my jacket. I was starting to close my eyes as the memory around me froze. The vent's sound, Sofia moving around, even the cars in the street. I got to my feet and looked back into the sky to see something flying there. Only I knew that it wasn't supposed to be here. I instantly flew into the air and appeared behind it. It was an alicorn with a copper coat. He looked frantically around for me, but I let out a cough to show my presence. When he saw me, he literally flew back a few inches.

"Get out of my head." My voice hit him with such force that I woke myself up, only wishing that I hadn't as the pain returned to extreme levels.

Overdue Explanations

The pain was not in my chest, but in my stomach. Such force for a tiny pony. I looked around to find myself in some sort of room with dirt for walls, no windows, and two cots. One of which I was on, and on the other was...Lisp! I tried to move against the pain to an upright position. I noticed a sleeping pony in the corner, breathing slow but hastily at the same time. I sniffed the air for a moment, picking up a familiar scent from that certain pony. I couldn't put my paw on it, but I knew it from somewhere. "Excuse me." He looked up at me and then to lisp, but finally resting on me. "Can you tell me where I am?"

"I found you laying on the ground not far from this pegasus. Mind telling me what it was about?" His voice didn't sound the least bit scared. If at all, a little respectful. I turned my glance to Lisp, then back to him.

"I stopped him from causing harm to another pony. I ended up using his guitar as a weapon, and kept it. Now, if I may, who are you?" My voice sounded more demanding than calm, like if I were a prisoner instead of a guest.

"Lance, Lance Quills. And not to discredit your own story, but I'd very much like to hear his own." I nearly stopped listening after he said Lance. That name...Where had I heard it before? Then it hit me. Nightmare Night. I gripped my head as the memory flooded my mind. Talking to the guard, the element of magic, and then the library. I couldn't remember past hearing a stomp at the doorway. I knew his scent was familiar.

"We've met, if I recall correctly." I shot at him. He gave me a smirk, but I looked towards Lisp as he started moaning again. "Do you know what happened to him?" I asked after looking closely at his legs. He had a few somewhat visible bruises over his black coat. I slowly got to my paws painfully. The ceiling was luckily a few inches from my head. I walked a little closer to Lisp, holding back the urge to strike him down.

"Sorry, can't say I know much about what happened." He was lying. I was always able to tell, but having enhanced senses made it easier. I turned to him as he got out of his chair and stepped into the light. Just as I remembered him at the fountain, but his entire being felt off. A bit happier. As soon as Lisp is gone, we will have a long chat...

Lisp tried moving one of his forearms, letting out a yelp of pain and retracted it. What happened to him before I blacked out? "Maybe we should get him to the hospital. I'm in no condition to travel, though." I gripped my side, trying to fake the pain. I slowly made my way to the cot I woke up on and sat down. Lance moved between Lisp and I, but kept looking towards me. I looked between the two, then for some place they would leave from. I wanted to be sure I had an escape route if things went south.

Lance let out a chuckle. “You don't know a dugout when you see one, do you son?” He put effort into his accent, not at all how I remembered it. I gave him a shrug. He shook his head and moved over to Lisp. "Come on there kid, you're gonna be alright." He yanked Lisp up with little to no effort. He made one last checkup on his little bunker, most likely thinking I would touch something. He then turned to me. "I'll be back shortly. Don't touch anything whilst I'm gone, you hear? It takes me a long time to make all of this and I don't want you mucking it up." He sounded a little joyful at this, but I just gave him a nod.

He took Lisp and started to clear a way out. After getting Lisp topside with a thud and groan, he himself climbed through. As soon as I knew they were gone, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. I clicked it on, being careful not to break it. I had, amazingly, full battery. The background picture was me and Sofia at a US military base, with her holding an M4A1 and me holding an Barret M82. I saw that I had a voice mail and hastily opened it.

“Hey, where are you? You’re all over the missing persons board. I’m starting to get worried, it’s been four months for gods sake! I know I am agnostic, but I am praying that you are safe. Take care.” Sofia...Always having her friends on her mind. Wait, how did I get this in the first place? I flipped back to the home page and went to my note app. There was one titled ‘Aiding’ posted today. I opened it and found yet another message from the annoyingly insane Discord.

“Enjoying the world? Thought that you might want this...Thing. I sure had my fun with it. Tata! -Discord” Seriously? He went through my phone too? I let out a grunt as I fell backwards onto the cot. Might as well get some sleep. Going to need my energy to talk to ‘Lance’.

I woke to the sound of the roof moving and hooves dropping in. Lifting my head up slowly, I saw Twilight and Lance staring me in the face. Looks like my chat will have to be postponed. “Oh, hey. Didn’t expect to see you here.” I gave her a weak smile. I realized the phone was still in my hand, and tried to put it away without drawing attention to it.

She gave me a worried smile. “Lance told me that he found you two unconscious. What happened?” I let my head back down. Why is it that out of all the mane six, I am good friends with the knowledge seeker?

I scratched the back of my neck, searching for the right words to say. “That is a good question...” I don’t want to give away too much of what happened, or she might worry that a new beast is inside the forest. Then I got the story straight. “I was walking when I heard Lisp shout at me. Tried to plead with him, but you know him. Hot headed and thinks with his flank. This tile in my chest limits me, so I can’t fight back. I blacked out before I could really do anything.” I told them, hoping she would buy it.

She trotted over to me, scanning me with her eyes. She stared at where the tile was lodged. “I can’t believe you would do something as crazy as sacrifice yourself to buy us time...” She still had her smile, but I saw tears forming. “Can I ask you a question? I want an honest answer.” I nodded to her, wondering what it could be. “Why did you help us?” And she did it again, leaving me with a frown.

“If you knew where I came from, you’d understand. Life wasn’t easy, Twi.” I thought back to my dad in the flashback. Tears were now forming at my eyes, but I quickly shunned them. “I don’t take kindly to those who fight for evil or the wrong reasons.” A smile replaced my frown as I just stared at her. I quickly got out of the trance and sat upright, looking towards Lance. “Would you have anything to add? You’re being very quiet, old friend.” I said, smirking as I said the last two words. Your turn to be on the spotlight.

Twilight looked surprised at my statement and looked between the both of us. "Old friend?" she said nervously.

Lance turned to me. "Nothing to really say I guess. It seems like the two of you were having a good connection at that moment." Well played. He turned back to Twilight. "I've met him before. On what was dubiously called, 'Nightmare Night' I happen to be in town getting the months supplies for the house when I saw this guy right here," he tipped his head in my direction, "In the midst of a group of ponies with a Guard about to get up in his hackles."

"So being the pony I am, I went up and gave the fellow a hand. It's quite the tale actually, you should have seen the look on that old Guards face," he let out a laugh. "He told me he was off on a mission to find the lost Elements Of Harmony and he needed a pony or two to help him. I right off agreed with him, as Nightmare Moon wasn't no friend of mine." He returned his gaze to me. My face had just gone from smug, confused, and finally rested on angry. What he said was true, at least so far it was.

"So we set off then, looking all round Ponyville and the area around it for them. We found the first one atop the Nightmare Moon statue outside of Ponyville, that girl and her ego." He paused for a moment, catching his breath. Twilight was buying this so far, but I am not just some mutt, Lance. I gave him the indication that I was buying it too. "He went off then, sure that he knew where one of them was. I parted from him then, being told to meet him at your Library when I finished my own search. Now the only place I hadn't thought to look was by Cloudsdale, so going with my gut instinct I flew over to check out what all the fuss was about, supposedly some battle between Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna." Twilight gave him a nod, this being what she had heard.

"Now what I didn't expect to see was, flying up to Cloudsdale, I spotted in a clearing not far under it, a small crater with two ponies inside. When I flew down, I couldn't right believe my eyes. It was the Princess and Rainbow Dash lying in the crater. Rushing to help, I pulled both of them out of the crater. Not wanting to waste any time, I brought the Princess back to my home where my dear Gemstone was. She took care of her whilst I headed back to the library with Rainbow Dash." I scanned him over, searching for any indication of false information. Man, he has the best poker face I have ever seen.

"From there I flew the two of them up to Canterlot to see Celestia and fight of Nightmare Moon. Now, I'm not one to run from a fight, but I had my own worries down below and I couldn't be staying any longer. So baring my farewells, I left them in the courtyard, flying back down to my cottage to help Gemstone with Luna." He let out a sigh and caught his breath once more.

"Oh thank you Lance, for all you've helped us with." Twilight said, breaking the silence and came and gave him a hug. He hugged her back and a tear fell from one of his eyes. I knew it. There was more to it than what I already knew.

Pulling back, Twilight smiled, first at Lance, then at me. "It seems like you two are old friends after all."

He nodded, "Sure as rain we are Twilight. Hay, we might not be here now if it weren't for old Zin over there."

I thought more about his story, about dropping Rainbow and I off. Suddenly, my head was overtaken with pain. What I saw was no Lance, but the same pony that was in my head from before. I gripped my head, trying to keep the memory going. I got as far as charging the throne room, seeing a black alicorn before I had to let go.

Twilight and Lance were looking straight at me. She was the one to speak, though. “Zin, are you alright?” Obviously worried about what caused me pain.

“Y-Yeah...Just caught in the past...” I let out a heavy sigh. So close to figuring out what really happened. Lance knows more than he lets on, though. As soon as she is gone, it will be time to learn what really happened.

We sat and stood in utter silence for a few more moments, before Lance broke it. "Twilight its starting to get dark out here. You should probably be headed back to Ponyville." She gave him a nod before making way to depart.

"I can make it back on my own, thank you." She called to Lance as he made an exit. I couldn’t hear what she said to him, just because I had been lost in my own thoughts. I got to my paws and stood no farther than one foot away from him.

"Oh you don't have to worry about us Twi, Zin and I will be just cozy in here. This place really does keep the heat well and I have a few candles with me for just that purpose." He waved goodbye and fell back in, turning towards me all in one fell swoop. I felt my Diamond Dog emotions take over, but I couldn’t fight them.

"Alright Lance," I said hissing his name, "I buy most of your story, but I think you had a much larger role in the whole thing than just helping me." He let out a heavy sigh, and I realized that it wouldn’t be easy getting him to talk.

"I can't say I did much really. Sure I helped you and the others with getting the Elements, but really what could a normal pegasus pony do against Nightmare Moon?" He said while adjusting himself in his chair. Yep, I was right. The emotions inside the body shut off any reason of self control, no matter how much I tried to. Within two leaps, I had him lifted into the air by his vest against the wall.

"Now I don't want to hurt you, but if I have to I will. You will tell me right now the truth, all of it." He lowered his head, grinning deeply at me. "What are you grinning about?" I barked at him hastily.

"You," he said coldly in his accent, "You think that a little force will change the mind of anypony. I can see why Lisp attacked you. You think you own the world and everypony will just be fine with it. Well let me tell you son, today you just messed with the wrong pony." When he looked up, I finally got control of my entire being, but it was too late. Fear ran over me as he smashed his knife’s hilt into my my lower jaw, forcing my head upward. Before I could react, he moved at lightning speeds while jamming the hilt into my gut, causing me to cough out blood as well as sending me back into my cot.

"You listen here dog," he said while shaking me, so that I would not black out once more, "I've been mighty kind helping you out, going out of my way to bring you here after your fight with the pegasus. I could have left you there and nopony would have known, but I didn't. Now I'd like it if you started showing me a hint of respect." He slowly made his way back to his chair while I resisted the urge to cough my heart out. He’s too strong and fast to be a simple pegasus pony...

"So what do you say? I am who I say I am, and what I told you was the truth. You can either accept that, or I can be on my way." He said, shielding his face with his hat. I now had full control over my emotions and body, and felt the need to say whats on my mind.

I just let out a heavy sigh and wiped some blood off. “Look, I don’t have to explain my past to you right now,” I let out a smirk at him, “But one thing gets me is this...Do you know anypony by the name of Spade or Shadow?” If I can see how he reacts the slightest, it may just be his downfall. I am tired of not being certain about anything, but this...I know he knows something.

"I don't reckon I've heard those names before," he said staring at in my eyes. "Why, are they some friends of yours?" I grinned at him. Sly old pegasus...If you are one, that is.

"I don't know. I can't quite remember. I feel like I've heard their names before but I can't place them..." I half lied to him. I knew them, I knew their faces, but I couldn’t figure where I knew them from.

He shrugged at me. "Nopony I know, that's for certain. I've been in this neck of the woods for a good deal of time now and those two names haven't crossed my ears." I just stared at him. If he has been out here this long, why haven’t I run across him until now? I have been living off in the woods for the last four months...

"Well I reckon it's time you and I hit the proverbial hay." He laughed a bit. I tilted my head a little while I messed with my jaw. He is definitely not a normal pegasus.

"You're right." I said to him as I laid back onto the cot. He shifted his position in his chair to one that was comfortable and started to drift off. I had no idea where in the woods I was, no idea who Shadow and Spade were, but one thing I know for certain. I am too tired to care.

Meeting of Fate

I opened my eyes to find myself in a cave of sorts. There were holes in the walls that resembled doors and windows, all of which had other Diamond Dogs looking at me. Eyes watching as I slowly made my way to the end of the long pathway. An actual door was awaiting when I reached the end, and I had a bad feeling about it. I shoved the feeling away as I stepped through the door. After fully stepping through, I heard it slam shut and lock. I quickly turned to it to be sure I heard right.

“Rumors is true?” A voice called out to me. I turned the other direction to find three seats on the other end of the room. The center seat was empty, but on the left was a male dog, who had spoken to me. In the right was a female, but she kept quiet. “New dog among old?” He called again.

“Yes. It’s true.” I said, not even bothering to try an accent. “I am not of here, but something told me to come. A...Voice in my head.” When I said this, both faces of the dogs changed from uncertain to a mix of happy and confused.

“Then it true. He is one we wait for.” The female called to me, raising a paw.

“Then we can drop the accent. He can speak well enough without the aid of the runes.” I looked at the two confused. They spoke clearly, as I did. They showed me that they had some sort of arcane necklace, which glowed differently for each. The male was a dark shade of green, while the female’s was deep purple. “Silver Claw, tell him.” She nodded to him and took a deep breath.

“We are from Equestria, but you are not. Every dog here has waited the third for some time. The third is the one who will be untouched by magic, as well as age. We have lived for over a thousand years in peace.” Their as old as Celestia! She continued. “We have lived in peace by staying hidden, and we have remained so since the founding. We were told that the third would come and take the rune, as you are about to.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath. “Alright. Take me to the rune.” The two got up and took me to a section of the stone wall. I examined the wall. There were two paw marks in the wall, and the voice in my head called once more. ‘Put your paws where they should be. If you are truly the third, then you will be unharmed. If not, then you will join the others before you in death.’

I hesitantly put my paws on the wall. A blue aura surrounded me, spreading to the wall before shattering it to pieces. “He is the third.” Silver Claw said after the smoke subsided. A white energy field blocked the path into the area. The two dogs backed away, but not in fear. “Step through, third.” I gave a nod and stepped through the light, unprepared for what I would see.

I was standing before ten alicorns, two of which I recognized. Shadow was in line with the nine, but Spade was standing in front of them all. Anger was all over his face, as were the others, but not Shadow. She looked sad, if anything else. “Why? Why did you do it?” I looked at Spade blankly. “Don’t play dumb, we know you killed her.”

“What are you talking about? How did I even get here?” I called to him, but he shook his head. My eyes finally adjusted to the light in the area. Each alicorn was armed to the teeth and aiming at me. My claws were drenched in blood, and next to me was the dead body of Princess Celestia. “What...What happened...?” I stammered, unsure what to believe.

The voice rang through my head. ‘Third, do what you must to prove yourself.’ I looked around frantically, but my search was stopped short by Spade taking a step towards me.

“You are out of your mind, Spade. If anything at all, I would have been defending her. Have you so easily forgotten what I did for Shadow?” Spade looked back to her, who just stared at him. The other alicorns just looked at me confused. “Oh look, you didn’t bother tell them either. I don’t give my life for anyone, but I will defend myself...Even if it means killing you.” He turned back to me, anger all over his face.

“Prove it.” Words I didn’t want to hear, but he left me with no choice as he charged his horn at me. I leaped into the air, claws at the ready. He ran under me and turned around, not seeing me swipe my claws across his side. I landed on all fours, snarling as he charged at me once more. Right before we collided, I jumped with my claws forward. They plunged deep into his chest, sending blood flying all over me. I stood over his dying body for a moment before turning to the others.

“I have had enough of your games. I did not take pleasure in killing him, but it needed to be done.” I called out to no one in particular. When I had no response but terror from the alicorns, I saw something on the ground. It had fallen out of Spade’s satchel. Bending down to pick it up, I saw what it was. It was a picture of him, Shadow, and a little foal. “I said...I have had enough!” The words came out as a roar, causing everything around me to disintegrate. The only thing in the now white room was a floating stone. I stepped towards it, unsure of what to feel.

‘You have passed the test,’ the voice called to me, ‘now take what is rightfully yours, third.’ I took the stone, but when I held it in my paws it started to change. It became a necklace, like the other two had, but it was a deep blue. I put it around my neck and was cast out of the white room.

Getting to my paws, I looked around the throne room. The two leaders were staring and smiling at me. “You must make the real journey here now, third. This was just the trial, and we will have the rune ready for you. We are far south of Ponyville, but come alone. We eagerly await your arrival.” Silver Claw said to me as I was cast back from the dream into reality.

I woke up breathing hastily. Time to get moving, they’re waiting. I sat upright in my cot for a moment before keeping my pace. I tried to remove as much of the cover as I could without waking Lance, but to be sure I kept checking. After clearing a hole big enough for me to get out, I jumped and landed in one fell swoop. There was a soft thud as I landed. I decided to leave the hole open, just to get to the leaders on time.

I tried to sneak away, but due to my big paws I kept snapping twigs every so often. I kept walking until I felt a sudden prick in my back. It hurt enough to make me want to let out a yelp, but I covered my snout. I checked to make sure I wasn’t heard, then decided to run as far as I could.

I had switched to all fours at some point. I didn’t know what to look for, but something was telling me the directions. I closed my eyes and honed in on the voice. ‘Look for the markings...’ I didn’t know what it meant, but soon after I found myself at a cave. I hastily stepped inside and followed the dark tunnel, unknown to what may be inside.

After a few minutes, I finally came to a dead end. I remembered what the voice said and started looking for strange markings. The only things I saw was a lot of scratchings across the surface of the wall. I stepped back and got a better view, which made me smirk at what it looked like. It was a hooded figure with claws, reminding me of myself before I tore off my outfit. I stepped to it and put both paws on it, trying to push it aside. I was taken by surprise when it moved with such ease, and the fact I fell down a hole.

In the middle of falling, it turned to more of a slide. Like one of those water slides, just replacing the water with semi-painful rocks. After the fall, my eyes were so adjusted to the darkness that the light blinded me, forcing me to cover my eyes with one of my arms. “Is him?” Was all I heard as I was forced to my paws.

“Who know. Take to leaders.” I felt myself being dragged along the floor, being held up from under my elbows. My eyes finally adjusted to the light, which was given off by the strangest thing imaginable. Gems littered the entire ceiling of the cave, as well as above the entry ways to the homes. I was in complete awe.

After about a minute or so of being dragged, I was left at a door. The same door from my dream, including all of the dogs around me. I pushed the door open and shut it after stepping inside. I gave a smile at the two Diamond Dogs in front of me, which they returned. “Welcome home, third.” Silver Claw said to me. The other leader got out of his chair and moved towards me. He outstretched his paw, which had the same odd stone from my dream. “Are you prepared to join us? You are free to do as you wish, but when called upon you must answer.”

I thought for a moment. If I did take this and joined them, I would pretty much live forever and be immune to magic. Then again, what would happen if I found a way home? I wouldn’t be able to leave. So many choices clouded my head, but I came to the conclusion. I took the stone and it changed into the necklace. As I put it around my neck, I felt strange. I put my paws in front of my face to find a blue aura around them. After the aura vanished, that was when it all hit me like a ton of bricks.

The princess leaving the note, the confrontation with Nightmare Moon, Celestia’s return, and then the two alicorns. Now I remembered them. The final confrontation replayed through my head a thousand times, me shoving Shadow out of the way as I took the bullet. I knew the memories I had were fake, and Celestia will have to explain that.

“How do you feel, third?” Silver Claw called to me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them, though, they felt much different.

“I feel...Different.” The two leaders gave me a smile once more. “I know Silver Claw, but who are you?”

“Grim Fang. I am the leader of our army. We may have been a peaceful lot, but Celestia has been keeping her own secrets as well. Do you know anything about that?” I thought back to the two alicorns Celestia called forth. Then I thought about the picture in the dream, the foal of the two. Not knowing if this was real or not, I decided to do what I felt was right.

“No, I don’t. Can you tell me more about the necklaces?” The two nodded towards me.

“You cannot take it off, as it is bound. It has infused it’s power within you, making you that much better than the rest.” I nodded while he continued. “Silver Claw is the leader amongst the people. We have waited for you, but there is one problem.” I gave him a questioning look. “She has been given a vision of the future. A terrible future...The feral clans of dogs are going to rise together and try to over take Equestria. We have no idea when, but you need to be prepared for this.”

I took a deep breath before speaking. “Alright, but I will train by myself. I think I know just who to teach me...” I smirked at my thought. “Did it enhance my senses as well?” I got a nod from both. “Can you take me topside? I have someone who is likely waiting for me.”

“Are you sure you can’t stay?” I told them no, at which they seemed sad. I smiled at them.

“Doesn’t mean I won’t be here for my people when they call.” At this they perked up and led me out a secret passage. Likely used for if there was an attack. After a lot of twists and turns, we appeared at the entrance. They walked me out with a feeling of unease. I understood them, as I felt the eyes of something watching us. I was about to walk off when I heard Silver call to me.

“You know this means we are family now. You, Grim and I. Don’t be afraid to ask us for help.” She gave me a smile. I nodded and waved goodbye to the two. Beginning my long walk back, I felt...Different. There was no more struggling to walk on my legs, so I decided to try my run. I ran as smoothly as I walked, so I got on all fours. My new-found speed was amazing, and efficient as I approached my destination.

In the middle of looking around, I heard a sound behind me. Lance, you sly pony. "If y'all are looking for it, it's right there." I decided to humor him by bearing my fangs, at least until I could fully see him.

"Thanks, I almost couldn't find it. How long have you been up there?” I asked, even though I already knew.

"Oh about a half hour or so. I had seen you'd left but you had a good head start on me and I didn't reckon I would have the time to look through the plains for your trail.” He said as he fixed his hat. "So what were y'all doing out there?"

I shrugged at him. "Just going for a little walk. Clearing my thoughts as it were." To be honest, it was true.

"Really? Mind telling me why you were sneaking round here like a snake?" He lifted his hoof up to check if he stepped in something.

"Oh just didn't want you to get worried about me being gone is all. I would think you would have come after me or something." I said to him, already knowing his answer.

"Naw," he said, finding his hoof very interesting, "I reckon you can be out and about on your own without me having to look over you." He then looked up to see me a little angry.

"Ah, I see. Why'd you wait out here then?" I said, finding my emotions easier to control. I made it sound as if I was annoyed.

"I figured I'd wait up here for y'all to get back. I usually get up this early anyway, reminds me of when I was a young colt out west." He said smiling at me. He then looked at my necklace, obviously more than a little curious.

“You can drop the act, Lance. Or should I say Spade?” I walked over to a tree and leaned on it. He looked at me, stunned. “How’s Shadow doing?” I kept going, mockingly. “That’s right. I know it all. The bullet in my chest, which hurts like hell. Yet I know something about you, too..”

“I told you, I don’t know anypony by those names. That’s crazy talk.” When will he give it up? I shook my head. Then I realized what he was getting at.

“There’s two parts. Here is a freebie. I know there are a total of ten of you. The other part I can tell you later.” I was enjoying this, a little too much actually. I decided to let down before he tried to choke the information out of me, as I tried before.

You are still at stage one, third...When at the fourth and final, you will be equal in every aspect of the alicorns...’ The voice came out of no where, making me jump for a second. “By the way, your rifle is hanging out.” I said to try and change the subject. He started fiddling with his rifle, checking if the bullet was in and such.

"You mean this old thing? I've had this for ages. Don't let her sleek furniture fool you, we're old friends." He smiled at his fake accent.

"Old friends..." I said, grinning, "it seems like a lot of 'old friends' have been getting back together these past few days."

He tipped his hat at me. "Aye, that they have. Although I've been with this girl for a while now. While you and I, have seemingly just met." I moved towards him, so we were face to face.

"So what now?" I asked him, playing along with the way he thought of me.

He gave me a smirk. "Nothing changes who you really are kid. Not some injury, not a necklace you happen to find while walking. You're still the same person at heart, and don't let anypony tell you otherwise, ya hear?" I thought over his words. They were true, for the most part. This place did something to me, though. I would have never taken the bullet for Shadow back home, so why did I do it here?

"You know the worst place to get shot kid?" He paused as I snapped back to reality, "It's the stomach. No matter what anypony tells you, that's it. Not only can you not recover from it, you're last few moments will be spent in utter agony as the acids in your stomach hit your other organs." He paused for dramatic effect. "Sure ponies say getting cut say, in the chest hurts more, but none of them have had to deal with slowly dying from the inside." I thought about it and put my paw over my stomach. God, I hate empathy.

"So since we're here all on our lonesome, do you have anything y'all want to ask me before I gather my things and leave?" I looked back at him and let out a sigh. He had leaned against the tree, much like I had.

“Spade...I need to talk to both you and Shadow. It’s about the future, and I don’t mean just between you two. Please, the fate of Ponyville rests on it.” I thought back on what Silver had said. The clans rising together and taking over all of Equestria. Not if I could help it. “I know it’s likely against your orders, but I need to make sure you both know. Plus, I think she wanted to tell me take care in person.” He looked lost in thought, and was starting to shake. Similar to when I asked him about Diamond Dogs. I let out a heavy sigh as he came back to reality.

"I still don't know who this Spade character is. Nor Shadow. What I do know is what the fate of Ponyville rests on." Now I am pissed.

"What?!" He has got to stop lying. "You were there, at the cave! You were even in there with me!" I couldn’t help myself, I let my rage out at him.

"Naw kid”, but now I know the truth about where you went." I finally understood why it was easy for him to stay in character. I gave too much because of my arrogance. "You see, there's a few things you don't know about me, despite the things you claim to know about me." I got an uneasy feeling from him, more so than usual. My fur was literally on end now. "I know about the Diamond Dogs and their uprising. About what the fate of Ponyville is. You see, I saw it all happen."

"But... How did you see?" I stuttered, wondering how he managed to see what I had been told.

"Ah now that I will keep to myself kid." He said with a grin. "As for what I'll do about it, as soon as you stop from keeping me here, I'm off to see the Princess and tell her all I know about the Diamond Dogs," he paused, "and you."

I was about to pounce onto him when I remembered something. I was in control now. I let out a heavy sigh, sending all my anger out with it. “You can tell her, no doubt she will believe you and try to wipe out every Diamond Dog...Even the innocent ones.” I started walking off, feeling nothing but a little sadness. I turned back for a moment and decided to tell him the extra bit.

“Wish you luck with your foal. Hope they take after you.” I said before I turned around, walking towards no where in general. I thought Spade might be able to help me, but there was one detail I forgot about him. His whole life was being lived in secret, so why come out? I was in the middle of walking when he shouted out at me.

"If you ever get back to Sofia, tell her a friendly pegasus pony said hello." I froze, thinking back on what I was going to tell her.

"It WAS you that I saw in my dream. You." I said hissing at him, taking a step towards him, "You," I was shouting now, "How much do you really know about me?" Great, now I am in the lower position. Good job, Zin.

"I know enough. You have problems with your ma and pa. You're in love with your friend Sofia, but unable to tell her. I've also come to the conclusion that the reason you are here," he started getting smug, "Is because the one known as Discord sent you here. Also, that necklace you have has a strange aura around it. Some sort of keeping magic. You can't take it off on your own and it prevents you from leaving Equestria."

"Now if you ever want to rid yourself of it, I know a unicorn or two that could easily break that spell." He said finally. I managed to regain control of myself.

“You know what? What I wanted to tell her is that her mother was killed right in front of me! You don’t even know the half of me. You saw me when we were just little children, and those weren’t even my real parents. You could at least be a little bit grateful that I am not as evil as other humans. Because if I was, would you and Shadow be together?” I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. “My real parents didn’t want me. Hell, those two didn’t want me either. The other students at my school tortured me to the point I nearly killed all of them. The only way they stopped me was by getting everyone on me, as well as the security. I killed my foster dad when he tried to stab me with a knife. So excuse me for being the slightest bit rude.” My emotions got the better of me as I thought about everything. All the sad, happy, and even bad moments, and I couldn’t help but fall to my knees.

It took all of my strength to keep back the tears, but I had to say this aloud. “I have come to learn that you regret nothing. Dwelling on the past makes you weaker in the future...It doesn’t matter, though. You could care less, I bet...” I just sat there on my knees. “Sometimes... I think it would be better for everyone if I was just dead...”

After a few moments, I felt a hoof on my shoulder. "It's alright kid. It's alright. No matter what life throws at you, you need to keep going. I learned that the hard way, and it seems you have to." I had been wondering why he was suddenly changing his tone. I would need to find out his backstory later.

"The only person who can get you out of this yourself." He said as he unclipped his knife and placed it through one of my paws. "An old friend gave this to me a long time ago. It helped me through some of the hardest points of my life and it seems like you might need it more than me." He closed my fingers around it. "You keep it for now. I want it back, but for now you can keep it. Hold onto it until the situation is grave and when you feel as if all hope is lost."

“So fair it seems that way...You ever heard of the saying ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire’?”

He started helping me to my feet, still gripping the knife in my hands. "Naw' kid. But I get your drift when you say it. What fire are you falling into?"

“The fire of uncertainty. Where I came here, I thought things would be different. Fresh start and everything. The only difference between here and Earth is I don’t have my pistol.” I gave my lopsided dog smile. “Was the best shot, too.” I let out a chuckle at the thought. “There is only one issue to deal with now.” My voice getting serious all of a sudden.

Spade looked over at me, confused. “The uniting of the clans. It is what the Diamond Dogs told me...Here is a small fact I think you might find interesting, though. The two you saw me with, and don’t lie, have lived for over one thousand years. I am supposed to train to stop it, but I lack a trainer.” I gave no indication that I meant him, knowing that he most likely had other things running through his mind.

“You sure?” I gave him a nod. He still looked like he didn’t believe me, and ignored the fact I needed training.

“When you noticed me leave, right before that I had been visited in my sleep by them. I went through a...Tough trial...I’ll leave the details for later, but now back to the task at hand. I think I would like to accompany you to Celestia. I have unfinished business with her.” Either way, I was going to see her. He couldn’t change that. He must have noticed this too, because he just shrugged.

“If that’s what ya want.” I nodded once more.

“She needs to get this bullet out of my chest, or else I won’t be able to help stop the dogs advances. How do we get there?” He gave me his smile and flew into the air. I was beginning the think he was going to leave me behind when he circled around. He swooped down and yanked me up, flying straight for Canterlot. Time to inform he majesty that this dog is still kicking.

Magic and Lies

While we were in the middle of flying, I got a strange feeling. It started at my neck, but quickly spread across my whole body. While trying to contain myself, I heard Spade call something to me. "What's wrong down there?"

“We have to land. Now! Somethings wrong, my whole body feels like its on fire!" I called as I lost all self control. He started circling his way down when my body went from being on fire to searing pain. He dropped me and I landed with a dull thud. I quickly got to my paws and ran towards a rock formation.

The pain overtook me and I let out a few grunts and moans. I looked at myself, only to see these strange glowing blue lines force themselves onto me. My eyes soon had the same feeling as the rest of my body and I fell backwards. I heard Spade call something to me, but my pain caused me to black out.

"Well this certainly is different." My eyes snapped open and located the source of the voice. It was a pegasus, but he had a familiar feeling about him. I jumped to my paws, ready to kill if need be.

"Who are you, how did I get here?" I asked in more of a demanding tone than asking. I felt something in my paw, but kept my eyes locked onto the pegasus.

"Just a friend helping you on your way." He gave me a smile. I sensed no hostility from him, but I decided to be safe than sorry.

"Why are we here? Where are you taking me?" I asked quickly, eager to get to the point.

"I'm taking you to see the princess remember? We're going to get that bullet out of your chest." I thought about what he said, and felt my body weaken. I fell down and drifted to a state of unconsciousness.

“Open your eyes, third.” I did as I was told, and saw two other Diamond Dogs. Silver and Grim had markings similar to mine, but in their rune’s color. “Stage one is complete. Did you have a loss of memory too?” I nodded to her. “It should return when you awaken. Oh, and tell Celestia I said hi. If she remembers me, that is.” She gave me a smile as I shifted back to reality, memory intact this time.

I was on some sort of blanket next to a firepit when I opened my eyes. Slowly getting to my feet, I heard some noises coming from a short distance away. As I moved through the rocks, I found Spade aiming his rifle right at me. He was tense at first, but loosened up when he saw it was me.

"Dear Celestia kid, never sneak up on me. Had I only seen a part of you you may have lost it." I put my free hand on my neck, rubbing myself in shame.

"Sorry about that. I just heard some noises from over here and decided to see what was up." I started looking at what he had been doing. He had his rifle set up and must have planned on practicing.

"Well don't just stand there like an idiot. If you want to help me, come on over." He had surprised me and I hastily move over to him. "The more experienced shooter is usually the spotter, so go ahead and take the rifle." I tried getting into the firing position my uncle taught me, but being a Diamond Dog and the gun being smaller, made it a LOT more difficult. My fingers were a little too big to fit around the trigger, so I used one of my claws instead.

"Grab the magazine to your right and load it in." I did as I was told, fumbling a bit due to the size. "Pull the bolt back and load a round into the chamber. Once you do that, wait for me to call out targets. The scope is zeroed in for two kilometers so just use the holographic sight for now. “ Again I did as I was told.

"Okay, now what?" I called out eagerly.

"I'll call out targets for you, you find and do your best to hit them." He said looking through the scope, "Alright, first target, one hundred meters, spruce tree next to a large boulder." I took aim, and waited a moment before firing. I let out a shot, knowing I most likely missed. "Miss," he called, "increase your aim a bit." I readjusted my aim and held my breath before shooting. I heard the sound of a bullet grazing wood. "Take one more shot, a little more to the right." I aimed slightly to the right and repeated my preparations. I let out the shot and hit the target dead center. “Good hit.” He said to me.

We kept practicing with the rifle until I ran out of ammo. I was at 250m too. I let out a frown due to the fact of me enjoying myself. "Over already?" I called to him.

"Yeah kid, done already. Not bad for you're first time. Certainly not an ace shot." He gave me a smirk after finishing his sentence.

I returned the smirk. “I said I was a good shot with a pistol, not a rifle.” It felt like such a short time had gone by, but it was really just an hour. I stood up from my current position and stretched. “So, time to hit Canterlot.” Spade nodded to me and flapped his wings a few times before flying into the air. He circled around to gain speed and came straight back, lifting me into the air soon after.

After about another twenty minutes, we were directly above the castles main gates. Like when we first landed, he circled down and dropped me. The two guards jumped at the sight of me and looked ready to charge. Spade came down at the right time, as the guards were about to charge me. “He’s with me.” He said, dropping his previous accent. The guards nodded and let us through, eyeballing me the entire time.

After entering the castle and walking the many different hallways, we came to the throne room. Spade looked at me for a moment, as if checking if I was ready. Thinking that that is what he was gesturing, I gave him a nod. He pushed the door open and we entered.

Celestia was sitting on her throne lost in thought when the door opened. She was brought back to reality by the sounds of us moving towards her. She seemed to tense a little at the sight of me, but was calmed when she saw Spade. “What brings you here?” She called to me.

I couldn’t think of a good answer, so I said what Silver told me to. “Silver Claw says hi.” She looked lost in thought again.

“You must be the other leader she mentioned.” I shook my head at her. I wasn’t an official leader, but I was one of three. “Then who are you?” Ah, there is the question that has an easy answer.

“Here’s a hint. A bullet to the chest.” She looked shocked, mainly due to the fact I remembered, but also because of the changes.

“How do you remember?” She asked without hesitation. Soon after, she shifted her gaze to Spade. I shook my head at this.

“Celestia, I am the third. Magic has no affect on me anymore, nor the others I think.” I crossed my arms and held my head high, as if I had just won a battle. She looked confusedly at me. “That’s not why we are here, though. We both have discovered something that could upset the balance of Equestria.” I left off for Spade to tell her, feeling she would rather hear it from him.

He let out a sigh and stepped forward, bowing to Celestia. "What we have learned," he said, "Was that the nomadic clans of the Diamond Dogs are rising in power and quickly building a force in which to attack Ponyville and the surrounding countryside." Celestia looked a little shaken by this, but not fully surprised. "By my estimates, they're going to be done with their preparations in a years time. After which they will release their forces into first Ponyville, then moving down the countryside and attacking the other cities and towns across Equestria. Also by that time their numbers will be in the thousands, enough to do just that."

She nodded, standing from her throne and moving forward to address us both, "Thank you Aces, and thank you Zin for bringing this news to me. It has come over my attention that there has been increased activity by the clans, but I never thought they would try something like this." she said, pacing around back and forth. "It will take us some time to prepare, almost the entire years grace that you two have given us. But by then we should be well enough defended to withstand the brunt of their forces here in Ponyville. If we can stop them right from the start, they won't be able to attempt something like this ever again."

She stopped in front of me, "For your services, I and my sister will aid you in removing the of the projectile in your chest." I was finally going to get this damn thing out of me. She moved over to Spade. "As for you, I will discuss your mission in further detail once we are alone." He gave her a nod. She turned her head towards me. "Now if you could follow me, we will attend to you first."

I gave her a noble bow. "Thank you Celestia." As we began taking our leave through one of the side doors, two guards came behind me. We were traveling through an open garden towards a large tower. The garden was just a small square walkway towards the towers stairwell. Right as we approached, the guards stopped. Celestia told me to follow them to where the bullet would be removed.

They broke off from their positions and lead me down a side corridor. At the end of the hall, there was one lone door, which gave me an edgy feeling. The guard to my left opened the door and motioned me inside. There was a single table in the center of the room, and straps aligned the sides. I knew this room was going to be like this, even in the movies it’s like this. I let out a sigh and laid myself on the table. Both of the guards managed to strap me down right as the two sisters came in.

“All set?” Celestia called to me. I took a deep breath and nodded, finding myself speechless. “Alright then. As you said before, magic cannot affect you. Yet, the bullet is not a part of you. Do you understand?”

“Celestia, I used to be human. I understand a lot more than you give me credit for.” I felt I could entrust everypony in the room with this, as my actions showed I was different than most.

“I see.” She sounded a little bit disturbed by this, but I just smiled at her. I started to feel off. Like I was falling asleep without having smelt or eaten any type of medicine. Luna looked worriedly at me, while Celestia just moved to my side. I could make out the words ‘this will hurt later’ before I passed out. I seem to be doing a lot of that recently.

I opened my eyes to be back in the throne room, but with only Silver this time. “Where is Grim?” I asked her. Her head shot upwards in my direction, a look of sorrow on her face.

“He has not been able to rest recently. The uprising clans have forced him to fortify our entire cave. Where are you as of now?” The last sentence sending signs of immense worry, as well as her facial expression.

“I am with the princesses being operated on. Do we have any weapons around the cave?” She gave me a nod. I started to think about how long it would take to be done with at least stage three. “What will stage two do?” She looked surprised at the question.

She got out of her throne and started walking towards me. “The second stage will enhance your mental abilities. At least, for me it will. Grim will have increased physical attributes. When you got to stage one, what did you feel like?” She was right infront of me now, her luminescent purple eyes staring into mine.

I thought back to when we were flying to the castle. I felt heat course through my veins, unmatchable to anything I have ever known. “I felt like I was on the sun, heat running through me.” Silver took my right paw and examined it closely. She followed the streak on my arm all the way to the necklace, reading the way it curved and analyzing every aspect.

“When I felt the change, my mind felt searing pain. I could hear the thoughts of those around me, and I was able to dream of upcoming events occasionally. For Grim, his entire body felt the pain as his body changed to a form where he could be a one dog army.” She let out a hearty laugh, which I joined in on. “You say you felt heat, but not pain?” I gave her a confused looking nod. “This is most strange. What else could there be besides mental and physical...” She started pacing around, mumbling at any given moment.

I walked over to my seat and sat in it. Physical and mental abilities are what they were boosted in, but for each it is different, as no three are the same. The heat felt more like energy coursing through every fiber in my body. “Could it be magic?” I thought aloud. Seeing how everything else around me was because of magic, it was a reasonable thought.

Silver stopped dead in her tracks. “Like those who lit this cave, many years ago...” I knew it! Those gems weren’t just normally lit like that, no gem is. “The only magic bearing dogs died trying to see if they were the third.” That’s what the voice meant then. I got to my paws and stood a small distance away from Silver, deep in thought about the skills I was being given.

I felt an intense pain coming from my chest and let out a howl. Silver ran over to me, fear written all over her face. I fell to my knees, blood dripping to the rocky surface below. She knelt down to my level and looked me dead in the eyes. “You will feel what they are doing, third. It is a flaw with this connection.” She let a tear fall out of her eyes at the sight of my pain. Why did she care so much about someone she just met?

Even with the pain increasing, I shunned it and smiled at her. “I am tougher than I look...” Suddenly, a green light emitted from where I once came from. Grim yawned and took a step forward before fully opening his eyes. After seeing me, he ran next to Silver. “Bout time...” More blood was flowing from the wound, but my insides screamed where I assumed my ribcage was.

Grim offered a paw, which I gladly took, and helped me up. He led me to my chair and just stared at me. The three of us suddenly glowed our runes colors brightly. Silver had started gripping her head as Grim collapsed to the ground. As for me, my body felt as it did before. Extremely full of heat, or energy as it were. More glowing streaks formed on our bodies, fully connecting over my entire body.

When the feeling subsided, the pain in my chest did as well. The blood stopped flowing freely, but merely stayed where it was. “Stage two is complete. Wake up.” We all said in unison, returning to reality.

I opened my eyes to see a worried Luna in front of my face. The other two guards had left the small room, and Celestia was disposing of the bullet. “The job finished already?” I said in a painful yet joking manor. Both princesses nodded to me as they continued patching up my wound. Luna helped me to my feet and told me she was going to help me to the throne room. We began making our way when Celestia asked us to stop. She seemed lost in thought for a moment, as if looking for the right words.

“What did make you take Shadow’s place in front of the bullet?” She said in a calm tone, as if she had prepared for this.

“If you had to choose between yourself living and Luna dying, which would you choose?” I answered a question with a question. Normally that would make some people, or ponies, angry. She stayed calm and smiled towards her sister.

“I would choose myself.” I gave her a nod, gesturing that I would give her the answer.

“You would do it for love. I may not have loved her, but somepony did. There is enough sorrow in the world already, why add to it?” We were motioned to keep moving to the throne room after a couple minutes silence. Luna kept looking at my new markings, obviously curious. I would have to explain it to her another time, though.

When we got to the throne room doors, Celestia turned around to face Luna and I. “Sister, can you take him to his chambers for rest, like we talked about?” I didn’t like the way she said chambers, and according to the look on Luna’s face, she didn’t either. She gave her a nod and we walked off.

After many hallways and stairs going down, we arrived at a large stone door. Luna opened it with her magic and led me through. All along the sides of the walls were cell doors, some full and some not. We walked to the very end of the path where there was an open cell door. She helped me onto the bed, where I just sat and looked at her.

“Celestia has questions she wishes to ask you when she is finished. I’m sorry.” She looked a bit ashamed to be doing what she was.

“I understand, Luna. There isn’t much she could get out of me that she wouldn’t already know.” She still looked a little sad, but nodded and trotted out of the cell. She shut it and locked it before exiting the cell block.

I put one of my paws out in front of me and flipped it over, seeing my palm. I closed my eyes and focused on that feeling of warmth from before, trying to concentrate it to my palm. The sensation rushed through my arm and stopped at my hand for a moment. I just kept it like that before the feeling went away. I opened my eyes saddened, but what I saw was a blue fire in my hand. I smiled as I snuffed it out. ‘Now to keep practicing, and maybe I can bust myself out of here.’ I thought. New dog, new tricks. Let’s see how she can handle my tricks, though.

Freedom

I sat with my legs crossed in a meditating position for about an hour, focusing on my newfound abilities, before the sounds of hooves came at my door. I didn’t bother to open my eyes, I knew it was Celestia. “Feeling better?” I stayed quiet, not even gesturing her. I heard her hooves begin to pace around, likely trying to figure out the best way to approach.

I let out a heavy sigh. “Why would you make your sister do things she is not comfortable with?” Her pacing stopped.

“I have my reasons.” She started pacing once more. “What do your symbols mean?” She asked with force in her voice.

“It is to separate us from the others. It was not a painless transition, either. Space can verify that if you don’t believe me.” I let out a smile, knowing what she was also trying to do. I set up my mind block for if she got any ideas.

The door opened and she slowly trotted inside. As quickly as it opened, it shut and locked. “There is more you aren’t telling me.” I shrugged at her. “Tell me.” She demanded. I shook my head, as it was not of her concern. There was a sharp pain across the side of my face, forcing my head to the right. She had just hit me. “I said tell me.”

I opened my glowing blue eyes at her, smirking. “Force will get you no where, my dear.” I said extremely smugly, trying to see how far she would go. She proceeded to hit me three more times, each hit getting harder.

“I have many ways to get you to tell me. I also have other guards who take pleasure in them.” I got to my feet, being at her exact height. She tensed for a second, but loosened soon after. She must think I won’t try to hurt her. “Are you going to comply?”

“You know, I just don’t see that working out. Hit me as many times as you want, torture me even, but know this.” I paused for a moment and gathered my breath. “What will your sister think of you? You’re forcing your tasks onto her and you are oblivious to how it makes her feel.” She looked lost for a moment.

“She will see me as great when I defend this country from the dogs.” She glared at me. I just let out a chuckle.

“And they say humans are insensitive.” She brought her hoof to my chest within a matter of nanoseconds, sending me back into my bed at amazing speeds. I coughed a little blood out, and smiled towards her. “Can’t handle not getting what you want easily...?” I choked out. She shook her head and proceeded to leave.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “For a dog, you got balls.” Somepony said from the cell to my right. I let out a laugh at this.

“Give me some time, you’ll see my full power.” I said in a rather menacing voice. If I am going to be here for a while, might as well practice my magic. If I can get past fire,maybe I can manipulate my surroundings too.

- - - Three months later - - - -

It took me one month to cast fire at will, another month to figure out control it, and another to learn to manipulate the elements around me. If I ever get to Twilight, we are going to have one interesting chat. Celestia gave up on me after the second month, seeing that not even her best guards could crack me.. Even with all that has been done, I don’t hold it against her. She has her country’s best interests at heart.

I was laying on the bed in a pair of robes given to me by the guards. It was black with a hood, which I usually kept above my head. I had made my own modifications to it, though. My blue streaks had somehow spread to my clothing, which made it seem as if I was some sort of mage. Oh that’s right, I am.

I was making a futile attempt at catching some sleep when a pair of hooves interrupted me. Turning my head slightly, I saw a royal guard. They come down to check on the other prisoners and give them food, water, etc. I hadn’t been so lucky. He stopped right outside my cell’s door, smiling.

“Starving yet?” He said in a rude manner. I got to my feet and stretched a little.

“Have you felt true pain?” I said, completely ignoring his previous question. The guard looked blankly at me.

“What does that have to do with anything?” My turn to smile. He looked upon me in horror as he tried to back up. His legs were locked in fear at what I was doing.

I outstretched my arms above me, focusing on the energy in the air. Concentrating that energy into a ball of kinetic energy, I pointed my hands at the door. “Here’s your answer.” I shot forth the energy into the door, sending it flying into the guard. The two skidded alongside each other, finally coming to a stop at the end of the hall.

I started walking into the long corridor. It felt good using that power. The element of magic has infinite possibilities, but it’s what you do with them that defines the user. Knowing this, I kept walking past the guard. I checked on him in spite of his behaviour. He was breathing, but his wounds would keep him in bed for at most two weeks. “Call yourself tough? Pathetic.” I only said this because the guard had looked up at me and started whimpering. I shook my head and continued up the stairs into one of the main hallways.

No doubt I had made quite the ruckus by busting my door down. I ran as fast as I could on two legs, just in case I ran into some more trouble. To my luck, most of the guards must have been out somewhere else, as there were none to be seen anywhere inside the castle. ‘What do you have planned, Celestia.’ I thought as I rounded the corner to the large main doors. When I opened the doors, I found out what she had planned.

A row of at least ten guards were positioned outside, guarding the exterior gates. I slowly stepped down the stairs as I thought of a way to escape. “I have no wish to harm any of you. You gain nothing by keeping me here, so why do it?” This made some of them look at each other confusedly. Good, a distraction.

“We have orders, stallions. Let’s keep to ‘em.” One of the guards said. I stopped after I got off the final step.

I let out a heavy sigh. I once again lifted my arms into the air. Instead of taking the energy from the air, I took the heat from inside of me, making the blue flames. I shifted all of the fire into my right hand. “Last chance.” None of them moved, but I couldn’t shake the feeling I was being watched from behind. I threw the fire high into the air and it dispersed.

The guards were laughing at me for a moment. I smirked devilishly and pointed upwards. What they saw was many different balls of fire coming straight towards them. Before they had a chance to run, the fire collided with the ground, exploding and sending them all flying. Each body landed, armor scorched, but they were still breathing. I had no intention of killing anypony.

I ran through the gates and didn’t stop running until I hit the town. Luckily for me, no pony could see through my hood or see any of my features. They seemed to not care, to say the least. I had walked for about ten minutes when I heard someone shout at me.

“Zin!” I turned to see Luna galloping straight for me, showing mixed emotions that I couldn’t read. When she reached me, she was nearly out of breath. “Why were you at the castle? I thought you left two months ago.” So Celestia kept secrets from even her little sister. She looked a little concerned, and it was then that I realized I let my emotions show.

I sighed heavily once more. “I was in the dungeon the entire time. Celestia never freed me, so I freed myself.” She looked at me as if I was joking. “Know this. I did not mean for anypony to be injured, but I used my power as a last resort. Celestia is not going to forget what I did today, but I hope you understand.” She nodded to me, finally seeing I was serious.

“Where are you going to go?” She had a mixed expression of sad and confused when she spoke. I motioned her closer, which she did.

“I am going to train. Talk to Spade about where, he will know.” I put a paw on the side of her face. “You’ve been a good friend Luna. Take care.” She didn’t have time to respond as I broke off in a sprint.

I figured I would try a new spell combination out. I readied my fire in my right paw, and took some of the energy from around me in my left. I thought of the throne room’s interior and picked the best spot to warp in. I combined the two magics and teleported, leaving nothing but scorch marks on the ground.

I appeared in the throne room inside of blue flames. The looks on Grim’s and Silver’s face were priceless. The two sat in their thrones as I appeared right in front of mine. “Celestia had kept me in her dungeon for quite some time. She also kept me from seeing you two while I was asleep.” The two were just staring at me in awe. “I read a lot of books with Twilight Sparkle, and I also had three months to practice. Give me some credit, you two.” I smiled at them.

Silver jumped up and hugged me, which I embraced her. I never thought much about it, but the more I couldn’t see her, the more I longed to see her. We held each other for a while longer before separating. I looked over towards Grim, who looked extremely tired. “You look like you need some sleep. Actually, I think we all could benefit from it.” Using that much magic and concentration left me weak. Silver didn’t look tired, but she agreed. She motioned me to follow her through the doors.

I followed her to a small opening directly to the left of the door. We stopped right in front of the opening and she pointed above it. In clear letters it read ‘Zin’. “This is where you shall be staying. I am directly across and Grim is the home to your left. The bed is in the back. Any other items will have to be added later, as we don’t get out often.” She patted me on the back. “Nice work with the fire. What you felt was me watching from inside your mind.” Remind me never to keep a secret from her.

She laughed aloud as she shoved me inside. The room was actually very nice. A table carved from stone sat towards the left, glowing gems lit the ceiling, and there were a few weapons lining the walls. The first was a sword, the one above it was a battleaxe, and below the sword was a staff. They really did prepare this place. I let out a yawn as I moved into the bedroom. The bed was placed in the middle of the floor against the wall. I don’t mean some rock carved bed either. A real bed, pillows, covers, mattress, everything! ‘Must be a cave full of artisans.’ I thought to myself as I plunged onto the bed, instantly falling asleep.

Nightmares and Training

I didn’t sleep for very long. My dreams were nothing but nightmares. The image of a burning Ponyville forced itself upon me. Diamond Dogs were streaming in the numbers of hundreds, killing ponies left and right. There was gunfire from above, but the bullets barely made a dent in the numbers of dogs. I decided to go see Silver.

I got out of bed and flipped my hood up. Slowly, I made my way outside of my home and inside of Silvers. She had a bookshelf to the right, desk to the left, but there was only one weapon on the wall. A dual-bladed sword. ‘Again. Never getting on her bad side.’ I heard a chuckle coming from the bedroom’s door.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” She asked while taking slow steps towards me. I shook my head. “The nearby town being attacked was what I saw, for the tenth time. What kept you?” She was now directly in front of me.

“The same.” She looked confused, but quickly regained herself. “We need to prepare for the invasion. If we can stop it at it’s first target, we can at least kill the main strike force.” She nodded in agreement.

“There is still one issue.” My turn to look confused. “You managed to defeat the guards by using the power of magic, not brute force. Grim and I will have to physically fight, as will you at some point.” I thought about this. There were many weapons to choose from, but none of them I am familiar with.

A smirk grew on my face. “How much metal do we have?”

She closed her eyes for a moment. “We have some left over. Steel, iron, and some copper. Why?”

We don’t have much left, then. “I wanted to try to make my own weapon.” She opened her eyes and looked into mine. I swear if I didn’t know better, she was staring into my soul.

She gave me a smile. “I’ll help you, but first...” I looked at her strangely. “You’ll need to train.” I let out a groan. I hate waiting to do what I want. “I could pair you against Grim, if you keep that attitude.” I dropped the gloomy rather quickly. There is no way in hell I would win a fight against him. She nodded and took my paw, taking us through many pathways of our underground city.

“That all you got?” I said getting back to my feet. This was the fifth time she knocked me down, but I got her ten times before.

She smiled at me. “I’m just getting warmed up.” She said as she struck her wooden staff at me. I blocked the strike with my sword and shoved her back. I ran forward at her while swinging the blade. She dodged right and slammed her paw into my side. I slid back a few inches, but quickly ran back towards her. I was about to strike her as the bell dinged.

“Alright you two, there isn’t a need to kill each other.” Apparently, Grim had been watching us for the past two hours. He jumped from the perch above the training circle. The room itself was farther below the regular housing level. It was loaded with every weapon imaginable. Well, all it was missing was guns.

He walked over to me and put a paw on my shoulder. “Where’s the fun in not going all in?” I said jokingly.

“You were using all you had?” Silver said to me. I growled at her, causing both leaders to laugh at me. “Don’t get your fur in a bunch, Zin. I was only kidding.” I waved my hand in a manner that said ‘whatever’. Grim patted my back with the same paw before putting both arms behind his head.

“So, why were you two up so early?” He asked, head turning from Silver to me. Silver and I both looked at each other and shrugged.

“Nightmare. I would like to call it the great pony genocide.” Grim nodded in agreement. So we all did share dreams, but were they dreams? I shook these thoughts from my mind as Grim walked over to the weapon rack and pulled out a battle-hammer. He pointed to me. “Oh hell no.” The two laughed at my reaction.

“We need to head to town soon. Our food is running short after one thousand years. Guess magic really isn’t unlimited.” I looked at him with a questioning glance. He turned towards Silver. “You still haven’t told him?” She shook her head, which made Grim sigh. “When there were still magic bearing dogs, they created an enchanted garden in which we grew food. The spell just recently ran out, and now the food has met the same fate.” Silver and I nodded at him.

“Zin and I can go into town and get supplies. I’m sure that Ponyville is safe.” She said in a joyful manner. Grim looked at her questioningly. “Does everything go in one ear and out the other with you, Grim?” He nodded to her. Silver managed to do a perfect facepalm, forcing both of us to laugh. She pulled me closer to her and threw me behind her. “Laugh at me, will you? Just get that transport spell ready.” I got to my feet and nodded, casting the spell. She grabbed my free paw and I threw the ball of fire down, causing the flames to surround us. When the flames subsided, we were already at Ponyville.

We emerged from the flames on the edge of Ponyville, directly out of sight. I made sure my robe was tight around my body and flipped my hood up. Silver had kept her training outfit on. The outfit was a simple shirt, pants, and leather shoes. Why she wore the shoes is still unknown to me. She took my paw and led me into the town at a run.

When we arrived at the town, ponies were giving us odd glances as usual. Most of them decided to carry on, while others were looking past Silver and directly at me. We just kept walking towards the center of town. When we arrived at the fountain, we just sat down. “Why do you keep your hood up?” Silver said to me.

I shrugged. “It makes me mysterious.” She let out a light chuckle. “So who is shopping?” I said, breaking the few minutes silence. When she told me she was, I thought about screaming ‘Victory!’. She laughed at me and walked off. I keep forgetting she is telepathic.

I got up from the fountain and started walking in a random direction. The scents around the town were calming. I always loved taking my strolls through here, but with what happened yesterday, I might have to keep myself on the down low. After a few minutes, I looked at my surroundings. I was outside the library. I made my way inside to find most of the books on the shelves, while others sat at Twilight’s table.

“Anypony home?” I called out upstairs. I heard the sound of hooves on wood coming from the stairs. Soon after, there stood Twilight Sparkle, still groggy. I let out a laugh. “I wake you up?”

She looked at me very strangely, as if she didn’t recognize me. “Do I know you?” Well, this isn’t very nice.

“Twi, it’s me, Zin.” At this, she seemed to wake up completely. She galloped straight at me and tackled me. For a pony that is less than half my size, she is strong!

“Where have you been for the last three months? We were all worried!” She, her friends and I all grew closer after the Nightmare Moon incident. I spent most of my time with her, seeing how she and I could both use the company and study time.

“You know me, out and about. Did you hear anything about Canterlot?” She shook her head at me. Good, word hasn’t spread here yet. “Well, I am here with a friend to get supplies. I’m going to be gone for some time.” She looked worried at these words.

“Are you in trouble? When will you be back?” She asked with such a tone that made me feel bad for her.

I ruffled her mane with a paw and gave her a smile. “Sort of. I will be back in nine months. I won’t let my friends face it alone.” She looked confused at me. I had said too much. “If you ever want to see me in the meantime, go to the fields south of here and call out with your magic. I will know.” She looked even more confused. I got up and moved towards the door right as Silver walked in, carrying about two crates under each arm.

She put them on the ground at my feet and closed the door. “We’re doing it here. Try to get all the crates in the radius too.” I gave her a nod and she got close to me. I nodded a goodbye to Twilight as I casted the transport spell. The flames once again consumed us and took us to the training room, as it was the closest to where the garden used to be.

Silver took the crates to the garden and told me to go practice my magic here in the room. I had no obligations. I got into my meditating position and focused on the energy around me. I only have nine months left to get as far as I can with my spells. My main issue was I get tired too quickly after using the spells, but the transport doesn’t take too much out of me. Maybe if I keep using the strong spells, I can make it so no matter how many spells I cast, I won’t be fatigued. I cracked my knuckles loudly. “Let’s get to it.”

- - - Five hours later - - - -

“Zin, I have everything...Dear Celestia, what did you do?!” Silver yelled as she leaped down from the railing, landing inches from me. I was laying on my back breathing heavily. It was what was in front of me that startled her. A gaping hole in the rock wall with blue flames still burning in it.

“Magic is...Unpredictable, no?...” I said in a hoarse tone. The reason she was in such shock was because I had scorch marks over my upper body. I had taken off my robe to prevent any damages to it. I put all my effort into every spell I had cast. Next time, I am not going to try to create a beam of fire.

“You did that...?” She sounded both scared and amazed. She shook her head at me. “I said practice, not kill yourself!” There was immense worry in her voice. She took one of my arms and put it around her neck, helping me to stand. “What are trying to prove?” She asked as we made our way up the many stairs.

“What doesn’t kill you...Makes you stronger...” We stopped our ascent for a moment. She shook her head and we kept moving. After we reached the housing level, many of the dogs had been out chatting and doing their daily chores. When they saw Silver carrying me, they all stopped. “I am fine...” They took my words to heart and carried on. Things are much different here than topside.

We reached my home and she put me in my bed. She sat next to me and let out a deep sigh. “You act without thinking, don’t you?” When she turned her head to me, I thought for a moment before nodding yes. She moved from sitting to laying beside me. “Why?” She always knows what I don’t want to hear...’Get out of my head.’ She let out a small laugh.

I took a few deep breaths before speaking. “I’m arrogant. A bit too arrogant, if you ask my alicorn friend.” I let out a laugh which she joined in on. “I only thought out one real action. The first was taking a bullet for somepony. She was special to another pony, and I know what it feels like to be heartbroken. It makes you do terrible things...”

She and I laid there for about twenty minutes, laughing and joking. To be honest, she was more than just a leader I was paired with. She was a very good friend. Thank god I have my mind block working right, as far as I know.

“Zin.” I gave her a questioning look. “Would you mind if I stayed here with you tonight?” I smiled at her and shook my head. She yawned before getting herself in a comfortable position. I closed my eyes and let my thoughts roam around my brain. ‘I have had this feeling before,’ I thought, ‘Is it possible that I have feelings for her?’ I mentally shrugged and drifted to sleep.

I stood in a barren field with Silver next to me. We started walking forward, not knowing why. When when reached a cave entrance, we started feeling scared. Slowly we made our way to the general living area. Bodies of our clan and the rival clan’s warriors littered the halls. Some of the bodies still on fire, others missing limbs, some even stuck in the walls by a spear or sword. When we approached the throne room, that was when we were the most disturbed.

“Silver...What are we going to do? The attack on us came a month early, and neither of us foresaw it. We need to go to Celestia, whether or not she still resents me.” My voice rang through my ears.

“You’re right...Grim is likely already there. It was a good thing we sent him out two days ago to negotiate.” Silver sounded saddened. Likely because of the loss of our members.

“Then we must go. There is nothing left for us here...Nothing but the remains of our past lives...” The two paused. We dared not enter as our bodies would not allow it. “I’m going to burn Four Fang until nothing is left but his charred skeleton...”

We heard paws moving and sobbing from both dogs. “Come on, Zin. We should make it look like we died here as well. Those other dogs weren’t as smart as us.” A teary laughter sounded from the room.

Silver and I were suddenly pulled away from this harsh reality. We should prepare ourselves for this, but the outcome seems to be the same with every scenario that ran through my mind. Looks like I will have to rely on her more than I knew...

Unxpected Visit

When I woke up the next morning, I still couldn’t move without causing pain to myself. Silver wasn’t beside me anymore. What we had seen last night was...Disturbing. I was quickly pulled out of my thoughts by Silver’s voice.

“Rest easy?” She said, leaning against the bedrooms doorway. I shook my head at her. “I can’t see how to prevent it...Should we tell them?” She slowly made her way to my bed and sat next to me.

“No...I spent most of the night planning on how to prevent it, but all outcomes are the same.” I managed to painfully put myself in a upright position. “We should train nonetheless. Grim will be out of harms way, and it will be down to us to aid our people.” That was the first time I had really called the dogs ‘our’, as in of my own.

She rested her head upon my shoulder. “Maybe we should keep Grim back. He has the strength of ten thousand dogs.” I pictured him fighting the massive numbers of dogs that swarmed the cave. Not even he would withstand all of that unscathed. Silver must have read my mind because she nodded agreement.

She was about to speak when we heard another set of paws coming into the room. “Leaders, company.” He said to us in a rather angry tone.

“Friend or foe?” Silver said almost instantly. She got up from the bed and moved over to the dog. The two had a hushed conversation, making me feel a little left out. “I see. Bring them to the throne room in a few minutes. I will take Zin with me.” The dog nodded and left us. Silver hurriedly came over to me and forced me to my feet. “I will explain when we get there.” Was all she said before rushing me out of my home.

There was a group of fifteen dogs standing in front of us. “Explain yourselves. How did you find us?” Silvers voice rang in a harsh tone. One of the dogs stepped forward, head held lowly.

“Three month past, pony kill leader. No leader, no order. Chaos bad, we no want.” He said scared, keeping from eye contact with each of us. I raised a paw in the air.

“This pony...Moved silently and swiftly? Killing your people within a matter of seconds?” The dog nodded hesitantly towards me. “Give me a straight answer.” I demanded. He nodded hastily. I let out a heavy sigh and motioned them to wait outside. Grim and Silver looked towards me questioningly. “My old friend has been busy.” I made a weak laugh. Silver nodded while Grim kept his confused look.

“We should open our cave to them. We will need all the help we can get for the upcoming event.” Grim and I hastily agreed with her. Grim got up and left the two of us alone, likely informing the new members of our clan. Silver shut her eyes and looked deep in thought. It was another five minutes before she spoke to me. “Our clan still falls...Is there anything we can do, Zin?”

I closed my eyes and shifted my head upwards. ‘All of this is just chaos...Wait...The most unlikely of allies aligned together for no apparent reason, doing nothing but bringing destruction to the land. Well played, Discord. Well played.’ I opened my eyes to see Silver staring straight at me, nodding approval.

“Take me to my room, please. I will explain once we are there.” Silver got up from her throne and moved to my front. She grabbed my right arm and put it around her neck. As we exited the room, we overhead the group of dogs thanking Grim. Sounded like they were way too happy to be accepted into our clan.

Once inside, I told Silver to let me walk on my own. I slowly and painfully made my way to my weapon rack and pulled a knife, still in it’s sheathe, and put it on my robes belt. “A friend gave me this. We are going to the same friend and asking for help.” I turned back to Silver, who just gave me a blank stare.

“You sure he would help?” She asked as she came closer to me. She put my arm back around her again.

I took a deep breath and paused before speaking. “I don’t know. I pray that he will, or else our entire clan shall suffer.” Suddenly an image of a house near the edge of the Everfree Forest appeared in my mind. “Thanks. Now here...We...Go!” I said as I cast the spell, aiming to appear right at the front door. The flames consumed us once more, taking us to our destination.

We reappeared right at the front door, just as planned. Silver and I limped towards the door and knocked on it. There was the sound of the knob turning and the door opened, leaving a partial crack big enough to see out of. “May we come in, please?” Silver asked. A minute later the door swung open, revealing a shocked looking pegasus.

I looked into Spades eyes, which happened to be full of anger. “So you were there...” I said in a hoarse tone. Spade motioned us inside. Silver brought me in and set me down in a chair. I closed my eyes, no longer paying attention to the world around me.

“You’re lucky you didn’t kill anypony, or else we might have done the same to you.” His voice as full of anger as his eyes were.

I let out a heavy sigh before speaking. “My friend, you won’t believe any word I say. Go talk to Luna about it, I told her everything.” I opened my eyes and scanned over the group in the room. Silver stood at my side, Spade close to the front door, and a very angry looking Shadow next to him. “Regardless, we came here with... Saddening news....” The feelings from before coursed through my veins as I spoke, making my voice sound more shaky.

“Spit it out.” Spade said, still having anger in his voice.

I closed my eyes once more, picturing the gruesome scene. “One month prior to the war, our clan is going to be...Massacred, to say the least. We are trying to prepare the clan, but no matter what, the outcome is the same. I know I am not your favorite dog right now, but other lives are at stake.” I paused for a moment. I felt tears coming to my eyes, and I let them flow. I don’t care who sees me right now, my mind is on trying to save my clan.

Silver put a paw on my shoulder. “We don’t expect you to agree to anything at this moment, but please think it over.” She said in a calm voice, but I could tell she felt as I did. I don’t need telepathy to know when she is hurting.

Shadow moved to Spade’s side. “How did you get like that?” She said in a calm tone.

“Magic takes a toll on it’s user when they go beyond their limits. To me, I stopped caring. I am going to do everything I can to keep my clan and friends from meeting a bitter end.” Silver proceeded to put my arm around her neck and helped me towards the door. I turned back to Spade and Shadow. “Hasta luego.” I turned and we stepped outside.

“We are going to have to walk. Good thing it’s a nice day out.” I said smiling at the warmth of the sun on my fur. We slowly made our way to the cave, enjoying every moment of being topside.

We right halfway to the cave when we couldn’t walk anymore. She set me down gently and sat next to me. I fell back completely, too tired to bother sitting upright. Silver just sat there with her eyes closed. I took in a deep breath, enjoying every aspect of these fields. “Silver... I don’t feel too good...” Was all I could say before drifting into a peaceful sleep. I assume Silver carried me back, but I couldn’t think aymore. I will need my rest for training.

Invasion of Privacy

I stood in the armory, putting on my custom armor. It was a battlemesh light enough to keep you moving, but durable enough to keep a sword from breaking through. The leggings were the same, as were the boots and gloves. I had the blacksmith make special headgear for me. I always liked gasmasks, even if it wasn’t the right time for them. This one was special though, as it had the same mesh lining it’s outside.

“Are you ready yet?” Silvers voice rang throughout the large room. I turned while getting my mask on. She wore her same old training gear, and gave me an awkward look. “What is that on your face?” I shook my head playfully.

“It’s a special mask that keeps out harmful gasses. That, and it looks awesome.” She had a laugh with me as I grabbed a bow and a quiver of arrows, as well as my sword. My sword was a complete replica of the daedric sword from Skyrim. I got to making it two weeks ago, and as soon as I finished, all of my markings spread onto it as well. It’s strange, when you think about it.

I moved towards Silver, sliding my sword into it’s sheath. “Spade should be here soon. The invasion begins in three hours. Ready?” she asked me. I gave her a thumbs up, and thank god that I have them. “Glad to hear it. You have been training extremely hard, are you sure you can handle this?” At her remark, I made the largest flames in both of my paws, forcing her to just stare in awe. I snuffed the flames out as quickly as they appeared. “Enough playing around, we have to go wait for him.” I nodded as we left for the living quarters.

- - - One hour later - - - -

I leaned back against the stone wall and looked towards the opening. If he doesn’t hurry, I am going to scream bloody murder. Silver was sitting next to me, and was just as impatient. We heard the sounds of multiple hooves at the entrance, and I was shocked.

“Well, it’s been a-” Was all I could mumble before being tackled by a over-excited Rainbow Dash. I smiled under my mask at the look on her face. “What’s it been, seven months?” Man, she is quite heavy for a pegasus.

“Everypony thought you had died!” I looked blankly into her rose eyes. All I could do was laugh at this. After everything I had been through with these ponies, and they think that I was the one who would die out here. If anypony, it would be Rarity. Fluttershy always had The Stare.

“Amiga, what in Equestria could...” I stopped speaking, realizing what I was going to say. There was something that could take me down, and it was coming in one month, or in an hour and a half. “Lance,” I said remembering his cover, “why did you bring her? She could get badly wounded.”

"None of your business really. But if you must know, I was on my way here from my home when she," he said casting a mock angry glance at Dash, "ran into me right outside of my door. I couldn't change her mind on coming so I just let her. Don't you worry kid, I'll keep an eye on her and make sure nothing will happen."

"I can take care of myself, thank you very much!" she said with enthusiasm.

"I'm sure you could, I'm sure you could. But a little help here and there never hurts." He winked at me. I rolled my eyes under my mask. He turned towards Silver. "Okay, down to business. The first thing I need is for you to get three felled trees from outside and bring them in here. Second, I need you to show me around the cave. I need to know the ground I'll be fighting on." She gave me a nod, calling for a few Diamond Dogs to go outside and retrieve the trees he asked for.

"If you could follow me, I'll show you around." she said, turning away from us and heading down a long, vaulted corridor.

Lance turned back to us for a short moment. “Dash, meet me at the end of the hall in five minutes. Catch up with Zin for a bit before I need you.” He trotted off, leaving two friends to an endless conversation of questions and answers.

She moved away and let me resume my leaning on the cave wall. “Why are you living here and not telling any of us? Is it because Celestia has the posters up?” She said as her eyes gave me a pleading glance.

I smiled at her. That old pain was still looking for me. “Sort of, Dash. I came here because they needed me, and in a way, I needed them.” I ruffled her mane with one of my paws. She shot me a playful glance. “Celestia and I are not on good terms at the moment. She kept me in her dungeon for three months, and I broke out.”

Her jaw dropped to a point where it might as well have hit the floor. “What did you do for her to keep you that long, and how did you escape?” Her voice having more concern than shock.

I took a deep breath. “I did nothing but have more information than her. As to how I escaped, it will be better to show you.” She was about to speak when I let the flames flow in my right hand and a concentrated air ball in my left. As I dispersed of the magic, she could do nothing but stare in awe. “Do you want to know the full reason Lance is here?” She eagerly nodded her head.

I took a seat and let out a sigh, hoping she could handle what she got herself in to. “What he said was true, that we are in trouble. The entire clan is going to be killed, and I know now that I cannot stop it. The only survivors being Grim, Silver, and me. I highly doubt that you would return to town knowing this, but I trust that you can follow orders well. You are loyalty, after all.” I gave her a smile, even though she couldn’t see it.

She trotted off to where she needed to meet Lance and I decided to rest a little longer. I would need my energy for when the battle begins.

‘It is time, third. Time for you to grow your power, and test it on those against you. Welcome stage three.’

I looked around in the dark void. “Stage three? Who are you?” My voice echoed through the darkness.

‘You will see me before the war begins, before the death, before the destruction, before the world throws the least expected at you.’

I felt ground beneath me, yet I still had the feeling of weightlessness. My body had the sensation of heat, but this time it was a mix of pain and warmth. My body started to be covered in blue flames.

‘Become stronger, faster, smarter. Unleash your power on those who appose you, third. Embrace your gift and change the future.’

I took a deep breath as the fires intensified, changing the brightness of my lines. Instead of lines, they now formed what looked like tribal symbols. “When is it time to face my unnamed enemy?”

‘Soon, my dog. Soon. Now wake up, they’re getting worried about both of you.’

I didn’t even have time to respond. My eyes flashed open to the bright lights, and a worried Rainbow Dash, accompanied by Lance laying Silver next to me.

Rainbow Dash was the first one to break the silence, "Zin! Your markings, they've changed! Are you alright? What happened?" Her voice full of concern

Silver was the one to answer her. "He's reached the third stage. His transformation is almost compete now." She proceeded to offer me a paw, which I took, and got up. After getting up, I wiped some of the dust off.

I gave them all a smile. "Just one more thing about me Dash." I shot a quick glance at Silver as she fell to the ground, quickly curling into a ball with her eyes closed and a snarl on her face. I moved to her side and sat down, putting a paw on her head. I could feel the energy from her body, which made me feel a little bit awkward.

I could hear the muffled conversation Dash and Lance were having, but I was more focused on Silver. Her markings changed to match mine as she woke. I helped her up and we turned to face the two ponies.

Silver looked straight at Lance and let out a slight chuckle. “Still I get nothing from you.” I just looked at her confused, but only for a few moments. I completely forgot that she gets better with telepathy. She turned to me and nodded. ‘Get out of my head, Silver.’

I shook my head. “Alright, keep out of their heads for the time being. We have work to do.” I turned back to Lance. “The supplies you have requested should be back soon. I just have one question to ask you.” I moved closer to him and leaned over a little. “You’ll have to show her sometime, Spade. When do you plan on doing it?” I backed up a little and returned to my spot beside Silver.

She put a paw on my shoulder. “Go tell the clan to prepare for the invasion. They will spread out like we planned, using the areas designated.” I gave a quick nod and dashed backwards to the living area.

When I entered the entrance hall, I did exactly what we talked about. I put both of my paws around my mouth and used a little magic. “All dogs, report to your posts with the weapon of your choice. It’s almost show time!” At this, every dog started coming out and moving quickly. Megaphone without the megaphone, like a boss.

After spending most of the remaining time on preparing the clan, I went back to find a pillbox and sleeping ponies. I felt a paw on my shoulder, and immediately knew who it was. “Do you have the spell ready? It could take their numbers down very quickly.”

I turned to face Silver. “If I use it, I will be left unable to cast magic during the battle. Are you sure you want me to do it?” She gave me a nod that I wish hadn’t happened. I let out a groan and leaned against the wall. “If you say so. I just hope it works like we aim to.” She gave me another nod and went back. This is going to be one of those days, I can just tell.

Fate of a Clan

I walked towards the small pillbox that Spade and Dash were working on and leaned against part of it. Spade turned to face me, making sure it was me he heard. "How can I help y'all today?" He called, turning back to his work.

I spoke my response in a calm voice. "Dunno, a gun would be nice.” He seemed to take the joke a little bit too serious, as he laughed a good thirty seconds.

"Oh kid, y'all can't be serious, can you?" I gave him a short nod, as I was half serious. He laid a hoof on his gun and spoke, "This here is the only one I have with me. And you're sure as hay not getting any other weapons I might have."

I shook my head at him with a grin, "What other guns do you have?" I knew he had a stock of them, but what exactly did he have?

He turned back to his work and called something over his shoulder (I assume). "Oh a few. None I would lend to you however." He must think I am either incapable or unstable. Smart alicorn.

I looked at Dash, sound asleep on a table with a pillow. “I wouldn’t need to use it very much. It’s just nice to have a little reassurance.” A smile grew on my face as she tossed around a little. I may act arrogant and tough on the outside, but I am softie on the inside. At least, when I want to be. “So you got those defenses working? I don’t want to have to rely entirely on the gun there and my spell.” At least I was hoping he was nearly done.

He let out a laugh, "You don't have to worry about her not doing her job. We don't call her the 'Buzzsaw' for nothing. As for the defenses, you don't have to worry about those. Just when I give the word, tell everyone to cover their ears. Don't want nopony to loose their hearing after what I have planned."

During the middle of the conversation, I stopped paying attention, as another sound caught my attention. Twitching my ears around and closing my eyes, it sounded like there was battle from behind, and the pounding of paws.

My eyes snapped open and with a snarl I said, “Shit, they’re here early!” I yanked my sword out from it’s sheath and ran one of my claws across the edge. As I followed the edge, it started to catch on fire. The reason for this is because not only does it deal extra damage, but I can use it to focus my magic into the blast.

I walked over towards Lance and just looked at him. “You know, it sure would be nice to scare them off with your real form.” My voice was starting to sound like that of a snarl. I had my reasons, too, taking that there is fighting from inside my own cave. “Whether or not you do, I want to make something clear. I am not the same kid you found bawling over how much his life sucked. None of those damn dogs better touch Dash, or you will find out how much I have changed, even if you are stronger than me.” The markings were glowing brighter, likely from me giving into my rage. Rage is like fire, after all.

He gave me a grin, "Y'all don't have to worry about a thing kid. I've been doing this for longer than you've been alive. Now you would best be getting out of here before my own heat intensifies, because at that point I might not take so kindly to the tone you're using." He said, keeping his grin. "Now go tell your dogs the warning I gave y'all."

He trotted over to the table where Dash was sleeping and kicked it, sending her flying. "Bah! What'd you do that for?!" She screamed while rubbing her eye with a hoof.

"Come on you lazy sot, we've got work to do. They’re coming and I have to tell you what you'll be doing." His entire being becoming deathly serious.

"Oh and kid, let me show you something." With a burst of magical aura, his previous disguise broke off and revealed the alicorns true form.

"Dear Celestia!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "You're an alicorn! That's why- With the magic- The flying. I see it all now!" Her eyes wide as she said this all.

‘Bout time,’ I thought as I turned around and got on all fours, having my sword attached to my back.

"Yeah kid, I'm an alicorn. Now get over here and help me!" was all I heard as I took off for Silver’s last position. She would be in the thick of the combat, and needs to know what to look out for.

I could see a mix of armored dogs battling the unarmored clan dogs at the very end of the hall. Good thing they are very agile. Right as I was about halfway, a loud boom caused not only me to fall to the ground, but part of the cave to, well, cave in. After the ringing in my ears ended, I scrambled to my feet and tried to break through the rubble. To no avail, as there was just too much.

“Zin, I have the back area covered. Go to the front and use the spell, as most of their forces seem to be there. I will try to keep you informed, but they are approaching my ambush area. Good luck.”

I gave a nod to no dog in particular and turned around to start running when an idea popped in my head. ‘No time to run back. Looks like Dash gets to see what these marks mean after all.’ With that thought, I casted the teleportation spell and appeared right next to her. A look of surprise that forced an audible laugh, "Fearless eh?"

"You can use magic!" Dash exclaimed, her coat still standing on end. "That's what all of your marks mean!"

With an ever bright smile, "Yeah, now you know my dirty little secret." I shifted my gaze to the brutal scene of ripped dog pats and blood splattered at the once clean entrance. "Is that your work... Lance?"

He gave me a nod, “Yeah, one of the surprises for them."

I kept staring at the gore filled scene as another group of dogs started their advance. "Are you, you know, going to do anything about them?"

"Oh yeah, I've got a few seconds before I need to do anything." At this, my anger grew towards him.

"Let me know how a spear feels in your body, alright?" I scoffed towards him with a rude glance.

He cast a glance back at the row that was gradually increasing and let out a menacing laugh, "Oh kid, fine, ruin my fun why don't you." He quickly turned towards Dash, "Hey Dash, plunger!"

Dash threw him the object and immediately covered her ears. "Cover your ears kid."

"Wha-" I started moving my hands to my ears right as his grin grew bigger.

"Too late." He pushed the plunger down and another explosion emitted from outside the pillbox, forcing me to the ground and covering my super sensitive ears. As the ringing subsided for the second, and not the last, time today.

“That was awesome!” I couldn’t help but show my enthusiasm at the thought of blowing more of those devil dogs. “Painful, but awesome.”

"Good reaction time kid," he called over to Dash who beamed at the comment.

"Yeah, well they don't call me Rainbow- And Dash for nothing." Coining her classic line. He let out a small chuckle and extended a hoof to help me up. I pushed it aside with a paw and leaped to my feet.

"Two things," I barked angrily, "First, little more warning before doing that again. Second, are you really protecting the clan with those things? The tunnel collapsed and we are disconnected from the others. It’s just us out here now."

"Aw, kid, don't ruin all my fun. As for that tunnel collapse." With an evil grin and a shrug, "That just leaves more for me." Keep telling yourself that, Spade.

He turned his head back to the reforming dogs. Soon after, his head zipped back towards us, "So what's your 'big plan'? I only have two more of those left and while she's a good girl, my gun can't hold them off indefinitely."

I lit the fire in my right hand and let it consume my entire arm, allowing it to proceed to my entire upper body, minus the head and below the torso. “When you’re out of bombs, I think we called for a massive heatwave.” I let an evil smirk show at the thought of scorching the dogs. “I suggest giving me a headset, because that hurts like hell with my heightened senses.” After a few moments, he pulled out a one-ear headset and laid it at his hooves. With a questioning glance, "That's not going to help me much."

"You're right," he said with a nod as he threw his to me, "They're not for you though. I can preserve my hearing while you may not be able to. So take that and I'll use this to stay in contact with the two of you. It's linked wirelessly to the radio in my pack, so you don't need to worry about a radio. Other than that, you're all set. Just add some pressure when I set off the mines like Dash did and it shouldn't be to bad."

I looked over his one-ear headset as I put the other one on my head. He turned to the dogs and stared for a moment before turning back to us, "Plunger." Hope this works. I quickly shot my hands over the earmuffs as he pushed the lever down. BOOM!

He and I looked towards the new line, them baring wood and iron shields that were supposed to block the mines. You really don’t learn, do you?

"Dash, plunger." Her throwing him the plunger brought me to reality, "This time, be sure to stay under the wood until I tell you. The last row is much closer and I can't guarantee none of the shrapnel will get through the opening."

Dash and I fell to the floor, curling into a ball (how she did it I will never know). BOOOOM! I could see the shrapnel flying into the pillbox and going into the back of the cave. After a few moments, I got to my feet while Lance got his gun ready. "That's it then? You're all out of mines?" He gave me a nod, "Alright then, time to bring the heat."

I ran out the back, fire intensifying to the point it grew to my lower legs. I hopped on to the top of the pillbox, directly above the gun, in view of Dash and Lance. I took a deep breath as I saw the new lines of dogs coming in, and they stopped in their tracks as they saw me.

“I’ve had enough of you worthless piles of fur.” My voice sounded an octave higher. With that being said, I lifted both my arms and aimed directly at the cave entrance, the fire spreading to my entire body. “Tell the devil I said hi.”

The fire crept to my hands in a matter of seconds, but as it did, I noticed something different about me. It took me a second, but I realized I was my human self. I shot the beam out of my hands, it spreading to cover the entire entrance and to the outer parts of the cave, screams of burning dogs soon replaced by a deathly silence.

After I had used up all of my magic, I looked down at myself. I was still human, but I felt much weaker than the last time I used the spell. I fell backwards and landed just behind Lance. “Well... Been a while since I’ve seen my own skin...” The two looked backwards at me in a mixture of confusion and surprise. I crawled my way to the nearest wall and rested myself there for a moment, panting heavily. “I’m going to try to NOT do that again...”

Dash stared at me for a moment, "But- But- But-" she stuttered, rubbing her hooves in her eyes in disbelief. "What ARE you Zin?" she exclaimed.

“I’m a... A human.” I spoke with a very tired tone, “And this is what I really look like.”

Lance shook his head, "Looks like everyone's secrets are being exposed today." There was a long silence before he broke it, "Do YOU have any secrets for us Dash?"

"No, not really..." she said with a nervous laugh. She turned her attention back towards the front of the cave, where the still sizable army of the clan dogs were picking themselves up. "Hey, they're coming back... Shouldn't we get ready?"

"Yeah kid, we should." He said as he got himself back into firing position and Dash held up the ammo belt. "Zin, are you gonna keep sitting there or what?"

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, “Hell if I know. In my current form, the best I can do is be quick on my feet.” I got up, feeling the tiredness drip off like water. I pulled out my sword and gripped it tightly in my right hand, and held Lance’s knife backwards in my left.

“Luckily for me, they are slow and ignorant.” I started spinning the knife in my left hand and rested the higher edge of the sword on my shoulder, “I’d say it’s about time to kick some ass, would you agree?”

He looked down his gun’s sights, "Kid, you're about to learn what kicking 'ass' truly means."

He let off a three second burst, bullets flying from the gun and piercing the bodies of many dogs, forcing them to the ground in death. Over the course of the next few minutes, he kept letting off the same type of shots and taunting the enemy. I had begun to pace around, getting anxious for some action, while being very skeptical about fighting.

Another great amount of time passed and I was eager to do something, "Is there anything that I can do? Sitting here and doing nothing has gotten me edgy."

He turned around at lightning speed, his face showing his pleasure of slaughtering the dogs, "Fine. If you want to help go outside and keep them away. With this little delay they'll be running up the sides so you can have the honor of keeping them off of me."

I gripped the weapons tighter as I ran to the side of the pillbox, stopping a good few feet from the entrance. One dog scrambled up the wall and held a sword in one paw, just staring at me. He started laughing at me, thinking I must be some kind of joke.

I smirked, “You picked the wrong cave to invade.” He lunged himself at me, having his sword aimed directly at my chest. I jumped into the air, doing a 360, slicing right at his throat. When I landed, I was found that I was a decent distance from my previous position. Guess the attributes stay with me. Thank god for this necklace.

The hairs on my neck stood on end as I ducked, narrowly avoiding another sword. I turned and lunged my sword forward, and used the knife to slice the dog’s stomach. I kicked the body, and it flew into another dog, sending the two falling back down.

“Is that all you got?” Another dog had jumped up and landed right in front of me. Before I could get a slice in at him, he kicked me. I slid back with my arms crossed, glaring right at him as five more dogs joined him.

They all charged at me, swiping their blades at amazing speeds. Cling! Clank! Clank! Clink! I was almost directly outside of the pillbox. I turned my head back, "I can't hold them for much longer!" By my turning back, one of the dogs took the opportunity to kick me down. I prepared to block the hits as they stood in fear towards the pillbox.

“Bye bye.” Was all I heard as the dogs were blown back, holes getting ripped in them like no tomorrow. I just lay there for a moment, catching my breath. I wasn’t tired, but I wasn’t fully energetic anymore.

"Hey kid, you good to go?"

I quickly got to my feet and wiped some blood from my mouth, "Hell yeah. Let's get out of here."

He gave me a nod and ran past me, with Dash following close behind, and me directly behind her. When we got to the front of the pillbox, we were surrounded by the dogs. "It's useless," one of them called out, "Surrender and we'll make your deaths quick."

Lance let out a mildly disturbing, yet admirable, laugh. "Nuts!" He dash forward, opening fire on any dog in his path. Reminds me of that Sabaton song.

A voice somewhere behind us called, "Kill them you fools! Don't let them get away!" At his call, the dogs began attacking us from all directions as we quickly made our way to the entrance of the cave.

I could hear the ticking of an empty clip and Lance shouted to me, "Cover me for a sec!" I obliged by doing a swift leap, landing with my weapons raised. By the time I was getting into combat, he called again, "Alright, let's get moving!" We continued our charge through the dogs, the entrance still fifty meters away. I could hear his gun ticking once more, but I already knew he was out of ammo completely. He pulled a sword out and placed it into his mouth.

“Alright, I'm going to clear a path, you two need to keep up. I really don't want to have to get through these dogs again to come back for you.” He said telepathically to us, making me jump out of surprise. Didn’t keep my barrier up, but I guess it’s a good thing.

Dash gestured me onto her back, and I got on, stretching my arms out above her wings (good thing I am taller than her). We flew at moderate speeds, Lance hacking away in the front and me slicing what he missed. What caught me off guard was when I looked straight forward. A dog had launched a spear, and there was no time for me to dodge it. It lodged itself deep in my left shoulder, and I could feel it hitting my bone.

I screamed in pain, as this was equal to getting the bullet shot in me. Due to the added weight, Dash fell to the ground, keeping me on her back with her wings. When we finished our crash landing, the dogs surrounded us. I held my sword arm up, as my left was just dangling limp, locked in position of gripping the knife.

Lance flew over and knocked them back with the winds being produced by his wings. After they had been blown away, he came over to us, putting his sword in its sheath, "Kid, are you okay? Can you fly?!" He screamed at her.

"Yeah.. Not with him though." She motioned her head towards me.

"Alright, I'll carry him. You get into the air and keep yourself safe, I'll join you in a moment." She trotted next to him and slid me onto his back, facing backwards. "Fly!" Was all I heard before Lance tried to gain altitude, but he only got a few meters, and it wasn’t enough for him to evade the dogs.

I took a deep breath and jumped off, gripping the sword tighter than ever. “Get out of here while you still can, Spade.” I slashed the spear with my sword, giving myself more room. He was just floating there, staring at me. “Get the hell out of here!” I turned around and blocked an incoming strike, countering soon after. Spade took off, but the aura he was giving off was one that I could not read. He better not let this sacrifice go as a waste.

I managed to kill about thirty dogs before I got tired and slipped up. I was shoved backwards against the wall, sitting there panting heavily.

One of the dogs walked to my face and pointed his spear right at my head, “Any last words?”

I felt the heat inside of me start to build up once more, only this time even more intense. I grinned as my feet burst into flames, and the fire spread to my entire body quickly. I stood up, and scanned myself over. I was no longer a human, or dog, but a walking flame in the shape of my former dog self.

I quickly shot my eyes towards the dog in front of me, “Now what about YOUR last words?”

He back away slowly, dropping his weapon, “Dear Celestia...”

I let out a chuckle, “If you worshipped her, you wouldn’t have stepped into my cave. Now... All of you shall die!” I leaped forward, my fire claw already cutting him into flaming threes.

- - - Thirty minutes later - - - -

I gripped the final dog by his throat, my own flame body not even scorching him, “I think I shall show you some mercy...”

The dog’s eyes switched from pleading to relieved, which made me smile my evil smile. “Mercy being it will be a painless death.” Right as the dog’s expression changed, he was reduced to nothing but ash with one intensifying blast of fire.

I took a deep breath and let the fire subside, returning to my old Diamond Dog form, but still retained the limp left arm. I regained my sword from the ground, as the knife never left my left paw, and slid it into its sheath.

A noise from the outer part of the entrance made me flare up my right arm, but after I saw who it was, I relaxed. “Spade, I see you came back for me. With Silver and Dash, too.” The group of three walked slowly inside, seeing the mass of about two hundred dogs laying dead, and some still burning while having been cut in half.

I put my right hand on my left arm, noticing how I barely felt anything at all, “Did any of the clan make it out alive?”

Silver shook her head, sadness written over her entire body, “Not even the pups were spared.”

I sighed, “Then it’s just like our vision. We must go to Celestia, and hope that the other alicorns got word of the upcoming attack and are already here.” Dash looked utterly confused, and Spade just looked lost in thought.

"Dear Celestia kid, can y'all not keep quiet?" he said, shaking his head. "Yeah, we can go to the princess alright, and I'm sure she'll agree to see you." he paused, "Even after your little stunt at the castle."

I let out a half-laugh, "Oh yeah, I had almost forgotten about that." Dash looked between us, confusion written in her eyes.

"What 'little stunt' did you pull at the castle Zin?" she started before her eyes went wide. "It was you who caused the explosion and hurt the guards!" Dash yelled as she lunged for me, but before I could ready myself to grab her, Spade beat me to it.

"Whoa there Dash. No need to get hasty." he said, teeth clenched on her beating wing.

"Please Dash, let me explain. You honestly think that I would want to hurt anypony on purpose? I know more than I want to about some of them, and I didn’t have a choice." I let my head drop, remembering what the dreams of the past few months told me. Why is it that the guards who went through hell were the ones I nearly killed?

She was still mad, but stopped fighting to tackle me. Spade let her down, and she hit the ground with a dull thump. "And what did he mean by 'the other alicorns'?"

Spade shot me a quick glare, "Gosh darnit kid, learn to keep your mouth shut will ya'?"

I shrugged, “This form isn’t the brightest, so pardon me. No offense, Silver.”

He turned to Dash, "That's something that will best be explained with time. Something of which we don't have right now."

"Fine," she said with a pout, "But I want an answer later." she said before she took flight.

He stared at her for a moment before turning to Silver and I, "You two stay on the ground and make your way to Canterlot. Dash and I will stay up above and keep watch over you and meet back up once we get there."

We gave him a nod of agreement. “Spade,” he turned to face me, “race you.” With that said, Silver grabbed me and we teleported to Canterlot, leaving Spade to argue with Dash the entire way there.

Tia will just LOVE to see me, I bet...

In The Bitter End

The throne room was very dim from the few torches in the room, but the light from my flames changed that, if not for a moment. The knife in my left hand dropped, hitting the floor and causing a ringing to echo throughout the room. Celestia hadn’t noticed us until the sound disturbing her train of thought, and she turned her head towards me.

Silver took a step towards her, “It’s been a while, Tia. Still remember me?” Celestia gave a nod, and she continued, “Then you must remember that night.” Celestia nodded once more, but Silver didn’t continue. She just stood there and stared at Celestia.

Celestia let her head drop a little, “I am so-”

Silver cut her off, “Save it. That’s not why we’re here.”

I just stared at her. She just cut off Celestia, of all ponies. Silver took notice of my reaction, and motioned her head towards me. I stepped beside her, “We just lost our entire clan. Those dogs invaded us, and even with full preparation, we still lost them...” I could feel my anger intensify and brighten my markings, shining brightly across the floor and walls. “I will discuss the details of the frontal assault at a later time, when two survivors of the attack get here. In the mean time, there is still one major issue.” I took a moment to catch my breath, “The main assault next month. We both know your alicorn army won’t be enough, and don’t you even think about denying anything. I know more than your archives would allow, but I digress. As much as you or I hate to admit it, we need to help each other.” I stopped, giving her some time to contemplate on the words I just spoke. If I turn into a politician once this is all over, I swear I will murder her...

We stood there in the silence for a few more minutes, and I remembered the knife I dropped. I moved to pick it up and put it in the holster, and on my way back to my spot, the very two I spoke of arrived.

“Ah Spade, what a pleasant surprise. I also see that you have brought along Rainbow Dash. May I ask why?" the princess said from behind.

"Princess, Rainbow Dash helped me in the defense of SilverClaw's clan in a cave to the east of Canterlot. They were utterly wiped out and we barely escaped with our lives. She has proved a useful ally and steadfast when the need arises." His next words were the ones I wasn’t prepared for, “On another note, due to her capabilities, which I have seen first hand, I would like to take her on as my apprentice for as long until she is ready."

I had to get control of my entire being to keep my jaw from hitting the ground, which was likely possible in this world lacking logic.

"Do you think that is a good choice of action Spade? Considering what we will be facing soon. I trust you on this, but you have to be sure of your decision before I can accept or decline it."

With a quick nod, "Yes my Princess, I am sure of it. I believe Rainbow Dash has what it takes to survive the training and come out on top."

"It seems as if your story checks out SilverClaw. It seems as if we can come to a mutual agreement that will benefit both of us." She said, before speaking towards me. "As for you, you are no longer wanted as a fugitive in this land, for a time. Although I realize what you had done may have been necessary, don't think I have forgot what you had done to achieve it. You injured many a Guardsman that day."

I let my sadness show more than I wanted, "I did what I had to to get away. You left me no choice." There is always a choice, I just chose wrong.

"Yes, of course. Although that doesn't leave an excuse. I expect you to repay the debt you owe to the Guards of this castle that you had injured. In some form or another, this will be repaid. Am I understood?"

I let out a small chuckle, “Si, senorita.” I tried moving my left arm, to no avail but forcing a bit of grimace to show. I turned my heard towards Celestia, “I think there is something you would like to see. Something a certain pony named Lyra came to you about.”

Celestia showed a flicker of interest and gave me a nod a moment later. I closed my eyes and focused the heat like before, letting it consume my entire body. I quickly shot my thoughts towards my human form, and cut the flames off. Looking down at myself, I achieved my goal.

Celestia looked taken aback, but only slightly. “I knew you were different when we first met.”

Another chuckle from me, “Eeyup. There’s something that’s eating at me though.” I left a pause to make sure she was listening, which she was, “I have a theory on how Discord managed to get to my realm. The Elements of Harmony merely froze him in stone, but what if it was only his physical attributes that were frozen? His mind could have roamed free and used its manipulative magic to create a second body in my dimension.” I shot a glance back to Spade, “I read too many Harry Potter books.”

Silver connected to me in her mind, “Zin, I am going out into the garden to clear my head. If you need me, just hone in on my necklace’s essence.”

I gave her a nod as she started walking outside. Cracking my neck, “Those guards wouldn’t happen to want a little payback would they?”

Celestia came down from her throne and stopped midway, placing herself between myself, Spade, and Dash. “Yes, I’m sure they would like the chance to show you what they are made of, without the aid of magic.”

I brought my hand to the center of my forehead, “This keeps getting better and better.” I smirked, “” I scanned over the three, who at this point were all staring towards me. “Imagine being able to see moments in time unwillingly. You see the past, the events of the present, and sometimes the future. For me, I see too much of the past, and none of it too happy.”

“Kid, get over here! They’re approaching, and the major told us to get you out safely!”

“They’re here, sergeant! They’re-!” His screams were cut off by the sound of bullets flying through the air.

I took a deep breath through my nose and felt the long suppressed anger rise, forcing my marks to shine brighter. They were all still staring at me, and if I could have, I would have growled at them. “Spade, I would like a word with you once you’re done with Celestia... It seems we have a lot in common after all.” After I said that, I didn’t wait for a response. I took my leave in the opposite direction of Silver, heading towards the second garden.

I found that the entire area was pretty much grass, on which I laid myself back against. The stars in the sky were a magical sight to behold, and it made me feel as if I was back home on that rooftop of the library. I let my eyes droop at the calming essences around me, hearing nothing but the gentle breeze and smelling nothing but the flowers placed around. Soon after, I was asleep.

I opened my eyes to the view of a destroyed Ponyville. Dogs were laying all around me. Some had sword slices in them, others had bullet holes, and a few had been completely sliced in half. After walking around for a few moments, I rubbed my eyes, making sure what I was seeing was correct. A large white wolf standing on two legs with the same markings of mine, but black.

“Third, tell me what you see.”

I looked around, noticing only destruction, death, and the worst the world could bring. “Reminds me too much of my own world. All that BS about who’s stronger or who should rule.”

She nodded, “This is what the small town will look like in three weeks, if not prepared.”

“Three weeks? How many will there be?”

She put her paws behind her and paced, “Too many for a stage three to fight, even with the combined powers of Celestia’s army.”

“So it’s a losing battle?”

Another nod, “Yes.”

I smiled, “To most, hearing that question answered in that way would break them. Yet to me, it pushes me to become better.”

She walked over to me and put a paw on my shoulder, “This is how both Grim and Silver feel, which means the rune,” she pointed a claw to it, “chose right.”

I looked her in the eyes, “What is stage four? How do we achieve it?”

She stepped back and turned around, arms behind her back and pacing. “It is hard to explain. Stage four is the final phase, and it is what I am. You become your own version of me, but there is one problem.” I looked at her confused. “Each must find their own way. You three have always relied on each other, and that was how to advance to this point. I’m afraid there is nothing I can do for you.”

I gave her a nod. “Now wake, he is watching you.”

My eyes opened once more, but to the calming scene of the garden, and Spade eyeballing me. I propped myself up, head resting on my arms, which were on my knees. “Three weeks. That’s all we have.” I let out a grim chuckle, “I spoke with the... Hell, I don’t know what to call her. She told me that even with our combined efforts, it won’t do much.” I paused and looked Spade in the eyes, still unable to read his current emotions, “That won’t stop me though....”

I fell backwards, arms spread out. “I’m too stubborn for my own good.”

He let out a chuckle, "Yeah kid, you are. But that's what makes you... Well you I suppose." Afterwards, he came next me and sat down, configuring his body into a comfortable position.

I turned my head to him. “Sound’s like something my friend would say. As for what I said in the throne room... I know, Spade.”

He turned to me with a confused look, "Y'all know what, kid? I'm not sure I'm following you."

I looked back into the night sky, gaining a sorrowful expression, “When I first met you, and asked you what your problem with Diamond Dogs was... I know why now.”

I didn’t even turn to him as he spoke, "Really... Well that sure is something. I'm curious, how did you come to this knowledge?"

I tapped the rune-bearing necklace, “This little rock from hell. I can see the past of myself, as well as other ponies. Some of the things I see, even I can’t believe. Got a tale about Celestia you should hear sometime.”

"So what did you mean kid when you said you and I had a lot in common? Frankly I just can't see it."

I shifted my head to where I could look him in the eyes, “How often did those other colts gang up on you? How long did you live without any real parents? Adoption can only do so much, as there is nothing like a true parents love, or is this just my imagination?”

He smiled and let out a sigh, "Kid, I can see how you're trying to relate to me, but there is a crucial difference between the two of us. I never knew my parents and I lived on the streets for a portion of my life. On top of that, for a good portion of my colthood, I didn't have any friends." I kept staring at him as he continued, "All of this I was fine with. Sure, now, I wouldn't go back, but at the time I wasn't bothered by it."

I just smirked, “One friend, out of all the years. Was only around her for two years before I got taken by another family, then another, then another. Life’s a bitch.” I rolled over, facing the stars once more, “I just see some similarities.”

"Well kid, is there any other particular reason you had called me out here? If not, I have to head into Canterlot to get something."

I got up and stretched what limbs I could, seeing how my left arm just dangled at my side. He got up from where he was sitting and moved closer to me, inspecting the wound, "Do you want me to get that out for you? The bleeding has stopped but it must have severed several tendons. I can repair all of the damaged area if you'd like."

I nodded, “Go ahead.”

He led me over to a patch of grass and laid me down, stomach to the ground. "Now kid, this is going to hurt. A lot. I'm going to hold you down but do your best not to scream." I buried my face in the ground, knowing that this would hurt more than words could describe.

I could sense his magic as he began his work. After a few seconds, I could feel pain rising in the area I had been stabbed. A muffled groan emitted from my mouth, as the pain was steady and refused to leave. He kept at his work, causing more grunts and groans to escape my self-control.

"Alright kid, one last tug. Just stay with me." I tried to say something, but the ground made it come as a moan. A second later, searing pain filled my entire being. My body broke free of my control and start thrashing violently, screams half-muffled by the ground. "Hold still!" he yelled at me, which somehow made my body comply. After a few minutes, the pain subsided and I just laid there.

I could hear him let a sigh out, "All done kid."

I rolled to my back, using both arms, and got into a sitting position. I stretched my left arm out, “Good thing I am right handed, or that could have been a problem. Thanks.”

"Y'all don't have to worry about it. Would have been a shame if that caused you any further problems." he said as he shifted back into a comfortable position.

I folded my arms on my knees and rested my head on them, “Got any idea on what those guards have planned for me? Because I wouldn’t be a very happy dog if they take it too far.”

He let out a short laugh, "Ah kid, you don't have much too worry about. I have thought of something, that could save you from nearing death at the hoofs of the guards."

I gave him a confused look, “And that would be?”

He gave me a devilish grin, "Why you would fight me of course. The guards would get to watch."

I returned the grin, “You’re on. Just don’t hold back, wouldn’t like it if you went easy on me.”

He let out a hearty laugh, "Oh kid. You're going to regret saying that." He got up, stretched, and said, "Tomorrow, meet me back here. I need to inform the Guards of our little engagement, then I, as I said before, need to head into Canterlot for something."

I gave a nod, “I think I’ll just sleep out here tonight, seeing how my last home was obliterated.” He returned the nod and trotted off, leaving me to my thoughts.

‘So I have a fight with a pony who will likely dominate me, a upcoming war, and trying to figure out how to reach stage four...’

“Come now, Third. You should be more optimistic.” I jolted upright, looking around for the voice. A few moments later, a white light appeared in front of me. As it dulled, the voice spoke again, “There is something I forgot to give you.”

The white she-wolf walked over to me, leaving me awestruck. She put a paw against my forehead and closed her eyes, me doing the same. After a few seconds, she retracted her paw and started walking away. I just sat there, having my head feeling like I drank two tons of alcohol (don’t ask).

As the light started to overcome her once again, “My time is limited, so use what I gave you carefully. It will reveal itself shortly.”

My head finally gave away and forced me backwards, drifting into a deep sleep. Before I completely blacked out, I thought I heard fire, but seeing how I was in my current state, what could I do?

- - - Morning - - - -

I felt a kick on my side and opened my eyes, already knowing who woke me. Spade was standing to my right, with Silver right behind him.

I got up, noticing how I was in my dog form. In the distance was the sound of marching hooves, indicating the guards were forming where we would fight. While I was stretching, I said, “Ready?”

“I am, but are you?” I turned to face him as he spoke. With a smile I nodded my head

“I can handle myself. Only time I am not ready is when I have to fight Grim.”

Silver let out a light chuckle, “It’s quite a sight to see them fight. Of course, the cave suffered damages...”

I shook the tiredness out of myself, “Let’s get this started. I still have to talk to Celestia about what she wants me to do.”

"Sure thing kid." he said while grinning. He rolled his shoulders and bucked his back hooves out, getting the morning grogginess out of him. "If you two will follow me, I will take you to where we shall be engaging on this fine morning."

I gave him a nod and he turned, making his way down the hill with us hot on his hooves. I turned my head towards Silver, “She spoke to me last night.”

She gave me a confused look, “You saw her?”

I nodded, “Three weeks, and she did something to me... She told me that the power she bestowed upon me would reveal itself soon.”

Silver just looked at me, deep in thought. I turned my head forward to find that we were here, and I got plenty glares from the guards. ‘I am sooo dead...’

The guards had made a large circle, to which Spade was in the center. As I walked past two guards. The one to my left was the one who I had given a face-full of door, and the other having extreme burn marks running down his neck. The one who had the burns gave me a rude shove and whispered to me, “Enjoy the beating, mutt. (Feel free to edit, as I couldn’t think of anything.)”

I let my head hang low, remembering him being on the first row, directly in front of the explosion. I pushed that thought aside and placed myself in front of Spade, while he sat on the ground focusing. He pulled the cloth around his neck to his back, and secured his wings with it.

"No wings?" I tilted my head in confusion.

He shook his head, "No, no aid from either my wings or magic. If I do this I do this with my bare hooves." He proceeded to take off his sword, gun, and every other piece of equipment attached to his body. "I don't expect you to fight without your weapons, as you are certainly welcome to them."

I took my sword and its sheath from my belt and cast it aside, as well as the knife he had given me. After I cracked my neck, “There’s no honor in an unfair fight.” I readied myself in a form that I learned from my three years of tae-kwon-do. I closed my eyes and drew a heavy breath. After I exhaled and shot my eyes open, “I have no doubt in my mind that I will lose this, but I won’t go down without a fight.”

A voice played in the back of my head, distracting me. “Show that fleabag no mercy...” It came from the direction of the guard who I hit with the cell door.

I shifted my eyes to him and shook my head. Remembering the alicorn across from me, I quickly brought them back to Spade, finding he hadn’t moved an inch. Smirking, I taunted him with my hand, motioning ‘come at me, bro’.

He just sat there and closed his eyes, breathing in and out slowly, collecting himself. I decided to go on the offensive and rushed towards him, making sure I kept form to make as little sound as possible. I brought my right paw high into the air, claws extended, and went in to strike his chest. As I struck, he wrapped a forehoof around my wrist and twisted it, sending me spinning into the air. I quickly landed on all fours, snarling at my opponent. Running with my claws extended once more, I aimed to hit him in his flank. He blocked my move and I tried to sweep kick him off of his hooves. He jumped before I could connect and landed behind me. I turned to find him bucking at my chest. I flew back, losing all balance and skidding along the ground.

I got up and wiped some blood from my mouth. I grinned and began a taunt, “Good kick. Although I'm sure Applebloom could kick better."

"I'm sure she could. That little filly is tough. She could probably lay a hoof on me before you did." he retaliated.

Give in to your rage...

I laughed, “That is likely. Let’s see if I fair any better now...” As I finished the sentence, I returned to my human form. Smaller means more agile.

Give in...

I did a swift backflip to test myself, finding it far easier than before. I decided to shoot another taunt, “Do you think you will accomplish something by beating me? You couldn’t even beat any of your team, let alone Shadow.” I thought of only one thing to make him truly give me his all, “It’s no wonder you let him die.”

"Kid... You're going to regret that." His voice sounded as if the devil himself possessed him.

Around him grew a black aura, and I could feel his strength rise through my magic. He wasn’t even close to his peak, yet the way that his rage manifested itself around him... I have a bad feeling about- He shot forward. To others, it seemed as if he was there and gone within a matter of teleportation. For me, I saw him moving as if it were slow motion.

His aura followed behind him, leaving a black puff of smoke where he was once standing. He grabbed my arm and tossed me in the air like I was a child’s toy. As quickly as I was in the air, he was above me, smirking. The voice played through my head again.

He is strong... You are stronger... Give in...

He brought his hoof down onto my gut, sending us both down at increasing speeds. As we slammed into the ground, blood shoot out from my mouth leaving nothing but its awful taste. He grabbed me by my arm and dragged me out of the crater from our impact. He threw me again, and this time I bounced along the ground as if I were as skipping stone on water. After I stopped skidding, I propped myself up, but fell from the pain. I tried again, and managed to get to my knees.

"Not... Bad..." I called while attempting to regain my breath.

He gave me a small smile, "Kid, you've got a lot of talent. But don't talk about that which you don't know again." He paused for a moment, "The next time I will kill you. Whether SilverClaw is watching or not."

Take it...

I laughed, spitting out more blood. “You... Failed...”

He gave me a confused look, “What are you talking about?”

I smirked, feeling stronger all of a sudden. I got to my feet, everypony there eying me with fearful glances.

Yes... Have my power... Use it!

I looked at myself, finding my marks glowing red, with a red flaming aura around me. “You let your emotions get the better of you, foal.” My voice sounding much like his had. I took a few steps closer to him, chuckling the entire time. I stopped a few feet from him and called out to him, “Feel the true power of rage.”

I connected a direct hit in his jaw, sending him flying much like I had been. I looked towards Silver, who had a shared expression with the guards. Fear.

This is not how I want to be seen. To be known as...

Embrace it, Third.

My body, my mind, my way, demon.

After the internal conflict, I returned to normal, regaining my weak composure. I fell to my knees, hacking out more blood. I looked up after the blood decided to stop trying to leave my body to find Spade. I shook my head, “Well... That was... Odd...”

He laughed, "Just a little." He started messing with his jaw, obviously in a little bit of discomfort. "That was a nice hit. Hurt a little. I still think Applebloom would hit harder."

After another gag of blood, I chuckled at his half-joke. “You are soooo fighting Grim...” I felt a new amount of energy in the crowd of guards, similar to that of Spade. After slowly getting to my feet, I spoke with a grunt, “Your... Team was watching...”

He smiled and nodded, "I know that kid. They got here as I hit you into the ground earlier." he let out a laugh, "I was too focused on our fight to do more than register their presence." Suddenly, eight other alicorns appeared. I was taken aback by meeting them in person, not by the fact they were here, but the fact that they looked exactly how they had in my vision. One appeared behind me as I fell backwards, due to shock. When he touched me, my body decided to straighten itself.

"Calm down dog, we're not going to hurt you. Well... Not too badly.” Afterwards, Spade started cracking up, followed by all of his team.

"It has been too long since we've all seen each other, I only wish it could be under better circumstances." After he finished, h e gained some heavy expressions from his team.

"Aye, that it has been." one started, "So this is the dog that I've been hearing about. He sure gave you a good one Spade.”

"He did. Although he had better not let that get to his head. I'm not the one coughing up blood."

I gave him a grin through the blood on my face, “Funny, you speak as if I care.” I took a look around at the alicorns, re-visiting the scene of me standing over the body of a dead Celestia. ‘All of my dreams proved to be visions of the future... Does this mean I...” I took a seat on the ground, deep in thought. The others just looked at me with confused expressions. Silver padded next to me and put a paw on my shoulder, giving me a nod of understanding.

I got rid of the horrid feelings clouding my mind and focused on the upcoming invasion. “How do we get an entire town evacuated without causing mass panic?”

Give them reason to flee...

No. I refuse to give in to your temptations.

"What will be done about Ponyville is this: In an orderly fashion, the Guards stationed here will move down into the town and inform the citizens of Ponyville of what they need to know regarding the upcoming invasion. I will brief them on their mission once we are somewhere more private." I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of Celestia’s voice. I looked at her as she turned to face the alicorns. "As for all of you, you will begin to make your own preparations in order to stem the up and coming tide of Diamond Dogs." They all nodded at her and rose from a bowing position. With that, Celestia turned around and spoke before trotting off with her two guards, "You are all dismissed."

The guards dispersed and the alicorns started flapping their wings, taking off to make their preparations. After a few more moments, all that was left was Silver, Spade, and I.

Silver helped me up, “I’m going to return to my exercises. Try not to kill each other.”

Spade and I both spoke in unison, “No promises.”

After Silver was out of earshot, Spade spoke up, "Would you like to continue our fight?"

I turned back to him, “I don’t think so. I’ve lost enough blood for one day.”

I can show you the way to control it...

“Would it be strange to hear a voice in your head?” I asked him, feeling he could provide some insight.

He looked deep in thought for a few moments before speaking, "Well that would depend entirely on what you were hearing. What is this 'voice' telling you?"

I tried to think of a way to put it. “To get angry. To go beserk. To... Kill anything that gets in my way. Including you.”

He let out a short laugh, "Oh that's good kid. This voice... Does it have a physical manifestation? Does it have a form that only you can see maybe?"

“If it does, I have yet to see it.” I turned my head towards the castle, “I don’t think they’ll ever warm up to me. Not after what I put them through.”

"Kid, nothing you could ever do would make them see you differently. That's just something you'll have to life with." He trotted next to me, both of us staring at the little piece of the castle we could see. "It's not all bad though. At least a few ponies like you."

I chuckled, “Yeah, but why did I have to be close to the bookworm? Would have prefered Dash. She knows how to have fun.” I thought back to some of the practical jokes she pulled on the many inhabitants of Ponyville.

"Twilight is a great mare, you're lucky to be friends with her. As for Dash, you should have tried more with the others, gotten to know them better rather than just Twilight. Although, a bookworm isn't as bad as you say."

I shrugged, “I guess. As for trying more with others, I tried a lot with Lisp. He at least stopped calling me ‘Fleabag’ or ‘Fuzzball’. Don’t you love it when a mare changes a pony’s mind?” I smirked at the end of the sentence.

"How are you and Lisp getting along? Last time I caught you two he was close to killing you."

“We aren’t fighting anymore, and he ‘offered’ to teach me to play guitar. Turns out I knew more than him.”

He laughed once more, "Well at least you aren't trying to kill each other anymore. Did you give him that sword/guitar item back by the way?"

“Yeah, I gave it back. Octavia happened to get him to make me a guitar. I left it with him, knowing the cave would be destroyed. I plan on picking it up within the next day.”

"Well that's good. Not much of an instrumentalist myself. I can sing a bit, although nothing like how Shadow can." I smiled after he finished.

“Singer, huh? I used to teach myself lyrics to songs, as well as the notes, and play them for my friends... Well, Sofia and a few of her friends.”

"I'll take your word for it that you're good." He spoke in a calm tone, "Do you think of them much, your friends?"

I thought back to them, all the fun times we had. They usually involved me playing my old guitar for them while they did random things. “Yeah. I try not to, though. Getting caught in the past can hinder the sight on the future. Not saying it’s bad to look at the good times, but the bad ones are still there.”

"Of course. Our memories are what make us who we are, and no one can take that away, truly. Even with magic."

I laughed, “God, you sound just like Sofia. Always optimistic, and seem to know just what to say.”

"Sometimes being a bit optimistic is all we have. Hope. That's the most powerful thing in the world. With a small bit of hope, even the darkest of nights can become the brightest of days."

I smiled brighter, “Again, you sound just like her. But yeah, it seems hope is all we can really have right now.”

"Right.” He paused, "It's almost noon, and I've got to stop by a few places in a hurry. So I'll see y'all later kid."

I turned my head to him, “Think I’ll go pick up that guitar. Got time to practice, since I am likely going to be limited to the castle after today. And the ‘few places’, I think I already know what you mean. I’m sure you haven’t missed it, but you might want to hurry. Catch you later.” I started walking off towards the castle, but soon disappeared in a burst of fire.

- - - Week 1 : Day 5 - - - -

I sat at the top of the tower, guitar in paws and staring into the day’s sky. It was a beautiful day, but something inside me said something was missing. When I was back on Earth, I always had Sofia or a few of her friends close to me. We were the outcasts. The misfits. The freaks. All of those, but worst of all, we didn’t care. We had nothing to lose, which made us cocky. It also made it hard to find friends outside of the circus act of a life we had made for ourselves, not that it mattered. If people shared our views, they were already with us. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Sitting alone on this tower didn’t help with my mood, and I knew what was missing. A friend. Dash is busy, I am restricted to the castle, and Spade is likely making his own preparations for the invasion in two weeks. Not that he counts me as a friend, nor do I him, but I think we’re getting on the borderline of acquaintances.

I put my fingers on the frets and started to strum the intro to a song that describes exactly how I feel.

Such a lonely day

And it's mine

The most loneliest day of my life

Such a lonely day

Should be banned

It's a day that I can't stand

The most loneliest day of my life

Such a lonely day

Shouldn't exist

It's a day that I'll never miss

Such a lonely day

And it's mine

The most loneliest day of my life

And if you go, I wanna go with you

And if you die, I wanna die with you

Take your hand and walk away

The most loneliest day of my life

Life

Such a lonely day

And it's mine

It's a day that I'm glad I survived

I took off my guitar and placed it next to me, finding that playing it didn’t exactly help me. Closing my eyes, I aimed my head to the sky, feeling the sun’s warmth over my black and blue robes, hood over my head. “That sums up today so far...”

“That it does.” I turned my head to the left to find none other than Discord. I shrugged at him. “Mind if I join you?”

“Not really. You may be the god of chaos, but you always had my respect.” Discord nodded and popped a lawn chair out of the air and placed it next to me. After he got comfortable, I propped my arms behind my head. “What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be gathering your army?”

He looked at me with a mixed expression. “For once, that chaos is not mine. As for the reason I am here, I am just checking on my latest project.” He paused, grinning, “You.”

I just stared at him, letting his words sink in. “Well I figured as much. Why else would you bring a human to what used to be the most peaceful thing I knew?”

“To stop the dogs, of course.”

I just stared at him, utterly confused. He is the god of chaos, and wants me to stop it? This is the greatest brew of it since he ruled, and he is willing to just let a random mutt stop it? This guy really is the most unreadable person, or pony. Well, besides Pinkie Pie. She just makes no sense.

“Discord... You know I can’t do it, right? It’s a lost cause.”

“Yet you are still willing to fight, are you not?”

“Well, yeah. If anything, I want to buy my friends time to escape.”

Discord put a claw on his beard, stroking it in thought. “Hmm... You still haven’t reached the final stage, have you?”

“No. I don’t know how...”

“Are you going to keep trying to find it?”

I let out a heavy sigh, one that is only given in defeat. “I’ve seen myself try different ways and none worked. I guess what I am trying to say is... I...”

“Give up?”

“Yeah...”

Discord put a lion paw on my shoulder, still bearing that grin of his. “You are learning. When failure is inevitable, any normal being would try to prevent it. Of course, you still plan to, but you have seen yourself failing. You understand that the attempts you were planning on doing will fail, and give up.” He shook my shoulder rather violently before continuing, “That is the first step. Who do you think made those things? That she-wolf?”

I scratched the back of my head with a paw, “You mean she didn’t?”

He laughed a wicked laugh, “Of course not. She is the one who put the evil half in your head. You will reach the final stage before the battle, I assure you that. I may have to... Point you in the direction.” He lifted his paw and pointed a digit at my head.

“In my mind?”

“Yes. Now, I have to leave before that alicorn gets here. He and I have a bad history....” And with that said, he dematerialized right before my eyes, taking the chair with him.

I just sat there for a moment in silence before breaking it with four simple words: “Well that just happened.”

I stared off into the horizon, deep in thought. ‘If Discord isn’t leading the army, and the ‘goddess’ put the evil side in me... Oh shit.’

"Howdy kid." I nearly fell off the tower at the sound of his voice, and glared at him in anger.

“Hey, what brings you way up here?”

"Oh no reason. I was on my way to discuss battle stratagems with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna when I saw y'all sitting up here all by your lonesome. Me talking to the Princess' wasn't all that important to the moment, so I decided to come up and give you some company."

I scanned him over for any signs that he was lying. He didn’t exactly like me, yet I found nothing leading to any plots to try to kill me or something. "So do y'all mind if I join you?"

"I guess, I don't really care."

I watched him as he settled himself next to me, putting his legs under him instead of having them dangle like mine.

"Now kid, I know I'm good looking, but is there any reason y'all are staring at me?" he said mockingly at me.

“...I get enough of those kind of jokes where I’m from...” I stared back out into the vastness that is Equestria, fixing my hood all the while. “Why are you really here? You wouldn’t just come to see me out of the blue.”

"Like I said, I was flying down to meet the princess' when I saw you up here and decided I'd come for a chat." He looked down at the streets, an endless stream of nobles and peasents all rushing to their set destination.

I picked up my guitar and laid it in my lap, just strumming a few strings. “The guards won’t go near me or talk to me. Serves me right, though. Seems like you and Luna are the only ponies near here that actually want to talk to me.” I let out a laugh, “Then again, in my world, I never gave two shits about what others thought of me. It’s how I met Sofia and her crew of outcasts. We got ourselves into some big trouble, too... Those were the times...”

"You did injure a great deal of them, so you must deal with the Guards hatred of you. As for Luna, she's very accepting of everyone else, probably due to what she went through. Myself," he shrugged a bit, trying to not cause discomfort, "I've been through a lot with you. If I didn't cast a glance every now and again in your direction, what kind of pony would I be?" He slugged me with a hoof in my shoulder.

I returned the gesture, “Like the others.” I sat there, contemplating on what to change the subject to. “In my recent dreams, I’ve been seeing the upcoming battle. I can see you and your team, as well as the guards, fending them off with tremendous force, but there’s something missing...” I looked to him, a grim expression on my face. “...Me.”

"Do you mean to say you aren't going to be participating in the upcoming battle?" He tilted his head sideways as he asked me this question. One that I already knew the answer to.

I tried to give him a false smile, but it broke. “...Not by choice...” I looked out towards the sun, inhaling deeply. “I won’t be making it, and you will see soon enough why...” I sounded more cryptic than anything else.

He stood up abruptly, startling me. He grabbed me by my robes and shoved me into the wall. "I don't want to wait and see. So you'll tell me now what the problem is, otherwise we will see how good you are at flying." He gave me that kind of smile which indicates he would take pleasure.

I looked into his eyes, same emotions as before. “I die, okay? I’m going to die and you are there to see it. It is inevitable, seeing how the one who kills me is the same one who gave me this damn power! Are you happy now?!” I shouted at him, stunning him. He let me pass and I rested my arms on the edge of the tower, overlooking the castle grounds. “She will stop at nothing to overthrow Celestia... I attempted to stop her and she stabbed me, leaving me to bleed out... When you see your own death, you can have the right to show me sympathy or intimidate me again.”

He looked me straight in the eyes, "Suffering the death of another is far worse than experiencing your own. When, you, have lived through that enough times, then you can lecture me about rights and wrongs." he spat at me, "I understand what you're going through, and if you want help, I might be willing to lend a hoof.”

I laughed grimly, “You’re the least of my worries. The top, knowing when I am going to die...” I paused for a moment, trying to find the will to go on.

“When?” He demanded from me.

“Tomorrow night.” I said it with haste, hoping I wouldn’t have to repeat myself.

He stared at me, scanning me, looking to see if I was playing some cruel joke on him. He eased up, finally seeing that I was serious. His voice was once more soft, "What, kid? What exactly will kill you? Is it the 'she-wolf' you speak of?"

“Yes. She was once a monarch who ruled alongside Celestia, but she got greedy. Celestia was too much for her to handle by herself, so she made the three amulets. She needed the third to be a human because of our natural hatred... She is taking life from all three of us in order to create the perfect warrior, bred for nothing but killing everything in its path... This is what kills me.” I slid down to a seated position, laughing to hide my dismay. “I know you didn’t ask for a history lesson, one which was forgotten, but you needed it to understand the foe.”

He moved back to his spot, sitting before speaking, "I know of her kid. No need to give me a history lesson. Although the news that she is back is most grave indeed..." He stared at my amulet for a few moments. "Kid, remember my offer to remove the amulet for you?" I gave him a nod, already knowing where this was going. "Well it still stands. If you want to be able to meet your fate at your own hands, I can help you. I could also do the same with SilverClaw and this Grim. Both you and them will keep your abilities however, as they are apart of you now. Without the added trouble of having your life force sucked out."

Don’t listen to him... Even without it, she has taken enough already...

I put a paw to my head, having pain follow each word it spoke.

You are going to d-

Shut the hell up and get out of my head.

I already am...

My eyes went wide. “Spade... Get them off as soon as you can. I have news that needs to be shared with all.”

I’m going to enjoy your death...

Three voices all sounded out at the same time in response to the latest response, mine aloud.

Shut up! (Shut up!) (Shut up!)

Suddenly, the world around me no longer existed. I found myself floating in the void, but there was something different. It was not all black, but both black and white. Inside the white, I could see my world, the original hell I escaped. In the black, I could see the masses of dogs gathering. In the middle, was me. I floated there and felt nothing.

With a flash of red, I was on a large circular platform, three pictures in three different colors inscribed on it. In blue, was me. In green, was Grim. In purple, was Silver. Yet in the middle, was red... Him.

“The hell do you want, devil dog.”

“You to understand something. You are going to die, and you cannot stop it.”

“You tell me of which I already know. Are you blind?”

“Are you afraid?”

“No.”

He smiled evilly. “You can’t stop us... He will die, and you won’t be able to do a thing...”

I could see a magic barreling down towards us, only to be stopped by a red dome. I started to cast my own spells randomly to weaken it, but he started to push his own towards both me and the incoming magic. I knew it was Spade, trying his best to break me free from the hell that was here. His attacks grew more vigorous, as did my defenses. I encased him inside a sphere of blue energy, but he was slowly corrupting it... And me.

“Spade, I can’t keep his attacks suppressed for much longer. Put your all in it!”

Suddenly, all the magic in the area broke. The red barrier, my barrier, and the magic attempting to break in. A stray bolt struck and where there should have been scorch marks was now a very stunned looking Spade.

“Oh you piece of shit...”

“What? You thought I couldn’t bring him here?”

“Not exactly... Now, what was the purpose of bringing him here?”

Within one second, he had my by my neck. Lifting me in the air, he was laughing insanely. His eyes were no longer regular, but pure red energy. He was closer than me to the final stage, and because of that bitch of a she-wolf!

He pulled me in closer, whispering in my ear, “You will still die tomorrow night, child... Say your goodbyes while you can...”

He disappeared. I gasped for air, even though there was no need for it where we were. My eyes shifted back to Spade, who was just staring in awe.

I shook my head, “That was who I was telling you about. He is fully formed, and is close to the final stage...” I slammed a paw down in frustration, not even making a sound, beyond the fact that I hit it with all my might. After letting my anger out, I took a few deep breaths, calming myself. “So that’s it. I may be free from her grasp, but she took what she needed from me. Thanks for the effort, though.”

He closed his eyes and smiled, "No problem kid. Was the least I could do."

I shrugged and looked around, "So what now?"

"Well for starters, I can free both of them from here quite easily. Then," he shrugged, "I guess we take our leave."

“Free them. I am going to try something...” I stepped to the edge and turned to face him, smiling insanely. “Ta-ta.” I fell backwards, feeling weightlessness overtake my body. I closed my eyes, a sense of calmness taking me over as the sound of wind was soon replaced by nothing. Feeling nothing to feeling a cold stone floor.

I got up, finding Spade laying across from me, his black aura surrounding him. Shrugging, I walked back to the edge, taking in the breeze. “Seems like all hell is about to break loose, and I am going to miss it...” I brought a fire to my right paw and waved it around like a child with a candle, “Let tomorrow come. I will be ready to let go.”

I heard Spade’s voice ring out behind me, "So what are you going to do now kid?"

“The only thing I can do. Prepare to die.” I snuffed the flame and turned to face him, “I’ve had a good run. Might have been a bumpy start, but at least I will have a good finish.”

He sighed and shook his head at me, "You don't have to die, you know. Well, at least not without a little help from me that is."

“Spade, you can’t stop it from happening. You never liked me anyway, right? Just some kid who keeps getting into trouble that you have to clean up.”

He laughed, "Kid, Zin, I don't hate you, which is why I offer to help. Hay, I'd go as far to say that you're growing on me a bit. Enough so that seeing you die won't bring me pleasure." He gave a small wink, "As for stopping it... How's the human saying go? 'History is written by the victors?' Well do you want to write your own history or have some crazy dog do that for you?"

“It will all become clear after the event has taken place, Spade. You need rest, and I would suggest finding a place in the castle or finding a soft cloud. As for me, I am going to do the same. I think he did something to me before he left...”

I moved towards the nearest wall and sat myself down, dragging the hood to cover my entire face. I crossed my arms and got myself comfortable, sensing Spade’s eyes still on me.

“Trust me, my friend. The reason behind me being so welcoming will become clear. Feel free to tell the princess or whomever you feel of what I told you, or you could get some rest. Using that much magic must have left you at least a little tired.”

"As you say kid. You are free to meet your fate anyway you like and I won't stop you."

I could hear him shift his position around me and start flapping his wings, ready for flight. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

"From what you say kid, I don't think you will."

I smiled under my hood after he took off. Soon after, I found myself falling asleep.

I stood in the garden, robes still on and mind racing as I waited for the event to take place. The night was calm, give or take the rain that was pelting. It fit the mood, though.

I could sense a disturbance from behind me, already knowing who it was, even if it wasn’t based on the vision. “Come to die, have you?”

“Go ahead. You are already going to make sure I die slowly with your sword.”

“Then turn to face me. It will make it easier.”

I turned to face him, a smile on my face. His sword was an exact replica of mine, only with red lines crossing it. He twirled it around, showing to me that he was just as capable as me, or was trying to intimidate me. I just shook my head and smiled, spreading my arms wide.

“As humans say... Come at me, bro.” As soon as I finished my sentence, he lunged forward, sword pointed straight at me. Even if I wanted to dodge and fight him, it was already through me by the time the thought crossed my mind.

I let out a yelp of pain as the blade went straight through my gut and out my back, which he left in place.

“If only you picked the right side, Zin. You might have lived.”

I laughed, “At least... I fight for a... Just cause...”

He smiled evilly as he spoke, “Fought.”

He was gone with a burst of red flames. I fell backwards, facing the cloudy night sky, smile still on my face. The sound of paws on wet ground filled my ears, and soon after I found Silver at my side, tears in her eyes.

“I was too late...” Was all she could manage to say as she took one of my paws in her own.

I shook my head slowly, “Death... Is only my... G-Gateway...” Thunder rang in the distance as I felt myself slip away. My last thought before I fully passed... ‘So cliche...’

I found myself on the circular platform, but instead of the four colors, it was just black.

“‘Death is only my gateway.’... Should have just told her, Zin.” Discords voice rang through the void, with him slowly appearing in front of me.

“Let’s just get this over with. I don’t want to miss cracking some skulls.”

He shook his head with that crooked smile of his, “It will take up to the battle for this to work. It is not an easy procedure, and that she-wolf took the same amount of time to change. You’re no exception.”

I groaned, “Just get started...”

He stretched for a few moments before speaking again, “Let’s get to it.”

Before the Storm

Moments after he finished stretching, Discord brought my physical body to this strange place in the void. He said that with the body here, I was free to roam the realm of the walking. WIth me being dead, for now at least, the rules of ghosts apply. If you want to be seen, you can be. If you want to be heard, you can be. If not, then you aren’t.

“Any place specific you wish to visit, fuzzball?” Discord’s voice seemed to echo throughout the empty space.

With a snarl, “Can you put me at Spade’s home? You already know who he is.” Discord gave me a brisk nod and told me to close my eyes. After a few seconds, the sounds of nothing replaced with that of wind, crickets, and a few other animals. I opened my eyes to find Spade’s cottage, and just waited. If he picked up on me like I wanted him to, he would be out within a matter of moments.

Just as planned, he opened his front door, looking over the area and right through me. He shrugged to himself and trotted to a rocking chair, eyes still looking over the open area.

I took a few steps closer to him, “They know?” The voice seemed to only half startle him, as his eyes locked on the direction it came from. “A little jumpy, are we?” I allowed him to see me in my entirety, but only him. I could sense Shadow, Dash, and their little foal. I moved next to him and leaned against the wall, crossing my arms.

"Well hello there... Zin." he began, "What brings you here in such a form?"

“Gives me something to do since I was, ya know, just stabbed a few moments ago.” I sat myself down against the wall, looking up at Spade with my arms behind my head. “Discord’s getting me ready. Should be good to go before the battle begins. And I never told you the exact date, did I?”

"It'd be best for you not to mention him whilst you're at my home, kid." His hatred obvious in tone. "As for the time of the attack... The exact date is a moot point. We'll be ready a week ahead of time and then all it is is playing a little waiting game."

I shrugged at him. “Whatever suits you. Anyway...” I lowered my arms, putting one under my chin. “I have to find a way to occupy myself for another week. There is some payback that needs to be given to Tia...” An evil smirk crossed my face at the thought. “Nah. Think I might just see how things go on around here. You tend to keep things interesting.”

"She wouldn't be as kind to this little disturbance as I have been." A small smile escaped, "And don't think y'all can hang around here for a week. I can't have that at all."

“I’m dead. What can you do to stop me?” I looked back towards the wall of his house. “How’d she take it?”

"Oh no you don't kid," he let out a small burst of magic and cast me off of the porch, me landing on my back. "I know your spiritual signature now. It won't be hard to keep you away."

“So what, I can’t see Dash? And blasting me with magic, even if I can’t feel it, didn’t answer my question.”

"No kid, you can't. She's in the middle of training right now; seeing you like this and learning you're in league with Discord isn't what is best for her right now." He stretched his legs out from his chair. "I don't think she'd take it well at all.” He got off of the porch and came over towards me.

“I never said she would be able to see or hear me. And do you think I am that dumb Spade? She fought the guy for christ's sake!” I let out a sigh. “I would just like to see her progress. Being dead is leaving me the same as I was before. Pretty much on my own, so pardon my wants.”

He smiled and shook his head, "I'm sorry kid, but the training is private. You'll be free to talk to her before the battle, but by then she'll know about you and Discord. For your sake I hope she still sees you the same way. You could use a friend, if for a short while at least."

I slammed my body back against the ground. “Well, back to listening to a really old dude talk about chaos... And if you really want to get some training in, get Grim. He’ll give you a run for your money.” With a snap of a finger, I slowly dissipated into thin air, reappearing by Discords side.

“Poor fluffy get rejected so soon?”

With that, I slapped him on the head. To my surprise, it actually worked. “Shut up and work. I’m stuck with you for a while.” He just grinned and went back to work. ‘My life just loves me right now.’

“Wake up furball.” I felt Discord shove me, to which I shoved him back.

“I don’t want to hear anymore of your lectures on chaos.”

“You won’t have to worry about those anymore. I’m finished.”

I sat up, rubbing my eyes. After opening them, let’s just say there were many differences. For starters, my fur was midnight black, my marks were white, and I resembled a wolf more than a Diamond Dog.

“You put me in my body while I was sleeping. Didn’t you?”

“Eeyup.”

I immediately shot up. “Great! Now I can finally leave this place... And you.” He slightly glared at me. “No offense, but you get annoying after so much time. Maybe that was why they turned you to stone in the first place?” He just shrugged.

“You might want to hurry. You have about... Two days?”

With a snap of my fingers, a small doorway appeared. Through it, I could make out the inner portion of Twilight’s library. I stepped in, unaware if anypony was in the room or not. I’m just happy to be alive again. You can’t do stuff while being dead...

- - - Library - - - -

I appeared in the middle of the library, only to find many guards aiming their weapons at me. I got up from my kneeling position, and scanned over the room.

Celestia raised a hoof into the air, "There will be no need of that, gentlecolts." She then turned her head to me. "Ah Zin. What a pleasant surprise. How did you manage to get here?"

“A rather simple teleportation spell. As to where I was, I’ll keep that my little secret.” I scanned over the room once more, taking in each of the weapons the guards still had aimed at me. Guns, swords, knives. She upped security for the war. After taking in each of the guards merchandise, I turned my head towards Grim and Silver, whom were still staring at me with wide eyes. I turned back to Celestia, “I have some catching up to do. If any of you have questions, seek me out later.” I turned and walked over to the isolated corner which held Grim and Silver.

After things went back to normal, Silver started to speak. “What... Happened to you?”

I smirked, “Fourth stage. I should be a ways stronger, and faster, than Grim now.”

He chuckled at this, but Silver continued. “One moment you're laying dead in my arms, and then a week later, you’re standing like nothing happened? How?”

I just shrugged, “It’s better if no one knows. Although, I am fairly certain that Tia and a few of the others already know.” I turned back to see Celestia conversing with the many officers. I turned back to Silver, just in time to duck her throwing a punch in my head’s direction, and then another, and another.

“He wasn’t kidding. You were always faster than him.” Grim said, laughing to himself.

I smiled as I grabbed her forearm, stopping her mid-punch. I spun her around, placing her arm against her back. “Tsk tsk. I get you’re mad at me, but this is no way to behave. Besides, you are likely to attract attention to yourself.” I let her go, and she just growled at me. At this, both Grim and I found ourselves laughing.

“If you’re as good as you say you are, maybe you should go against Grim.” She had her own playful, yet extremely angry, look on her face as she said those words.

“I would, if it were not two days before her forces arrive. He’s going to be leading them, and I have a score to settle.” I placed my arms behind my back, “As for what I am going to do in the two days, it will be most likely filled with a lecture or two from Tia about the strategies she has planned. But since you two know me the best, you might want to tell her I don’t normally play by anyone’s rules.”

Grim and Silver’s eyes shifted behind me, and I followed their gaze to find Spade and Shadow trotting towards us. Spade made a short bow, "Well howdy there SilverClaw, Grim. Zin. How are you all finding the accommodations here?"

The two of them shrugged. Silver was the one to speak afterwards, “Definitely better than a cave.”

“Agreed.” Grim chipped in.

I just crossed my arms, “Don’t know if I will have time to get used to them. And don’t think I don’t remember what you did to me, Spade. My brain still hurts from that week long lecture he gave me...”

He shook his head with a slight smile, "You probably won't. The only few that still like you are standing next to you and with two days left until the attack, I'm sure you'd want to get accustomed to the changes he's made..." He had a grin on his face as he spoke, "As for that lecture you received on my behalf, I think you deserved it." After a short chuckle, "Oh I bet that was fun."

I shook my head with a small smile, “Yes, there is nothing more fun than listening to a lecture about the many theories of why chaos is both good and bad. I bet Twilight, had she not battled him, would be ecstatic.” Moments after speaking, a realization hit me. I brought my hand to my face and closed my eyes, as well as a sigh, “Dash knows and hates me, doesn’t she?”

"Well she certainly doesn't like you. I had to stop her from coming over here and ripping your to pieces. So, no kid, I don't think she's too fond of you at the moment."

“And she loves to hold grudges...” Another sigh from me, “It will take a lot of work, but I think I might be able to mend our friendship at a later time. For now, I will just try to avoid being too close to her before the battle.”

"After this kid, you probably won't be seeing her all that much, if at all. As being close to her," he laughed, "I don't think you want to even be close to her during the battle."

“I believe the term for this world is ‘hell hath no fury like a mare’s scorn’, so yes, that would be a good course of action.” I shook my head, “Life just loves to kick me in the flank...” I put my arms back behind me, “Enough about me. Can you give me a brief description of the defenses?”

Spade looked as if he were about to speak, but Shadow cut him off. "You can view most of them by simply going outside. However, what you should know is that now that you're here, you will be playing by our rules and strategies. No lone wolfing, as it were. You'll be placed in a squad just like SilverClaw and Grim have, which will in charge of one part of our flank. You are welcome to whatever bladed or blunt weapons you can find or make yourself. As for where you will be placed along the defenses, that is up to you. Remember, wherever you decided to position yourself, you stay. No leaving the wall and chasing after a chance to get your vengeance." Her last sentence was spoken in a firm tone.

Spade continued her speech, "Everything she said, along with the fact that those in the squad with you will be an assortment of Royal Guard and Ponyville citizens along with a CSF operative. You are under the direct command of that operative along with the rest of the squad."

I chuckled, “Now I remember why I didn’t go directly to the military. As for my weapon, I think I will keep that knife and try out a ranged.” I put a paw in the air as Spade was about to protest. “You made it clear last time about firearms. I was going with something more... Primitive. Such as the bow and arrow.”

He shrugged, "Suit yourself kid, although you'll have to make the bow and the arrows yourself. We don't necessarily keep a ready supply of them as ponies are even less suited to them than a rifle. Now is there anything else I can help you all with?"

I put a paw under my chin, thinking of a cheap way to get a bow and a few arrows without effort. Then it hit me. ‘Yo Discord. Think you could spot me here?’

Suddenly, a box materialized above me and began to fall. Without a second thought, my arms shot forward and gripped it. Had you blinked, you would have missed it. A note was placed on the top. “To Fluffy. From, D.”

“I’m going to kill him if he calls me that one more...” I lit the note on fire and opened the box. Inside was an exact replica of the daedric bow, as well as a rather large quiver of arrows. Same kind of course. “Although, he does make a good set of gear...” I slung the bow around me and attached the quiver to my back. After that, I realized that Spade and Shadow were in front of me... Didn’t think that through.

I crossed my arms, “He’s not that bad. Only reason I believe the words coming from my mouth is because somepony forced me to listen to his life story.” On the ‘somepony’ I cast a glare towards Spade. I decided that now would be a good time to change the subject to something other than Discord. “If your schedule isn’t too full in the next two days, maybe we could go at it again. Although if you do and you make another crater with my body, I am going to show you what kept me alive in that cave.”

Shadow started a light chuckle and Spade broke out laughing, "Oh kid, you jest. I know you have changed, but don't try and intimidate me, it's not becoming of you." He paused for a moment, looking off into space deep in thought. "I'll tell you what, tomorrow I have most of the afternoon with nothing to do but reports, so if you want to save me from that we could fight then."

I nodded, “Just find me when you’re up to it. Before we fight, I want to have a private discussion with you.”

He nodded back to me and started to move away with Shadow, "Sure thing kid. You guys finish catching up, don't stay too long though."

As I turned back to my two friends, Silver spoke. “Would you like me to show you where we are staying?”

I shook my head, “I have a feeling I won’t get much sleep tonight.” She cocked her head, as did Grim. “It’s better you don’t know.”

Silver let out a sigh, “Alright. Just don’t die on us again.”

I smirked, “No promises.”

- - - - - - Tomorrow - - - - - - - -

“It’s been a year Sofia. He’s gone and not coming back.” A familiar voice called through the darkness.

“Jake, I know. It’s just... I don’t believe he’s dead.” Her voice was full of confidence, but also a great amount of sorrow.

There was a sigh coming from Jake. “If he was alive, he’d be with us. He would never pass a chance to hang with us.”

“Guess I’m just gonna have to accept he’s gone...”

“I’m not gone. I’ll be back soon. I promise.” I spoke through the dark.

“What the fu-!” Her sentence was cut off as a searing pain in my head brought me back down to earth. Or in this case, Equestria.

- - - Reality - - - -

I opened my eyes to see myself skidding along the ground at a semi-fast pace. After I finished my sliding, I looked up to find an angry looking Dash. After I got up, I started feeling my head for one of those red bumps you see in cartoons. "What'd you do that for?!"

She snorted and pointed a hoof at me, "That, was for signing up with Discord. What's coming next, is for me." Coming next?

I stared at her confusedly before shifting the same expression towards Spade. "What does she mean by 'next'? I thought we were going to be fighting."

He laughed awkwardly and rubbed a hoof through his mane, "Well, you see kid, Rainbow Dash here caught me just as I was leaving to come here and asked if she could take my place." He engaged an equally awkward smile, "Now, I couldn't rightly refuse her in wanting to take you on, so I said it was alright." He turned towards Rainbow Dash, "I didn't expect her to attack you just like that though."

She looked away from him "He got what was comin' to him." She said roughly. She turned towards me and stomped a hoof impatiently, "I'd like to get this over with as quickly as possible, too many ponies lives are at stake, and I don't have too much time to be doing this."

I crossed my arms, “I know how many lives are at stake, and I know you don’t have much time with your non-stop training. The question is, how do you want me to fight you. All out, as in we can use whatever we want and go as ruthless as we want, save for the killing each other. Or we could let Spade here decide the rules. I would prefer number one, since waking me up has gone and pissed me off.” I took out the knife and threw it rapidly at the ground, it stabbing up to the hilt in dirt. “And I bet she couldn’t handle me when I’m pissed.”

Dash seemed ready to pounce, but Spade came in between us and started looking us both over. "Now Dash, I know you want to get right in there, and Zin, I know you're upset with being woken up so unexpectedly but we can't be clawing at each others throats." He turned to face Dash as he set himself back onto the ground, "Now Dash, I know you hate him right now, but do know that he has changed and is a very powerful fighter." After finishing with her, he turned to me, "And Zin, know that Dash isn't a pushover either. Her training will mean a world of difference." After that, he started backing away from the center of the field. Once at the edge, he spoke again, "Now, I'd say you both are evenly matched, so whatdya say we go all out for this one. Just no major injuries. I don't want to have to expend a large sum of energy fixing you two up."

I let my arms drop and started focusing my energy. “Spade, after this you and I are having a chat. But for now...” My lower half started to shift from being flesh and bone to a living white flame. “...I have a mare to deal with...” After my entire upper half changed, there was nothing organic left of me except my mind, which at this point was on the verge of going feral. “Care to dance?”

She crouched low, flapping her wings, but she didn’t seem to want to take off. She wasn’t moving to attack, and was doing the same as me. The non-feral side of me was doing all it could to keep me from lunging at her... But it lost. My ‘body’ charged forward towards Dash, leaving flaming holes in the ground. My arm raised and slashed at her after I closed the distance, and she flew back with a groan of pain. Afterwards she flew straight into the clouds above, bringing out more feral anger. If this fight keeps going for too long, I will lose what little control I already have...

"What's the matter Rainbow Dash? Are you afraid to fight me on the ground? Are you... Chicken?" I taunted, hoping to bring her out.

After a few tense moments of silence, I was about to call another taunt when dark storm clouds formed over the field. Dash flew out from the center of the clouds, "You wanted all out!" She called, "Well you're about to get a taste of it!" And with that, she flew back into the clouds. Soon after, rain poured down over the field. I could feel the flames lessen, but one rainstorm did nothing but piss me off.

Getting harder to control...

She came from her cloud cover and hovered below the cloud line. I need to get her to come down and fight me directly. The sooner one of us wins, the sooner I can regain control...

"Is that all you've got?! Did you really think a little bit of water would stop me?!" Not what I had planned on coming out, but maybe it could provoke her. I could feel a grin grow on my face as Dash glared at me.

She stuck her tongue out at me before disappearing back into the clouds. Fuck. My body started pacing around, staring intently at the sky once again. A minute passed before something happened. A current of strong winds occurred directly above me, I figured out what she was going to do. Fuck. My. Life.

As soon as the tornado began and I got caught in its current, not only had I reverted, but I now had to dodge debris. Ain’t my life lovin’ me right now?

- - - Five minutes later - - - -

Finally landing, claws stuck inside a tree, I eased up. Thank god I am in control of my body again, or else I might try something completely stupid. I released my death grip on the tree and stretched a bit before turning my gaze towards Spade, who had aided me in bringing my tree to the ground safely.

"Zin, could you come over here?" He called me over, and I obliged. He turned his gaze towards Dash and stared silently for a few moments before speaking, "What am I going to do with you Dash? That stunt could have very well cost several ponies their lives."

"Yeah, but it didn't...." She mumbled, refusing to look at anyone.

"Alright, it didn't, but if I hadn't helped it would have. I know your head was in the fight, but even then you have to realize that for every action you make, there is a consequence for it. Every punch requires energy, every buck leaves you open for a counter. Now since this is the first time you've done something like this, I won't be as hard on you." She perked up a bit, "Even still, I must give you some form of punishment."

She gave him a look of determination, "I'll take anything you've got for me." She said.

He smiled at her, "Well first things first, I want an apology for Zin."

She looked at me and dipped her head, "Sorry about that Zin, I got a little carried away."

I walked closer to her and inspected her. I stood in silence, a paw under my chin. “Spade, what game are you playing? This can’t be the Dash I grew to care for.” I gave her a playful smile.

Spade rolled his shoulders, "Oh she's just learning Zin. All to the effect of good training." He proceeded to grin at Dash, "And if you couldn't tell, the 'Dash you grew to care for,' is still very much there."

“I know she’s still there. Only she would stick out her tongue in the midst of combat.” I put my arms behind my back, “About the fire thing... Something was off this time. I had very little control, which is very different than when I was in the cave.”

"Well anypony who knew what you were like before coulda' told you that kid." He said, finishing with a tired sigh. "Not to bring up a still sore wound, but you wouldn't have lost control like that if you hadn't gone along with Discord's plans."

“He’s going to get a piece of my mind... And maybe a claw or two...” My tone rather grim. I don’t like getting fucked with.

Spade yawned as he looked towards the sky. After a few moments, "Well that can't be right."

"What's wrong?" Dash said, turning her head towards him with a look of confusion. "Trouble?"

He shook his head, "No, not right now at least. Although... The storm you created has surely abated, but instead all I see are storm clouds for miles and miles." He proceeded to look at the sky, aiming to find one crack of sunlight. "This is either some mishap by the Wonderbolts, or something bad is going to be happening soon."

I followed his gaze, seeing the clouds just as he described. “The Wonderbolts don’t make mistakes, and if I’m correct, pegasi are in control of the weather. Something’s off...”

"They are, but since Ponyville was evacuated, along with their other duties, the Wonderbolts have been put in charge of the weather with the remaining pegasi to help. Something is off, and I can't help but feel as if it's those friends of yours." He said as his gaze went from the sky to Dash and I.

“That is likely. Her power is less restricted... Maybe it wasn’t Discord after all...” Before I died, she did do something to me. I’ll look into this later...

"Possibly, but I don't think so." He said as he turned to Dash. "Now, as for the rest of your punishment, you'll be confined to the command center until the battle."

"What?! What about training or helping around with the defenses?" Her expression matching her semi-angry tone.

"Training for a two days isn't going to help you much and you've done enough to help around as it is. Think of this as a two day vacation." Spade said cheerfully.

"Yeah, a vacation where I can't do anything." She grumbled.

"You could have had it a lot worse kid. Now back to Ponyville with you." He sent her off with the pointing of a hoof. With an unintelligible grumble, she took off with a few flaps of her wings and flew straight for Ponyville. After she was gone, Spade turned to me and spoke, "Now what was it that y'all wanted to talk to me about?"

I put my arms behind my head, “I have unfinished business in my world. It’s not nice when your friends are all depressed because they think you are dead when in reality an asshole took you from them. And I know you can hear me Discord.” After I finished, I felt a rock from the pile of debris hit me in the back of my head. “Like I said. Asshole.”

He started laughing at my punishment, "Oh I'd love it if he tried that with me." After a few moments of waiting, he decided nothing was going to happen and continued, "Anyway, how long will this 'business' of yours take to finish?"

“I don’t know. I’m going to have to deal with a few people who think I am dead, and find a way to explain that I can’t stay. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?”

"I think you'll find a way to put it kid. You could stay, though you'd miss one hell of a fight." His tone one to boost the spirits.

I smirked towards him, “And let you get a higher kill score than me? In your dreams!”

He shook his head at me, sending water flying from his mane, "'A higher kill score' is not how I would put it. The fate of all of Equestria is at hand." He spoke truly, so I nodded agreement. A grin grew across his face, "Although, I don't think you're 'kill score' will be able to keep up with mine."

I crossed my arms, “I’ll take that as a challenge, if I make it back in time. I just have this bad feeling that something is happening back at home, and I’d like to see if my suspicions are true.”

"I take it you'll see soon enough. I also take that you won't need any help getting there, or are you not familiar with that spell in your vast knowledge of them?"

“No, I got it.” After I finished speaking, I let myself become my human form. “At least, I think I do.”

"Well, if you got it, then go ahead."

I outstretched my arm and cast the usual teleportation spell. The only difference was the amount of power required for such a long distance. After a few moments of concentration, a white pathway was open to the location of my choice. I took a deep breath, “Right now, they should be freaking out because a portal is the basement.”

I stepped through, running many scenarios about their reaction to seeing me, and not likely recognizing me. None of them matter right now, though. I’m here.

- - - Earth - - - -

THUD!

That was the sound of my body slamming into the floor. Why it was placed on the ceiling is beyond me, but the pain subsided semi-quickly. Looking up, I noticed two familiar faces staring at me in utter confusion. I propped my head with my arms and spoke, “Why hello there.”

Sofia stepped forward, eying me closely. ‘Where did he come from?’

“From a very nice place that is in very bad shape.” My answer to her mental question made her stare at me with an even more confused look. “Mind reader.”

Jake, wearing his black hoodie, blue jeans, and no shoes, stepped towards me as well. “Who are you?”

I picked myself off of the floor and surveyed the room. The two stood in front of a three-seater couch, which was in front of a flatscreen. To my right were the exact same instruments we all used to play only two years ago. Good to see some things don’t change.

Jake cleared his throat, “I said, who are you?”

I crossed my arms at him, “You mean you don’t recognize me? I’ve only been gone a year, you know.”

Now they both shared that confused look. Sofia was the one to speak, “Are you saying your...”

“Yeah, it’s Scott.”

She stared forward, void of all emotions. Jake, however, still looked unconvinced. “Prove it.”

I shook my head, “I just walked through a portal and my own friends don’t believe me? Do I really need to break out the deep, dark secrets that only you two know?”

“Yes.” They said in unison.

I brought my right hand in front of me and slowly waved it through the air. “Let’s see... Sofia accidentally burned down the library, and Jake... The shrine in your closet is kinda creepy, bro.”

“Who’s it to?”

“Andrew Hussie, creator of Homestuck. You have all of the trolls and humans placed around it.”

He turned to Sofia as she gave him a look that screamed ‘And I’m the obsessed one?’

Their gazes soon shifted back to me, and their jaws seemed to have forgotten their locks. I heard a small laugh coming from behind me and turned, sharing my friends confused expression minus the jaw drop. Spade, here, in my friends basement... In my world?

"What are you-" I was cut off by a high pitch squeal from none other than Sofia.

"No. Way. A pony! Here?!" I didn’t have time to prepare myself for when she shoved me aside as if I was a toy.

After a few moments of awkwardness, I heard Spade let out a cough before speaking, "Well, uh, howdy y'all."

"You sound just like Applejack!" Sofia spoke ecstatically.

Jake stepped closer towards Spade, "You're an alicorn right?" Spade nodded and he continued, "How exactly did you get here? Why are you even here?"

"Well," he started while pointing a hoof at me, "I followed him. As for why, I thought it would be good to learn more about you humans and your world."

"Followed you...?" Sofia began, "What does he mean by that Scott?"

Before I could get a word in, Spade decided to answer for me. "Well you see, for the past year or so, Zin... I mean 'Scott' has been where I myself come from, back in Equestria." He paused, allowing the small-minded friends of mine to grasp what he told. "He's been there causing all sorts of a ruckus, not to say he hasn't helped around a bit."

I crossed my arms at him, “I could have answered that one Spade. And I didn’t cause much ruckus after the castle incident.”

"Yeah, well I had to pull your ass out of the fire several times, once less than an hour before. That counts as a ruckus in my book." He turned back to my friends and gave a bow, "I'm Spade, if you haven't already heard. I think you're the one Zin... Scott, always talks about making you Sofia. Although I don't know your name."

Sofia seemed shocked, while Jake kept his calm. "Well, I'm Jake." He started, "And you're right, that is Sofia. But how do you know that?"

"Like I said, Scott talked a lot about her. In fact, I'd go so far as to say-"

I let out a sharp cough, "I think that's enough of that Spade."

He shrugged, "Well alrighty then. I was only trying to help y'all." He gave smile and returned his gaze to my friends. "Well, since I'm here, and probably not for too long, do you kids have any questions you'd like to ask me?"

Jake put his arms behind him, “I thought the only two alicorns left in existence were Luna and Celestia?”

"Well in order to answer that I have to ask a few questions of my own. First one, and this has bugged me since I've got here, how do y'all know so much about Equestria?" Well, this can’t end well. A full minute passed with nothing but silence, until Spade turned to me and spoke, "Well, out with it."

I shot an angry glance at my friends, “I swear to god, when this is over...” After that, I let out a heavy sigh and returned my attention to Spade. “To be honest, I think it’d be better to show you. At least that way I can catch up on what I missed.”

“Which is a lot. Season Two just ended.” Sofia chipped in, having recovered from my death-glare.

I motioned him to the couch in front of the TV and led him to it, me sitting on one corner and him next to me. What little room he left was quickly taken by an excited Sofia, to which I rolled my eyes. Well it is a dream come true for them... I registered Jake moving himself behind me, jealousy beaming from him.

Sofia didn’t bother hiding how joyed she was by the way she was running Spade’s ear off, so I decided to show him what I meant by watching the finale. I reached for the remote and hit the power button. Soon after the TV came to life, I realized someone left the volume all the way up. And after that I heard Spade scream, "Too loud!" I hastily lowered the volume to a comfortable level to all of us.

After flipping a few channels, I landed on the HUB, which happened to be playing Pound Puppies.

"What... Pray tell, is this thing and what is it trying to show me?" Spade said, eyes glued to the screen.

Sofia let out a snort and clasped her hand over her mouth, "I forgot you don't have these in Equestria. It's what's called a TV... And on it is all different kinds of shows that can be about anything!" She said excitedly.

He gave her a short nod and turned to me, "I can't hold the question any longer, what is it exactly that I am supposed to be seeing on this... 'TV'?"

After clicking the DVR button and selecting the folder ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’, I spoke to him. “What you’re going to see is likely in the near future of Equestria. Might as well kick back and relax, it’s an hour or so long.”

The show started, and it’s opening was the mane six sitting at a picnic, talking about randomness as Spike was running towards them. As the show progressed further, Spade started acting strange. I heard Sofia call his name a few times before he came to after Twilight finished her song about her brother, Shining Armor. Shame I only got to speak to him once before I died...

"Spade, are you alright?" I asked him, mostly because both of my friends were just staring.

"No, kid. I am most certainly not 'alright.'" He spat, "You're very, very lucky that I am the one who is a guest in your world, and do not wish to cause any of its occupants harm. You are also lucky that I have more restraint than just about anypony you'll have the chance to meet."

My mind quickly brought up the memory of me getting tossed like a ragdoll, and I really don’t want a repeat of the past right now. "Calm down Spade, no need to get angry.

"Kid, you and I are going to have a talk later, one I can almost certainly tell you you won't enjoy." He said, inhaling and exhaling in an attempt to calm himself down. He finally took in the other two in the room and gave them a smile, "All better now. I think it would be best if I didn't finish whatever... that was. Now I'm sure you guys are still bursting with questions, so go ahead and ask."

Jake was the first to ask, “What’s your special talent?”

Spade was slow to reply, "Well, I'm actually very good at a wide range of things. But if I had to pinpoint one of them as my 'best' it would probably be the fact that there's not a pony around that can put rounds down range quite like me."

"You mean there are guns in Equestria?" Jake said, still surprised.

Spade gave him a nod, "Well of course there are. Oh wait, you wouldn't know about that. It's not something that would come up in that... Show, of yours."

I put my arms behind my head, “Too bad you aren’t the best shot in Equestria.”

His ear twitched a bit, "Oh? I beg to differ."

“You can, but the scar on my chest from saving your marefriend says otherwise. And to think I rambled for nothing...” I chuckled at that.

"Kid, you're running on thin ice as it is, so trying to push me isn't advisable. And if you would care to uphold your statement, I'm sure your world has a shooting range we could visit and I would just love to prove you wrong." His ear twitched in annoyance.

“If you want to trot where you don’t exist, be my guest. I bet half the brony population would just have a fit.”

“What's a... Never mind. If you have any ranges around we could leave right now."

I turned towards him, “You can’t be serious. Unless you plan on changing as I do, we might as well do it back in Equestria.”

He shrugged, "I don't give a flying feather right now. You try and learn that your life is nothing more than a 'TV' show in some other world." He turned back to my friends, “Okay, back to the questions."

“I think we’re good.” Sofia replied.

He smiled and nodded, "Of course. If you do get any other questions feel free to ask, as I don't think I'll be coming back here soon. Not with what is happening back in Equestria at least." He didn’t bother hiding how troubling the war was.

Sofia gave him a confused look, but Jake spoke, “What’s happening in Equestria?”

I leaned forward with a stern look on my face, “It’s going to shit, that’s what.”

"As he said, things aren't in the conditions aren't the best in Equestria right now. In fact, they're probably the worst they've been at any point in its history." His full feelings towards the subject now obvious.

“Picture a mass army of Diamond Dogs, armed to the teeth, all storming the town of Ponyville. But not only that, their leader is a demi-god she-wolf, much like myself.” I leaned back.

Sofia and Jake shared a glance, a nod, and then looked towards Spade and I once more. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what they were going to say. “Hell no.”

“Why not?” Sofia asked, determination and stubbornness in clear in her voice.

“I’ve died once already in there, and I don’t think my dear, annoying friend Discord would bring you back. And before you say one damned word, yes, I did say Discord. How do you think I got to Equestria in the first place?”

Jake spoke next, “Rumors were spread of... Other ways to get there.”

I turned towards him, “I’m aware of the other ways. I met a stallion whom used to be human. Too bad Nightmare Moon possessed him. Wonder how Dash feels about it, he was her coltfriend after all.”

While I was getting my share of a death glare, Spade interjected, "From what I understand, you two," He turned to both of them, "Want to go back with us to Equestria."

Jake nodded, "Hell yeah. That would be awesome." Enthusiasm beaming from him.

Spade smiled, "Well I don't see a problem in that. I'm sure Princess Celestia would love to ask you both so many questions."

"What?! How could you-"

"I, can do as I see fit on the behalf of mine Princess." He said coldly, cutting me off. “You, on the other hoof, can not make decisions on what goes on in Equestria. As far as I can recall, you yourself aren't a natural inhabitant of my world. So it would do you kindly to show myself, and my authority, some respect."

I was about to argue with him, but I knew better. I slammed back down on the couch, anger trying to be contained. After a sigh that surprisingly calmed me down, “You know what. Fine. But I swear, if even one of them gets hurt, your foal is going to be fatherless. Just an image to represent how much I care about my friends.”

He shook his head at me, "Kid, I don't take threats idly, so please if you must make statements be ready to back them up." He said calmly, "Other than that, I do not intend for your friends to be in harms way. They are... Guests in Equestria and shall be treated as such."

I brought my right hand out, flipped it so the palm was facing upwards and lit it on fire, scaring my two friends. “That was no threat, but a promise. And they better be treated as guests.”

He brought a hoof to his face and chuckled, "You can stop with the scare tactics kid. They don't work on me, and they never have. Frankly I think you're putting yourself in a bad light in-front of your friends." He motioned to my fearful looking friends.

I held my gaze on him and extinguished the flame, “They’re like that because they know I’d do it. No one messes with my friends.”

"Well I can't speak for them, so I'll withhold my reply. And you can try and 'do it' all you want kid." He mimicked my tone.

“Hopefully nothing happens and it won’t come to that. If it does, my head will likely have about four holes in it before I manage to get away.”

"Four? You underestimate me." He said before turning back to my friends, "I'm sorry for paying so little attention to you both, Scott here tends to require constant supervision. Otherwise he might just go off and get himself into some kind of trouble.”

Sofia let out a chuckle, still shaken by my magic. “No more than either of us. We’ve gotten into our fair share.”

I chuckled, “No shit. You’re the reason I got into fights. Why do you make everyone but the outcasts hate you?”

She crossed her arms, “Because the rest are stuck up rich kids. You know you wanted to hit that prick Derek.”

“Yeah, and I enjoyed tossing his ass out the second floor window.” He screamed like a bitch all the way down. Was quite funny, actually.

“What about James? I had to pull him off of you.” Jake said, pride obvious.

“And Jes kicked you in the jewels and you were on the ground crying. Bet you wish you had Sasha then.” I replied with a smirk.

“If I had Sasha, I would have been on the news. A gun is not something you bring to school.”

Spade interjected with a cough before speaking, "I know you are all busy catching up, but I am on a schedule and have to get back to my work. So if you all would spare me a few moments, we could get going."

“Right. And a word of warning for Dash. These two,” I motioned my hands to them both, “Are like I used to be. Fans of her work.”

He shrugged, "Seeing as she'll be busy for the next few days, I don't know if they'll get a chance to talk to her." He seemed to start focusing his magic, which could only mean one thing. My estimation was confirmed when he spoke, "I need all three of you to step close to me."

Sofia looked at him confused, “Why?”

I gripped Jake by his shirt and pulled him in, and Sofia took the hint and got closer.

“Let ‘er rip, Spade.” I said about as redneck as I could.

And after a few short seconds of crowding next to him, we were gone with a flash to the hell that is Equestria.

Unexpected Visitors

We appeared more quickly than with my spell, but then again, he's had years of practice. We were back in the field from which my fight with Dash had taken place, but only two of the four were standing upright. Sofia and Jake were lying on the ground, propped on their hands and knees while trying to not lose their lunch like a drunk.

They wouldn’t be able to get up on their own, so I decided to be the kind one again. After a few attempts at them falling over after getting up, I managed to steady them.

I turned my attention back to Spade, “How long do you plan on them staying?”

"That, is a question that will be decided by the princesses. They will trust in my judgement in bringing them here; how long they stay will however be up to them." He said, stretching out his wings and other appendages. "Now I think it will be best if we walk; teleporting in isn't an option and I don't think I'll be able to ferry all of you over."

“Lead the way. No doubt the first stop for them is Celestia herself, or am I wrong?” I asked, crossing my arms while I could hear a small squeal from Sofia. Now she decides to be a girl?

"Aye, that was the plan; although I don't know how well this will all go over if your friends aren't able to control themselves." He said, looking past me at Jake and Sofia, who were conversing about what they would do once at the mercy of Celestia.

I sighed, “Control is not in their vocabulary, apparently. I’ll do my best to keep them in line. God knows how much trouble they can get into ‘round here.”

"Well, you had better start with that. It won't take us long to get back. Speaking of which..." He started, still looking towards my friends, "Enough chit-chat you two, times a wastin’."

I turned backwards to face them, “You heard the alicorn. And if you don’t behave, I will introduce you to someone you really don’t want to meet.”

I could hear a light chuckle from Spade as he turned around and began his trot back to Ponyville. I followed in suit, trying my best to ignore the empty threats being shot my way. It’s going to be good watching them screw up in front of Tia.

Tia looked less than pleased as Spade called her for a private discussion. Can’t say I’m surprised. Having two other-worldly creatures appearing out of nowhere and standing next to your most trusted agent can be a little unnerving, but she hastily donned her facade once again.

"I shall assume that you have a reason for bringing these humans here Spade?" She said, voice mimicking her bare facial expression.

Spade gave a nod, "Of course Princess. I had figured that the best way to learn more about them was to bring at least one back. Seeing as these two are friends of Zin's, I thought them perfect." He said, adopting a formal tone.

She gave him a warm smile and a nod. "Of course. I trust your judgement in this as I always have. We will see how useful they prove to be; if Zin is any indication though then we might be in more trouble then you thought." She said with an intention of humor. "Now excuse me for being so rude; it's not everyday that one sees a relatively new species."

Both Sofia and Jake bowed to Celestia, “My name is Sofia, and this is Jake. It is an honor to meet you in person.”

"It is an honor to meet you, Sofia and Jake. I hope you find your stay in Ponyville to your liking, despite what's going on."

Jake rose from his bow, “Yes, we’ve heard that things here are not as pleasant as usual. But we’re certain that you can overcome the issue, as always.”

It was visible that she liked the praise. "Thank you. Your confidence is very much appreciated and it's good to know that there is still faith." She said, "Now, if you two are up to it, I'd like to be able to talk to you in private."

Sofia and Jake looked over to me, to which I laughed. “Relax, she doesn’t bite. At least, not to anyone but me.” After this, the three of them walked off to what I assumed was her private chambers. Really hope Molestia is fake...

"If you need me, I'll be back at the command post resting." Spade called, his tiredness beaming.

“I’ll be on the balcony, if you haven’t turned it into a sniper post... You haven’t, have you?” I said as I turned to him.

He chuckled, "Naw kid, the clock-tower is much higher than the balcony in Twi's library." Ooo, so that’s where the fun is held..."Don't get any ideas though, nothing is actually set up there aside from some spotting equipment and ammo." Buzzkill...

I shrugged, “Just lookin’ for a place to clear my head and play my guitar. It’s quite relaxing.”

He shook his head at me and turned away, finally giving into his tiredness. He left me standing there, but I removed myself from the room in search of my guitar.

- - - Sometime later - - - -

I sat on the railing, my legs dangling out and the guitar in my lap. A gentle breeze, cloudy day, and silence. Just how I liked it.

I started my song off with the correct notes, as well as a hum.

I set my sail

fly the wind it will take me

back to my home, sweet home

Lie on my back

clouds are making way for me

I'm coming home, sweet home

I see your star your left it burning for me

Mother, I'm here

Eyes open wide

feel your heart and it's glowing

I'm welcome home, sweet home

I take your hand

now you'll never be lonely

not when I'm home, sweet home

I see your star, you left it burning for me

Mother, I'm here

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath at the end of the song. “Poor, poor Zulf...”

A cough from behind startled me, turning to find it Spade. "That was nice kid. What is it about?" He asked, tone speaking that he was actually interested.

“It’s a song that plays when you decide to save Zulf, the villain from a game called Bastion. Mid-way through the game, he turns on you, but in the end, his own people turned on him. As you walk towards the exit with him over your shoulders, getting shot at by arrows, bullets, and more, that song plays.” I smiled, “There is another version of it that plays at the end of the game, which I prefer, but I require another to sing it with me, sadly.”

"Well I wish I could help you with that, but as far as I know nopony in Equestria would know that song." He shifted his eyes towards my newest edition of guitars, "I see you've picked up another one."

I looked down at it in admiration, “Yeah, Lisp thought I was still at the castle with this new project of his. He hasn’t told me what it’s fully capable of, but it sure has a lot of tech put into it.”

"I'm sure it has all types of gizmos and gadgets. Wait, you didn't take it from him again did you?" He asked semi-accusingly.

“Nah. We’ve become good friends since my arrival. What interested him more was half of the tech we have in my world. So he and Vinyl Scratch have been working on this prototype, and so far, it runs nicely. Haven’t tried its electric setting, or any of its other little gadgets.”

"Well, when you do decide to try it out, be sure to let me know so I have enough time to dive in a foxhole." He said as he came up next to me, "So have you seen your two friends since they've gotten here?"

“Eenope. Celestia’s taken the chance to learn as much from them. Lucky for her, the three of us spend so much time on the internet. Unlucky for us, we spend too much time on there.”

"Well, whatever that is I'm sure it's a bundle of joy. So do you have some way of keeping yourself occupied for a day?" He asks.

I look over the town, watching as the ponies gallop around to do their duties. Each one of them having a set objective, while I have nothing but time to kill. “Nothing but music from my world. Hell, some of it is about this place.”

He sighed and shook his head, "Oh I'm sure there is kid, I'm sure there is; I'd rather not talk about that now though, as I'm in a pretty good mood.”

I chuckled, “Ever heard of a pony named ‘Heartpony’?”

He tilted his head in confusion, "Not that I reckon. Why? Is she somepony I should know?

“Ask Celestia and or Luna. Just want to see if my assumptions are correct.”

"Yeah, whatever you say kid. I honestly don't know where you get ideas like these." He sighed, leaning further onto the railing.

“If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” I said in a cold tone.

He chuckled, "Haven't we already gone through this kid? Your threats hold little meaning to me; like leaves in the wind."

I smirked, “Oh I know, you just don’t know when I’m kidding. Sides, I couldn’t even beat you at the castle, what chance would I have? That, and I don’t think I’m faster than a bullet.”

"It's hard to tell; I'm not all that used to reading human features and inflections. I don't need a bullet either." He finished with a smile.

I rubbed my still aching neck, “Yeah, the pain never went away from that drop. Guess listening to that little demon inside didn’t exactly make for the best idea...”

He gave a low chuckle, "Not at all. It got you killed... literally. That's beside the point though; right now, are you ready to face them?" He adopted a more serious tone, staring straight into my eyes.

I sighed, “I don’t know, to be honest. In the cave it was easy enough, but I didn’t have a constant wave. That, and if I know my friends... I’ll have some babysitting to do.”

He gave my shoulder a gentle push, "Nonsense. You can leave them to me. Just stay focused and you'll last kid, trust me." He gave me a reassuring smile.

“Then keep a sharp eye on them. Jake isn’t too hard to keep track of, but Sofia is. I’m afraid she might do something stupid and end up on the field, and not in a good way either.”

"Don't you worry kid, I'll sit on em' if I have to." He said, with yet another smile.

“Your funeral.”

He shook his head and moved away, "And you say I can't tell humor." He turned to the staircase with a sigh, "I'll see y'all later. I have some... work that I need to get back to."

I re-adjusted my guitar’s position in my lap, “Yes, preparations to make. I’ll be here if you need me.”

He gave me a brief nod before he continued on his path back to the workplace below. I waited a few more minutes, just staring at the ponies below. After having enough of the busy guards, I returned to playing my guitar.

Only played for a few minutes before another being decided to interrupt my relaxation. This being was Silver.

“Your friends are... Strange, Zin.” She said plainly, making her way next to me.

I smiled, “Oh you haven’t the smallest clue, my dear.”

She smiled, “Just like you, huh?”

I shrugged, “Well, we all grew up together. Jake is like a brother to me, and only because he actually persuaded his parents to take me in.”

She took a seat on the railing, mimicking how I sat. “Yes, but he’s three years older. That doesn’t mean he is any smarter, and I should know. I was in his head.” She gained a evil grin.

I gave her a playful punch, “Do you ever not go in a person’s head?”

She nodded, “I stopped going into yours after I saw some of your... Incidents.”

I stopped strumming all together and looked into her glowing purple eyes. “After all the death, theft, or other crimes that are bound to me?”

She looked saddened, “After seeing them all. I’m so sorry for you...”

I sighed, sorrow beaming from it, “You and me both. Most would say I have yet to pay for my sins, whereas I can openly say I already am.”

“How is that?”

“It is because they never leave you. The faces, the voices... It sticks with you, even to the afterlife.” I set my guitar down next to me, losing all interesting in playing. “I’m a monster.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Silver and I both jerked our heads around to find the she-wolf standing there, a smile on her muzzle.

“What do you want?” I said, glaring daggers at her.

“A proposition to you, and Silver should she accept it.” Her smile never faded.

I turned myself around and stood, making my way over to her. I finally met her at eye level. “If you’re going to say something, say it before anyone notices you. You’re not exactly a welcomed guest here.”

“With good reason. Moving on, the deal is rather simple. You fight for me.”

“And why in God’s name would I do that?”

“We both know the populace doesn’t care for you. You are but a pawn to be played with, but you can be much more. Oh so much more...” Her eyes shifted to Silver. “Of course the same goes to you.”

Silver got from her seat on the rail and moved to my side, “Even if we are...”

“...At least we’re on the right side.” I finished for her.

The she-wolf’s smile finally faded into a look of sadness, “I was hoping you’d see things my way. I won’t be taking pleasure in killing my own daughter...”

At this, I was taken aback. This being of almost pure evil, willing to throw away the lives of any pony to stand against her, could be Silver’s mother?

Silver glared at her, “You are not my mother. My mother would never have done what you do now.”

“But this is all for you, my dear. All of Equestria can be yours...”

I took a step towards her, “We said no. Leave while you have the chance.”

She sighed and let her head hang low, “I will leave. But a word of warning for you, Zin.” She brought her head back up and looked at me with her empty black eyes. “You should watch your back, and not only from my troops. You will find out soon enough, and it will be up to you. The offer will stay standing until the moment of the battle. If you have not made up your mind before we charge, you will be laid to rest, and won’t have a third chance.”

I crossed my arms, “My loyalty lies with my friends. And right now, they are sided with Celestia.”

She nodded and turned around. I at first assumed that she was going to simply go invisible and walk out, but instead she exploded in a plume of black smoke.

I walked back to my guitar and sat next to it, paws placed on my head. “So apparently there is something going on and I don’t know about it. Just great.”

Silver made her way over to me and sat down, placing an arm around me with a smile on her face. “I’m certain it is nothing bad.”

I shook my head, “With my luck... It never is.”

For a while, we sat in silence. Her with her arm around me, trying to be as comforting as she could, but the feeling of something going wrong was still in the air. I didn’t have long to wait for the silence to be broken. Jake came up and stared straight at me, hiding behind a wall of emotions he’s spent years trying to perfect.

“Hey Jake, what’s up?” I tried to say as calmly as I can.

He shook his head at me, which made my previous expression regrow. “Scott... I got some bad news...”

I looked to Silver, who still held her smile, even though I could tell she was faking it. “Spill it, Jake.”

He looked down at his feet, his wall breaking down. “Sofia and I told Celestia everything, including the other ways to get here.”

“You told her everything about me?” He nodded. “Well, I knew she’d find out eventually. It’s not she’s going to do anything drastic. I’ve already proven that I am not of what I once was.”

“About that... She either wants you banished...” He seemed to be choking on the next part, and I wish he had kept it from me until the right time, “...Or executed...” I stared at him, letting his words sink in before I got up and started for the stairs. After I descended into the main room, I heard him call after me, but I wanted nothing to do with him right now. It might be wrong of me, but had they kept some of my past hidden, I wouldn’t be at the mercy of the princesses.

“Scott!” I hadn’t noticed I had been running until after he called me from the library’s entrance. I needed to get away from the town. Away from my ‘friends’. There was one place I knew I could go, and it was deep enough in the Everfree to keep anyone from wandering too far. I teleported myself to the old castle of the twin sisters, being sure to take the guitar with me, even if it was a distance away.

- - - Everfree Castle - - - -

I had been sitting here for about an hour or two, reflecting on all that I had done. Murder. Arson. Theft. The names of all those I killed flowed through my mind, as well as their faces. It took coming here to realize the fact that had stared me down for so long. I am a monster. Nothing I can do will change that. Celestia’s choice against me has proven this.

Instead of feeling my normal heat, creating my white fire, everything felt cold. Like I was severed from around me. Like Jake and his emotions, only amplified a thousand times. It didn’t matter to me.

I heard a shift in the air behind me, but I didn’t care. “Zin.”

“You were right. They only care for what I had done in my world...”

She walked over and put a paw on my shoulder, “She betrayed me, too. There is a reason I started the first war, and that was because she had seen us as a threat, for following Discord.”

I felt the air around me grow colder, but I didn’t care. “And he wasn’t evil. He was just a misguided spirit who was never given a chance.”

“Just like you.”

I chuckled, “Yeah, just like me...” There was a long silence where mental words bounced around in our heads. We both knew what the other was thinking without telepathy. Though she was the first to speak it.

“My offer still stands.”

I let the words that Jake told me flow all around my mind. The faces of past crimes soon joined. Celestia followed after. The air was now cold enough that my breath was showing, but neither of us paid any attention.

I could feel my fists clench, "All that I have done for her... A waste. All the friends I had come to make... Pointless. In the end, after serving her, she turns on me like this? All because of my past? If she wants to see a monster, she'll get one..."

She kept her paw on me as I got up, and she opened a black portal behind us. As we were about to turn to it, the doors to my large inner sanctum flew open with a very familiar face, with a very shocked expression. Likely here to tell me to either leave, or that it’s time to pay my real parents a visit.

The cold around me was practically visible at this point, “Why am I not surprised you’d be the one to find me?”

Author's Note

I've been working on this for a while. Sooooo long... I'm almost done.

To End A War Pt. 1

"Zin... what exactly are you doing?" Spade asked me.

The she-wolf took her arm off of me and turned to enter the portal, “Finish whatever business you have. We’ll be waiting.” And with that, she left the two of us.

I turned back towards him, “What does it look like I am doing?”

"It looks like you're about to betray all of your friends by siding with that harlot and her army." He spat.

I crossed my arms while keeping my eyes locked onto his, “Having friends never turned out right for me. Look where I am now. Either getting killed, or sent away. What do you care?”

He seemed to have a hard time getting his words right. "I didn't want it to happen like this kid... I never did. Come back and we'll work something out... I'm sure if we get enough ponies to help out your case, it won't be as serious."

I let my arms drop to my sides, “Who exactly could we get? Celestia was so eager to forget all the good I have done, all because of mistakes in the past. We both know once her mind is made up, you can’t change it.” From my hands up to my forearms, I suddenly lost all feeling. I shoved it to the back of my mind and kept my eyes locked on Spade.

He stared back at me with an expression of anger, "You weren't there, kid. Doing this hurt her as much as it did me or anypony else. She hasn't forgotten the good you have done, but YOU can't simply forget all of the other things you have done."

I put a paw up to my chin in thought. If I go through, I throw it all away and end up on the wrong end of the barrel. If I go back with him, there is a small chance things can be different, or end up exactly the same...

I dropped the arm back to my side, “I’ll give her a chance. If nothing has changed, we’ll see which side I die on.”

"Let's see if she give, you, a chance, and let's hope it's on the right one." He sighed happily. He waved me over to him, "It would be best if we teleport back. Walking wouldn't exactly be the best way back at this moment."

“Agreed.” And with that, I walked over to him. As soon as I was in distance, he began casting his spell, a copper aura forming around us. As quickly as I had teleported here, we were back in Ponyville, outside of the command center.

Jake had been waiting, and seemed overcome with joy at my return. He ran over to me, it seeming to take all of his being to not outright hug me. "Scott! What happened to you? Why'd you just run off like that?!"

“Hold your tongue, brother. I will answer your questions at a later time. But here’s a clue: How would you react if you were told you were either going to be sent away or killed? Ponder that for a bit while I attend to business.” I said, attempting to hide my spite towards him.

He took a few steps back, my words striking him where it hurt the most. "Yeah... sure thing... brother. I guess I'll see you later...." He turned around and fled from the library, heading somewhere beyond it. Stray tears were left in his wake.

Spade turned and faced me, "That's exactly what's going to stop Princess Celestia from changing her mind. You have to show her you've changed and that wasn't it." He shook his head at me.

I brought one of my paws to my face and sighed, “I’m aware of this. It’s just hard for me to cool off.”

"Well you're going to have to learn how to, and fast. What you showed me just now is that when it comes to it, you let your temper and inner angers get the best of you." He called to me, "Come now, we have to meet Princess Celestia."

I kept myself silent the rest of the way there, trying my best to compose myself. He started his trot towards one of two identical buildings built next to the library.

There were two guards outside the door, who crossed their spears to prevent us entrance. "State your business." The left guard said, more directed at me than Spade.

Spade sighed, "Spade, with the Celestian Special Forces, requests an audience with the princess to discuss matters of grave importance."

The same guard gave a nod and called over his shoulder, "Spade and guest are here to see you, my princess. They come to discuss matters of importance."

After a few moments of silence, the princess’ voice came from inside, "You may admit them, Captain." At her order, the guards lifted their spears to grant us entrance.

Spade motioned for me to follow him, and then we both began entering the building. Celestia was standing next to a large war map in the middle of the room, multiple pins sticking out in certain locations. At the sound of me closing the door behind us, she acknowledged our presence.

She steeled herself before speaking, "Spade, I'm glad to see you managed to bring him back."

As she addressed Spade, he dropped into a bow. "Of course Princess. I couldn't have left him where he was."

She turned her head towards me, "Where, pray tell, did you go?"

I put my arms behind my back and answered calmly, “Someplace to clear my head.”

"That doesn't answer my question. Now where exactly did you go, Zin?" She pressed on the subject.

“I was roaming the forest in an effort to process some recent events.”

She analyzed me a moment before sighing, "You must be completely honest with me Zin, I can't have you hiding any details."

I sighed, “Silver and I were sitting on the balcony of the library when the she-wolf appeared. Trying to convert us to her side, to no avail. Some of her words, as well as anothers, hung in my head and I needed to be alone to think.”

She nodded before continuing, "I had felt her presence; there was nothing that I could have done however. Continue, if you will. What happened during your time in the forest?"

“Her, again. Although she attempted to gain my sympathy from highlighting what you had done to her in the past. That’s pretty much all that leads up to now.”

She gave me another nod, "I would assume as much. What exactly did she say though, and how exactly did you react?"

“She told me of how because they followed Discord, they were treated as a threat. A misguided spirit who was never given a chance to learn, using the same terminology to compare him to me. It took a reminder to make me remember where my loyalties lie.”

As I finished, Celestia’s brow furrowed, yet a small smile began to form. "I'm glad you were able to overcome your own desires, in spite of the circumstances, and remember the friendships you have forged here." She paused with that smile, looking the two of us over. "With this new courage you have shown, I can, with pleasure, lessen the sentence that had previously been predetermined against you."

“Thank you. I don’t think my friends would like the alternatives.” The princess returned my thanks with a dip of her head.

"Yes, I myself wouldn't have enjoyed enacting such harsh punishments on you... especially what with all you've done in service of the Equestrian nation." She said.

"Thank you, my princess. It would have pained all of us to see him go." Spade said cheerily, but paused for a brief moment. "What will current punishment be?"

"Something, as I said, not as...erroneous as his previous one. It is something Princess Luna and I will have to discuss... alone."

"Of course, Princess." Spade said, turning to me. "Let's take our leave."

I responded with a nod of my head and followed his lead on exiting. As we walked out, Celestia’s voice could be faintly heard. "...bring me Princess Luna...," her voice becoming weaker in sound the farther we walked.

As we returned to the front of the library, Spade turned to me. "Go after him," he said bluntly.

“He probably went back to his quarters. Know where those are?”

Spade let out a sigh. "Follow me, they're not far." He didn’t wait for my response as he started trotting down the main road, me in tow. He turned a corner at the first building, which led to a small alleyway. We traversed the alleyway until it opened up into a large clearing set in-between a row of houses. Set in the clearing were three newly constructed buildings. A short distance away from them was a lone shack, decently sized.

After walking over to the shack, Spade knocked on the door before stepping back a distance. Soon after he knocked, a disorganized Sofia answered the door, giving an angry glance at me before looking to Spade. "Hi Spade. What's up?"

"Hello Sofia. I was wondering, is Jake here at the moment?" He asked rather politely.

Her gaze shifted between Spade and I before turning inside the home. Moments later, she turned back to us. "Yeah, he's here. Although I really don't think he feels like talking right now."

"Well, Zi- Scott, really needs to talk to him. To apologize." Spade said, giving me a slight shove.

As I started to speak, Sofia grabbed me and yanked me inside the house, shutting the door afterwards.

“Don’t say anything to me, say it to him.” She demanded, pointing to Jake sitting on a makeshift couch, eyes staring into mine.

I made my way over to the couch and sat down next to him, his sad eyes never straying from me. I took a deep breath before starting, “Look man, I’m sorry. I was still mad, and you were there...”

He put a hand on my shoulder, sadness still in his eyes. “You’re not the one who needs to be sorry.”

I looked at him confusedly, “Why?”

His gaze finally shifted away, towards the floor. “I...” There was suddenly a prick in my back, coming from the spot where Jake held his hand. “...am giving you to her.”

I pushed his arm off and got up, staring at him. “What?! Why would you-?!”

“She threatened to kill us if I didn’t. I’m sorry.”

“Then what did you... stab me with...?”

He frowned at me, “Goodnight.”

And that was the last thing I remember before falling out of consciousness.

My first thought when I came to was ‘I’m going to kill him. Sooo bad.’ My second thought was to examine my surroundings. Sitting up and opening my eyes, I found myself to be in a stone room with an iron door marking escape. All I need to do is-

“Don’t bother, furball. Even if you make it out, she’s got guards all over the place.” The voice startled me and I jerked my head in its direction, revealing a pegasus. Black coat, black and red mane, and red eyes staring into my iridescent white ones.

I turned my body towards him and let my legs hang off the cot. “Got a name?”

He kept eying me as if I would pounce on him at any moment, “Blaze. And you?”

“Zin.”

“Well, we’re gonna be here for awhile. I’ve been in her prisons for quite a bit, actually.” He said, sadness coming from his words.

“How’d she getcha?”

He leaned back against the wall, “My village was attacked, and most of the population was killed. Those who weren’t were taken and used for labor. My parents... I hadn’t seen them. I can only hope they’re alive...”

“Any of your other family taken or killed?”

He shook his head, “My sister is likely still in Cloudsdale, and my aunt lives in Ponyville.”

I raised an eyebrow at him, “Who’s your aunt?”

“Rainbow Dash.”

At this, I was surprised. I had not known she had any siblings. “She never mentioned any family members to me.”

“Likely because the raid happened a long time ago, and both my sister and aunt must think I am dead... Wait, you’ve spoken to her?”

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t say we’re best friends.”

There was a long silence between the two of us, to which Blaze broke. “You’ll want to get some sleep, even if they knocked you out on the way in.” And then he laid himself down, and did exactly that.

It wasn’t as easy for me, but after laying down and staring into the rocky ceiling for about fifteen minutes, I drifted off.

- - - Three days - - - -

After what had felt like minutes, I found myself being shoved awake. I pushed the one shoving me away, sat up, stretched, and opened my eyes. It didn’t surprise me that the red-lined dog was here, but him offering me my sword did.

“Look, I don’t have much time. I had your male friend knock you out so I could give you this information. The attack on Ponyville has been planned for a long, long time, and the ways in are almost complete. Almost.” He smirked at that last part, “I have collapsed a few of her tunnels. Including the one leading to your command center. That’s the tunnel you will be taking.”

I gave him a confused look, “And you’re helping me why?”

He tossed me my sword and its sheath. “Because I am one of Discord’s pieces in this game. And believe me, it is a game.”

I attached the sheath to my belt and slid the sword into it, “...This is all a game to them?”

He nodded, “Another spirit wanted to attack and take over Equestria. Discord wouldn’t let him. Knowing Discord’s nature, he made an offer that he couldn’t refuse.”

“So this entire time, I’ve been nothing but a pawn?” I asked as I got up.

“No, not a pawn. A player. Now, I will get you and the pegasus inside the tunnel, but be prepared to put that sword through someone. I have about... Three of my dogs in there out of the seven trapped. You’ll know by the red lines.”

Speaking of the pegasus, Blaze was just sitting there confused, much like I would have been had I NOT expected something like this. It WAS Discord, after all.

“Okay, then open a pathway for us? Cause I have no idea where you want to drop us off.”

And with that, he pointed his left forearm to the side, charged a spell, and poof, instant portal. “Be careful.”

I smirked, “Me? Careful? Mate, you haven’t a clue who you’re talking to.” I made my way over to the portal, Blaze in tow. With a quick glance and a salute to the dog, Blaze and I literally jumped into the portal, eager to be rid of the cell.

- - - Underneath the treehouse - - - -

With a change of luck, I land on my feet for once. Considerably more silent and comfortable than slamming head first. My first thought was to check my gear, making sure none of it got seperated from me during the teleporting. My sword was still in its sheath, and the knife was still in its place on the back of my belt.

“...Where do you think they are?” Blaze said, worry very visible in his tone. Which happened to be a little bit too loud for what I figured to do.

“Keep it low,” I started with my voice at a whisper, “we need to stay hidden until we find those dogs of his... How far they are in, I do not kn-”

My sentence was interrupted by the sound of an explosion a little bit further ahead. I took off towards it, even if it wasn’t the smartest idea. The sounds of familiar guardsponies threatening them to come quietly or be killed, only to have them yell back defiances in the same tone. Only they knew they were trapped, and would rather die than be prisoners of war to ponies.

“...They don’t sound happy about what just happened Zin...” Blaze quietly said to me, sticking close in my rush.

“Just stay quiet, and keep close.” That was all the direction I gave before hurrying down the tunnel. The commotion was giving us good cover, so our rather loud stomps were drowned out by what could only be described as a drill instructor being dissatisfied.

After a few seconds, we came across the dogs Red, as I’ll call him, mentioned. Oddly enough, none of the three were wearing armor, but jumped when they saw us. Likely expected someone else.

Two of them were wounded. One’s leg looked like it’d been slashed a few times, and the other dog had taken several swipes to the chest and a few to her arms. He couldn’t walk well, which meant dodging would be hard. She couldn’t move much either way, so it didn’t matter. All that left was the leader.

We stopped as we reached them, “I want to know what just happened.”

The leader looked from each of her downed team members to me a few times before sighing. “We attempted to sabotage their explosives. While we managed to do it...”

“They took one for the team. Admirable. But that still leaves the other four down the tunnel...” I said, placing a paw to my chin.

“We managed to take one down... Poor Razor here fought him. As you can see, she didn’t get out unscathed...”

“Either way, they’ll need some medical attention, and the only place I can think of to get it is that way.” I gestured towards the unexplored half of the tunnel. “But first... Who are you?”

The leader gave a salute, “Captain Diamond. And the other dog with us is Rook. This is part of a team the resistance has had for a while. The rest are likely back at the hideout, or undercover.”

“You can give me a full description of each of you when we get through the dogs. I think it’d be be-” A gunshot cut me off, as well as the angered howling of dogs... And then the scraping of claws on the ground, as well as armor dropping a short while after that.

Diamond and I took this as our cue to draw our weapons, and run farther in. “Do you have any experience fighting?”

“Yes, but I was really bad at it.” I managed to say before the scraping got decently louder.

“Well, at least I’ll die with my team.”

“There’s only two left.”

She turned her head to me as we continued to run, “How do you figure that? They could’ve missed.”

I grinned my off-looking dog grin, “Some ponies just don’t miss their mark.”

“If you say so...” She turned her head back, and looked angered. “There!” She cried out as she leaned in, aiming to gain speed and make a swift slash from her blade.

I followed suit, not as eager as her, but equally determined. After all, two wounded and a civilian aren’t much a match for two warriors.

After I actually started paying attention to where I was running, I could make out two canine figures running our way, and the sudden look of surprise on their faces must mean that they realized they were trapped far earlier than they thought.

The one on the right, heading at me with a rather pissed off look, was much larger than the one on the left. He carried a blade of equal length to my own, but seemed a bit thicker than mine. The way he carried himself told me he’d be like the one that Razor had been said to fight. I’m so screwed.

Diamond didn’t bother to wait. She continued to run towards her target, and brought her sword back farther while giving off a war cry. The dog hastily began combat with her... But I couldn’t watch her fight, since I had a LARGE problem aiming to strike at me as well.

“Puny wolf thing go die now!” He shouted, bringing his sword down from an overhead strike.

I hastily jumped to the side, skidded to a stop, turned around and smirked. “That all you got? She must take any-” He performed the same strike again, only this time instead of jumping to the side I held my sword horizontally to block, and kicked him with one of my legs. He slid back, but not that far.

“No games! Wolf DIE NOW!” He brought his sword from a side slash, only when I went to block, the blow ejected the sword from my hands and it landed a small distance away. I dashed for it, but wouldn’t you know, the dog beat me and kicked it farther.

His next action, which I can only describe as excruciatingly painful, was grabbing me by the neck with one buff paw, and bringing his sword arm back to slash my head off. I grinned at him, to which he responded with a overly confused look. “What smile for? You die! No happy!”

“...Correction fleabag...” I said, ripping the knife out of its holster and bringing it as high as I can go. “...You die!” And I brought it down as hard as I could, and as far into his shoulder as I could. He howled in pain, dropping his sword, blood flowing from the wound nicely. I took this chance to collect his sword, and thrust it into his chest, right for the heart.

It penetrated him, and he fell to his knees. He looked at me with pain in his face, which only grew as I ripped the knife out. Soon after that, he fell forward, blood still pouring from his wounds. “Thought you’d be tougher... Thought wrong.” I heard the sound of a blade ripping through flesh, and then a few thuds. I turned around hastily, hoping that it wasn’t Diamond. It wasn’t.

She stood victorious over a decapitated body of the remaining dog, only suffering from a slash taken to her left arm. Good thing she uses a short sword and is right handed...

“Well, that wasn’t too hard.” I said jokingly. She likely went through hell.

“Whatever you say, pal... Whatever you say...” She said in the same tone, although that wound might be stinging juuuust a bit. “Go back for my team, I’ll wait here for the ponies.”

I gave her a nod, and ran back as fast as I could. Blaze was already helping up Rook, who was luckily small enough to use him as a crutch. Must’ve been a teen or along the like, because he appeared to be like half of the dogs we had in our clan.

“...Help me walk...” Razor said, extended a grey colored paw at me. I gripped it, and put one arm around my shoulder, hoisting her up, and began walking slowly with her back to where Diamond was. Blaze followed close behind, looking at me worriedly.

“...Are you okay Zin? That’s quite a bit of blood...”

“No sweat, kid. Aside from some neck pains, I’m completely fine.”

“...Well I’m not...” Complained Razor, attempting to make me walk a little faster. The wounds were at least bandaged at this point, which didn’t change the fact that she’d be hurting herself more by trying to force too much effort.

“Easy there. This ain’t somethin’ you just walk off, little lady...”

“...Screw you... Need to go...” She said, determination in her voice, as well as immense pain.

I resulted in just picking her up and carrying her in my arms, which allowed me to move a bit faster. Positioning her in a non-painful way was difficult, but I managed it to be done.

She was laying lazily in my arms as I re-approached where I left Diamond, and almost laughed at what I saw. Wouldn’tcha know she was being aimed at by the guards, whose aim hastily shifted to be at the both of us.

“Hey, easy. We’re friendly.” I called, taking my place beside Diamond. “We’ve got wounded, and a rescued prisoner. And I need to speak to any officers as soon as I can.”

“That would be me.” Said what I could assume was the captain. The color of his crest was purple, which was a direct variation from all of the rest, seeing how the rest of the guards bore a blue colored crest.

“Wonderful. They all, as I said, require attention. Therefore, I’m asking you escort us all to wherever they can get it. And...” I reached behind me, pulling the knife, still in its holster, and tossed it at the guard. As he caught it I continued, “...if you’d be so kind and get Spade. He’ll know who it’s from.”

“...I’ll get on that. Men, escort them to the barricade.” He practically bolted off, eager to complete his task.

Another guard stepped forward, using the same commanding tone of voice. “You heard him. Follow us, and we’ll see that all of your wounds are treated.” I gave the guard a nod, and gestured to everyone behind me to follow as we were lead on.

We walked for a while, Razor still laying limp in my hold. Luckily, that while wasn’t as long as the word implies. We soon found ourselves walking up to a makeshift barricade that consisted of what I could identify as sandbags, sheet metal, and wooden stakes scattered around, all purposed to defend the entrance to the tunnel.

While there were other tents and such set up inside this area of defense, I was focused on one thing. Finding the medical tent and getting my newfound allies treatment. It didn’t take long with the aid of the guard, since he obviously knew more about this place than I did.

We entered and were met with medic, easily distinguished by the red cross placed on the side of his golden helmet. He eyed Razor, and immediately pointed out a cot I should set her down on. With a nod, I carefully made my way over and set her down gently. Even with my attempt at doing so with finesse, it obviously caused her pain.

Next came in Blaze with Rook, followed by Diamond. The medic didn’t waste time on choosing a place for Rook, while he told Diamond and I to sit in a corner of the tent, seeing how we’d just get in the way.

After watching Razor and Rook get treated, I eventually found myself getting several wrappings of bandages around my neck. Suppose the battle did more than I thought.

“...Not to be unappreciative, but... Can we trust them? Ponies don’t like our kind...” Diamond said, watching with intense worry at her fallen comrades.

“Relax... They’re very trustworthy. And I speak from experience.” I tried to give her a comforting smile, but she let out a slight chuckle. “...What?”

She managed to pull off a legit looking grin, “Just... Your face when you do that... It’s quite funny.”

“Whatever... Now, we wait.” And that’s exactly what we did. Sitting there in silence as we watched my new friends get what they needed. Soon, there was a disturbance outside of the tent, which caused the medic to stop his work and inspect the origins of said disturbance.

When I heard the sound of two sets of hooves coming into the tent, I couldn’t help but look. When I saw it was Spade, I smiled and got off the ground, slowly making my way over to him. “Seems I can’t get a break, can I?” I chuckled after saying that.

He smiled with me, “Naw, where would the fun be in that, kid?” He began to look past me as he spoke, likely looking towards Diamond, who was still sitting behind me. “So, you’ve been making friends have you?”

“You could say that. Came in handy. But...” I looked back to Razor and Rook. “...Seems like I’m not the only one who’s been down on their luck. Which reminds me...” I turned back to him, losing my joyous expression for that of a more serious tone. “I need to see my friends.” He nodded, and stepped aside, making a space small enough for me to slip by (granted it reminded us that there wasn’t much space to begin with).

I gave a nod for a goodbye, and walked past him. After slipping through the flaps of the tent, I took a deep breath, and let out a heavy sigh. So much has happened, and will happen... I began walking towards the exit of the cave. Why couldn’t things just end with sunshine and rainbows?

Author's Note

Fight scenes are the bane of my existence. In the next chapter, it'll be a bit... Skippish, is the word I think. (Yes I know that's not a real word). Anyway... The next chapter should be posted next Friday-Sunday.

Waking Up Furry

Life ain’t always what it’s cut out to be. I learned that the hard way. When you’re just a teen and some random dude walks up to your face and asks you if you want to go to some other world...Run away. I am getting ahead of myself, though. He approached me as I was walking through down the sidewalk near a diner. The man had a strange beard, eyes of different sizes, and a voice that sounded like it came from Star Trek. “Hello there, young one.” He said to me. I just waved with a smile and tried to keep walking by, but was stopped by him. “Quick to get home to the fighting and other drama?” How did he know? “Step inside, and it will all become clear.” He lead me inside and we sat at a booth. “Now, I will tell you the tale of Equestria.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. He knew everything even before what the show had told me. More importantly, how did he know I watched it? “Wow, you really know your fandom.” I said jokingly to him. He still had an crooked smile on his face when he spoke his next words. “Fandom, or truth? Only one way to find out, and that is to leap into it head on.” I gave him a confused look. What did he mean ‘head on’? “Would you dare step into the dangerous world?” I jumped out of my thoughts at his question. Equestria didn’t look too dangerous, so why would he say that? Might as well humor him. I shrugged. “Yes, I would.” His laugh made me feel a little weirded out, mainly because it seemed to echo through the empty diner. “I could send you there, you know. Would you like to experience their world for yourself?” I think I will see how far he will go on this. “Alright, send me there. You can decide on what I am.” He outstretched his hand and I took it, shaking with a firm grip. Light shot from his shoulder to his hand, slowly spreading to me. I couldn’t even move as it started to consume me. “Have fun.” Was all he said as I fell into a dark void.

God, what did he put in my drink? I tried to open my eyes, but they felt...Larger. When I went to move my fingers, they felt bulkier, as did my arms. Adjusting to some of the light, I could see I was in some type of...Let’s call it a treeline. Getting to my feet took some time taking I had paws instead of feet. A note was lodged into a tree. “Good luck, kid. You’ll need it. -Discord” Well, I am going to have a few words with him, and they won’t be clean ones either. In the distance were three voices that sounded like children. I decided it would be best to ask some locals where I was, if I could speak that is.

With even more light blinding me, I made my way to the voices. After adjusting to the light, I could see three little...Oh you’re kidding me. Three foals are right infront of me. A unicorn, a pegasus, and an earthpony. “Hi?” I said in what sounded like a growl. The earthpony and unicorn hid behind the orange pegasus. “W-What do you w-want...?” I gave her a blank look, which she returned. “I want to know where I am, actually.” She cocked her head a little as her friends slowly came out from behind her. “You’re near Ponyville. They don’t like your kind here, after what you did to Sweetie’s sister.” Now you really have to be kidding me. “Let me guess your names. Sweetie Bell, Applebloom, and Scootaloo.” They just stared at me in awe and nodded. “Can you tell me about this area?” They nodded as I sat down on the soft grass.

I put my back to the ground and started panting. It felt surprisingly good, then I remembered why dogs panted. “Sounds like the one I want to talk to is Twilight.” They nodded at me. I looked down at my chest. Black fur with tattered clothes around my body. I decided to make use of my claws and cut them off, but scavenged what I could for later. “Well, guess I better try town.” I called as I literally jumped to my feet. Scootaloo trotted over to me and motioned me to squat down to her level. “Is that a smart idea? I mean, they could do something bad to you.” I gave her a shrug and a smile. They pointed me to the town and my journey began.

The town was bustling with life, at least until I stepped into town. Ponies were glaring at me and telling their foals to go inside, thinking I would try something. A pegasus flew down infront of me with a guitar on his back. His mane and tail were black, his eyes were blue, and his mark was a mix of a sword and guitar. “What do you want?” I shrugged at him. “Looking for a pony who could help me.” The pegasus looked shocked at me. “Hey look, the furball can speak properly.” He’s starting to get on my nerves... “Look, I just want to know where Twilight Sparkle is.” The pegasus laughed at me as more ponies crowded around us. “Look, mutt. Your kind isn’t welcome here, and I highly doubt she would help you.” I gained a smirk, showing some of my sharp teeth. The urge to grab him and smack him around was growing, but my self control kept the feeling in line. “Look, jackflank, I want to know where she is because...Wait, why am I explaining myself to you?” I shoved the flying stallion aside and continued my search, only for him to ram me into the ground. As the pegasus started laughing at me, I decided to listen to the unwise words of my friend. Screw self control. I quickly got to my paws and grabbed his neck. Fear overtook him as I grinned devilishly at him. “Listen closely...Out of respect for the old me, I am going to let you live. Also, I think you wet your coat.” I set him down as he checked himself. This was going to take some getting used to...

After aimlessly walking around, I figured out that I got myself lost. Again. I sat myself against the wall of a home and put my head in my paws. “Now I know how Dr. King felt...” I said half joking. “Dr. King? Who’s that?” I jolted my head up to see a purple unicorn still reading her book, which was levitating in the air. “You sure you want to be caught talking to me?” She looked away from her book and took a few steps back. “For a Diamond Dog, you speak clearly. What are you doing in town?” She sounded extremely scared, but I shrugged. “Looking for you, actually.” She looked like she was about to say something when a familiar voice called out to me. “Hey mutt! Time for you to get out of town.” We turned to see the pegasus being followed by a mob of stallions and mares alike. I went to do a facepalm, but hit myself square in the nose. Stupid long face... “Shut your flap, why don’t you?” That set him off. I got on all fours and began running through the many twists and turns of the town.

“You can’t run forever, furball!” Now that’s seriously offensive. I ran outside of the town and made way for the clearing where I met Scootaloo and her friends. Hopefully they were still there. After a few minutes run, they were. I tried to come to a halt, but I felt something hit my in my leg, causing me to fall and do plenty of rolls until I stopped infront of Scootaloo. “This won’t end well for me, I just know it...” I said aloud as the three filly’s stood around me. Resting on my elbows, I could see what was happening. “Scootaloo? Why would you stand up for him?” Scootaloo backed down a little, but was quickly backed up by her friends. “He’s different, Lisp.” She looked back at me and gave me a wink, which I returned with a smile. It was short lived as they were pushed aside while Lisp took his guitar by the end. I got to my feet and was about to tell him something as he swung it, connecting with my face. I flew to the side and did a faceplant. Slowly getting to my knees, I felt another blow hit my back, sending me down again. “Yikes...What is that thing made of?” I choked out as another blow connected to me. “You’re hurting him!” Sweetie Bell yelled out. Lisp proceeded to hit me one last time, but closer to my neck. God, it hurt so much I wished he would kill me. He put his guitar back where it belonged and trotted away with the crowd. Scootaloo and her friends rushed to my side, all with worried glances. “Are you ok?!” Scootaloo quickly and worriedly said. “How...Do I look...?” They just frowned at me as I tried once more to get to my paws.

“Need some help?” A female voice called out to me. “Help getting beat...No thanks..” I said as Scootaloo and Applebloom aided me. “You’re bleeding.” Oh really? I hadn’t noticed. “Thanks you two...I just need to walk this off...And here we go again!” I fell down a lot quicker than I got up. Only this time, I stayed down.

Painful Beginnings

Ok, I officially need to NOT say anything racist to that pony again. Trying to open my eyes took less of an effort this time. Surveying my surroundings, I can tell that I am in some sort of tiny house. My vision was blurred, but I could make out an orange figure staring me in the face. “Feeling better?” I answered with a slight moan. It feels like I was hungover, and don’t ask how I know what it feels like. She let out a small chuckle, forcing me to give her a painful smile. “Where am I?” My voice sounded rougher than usual. What was that guitar made of? “The Cutie Mark Crusader club house!” Her excited tone forced me to laugh a little harder, still hurting. “Anyway, are there any more ponies I should worry about?” My vision was finally clearing up, making me look in awe at how much effort the three little ponies put into this building. She let out another small chuckle before answering my question. “Well, Rainbow Dash does have a very crazy fiance.” She’s getting married? Who knew. “So, Scoot. What made you stand up for me?” She gave me a small smile. “Most Diamond Dogs would take any filly they see to get their paws on gems. You didn’t.” I thought on what she had said. As far as I know, they are over obsessed with gems. No manners or education. Not to mention every pony I meet is racist. Looks like I need to start making a change.

I ended up talking with Scootaloo for what felt like a few hours. Turns out it was only one and a half. “Wow. He must be one lucky stallion to be with her.” She nodded. “He just better not do anything to hurt her.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her statement. As if on cue, the small door to the club house opened to a black and yellow colored stallion. When he saw me, he looked just a little bit angry. He charged at me, and I put a paw in the air to stop him. “Easy there. Do you really want your marefriend to know that you got beat by a dog?” I gave him a smug smile as Scootaloo just watched. “Bumble, I take it. Scoot told me.” He shot a glance to Scootaloo with a ‘really?’ expression. “So what?” He shot a angry glare towards me. “So...Hi?” I just felt the moment shift to awkwardness. I noticed something off about him, like he wasn’t used to being who he is. “What does the term ‘human’ mean to you?” Bumble jumped out of his trance at the word. He looked like he was lost in his mind again, so I laid back on my arms. If you’re going to wait, why not wait in style and comfort?

“Scootaloo, the other two were looking for you. Something about crusading.” He said suddenly, bringing me back to reality. Must have dozed off, otherwise I would remember seeing Scoot move. She nodded and ran outside. He quickly turned to me. “What about humans?” I knew it, he is sooo easy to read. I gave him the biggest smirk I could do without looking like a retard, still adjusting to this new body. “You tell me.” His eyes started darting all over the place, as if trying to think of some fake story to tell. “Earth to Bumble.” I said in a half annoyed voice. He just stared at me. “Earth? What do you know of Earth?” Welp, now I’m screwed. “What I know is that I can do techno, fight, and play about any instrument you toss at me.” Bumble starred blankly at me. I let out a groan while I got to my paws. “If you need me, daydreamer, I will be outside.” I left before he could respond, barely getting through the tiny door without ripping any of it off. How did they get me in there anyway?

While I was walking down the the dirt road, I could have sworn someone shouted something at me. Turning around, I wish I had kept on walking. Lisp had flown down to me and still had his guitar on his back. “What this time? Let me guess, ‘You were walking on MY road, so now I have to kick your flank’ or something like that?” He lowered his head a little. “Well, who’s the bad guy now?” His head lowered a little more, but jolted back up.

“I came to ask you about some pony named Bumble. He slept with my marefriend.”

I just stared at him. How could anypony be with this guy? “Who’s your marefriend?”

“Octavia.” He looked over my shoulder, only being successful because he was flying, and saw Bumble leave the CMC club house. As he took off, I thought aloud. “Looks like Bumble will owe me one for this.”

Harmony Returned

"Rearing your ugly face again? Man, wonder how Bumble puts up with you." I gave her a smirk. I saw Spade trying to ready his rifle, and Shadow was just staring at her. I need to buy him some time. "And really? Twilight's romance book?" She gave me a grin, but I kept talking. "I don't get you, as you don't get me. Now, we can do this one of two ways. One, you can try to get to Celestia again and I stop you. Two, you just back down nicely and I don't have to get bloody." Her grin grew larger.

"Nothing you do will change the fact that I am unstoppable!" She blared at me, hurting my ears. "This body is stronger than Luna was...Was being the keyword." Everyone looked to her except for Celestia and Spade. "Did you not hear? Pity." I gazed over towards Spade, who had just finished setting his rifle up and was aiming right between her eyes. With a smirk, he shot a bullet at her. The bullet slowly came to a stop in front of her face, spinning around in the air. "You dare strike at me? One of you shall pay for this..." She looked over all of us, the bullet following her gaze, which landed on Shadow.

"Shadow, move!" I yelled as I started running for her, but she was frozen in fear. The kind of fear you get when knowing death is at your door. The bullet took off in slow motion as I got closer to her. As soon as I pushed her out of the way, I turned to see the bullet about to hit me. I closed my eyes and felt intense pain, along with flying backwards. Even with the pain, I managed to open my eyes to see the damage. I had been hit in what felt like the center of my chest. Spade, Shadow, and all of the others looked straight at me, both amazed and confused. "Take her down..." It hurt badly to speak, so I had to keep quiet.

"Not who I was aiming for, but it will do for now." Her devilish smile barely visible at her distance. It was taking all of my strength to keep my eyes on the battle about to rage on. To my luck, me taking the bullet gave Celestia enough time to finish her spell. There was a loud boom before Twilight and her friends flew into the air, getting ready to fire and end it all. As the rainbow shot from the group and struck Nightmare Moon, I could feel my strength getting weaker. By the look on Shadow's face, she must have still been shocked at my action.

My vision had finally started to go as Shadow rushed towards me. I couldn't tell if she would be able to do anything to save me, so I just smiled before hitting the ground. It hurt so much, yet it was all worth it...