Apocalypse: Worlds End or New Beginnings

Chapters

begining of the end
out of the frying pan and into a field of daisys?
acquatinces
hi my name is....
first impressions
the chase
Meeting by chance
whispers in the dark
the morning after
into the night
the garden
The women in red
just not my day
a trip down memory lane
Joining Forces
War
aftermath
Famine
pestilence
Miracle Cure
death
A Fools Errand
making amends
this is war
Terror reborn
Call to arms

begining of the end

It started again the way it has every night of my life as soon as I fell asleep. It was cold and everything I could see would be blurred by my swift passage and unfocused gaze. I was never able to figure out what it was I was being carried past but it would always lead to the same place. A large glade with many hooded figures standing in a circle around a platform in the center of the glade all bearing torches to light the night. whom ever was carrying me would bring me to the platform and lay me gently on it before retreating to some unseen place amongst his comrades. At this point I would seem to rise from my body and look down at the scene that was unfolding before me. I was just a infant my blond hair and green eyes the only thing visible past the blanket I was wrapped in. Another hooded figure would approach me and stand beside the platform the entirety of his face hidden in the shadow of his hood. The infant me would always reach up to the figure wanting either attention or to be held even to this day I don't know why. But the figure just remained as he was completely still earning a whine from the infant me at the lack of attention that soon broke into full on cry's and screams.

Finally the figure moved and I would always shiver from my place above when he did because as he moved he drew a large ornate dagger from within his robes holding it easily at his side. Next he would reach out and unwrap the blanket from the infant me on the platform and. Pull one of my small arms out and cut it quickly earning him a ear splitting scream of pain. The infant me would always struggle to break free of his grip while I would rage and scream at the figure from my place above this scene all ways to the same end, nothing. Holding the infant me in place the figure brought a small bowl under my arm and let the blood pool till it was half full before he would draw it away and release my arm. To turn his back on me and hold the bowl over his head and begin to chant something I've never been able to understand. His chanting would grow in volume and speed along with my infant cry's of pain. Above the figure all the smoke from the torches would start to gather into a large mass and swirl around and around until the chanting stopped. When the chanting stopped a sudden burst of wind would blow out all the torches as the mass of smoke manifested to large piercing red eyes. Before they vanished and it sank down to the bowl and disappear within its confine as it was brought back over the infant me who was still crying and screaming. In a flash the figure would grab my little arm and lift me up by it and bring the bowl to my lips. The blood was now as black as the darkest abyss with little streaks of the deepest red swirling within its depths. Slowly the figure would tilt the bowl until it spilled into my little mouth and all over me until it was all swallowed or staining my skin.

This was always were things seemed a bit weird for as the last drop disappeared down my younger versions throat everything grew deathly silent. Then a small light flickered across my smaller form and when it faded my green eyes fading to a deep crimson red and my hair went black as coal. The figure that held me laughed as he dangled me by my leg upside down for all to see saying.

"Take a good long look ladies and gentlemen this abomination will be the ace in the whole when the time comes." As he spoke the figure removed his hood but his face would always blur and the last thing I always heard was his voice as everything faded saying.

"Yes this little monster will be the key to our rise to power and I cant wait to see him at his full potential."

As I heard this I would always shiver as I awoke but tonight something else happened. When my captors voice left my ears and all was black a single white light shown and I heard a beautiful voice and it sounded like it was singing.

Come little children, ill take the away
into a land of enchantment, come little children
the times come to play, here in my garden of shadows

And just like everything else in my dreams the light and voice slowly faded away as I drifted back into consciousness. But that voice left me with something A sense of peace and that maybe things would be alright but it didn't last for long. I woke up in a cold sweat and tried to rid my mind of that horrid nightmare even though I knew it was in vain. But what puzzled me the most was that voice and the song. Never in my short life have I heard something so beautiful or so powerful. With a heavy sigh I rolled out of the small hamic that was now my bed in the middle of some god-forsaken jungle at some absurd hour of the night and. I Did a quick check of myself and my belongings, eighteen years has past since that horrible night and it shows on me. I stood a solid six feet tall and had a broad and tone build courtesy of running for the past three years. When everything seamed to be in order I decided to stretch With a groan and loud crack and when my groan echoed I realized.. the jungle was completely silent which wasn't a good sign at all. And then with the snap of a twig nearby I grabbed my little back pack and was gone into the bush in a flash.

The hunt was on.. and I was the prey.

out of the frying pan and into a field of daisys?

The chase was short it would seem my pursuers planned their attack with great detail. no matter what direction I turned or form I took they would always be right behind me. Of course im sure the glowing red eyes didn't help matters much. The ill fated chase ended as I ran past a particularly large tree a man stepped from behind it and smacked me in the face with the but of his gun. My world spun and I saw stars the last thing I remember before all went to black was the sound of many feet behind me.

When I finally came too I kept my eyes closed giving the illusion I was still out. The first thing I noticed was the sound of many footsteps and the sounds of something heavy being dragged across the ground. Next I noticed I was bound with chains out of curiosity I decided to shift a little and see how well I was bound and as soon as I did and the chains rattled the entire area went dead silent. Not even the sounds of the jungle around me could be heard until a single set if heavy footfalls signaled someone was approaching me. Then I was jarred into "consciousness" by a solid kick to the side of my head sending me sprawling onto my side.

"We know your awake you piece of shit so quite acting like we are stupid." My assailant said while I sat up and spat out a few teeth still with my eyes closed.

"Some things never change do they Samuel" I said with a bloody smile and opened my eyes to watch him. Unsurprisingly he didn't flinch but I noticed many of the men and women around us did. Cant say that I blame them its not everyday you come across something like me but I chuckled darkly nun the less.

"Your people seem a little skittish Samuel what happened too your other men?" I said grinning knowingly at him as he visibly restrained himself and glared at me.

"You know damn well what happened to them you piece of shit their all In critical condition in various hospitals around the world." He said his ocean blue eyes burning with hatred as he stared at me with every muscle of his body taught and bulging as he fought to control himself.

"Be glad they are in the hospital Samuel" I said my voice losing its mocking tone. "I was in no way bound or required to let them live and yet I did. Why don't you tell me why that is Samuel, tell me why a hell spawn sack of shit like me let them live when I could have slaughtered them all." I said as I looked at him expectantly even though I already I knew what his answer would be.. but hey I can hope cant I.

"You let them live" Samuel said his entire body shacking with barely contained rage. "To try and play with our minds to make us think you aren't what you are." Samuels eyes narrowed dangerously as he spoke and leaned closer until we were inches apart. I sighed heavily as he got closer and said to myself loud enough for him to hear though I doubted he would answer.

"Is it so hard to believe that just because I was tainted by hell that it doesn't mean I am ruled by it?"

"But you don't fool me you demon filth." He said as movement began again behind him and ignoring my question. "But that's ok because after tonight we wont have to worry about the likes of you fowling up our world."

When he finished talking Samuel turned his back to me and went to supervise whatever it was his men were doing. Their was a large complex design traced across the glade in white paint with me at one end and Samuel and a podium on the other. I started to chuckle lightly that morphed into full blown insane laughter that halted everything in its tracks as it sounded throughout the glade. Angry and confused Samuel came up to me and struck me repeatedly doing nothing to stop my laughter.

"Why the hell are you laughing" Samuel screamed in my face his expression not helping to quite my laughter. When I finally regained my composure I looked at Samuel and shook my head saying.

"Do you honestly think that exercising me will work Samuel how many of your men have tried to perform your. Infamous silver hand exorcism and how many of them failed and wound up the hospital."

As I spoke I watched Samuel as if he was the biggest idiot this side of the equator. But his dark grin and glinting eyes soon changed my mood and sent chills down my spine.

"We have one even better than exorcism Thomas" Samuel said spiting out my name like It was poison. As he started back towards his podium and stared at me triumphantly over it.

"We the Silver Hand have finally after all this time combating your ilk. We have discovered a way to send you back to hell where you belong." He announced triumphantly as a large ancient tome was brought to him and he opened it and began to read from it. And as he read the design on the ground began to light up and the sky grew dark and lightning lit the night. As these events unfolded I was watching in horror trying to figure out a way to stop this insane plan of action. Samuel was about ten feet from me so I would have to use range to my advantage and then it clicked. So I bit my lip and waited for the right moment. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long, a funny thing about magic was you could always feel when it reached its peak or was going to be cast. So as Samuels reached its peak I called upon magic of my own and felt it start to take hold, its always a odd feeling turning into another creature. Their was no pain as I expected at first but I could definitely feel my body change and remold itself until their was a five foot spitting cobra where I was sitting not moments ago. Taking advantage of this form and my captors ignorance I reared up spread my hood and spit at Samuel hitting him in the eyes and interrupting his spell. He howled in agony as my venom took affect but I realized I struck too late since a small black hole opened up behind me sucking me and my bag in with me.

For a undefinable amount of time I seemed to float in a void doing my best to hold my breath. Until a blinding white light flashed before me and when I opened my eyes I was hundreds of feet in the air free falling. I looked all around as I fell looking for anything to help but all I saw was a forest going on as far as I could see so I only had one option. Once again I changed shape, where once was a cobra was now a bald eagle floating on the thermals until I found a clearing and landed in the middle of it. Only to nearly jump right out of my skin when my pack hit with a solid bang night next to me.

Ok that's one question down I thought to myself as I looked around me. well it would seem im out of the frying pan and in.... a ..... field of daisy's? Oh well beggars cant be choosers with that going through my mind I shifted once again. This time into a rather large black wolf with glowing red eyes and I slung my pack over my back and began to explore this new place and hopefully find some food. When I arrived in this strange place it was early afternoon but during my aimless wondering the sun had started to set pushing shelter to the front of my thoughts. Thankfully I didn't have look for long I stumbled across a rather large cave and ventured inside. It was rather dark and a strange black substance coated the walls and floors strangely reminding me of aliens. So thinking it better to be safe rather than sorry I shifted again, I grew about a foot my head and face elongated my fingers lengthened and sprouted claws and my entire body became black and smooth. Two large spines formed off my shoulders and a large wicked tail formed last after a quick once over I found a crevice in the wall and curled up inside and. Was just about to go to sleep when what sounded like hooves and insect wings could be heard retreating further into the cave.

acquatinces

I was dragged from my nap by the sound of many hooves striking the ground and voices chattering hurriedly. I angled my head to look out of my little nook to see many strange creatures approaching my hiding spot rather quickly. They looked like small horses or ponies except they seemed to have a hard outer skin similar to my current form, twisted horns on their heads, and small insect like wings. The majority of them stood about four feet high while one, who was obviously in charge by the way the others fallowed it and it carried itself was about two feet taller than the others. Now seeing as I didn't know theses creatures or their intent I figured it best to not be in my little cubby when they got their. So I crept out of my little cubby clinging to the uneven surface of the wall disappearing just as they reached the wall. Had any of them been paying attention they would have seen my tail flick up out of the torch light just before they stopped.

"So tell me little one where is this strange creature?" The leader said its voice marking it as female.

"I don't know my queen" the smaller creature in the lead said. "I watched it change from a wolf to something I've never seen before and then crawl into this little nook." Motioning to my abandoned hiding spot and prompting the female to lean forward and inspect the hole. And then let out a gasp as her horn lit up in a deep green aura and she steped back with a gasp as my bag came floating out wrapped in the same aura. I face palmed and began to crawl to the other wall and then the floor behind the creatures on the floor and waited.

"What the hay is this" The female said as she turned to face the rest of her group and dropped my bag before them. Not another word was said as the creatures stared at my bag confused.

"What should we do with it?" One said looking first at the female them to its companions around it.

"We should destroy it' another said as it reared back on its hind legs waving its forelegs in the air and came back down aiming to crush my bag and its contents. But its hooves never reached their target as at this point I shot forward brushing past the littler creatures and knocking the one off balance as I passed.

"What the hay was that thing" the one said as it picked itself back up.

"That was the creature I was telling you about my queen.....Queen Chrysalis?" was the last I heard as I rounded a nearby corner before sprinting headlong into something. Jarred by the impact I looked up to see the female standing over me eyeing me with a interested yet wary gaze. I tried to back away only to hear many hooves behind me signaling the arrival of the rest of the creatures. With a wary sigh I stood facing the queen and watching as her expression changed from interest to shock as I stood about a foot taller than her. Slowly I raised my hands to try and signal I meant no harm only to have a commotion start behind me and get blasted into a nearby wall. With a annoyed hiss I pulled myself from the floor and turned to see the same creature that wanted to destroy my bag had attacked me. Though they weren't looking at me and I fallowed their gaze and found I was bleeding slowly. It was hitting the ground hissing and disappearing into a hole it had carved into the stone floor. I eyed the creatures with annoyance and faced the queen again and tried to pull the best smile I could and wave. Though I don't think it looked like a smile since she winced and that ass hole creature tried to blast me again. Only this time I ducked under his attack and smacked him with the flat of my tail sending him into the far wall. Apparently the others didn't like this because they all growled at me and dropped into offensive stances their horns glowing. With a sigh I dropped to all fours and bowed my head submissively to try and signal I meant no harm. The queen seemed to relax slightly so I thought I would go for a stab in the dark and try and morph into something similar to these creatures. I pulled on my magic and concentrated and began to feel the change. Their was a chorus of gasps from my "audience" as I changed. I opened my eyes to find myself on eye level with the queen who was staring at me slack jawed. Since I wasn't being attacked I took the time to look myself over and compare myself to the others around me. Where the smaller ones had bluish white eyes the queen had green slited eyes like a snake their bodies were all the same all the way to the green bands around their guts. Where as I knew my eyes were a crimson red slitted or otherwise and the bands were the same color red. Similar to the queen I had a mane and tail were hers was a light blue mine was a light red tint. Content that I mostly resembled these creatures I turned back to the Queen who had backed away a few feet and was still staring at me slack jawed. I waited for someone to say something and when no one did I slowly bowed my head and said.

"Forgive me I meant no harm I am only seeking shelter for the time being if my presence bothers you I will gladly take my leave." Not a word was said and I remained that way until the ground before me was lit by a green light and then all went to black.

hi my name is....

I slowly came back to consciousness to the familiar feeling of being bound and in chains no less. I opened my eyes to find I was bound in the middle of a huge room. Before me stood what appeared to be a wicked throne cut from black stone with the queen sitting on it proudly. All around me the room was filled with more of the creatures and had to look again to make sure I wasn't going crazy. When it looked like their were thousands of the little creatures as the strange light given off by the green torches danced across them hiding most in the shadows.

"What are you" The queen said gone was her curiosity replaced with a cold indifference probably due to my dark nature. I looked at her from my spot in chains and then myself and said.

"The proper question would be what are you." I said motioning to her and then the masses around us. "And what is your name?" The queen scowled slightly as she looked at me and shook her head.

"What I am has no relevance, and neither does my name so answer my question. What are you and how did you find this place are you a spy for Celestia?" As she spoke her glare grew in intensity and when she asked her last question I could feel thousands of eyes boring into me.

"First off what you are does have relevance" I said matter of factly causing the queen to cock a eyebrow sarcastically and growl lightly.

"For you see I am mimicking your kind and have never encountered anything like you before. As for this Celestia person I have no idea who that is or why you are afraid of her but again I mean you no harm." The queens eyes narrowed dangerously as she stared at me a scowl crossing her face. She stood and approached me slowly outwardly calm but her eyes burned with a rage and insecurity I've never seen before. When she got to me she leaned down to my eye level and whispered darkly.

"I do not fear Celestia, I fear nothing" I chuckled lightly since she as she said that name a image of the creature popped into her mind giving me what I needed.

"Oh really" I said grinning mischievously my body began to mold and reshape itself freeing me from my bonds until her worst fear stood before her. And then she did something I never expected the proud Queen dropped to the floor and wept mumbling incoherently as she did. I watched her completely stunned and unable to understand what to do or even say. I reverted back to myself and knelt beside her and placed a hand on the back of her neck. When she felt my hand she froze and then slowly looked at me her eyes puffy from the tears. And her gaze was confused but thoughtful.

"What are you?" She said surprised as I chuckled warmly and gently stroked her mane.

"misunderstood" is all I said as I looked around me looking for my bag and the exit until I found my bag by the throne. I slowly stood and approached the throne to retrieve my bag. As I reached the throne and my bag I heard the sound of insect wings and the clopping of hoofs on stone. I grabbed my bag and turned to find the Queen standing behind me watching me carefully.

"What are you really" she said confused " Your magic has such a dark evil sense and yet you are so kind to me when I have done nothing but question you, and imprison you and interrogate you."

"You aren't the first and you wont be the last one to do such things" I said nonchalantly as I slung my bag across my shoulders.

"Many people I have come upon have named me a monster or demon due to my appearance and ability. I am simply one creature wishing to live in peace and maybe find something more to life." The queen didn't say anything but just watched me as I made my way down from the throne to the end of the chamber and out. I passed many of the creatures that lived here as I went and none tried to stop me. After what felt like hours of wondering I found myself back at the cave that started all this to find the Queen standing at the end waiting for me.

"Were are you going" she asked me puzzled as I walked up to her and sat down with a sigh.

"Were else do the damned and the shunned go to" I asked as I looked at her a little saddened as I prepared myself for the trip ahead.

"They are here" She said looking at me thoughtfully as I shook my head and chuckled.

"You are misunderstood or feared at most." I said as I watched her thoughtfully and she did the same. With a tired sigh I stood and made to move around her only to have her move into my path with a stern look.

"If you would stay I will tell you about this place and all you will face." She said sternly advancing on and pushing me back into a sitting position. And then started to explain to me the way this place worked and how she and her subjects came to be where they were. When she finished her tale I stood and made my way to the cave mouth and turned to her with a smile and said.

"Thank you for you hospitality Queen Chrysalis and everything you have told me." earning a warm smile from her and have her say.

"Please just Chrysalis and you are always welcome here....."

"Thomas my name is Thomas" I said with a smile as I waved at her and she at me before I turned back and left her and her hive in peace.

first impressions

Two days have past since I left Queen Chrysalis and her hive to try and learn more about this world and keep its inhabitant's ignorant to my existence. Not much has happened the occasional predator trying to establish dominance or looking for a quick meal were put in their place. As of late I have been hunting to no avail I guess a six and a half foot tall twenty-three foot long killing machine is kind of hard to miss. Its either that or my camouflage was off so with a thought my skin changed colors to better match my surroundings and the hunt was on. About midway through the day I had singled out a single doe and was slowly pushing her closer to the hole in the ground I called home. Until something spooked the both of us causing the doe to flea in panic and I to growl in frustration, which in hindsight wasn't such a good idea. As I turned my head to face the newcomer I nearly missed it seeing as it barely came level with my knees making roughly four feet tall. Its fur was a light yellow almost like butter with a light pink mane and blue eyes that radiated a timid, loving, motherly strength that put me at ease. It looked up at me its jaw dropping its head craning back and eyes going wide. For a long drawn out moment we simply stared at each other until I snorted in annoyance earning a startled "eep" from the little creature as it jumped in the air and it's wings fluttered in alarm. The sound of the eep marked the creature as female and the little wings as one of the pony races Chrysalis told me about. She hid behind her mane for a short while as I continued to stare at her my boredom clearly etched on my face. After a while when it was apparent I wasn't going to eat her the little pegasus came from behind her mane and approached me slowly looking me up and down as she did.

'What kind of animal are you" She said her voice soft and full of wonder. She slowly made her way from one side of me to the other looking me over.

"Where do you live" she asked her voice oddly tinted with a smidge of concern. As a way of answering I went and curled up in the little hole I called home. Which was nothing more than a little dug out in the side of a small cliff I dug the day before. I had my back to the little pegasus trying to give her a hint to go away but she seemed to miss it completely. Since she slowly trotted forward and poked my shoulder saying.

"Please come with me I'll take care of you this is no place to live by yourself." Their was genuine concern in the little pegasus voice but I didn't pay it much head it would be better for us both if she just left. But no she had to be caringly persistent and continue to bug me till I had enough. In a flash all my fifteen hundred pounds of killer instinct was out of the hole and pushing the little pegasus back to the edge of the small clearing that surrounded my home. Growling and feigning attack doing my best to scare the little pegasus off only to have her try and follow me when I turned my back. With a enraged roar I turned on the little pegusas swiping out at her with my claws just barely missing her and snapping my enormous jaws shut mear inches from her muzzle. For a split second it seemed my plan may have worked but then her entire demeanor changed. Gone was the timid and shy demeanor replaced by strong will and iron nerves, where once her eyes were soft they were now hard and glaring as if she could see my every sin. And the way she stared at me froze me in every sense of the word in place the only coherent thought I could muster was. Holly shit that is terrifying as she came closer I sunk low until my head and belly rested on the ground looking up at her utterly terrified.

"That was completely un called for" she said her voice was still soft but it held such authority one couldn't help but obey

"Now you be a good boy and fallow me and I'll take care of you.... if that's ok." As she spoke she returned to her timid nature, fearing to release the beast again I simply nodded and fallowed. We quickly left the forest to find a cute little cottage sitting all alone on a hill surrounded by pens and roaming woodland creatures. The closer we got to the little house the more all the animals panicked or just outright ran away. All save one, their was a rather large brown bear lying in front of the door eyeing the Pegasus with interest. Though when his eyes fell on me they narrowed dangerously and all the fir on his body stood on end a deep growl echoed from his chest. Next he stood on his hind legs towering almost three feet over me and made as if he was going to attack only to stop when he caught sight of the little pegasus again. I craned my neck forward over her body so I could look down on her face from above and almost jumped back in fear. Their was that damned stare again and judging by the bear I wasn't the only one afraid of it. The bear quickly cowered off to the side of the door. Letting us pass earning a pat on the head from the pegasus and a solid smack across the face with my tail as I passed by. I didn't get to see its reaction since the little pegasus pulled me inside and then closed the door and turned to face me looking around her house. She continued forward deep in thought and that's when I noticed she had what looked like a tattoo of butterfly's on her flank. Huh must be that cutie mark thing Chrysalis told me about. I thought to myself completely missing the fact she was trying to get my attention until she turned and fully faced me and said.

"Is their something wrong little guy?" She actually sounded concerned and tried to rest her hoof against my forehead. As if she was checking me for a fever but it was way out of her reach plus. Who the hell does she think she is calling a Utah raptor little guy of all things. I snorted in annoyance again causing her to jump and eep allowing me better access to her house. As I walked on the hardwood floor the claws on my feet clacked and scraped leaving gauge's and scratches where ever I went. The little pegasus quickly recovered and began to trot alongside me until we came to a door and I reached out to open it only to have her stop me and say.

"no no lets get you some rest first and have Twilight look at you then you can go outside with all the other critters ok?" Her voice was so soft and pleading and her eyes so large and innocent. It was hard to imagine this cute little thing nearly scared the shit out of me not even a hour ago. With that said she turned and led me to another door this one she let me open to reveal a spacious room and a large bed with a few rugs here and their. I walked inside at the pegasus insistence and looked around it was actually quite nice real homey.

"Now you can rest here" she said as she started to close the door. "Im going to get my friend Twilight she would love to see you ill be right back ok?" I nodded in acknowledgment to show I understood and she closed the door leaving me to my own devices. I decided to take a nap to pass the time and sleeping on the bed was out of the question. Sleeping their in this form would ruin it and it would probably scare the little pegasus out of her mind. If she opened the door and found something else in this room besides what she let in. So with a sigh I curled up on a rug on the corner my back in the sunlight of a nearby window and I drifted off to sleep but it was short lived. I was awoken by the tail tail clop of hooves on wood and two voices outside the door getting closer.

"Ohh wow Fluttershy a whole new species of animal I cant wait to see what it looks like." One voice said probably belonging to that Twilight character the pegasus was talking about.

"Oh yes he is quite something" came the quite reply "He is like nothing I have ever seen so I thought you should get to see him first after all you are the smartest unicorn I know Twilight." My eyes snapped open and I stared at the door in apprehension as three things went through my mind. 1 Chrysalis told me unicorns can use magic 2 use of magic means magic or aura sensitivity. And finally 3 im fucked. The pegasus was the first to open the door followed shortly after by the unicorn. Whose eyes grew wide and then narrowed dangerously when she saw me and she quickly put herself between me and the pegasus her glowing a purple color to match her coat.

"Twilight... what are you doing?" Fluttershy said looking back and forth between her friend and I with concern.

"Fluttershy" the unicorn said glaring at me hard as if she was trying to kill me with just her stare. "This thing is evil its a miracle it hasn't tried to harm you or anypony else for that matter." The pegasus gasped in shock and looked at me with fear filled eyes. And then I did something that common sense was screaming not to do.

"Would you believe me if I said im not as bad as you think?" I asked trying to hold my hands up defensively. sadly this only earned a squeal from the pegasus and. Then the unicorn shot some sort of magic at me with missed and I bolted out the closest window running blindly realizing too late I was heading into a town. A town that had all sorts of ponies in it pegasus, unicorn and then earth ponies as Chrysalis called them but none of that mattered all I knew for sure was I was screwed.

the chase

The little town was quickly approaching with the unicorn hot on my tail firing off random spells trying to hit me. Thankfully I was much faster than her but then their was the pegasus who was flying and able to keep pace with me. Oddly enough she was trying to convince me to stop and try and talk to her friend. Of course that idea was completely blow out of the water when a random spell detonated directly underneath me, sending me airborne for a short while. Thankfully the closer we got to town the less the unicorn would cast spells. But this also meant she was aiming more not just spraying and praying. It would seem the town knew we were coming because the streets were deserted as I raced past windows I could catch glimpses of ponies peeking out in fear. As town square drew closer their was something unintelligible yelled behind me that was answered in kind by two voices somewhere before me. When I looked ahead their were two other ponies coming from the other sides of the square trying to box me in. Except they left a side street open, so naturally I went for it thinking I was home free. But the spells seemed to stop flying and the world around me went deathly silent as if the world were holding its breath waiting to see what happened next. As I neared the street time seemed to slow as I caught sight of movement out of the corner of my eye. Then one minute im running full steam ahead for the street and the next, their is a slight weight on my shoulders and im yanked backwards only to land jarringly hard on my back. My vision swam and my head and ears rang like a gong. But I could faintly hear hooves coming closer to where I lay and the rope get tighter, almost painfully so. When my vision finally cleared I could see I was surrounded by the two ponies from before and then four more. One was a light blue with a rainbow mane and tail hovering above me watching me like a hawk. Then their was the unicorn her coat was white as newly fallen snow and a mane of purple styled to perfection. To her left was a orange pony with a blond mane and old worn out Stetson sitting on her head with a the rope around my neck tied to her tail? And then their was the final pony who had a bright pink coat and a bouncy dark pink mane and tail her blue eyes were huge and glittering with interest as the stared down at me.

"Hi what is your name, do you like cake, do you like to party, what is you favorite flavor of ice-cream, oh oh what are you I've never seen anything like you before and I know Everypony in Ponyville. So that must mean you are new here and don't have any friends ill be your friend would you like to be my friend?" The pink pony said bouncing up and down in place positively beaming with excitement. I just stared at her for a long second before asking no one in particular.

"Is she serious or all of you just screwing with me."

All the ponies recoiled when I spoke all except for the two from before and the pink one. Then the white pony caught my attention when I saw her looking me up and down with a critical eye and said.

"Gracious me its not bad enough that it is a affront to everything fabulous but it can talk too what next will Discord save the world?"

I gave the unicorn a withering glance that made her shiver slightly but nothing more as she looked to the other unicorn and said.

"So what is this thing and what is it doing in ponyville and why did we need to catch it?"

"I can answer that" I said rolling over onto my feet and getting a solid yank on the rope in return.

"You had to chase me down and capture me because your friend here" I said motioning to the purple unicorn with a claw and a cold glare.

"She took one look at me and immediately labeled me a monster when I have done no wrong to anything or anyone on this world."

When I said this all the ponies looked at the unicorn in question with deep frowns on their faces. The unicorn looked between me and her friends her mouth agape.

"What it is evil I feel it from this things magic, its so dark and malicious what else could it be?" She said her voice broken and unsure at first but strengthened as she spoke and looked me accusingly.

"Misunderstood?" I said tiredly earning a annoyed snort from the Unicorn and a few heads shaking in disbelief. Again all the ponies looked at me with scowls except the pink one who was watching me with a curious expression. I let out a sad sigh and stood earning a squeal of fear from some of the ponies. The country pony yanked on the rope again aiming to pull me over again. Only to get a angry growl and a cut rope since I reached up and cut it easily with one of my clawed fingers.

"So are you all going to stand their like idiots or are we going to get whatever you captured me for done and over with?"

After I said that their was a loud gasp and everyone looked at the pink pony who was looking at her friends with a confused look and said.

"Wait why are we being so mean to him he hasn't don't anything wrong to anypony. Sure he looks a little scary but he seems nice enough."

"That's the problem pinkie" The purple unicorn said Twilight I think it was. " We just don't know what its intentions are so we have to get rid of it before it can do any harm to anypony."

"But what if we reformed him like Discord or took him before the princesses surely we don't have to get rid of him" The pink one said genuine concern and sorrow in her voice.

"Im afraid we cant take that chance pinkie we must be rid of it before it can hurt somepony." With that said they all turned back to were I was standing to find me gone. Had they bothered look up they would have seen my tail disappear onto a nearby roof. I spent the rest of that day dodging ponies in a attempt to get back to the woods and I finally made it around sunset and wandered until I found a simple place to rest. That night was no different from any other I had my usual dream until the end where again I heard that voice and song but this time their was also a light and. A silhouette of what appeared to be a large dark blue pony with a long flowing mane and tail, with both a horn and wings. The pony seemed to be looking at me and then its eyes lit up solid white and then I saw beautiful country side wrapped in gentle shadow's and lit by the pale moonlight then that voice came again much louder but still beautiful and it sang.

hush now dear children, it must be this way

To weary of life and deceptions, rest now my children

for soon we'll away, into the calm and the quite

Had anybody been passing by they would have seen a smile spread across my sleeping form. As I relinquished myself to the blissful embrace of sleep and this new dream thinking to myself.

tomorrow is a new day and bound to be better.

When the next morning came I awoke feeling giddy and refreshed though the feeling disappeared like mist before the morning sun. When the events of the last couple of days returned to my mind stripping me of any happy feeling and replacing it with a all to familiar cold disappointment. When Chrysalis told me of this place I had hoped a people ruled by friendship and kindness would be more open to the idea I wasn't a monster. But it would seem even the friendly are victim to the common rule of the world "If it seems evil it must be their is no other explanation". So it was with a sad sigh and heavy heart that I began again my quest to reach the edges of the map and live in peace for as long as possible.

Meeting by chance

A single day has passed since my near destruction at the hooves of a well meaning pony, but hey you know how the old saying goes "the road to hell is paved with good intentions". Half way through the day as I was trecking through the forest I realized something... I left my bag at the dugout I was sleeping in. With a frustrated sigh I turned back to the direction I came from and began the long hike back to that part of the forest.

The day had long since past the afternoon hours settling on dusk waiting for the moon to take its place in the sky. As I drew closer to the clearing I slept in only the night before the forest grew quite and their was the sound of many hooves tromping through the under brush. In a flash I shifted to something small and inconspicuous and darted up the nearest tree and just in time. As I settled myself amongst the branches a large group of ponies adorned in gold and white armor trotted past heading for the clearing. Curious I followed from the trees and watched as the group of ponies made it to the clearing only to find almost double their number already their. And at the head of them all was a large unicorn yelling something with a piece of paper floating in front of him for all to see. It was a rather detailed drawing of the form I was in yesterday it even had the colors, height, and other such important info. I scanned around the little clearing and found that their wasn't any other unicorns aside from the one with the picture. So as long as I avoided him I could sneak in as a guard and ensure they don't find anything they shouldn't. With a smirk I checked to see if the coast was clear and dropped from my tree and walked out a pegasus in white and gold armor, doing my best to mimic the attitudes of those around me. I had just made it to the hole which none of the ponies seemed interested in and peered inside to find my bag right where I left it. As I was trying to think of a way to get it out of here without the guard noticing a loud commanding voice yelled out.

"Pegasus form up"

Startled I looked up to see all the other pegasus line up in front of the unicorn and then look over at me as if they were waiting for something. With a start and a mental note to pay more attention I bolted over to the line taking place on the end farthest from the unicorn. He simply hung his head and sighed before looking back up and addressing us.

"All right you boys are to report back to the princesses in canterlot and tell them we didn't find the creature Twilight reported. But we did find some odd tracks while me and the rest start the hike back and meet you their later this evening any questions?" When no one said anything he then yelled

"Dismissed"

With a bustle and the sound of many wings we were off. I hung towards the back to try and avoid getting into conversation or having one of them ask me who I was or any other such situation. Thankfully nothing happened since the guards ponies were completely silent the entire flight. Then we reached our destination it was a beautiful city built into the side of a mountain all its towers topped in gold. All its streets clean and pristine it looked for all its worth like a slice of heaven on earth and then I saw the castle. I almost fell from the sky when I say it and to think I thought the city was beautiful. The fading evening sunlight lighting it up painting it a warm orange and reflecting off the golden tops like mirrors. And the closer we got the more I was amazed by the intricate designs and superior craftsmanship along the walls. And then their was the inside, im sure I looked like a complete idiot gawking and staring at everything we passed once inside. In fact I was so engrossed in the beauty of my surroundings I failed to notice we were approaching a massive room. It wasn't until I tried to pass through the doorway only to have my hindquarters stop. And the area inside the door lit up red I only had time mentally kick myself for not paying attention before electric pain shot through my entire body. I screamed bloody murder as I was shocked mercilessly before it finely stopped both to my pleasure and dismay. It was to my pleasure for obvious reasons but to my dismay because when it stopped it sent my paralyzed body flying across the football field length room. Only to slam face first into a stone wall with a sickening crack. When the world finally stopped spinning and my senses went back to normal I did the first thing any sensible person would do...

"Whose dumb ass idea was it to put a electric barrier spell on that door." I yelled rubbing my aching head to alleviate the pain. Only to rub harder and groan when I heard the sound of hooves on stone behind me and a voice say sternly.

"That would be mine and my sisters dumb ass idea as you put it"

When I heard that voice I froze up their was something about it that screamed authority. And upon consideration of the length of the room I was just thrown across I dreaded turning around to face those behind me. I guess I took too long in deciding what to do since their was the sound of someone clearing their throat behind me. Slowly and with one eye closed tightly a look of absolute despair etched on my muzzle I turned around. Their before me were two ponies one was a bit taller than the other with a ever flowing multi colored mane, and a coat as white as newly fallen snow. Her beautiful magenta eyes looking at me scornfully as her and her sister continued to trot towards me. Her sister was just a little bit bigger than the other ponies I encountered. She had a dark blue coat and long flowing mane with white spots that looked like stars scattered through out like the pony from my dreams. They were similar to the other ponies although they were bigger and had both wings and horns. I believe Chrysalis called them alicorn's. As they both drew near they halted and a mixture of emotions flew across their faces almost too quickly to read before a mask of mock interest was placed over their features. Then the white one gave a almost unperceivable nod and a pony disappeared through a door somewhere to my left.

"Are you alright my little pony?" The white one asked as she looked down at me and her sister just glared.

"What say you we just cut to the chase shall we?" I asked tiredly knowing full well they knew I wasn't one of their ponies.

"Very well" The smaller one said " Wouldst you be the beast young twilight reported terrorizing Ponyville?"

"First off I wasn't terrorizing that town I was being terrorized myself" I said looking them in the eye earning a scoff from the blue alicorn while her sister was completely un responsive.

"I was trying to find out what I could of this place and find somewhere to call home away from anything that lives here. But no that little pegasus had to stumble onto my camp and insist and then stare me into submission and force me to follow her to town. Where she promptly went to get her unicorn friend who only took one look at me and labeled me evil and attacked me. she didn't even give me a chance to properly defend myself. Then their was the chase through town...." When I saw the bored expressions on their faces I knew they already heard all this and said.

"Of course you already know that don't you?" They shook their head yes and just continued to watch me until the white one finally broke the silence saying.

"What are you and why are you in our castle surely you are not stupid enough to try and attack us here?"

"What I am has no relevance" I said tiredly standing causing the two too step backwards a few steps, most likely to keep me at a certain distance.

"The fact of the matter is that despite what you think I mean you no harm and just want to live in peace." Again the blue one snorted in annoyance while the white one didn't respond. The white one had a thoughtful look about her and was about to speak until her sister beat her to the punch coming forward and staring me in the face saying.

"Enough of your lies and games what are you, how did you get In the castle and what are you planning." As she spoke her temper grew shorter and shorter and then she seamed to flicker in and out. One second she would be the pony before me and then their would be a pony the same size as her sister with a all black coat instead of blue, the rest of the features would remain the same. I was to stunned by what I saw to respond until she absolutely screamed in my face saying.

"What are you and what are you planning you monster don't even think of lying to us.' When she screamed I lost it I have done nothing to theses creatures and yet they treat me like a convicted criminal. So I retaliated with a scream of my own saying.

"How dare you speak of lies to me when your very appearance is a lie." She seemed stunned by what I said and I took this opportunity to search her for her fears. And I quickly found it just as she was regaining her composure and preparing a retort.

"What is it talking about sister?" the white one said looking at her sister with concern.

"First off im a he not a it" I growled giving the white alicorn a angry glare. "And secondly your sister has hidden her true appearance behind a spell for fear of rejection.... yours to be exact"

"Why would she fear my rejection" The white one asked looking at me like I was a fool and then at her sister with concern.

"Well how the hell should I know" I shot back angrily throwing my hooves up in exasperation. "That's a question you should be asking her yourself"

Their was a long drawn out silence as the white alicorn watched her sister with concern before finally walking up next to her and placing a wing over her back.

"you know you can tell me anything you know that right Luna?" Their was sniffing and a single tear fell from Luna's face hidden behind her mane.

"Not this dear sister I fear this problem is something I can not show you. For if I do I fear you will reject me or worse banish me to the moon again that is why I cant show you Celestia." Celestia looked dumbfounded at her sister completely lost for words and Luna just sat their and cried. For the longest time no one said anything only the growing sound of hooves outside every door marking that the world was still turning without us. Finally tired of seeing the little one cry I slowly approached her earning a withering glance from her sister but I ignored it. when I reached her I lifted her face to look me in the eyes with my own and backed off allowing her to regain her composure before I continued.

"I'll make you a deal little one you remove your disguise and I will show you the form I wear most deal?" I asked doing my best at a reassuring smile Celestia was still trying to kill me with a glare it would seem as she didn't say a word.

"I promise nothing bad will come of this you need to show someone eventually and it might as well be now." I said dropping my head low when she started to sulk again to gain her attention. Finally she agreed and we backed away from each other I with my back against the wall once again, and her with plenty of open space between us and then between her and her sister as well. Her horn lit up and she closed her eyes and faced the floor then their was a blinding flash of light and the little alicorn wasn't so little anymore. Where once her coat was dark blue now it was black, her tail and mane stayed the same as they were. The biggest difference I think was her eyes they were still teal in color but her pupil was a vertical slit like you would see on a snake. She looked at me and I smiled reassuringly at her and then she looked at her sister and all the life left her face. Her sister was staring at her with such anger and scorn it made me shiver.

"So Nightmare Moon we meet again how long have you been here this time?" Celestia asked her voice colder than artic winters as she began to circle her sister murder in her eyes.

whispers in the dark

I could only sit there and watch as the situation between the two sisters quickly deteriorated. As vile accusations were shot by one while the other begged and pleaded only to go unheeded. Celestia was circling Luna like a cat would a mouse screaming at her asking where she was. I couldn't help but laugh to myself at this I mean sure she looked different but Luna was still in front of her and cowering no less. As I watched the scene unfold it reminded me of "What a Shame" by Breaking Benjamin I even pondered breaking into song to defuse the situation. But a bright glow coming from Celestia's horn blew that idea to bits. As the spell was cast Luna cowered on the floor unmoving, realizing Luna's inability to move and Celestia's intent to maim. I shifted back to my human form and was off in a flash hoping to reach the cowering princess before the spell. It quickly became apparent I could beat the spell but not get Luna out of the way. So with a horrendous crash, billowing smoke, and searing pain my objective was completed. The smoke cleared to reveal Celestia glaring hard at us expecting to see Luna but not me standing their. I completely ignored the cold confused stare coming from Celestia and the flurry of questions from Luna to concerned with my injury. On my chest directly over my heart the skin was burned away to reveal ash grey scales that were quickly falling away to reveal charred hide beneath. All was quite for a long pause as they two pondered what to do and I tried to maintain my hold on conciseness. With some groans of discomfort and a few choice words the skin quickly covered the wound making it appear as if it had healed itself. Righting myself I faced Celestia properly a look of confusion dominating her features but her anger was still their.

"What are you" She asked her voice more controlled but still cold and hateful and It sent shivers down my spine. I prepared myself for what was to come and closed my eyes taking a long relaxing sigh. Allowing minor changes to my appearance, but none that would be seen right away.

"Their are some questions best left unanswered" I said letting my voice drop to a growling bass and opening my eyes giving Celestia a start. Seeing as my eyes were like Luna's except crimson red and for a much darker reason.

"So tell me my dear is this one question you truly want answered?"

"Indeed it is now answer me" Celestia said her temper flaring up once again. I chuckled to myself the sound vibrating the very ground we stood on.

"I will once you answer one question of my own." I stated matter of factly as Celestia huffed in annoyance and Luna remained were she was behind me to afraid to interfere.

"Tell me dear princess how can you take one look at me and automatically deem me a monster when I don't look it. But when it comes to your own flesh and blood who looks different but shows no sign of malice you attack her without hesitation." I asked her my voice calm almost uncaring as she huffed at me and glared before giving her reply.

"I don't have to answer that but you do have to answer me" she said glaring at me daring me to challenge her. And that was one challenge I had no problem accepting.

"Allow me to remind you princess I am not one of you little ponies" I said aggravation finding its way to my voice.

"I am in no way bound to answer you out of anything more than respect and the hope of preventing conflict. But seeing as only my answer will loosen you lips I will do you one better and show you what I am" As my words settled I let the change happen first I fell forward onto all fours as my hands and feet grew fearsome black claws. A searing pain began on my back like the flesh was being ripped from my back, which in a way it was. As huge black wings shot up and I began to grow to impossible heights. Then it was all completed by a blinding arc of fire flying from my body and across the room. And then when the light faded and my guests sight returned to them they both jumped back and screamed in fear. For now I was a midnight black dragon the spines and spikes that dominated the back of my head and neck scraped the sealing. Even though I hung my head low not having enough room to stretch my neck to its full length. That was a good twenty feet from the floor and with every movement or intake of breath. When the scales on my body moved light as if from a flame could be seen flickering behind them darkly.

"Now Celestia I look the part of the beast but yet I act not like one so answer my question." I said my voice rattling everything in the room from the thrones to the ornate windows and every door. Another long pause passed as both princesses just stared at me dumbly. Slowly I lowered my head to Celestia's eye level. giving her a questioning look as she just stared at me.

"Are you going to answer princess?" I asked my voice mocking and mirthful. "Or must I present you with the answer I believe to be correct.?" Again nothing was said and I just chuckled to myself vibrating the room once more before I shrank back to human form and made myself comfortable on the floor. Surprisingly enough Luna was the first to speak as she approached and look down at me as I lounged on the floor.

"What matter of beast are you I can sense great evil in you and yet. You are nothing but polite and even put yourself in harms way for me when I condemned you why?" I cracked open a eye and looked up at her as she looked down at me confused I chuckled and said.

"Dear princess have you forgotten already what I said before. I mean you no harm I simply wish to live in peace"
I did my best to give a reassuring smile but it was broken by a painful cringe from the wound hidden on my chest. It would seem Celestia's magic did more damage than I originally thought. So that meant I would have to rap up this little meeting as quickly as possible. But it was at this time that Celestia decided to speak up.

"So you claim to mean us no harm and yet you can supposedly see our worst fears. How do we know you arnt simply scouting us out for a later attack?" She asked raising a quizzical brow at me earning a chuckle from me in return, that was again cut short by pain in my chest. Groaning I stood and gave her my best smile trying to hold a nonchalant pose despite the rising pain in my chest.

"Truly princess if I wished you gone it wouldn't take much effort" I said flatly staring into Celestia's eyes with a bored expression earning a angry growl in return.

"I speak nothing of the truth my lady all I need to know is what you fear most and I can make that a very real possibility" As I spoke the very thought I sought flashed across Celestia's mind giving me what I needed. But when I learned what it was she feared it took all I not to fall over laughing.

"Oh that is rich truly princess is that what you fear most?" I asked between pants and laughs earning a scowl from Celestia and a confused look form Luna.

"What is it?" Luna asked looking back and forth between me and her sister worry etched on her face.

"Will you tell her princess or shall I?" I asked openly mocking Celestia for her childish fear. And when nothing was said I took the liberty to tell Luna myself. But first I changed to someone more appropriate, my hair thinned out until it was all but shaved off. My muscles bulged and formed to a body more fit for grueling survival, and then lastly my eyes became a dark grey color that reflected white whenever white reflected off of them. I looked over my shoulder at Luna and smirked saying.

"Your sister fears monsters, but not just that she fears at what time they come." I then turned back to Celestia ignoring Luna's protests of incomprehension and held my hands out to my sides as if over candles and said to Celestia.

"You're not afraid of the dark, are you?" and dropped my hands and as they fell total darkness fell over the hall. As soon as darkness fell their was a ear splitting scream from Celestia and she began to cower where she stood twitching and looking to and fro as if expecting something to attack her. I watched on in pity as she whimpered and Luna only watched in complete silence to stunned to speak. Deciding it was time to do something about this sad scene I began to approach Celestia and as my bare feet slapped against the stone floor. Celestia's head swiveled towards the sound but she kept looking all around as if she expected me to attack from some other direction. I stopped when I was in arms reach and crouched before her seeing she was now on the floor whimpering like a lost child.

"You know Celestia there is nothing here to fear especially in you sisters domain." I stated bluntly causing Celestia to jump back and yelp in surprise.

"Stop this at once I beg you" Luna said behind me as she began to approach us. But a hand held up stopped her as I said.

"You may not believe me but I don't gain pleasure from seeing you like this Celestia. In fact if you will calm down and trust in your sister all will as it should be." When I finished speaking Luna looked at me worried as Celestia just continued to whimper and whine. And I shrugged and motioned her over and moved so she could take my place before her sister. She looked at me confused only to have me motion to her sister with a nod and I began to back away to give them space.

"Tia everything is alright im here nothing is going to hurt you." Luna said draping a wing comfortingly over her sister. which was quickly grabbed and pulled tight over her body as the shivers began to subside.

"Celestia trust me their is nothing here that will hurt you, nor will their ever be on any night that I watch so relax please and trust me." Slowly Celestia stopped shaking all together and then all was silence broken only by the occasional shuffle of a hoof or wings. Then a long sigh could be heard and as it left its bearer the ceiling lit up with stars to bath the room in their soft light. Both sisters looked to each other and embraced warmly and as they did light returned to the room to find me back to my human form sitting with my back against the farthest wall holding my chest trying to regulate my breathing. Luna jumped up and rushed over and tried to inspect me for injury her sister was much more reserved in her actions, approaching me with calm steady strides.

"you are unwell let us help you" Luna said trying to gently push me to my feet only to be pushed gently aside as I stood with a grimace.

"I will be fine twas but a flesh wound nothing more" I said taking a deep breath and facing the two before me properly. Only to look to each door as the sound of hooves scraping and shuffling alerted me to the presence of many ponies at every door.

"Now that our little meeting has come to an end allow me to leave you two with these things to think on." I said as I slowly approached Luna first and ran a hand gently along her muzzle and through her mane saying.

"Where I come from their is a saying yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift that it is why its called the present. Worry not so much on how others view you but how you view yourself that in the end is what truly matters." With a gentle smile I left Luna and turned to her sister who was watching me with a expression I couldn't read, and we stared at one another for a long second before she spoke.

" You are a strange creature first you reveal to me what Luna truly looks like. Then in a crude way helped me and Luna to come closer together, and gave me the courage to face my fear. So tell me honestly what are you?"

" In all honesty im not entirely sure what I am, im not really human any more I have demonic power and perceptions. And yet im not a demon either because it is locked away but still taints my very soul and caused me so much heart ach." I said sadly the first tears I've felt in years threatening to overcome me though I wouldn't let them.

"Now if you would be so kind as to dismiss the guard at all the doors or must I risk damaging one of your beautiful windows?" Both princesses looked at each other and then the doors around the room before motioning to one of the windows towards the middle of the room.

"We can not dismiss them after all they have undoubtedly heard through those doors but that window swings open outward that should allow you easy passage." Luna said watching me with a unreadable expression. I nodded my thanks and approached the window to have it open wrapped in a golden aura. I looked back and smiled warmly at Celestia before leaping from the window and changing back to the dragon spreading my wings and pumping them slowly to level out and then gain altitude. And as I watched the sun slowly fell and the moon took its place full and bright gently blanketing the world in its soft glow. As I searched for their fears I learned a thing or two about the alicorn sisters namely their control of their name sakes in the sky and smiled. As it would seem Luna did me one small favor allowing me plenty of light to navigate by. And with a pained sigh I dropped the illusion across my chest allowing myself a good look at my wound. The charred flesh was now cracking and bleeding profusely with my heart beating insanely behind it. So I pushed forward with all I had making it back to the forest I have stayed at in a matter of minutes. But I didn't get much father as the blood loss and insane heart rate finally got to me and I flickered in and out of conciseness. One minute im flying beside the moon in the night sky and the next im falling then I've crashed with searing pain all across my body. I had just enough energy to change back to a human and climb to the edge of the crater I made before I complexly faded to black.

And then I heard voices far off at first but they began to become clear and I could understood what was being said.

"We must help him doctor surely their is something we can do."

" I don't know my lady none of us are familiar enough with his anatomy to even begin to proscribe treatment."

"With what you do know what would you recommend"

"with what little I know I think the best bet would be a tissue graft with magical stimulation to be the safest bet, but who would donate?"

"I will"

"B.. but the implications that would mean.."

"I know exactly what it means now do it"

"As you wish your majesty prepare for the procedure." And then all faded away once again, but not to black but white. And then I saw a familiar shape began to form. A large pony with both horns and wings and flowing mane. And then a voice like a angel singing as I seemed to fly past beautiful moon lit landscape

follow sweet children, ill show thee the way
through all the pains and the sorrows, weep not poor children
for life is this way, murdering beauty and passion.

And then blissful sleep claimed me and all the world was lost to me as I slept ignorant of what was going on around me.

the morning after

Slowly my senses returned to me, first my sense of touch, then hearing, and so on. Until finally sight was all that had yet to return. So for a long while I lay their and I tried to learn what I could from my other senses and asses the situation. From what I could tell I was lying on stone the sound of flames flickering back and forth gently could be heard but their was no burning smell. And then slowly my vision began to return to me and at first even with my eyes open all was black and as my vision cleared I could see a ceiling and walls all black or dark in color lit by a soft green light. With a loud groan I began to try and shift my weight and maybe even stand. Only to have a hoof placed on my gut to keep me in place and I was surprised to see who the hoof belonged to, though given my surroundings I shouldn't have been. Their standing over me was none other than Queen Chrysalis with a concerned look and a smile.

"Well its about time you woke up we were beginning to wonder if you ever would" She said a mischievous glint in her eye. I looked at her confused and asked her

"We what do you mean we?"

"We as in me and the good doctor who performed the procedure" She said matter of factly. And as if on queue another changeling walked into the room and made their way over to were I was laying. When the changeling got to me it began to poke and prod my chest were I was burned. When I felt no pain I looked down confused and what I saw made my jaw hit the floor. Their on my chest where the burn had been was now glossy black with streaks of neon green running through it at random. As I stared in confusion the changeling looked at it and then said to me the voice marking it as female.

"It would seem the procedure was a successes, you are lucky we were able to patch you up thanks to Queen Chrysalis's willingness to donate tissue."

I simply stared dumbly at the two before me, Chrysalis was actually blushing for some reason and the little changeling was looking at Chrysalis and then me expectantly. For a long while nothing was said as the changeling kept looking at Chrysalis as if she was supposed to say something. But every time Chrysalis would make eye contact with either me or the other changeling her blush would grow and she would quickly look away, that is until the changeling said.

"Are you going to tell him my queen or shall I?" Chrysalis looked at her subject first eyes wide with shock then narrowing in reproach. She had just opened her mouth to scorn the changeling no doubt. But I beat her to the punch asking quietly and confused.

"What is she talking about Chrysalis?" And as soon as those words were out of my mouth all of her anger seemed to fade and be quickly replaced by her prior embarrassment and blush. Slowly Chrysalis turned and faced me looking anywhere but at me her cheeks a rosy pink color. Had I had time I might have found the look cute or endearing but at the time I was too concerned with what was being left unsaid. Finally finding her nerve Chrysalis looked me in the eye and said.

"When we found you in that crater you made it was obvious you were gravely injured. So we brought you here to try and help but none of us knew enough about your anatomy to do much. That is until the suggestion was made for a tissue transplant but none were willing to donate so I did." As she spoke her blush seemed to grow in intensity and when she finished speaking she turned her side to me. To reveal a hole in her chitin revealing the soft tissue beneath it were a cutie mark would have been on a pony. I looked at it for a while and then at Chrysalis who had a nervous smile on her face and her eyes seeming to try and read my expression for something.

"Your forgetting a very important piece of information my queen." The changeling said as she turned and made her way back out the direction she came. I looked at Chrysalis after the little one left raising a questioning eyebrow at her and waited for her to explain. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long though her blush did intensify for some odd reason but when she spoke her voice was quite and I had to strain to hear what she said.

"Their is a long standing tradition amongst us changelings. Seeing as we are all female we would have to find a mate outside of our race." I nodded in understanding as she spoke though I was stunned to learn the entire race was female. "When we found said mate if we trusted them enough we would reveal ourselves to them and present them with a piece of our chitin. Which was usually worn as a necklace or medallion or in cases like yours bound to their very body's forever marking them as a changelings mate. And if said changeling happened to be a Queen or Princess it would allow the recipient to tap into the hive mind." When she finished speaking I understood why she was blushing and my face was red to match hers and I was having a hard time meeting her worried gaze. A long drawn out silence permeated the room as I tried to wrap my head around what I was just told. My mind coming up blank and unsure how to proceed I did what any normal person would do, change the subject.

"So what is this hive mind and how am I able to tap into it as you say?" I asked kind of rushed hoping she would go along with the subject. And thankfully she did though a slight frown crossed her face as she said.

"As Queen I control a collective conscious called the hive mind linking me to all my little changelings. Though contrary to popular belief I don't have absolute control over them through it, granted I have great sway over their thoughts but they are still of free will." I nodded in understanding still unable to meet her scrutinizing gaze as I tried to figure a way to tell her no without angering or offending her. Coming up blank once again I decided to do what any sane person would do in my situation, wing it.

"you can now tap into it because you now have a part of me in you." She continued bluntly motioning to the spot on my chest. "And don't go asking how it is possible even I don't know nor my mothers before me. Now to go over your duties as my mate first off you......"

"Now hold your horses their girl while I appreciate you saving my life through your actions. I don't know you well enough for the kind of commitment your asking of me. Where I come from we go on dates or court one another before declaring intention's to become mates. And that process alone could take months maybe even years, not to mention the planning for the marriage." I said bolting upright and waving my hands wildly in front of myself earning a combination snicker/ scowl from Chrysalis in doing so.

"And what makes you think you have a choice in this matter?" Chrysalis said her voice dropping menacingly. "I have already declared you my mate weather you like it or not."

"This is true." I said slight aggravation creeping into my voice. "But I don't have to adhere to those traditions they arnt mine. And if you think you can force this on me you are surly mistaken." As I spoke my voice deepened my eyes darkened to red and narrowed all conveying a specific point. And after a long stare down Chrysalis seemed to catch it because she began to back down with a beaten expression.

"But I wont hold this against you" I said honestly, letting my voice return to the way it was, standing and grabbing Chrysalis and pulling her into a warm hug. One she seemed shocked to receive but returned in due time with a nervous chuckle. When we separated their was another blush on her face but a confident look and smile.

"So why don't we have a stroll around your wonderful hive here and maybe I can learn more about you and your people." I said smiling warmly hoping this would clear our heads of the things just said and provide better moods.

"Sure" She said smiling back at me and we began the tour of the hive and my lesson into Changeling history, Which I must say is rather dark. Having to fight for survival ever since the dawn of time and hunted like animals by all the other races on this planet. But even as such was their past the changelings of today surprised me with unwavering loyalty to their queen, and the general 'soldier on' attitude despite their poor treatment in life. And slowly as we walked I could feel something like a buzzing in the back of my head. Which Chrysalis explained to be the hive mind manifesting itself and that given time I would grow accustomed to it and be able to tune it out. As we explored the vast complex that was the hive we came upon a room that seemed to have been left unattended for quite some time. Many murals faded or chipped off the walls from age all save one. The one surviving painting depicted a regal looking changeling surrounded in a pink light. With what appeared to be the faded outline of a bipedal creature standing behind her.

"She was the first and the last Queen to find true love outside the hive." Chrysalis said with a sorrowful tone snapping me out of my revere. "But sadly the world didn't approve and they were hunted all across the world until they either died or were killed." As she spoke chrysalis shed a single tear and gazed at the image with an almost longing look to her eyes. For a long while we simply stood their and gazed at the beauty of a love long since past. Then without warning Chrysalis turned and left with me in tow shooting a thoughtful look back at the painting before we left the room in silence just as we found it. And so the rest of the day was spent wandering the halls of the hive and learning all I could about Chrysalis's and her peoples past both distant and recent. And dealing with a ever growing head ache all the way to the point that I had to lay down to try and alleviate the throbbing in my head. I found respite in the wonderful arms of dreams eager to see what the next day in the hive would have in store for me.

into the night

Living underground sucks, their is no reliable way to tell time unless your near the entrance or have a very good internal clock. Which thankfully I do and it tells me a week has passed since my abrupt awakening and interesting conversation with Chrysalis. And in that time we have had a few more, mostly about human anatomy and social norms you know boring crap I can only guess at. Especially since I didn't spend a whole lot of time in normal society, but I answered as best I could none the less. Today was a normal day in the hive consisting mostly of me following Chrysalis and observing the day to day activity's of the hive. All this led up to me somehow being volunteered to help maintain the hive. Now don't get me wrong I aint above good old manual labor, I would just like to have a say in it. Not have someone tell you that your helping someone and waited till the last minute to tell you. So the majority of my day was spent wondering to various odds and ends of the hive with a few other changelings, doing what they called routine maintenance. It was during a stroll from one job to the next that I saw something amazing. As we rounded a corner we found that the tunnel had partially collapsed and their were many changelings running around trying to clear the debris. And among the throng and crowd stood Chrysalis she wasn't supervising, she wasn't giving orders no she was dirty and dust covered doing what she could to help. Moving or destroying boulders with magic, or helping one of the other changelings do the same. Now I knew Chrysalis wasn't your average queen, or anything like the outside world thought she was. But seeing this really proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt. With her help the obstruction was cleared in no time and things returned to normal for the changelings. Shortly their after night had fallen on the outside world and the hive began to wind down and settle for the evening. Being bored out of my mind and starting to feel claustrophobic I strolled aimlessly around the hive just to pass the time. When I came upon a disturbing sound that at first I wasn't quite able to make out but as I followed it to the source I discovered it was sobbing. And the one sobbing was none other that Chrysalis tucked away in the corner of a room in one of the less traveled sections of the hive. More than a little confused I slowly approached her and then sat down beside her pulling her into a hug to try and comfort her. At first Chrysalis was rigid and reluctant but I began to whisper encouragement to her and she began to sob once again except now on my shoulder. Slowly the tears and sobs stopped and all was quite once again, save the occasional thought or murmur across the hive mind. Slowly Chrysalis looked up at me her eyes blood shot and cheeks stained with tears.

"Thank you Thomas" She said her voice cracking slightly but otherwise brushing off what just happened.

"Now if you will excuse me I must return to my duties." She said standing and trying to walk past me only to be yanked back in front of me by her tail. At first she looked between my hand still gripping her tail firmly and my level stare. Her surprise slowly became annoyance and then irritation at the fact I wouldn't release her tail. She had just opened her mouth to tell me off im sure but I beat her to the punch.

"I don't think so your not leaving here until you tell me what has you so upset." I stated my tone and expression leaving no room for argument. But that didn't stop Chrysalis from trying to come up with a argument none the less. Though she quickly let out a exasperated sigh and lay down across from me, only then did I release her tail but put myself squarely between her and the exit.

"So would you care to tell me what it is that has you upset" I said as Chrysalis seemed very interested in her hooves all of a sudden. I waited for her to begin but she just sat their avoiding eye contact and speaking in general, until I cleared my throat rather loudly finally claiming her full attention.

"Its nothing really Thomas." Chrysalis said rather weakly earning a scoff and "Spill it" look for her trouble.

"Fine you want to know what's wrong look around you Thomas and tell me what you see." Their was a long pause before I answered saying.

"I see a proud people scraping and fighting to survive and a Queen who has done all she could think of to help her people."

"Everyday Is a struggle just to live" Chrysalis said a lone tear rolling down her cheek to be wiped away by my hand.

"That's true" I Said cupping her face in my hand and holding her head up to look me in the eye.

"Their is a saying where I come from what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Their was a long silence as we both pondered what was said. And it led me to a interesting train of thought. Changelings feed on the emotions of other creatures to survive. I have emotions and they don't feed off me... not that I know of at least maybe I should offer.

"Do you think you could feed off humans Chrysalis?" I asked completely out of the blue catching Chrysalis completely off guard. Their was a long silence as Chrysalis stuttered and stammered as she tried to think of a answer.

"I don't know" She finally stammered out " I guess I could try" With that said her eyes began to glow a bright green and then nothing happened. A frown crossed her face as her eyes returned to normal and she stared at me quizzically.

"I don't understand" She said confused " I can feel your emotions but I cant grasp them to feed on" Their was a long pause as we stared at one another trying to figure out what to do. Until Chrysalis smiled broadly and began to lean forward and then touched her horn to my forehead. And then she started to blush profusely when she realized our faces were mere inches apart. I broke the silence saying.

" I trust you to know when to stop so take what you need." as I spoke a draped a arm over her neck in a hopefully comforting gesture and tried to think of something else I could do to make her relax. Then I remembered my bag I've had on my back ever since retrieving it from the hole I left it in. With a thought two things powered up inside one making a chirping sound to signify power and then another to show it was connected. Then I concentrated on what I wanted it to do earning a confused look from Chrysalis. That was answered by my reassuring smile and the sound of music playing from behind me

starting off quite a first but picking up volume as Chrysalis relaxed and began to finally feed off my emotions. I could feel a slight draining feeling as she fed but nothing that was overwhelming or I couldn't handle. As the song played I closed my eyes and let the music lift my spirit and as it did I began to sing with it ever so softly. As I sang I let my mind wonder to the few plesant memories I had. The memory of a beautiful sunset, the jungle during a storm, sunrise on a beach, the few good things my life of running gave me. Shortly after she started I could feel Chrysalis sway gently back and forth in time with the song and I smiled to myself. Then almost as if queued by the song the draining sensation left as the song ended leaving me a little light headed but otherwise unfazed. When I opened my eyes I saw Chrysalis staring at me quizzically earning a warm chuckle from me in return.

"Let me guess" I said smirking "You want to know were that music came from?" Chrysalis nodded yes and I chuckled again before laying my bag in front of me on the floor. Then I opened it and pulled out the two items in question a small blue speaker with a small flashing blue light and my I-pod and sat them on the ground between us. Chrysalis looked at the two things in front of her and then back at me confused before she said.

"What the hay are these things?"

"These my dear" I said chuckling and motioning to my things. "Are what made the music." And to prove my point with another thought the speaker sprang to life with another song. Surprising Chrysalis causing her to jump back and then glare at me accusingly as I rolled on the floor laughing, only to realize we had company. In the door way and a little inside the room were many of the changelings who lived here. With more coming in as time passed all with a quizzical and apprehensive look to their eyes.

"Now that just wont do" I exclaimed jumping to my feet surprising many of the changelings causing them to stumble over themselves comically. I spun around and faced Chrysalis with a critical glare and said.

"Why are your subjects so apprehensive to approach have they never heard music before?"

Chrysalis shook her head and said. "No they have heard music before, its a big way we fight boredom and depression here and pass on our history. No the problem is they have never heard music like that much less seen anything like those things."

I let out a sigh of relief and said "Well that's good to hear I was afraid I would have to teach it to you" And then an interesting thought crossed my mind.

"So how do changelings dance?"

At this Chrysalis gave me a critical glare before she looked behind me and then nodded yes and then looked back at me.
First she began sway from side to side eventually hopping on two legs from one side and then the other. This sight caused me to cringe, if this is what passed for dancing here these creatures were stuck in the dark ages so to speak. But then it got worse she stopped and I was just about to comment when she jumped back on her hind legs and bounced around and at this sight I visibly cringed. And that wasn't all my head began to ache and their was a warm feeling under my nose and upon further inspection revealed it to be blood. I stared at it dumbfounded for I don't know how long until a voice said.

"Are you alright Thomas your bleeding"

I looked up to see Chrysalis had stopped her dancing and was looking at me with concern. At first I didn't answer I simply stared at her blankly before finally saying.

"Please tell me your joking."

"Of course im serious im concerned for your health, your bleeding"

As soon as the words left her mouth the other side of my nose began bleeding alongside the one that already was, and i had to fight the urge to face palm. I let out a exasperated sigh and shook my head in disbelief and faced Chrysalis with a blank expression.

"I meant your attempt at dancing, were you serious about that." I said hoping she was joking but I knew she wasn't. And she said as much when she gave me a withering glare and bluntly stated.

"Yes"

"Well I hate to burst your bubble but that sure as hell wasn't dancing." I deadpanned matching her glare with one of my own.

"That my dear looked like an epileptic dog trying to take a shit"

"And what would you call dancing" She spat angrily glaring at me earning a chuckle in return.

"Im glad you asked" I said chuckling to myself and with thought the speaker sprang to life and I struck a pose.

"This is dancing" and as soon as I said that the music began and I went through several different dances everything from the Bernie mac to the two step. And surprisingly enough the changelings caught on quickly understandably they were a little hesitant at first but they got it down. At first it was mostly random stumbling, falling into and all over one another, it was beyond hilarious. Especially since it took the majority of the changelings a good couple of hours to get it down enough to be considered decent. After they all got it down everything was goin great all the changelings had smiles and were having a good time. And then things got interesting because at one point "Every where we go" by Hollywood Undead came on, and the changelings started dancing dirty .Especially Chrysalis who was grinding her ass on my crotch and looking back over her shoulder at me smiling. Seeing that michevious smile on her face I thought discussing human anatomy with someone who apareatnly wanted me to be her mate wasn't such a good idea. But I thought what the hell so when she turned away from me I cocked my hand back and slapped Chrysalis firmly on the ass. And two things crossed my mind.The first being Chrysalis's ass was strangly mallubile kind of like a exercise ball filled with sand, it would give to certain extent but after that it would stop. The second was that the entire room was completely still and all eyes were on me all except Chrysalis who was froze in place. She slowly turned and looked at me with a expression that borderlined blind rage or maybe something else I realy couldn't tell.

"Do it again" She commanded her voice takeing on a seductive, commanding tone her eyes half lidded, her best bedroom eyes. I simply stood their frozen in disbelief I never would have thought Chrysalis liked it rough, of course I never bothered to ask so go figure. After a few tense moments of me and Chrysalis having a stare down she finally turned away, causing me to grin and slap her ass once again. Earning me a laud moan and the death glare from hell but I was to busy rolling on the floor laughing to notice the last one. Eventually everything went back to normal and everyone was lost in the moment just enjoying themselves and having a good time. Then the night started to get late most of the changelings left and went back to were ever they came from but with smiles on their faces. until their were only a few changelings left aside from me and Chrysalis. By now I had sat down to catch my breath and watched as Chrysalis got better and better all the way to the point where it seemed she was floating across the floor in time with the music. And as I watched the rest of the world seemed to fade away until she was the only other person here and a song came one that fit the scene perfectly as I listened and watched.

I found myself following her every move the way she swayed back and forth so gracefully, the way her flank and whole body would bounce as she danced and one solid though crossed my mind BEAUTIFUL. As soon as that thought crossed my mind Chrysalis froze and then looked back at me her jaw on the floor with confused look to her eyes and deep blush. At first I was confused as to why she stopped, but then I heard the collective gasp and murmurs across the hive mind and then it hit me like a semi loaded with bricks. And this was the first time I cursed the hive mind and the fact my thoughts could be heard everyone in it including Chrysalis. Who was no longer just staring at me she had slowly approached me with me noticing and broke me out of my brooding.

"Do you really think im beautiful?" She said her voice trembling slightly and her eyes misted over slightly. I stared at her taking this all in for a long second before pulling my warmest smile and pulling her down into a hug saying.

"Everything in any world has beauty it just takes time to see it some things longer than others." We sat their staring into each others eyes. Chrysalis was the first to make a move she slowly leaned in and kissed me before pulling back blushing profusely and curled up on the floor next to me. Quickly falling asleep a goofy grin on her face I followed shortly after, though my rest was short lived as the sound of a familiar song drifted through the halls of the hive and awoke me, drawing me outside and into the night.

Author's Note

its recommended that you listen to the songs to understand exactly whats going on

the garden

I stumbled outside the hive still half asleep until a shadow crossed my path and then vanished as quickly as it came. I looked up to see nothing except the full moon, and was pondering returning to the hive and some well deserved sleep. When I saw many small shadows glide across the sky. I stared in the direction the figures disappeared in and was pondering following when the song started again.

come little children, ill take the away,

Into a land of enchantment, come little children,

the times come to play, here in my garden of shadows

As the music washed over me I was left with a feeling of serenity I've never felt before and left me hoping for more as it faded away into the distance. Almost without thinking I shifted and launched into the air following the shadows as they weaved to and fro across the night sky. Slowly I drew near enough I could make out details and was amazed by what I saw, ponies of all races and children at that in the sky. Just as at home in the air as they are on land and then the first figure appeared again. Rising over the clouds came Luna a few more children following her with her voice ringing out clear as the sky above.

follow sweet children, ill show thee the way,
through all the pain and the sorrows. weep not poor children,
for life is this way. murdering beauty and passion..

Luna and the children frolicked in the air above the clouds for what felt like hours by the moons soft light. All of them completely missing my hulking form hovering in the air not far from them even the sound of my wings beating the air seemed lost on them. Then as the moon was falling towards the horizon and the children all began to yawn and tire. Luna gathered them all around her and led them towards a mountain on the horizon with me following slowly. The mountain in the distance quickly drew near to reveal a huge valley nestled between its peaks most of it dominated by forests. Luna lead the children down to the ground and then through the trees. Only when they all disappeared beneath the trees did I land and follow my massive feet surprisingly making hardly a sound, my claws leaving no trace of my passing. Their came a point where I feared I had lost them until Luna's voice drifted to me between the trees. leading me to yet another clearing but this one had small homes within and a creek running through it looking like a piece of the night sky itself as it flowed noiselessly through. Then all the children sat at the base of a tree next to the creek facing Luna who had her back to me. And then more came from the little homes, not many maybe ten or fifteen but they were all led by a single unicorn mare. She had a tan mane and tail with a light brown coat. With a rich brown at the tips of her ears and the base of her hooves and the most beautiful emerald eyes. Quickly her and the children approached Luna and embraced her warmly, like family welcoming a long missed relative. Shortly their after the children settled in amongst those already their as the mare leaned against the tree and gave their full attention to Luna.

"Welcome dear children to my garden of shadows." She said warmly her voice so welcoming and caring. "Here you will be free from the worry's of life, you shall never grow old. you shall never fall ill, and may play till your hearts content." After she said this all the children let our a thunderous cheer, all save one who was sitting off to the side by himself. As the cheers died down Luna slowly approached the little colt and lay next to him no longer with her back to me and I could see her face, and what I saw made me smile. She had the softest maternal smile I had ever seen almost as if all the world wouldn't matter if the little one next to her wasn't happy.

"Tell me child why do you not cheer like your friends?" Luna asked quietly as she leaned down and nuzzled the colt warmly. I quickly moved closer to hear his reply though I stayed to the shadows of the trees to avoid being seen.

"I...I...I want to go home" he said shakily looking anywhere but at Luna. Their was silence as the child awaited Luna's reply and he recoiled when he heard her voice almost as if he feared she would strike him.

"What bothers you so little one?" Luna asked her concern filling her voice as she tried to lean closer to the colt but he quickly scrambled away putting a little distance between Luna and himself before replying.

"Y....yo...your Nightmare Moon" He stammered out visibly shaking in place. Luna recoiled just barely, had I not been watching her I would have missed it. Her smile faltered slightly but quickly came back as she slowly stood and approached the colt.

"You need not worry little one for you see I am no long the monster you think me to be." Luna said as she slowly stretched out her wing bringing the colt into a warm hug.

"That monster has long since passed from this land, but if you wish to return home I will not stop you. In fact I shall see you home myself when the time comes to leave." Just as she finished speaking I settled in to watch what happened when a branch snapped loudly under foot, causing every head to snap to my general direction. I knew Luna and the unicorn knew where I was since their eyes narrowed dangerously as they put themselves between me and the children saying.

"We know you are their come out at once and identify yourself." their tones left no room for argument so I chuckled loudly startling the two mare and the children behind them. deciding to have a little fun, I took a deep breath and exhaled through my nose blowing a think white smoke across the ground that crept closer to those gathered before me. I stepped forward slowly walking past the smoke as if I came from it and watched as the unicorns expression went from shock to dismay, meanwhile Luna's went from confusion to a warm smile.

"All right girls you caught me what now." I said smiling like a fool as I awaited their reply. Their was a long drawn out silence as all gathered their simply stared at me, the children full of wonder and a little fear, the unicorn mare with concern and Luna with nothing more than a friendly smile.

"Everypony this is Thomas a friend of mine." Luna said as she walked over to me and craned her head back to look at me. Chuckling I lowered my head to her level and smiled at her earning a few gasps from the children behind her. I shot a glance at the children seeing in that instant most of them were calming down all save the single colt and a few others. Luna must have noticed my look because she sighed sadly and turned to face the colt as he trembled where he stood.

"Come little one lets get you home" Luna said sadly her horn lighting up same as the colt who began to float just off the ground. Luna had just spread her wings to fly when a shadow enveloped her and the colt and gave her pause. Startled they both looked up to see one of my leathery wings above them and a unreadable expression on my face.

"Before you leave little one I would like a word with you" I said my voice matching my expression giving nothing away. Confused the colt looked to Luna who shot me a quizzical look but nodded yes none the less, and when she did I retracted my wing letting it return to my side. The colt began to approach me slowly as I lay down before him and waited for him to get closer. Even laying down the child had to bend his head back to a almost unnatural angle, so to save him trouble I shifted to a dull grey pegasus and beckoned him forward with a wing. He stood their wide eyed and mouth agape much like the rest of the children and the unicorn mare as well earning another chuckle from me. Which seemed to snap the boy from his stupor as he lay down across from me just out of reach with his back to Luna.

"What are you" he said his voice full of both wonder and fear as he stared at me his eyes the size of saucers.

"Im a friend" I said trying not to laugh at his expression. "Now tell me little one how do you know the legend of Nightmare Moon?" At the mention of her past Luna flinched yet again but less so than before as we all waited to hear the child's reply.

"My mother told me...... before she died." He said his voice breaking on the verge of tears but he continued. "She told me Nightmare Moon was a monster who wanted to hurt innocent ponies. And she said that Nightmare Moon would take naughty children from their beds at night to never be seen again."

Their was another long silence as I thought over what was said as the colt shifted back and forth uncomfortably.

"So then tell me little one have you been naughty?" The little colt shook his head no. "Ok has LUNA hurt you or any other pony?" again he shook his head no but quickly said.

"But I know she is Nightmare Moon I've seen pictures of her in books that I've read and that is her."

"Is that so?" I said giving the colt a "ohh really' look earning a furious nod yes. Without a word I shifted and stood facing the boy as he cowered in fear, their now being two "Nightmare Moons".

"You cant judge a book by its cover child" I said turning back to a pegasus and laying down.

"Now I want you to look at Luna and I mean look and tell me what you see." The colt gave me a confused look only to have me motion to Luna with a nod of my head. Still confused the boy slowly turned and faced Luna who had a sad, dejected look on her face while she smiled sadly at the colt. Slowly the boy visibly began to relax and then he slowly trotted over to Luna. For a long drawn out minute the two simply stared at one another before the colt bolted forward and hugged Luna tightly around her neck. Luna stood their eyes wide in shock simply staring ahead blankly before she finally returned the hug. When the two separated the little colt had the beginning's of tears in his eyes which Luna quickly wiped away with a brush of her wing.

"Im so sorry princess I didn't....."

"Worry not little one no harm done" Luna said smiling down at him warmly. "Why don't you go play with the other children ok?" The colt nodded yes eagerly and shot me a grateful smile before running to join a game of tag that had started. I laughed to myself as the boy ran away to join the other children and Luna came to stand by me.

"What did you do?" Luna asked staring at me with confused eyes. I chuckled in return and stretched returning to my dragon form as I did so and relaxed.

"I didn't do anything my dear" I said as I eyed Luna from my spot on the ground as she shot me a skeptical glare. " Truly I did nothing it was all the boy I simply asked him to look not at your appearance but your expression, and how you acted. You see children have a innate ability to be a excellent judge of character when they arnt weighed down by the misconceptions we adults are. If you want to know a person or ponies true character have them interact with children." Luna sat and thought over what was said glancing at the children and then back at me.

"Either way you are very good with children... are you a father?" She said her question catching me off guard and causing me to double take and then look at Luna as If she was crazy.

"No Luna I am not a father." I said chuckling before my expression turned dark and my eyes sort of misted over. Luna noticed this and was about to ask about it when I said.

"The argument could be made im still a child on the inside, granted a highly mature and skeptical child but a child none the less." Luna looked at me confused and continued to do so until I let out a tired sigh and shifted so I was facing her better.

"Lets just say I didn't have much of childhood after I was old enough to communicate efficiently." I said visibly cringing from some of the memory's this conversation were dredging up, especially the one of her.... Their was a long silence as I stared off unseeingly lost in my memory's and Luna pondered how to continue. I was dragged back to reality by the sound of someone clearing their throat. I looked over to see Luna had laid down next to me a sad look on her face as she looked up at me her moon reflected in her eyes.

"Im here to listen if you should care to speak of it" Luna said before she rubbed against my side comfortingly never breaking eye contact. I smiled warmly at her grateful for her comfort, but I doubted she would want to hear this tale and I told her as much.

"I doubt this is a tale you wish to hear Luna it isn't pleasant." I said earning a annoyed glare from Luna who said.

"I would not have made the offer had I not wanted to help you Thomas." I chuckled knowing I should have seen that one coming at me, but at least I did try and dissuade her.

"All right Luna I shall tell you but this tale would be much easier shown." I said earning a confused look from Luna who just looked to damn cute as she looked at me. "lean forward and touch your horn to my forehead and you shall understand" I said barely holding back laughing at her expression. Slowly she leant forward as did I and then her horn made contact and our eyes closed. When next they opened no longer were we in Luna's garden but the familiar forest of my nightmares. Luna looked around confused and was just about to ask something when the nightmare began again. Silently we watched and followed as it played out and then watched as it faded to reveal a long white corridor. Luna turned and faced me her eyes misted over and on the verge of tears, her mouth opened to speak but she was stopped by I single look and we continued on. We went down the corridor opening doors that led to memoires I felt were important and passing the others. And all to quickly we came to one of the last doors, it was a ordinary wooden door the only thing marking it as different from the others in the corridor was the plague that read " monster" in gold letters half way up the door. Luna shot me a quizzical glance as she fought down tears from all she has seen and I couldn't help but think to myself. If she is on the verge of tears now she will surely cry after this without a word the door opened and I stepped through followed shortly their after by Luna. The room we entered wasn't unlike the corridor we just left all four walls were a dull white same for the floor and ceiling. The only differences were the small bed and the child who lay upon it.

Their before us was another me maybe seven or eight years old absentmindedly twiddling his thumbs as he stared off in to space. Then the door behind us opened and a all to familiar figure came through the door his hood up blocking his face as always but the difference was he had a small dog in his hands. The younger me perked up when he saw the animal and I flinched already knowing what was to come. Slowly the man approached my doppelganger and held out the puppy to him a dark smile just barely visible beneath the shadow of his hood. Slowly the hooded figure sat the puppy on the bed across from the younger me and let it roam around for a while. A couple hours passed with the hooded figure just standing in the corner of the room watching the dog and I get to know each other. Then as the puppy was on my younger versions chest liking his face the figure came forward and in one fluid motion snapped the dogs neck. My younger self sat their stunned for a long drawn out moment staring at the now still and lifeless puppy laying on his chest. Until he began to cry and scream first patting the dogs head for a second before throwing the body across the room screaming. Another evil grin could be seen on the mans face before he disappeared back out the door. And as he did the whole scene faded out again leaving nothing but me and Luna and she was sobbing loudly. Luna just turned to look at me to say something comforting no doubt but I held up a claw to stop her and said.

"Its not over yet little one" When I said that Luna looked at me like I was insane through tear filled eyes and the area around us changed again. It was the same room but a different age me and the same thing happened the man brought in a random animal let me get used to it and then killed it. This scene seemed to play on repeat as more time passed and more animals would be brought in and then killed on me until I lost count of the animals killed and it didn't even faze me anymore. Then once again the scene changed to show a version of me three years in the past curled up in a ball my clothes stained red and nothing but rags. Again the door opened but this time someone different came through instead of a man their stood a women tall, petite, and beautiful something completely out of place here. Slowly she approached the younger me and sat on my bed whispering soothingly to me. Before she leaned over and pulled me into a warm hug. Then the scene began to fade away with the younger me finely breaking down and crying on the women's shoulder. Then just as the scene was about to fade completely everything was engulfed in flames, their was the sound of a women's scream, and then when everything was flames a dragons head erupted from the flames and came at me and Luna. And just before it hit Luna screamed horribly and then we were back in her garden all the children were still playing games. Their was a long silence since neither of us said anything

"Good night Luna im sorry this has disturbed you." I said slowly turned away and made my back to the first glade. I had just opened my wings and was preparing to leave when I heard something behind me. I turned and saw Luna trotting towards me her eyes full of tears she didn't say a word just looked me in the eye. Then she jumped into the air and flew up to my face and hovered their for a long moment before she hugged my face warmly earning a smile from me.

"Thank you Luna im sorry I made you upset" I said when she released my face. "Until next time princess" I said before launching into the sky and heading back to the hive and await the beginning of the new day.

The women in red

The flight back to Chrysalis and the hive was short and uneventful with me reaching the hive and curling up across from chrysalis on the floor where I left her. So engrossed was I in my thoughts that I almost missed Chrysalis scooting closer in her sleep, and the content smile on her face when she achieved her goal. I smiled down at her snoring adorably and wrapped my tail around so it encircled her and I could lay my head on the end like a pillow. With a smile on my face I faded into the realm of dreams. Though the smile quickly faded in light of the memory that was playing in my dreams. Once again I found myself inside that tiny, depressing white room watching as the younger me tried to cry himself to sleep. This scene continued for what felt like hours completely undisturbed until their was a click from the door behind me. The younger me instantly became quite and stopped moving becoming as still as death itself. Slowly the door creaked open and a lone figure stepped through, not the usual cruel figure. When the door was closed the figure turned and revealed itself to be a women with the most beautiful green eyes, with a elegant face framed by long blond hair that cascaded down to her back. She wore a simple red shirt and jeans a stark contrast to the usual white of this place. Slowly she approached the younger me whispering to him, trying to get him to turn over and speak to her. The women continued for hours even going so far as to sit on the bed and try to lay a reassuring hand on the younger me, only to have him move as far away as was possible. A few hours later the women left with a sad sigh and a whispered promise to return, one she always kept. This scene seemed to be on repeat as well as time flew and slowly I would humor the women's attempts at conversation. Eventually her learning my name and I hers and why she was so nice to me. Her name was Tera and she was a part of a organization that fought with my captors to preserve peace. She told me she was sent here by that group to help me, prepare me for the day they would be able to get me out. And prepare we did, we learned the guards schedule and how to trick the cameras monitoring my room so we could gather what we needed and I could practice my powers.

Eight years passed in a blur of preparation, close calls, and doing our best to keep our activities a secret, in that time Tera and I got to know each other very well. Even to the point of me calling her mom seeing as I never had a mother. The night rolled around where Tera's group was to attack the compound I was in and aid in my escape. Tera had just entered my room and we were going over last minute details of the plan when the door to my room burst open. The hooded man and others with guns came flooding into the room, effectively trapping me and Tera. Their was a long drawn out silence as the two sides simply stared at one another before the hooded figure spoke up.

"Tera of the silver hand submit now or face you death. You and your people are out gunned and out numbered, surrender now and only most of you will die." He said smugly as if he expected her to just roll over and die, he didn't know, her at all. In a blur Tera whipped out two pistols she had hidden beneath her shirt and opened fire killing most of the gunmen before they even had a chance to react.

"Run Thomas run" She screamed as she dodged bullets and cleared me a path out. Scared and desperate my younger self bolted through the narrow opening and out the door. He got half way down the long hall before he turned to see if he was followed. Gunfire could still be heard as Tera limped out of the room firing at the men, her left ear was bleeding, her right arm was hanging useless and bleeding from her shoulder, and she had limp in her run as she dragged her left leg. Tera had made it half way to the younger me when the hooded man stepped out of the room completely unscathed and leveled a gun on Tera's head. The younger me tried to warn her but was to late, with a crack like thunder the life left her eyes and Tera fell to the floor a gaping hole in the back of her head. The younger me froze completely, staring horrified at Tera's body and he fell to his knees. Then the hooded figure stood next to him the gun leveled on him and mumbled something I could never understand drawing the hammer back on his gun. And just as the hammer reached its apex and was ready to fire time slowed as the younger me began to grow and his skin turned black until their was the dragon standing before the man. I wasn't the same size as I am now maybe half the size but that was still huge in comparison to the man. In a blind rage I surrendered control to the demon and decimated everything inside the compound and then the compound itself leaving only her body untouched. After all were dead I slowly approached her body and nudged it with my snout in the blind hope she would get up and we could leave. As fate would have it their was no such luck, and it was just then when her friends decided to show up to find me covered in blood standing over he body. All froze save one who charged forward and skidded to a halt next to her corpse crying as he held her in his arms. The man who I would later find was named Samuel looked up at me as I stared at the body of my only real friend with a look of pure hatred in his eyes. Slowly he leaned down and kissed Tera's dead lips and closed her eyes. The younger me let his head hang in grief only to have it snap back up in time to see Samuel fire one shot clean and true, and have it strike my younger self clean between the eyes. The younger fell over reverting back to human form shortly after and the scene seemed to fast forward with Samuel and his people taking Tera's body and leaving me where I lay. Shortly after they disappeared into the forest surrounding what was left of the compound a jolt shot down my form signaling my return to consciousness. Slowly I stood gazing around almost blindly until I saw the destruction that surrounded me. For hours I stood their a flurry of emotions flying across my face. Finally coming out in the form of tears. After what seemed like eternity my eyes unable to cry anymore my younger self began to trudge blindly towards the forest leaving the destruction behind him. Hoping against hope that things would get better which of course they didn't.

As my younger self vanished into the trees everything began to fade until all was black. Then a voice rang out in the darkness.

"Thomas wake up..... Thomas please wake up" it said and it sounded like it was crying as well. Slowly my eyes opened to reveal Chrysalis standing over my now prostrate human form with tears in her eyes. When she saw I was awake Chrysalis yanked me up into a tight embrace and sat herself on my lap, sobbing into my shoulder. I sat their stunned for a long drawn out minute gazing ahead without seeing until movement caught my eye. It was then I realized that we weren't alone, all around us were the other changelings their cheeks stained by tears and their eyes red and blood shot. Confused I began to stroke Chrysalis's mane and returned the hug as I tried to figure out what to do, and why were they all crying. Chrysalis soon answered my question when she leaned back and looked me in the eye saying.

"Im so sorry Thomas, im so sorry that happened to you what that creature did to you was unforgivable. That is a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy." When she finished speaking Chrysalis burst into sobs again and fell on my now soaked shoulder.

"H.... Ho... How do you know about that?" I chocked out unsure if I wanted to know the answer. Chrysalis must have felt my apprehension since she quickly pulled back off my shoulder looking at me with a shocked expression.

"You broadcasted your dream through the hive mind Thomas every changeling in my hive saw it and felt what you felt." She said causing me to flinch slightly in regret of my fear and earning a reassuring hug as Chrysalis mumbled into my ear softly.

"Don't worry I forgive you and will always be here for you Thomas, I will always be their for you." Hearing the soft promises and feeling the love and compassion Chrysalis was sending me I couldn't hold it anymore. Right then and their I broke down and cried as she held me close. I cried for all the friends lost, the lives taken, and families ruined in pursuit of me. Chrysalis took it all in stride holding me close to her singing gently in a language that I couldn't understand but it put me at ease. Slowly my sobs died down and all was quite save for Chrysalis's voice as she sang and stroked my head gently, like one would to comfort a dear friend. Slowly I looked up and Chrysalis looked down at me her mane falling to conceal part of her face. With a smile I reached a hand out and brushed her mane back behind her ear earning a warm smile as I did so, and then froze in surprise. Chrysalis quickly began to fret going so far as to try and turn her head to see what ever had startled me. Only to have my hands stop her and turn her face back towards me as I stroked it lovingly and smiled at her.

"You have the most beautiful eyes almost exactly like Tera's ." I said as I stroked her face earning a deep blush and her nuzzling into my hand. We sat their for a long while simply enjoying each others company and I let my mind wonder. To thoughts like how was I lucky enough to find this beautiful creature and then have her treat me so well to boot. I was brought out of my brooding by the feeling of something on my face. And I chuckled when I realized it was Chrysalis's mane since she had leaned forward to place her forehead on my own mindful of her horn. For another long while we simply stared into one another's eyes. And then it finally struck me and I began to smile from ear to ear like a boy with his favorite toy. Chrysalis got a puzzled look on her face before giggling adorably saying.

"What are you smiling for Thomas?" I didn't answer her I simply leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips making her eyes shoot wide in surprise and her cheeks to turn a deep red.

"Im smiling because I have the heart of a angel, though I don't deserve it." I said before I kissed her again this time a little longer and with more passion. Chrysalis caught on quickly with a wry smile she fell back onto her back and pulled me down on top of her.

"Finally succumbing and going to sleep with royalty are we?" Chrysalis purred sultrily as she gazed up at me with half lidded eyes. Earning a good natured laugh in reply before I said.

"No my dear Im not beading royalty" When Chrysalis heard this her head dropped down in sadness only to be quickly grabbed and brought back to face me.

"Im not beading royalty Chrysalis I am showing a very special changeling that I am willing to try and be her mate and everything that entails." I said smiling warmly letting all my affection and trust show through the hive mind and prove to Chrysalis I was serious. For a long drawn out second Chrysalis simply stared at me before actually squeeing in joy before jumping forward and locking her hooves behind my head and pulling me into another heated kiss. And things progressed from their until the point the both of us were on the precipice of going for all when Chrysalis looked down at me from her place on top smiling warmly and said.

"Do you accept me as your mate, your queen, and companion. Do you accept the hive and all the responsibility's that come along with it" Without hesitation I simply replied "yes." Chrysalis smiled down at me and said

"And so I claim you as my mate and king of the changelings." Before shooting forward and sinking her fangs into my neck, never stopping her earlier ministrations. I let out a startled gasp that soon morphed to a moan of pure bliss. As I felt as if she were injecting me with something. Then just as the feeling faded we both went over the edge one collapsing on the other panting heavily from the exertion we just went through. Chrysalis was the first to succumb to sleep laying her head on my chest with a content smile on her face. I was just about to follow her when I became light headed and the world seemed to spin. When everything finally righted itself all was quite, and all began to fade to black just before sleep fully claimed me I thought I heard a single collective voice say.

"Long live the king" And then all faded to black as I turned to the realm of dreams a smile on face and a love clutched tightly in my arms.

just not my day

The following morning I awoke from a deep relaxing sleep with a start. I was surprised to find that I was no longer in the cave I fell asleep in. Instead I was in what appeared to be a bedroom on top of a rather comfortable queen sized bed, and then I realized I wasn't alone. Slowly I turned my head to look at whom I shared this bed with only to smile as my eyes fell upon the adorable sight of Chrysalis curled into a ball and snuggling against my side. I smiled warmly and chuckled as I reached a hand out slowly to brush a lock of hair out her face, that had fallen to hide her eye as she slept. Just as I brushed the hair aside and was pondering waking my lover with a morning kiss. A dull ache began at the back of my eyes, that slowly began to morph into a painful itch and then full blown agony. And as if that wasn't enough my minds eye was blinded by thousands of little lights like fireflies popping up more and more by the second. Then my already sensitive senses and throbbing head were assaulted by the sounds of thousands of voices buzzing in my head like a angry bee hive. Agonizingly slow my mind was overrun by these new sensations and the noises until they dominated my thoughts. With a agonized scream I shot up into a sitting position on the bed screaming.

"Shut up!!!!"

The sheer volume of my voice reverberated in my mind as well startling me and Chrysalis causing her to jump and fall out of the bed in a tangle of sheets. Their was a long deafening silence before Chrysalis pulled herself free from the sheets and shot me a angry glare. But then the voices started again except this time softer and all saying one thing.

"Forgive me my king"

My brow furrowed in confusion as I mouthed what I heard and tried to find out what I did to earn such a title. My confusion and distress must have found its way to Chrysalis as her eyes softened and she walked over to my crouching form. Laying her head across my own to where my face was in her chest, and as soon as she did the pain began to subside and the voices faded away. Then the exact implication's of last night dawned on me and I began to understand why the voices called me king. The voices were the changelings in the hive, though each individual voice could be heard instead of it being a incoherent garbled mess. This surprised me considering ever since I was introduced to the hive mind I could never understand any one changeling. Except Chrysalis hers was the one voice that I could always understand, probably because she was the queen.

"So does that mean im....."

"That's right Thomas you are my king, the first true king of the changelings in almost four century's."
Came Chrysalis's reply but not with her voice as I would have felt the gentle vibrations of her speaking. No I heard her voice in my mind and along with it came a soothing feeling and one of love, understanding, and slight amusement. I pulled back away from Chrysalis far enough to see her face while still in her grip. She gave me a quizzical look and ran a tentative hoof down my cheek while peering into my eyes. The longer we looked into each others eyes the more I felt like I was lost or being pulled in until her eyes were all I could see. And then I wasn't looking at her anymore but at myself, and needless to say I was shocked.

"This is what I see every time I look at you love"

I heard Chrysalis say as her eyes moved from my face down my body and then back and laughed.

"And I must admit I like what I see" Hearing this made me smile as I looked out my loves eyes at myself and the world around us. "As king of the changelings Thomas you will enjoy all the same power and authority I do. But you will also hold the same responsibilities as well do you understand?"

For a minute their was silence as I returned to myself and smiled to Chrysalis nodding yes to answer her question. Earning a smile as Chrysalis left to deal with the day to day running of the hive remaining in contact via our new link as mates. A slow week has passed since my "coronation" with the changelings seeming to fill out not looking so small and sickly. It was a great change especially since all the changelings were no longer so slow and lethargic but quick and energetic. I quickly learned how to control my new ability's, namely what happened with Chrysalis and me entering another changelings mind with consent to see what they saw. And things sort of settled back to what appeared to be normal though a little more fast paced thanks to their new found energy.

It was a warm afternoon when I left the hive to hunt and try to have some space to myself, though the hive mind still made that some what difficult. A gentle breeze blew as I stalked through the forest looking for something to eat or something interesting. My now perfected Utah Raptor form blended seamlessly into my surrounding's as I stalked a unsuspecting doe. All was quite, even the hive mind as I crouched low before launching myself through the underbrush with a speed seemingly impossible for a creature my size. Just as I landed on the doe and sank my teeth into her throat one of the lights representing a changeling in my mind went dim. A quick mental check showed that the unfortunate changeling was one of the guards at the main entrance of the hive. Another quick scan showed she was still alive just knocked out cold, sending up red flags and warnings in my mind. With all the haste I could muster hauling the doe along with me I bee lined for the hive keeping a wary eye on the forest around me. I arrived at the entrance to find the changeling just returning to consciousness on the edge of a large trail of tracks running straight into the hive. I was just about to ask her what happened when a single voice cried out from deep within both the hive mind and the hive itself filled with panic.

"The elements and the Princesses have the Queen cornered in the throne room."

Without a second thought I bolted headlong into the hive flying around corners and passing other changelings answering the call as if they were standing still. In a flash I entered the now packed throne room from a side entrance to find most of the hive packed inside forming a circle around Chrysalis's throne. Perched atop it was none other than Chrysalis appearing for all the world to be calm almost uncaring as she stared down the large number of ponies gathered before her. But each and every changeling knew otherwise we all could feel it Chrysalis was terrified. "How did the ponies find us?" being one of the many questions buzzing through her mind as she awaited her opponents next move. The ponies were the first to break the silence with Luna stepping forward saying.

"We know you have our friend Thomas and we demand you release him at once."

Their was a short silence save the shuffling of hooves as Chrysalis appeared to be seriously pondering Luna's accusation. But her silent laughter was broadcasted across the hive mind forcing all the changelings to fight back laughter themselves.

"And what makes you think I have your friend here dear princess? Surely you don't think me stupid enough to pony nap a personal friend of my worst enemy... on second thought that sounds like something I would do." Chrysalis said smirking cockily down at the princesses causing Luna to visibly bristle at her comment and Celestia to let loose a exasperated sigh. I caught movement out the corner of my eye and glanced over to see the ponies that attacked me in town trying to sneak off to the side and inching closer to Chrysalis. Figuring this charade had gone on long enough I began to make my way forward the changelings making way with simple a request through the hive mind. Then a long dormant voice decides to make itself known in my head with a suggestion on what form I should take to help defuse this situation. We argued back and forth in my head as I was walking, and then against my better judgment I decided to listen to the devil on my shoulder. With a thought flames consumed my form disappearing as quickly as they came leaving in their wake a jet black alicorn. My eyes were a blood red the most striking feature of this form was my mane and tail didn't flow and look like flames, no they were made of actual fire and it lit up the space around me. The burst of light from my mane and tail lighting startled both the ponies and Chrysalis causing all to snap their heads in my direction. And when they saw me needless to say they were shocked though it quickly wore off for Chrysalis when she realized it was me. Though it was a different story entirely for the Princesses. Luna's reaction seemed normal enough considering her and her sister were supposed to be the only alicorn's here, it was her sisters reaction that struck me as odd. Celestia's face was pale and her eyes full of shock almost like she saw a ghost or a monster and her next words stopped me cold.

"Ti.... Timor is that you?"

Her voice saying that one word hit me like a wall of arctic water and stopped me dead. Their was a long silence that followed Celestia's question with me staring at her my expression mirroring her own completely oblivious to everything around me.

"Timor what is that on your.... is that what I think it is?" Celestia asked staring at me with genuine concern before she began to slowly moved forward. But before she could complete her first step I disappeared in a geyser of smoke only to reappear directly in front of her. Now my dragon form towering over her and looking down at her menacingly smoke flowing from my clenched jaws like a fogger.

"How do you know that name?"

Celestia began to cower beneath my gaze and stammer incoherently looking everywhere but at me directly. I growled at her in frustration and repeated myself my anger, and confusion finding its way to my voice.

"How do you know that name?"

Still she stammered and mumbled looking every which way she could me. I know my anger was growing because I could hear the changelings begin to shift and hiss agitatedly and. Even Chrysalis's normally calm mind was a buzz with anger and frustration. Again Celestia opened her mouth to speak but she fell back on her rump her mouth opening and closing wordlessly like a fish out of water.

"How do you know that damned things name answer me. Or so help me I will drop you in a place so dark even your precious sun couldn't dispel it, do you understand?"

I roared smoke and ash billowing from my maw as I spoke. This did little to fix Celestia's stutter as she stared up at me and I growled to punctuate my point. Finally when Celestia could do more that stutter she swallowed loudly and said ever so quietly.

"I grew up with him"

I didn't get to process what I heard as I heard another voice call out from behind me.

"Now girls!"

Making me spin around in time to see my would be assailants glowing white and then a rainbow erupted from the light that surrounded them and flew straight at Chrysalis. With speed that should be impossible for a creature my size I shot in front of the would be attack and stood in front of Chrysalis flaring out my wings defensively preparing myself for impact. But it never came for just as the rainbow was going to strike me I seemed to be pulled from my body to watch what happened from above. Like when you pull a dust cover off a car when you want to drive, similarly the flesh seemed to peel away from my body to leave only the bones. For a long second their was silence as all the creatures gathered stared numbly at my "remains". Then my bones burst into black flames that faded to blue as it went, and before I knew it I found myself flying back towards my body. Only to be completely overcome with pain, agony, and so many memories as two separate minds, souls, and creatures were made one and I blacked out. While I was out I saw countless lives end, millions of civilizations fall, and above all a war. When I came back I had an agonizing head ache as so many memories and sensations flew around my mind some not entirely my own. And then my mind was over powered by a sense of pure rage and I quickly discovered it was coming from Chrysalis.

Slowly I pried my eyes open only to have my vision swim and become unfocused. When my vision came back I saw Chrysalis and all the hive had backed The ponies into a corner their horns alight with green flame. They were slowly approaching the ponies as they fired random spells trying to break through a magical barrier firing any spell they could think of. Slowly I dragged myself to my feet barely able to keep myself steady through the pain in my head and began to drag myself across the room towards them.

"What have you done, what have you done, how dare you kill my mate." Chrysalis screamed as her horn lit up and she fired a spell at them. Hitting their barrier dead in the middle of a crack that began to appear. Shattering it and letting fall to ruin exposing all behind it to the changelings wrath. Their was a thunderous screech of rage as every changeling Chrysalis included surged forward like a black tsunami. Their horns alight and doing all they can to exact their vengeance on my would be killers. At first I was to week to do much more than mumble as I watched the carnage that unfolded before me, they wouldn't yield even at my mental request. My anger grew more and more as I felt every blow landed on a changeling and saw every blow struck on a pony, as more and more fell thankfully none fatally wounded. Finally my rage boiled over strength returning to me in my rage, I threw my head back and roared "enough" black flames erupted from the ground between the two warring factions effectively separating them. Their was a heavy silence as I leveled my burning gaze on the two groups, Chrysalis's jaw was agape in awe and the princesses and their ponies cowering in fear. With a deep calming breath I shrank back to my human form and fell over, only to land on something warm and soft instead of hard and cold. I looked up to find Chrysalis under me bearing my weight looking at me with a confused grin. Slowly she let me down to the floor and curled up around me probing my mind gently with her own which was full of worry and wonder. We were pulled from each other by the sound of hooves approaching slowly, and we looked up to see Celestia and Luna coming closer. A deep rumbling growl began in Chrysalis chest that morphed into a full blow screech as the princesses got closer, but it was quickly silenced by my calm hand on her neck.

"When terror walks the land once more three days shall pass and the horseman shall ride again and like a phoenix a new world shall rise from the ashes of the old. ." I said repeating the mantra that was pounded into my head by the hooded man knowing not sure how, that it was important here and now. This caused both princesses to stop dead and stare at me with eyes filled with terror, that was all the answer I needed.

"Then I suggest you return to your little ponies and prepare for what is to come I will see you both in two days time." I said before standing and walking out of the room sending out a single command to not harass the ponies as they left and I went somewhere to be alone thinking to myself all the while.

"This just isn't my day"

a trip down memory lane

All was silent in the hive after the ponies failed rescue mission, all save for one room to the side and off the beaten path. Inside I lay on the floor my bag laying at my feet with my iPod and speaker out and playing ever so softly.

I couldn't resist chuckling with just how much the song actually fit my situation. As i listened to it I did my best to marshal my thoughts. To separate what I knew before today and what had changed but it was all in vain their was no longer a barrier between Timor and myself. Countless hours passed as I lay their eventually doing my best to just lose myself in the song. I had just about succeeded and even started to sing along when the soft sound of hooves on stone and a tentative mental probe seeking entrance brought me crashing back to reality. Without even opening my eyes I motioned Chrysalis in with a wave of my hand saying.

"Come in Chrysalis you need not seek permission in your own home."

Their again was the sound of approaching hooves and nothing more until I felt something warm lay along beside me. The silence stretched on again seeing as I really wasn't in the mood for conversation and Chrysalis seemed to be at a loss for words. Eventually the song reached its end once again and I put away my things slinging my bag across my shoulder as I silently made my way to the door, driven by the familiar urge to move in some way. I had just reached the door way and was fixing to continue on my way when a soft voice sounded behind me.

"You cant run away from this Thomas."

"And why cant I Chrysalis?" I yelled spinning around and pinning her with a angry glare. "Why cant I run from this when I've done nothing but run all my life and its worked out just fine?"

I knew what she said was true and my anger was wrong but that is how I reacted. Their was another tense silence as we both glared at one another waiting for the other to yield. Chrysalis was the first to yield with a tired sigh and a shake of her head.

"You cant run from this Thomas." Chrysalis said in a tired tone "because this isn't something chasing you, its inside you and will drive you mad if you don't deal with it."

We stared each other down once again with Chrysalis giving me a tired glare while I tried to think of a witty come back and a reason to maintain my anger. Only to have it slip away with a long heavy sigh as I went back across the room and sat next to Chrysalis saying.

"Ok you've got me here so what now mastermind?"

"Speak"

Was all I got in return earning Chrysalis a confused glance before she looked at me like a moron and motioned for me to get on with it. So with yet another tired sigh I heaved a mental shiver and tried to once again marshal my thoughts, this time with a little more success. Everything started out slow as I tried to focus and my thoughts would slip through my fingers like water through my fingers, though given time it all became easier. Everything cleared and calmed in my head and I could think clearly. But just as I tried to speak my mind was completely dominated by a pair of piercing red eyes, my body went rigid and then everything went black. When I came back to I was no longer in the hive but a vast expanse of white as my dragon self. Needless to say I was confused as to where I was though my confusion disappeared when I saw the black alicorn that stood before me in this plane of white.

"Hello Timor long time no see." I said glaring at the creature across from me now fairly certain of why I was here. Earning a chuckle from the alicorn as he lay down across from me completely at ease without a worry in the world.

"Their is no need to be so course Thomas." He said earning himself another cold glare as I snorted in annoyance and waited on him to continue.

"Thomas you and I need to talk...."

"Oh no I don't think so" I roared actually startling the avatar of fear himself. "If your going to try and wrestle control from me you will do it directly you wont pull any tricks on me." Timor gave me a cold even, glare before breaking into uncontrollable laughter causing me to growl in irritation. Timor's laughter seemed to stretch on forever finally subsiding and then stopping with him saying.

"Oh Tomas you truly are a fool aren't you, can you not feel the change since we were struck by the Elements of Harmony?" As he spoke Timor seemed to flicker in and out of existence if only for a split second, before he vanished and then appeared directly in front of me hovering at eye level.

"Look into my eyes Thomas and tell me what do you see, what has changed?" He said his voice commanding as his eyes seemed to dominate all I could see, until they were all I could see. I was afraid to look into those depths for fear I would never return. But as I looked I saw not the angry glaring eyes that have dominated my nightmares ever since I was a child. Instead their was pain, compassion, sympathy, and most notable of all was pure, genuine, honesty. This alone surprised me beyond words. And then to add to my confusion I found myself compelled to listen to what he had to say and thought that maybe I had misjudged this creature. Slowly things returned to normal leaving me looking at Timor in a new light as he settled back on the ground making himself comfortable with me following shortly after.

"So will you listen to what I have to say?" He asked as I shook my head in agreement and he let out a relieved sigh. "Very well I believe a history lesson is in order then little one. For you see in the beginning of time their were three alicorn's, their was Faust the author of fate, Gaia the creator, and Titulus the dark." As Timor spoke the area around us changed and shifted, to where we were floating above a grassy field as three alicorn's I've never seen before walked by and he pointed them out as he named them. The first being Faust with a coat so white to rival Celestia's, with a mane and tail of a light red and the most beautiful blue eyes with a purple quill and ink well for her cutie mark. Walking beside her was Gaia his coat a deep blue, similar to his flowing mane and tail as they twinkled with stars and galaxy's just barely visible in the mid day sun and a image of a swirling galaxy for his cutie mark. His turquoise eyes only leaving Faust when she would glance his way with a knowing smile and a wink. Walking alongside him was Titulus his coat a solid black, with a dark grey mane and tail his cutie mark being two crossed scythes of pure white.

"Faust and Gaia became lovers and soon Faust became pregnant which was a cause for celebration for them" Timor said the Scene before us changing to show Faust and Gaia smiling with Titulus glaring at them in the background. "But for Titulus it was a cause for outrage, for neither Faust nor Gaia realized Titulus harbored feelings for Faust and their love felt like a betrayal to him. And as time passed Titulus became more irate and unbearable, and Faust came closer to term. By this time the three had created the world we know as Equestria with all the races already here plus one." Here the scene changed again to show the three standing on a hill crest looking down on thousands of gathered creatures. Their were Ponies, Griffons, dragons, and all the other creatures native to equestria but their was one that shouldn't have been. Their amongst the creatures I've known for most of my life to only be legends stood men and women of all shapes, sizes and colors bowing before the alicorn's.

"Time passed and all seemed to settle the fouls were born healthy and strong, and even Titulus seemed to be in a better mood. Until one day without warning Titulus attacked Gaia and Faust destroying most of the home the three had built for themselves. The battle was long and catastrophic as countless lives were lost or ruined in the crossfire. Then just as it seemed the fight was at an end Titulus fled to what is now the everfree forest his anger and hate warping the land into what it is now and all those who dwelled within as well. The first to fall were the changelings Titulus's anger warping them from creatures of immaculate beauty and finesse, to twisted shells of their former selves fueled by rage. The next to fall was man going from calm and peaceful like the ponies to barbaric warmongers attacking everything on sight. It was only after these two races fell to his influence did Titulus return to Equestria. And with the army he made of the two races he waged war on Gaia, Faust, and the other races seeking to destroy them all and remake the world in his image."

Here again the scene below us changed to show wars and fields for as far as they eye could see littered with the dead or dying. The final Scene showed Titulus facing down Faust and Gaia with two terrified fillies cowering behind them. The battle was short and decisive with Gaia and Faust being victorious and destroying Titulus. But the victory came with a price and it was Gaia's life, the last thing Gaia did before he died was banish man from Equestria and fashion two creatures from Titulus's power.

"He created Discord the avatar of Chaos and myself avatar of fear as guardians of his children." Timor said smiling as the scene below us changed to show his and Discords first meeting with filly Luna and Celestia. Though it quickly died as the scene changed again to show Faust watching the four of them play together, but with a far off look and her smile didn't reach her eyes."

The scene fast forwarded again stopping at random intervals, for instance showing the days they got their cutie marks and then. It stopped on a day to show young Celestia and Luna Standing before a disheveled Faust with Discord and Timor on either side.

"Daughters it has come time for me to leave" Faust said her voice week and trembling "Discord shall rule until you are old enough to take the throne and Timor shall be your guardian." Their was nothing said by the young princesses, Celestia looked fit to cry but kept on a brave face, while her younger sister was crying and sobbing begging her mother to stay while Timor curled around her and did his best to console her.

"Now Luna their is no need for that" Faust scolded weakly " You must be strong for our little ponies they need leaders who are strong." Luna slowly stopped crying and looked up to her mother with blood shot eyes and did her best to give a confidant smile.

"That's my girl" Faust with a week smile "Be strong my daughters" And then with a flash from her horn Faust was gone. Then a few seconds later both princesses burst into tears and fell to the floor in a heap.

"Time went on and Discord took the throne and the princesses eventually returning to their routines." Timor said his voice taking on a darker tone as he went on. " But eventually a problem arose, ponies began to see me as a monster and I fell victim to the same vices that later spawned Nightmare Moon." Once more the scene below us changed and focused on Timor. The farther along the scenes went the harsher Timor became until it focused on one night. Beginning with Timor leaving Luna crying on the floor and then striking out against Celestia screaming and ranting about taking the throne for himself. The battle was short lived with both Discord and Celestia against him Timor was quickly overpowered and banished to tartarus.

"And the rest is history" Timor said his voice soft and dejected as he stared at the floor. Their was a long drawn out silence as the scene below returned to normal and I thought on what I was told.

"Ok now that I know your history what now?" I said watching as Timor shook his head and sighed heavily.

"We cant stay as we are, two ancient souls in one body we will destroy each other fighting for control." Timor said as I gave him a confused glare.

"Two ancient souls?"

"Yes Thomas two ancient souls." Timor said matter of factly before he looked at me surprised. "You haven't figured It out?" I only shook my head no as I looked at him confused as I tried to figure out what he meant. Timor laughed and shook his head in disbelief and said.

"Tell me Thomas why are you always falling back on your dragon form, why are you most comfortable in that form instead of as a human?" I honestly couldn't answer him, I always felt more comfortable or safer as a dragon and never really thought on it much and I told Timor as much. And he simply shook his head in disappointment with a sigh and said.

"It would seem another history lesson is in order, and this time it will be your history instead of mine." As Timor spoke the area around us shifted once more to show a massive black dragon that looked exactly like my form but older, more intimidating. But what caught my attention was the women who stood before the dragon smiling as she relaxed at its feet in its shadow.

"The dragon you see before you is Gawain the first king of the dragons, and the women is your ancestor Elinor." Then the scene changed again going through different scenes with Gawain and Elinor until it stopped with the two facing each other in a beautiful field. Then they both began to glow with Gawain outlined in red and Elinor outlined in white.

"As im sure you guessed mating between these two species was nigh impossible." Timor said Chuckling " So they had to come up with another way to be intimate, so they shared souls." As Timor spoke the glowing light around both, which I guess represented their souls began to intertwine. Then they separated both souls having a streak of the others colors going through it. Then the scene changed again to show a blood stained battle field with Gawain on his side a huge gash running along his side and burn marks all across his body. Elinor was crying at his side dressed in blood stained armor as the dragon took his last shuddering breath and passed. Their was a long pause as Elinor did nothing but cry until Gawain's glowed red silencing Elinor's sobs. Then the light flowed forward and around Elinor and disappeared seeming to sink into her body. And just as it did a blinding white light appeared on the horizon and moving closer, passing over Elinor and when it was past she was gone.

The scene returned to white as I stared at Timor with a blank expression before saying.

"So your telling me I have the ancient soul of the first dragon king?" Timor just shook his head yes as I pondered what this meant only to draw a blank.

"Ok so apparently I have a ancient soul so what does that have to do with it" I asked earning a exasperated sigh from Timor and a shake of his head.

"It is because of the power of such an ancient soul that you were able to keep me locked away. Without it I would have overpowered and consumed you long ago." Timor said matter of factly as I suddenly became thankful for my ancestors soul. Their was another long silence as I thought over the implications of what Timor said and then said.

"Ok so what now, im not guna give you control of my body"

"That was never my intention Thomas, you see ive lived a long life and made many mistakes, more than I care to count." Timor said his head dropping in shame "So I propose a deal I relinquish to you my power to fight against the horsemen and you carry on my legacy, sound fair." I looked at him confused what exactly did he mean carry on his legacy.

"What do you mean carry on your legacy you arnt dead?"

"If I relinquish to you my power I will be no more." Timor said his voice taking a dark depressed tone. "And you will become the next avatar of fear on top of everything you already are. So tell me Thomas do we have a deal or shall we destroy each other in a struggle for control?" I opened my mouth to speak before I was stopped by a rouge thought making me wonder can I really trust him?

"All right Timor lets get his over with." I said eyeing him warily as he gave me a tired smile and his horn lit up and he seemed to fade and loose color. And then he looked me dead in the eye and mouthed thank you before he dissolved into smoke and enveloped me in it.

I came back to consciousness with Chrysalis standing over me with tear filled eyes that quickly flooded with joy as my senses had the same fate before she wrapped me in a bone crushing hug.

"I thought I lost you, you went rigid and you wouldn't respond then I couldn't feel your emotions and I didn't know what to do." She rambled on eventually dissolving into sobs with me doing my best to console her until I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. And when I looked it was the shadowy form Timor with a smile on his face before he disappeared to be replaced by another shadow figure this one much larger and darker. And I froze unsure of what to think as he looked down at me. Chrysalis must have felt my fear for she turned around and snarled taking a defensive stance over me as the shadow dragon leaned towards us. Causing Chrysalis to shriek and let loose a bolt of magic only to have it pass through it harmlessly. Then just before he made contact he dissolved to a formless smoke that disappeared down my throat and flooded my mind causing me to black out again. While I was out my dreams we filled with scenes of ages long passed and battles long gone.

I came back to consciousness slowly to the same scene of Chrysalis over me but with most of the hive on high alert looking for signs of who ever conjured those shades. Though I quickly called off the search and explained to a very confused Chrysalis what happened.

"So what now Thomas?" She asked giving me a confused look as I chuckled and kissed her lightly heading for our bedroom saying.

"Now my dear im going to sleep a lots happened tonight and we need to prep the hive to move in three days."

"Why will we be moving the hive in three days?"

"We will be at war in three days time Chrysalis and we must be ready."

Joining Forces

The two days passed quickly as all was made ready In the hive. A growing sense of unease permeating everything, like the dark fog that dominated the horizons moving ever closer. Chrysalis and I stood at the end of the cave that started this all, the entirety of the hive behind us awaiting our orders for departure.

"All right listen up." I said turning to face those gathered behind me. "This may be the last time any of you see the hive again, and this may be the last time we see many of you alive. With that in mind take a moment say your goodbyes to home and friends it could very well be your last chance."

Their was a dark silence as what I said sank in and the changelings began to mill about. With a tired sigh I turned once again for the exit changing to match my love as we went out. The Queen, her King and their people stepped out and gave one last long look back and then we took to the sky's. Heading for Canterlot, many of the changelings hesitant because of their failed invasion attempt. With a few silent words of encouragement from both me and Chrysalis we all made it to the edge of the forest, trading the tall protective trees for flat lush full fields. And then half way through our flight the fields below gave way to a all to familiar village. And as we grew near screams and sounds of panic could be heard as all the ponies ran for cover. With a few bold ones Firing random spells, throwing whatever they could at us. Or in the case of the pegasus flying up to harasses us, though they all stopped when I sank to the underside of my people. Changing to the dragon and blocking the spells and debris with my body, and scaring off the pegasus just by looking at them. And remained their all the way to canterlot expecting the guards to do worse than the towns ponies. But to my shock we entered the city with no trouble and landed in one of the castles many courtyards without a problem. The sound of many hooves approaching from behind us could be heard as Chrysalis and I got our people settled.

"I wish I could say its a pleasure to see you Timor, but I would be lying if I did." Celestia said behind me, as I turned to face her, my eyes going wide as I beheld her and her sister. Both alicorn's were accompanied by a large group of their respective guard with horns aglow, and all of them seemed very upset, scratch that they were seething in rage. It being so strong that I and all the changelings could actually taste it on our tongues.

"You may surrender now and avoid blood shed, or we can do battle, in which you shall undoubtedly lose." Luna said stepping forward her eyes cold and unforgiving, but a slight tinge of regret could be seen as well as felt as she looked at me. my gaze lingered on Luna for a second before I gave both princesses a dead pan look and said.

"Your joking right?" Luna looked at her sister confused, as Celestia raised a questioning eyebrow.

"You both know very well if I wanted you gone their is very little you could do to stop me. I am not here to battle you but to aid you in the battle to come." Their was a heavy silence as Luna looked between her sister and me in confusion as Celestia's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"And how do we know we can trust you especially considering who you have allied your self with." Celestia said venom in her voice as she glared at Chrysalis making me growl at her a deep sound that began in my chest. Gaining power as it went up my throat and left my jaws as a black smoke that completely covered the ground around us as I spoke.

"Surely given your great age and wisdom Celestia you would know Chrysalis and her changelings are nothing like the monsters spawned by Titulus and his rage." Celestia visibly recoiled in shock as I said that name earning a smirk from me as I approached her quickly covering the distance between us.

"Yes I know who that is Celestia, Timor shared all his memory's with me along with his power before he passed. So I can understand your apprehension and anger but they are misguided in the here and now." Not much was said as I glared down at Celestia her face scrunched in confusion. Then her eyes lit up and then narrowed dangerously at me as she took a slow step forward menacingly eyes aflame and horn glowing like the sun.

"What do you mean before he passed, you killed Timor, a prince of Equestria fallen as he may have been?"

The air in the courtyard became still and loaded with tension as Celestia and I stared one another down, with Chrysalis offering me her support. And even giving me various suggestion's should it come to blows, but I silently assured her it wouldn't come to that, I wouldn't let it.

"Do you truly believe me stupid enough to commit such a act and then come here?" I said my gaze never once wavering from Celestia and our battle of wills.

" It is a possibility Thomas so tell me will you surrender or must there be blood shed?" Celestia said staring up at me her eyes cold and unwavering. With a long tired sigh I began to lower my head earning a triumphant smile from Celestia and confused frowns from both Luna and Chrysalis as I said.

"I had hoped it would not come to this Princess, and that you would have trusted me. But it would seem I have to take drastic measures to make you see the true threat." I could see celestia's smile vanish and Luna's frown grow as my head reached ground level and I took one long, deep breath. Brining my head back up and concentrating on what I was about to do before I said.

"So Princesses allow me to show you your true adversaries."

Before anyone could react my eyes glowed red with fire and smoke billowed from my jaws surrounding us all in a black void. Blocking out the sun shrouding everything in darkness before the smoke began to take shape forming four figures before me.

"Before you stand our true enemies the four horsemen of the apocalypse." I said naming them as they took shape before us War, Death, pestilence, and Famine.

"These Celestia are our true enemy's spawned of hellfire and pure evil and they are just as there name implies."

As I spoke the figures began to move through countless scenes of destruction taking different forms as they went. But two things always remained the same the color of their armor and there weapons of choice. That and they utterly destroyed anything in there path leaving mangled corpses and ruined cities. All fell before them regardless of their weaponry or power, wisdom or tactics.

"There are two signs of their arrival into a world. The first being the return of terror, or Timor being summoned or sent to a world or in this case me. The second happens should the inhabitants fail to defeat Timor. A endless fog shall appear on the horizon and expand until it covers all the sky and world. Then the Horsemen will appear one by one, the destruction of a single town shall mark each riders appearance. Then when all four have appeared they will march across the land with their hellish army and wipe out everything that lives and breaths."

The scene changed again to show the four standing at the top a large hill looking back on a ruined world lit by the fires that burned all over. Then a portal appeared before them and they simply vanished into it there armies turning to ash and blowing away in the wind.

There was a long silence after the smoke around us cleared allowing sunlight to our world once again. And as it cleared we were met with the sight of thousands of guards surrounding us, a white unicorn stallion in purple and gold armor and another alicorn with pink, purple, and yellow mane and tail at the front of them all. All the guards and the two in front stared dumbstruck up at me as I glanced over the collected might of the ponies. Only to be snapped back to the Unicorn stallion when I felt two powerful spikes of both fear and regret coming from Chrysalis. The stallion in question quickly overcame his surprise and began to look behind me his eyes narrowing dangerously, lit by a burning hatred I've seen only in one other person.

"What are you doing here monster, finally come to turn yourself in you filthy disgusting creature."

He said taking a menacing step forwards as his horn began to glow before firing a spell directly at Chrysalis. Only to have it impact my outstretched wing as I stepped in front of her.

"I would refrain from doing that again if you know what's good for you" I growled dropping my head to his level and pinning him with a cold unwavering glare. Chrysalis telling me all about the stallion in front of me through our link as we stared each other down.

"And who are you to tell the captain of celestia's royal guards what to do, especially if it involves that thing?" He spat glaring at me while the alicorn next to him stared at me not with a hate fuelled glare, but a confused stare.

"I am Thomas the new avatar of fear" I said pulling myself to my full height, standing on my back legs, wings spread covering the courtyard in my shadow.

"I am descendent of Gawain the dragon king, king of the changelings and lover to Chrysalis queen of the changelings"

As I spoke I leaned forward until I fell back to all fours shaking the entire castle and everything around us, my face stopping just inches shy of Shinning Armor.

"And that Shinning Armor is who I am to tell you to fuck off." I said slamming my jaws shut in his face and snorting smoke to drive my point home.

"You are not her lover by choice are you." Shinning said calmly. "I can see the sickly green of her magic behind your eyes, you are a puppet and nothing more just like I was."

I began to chuckle darkly, before all out laughing in his face making him grind his teeth in frustration as I said.

"I hate to burst you bubble Shinning Armor, but it would have taken more power than she had when I met her to control me like she did you. No the beautiful light you see behind my eyes is not a spell but the presence of my adoptive people. For you see I am truly the king of the changelings by no other will than my own. As I spoke the last part my eyes glowed green same as every changeling behind me as they added their voice to my own, The power of our bonds echoing in our voices and around the courtyard.

"it is all a lie...."

I ignored the rest of what Shinning Armor had to say turning to his wife instead saying.

"Cadence was it, the princess of love?" she nodded yes slowly "Look at the love I have for chrysalis and hers for me and tell me is it true or just the result of some morbid spell and lies?"

The courtyard fell silent and all eyes fell on the Princess as she looked Between Chrysalis and myself a confused look to her eyes. And as she looked her confusion seemed to grow as her brow furrowed and her mouth formed a frown.

"Well what is the verdict princess?"

"The love between you two is true, its not the result of magic or deception" Cadence said her frown growing as she spoke and all was silent yet again while all the ponies stared at her slack jawed.

"That's it I don't know how you managed to fool Cadence and her magic, but you wont fool me and im tired of looking at you" Shinning said charging past me to Chrysalis his horn aglow and murder in his eyes. As I watched everything went in slow-mo as Shinning charged Chrysalis, she stared at him in surprise for a moment before preparing a attack of her own. But then in a flash I was between the two towering of shinning armor as he collided with my leg and bounced off it.

"The truth doesn't seem to be enough for you Shinning Armor" I said taking a deep breath and releasing it as the all encompassing smoke once again, this time surrounding only me and Shinning Armor.

"So I must show you" I said putting my head at his level and looked him in the eyes. "Now look into my eyes and see how the wicked have suffered and what led to that decision." And as he gazed into my eyes he first became rigid as he fought my power but soon he went limp staring into my eyes and seeing for himself that monsters arnt born they are made. And as my spell was reaching its end a sense of alarm flooded me from the hive mind warning me of the reception I would receive once my spell ended. And when it did the smoke dissipated to reveal Chrysalis and the Changelings in a circle around me and Shinning Armor with a barrier around us that was being bombarded by Celestia, Luna, Cadence and all their guards. With a silent command the Changelings made a path for me to Celestia and Luna as I picked up Shinning Armor in a clawed hand and made my way forward.

As I made my way forward the bombardment stopped and all three princesses stared at me with angry glares, the sight of shinning's limp body in my claw probably didn't help.

"If any harm has befallen our captain..."

"There is no need for that Luna Captain Shinning Armor is just fine give him a moment and he shall awaken, with a whole new perspective on some things." I said brushing off the princesses combined anger and depositing Shinning at their feet and laying down a few feet away from them.

As soon as I was out of reach all three began to fuss over Shinning Armor and tried to awaken him from his slumber. After some time of this he finally came too when his wife delivered a rather vicious slap to his face waking him and. Making him roll a few feet in my direction from the sheer force of it.

"Well that's one way to do it." I said looking at Shinning Armor, his eyes swimming and unfocused. Until he finally righted himself and glared at me while rubbing his head.

"How do I know what you have shown me isn't a lie?" he said slowly returning to his wife who was smothering him in apologies.

"I guess you will just have to take my word on this one bud." I said chuckling to myself as Shinning gave me a skeptical glare before nodding ok.

"What happened, what did he show you Shinning Armor?" Celestia said coming to stand behind him while eyeing me warily.

"He showed me her struggles your majesty, I understand why she did what she did though I still hate her for it." Shinning said glaring at both me and Chrysalis warily.

"Is that so?"

"Indeed it is Celestia now that you know we arnt your enemies we can prepare for the real fight that will begin tomorrow with the arrival of the first horsemen. So I suggest you call on all your allies and begin to plan for war." I said making my way through the ponies to the castle Chrysalis and the changelings following close behind.

"And what of you and the changelings what are you going to do?" Luna said blocking my path with a confused glare on her face.

"Worry about rallying your ponies and allies lady moon, as for me and mine we will be finding somewhere to stay on the castle grounds, so that you may find me should you need me or Chrysalis." And with that said Chrysalis and I set out to find a suitable place to stay finally settling for the crystal caverns below the castle.

After getting the changelings settled in the caves Chrysalis and I made our way back to the courtyard. I opting for my human form, a simple pair of black jeans and a matching Stetson adorning my toned frame with the mark on my chest glinting in the sun light. Giving the ponies there space Chrysalis and I searched for a place where we could relax and keep a eye on things. And shortly after delegates from both the dragon and gryphon empires arrived, immediately badgering the princesses with questions. The most asked question to Luna's surprise pertained to her appearance, and took many assurances from Celestia and Luna both. To convince the delegates that there would not be another Nightmare Moon problem. With that resolved Celestia began to explain to the delegates the true nature of this meeting.

"And watch the fireworks as the fools rage." I said to Chrysalis with a smirk earning a chuckle as I covered my eyes with my Stetson as if asleep. The delegates outrage could be easily heard from where Chrysalis and I sat, and one voice was growing louder as its owner came closer.

"Here comes one of those fools now, a gryphon." Chrysalis warned silently making me smirk as the gryphon stopped near us and said.

"And what is so fearsome about this creature Celestia, why should we listen to anything it says?"

"You really shouldn't judge a book by its cover friend, you might find yourself with more than you can handle." I said mockingly from under my hat, the sound of growling could be heard from the gryphon.

"Really and what could you possibly do, your much to small to be of any real threat to me." He said laughing as he reached down and swiped my hat from my head. Where I promptly disappeared in black smoke and reappeared behind the gryphon reclaiming my hat and replaced it on my head.

"Now I don't know about round here." I said coldly as the gryphon spun around and glared at me. "But where I come from you don't mess with a mans hat unless your looking for trouble." At this point I got a good look at the creature before me, he was about a head and a half taller than me. A scar running from above his left eye and across his face coming to a end on the right side of his beak. His eyes were cold, calculating trademarks of a seasoned warrior if the scar and swords on his hip weren't clue enough. His feathers were dull in color, showing he had age as well as experience, but wasn't beyond service.

"So which one of you are the ambassador?" I said looking towards the princesses to see about six more gryphons similar to the one before me. On the opposite side stood the dragon delegates all watching me with narrowed emotionless eyes. In the middle of the gryphons was another his feathers were bright with youth, eyes darting back and forth between me and the princesses showing his lack of experience.

"That would be me." He said his voice shaking ever so slightly as he rose a clawed hand.

"Ahh very good my name is Thomas good sir and I would like you to tell me what you see before you." I said walking towards him stopping short of his circle guard.

"Im not sure I understand, what do you mean?" he said stepping past the guard to get a better look at me.

"You arnt a soldier sir, nor are you a friend I have already seen and heard what both think of me I would like your opinion. Do you stand by your guards choice saying I am to small to be of any true threat, or is it possible there is more to me than meets the eye?" I said as the ambassador eyed me warily and all the guards snorted on annoyance. There was silence save the sound of shuffling feet as the ambassador looked me over with a critical eye.

"Your body shows signs of training and hard labor." The ambassador said finding his voice. " Your calm in the face of trouble and quick witted. But even with both these traits you pose very little threat to us gryphons."

"A fair assessment ambassador, but it is flawed non the less." as I said this the ambassadors eyes narrowed.

"For you see, you are basing your assessment almost entirely on my physical appearance, something that could very easily be a disguise."

"Be that as it may I still stand by my earlier assessment." The ambassador said stepping closer and glaring at me with smoldering eyes. "You are to small, and undertrained to even be considered anything more than a nuisance. How you managed to convince the Princesses of Equestria otherwise is beyond me, but it just goes to show females have no place ruling a country." As the last words left the ambassadors beak all the princesses snorted angrily or just glared at the ambassador with a look that could have killed. Chrysalis on the other hand was on her feet and hissing threateningly, her eyes aglow in rage.

"Is that so, tell me ambassador what if I proved you wrong would you aid Equestria?" I said silently reassuring Chrysalis that they would pay for that insult.

"Even if you were to prove me wrong which is highly unlikely." The ambassador said stepping forward getting into my face as he spoke.

"It is not within my power to say, that responsibility falls to the king"

"Who is conveniently not here though" I said letting my irritation slip into my voice and my eyes darken in anger.

"No he is indeed present." a voice said behind me belonging to the first I spoke with. "And I stand by my ambassador you have done little but run your mouth. With no proof of the threat you say looms on the horizon you are nothing more than a child crying for no reason."

Again Chrysalis Shot to her feat in anger with me barely holding her back with assurances of retribution. All being passed silently as we stared into one another's eyes. With a final angry snarl she settled back in her place only to hear the king say.

"you should keep your bitch on a leash freak, were this my home she would be dead instead of allowed a say in these events."

In the time it took for the king and his delegates to chuckle, three things happened. The first being my eyes turned deep red as I let my anger show and power flow. Then all the gryphons save the king began to scream as their own shadows began to attack them and drag them into the dark. The third and final thing happened as I disappeared in a geyser of black smoke and reappeared behind the king a changeling, kicking the king squarely in the back. Sending him sprawling on the ground at chrysalis's feet, while I trotted up behind him my horn glowing red effectively keeping him in place until I lifted him up and looked him in the eye.

"Now hear me king, you all foolishly dismissed me as a nuisance and now you are paying the price. But from here on out not only will you trust the Princesses entirely but you will also apologize to my queen. And you will never insult her like that again and if you do there is no place I wont find you do I make myself clear?"

"Do you have any idea..."

"Who you are? what I have done? Why yes sir" I said cutting the king off and keeping him silent with magic as I spoke. "I do I have nocked a pompous prick down a few notches. And don't start with the self righteous I am a king this means war crap, there is no need for it and it wont ever get that far." As I spoke I shifted and mimicked the kings appearance, everything from his voice and the cocky grin he wore not even a minute before this.

"What are you?" he said staring up at me wide eyed making me throw my head back and laugh as I released him and returned to my form.

"I am a powerful ally and a deadly adversary." I said reaching a hand out to the king as his followers reappeared out of their shadows. "Now tell me will you aide the princesses and I fight the battles to come or must you and I be enemies?"

The king eyed my hand like it was a snake that was going to bite him and when it didn't he slowly took it and I pulled him to his feet, dusting him off once he stood. In all the Gryphons were shaky but otherwise unharmed and refused to go anywhere near me and Chrysalis, and then later agreed to aid equestria in the days to come.

As the day neared its end Celestia, Luna and Cadence had discussed and made the necessary preparations to have gryphons in equestria. But still there was no answer from the dragons they would always seem to be staring at me even ignoring the princesses when they tried to talk to the dragons. Then the oldest, largest dragon left the group and came towards me, his scales were a faded deep red. With twisted horns all along the crest of his head and spikes on his jaws.

"What are you little one I can sense great power in you, and yet I don't know what you are." He said his voice a low abyssal bass reverberating with power.

"mind your words with this one, they are all hiding something and are suspicious of us.." Chrysalis warned as I eyed the dragon before me and pondered how to answer his question.

"Tell me dragon." I said smiling. "What do you know of humans."

"You mean the monsters mothers tell there children about to keep them in line." Another voice said as a smaller dragon came forward and glared at me with hate filled eyes.

"Humans are monsters only content when they have destroyed everything else. And they are the reason our first true king died and isn't here with us."

"Is that so little one, so tell me do I look like what you imagined humans to be?" I said annoyed with this dragon already and fighting the urge to knock that look off his face.

"And what if I told you that Eleanor wasn't the death of Gawain what would you say then?" Both dragons recoiled and stared at me dumbfounded, until the young one growled and got in my face saying.

"you utter such heresy again and I will gladly burn you to a crisp here and now. So what do you have to say to that human?" The dragon glared down at me with a smug smile on his face, one that quickly distorted to a snarl of rage as my hysterical laughter rung throughout the courtyard.

"And how would you have across these lies little one, such lies need to be stopped immediately." The older dragon said looking down at me with genuine concern in his eyes. Before they too were filled with anger and scorn as my mocking laughter filled the courtyard once more.

"And who says these are lies old one?" I said wiping a tear from my eye. "What I tell you is indeed the truth, for you see I am a direct descendent of Eleanor, the soul mate of Gawain the Great."

I hardly got to finish my sentence before I was bathed in searing flames burning away my clothes but doing little otherwise. Enraged I shifted and shot my long neck out catching young dragon around his throat effectively stanching his flames as I beat my wings. taking myself and my opponent into the air only to whip my head around and fling the drake into the ground. Black flames covered his body as I fell from the sky and hit him directly in the chest sending dirt and dust into the air.

When all was clear I was standing above the drake my legs holding down his throat and wing, while I glared down at him. At first he struggled to get me off though when he saw me once again his eyes went wide and he froze beneath me.

"I should kill you now and save the world from one more jack ass!" I roared as the drake cowered underneath me, only to feel a small prod on my leg. who happened to be Luna looking up and me and shaking her head no with a knowing smile on her face.

i have to say i agree with her for once.Chrysalis told me moving to stand next to Luna.

"Fine be gone you damned fool and don't let me see your worthless hide unless it is of dire importance." I said with a sigh as I stepped off and returned to human form and began to walk away. Only to stop when i heard the old dragon call out.

"My king where are you going?" As he chased after me, bowing once he caught up to me.

"I am not your king dragon speak to princess Celestia and the others I want nothing more to do with this." I said brushing past him only to stop when he dropped his tail in front or me, earning a withering glare for his trouble.

"But you are our king, when you became one of us it was Gawain who stood before us and rightfully punished that fool." He said his eyes actually sparkling with excitement. " It is all as the prophesy foretold all those years ago out king has returned."

"Fine then I am your king, and you know what the first thing im going to do as your king is?" I said my voice dripping with sarcasm and throwing my arms up in exasperation.

"You are to aid both princess Celestia and Luna to prepare in every way for the coming days."

"As you wish my lord." the dragon said bowing and backing away before going to the other dragons and then the princesses. This day has been nothing but a pain in my ass. I thought as I began walking again, heading for the crystal caves and hopefully some well deserved rest. Only to stop dead and fight every muscle in my body not to scream in rage when I heard Luna's voice behind me calling.

"Thomas wait please I wish to speak with you a moment."

"Make it quick princess I have reached my limit for dealing with dumb shits today and I don't have much patience left." I said turning to face her as she trotted up to me.

"I never did get the chance to properly thank you Thomas." She said catching me by surprise and raise a eyebrow in confusion as I said.

"Thank me for what princess I have done little more than cause you trouble since my arrival?" I asked genuinely curious to hear what she had to say. Only to freeze stiff with eyes nearly bugging out of my head when I felt her lean in and kiss me square on the lips and say.

"Thank you Thomas for helping me show my true self to my sister, and helping me in my garden." After that Luna quickly took flight heading for a tower on the other side of the castle. I could have sworn I saw a blush tinting her cheeks as Luna flew away, though I didn't have time to think much on the subject. As I was dragged from my thought's by Chrysalis coming up next to me and bumping me with her flank to gain my attention.

"What was that all about?" She said nodding in the direction Luna disappeared while giving me a curious look.

"Hmm?" I said still partially lost in thought. "Oh right, that was nothing my dear Luna just wanted to thank me."

"What for Thomas?"

"I've helped her out once or twice since I got here, ill have to ask her about it later." I said still pondering what happened until I felt a sense of unease and worry coming from Chrysalis as she said.

"Speaking of questions Thomas I have one for you." Her voice actually shook a little and the fear actually grew as she spoke.

"Chrysalis what's bothering you?" I said grabbing her neck and hugging her with her head against my chest. She didn't say anything right away, and I could feel her emotions leveling out as I held her.

"How do you feel about kids Thomas?" That question caught me completely by surprise as I leaned back and looker her in the eye to see if she was serious, which she was.

"I would like to have some one day if that's what your asking love." I said with a confused smile as I escorted her to our temporary home and laid down to rest. Though rest was a difficult thing for me with all the events of the day weighing on my mind and knowing what tomorrow would bring didn't help much.

War

The following morning I awoke to nothing special, the day seemed to be going on just about the same as any other. I was even pondering returning to sleep beside Chrysalis until one of the changelings informed me a pony was looking for me at the cavern's mouth. With a heavy sigh I stood and stretched my massive form, careful not to step on or disturb any of those around me as I made my way to the caverns entrance. As I drew near to the entrance I could feel the changelings temper rising and hear shouts coming from ahead. When I turned the final corner I saw a changeling holding a unicorn stallion, at bay baring access to the hive, only to have him stun her with a spell and walk past her unconscious form and deeper into the caverns though he didn't get far. A deep growl resonated from me and down the corridor to the stallion making him stop and blanch under his dark coat.

"You have assaulted one of my people, pony." I said menacingly my voice bouncing and echoing through out the tunnel seeming to come from everywhere. "You will be subdued and punished for theses actions." The pony's head spun every which direction trying to find me as he shouted in return.

"I have been sent by the princesses to retrieve you beast, they require your presence in the throne room." Nothing stirred as the pony stared nervously at first into the darkness ahead of him gaining confidence as time passed.

"Well are you coming beast or must I come fetch you?" He shouted going so far as to start forward into the darkness only to have the light that once shined behind him blink out and leave him in darkness. Seconds later the cave was filled with the sound of terrified screams and sinister laughter as the pony was punished for his miss deed's.

Shortly there after the doors to the princesses throne room was blown open and the unconscious form of the pony flew through the room to land at the princesses feet. All eyes were on the pony on the floor as Chrysalis and I entered the room, Chrysalis still fuming and very upset. Nothing was actually said until Chrysalis and I reached the thrones and I reached out with a clawed hand to brush the pony aside with no lack of force, making his head bounce off the wall on the other side of the room.

"You should truly be careful of whom you send to retrieve your allies." I said my voice heavy with aggravation as I lay down and glared at the princesses on their thrones. "Were I any other creature I might take offense to one of your subjects assaulting one of mine and then out right insulting me." The room grew cold as the princesses stared at us, their mouths agape in surprise.

"I had known he didn't think highly of Changelings" Celestia said as she stood and began to make her way to the unconscious pony. "But I never imagined he would do anything like this, rest assured he will be reprimanded for his actions." I chuckled darkly to myself as Celestia tried to rouse the pony only for him to remain unresponsive.

"That wont be necessary, Princess when he does wake he will never come anywhere near me or any changeling." Both Princesses head snapped towards me as I spoke before they glared at me making me chuckle once more.

"What have you done to him." Luna said as her eyes began to glow and she let out a shocked gasp and began blinking her eyes dispelling the glow only to glare at me menacingly. "His mind is in ruin focusing only on a fear of you, Thomas what have you done?" A heavy silence spread as the princess glared at me and I just gave them a tired glare before bursting into maniacal laughter scaring everyone, even Chrysalis.

"That damned fool assaulted one of my subjects" I said my eyes smoldering in anger. "He came to those caverns looking for a monster, looking for trouble so, I gave him what he was looking for."

"If he doesn't wake...."

"Truly, have you learned nothing" I said in exasperation, interrupting Celestia and glaring at her. "I have yet to kill anything without good reason, and I don't intend to start now. He will wake given time, and like I said he will never come near me or mine again. Now what was so important that you had to send that poor bastard to find me in the first place."

"You come in here with an unconscious pony and then bat him across this hall like he is nothing." Celestia began her voice calm and controlled but overflowing with anger and reproach. "Then you tell us you have taken matters into your own hands and punished said pony cruelly. And expect to change the subject just like that, when we first met Thomas I was willing to believe you weren't the monster you seemed but now I'm not so sure." The room became deathly silent as Celestia finished her tirade, her front hooves on my snout and glaring into my eyes. A few tense moments passed as the two of us stared into each others eyes, both brimming with barely contained rage. Then I took one deep breath and snorted blowing Celestia off my face and back into her throne with a resounding thud on impact.

"Well forgive me Celestia, but a lot has changed since I came here." I roared jumping to my feet and towering over the thrones, bathing them in shadows. "Its not every day a man finds himself to be sharing his body with the very embodiment of fear. And then to top that off, I am the literal bringer of the end, forever stalked by the horsemen of the apocalypse, raining destruction on all I meet." Another tense silence followed this declaration, broken only by the sound of someone shifting uncomfortably on there feet. Then we were snapped out of our stare down as two sets of wings took to the air, Chrysalis blocking my view and, Luna blocking her sisters. My anger and rage focused on Chrysalis the moment she blocked my view, making her visibly cringe and I could feel a sense of complete terror radiating off her. And this startling realization snapped me out of my unusual rage letting me collect my thoughts and sooth a still frightened Chrysalis. I quickly shrank to my human form with Chrysalis following me down to floor level but keeping her distance, her eyes still wide in fear. The fear and terror I felt off of her destroyed me utterly, as tears began to flow freely down my face as I slowly approached her and wrapped her in a fierce hug, whispering apology's between sobs. For what seemed like hours, I sat there crying into chrysalis's shoulder begging, her to forgive me. Just as Chrysalis forgave me and returned my embrace the sound of someone clearing there throat made us look over to see Luna and Celestia standing there. Luna with a sad smile and Celestia with a troubled expression as a uncomfortable silence stretched on between us.

"Allow me to be the first to apologies." I said stepping past Chrysalis and towards Celestia. "I can honestly say I don't know what came over me and I regret acting on my anger as I did." Celestia gave me a long cold stare, so long in fact my prior rage threatened to boil over once more. Only to be stopped and relieved when Celestia let her head drop and her eyes soften in regret as she spoke.

"I am sorry as well, Thomas. I let my temper get the better of me, it wont happen again. And in the future I will be more mindful of those I send to our allies."

"Good. Well now, that's out of the way." Chrysalis said giving me a confused glance before continuing. "Would either one of you care to explain why that fool was sent to fetch us too begin with?" Both Princesses blinked there eyes wide like deer in the headlights until realization dawned on Luna.

"Oh, that is truly a simple matter." She said waving her hoof dismissively as she spoke. "My sister and I wished to inform you both that more delegates will be arriving later today and we will be hosting a gala tonight to commemorate this gathering. And as the rulers of the changeling nation you both will be expected to attend this gala." Chrysalis and I stared at Luna for a long moment before I burst into laughter.

"Ohh that's a good one princess throwing, a gala at a time like this. Now please, what is the real reason you needed us?" I said, though my mirth quickly vanished to be replaced with irritation when I saw the serious expression on the princesses faces.

"You can't be serious." I said in exasperation as I stared at the princesses. "Surely, with your combined age and wisdom, you would know hosting a event such as this in times like these is foolish."

"We are indeed aware that this event could be a prime target for any enemies of Equestria." Luna said stepping forward as she spoke. "But rest assured that we have taken the necessary precautions to hopefully prevent any form of tragedy from striking this night."

"And what, pray tell are these precautions you have taken princess?" I said giving her a annoyed glare as I spoke. "Please tell me it is more than simply placing the guard on high alert, because we all know how that worked the last time they were on alert." The cold, angry stares I got were the only answer I needed and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to face palm. With a mental command the hive mobilized, dispersed and blended perfectly into the castle staff and citizens of the city.

"This will be a mistake ladies mark my words." I said forebodingly and began to try and plan for the worst. "As we speak changelings are integrating themselves into every aspect of the castle and the surrounding city. They will be our eyes and ears as a little added security to help your guards." Both princesses stiffened and then glared at me as I spoke. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "They shall do no harm to any of your little ponies and will only reveal themselves if need be." I said trying to reassure the princesses, though judging by Celestia's expression it didn't work. "And no we will not call them back. Think of this as a condition Chrysalis and I require you to allow for forcing us to attend this gala." Celestia and I stared each other down for a long second before Luna stepped between us. and said.

"That is acceptable, Thomas now, I suggest you go and prepare for the gala. My sister and I can handle the delegates." Luna said. I gave her a respectful nod and smirked at Celestia as we turned and left. Chrysalis and I walking in silence, Our minds a whirlwind of thoughts coordinating, our changelings in the city.

The rest of the day was spent organizing the changelings throughout the castle grounds and pondering how best to go about attending this fools gathering. We both decided to instead of trying and fitting in, we would go as ourselves. It would leave both of us at the ready should the worst happen, plus it would cut down on the amount of talking we would have to do. So as night drew near and the gala began, Chrysalis and I made our way out of the relative comfort of the hive and made our way to the castle gardens, where the gala was to be held. And as we walked I couldn't help but marvel at the immaculate beauty of Luna's night and the stars across the sky. As we drew near the soft sound of classical music could be heard , and the general din of an upper class gathering. Then I caught sight of the gala hidden from my view by a small group of trees, but as soon as I saw the party All, the ponies and other various creatures saw me. Most of the ponies and other creatures jaws hung open, all except the dragon and gryphon representatives, for obvious reasons. Though I was quickly forgotten when Chrysalis and I arrived at the clearing proper, all the ponies staring at chrysalis in fear and rage. And as far as the world new Chrysalis was cold and uncaring of those around her, though I could tell different. She was a mix of anxious and excited to be here, even after all my warnings that tonight wouldn't end well.

A long, awkward silence filled the air around us as Chrysalis and I stood there waiting for something to happen. Which thankfully, we didn't have to wait long as a voice called out of the crowd.

"Fear not friends they are here for the same reason as the rest of us." Luna said coming through the crowd and wearing the most beautiful dress. The dress was just a few shades darker than her coat, the top part hugging her chest and belly snugly before poofing out like a Victorian ball dress. With constellations all over the dress that seemed to move all on there own, just like in the sky above. I was snapped out of my revere by Chrysalis kicking one of my legs. It wasn't enough to hurt but was enough for me to notice the thoughtful look she was giving me and Luna as she got closer.

"Come, join the party friends, there is much fun to be had this night." Luna said either missing or ignoring the little exchange between Chrysalis and I. Though I thought I saw a pleased smirk on her face as she turned and led us deeper into the party, completely ignoring the gawking faces around us. Though I was having no such luck, all the staring was beginning to wear on my already tired nerves. And then to make matters worse, Lightning lit up the sky in the distance followed by a ominous crack of thunder as it began to rain a gut washer. We all quickly scrambled for the castle's interior and shelter from the rain, many complaining about ruined clothes or makeup as we all settled into the castles grand foyer.

Chrysalis and I quickly made our way to a far corner of the room, laying down and watching carefully, and listening for anything out of the ordinary. And for a few hours we sat like this, doing little as we waited to see what would happen next, and as time continued to pass with nothing happening, I could feel my patience slipping away to the point I was shifting and growling quietly to myself. I was so wound up and aggravated that when I was a startled by a voice beside me I almost attacked it without thinking. Though when I looked to see who it was I thought it would have been better, for right there at my feet were all the six ponies who attacked me when I first got here, all with ashamed expressions on there faces. Save the white unicorn Rarity, I think her name was. Her expression I couldn't read as I glared down at the ponies.

"What do you want? I have more important things to worry about than you trying to assault me again." I said coldly as I began to look around once more.

"We came to apologies about that actually, we are truly sorry." Twilight said stepping forward and looking up at me hopefully, though the hope left her expression when I turned to face her once more.

"So you think an apology is going to change the fact you all assaulted me? For no good reason mind, you." I said my voice rising slowly with my temper. "And then threaten to get rid of me simply because im a little scary and darker than things around here. If you think a simple apology is going to be enough, you are sorely mistaken." I finished yelling down at the little ponies absolutely fuming in rage, until the rage left me. Leaving me feeling light headed and wondering where it came from only to look down and see two of the ponies crying, the pink earth mare, and the pegasus that tried to help me. With a disappointed sigh I stood and began to make my way towards the doors, and the gardens beyond.

"And just where do you think you are going after that stunt, mister?" Twilight yelled her voice quivering in rage as I turned my head to face her, knowing full well that I deserved this. Though just as she started her little tirade I was distracted by a odd yet familiar sound.

"Twilight be quite please." I said quietly as I began to move towards the door again.

"Excuse me, im not done with you..."

"God damn it Twilight, shut up" I yelled as the noise grew louder and recognition dawned on me just as my mind was flooded with a chorus of voices screaming "Incoming"

"Everyone, away from that door now!" I roared as I began to run for the door, Chrysalis hot on my heels. Then there was a thunderous boom and the doors were blown apart and something struck the floor. The impact sent dirt and debris flying in all directions, including any creature who was still too close filling the room with terrified screams. When the dust finally settled it revealed a huge crater with something moving, the sound of metal scraping on metal echoing up from the bottom. Faster than I could blink all the guards in the room circled up on the edge of the crater be they pony or otherwise. Then laughter resonated from the crater, sending chills down my spine as I whispered in terror.

"War"

And as soon as the word left my mouth all the guards let our fierce battle cries and swarmed into the crater. Only for their cries of war to turn to screams of agony, despair, and pain. As they were torn apart, random body parts flying out of the crater in a geyser of blood. And then as quickly as it started everything became silent and all looked on in completed horror, too stunned to even try and move. Then the silence was broken by the sound of metal moving as something made its way to the top of the crater and stood at the edge for all to see. It was a human, roughly seven ft tall in black, demonic armor that was stained red with blood, bits of flesh hanging from all the spikes and horns on his armor. Slowly he leaned his head back and took a deep breath, letting it out and saying in voice rough like stone.

"Ahh nothing like the smell of carnage in the evening to get the blood pumping."

All was silent as he scanned the room until his gaze stopped on me and he took off his helmet revealing a youthful face, scared all over with a bright smile and solid black eyes.

" It has been to long, Timor. Why have you left us with nothing to do for so long?" He said flashing me a smile as the majority of the party goers turned to look at me. At first with fear and then rage as War continued. "But no matter, you have released us, and my family will be following me here in the weeks to come. Until next time Timor." With that, he simply vanished in a geyser of flame, leaving the crater and what was left of his opponents in his wake. The next few hours passed in a blur. First, all rallied and tried to attack me. Only for me to stop them cold in fear and then show them who and what I was to avoid the stress and confusion of explaining it. Then I somberly walked to the crater and burned what was left of the corpses until all that was left was a black hole. The guests quickly left afterwards pledging vengeance on war and any who follow him as they left. Finally when all had gone and only the Princesses, the Elements, Chrysalis and I were the only ones left, I trudged past them, my head hung low as I tried to absorb exactly what had happened tonight.

"There will be no more nights like this one ladies, all gatherings will be war planning only. And it only gets worse from here, so I suggest you prepare yourself for the worst." I said dejectedly as I made my way out and back to the hive, doing my best to lose myself to the bliss of sleep. But it was for not, what little sleep I did get was plagued by nightmares, and when I was awake my mind was plagued with fear and depression.

"This was only one." I said to myself my voice hollow and lifeless. "Just Imagine how all four will be."

Author's Note

For those of you who don't know a "gut washer" is a heavy down pour just thought id let you know.

aftermath

The silence of the early morning was shattered as a thunderous roar shook canterlot and all its residents, almost off the mountain side. Deep inside the crystal caverns I paced back and forth swatting away crystal formations in a rage, fueled by self disgust.

"How could I have not known he was here?" I screamed slamming my clawed fist into a nearby wall, cutting myself with my own claws. "I am the avatar of fear, Timor created him, how did I not know he was here." For hours I paced back and forth in the deepest recesses of the caverns, roaring, yelling, and leveling formations of crystal in my blind rage. Until a voice cried out, both in the hive mind and the caverns.

"That is enough Thomas." Chrysalis said as she came into the room. "No one saw him coming, why should you have been any different?"

"Because Timor created them Chrysalis." I said in exasperation. " And now that I have all his power I should know when they arrive same as he did. I am now the avatar of fear I should have seen him coming from a mile away, and been ready for him. But no I wasn't, I was to busy being blinded by the rage he spawns and my own troubles. And as a result lives were lost, something I had hoped to forestall as long as possible." A tense silence followed my rant as Chrysalis and I simply stared each other down for what felt like hours. Only to have it broken by Chrysalis as she sighed heavily and shook her head in reproach.

"What is it now Chrysalis? What have I done wrong this time?" I roared making her jump in fear only to have her eyes narrow dangerously, and begin to glow green.

"Your only error is trying to take all this responsibility by yourself." She screamed as she took flight and stared me in the eye with her glowing eyes. "You are so focused on one facet of who you are. The great avatar of fear, when that is only a small part of you. Your are so much more than that Thomas, you have always been more... especially to me." As those last three words left her mouth all my anger left me, making me feel about three inches tall.

"Your the one that looked at me with wonder and curiosity, not fear and reproach. Your the one that showed me the magic of friendship these ponies have been blabbering about all these years. Your the one that showed me even monsters deserve a second chance." Chrysalis said her voice trembling as tears began to pool in her eyes. "But most of all you are my love. And you are now a father Thomas." A long silence passed after Chrysalis finished, during which she settled once more on the floor. Looking anywhere but at me while I stared at her to dumbfounded to even think, my entire mind completely blank and inactive while I tried and failed to process this.

"I..... im a fa... father?" I stammered out still staring at Chrysalis, only to have her shake her head yes slowly. So caught up in my own surprise was I. That as I scanned my memories for any sign of this, my legs gave out and I fell to the floor limp. My eyes glazed and sightless as I searched and searched. Only to have the night Chrysalis claimed me as her king, and then the question of what I thought of children come to mind.

"How long have you known?" I said quietly, dragging myself back from my memories. A heavy sigh echoed throughout the cavern as Chrysalis stood and approached me, lying down right next to me.

"I've known since the night we mated Thomas." Chrysalis said as she looked at me with a tear in her eye, and a huge smile on her face. "you see a changeling can get pregnant anytime she wishes too. Same goes for me, But since I am queen our daughter will be born one as well."

"And how have you been able to keep this from me when we are linked mentally?" I said confused, with pain staining my tone.

" I haven't told you because we were so busy preparing, I didn't want to add more to your already taxed nerves." Chrysalis said reassuringly laying a hoof on my scaled forearm.

"As for how I've kept it secret from you is quite simple really." She said smiling up at me sheepishly. "Every changeling given time develops a part of there mind where they are completely alone. And whatever thoughts, memories, or emotion's kept there cant be seen by another without permission." As she spoke Chrysalis stared into my eyes, and as she did I could feel her reach out timidly with her mind. Only to smile as I reached out as well and began to explore her mind, all her feelings and thoughts. Until I came to a place where I could go no further. Almost as if a wall was barring my access. At this revelation I frowned and looked down at Chrysalis confused.

"Don't ask me how we do it." She said chuckling. "Its just something we do, and given time something you will learn to do as well." As she spoke I could feel the wall diminish until It was no more. And as it faded I was flooded with maternal instincts and feelings from Chrysalis, and then beneath all her love and worry. I could feel a tiny presence, barely a glimmer in her mothers mind, but for the first time I could sense my daughter. Chrysalis smiled at me as I arched my neck around and looked at her stomach thoughtfully.

"Well this changes things." I said dumbly, my mind already abuzz with so many thoughts and worries. Only to have them calmed as Chrysalis reassured me, one thing ringing clear across her whole mind. Everything will be fine

I shared her smile, but couldn't help the feeling of unease that crept up my spine as I thought. I hope your right. For hours after that we simply sat, wondering where to go from here. Everything crossing our minds from our daughters name, to the role Chrysalis would play in the battles to come. After all this was discussed Chrysalis returned from whatever I had drug her from. Meanwhile I left the caverns heading for the castle, the princesses needed to be informed of the change in plans.... and I had some apologies to make.

When I finally found the princesses they were both leaving a side room, with the elements in tow. And as soon as there eyes fell on me the princesses gave me a tired smile. Where as the elements cringed in fear, or just glared as was the case with Twilight.

"Your all probably wondering why Im here?" I said shrinking down to my human form running a hand through my hair nervously. The only answer I got was a slow nod of there heads.

"Walk with me." I said as I turned and began walking, the ponies following shortly after a few hushed words were exchanged.

"What is this about Thomas?" Luna said coming up beside me giving me a questioning look. One that was mirrored on the faces of her sister and the others as they began to walk alongside me.

"Its an explanation." I said simply, before I looked to Twilight "And an apology to all of you."

"An apology?" Twilight said as she shook her head in exasperation, a reaction I had expected.

"Indeed it is and more." I said plainly as I kept walking with no destination in mind. "There has been a change of plans I figured you all would like to be clued in on them." A few hushed murmurs could be heard behind me while only the sound of my foot steps echoed down the halls.

"And what kind of changes would they be Thomas?" Celestia said hesitation filling her voice, making me stop and sigh before turning around

"The first change is our plans to deal with the horsemen, all four affect the world around them in different ways." I said leaning against a nearby wall and sliding down to the floor. "As we have already seen, war spawns a fighting rage in all near him. When Famine arrives crops will start to fail, rivers dry up, and so on. When Pestilence arrives sickness will run rampant, with seemingly no way to cure it. And then finally will come death, and just as his name implies hundreds if not thousands will just simply die. And he can kill anything with but a touch. And then to top it all off Chrysalis is pregnant with my child and wont be able to actively participate in any conflict."

A heavy silence passed as I sat with my eyes closed and back to the wall, and I could feel all their eyes on me starring at me in disbelief.

"Ch...Chrysalis is pr..... pregnant?" Twilight shouted, appearing out of nowhere right next to my ear, making me cringe and try to stop the ringing in my ears. When the ringing finally stopped, I gave Twilight a withering glare growling in annoyance I said.

"Really after everything I just said, the first thing you freak out about is Chrysalis being pregnant?" I growled pulling myself to my feet, glaring down at Twilight.

"She attacked us and has been on the run ever since of course this is going to worry us." Twilight said glaring back at me just as hard. " How do we know she wont do it again?"

"My word will have to be enough for you Twilight, besides the devil you know is better than the one you don't." I said my tone carrying finality, leaving no room for argument. A stare down ensued between Twilight and I, one I lost as I sighed and turned away my head hung low in despair.

"Weather you believe it or not I am truly sorry for yesterday." I said my voice hollow and cold as I began to walk away from them. "For now we will have to trust one another and do our best to survive this. Every nation, every soldier, every creature alive needs to believe we can win and be willing to die for that simple belief. If they don't then we shouldn't even bother trying, find me when you are ready to accept my apology. "

Just as I finished speaking I rounded a corner and disappeared in a geyser of smoke and reappeared atop the highest tower of the castle. Gazing up at the afternoon sky hoping against hope that there was a chance we would be able to pull this off, despite everything Timor's memories were telling me.

Famine

The rest of the day passed slowly as I simply gazed at the sky and tried to think. My only interruptions being when Chrysalis and a few changelings tried to find me. But they let me be, allowing me to watch the sunset and observe the sign that heralded Famines arrival in this world. It happened in that split instant after the sun dipped below the horizon, and before the moon fully entered the sky. A magic shockwave could be felt just before a sickly pail brown, transparent wave began to wash over the world. Draining all the color from a few plants, but killing most.

"So Famine you have arrived." I said coldly as I slid off the roof and landed lightly amongst the flowers in the garden. I quickly spun on my heel and headed back towards the castle, sending out a mental call for Chrysalis to meet me inside. And to my surprise Chrysalis came trotting down the hall just as I entered the castle.

"Im leaving to confront Famine non are to follow me pony or otherwise." I said coldly as I walked, Chrysalis walking alongside me fear and unease radiating off her in waves. "If anything tries to follow me they will be returned in pieces, or what ever Famines leaves behind." As I said this Chrysalis stopped and stared at me in terror as I kept walking. Coming to a open window I ran and jumped through it quickly changing to my dragon self. And began my journey to find Famine, though I had a pretty good idea where he was. It still didn't help knowing that I wouldn't like what I saw, when I found him.

After flying for what felt like hours I spotted a small town on the horizon, just as the moon reached its peak in the sky. But there was a evil feeling infecting the air as I landed on the outskirts of town. Slowly I walked into the pale town, all the buildings ashen in color and leaning to one side or the other. Every sense I had was on high alert as I made my way towards the center of the town, not seeing a single pony, or any creature for that matter.

The silence seemed to stretch into eternity as I walked almost to the point I had given up hope. Until a shrill, desperate scream pierced the silence. Making me forget any thoughts of keeping my presence hidden as I roared a challenge. As I began to sprint as fast as my four legs would carry me towards the square, and the sound of screams. Only to come to a skidding halt at the sight of the horrors that awaited me In the towns square. A large ornate fountain could be seen buried beneath the countless shriveled, bodies of ponies pilled on top of it. All the bodies were shriveled and there eyes nothing but black sockets. Almost as if the very life was drained from their bodies. It was like a horrible accident, no matter how much I wanted to look away. I couldn't tear my eyes from the gruesome scene before me. Until yet another scream shattered the silence making my head snap to the direction it came from. Only to see a single earth pony mare backed into a corner. Her sapphire eyes darting around wildly, until they fell on me. Where they filled with hope as she began to move forward. Only to stop dead with a single tear falling down her cheek, when a katana appeared before her. Pressed lightly into her coat the swords wielder appearing shortly after. He was tall like war dressed in a dirty brown robe with his back to me.

"Now just where do you think you are going little one?" Famine said his voice cold and hollow as the mare began to scream. And her body seemed to age rapidly before my eyes. Her once shimmering coat and mane quickly losing its luster as her eyes began to cloud, and her voice puttered out. But still she was alive, while her eyes began to sink into her skull and her flesh began to shrink to her bones. Much like a bag would do to its contents when the air was sucked out with a vacuum.

And through this all I was rooted in place by disgust and fear. And when Famine finally removed his sword from the mare. All that was left was a ash colored shell, a look of pure agony etched onto her face.

"Heed these words of mine dragon." Famine said as he sheathed his sword and turned to face me, his face devoid of emotion. "I don't know how you have come to gain the terrors power, but it will do you no good. My brothers and I will destroy this place swiftly and without mercy. So return to your people and spread the word that the end has come." As he finished speaking a insane grin spread across Famines face making my blood boil as I roared in rage. Fires hotter than the deepest pits of hell flying from my jaws bathing Famine and the entire town in them. I quickly took flight and continued to rain fire on the town until everything was but ash. Only to growl and roar in rage once more as Famine stepped from the ashes completely unfazed by the fire.

"Hear me rider." I roared from my place in the air. Making Famine pause and look up at me. "I am the new avatar of fear and this world is under my protection. Leave now and take you brothers with you or I will banish you all myself."

A long moment passed the silence broken only by the sound of my wings beating the air around me. That is until insane, hysterical laughter sounded form Famine below me.

"You may try dragon many have, and many have failed." Famine said as he disappeared into the wind leaving me fuming as I turned and made for Canterlot. My mind abuzz with suspicion thanks to one of the mares last thoughts and fears, I hopped against all that my assumption was wrong

The return flight was much quicker, and before long the once shinning towers of canterlot could be seen on the horizon. And with it I could feel Chrysalis and the minds of our changelings, all filled with worry until I made my presence known. But instead of the joy I had expected from Chrysalis. I got bombarded by one question, and the image of the pony I saw die at Famines hands.

"Did she make it? Celestia sent her after you please tell me she made it?"

Hearing this confirmed my suspicions and filled me with rage as I fell into a dive, aiming for the doors to the castle. Only to shift at the last second and slam into the huge doors as a man and roll through them and sprint for the throne room. None dared stop me as I flew past them murder in my eyes. And as I rounded the last corner the guards watching the entrance to the throne room turned tail and ran. Leaving the door unguarded as I run up too them. And kicked them screaming in rage, breaking them free of there hinges as the doors splintered and flew across the room. A long second passed as the splintered remains of the door fell to the floor like confetti and I stared at the sisters on there thrones.

"And just what do..." Celestia began only to be stopped short when I appeared before her my hand clamped around her muzzle, effectively silencing her.

"What do I think im doing you ask?" I said coldly staring into Celestia's eyes. " I said not to send anything or have me followed, but what do you do? Tell me Celestia WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!?!?" I screamed making both her and her sister cringe on fear as I released my hold on Celestia.

"I sent her to report on what she saw." Celestia said quietly looking anywhere but at me.

"And would you like to know what she saw Celestia?" I said quietly, shacking in rage. "She saw ponies literally nothing but skin and bones pilled onto a fountain and then she was killed slowly and agonizingly at the hands of Famine." A long heavy second passed as Celestia's eyes grew wide and tears began to well up.

"And do you want to know what her last thought before death was Celestia?" I said my voice breaking as I fell to the floor in sorrow. "She feared for her family, she feared how would they make it without her. But she feared how you would react knowing that she failed you Celestia. Her biggest fear was failing you, and she was so sorry she had not been good enough to fulfil this simple task you gave her." Another long silence passed as I sat there tears welling up and then finally fell down tears flowing down my face. Until I was wrapped in a warm embrace and I began to cry fully into the shoulder. Uncaring of who it was or how I looked as I cried and wailed.

"Why Celestia, why did she have to die." I said before breaking down completely into tears. Until a soft voice above me began to sing something I couldn't understand, But despite that it brought me peace and a sense of calm. Surprised I looked up to see it was Luna who held me close against her, her beautiful black wings encircling me. Her eyes closed as she sang until she looked down at me when the song ended.

"Don't ever let anyone tell you, that you are a monster or anything lese than amazing Luna." I said shakily as I gazed into her eyes, ignoring her appearance, one that so many had seen and immediately felt fear. Finally seeing all the things that made her the amazing mare she is. Without a word I gently pulled myself from Lunas embrace and turned to leave thinking to myself.

Too much has happened today I need some sleep and time to think. And without a word to anyone Changeling or otherwise I made my way into the gardens. Found a calm place in a small hill with a calm creek flowing nearby. I returned to my dragon form and curled up giving one last look to my surroundings and the beautiful night sky before I surrendered myself to the bliss of sleep.

pestilence

A week has come and gone since that night in the gardens glade. I did eventually take Luna up on her offer to help me, while she headed my advice and called all ponies to canterlot. Of course there were still the stubborn few who refused to leave there homes for one reason or another. But we continued as best we could pulling the best generals from every race and giving them all detailed information on every species that would fight alongside them, and left them to come up with strategies. With that accomplished I had little to do especially since Chrysalis was the only general for the changelings so to speak. Of course her being the sole conspirator in the invasion of canterlot made her very knowledgeable in the art of infiltration, and she new all the castles defensive weaknesses. A fact she found endless joy in showing the princesses during one strategy meeting that almost ended in blows among the three in question.

My mind had pondered all these things and more while I sat in Luna's room the first evening we tried to fix whatever was wrong with me. And as we begun there was great promise, we sat amidst calming incents diving deep into myself. Searching for the center of all three parts of myself. They all manifested as three glowing orbs in my minds eye. The surface of the orb that represented my humanity. Was covered in images from my time at home both the good and the bad. The orb that represented my draconic soul was a rolling mass of emerald green flame that flickered in a nonexistent breeze. And the one that represented Timor's power was a solid black orb that pulsed occasionally.

With a calming sigh I focused on the orb that represented my humanity, and was flooded with the memory's and sights it held, every one of them familiar. Familiar scenes flew before my eyes, a beautiful sunset, the rainforest during a storm, and finally Teras dazzling smile. After all these things passed before my eyes I wiped away a stray tear as I smiled at the memories. Next was my soul, and when I focused on it I was rewarded by a surge of power through my body ,while I was shown memories of flying bringing another smile to my face. I was flying through the air high above a ancient mountain range. The feeling of a gentle wind tickling my wings. While a fine coating of dew covered my body thanks to flying so high and so close to the clouds. Then the clouds began to burn with a bright orange color, while the mountains were bathed on the suns dying light as it sank below the horizon. As I was shown these memories another smile crept across my face. And finally only the black orb remained pulsing faster the more I concentrated on it. And as I took another calming breath a familiar chilled sensation began to crawl up my spine. Only to be crushed by anger as I focused on the last orb. Making it pulse and grow larger, all the way up to the point it exploded forcing me out of the trace with a splitting head ache. But while it grew I was shown horrendous images of wars, plagues and famines long since past. But the last and most scaring sight was that of the horsemen standing atop a hill of corpses holding Chrysalis at sword point between the four of them. And even though I new its wasn't real, my heart still stopped when they all attacked her. Beating, clubbing and slashing at her until there was nothing left but green blood splattered across there armor.

That was almost five nights ago and every night since ended the same way. The two parts of my self I was most comfortable and familiar with would allow me access with no problems. But every time I tried to fully grasp Timor's power and knowledge I would be thrown out of the trance, no better off than when I began.

Needless to say this began to work my nerves Eventually it got to the point where I would avoid my nightly sessions with Luna. Only to have her find me or send Chrysalis after me if she couldn't find me. Which was the cause of my current predicament with both of them questioning me and scolding me as if I was a child.
"And what the hell do you want from me I've tried time and again only to get nothing." I yelled in frustration my temper finally getting the better of me.

"This is not something you can hide from Thomas this you must face." Luna said chastising and glaring at me like I had just insulted her mother. "There is something you have yet to come to terms with or don't fully understand. That is preventing you from assimilating the three parts of yourself into one being, We must simply figure out what it is that is holding you back and it will simple matter to fix."

Silence filled the air as the three of us continued to stair each other down, until without a word I stood and brushed past them both and made my way to the door. Only to be stopped as I reached the door by a blue and green aura surrounding my body and holding me in place.

"And just where do you think your going?" Chrysalis said her anger and frustration only over shadowed by her concern for me.
"Somewhere other than here where I can actually get something done." I said my voice sad and tired as I brushed out of there grip and left the room. Only to groan in frustration when the sound of hooves following me could be heard shortly after I left the room.
"There is no need to follow me nothing more can be accomplished today just leave me......." I began only to stop dead as a familiar phenomenon began to manifest itself on the horizon and make its way towards us. And just as the wave of sickly energy washed over the world my pursuer caught up to me and revealed herself to be Luna.

"Thomas you know Chrysalis and I only want......" She began only to be interrupted as I said.

"There is no time Pestilence has arrived." And just as I said that I surged forward pouring every ounce of energy into my attempt to get to Pestilence before more lives were lost. I quickly ran out of hallway blowing through the double doors at the end and into one of the castles many court yards, never once slowing down. Shortly after I disappeared over the horizon Luna took flight in pursuit using the distinct dust trail I left in my wake as a guide.

The further I got away from canterlot the more profound the effects the horsemen were having on the world were. Were once lush rolling hills dominated the landscape was now only sun parched earth and dead plants. Where once quaint little towns and villages stood only burning buildings and ashes remained.And then after hours of running I came across a small town that at first glance seemed all right, but I was quickly proven wrong as the town began to rot before my eyes.

"This is defiantly the place." I thought sadly as I observed the houses going from a normal appearance. To being covered in mold, fungus, and just plain rotting away. One building actually collapsing directly in front of me revealing a disgusting sight on the other side.

Before me stood town hall a pale white man in a sick green robe standing in the door way. Watching as the towns ponies danced and pranced around before him throwing around dead flowers. While pieces of flesh fell away from there body's and a sickly yellow puss oozed from every orifice. This went on well into the afternoon until finally the last pony fell to the ground joining his kin. While all his flesh dissolved off his body leaving his body like all those around him. A pile of yellow bones sinking into the mud created by the bile of all the puss and putrid flesh. And then came the stench that was so horridness and putrid that I emptied the contents of my stomach onto the ground.

"Truly a beautiful show don't you think?" Pestilence said laughing while I continued to dry heave long after my stomach was void of anything to expel.

"You disgust me." I growled wiping my mouth and straitening to face Pestilence who's look of mirth morphed to one of contempt.

"OH another creature who doesn't know there place." He said his voice dripping with contempt " I suppose you should be put in your place. Six feet under maybe you will know who's your better then."

As he spoke pestilence grabbed a gnarled staff from beside him and swung it towards me. Sending a putrid wave of energy flying towards me, and i was too weak from retching to even move. So i just closed my eyes and braced myself only for the wave to never hit me. Confused I cracked open a eye only to cringe and gasp at the sight that met my eyes. On the ground at my feet lay Luna her once flowing mane now limp and lifeless. Her beautiful coat dulled and pale as she lay in the mud frothing at the mouth.

"OH would you look at that another fool has only postponed the inevitable." Pestilence said smugly as he began to walk towards us. While i dropped to my knees and grabbed Luna and pulled her close.

"Any last words?" Pestilence joked standing over me his staff raised high over head.

"You will pay dearly for this." I said my voice quivering in rage. While with a mental command Luna and I were bathed in green flames. That quickly faded away to reveal a concerned Chrysalis and Celestia with many a exhausted changeling panting all around us.

"Get a doctor now!" I screamed startling all those gathered around into action while I stayed on my knees softly whispering into lunas ear.

"You will be fine, you will survive don't die on me, damnit don't die on me Luna."

Miracle Cure

Three days have come and gone in a blur since my return with a terminally ill Luna. Celestia forcefully throwing me out of the castle shortly there after when she found out what happened saying I was to blame. And then she called all the best doctors from around the world to canterlot to cure Luna. And they worked tirelessly around the clock, but even with all there combined knowledge. The doctors couldn't cure her it mattered not whether they tried magic, or herbs the results were all the same.

During this time I could do nothing but rely on the changelings I had in the castle to update me on Luna's condition. And the updates I received were seldom good, every report said the same thing. Luna has shown no signs of improving, and to make things worse a plague began to spread. First through Eqeustria and then to all the neighboring country's and there people. The symptoms were similar to what I saw in the town Pestilence destroyed. Ponies and others just rotting away, oozing that putrid yellow puss that seemed to spread the sickness faster. And last time i heard the collective death toll had reached almost one hundred thousand poor souls around the world.

All these things and more passed through my mind as I scoured every medical book and book of cures I could get my hands on. Only to come to the same conclusion as the doctors late on the third day as I poured over countless books in Twilight's library. Only to jump from my seat with a howl of rage and fling all the books from the table before me and across the room. Striking the wall and then the floor with enough noise to wake the dead. With a defeated sigh I slid down the wall and lay my hands across my knees as I pondered and worried about how I was going to fix this. Only for my rage and desperation to grow worse the more I was left to my thoughts. Thankfully i was pulled from my brooding by the sound of multiple ponies coming down the stairs. Making me look in time to see Chrysalis and Twilight appear on the stairs, taking the whole room in at a glance. Before they cautiously approached me with worried expressions. And i watched them from behind my bangs as they approached both releaved and saddened by the fact Twilight had allowed us to use her library. Relieved for obvious reasons, but saddened by the fact my mistakes had made a little bit of Chrysalis's powers of persuasion necessary.

"Thomas we will find a way to help Luna i'm sure of it." Twilight said trying to be reassuring. But the way Chrysalis stopped in her tracks and motioned for Twilight to do the same showed her how much I disagreed before I even spoke.

"Twilight you of any pony should know how wrong that statement is." I said coldly staring her in the eyes with a blood shot, tear soaked gaze. " Every book on medicine and illnesses in this library had no way to cure this plague Pestilence has released upon the world. And you have read each and every one of them, even committed some of them to memory. So you know there is no way through modern medicine to cure this."

A long silence passed while Twilight tried to think of something to say and Chrysalis tried to console me. Only for her words to fall on deaf ears as I stared off into space convinced there was no aiding Luna. And that fact did not sit well with me, especially since it was my fault the horsemen came to equestria. And it was my fault that Luna was even put in a position to be harmed by any of them.

"Maybe we could ask Zecora?" Twilight said timidly glancing out a nearby window towards the everfree forest with uncertainty.

"And just who is this Zecora you speak of?" I asked sarcastically. "Are they some sort of voodoo witch doctor or some thing?"

"You could say that." Twilight said chuckling nervously. "She is real good with herbal remedies and unorthodox cures maybe she can help us."

Another long second passed in silence as i stared at Twilight as if she were a fool. Making her grown in frustration and head towards the door saying over her shoulder.

"We have exhausted all our other options it cant hurt to at least see if she can help us."

Slowly Chrysalis stood and made to follow Twilight stopping just short of the door. She turned and quirked an eyebrow at me and motioned for me to follow. Getting a growl of frustration from me as i stood and made my way towards the door. Only to be stopped short of it by Chrysalis as she looked me up and down before giving me the' oh really look'. Reminding me i was supposed to be in disguise, especially since i have yet to convince the rest of the girls to trust me. Even the pink one, the one who showed me the most kindness was wary of me. Not all out hostile like the rest, but still wary of me none the less. So with but a thought I took the form we had agreed on. A large but otherwise unassuming Thestral or bat pony as the towns ponies called them. And the official story was I was a lunar guard sent by Celestia to aid Twilight in her research into a cure. A story the towns ponies bought, thought was a little odd for obvious reasons but they bought it. When she was satisfied with my disguise Chrysalis took one of her own, a thestral same as me. And then we both made our way out the door to follow Twilight as she led us towards the forest that Chrysalis had called home, and the place where I came into this world.

After what felt like hours of aimless wondering, our odd trio came to a small clearing with a little hut built into a tree. Chrysalis and I stopped at the edge of the clearing,Twilight on the other hand marched right up to the door and knocked. A few seconds later the door opened to reveal a zebra mare. Her neck adorned with golden wrings and her mane sticking up like a Mohawk. She glanced at Twilight and then Chrysalis and I with a raised eye brow. Before she waived us all in stepping aside as we made our way to the door. Only for a orange blur in the near bye bushes to catch my eyes and make me stop just outside the door. With a aggravated hiss I continued into the hut hoping that it was just some animal passing by, but something in my gut told me otherwise. And my suspicion was confirmed when I caught another glimpse of whatever it was heading back in the direction of ponyvile.

"Twilight dearest friend your company I do not mind, but what brought you this way by?" The zebra said snapping me out of my brooding as I watched her with surprise. "Ohh could it be, this strange creature that stands before me?" Twilight nodded yes and smiled at her friend and turned to face Chrysalis and i, motioning for us to speak to Zecora.

"Please miss we come in the hopes of..." I began only to have Zecora wave her hoof dismissively and approach me as she said.

"There is no need for that disguise, there will be no harsh judgement or fear in my eyes. So face me as you truly are, so we may discuss why it is you have come so far."

For a long second I simply stared at Zecora too dumbfounded to respond. Chrysalis's silent words of caution, being the only coherent thought in my head. until I simply complied, taking human form only able to get a single word past my confusion.

"How?"

"My eyes cant be fooled by magics lies." Zecora said with a thoughtful look. ". Now tell me what brings you here to my home, Could it be some remedy not found in a tome?"

"Actually that's it exactly." I said still not entirely sure what to make of this mare. "As i'm sure you've heard Luna has fallen ill and no amount of medicine or magic can cure her. Twilight suggested we talk to you since you don't practice conventional medicine, thinking you might have a idea on how to cure Luna."

As soon as I mentioned Luna the thoughtful look on zecora's face vanished. To be quickly replaced by one of fearful understanding. For a moment no one spoke or even moved as Zecora just seemed to stare off into space lost in thought. Until she finally spoke breaking the uncomfortable silence that had filled the room.

"This illness can not be cured by a earthy brew, But cure the princess we still can do. This ritual is very old, and of this very few have been told. But the way to success i can impart to you" She said as she trotted past the three of us and pulled a old dusty tome from a shelf, and lay it open before us. On the page was a illustration of two ponies one a zebra who looked oddly similar to zecora. And the other was just a simple earth pony on its back with the zebra standing over it.

"To complete this ritual there is no spell, all you need is within yourself." Zecora said motioning to the next page. That showed the same image, except the zebra was surrounded in blue. While the pony was surrounded by yellow, the two colors meeting between the two.

"To complete this task, there is but one thing to ask. Are you willing to sacrifice of yourself, to ensure the other pony's health?" Zecora said staring me in the eye awaiting my reply.

"I am." I said resolutely never once breaking eye contact. Earning a satisfied smile from Zecora as she nodded her head approvingly and continued.

"Then to perform this task there is only one thing to do, you must reach out to the ill and take the sickness unto you."

"And how exactly do i do that Zecora?" I asked confused knowing this had to be more complicated than it seemed.

"You can not remove this illness by any method you've seen, you must will it gone with every fiber of your being."

I continued to stare at Zecora confused and was about to voice my confusion. But I was interrupted by the sound of pounding hooves on the door and many voices shouting.

"It would seem that we have brought trouble to your home miss Zecora." Chrysalis said shying away from the warping, groaning door.

"So it would seem, the door will soon burst its seams." And sure enough just as Zecora said that the door shattered inward raining splinters and wood chunks on us all. And when it all cleared Celestia could be seen scowling at Chrysalis and i, her coat and main haggard and unkempt. And her eyes were blood shot from countless hours of crying and full of despair. And the rest of Twilight's friends could be seen peeking in from the shattered door.

"Thomas what have you done to my sister?" Celestia said her voice shaking with barely contained emotion. Earning a tired sigh from me as i shook my head and moved away from the three mares, unable to shake the feeling things were about to turn bad and fast.

"I did nothing to her, she followed me of her own volition and knew the danger." i said coming to a stop on the other side of the hut from Zecora and the others. "The only thing I've done is search as tirelessly as your doctors to try and find a way to cure Luna."

And my saying her sisters name seemed to be the straw that broke the camels back. Since Celestia's muzzle scrunched up in rage and despair, the room getting noticeably hotter by the second. I quickly shot Chrysalis a silent plea and in answer her and the other two mares dissipated in green flames. A fact Celestia either missed completely or decided to pay it little mind.

"you will pay for what you have don't to my sister." Celestia said menacingly her horn glowing as bright as the sun.

"I have done nothing to her, i am trying to save her." I shot back in reply my anger getting the better of me.

"LIES!!!!!" Celestia screamed as she released her spell only for it to miss me just barely and vaporize the wall behind me. While i crouched down into a pouncing stance and lunged forward directly at Celestia. Only to dive directly under her and skid out the door brushing off the mares attempts to capture me outside. And rocketing into the sky with a desperate scream, shifting form mid air. Beating my massive wings as fast as they would carry me heading towards the Castle nestled on the horizon.

once more a anguished scream pierced the air and a fireball easily the size of a semi flew past me, with but an inch to spare. Only my scales natural resistance to high heats saving me from being cooked alive just from the sheer heat. I quickly glanced back to see Celestial hot on my trail with tears of rage and anguish pouring down her face. Firing any and ever spell her distressed mind could think of to prevent what she feared most in that moment. And that fear was my saving grace, for she feared I would reach Luna and take her away. And so thanks to Timor's power I could reach Luna, but I wouldn't take her away.

And as the seconds flew by I began to pull farther and farther away from Celestia much to her dismay. And her spells became more eradicate most of them impacting the ground far below us. And then the spells stopped coming and I hoped against hope that Celestia had admitted defeat and given up the chase. But I was quickly proven wrong when I was blinded by a golden flash over the now tantalizingly close castle. Only for it to dissipate to reveal Celestia charging me head on in a mad game of Chicken. Once more the spells flew as she charged me, many finding there marks on my body. But i just grit my teeth and put every ounce of power I had into continuing forward, leaving only one possible outcome. And it came all to quickly, pitting might vs magic.

With a deranged scream Celestia charged one last spell as we closed the narrow gap between us. Only to be knocked to the side by my foreleg as I barreled past her shifting form at the last minute. And smashed through the balcony window to Luna's room. And for a second all was silent as the doctors stared at my limp form on the ground as they were huddled around Luna's bed. But they quickly began to move away as I shifted and groaned rising to my feet slowly. After a few seconds I regained my bearings and began to move towards Luna's bed. Only to have a brave but foolish earth pony doctor put himself between my objective and myself. He held firm under my burning gaze and undaunted advance for a short while. Before quickly realizing I would get to Luna, through him if it had to come to that. He quickly scampered out of my way only to have a gryphon put herself in his place.

"You will come no closer to the Princess." She said her tone carrying finality. "You are the reason she is ill, and i wont let you finish her off."

"So is that the lies Celestia told you in her grief?" I said my voice a growling abyssal bass that vibrated the room around us. " Luna is ill of her own accord, and ill be damned if you or anyone gets in the way of me fixing this." I finished screaming in her face, making her wither in fear and crawl out from between me and Luna.

The sight that greeted me was one that would haunt my breams for years to come. Luna lied motionless on her bed, her once ever flowing mane and radiant coat. Were dull and lifeless growing dimmer the longer i looked at her. And that sickly yellow puss was oozing from her mouth and nose. There were patches of skin visible where the fur had simply fallen out. The skin cracked and oozing a combination of blood and puss.

"I'm so sorry Luna." i said choking back tears as i sat on the bed beside her and angled her head towards me. "I'm going to make this right if it kills me."

"My king Celestia is approaching, we will move to intercept." One of my changelings in disguise said to me over our link.

"No you wont!" I snapped over the link at her. "You will not put yourselves in harms way for me am i clear."

"But my king?"

"I said am i CLEAR?!?!"

"Yes my king." She finally conceded though I could feel how much she hated too. With that out of the way I concentrated on the problem at hand. I had learned absolutely nothing about this ritual I was going to try and perform. And to make matters worse a desperately mad alicorn sister was seconds away from burning me alive with all the furry of the sun itself.

"I'm so sorry." I whispered as I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Luna's lips. Every fiber of my being resonating with the need to cure her, to fix this. And as soon as our lips touched. It was like getting hit by a lightning bolt, as both pain and nausea flooded my every sense. My eyes snapped open in panic to see the color returning to Luna, while my skin began to turn a disgusting shade of yellow. I broke the kiss in shock, only to see a yellow tendril coming from Luna's barely parted lips and snaking its way to my own. The more I took in, the more my energy faded and the pain grew. But at the same time the color had almost completely returned to Luna's coat, and she was beginning to twitch beside me. And finally realization dawned on me as the last of the sickness left Luna and she slowly began to wake. And when her eyes finally opened they fell on me full of confusion and worry. But that was all i saw before a searing pain exploded all over my side and i was blown away from Luna. Her voice screaming my name being the last thing i could discern from the noise and pain before i slipped into unconsciousness.

death

When I awoke from the coma that was forced on me something seemed off but I brushed it off, Time seemed to move in a blur from that point on. All the preparations were made for the coming battle, and all too soon it arrived.

I found myself soaring high above the battle that would decide the fate of this world. Watching while the creatures of equis fought the hell spawn that made up the horsemen's army beneath me. And then it all sped up, like someone pushed fast forward on a movie. The black army decimated everything leaving only the princesses and Chrysalis to stand against them. And then even they fell Celestia and Cadence fighting to the death while they were ripped apart. But Luna and Chrysalis were overwhelmed and then carried to the horsemen. Who were all lea-surly resting on thrones made of the bodies of there enemy's.

"Ooh what is this?" Pestilence said with a devious grin when the unconscious Luna and Chrysalis were thrown at their feet.

"They are our would be masters lovers, pathetic." War growled spitting at the two at his feet with contempt.

"Now where is there would be defender?" Pestilence said making a show of looking around. Finally looking up with a fiendish smirk and pointing at me. "Ahh there you are why don't you come down here and join us for the show?"

As soon as the words left his mouth. I found myself plummeting to the ground, impacting right at Famines feet. Rage boiled in my body when I tried to move only to find I couldn't.

"Ooh so you've finally realized have you?" Famine said glancing down at me from his seat with contempt. "You are completely powerless before us. You the only creature who would even stand a chance of beating us. But you are crippled and lame, by your own actions no less."

"Let this be a taste of what is to come, a sneak peak if you will." Pestilence said rising the other two horsemen doing the same. All of them stepping past me to the unconscious forms of Luna and Chrysalis.

"What are you going to do to them?" I growled doing my best to move. "Leave them be, this is between you and me. Leave them out of this, I command you to leave them be."

"Ooh poor choice of words sunny." Pestilence said smiling at me while they all drew their weapons. "Now you be a good boy and sit back and enjoy the show."

As soon as the words left his mouth the three horsemen descended on the defenseless creatures beneath them. Ripping them to shreds, leaving only there heads in one piece. These they threw at me, landing in front of me with a sickening thud. Frozen on their muzzles was a look of pure terror and agony. The sight making me sick to my stomach, much to the delight of my captors.

"Ooh look I think he is going to be sick." Pestilence said with a smirk, while the others chuckled.

"And to think it is fear that has crippled this mighty beast." War said mockingly delivering a savage kick to the side of my head.

"Ooh that looks like fun." Pestilence said while my world spun thanks to that kick. Only to have another blow land in the small of my back. Making me cry out in pain, while more blows landed all across my body. Everything simply fading until only the pain remained, and even that began to fade as I began to become numb all over.

"That is enough brothers." Another voice said, the assault ending as swiftly as it began. "Let us leave this sad creature and prepare for the end."

"As you wish Death." The other three said and they vanished leaving me where I was broken and confused. Staring at the heads on the ground before me, their eyes hallow and lifeless. Tears began to fall as the world around me began to fade into darkness. And then a voice began to echo in the stillness, just barely above a whisper and gradually growing louder.

"Wake up Thomas, wake up."

With a jolt and huge gasping breath I returned to consciousness, darkness being the only thing that greeted me.

"We were beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up." I heard from behind me making me jump in shock and spin around, only to see two teal eyes glowing in the darkness.

"We who exactly Luna?" I said relaxing a little when I realized it was her who spoke.

"Why Luna and I of course Thomas who else." Chrysalis said her eyes appearing in the darkness next to Luna's. I began to relax more when I heard Chrysalis and realized she was near. The only thing on my mind was the fact they were alive, until i remembered what I saw just moments ago. My body stiffening in anger while a deep growl echoed into the darkness, making the two sets of eyes go wide before narrowing slightly.

"Thomas whats wrong?" Chrysalis said, the soft material beneath me shifting while her eyes began to move closer.

"Stay back!" I yelled in rage. "I know what you are. Your a construct the horsemen put into my head to make killing me easier. But I wont fall for it I saw them kill you, I saw the life leave your eyes while your blood stained the ground."

The distance between the eyes and I grew, as if they jumped back in fear. While I did my best to crawl away from them into the darkness. Only to find the edge of what ever I was on and fall off. Hitting something hard knocking the breath out of me, leaving me gasping for breath. And just when I was getting back my breath, I was blinded as lights roared to life all around me. I blinked and did my best to rid myself of the spots that dotted my vision, while crawling blindly backwards.

"Thomas I assure you this is not a dream or figment of your imagination." Luna said somewhere nearby. Prompting me to blindly lash out in rage, still trying to rid myself of the damned spots in my vision. Only for it to clear when I blindly backed into a wall knocking my head and clearing my vision. Allowing me to see I was in Luna's room with both her and Chrysalis approaching me cautiously. Had my head not been clouded by confusion and rage I might have recognized the sensation of Chrysalis's tentative mental caress. But as it was their continued advancement only further clouded my mind with rage.

"I said stay back." I screamed the very walls vibrating with the power of my voice. While tears began to slide down my face thanks to the whirlwind of emotions that flew through my mind. Depression, anger, misery, and a familiar emotion where some of the things that ran ram pent in my mind. While I refused to acknowledge the last one, Wars last words echoing tauntingly in my mind.

"And to think it is fear that has crippled this mighty beast."

"Your wrong!!!" I screamed while I shifted forms to the dragon. "I am the avatar of fear. I rule fear I don't fear anything, and fear does not rule me."

"Thomas calm down please no one said you were afraid of anything." Chrysalis said her eyes wide with concern, while Luna had a look of shocked understanding on her face.

"Be gone from me, I wont fall for your tricks and lies." I yelled, promptly spinning around and breaking through the wall and into the hallway behind me. I could hear shouts of fear all around me while I barreled down the maze like hallway. Bursting through yet another wall when I found a dead end. Quickly finding myself in the castles grand hall with Celestia staring at me wide eyed from her throne. While a single stallion stood at the base of the throne starring at me like a dear caught in the headlights.

"Thomas just what are you doing." Celestia said glaring at me and then the hole behind me.

"Sister be careful Thomas is not himself." Luna yelled coming to a skidding stop between her sister and I, panting for breath. "The horsemen invaded his mind while he slept and showed him horrors untold. Making him believe that was reality and this is just a dream."

As Luna spoke, my mind began to clear of the fog of my uncontrolled emotions. Allowing me a moment of clear thought, that moment dominated entirely by Pestilences words.

"Let this be a taste of what is to come, a sneak peak if you will."

"So this is reality?" I mumbled to myself, everyone in the room still able to hear this. Making them all turn to me with relieved expressions on there faces. Slowly I began to relax as I looked at Chrysalis and Luna, thankful they were alive. I sighed deeply as it all began to make sense.

"Thomas its ok were really here I promise." Chrysalis said her voice shaking slightly as she walked up beside me.

"Thank god I thought I lost you two." I said my head drooping in relief only to snap back to attention, a familiar magic building on the horizon.

"What ever you do, don't fall." I shouted rearing up and burying my claws into the ceiling. As the final magical shock wave sped towards canterlot killing thousands as it passed.

"What?"

"Damn it don't fall down or you will die." I shouted just as the shock wave hit us, many of the guards and others in the room falling dead before they hit the floor. The princesses, Chrysalis and I all fared better, swaying to and fro but staying upright.

"Is everyone alright." I groaned, my grip in the ceiling weakening. Only to clamp down like a vice as another presence began to manifest itself.

"Everyone behind me now!" I yelled as a mass of black smoke began to form in front of me. Everyone getting behind me just as the smoke faded to reveal Death standing there leaning casually on his scythe.

"Bravo Thomas you have survived this long." Death said his voice hallow, while he clapped his skeletal hands. "But for what purpose surely you don't mean to try and save these pitiful creatures."

"That is exactly what I intend to do." I growled spreading my wings defensively, effectively blocking off the entire part of the room behind me. "Now as your master I command you to take your brothers and leave this place in peace."

"You are not my master boy!" Death spat his scythe creaking in his iron grip. "Timor was our master, you cant even wield his power much less command us."

"Be that as it may Death but what is the point." I sighed glaring down into his black sockets with contempt. "If we do battle I cant kill you, only banish you from this world. And you cant even kill me, it would seem that alicorns are the only ones capable of truly harming me."

"True this is all true, or at least it was all true once." Death began he and his scythe disappearing in a blur of motion. While black arks flew up and struck me in the chest where Chrysalis marked me.

"It would seem I have found a weakness in you perfect armor." Death sneered as searing pain erupted throughout my body. My hands falling lifeless to my sides while stones the size of cars began to fall onto me. And with a loud groan, like a tree falling I fell forward crushing the thrones beneath my body and shattering every window in the hall on impact. My vision began to fade and all my senses began to dull while Deaths vile laugh echoed through out the hall.

There was the sound of scurrying feet and muffled unintelligible words as the world began to darken. Only to slowly began to brighten once more as a calm cooling sensation began to spread across my body.

"Rest now my love all is well we shall talk in your dreams." I heard Luna said gently as if right next to my ear. And needing no further prompting I fell into a deep slumber, Luna's gentle voice quietly singing a lullaby.

When sleep finally claimed me I found myself floating calmly among the stars. Luna's lullaby echoing all around me in the stillness. Until finally she appeared before me, walking leisurely towards me.

"Hello Luna long time no see." I said, Luna chuckled as she nuzzled me.

"It hasn't been but a few moments since last we saw each other." She said a smile on her face. "But yes it has been a while since we have had the opportunity to talk. And I am eternally grateful for what you did to save me."

"Think nothing of it Luna that's what friends are for." I said chuckling nervously. "To be honest I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew I had to make things right."

"This you did and much more Thomas. I was afraid I would never be able to repay your kindness, but fate has been kind tonight." Luna said punctuating her statement with a soft kiss to my lips. Making me recoil in shock, earning a hurt look from Luna.

"Luna what was that?" I stammered my cheeks burning with a heavy blush. She kept the wounded look until she got a knowing smirk on her face.

"Chrysalis has told me you harbor feelings for me Thomas, and I saw it to be true the night of the gala. The way your gaze was following me that night." she said a confident smirk on her face. "And while you were ill Chrysalis and I talked about such things."

"You what?" I stammered completely caught off guard by this turn of events.

"While she didn't seem to bothered by the idea of you looking at another. Chrysalis wasn't fond of the idea of sharing you, though now she doesn't have much of a choice."

"Wait what?" I said making Luna's smirk grow. "What do you mean she doesn't have a choice in the matter?"

"Its quite simple really Thomas my dear." Luna said circling me with a devilish smirk. " Since we alicorns live so long it is hard for us to find a mate. But long ago Celestia and I devised a plan should we ever find a suitable stallion or mare. While marking you as my mate wasn't my intention, I see no reason to complain."

"Wait so if that wasn't you intention why bring it up, or even do it for that matter." I snapped my confusion and Luna's smirk working my nerves.

"Patience Thomas my dear all in due time." Luna said her smirk morphing into a full blown smile. "In order to heal you I had to use great amounts of my magic. Which happens to be the first part in the marking, the second part takes place if the two of us share affection for one another. And if we do my magic works its way into my mates soul, strengthening there body and granting them immortality. And you are a the only other pony I would wish to spend eternity with. Especially since when you look at me there is no fear or contempt in your gaze, only compassion and understanding"

"So now not only has Chrysalis marked me but now you as well." I said rubbing my head, it beginning to throb just thinking about the trouble I would wake into. " Who else will mark me your sister? Twilight? will I have a little herd going on if we survive the battle with the horsemen?"

"While I highly doubt my sister will ever see you in such a light, it is still possible." Luna said giggling at the idea. "But as for Twilight, no she would have to become a alicorn and that is highly unlikely. So it is safe to say you need only worry about Chrysalis and I for now."

"That really helps." I grumbled earning a warm nuzzle from Luna in reply.

"Now rest my love I must return and explain to the others what has happened." Luna said stealing another kiss before she disappeared from my dream, leaving me to my thoughts. And while I couldn't deny the fact I did like Luna, I couldn't shake the feeling things would be tense and heated when I woke up. But thankfully I didn't have to worry about that just yet so I relaxed and let myself drift, in this wonderful world of dreams.

A Fools Errand

"The horsemen have ravaged the countryside killing anything and everything around them. Should any creature pony or otherwise survive the initial attack. They would only die thanks to the foul powers that the horsemen carry." A general droned on reading from reports in a briefing I was forced to attend. Along with Chrysalis, Luna, Celestia, Shinning Armor and his wife, along with the elements of harmony. Every face in the room painted a picture of horror or disgust, all save mine. While my expression was troubled it was for an entirely different reason.

My trouble stemmed from the two mares who claimed me as their own. Ever since I returned to consciousness they have been waging a small war of wills between themselves. And being the poor unlucky fool at the center of this maelstrom I was being tugged, flirted, and harassed by both sides. I could hardly find some time where I want being harassed by one of the mares. And one can easily guess the way Celestia and the rest reacted to the news, not too kindly I tell you.

So as if them all not liking me because of what I am, and my relationship with Chrysalis wasn't enough. Now they all thought Chrysalis and I were trying to usurp the throne through seduction. The mere thought made my scales bristle and a low growl rumbled deep in my chest.

"Is there something you would like to add creature?" The General said snapping me out of my thoughts, only to see all eyes on me, most narrowed in reproach.

"No nothing at all forgive me for interrupting, please carry on." I said ignoring the glares from all around me, rising to my feet and making my way to the door. Only to be stopped by the sound of someone getting to their hooves and speaking.

"And just where do you think your going Thomas." Celestia said her tone hard and cold, while I could feel her gaze burning into the back of my head.

"This is all information that I don't need to hear and knew would happen. And contrary to what ever belief you may have, I do not enjoy hearing just how much damage the horsemen are doing. Especially considering the fact I already knew this was going to happen and tried to prevent as much pain as possible." I said over my shoulder doing my best to keep my voice even and calm. When nothing else was said I pushed the door open and made my way out. Once outside I spread my leathery wings and shook from my head to the tip of my tail. Doing the best to loosen some of the tense muscles protesting moving after so long lying on the floor.

And once I began to move once more albeit it rather slowly, my mind began to wonder. Though Celestia allowed the changelings and I to remain on castle grounds. It didn't take a changelings ability to sense emotions to know she hated me, or at least really, really disliked my company . And even though I understood her reasons, it didn't make it any easier or work to lessen my own anger.

Especially when Celestia so foolishly mentioned on several occasions trying to meet with the Horsemen to try and negotiate with them. A idea I quickly and effortlessly shot down every time it was brought up. And in many instances I could see a frown appearing on her lips when ever she mentioned the idea. The frown growing larger when my refusals grew more angry and colorful. As if for some absurd reason she couldn't understand what would actually happen in that scenario, or wanted to try regardless. But I highly doubt Celestia would be crazy enough to go through with such a thing. So I focused my thoughts on more pressing matters, namely the battle between Chrysalis and Luna.

Meanwhile back in the briefing

"Now that he has left we can move on to the actual point of this meeting, general if you please." Celestia said a tired sigh escaping her lips as she got comfortable once more. Earning a cold glare from Chrysalis that quickly morphed to a look of shock, and a confused glance from her sister.

"Now then down to business." The general said smirking as his horn glowed and the walls around the room did the same. And the wall behind him filled with a map with four large dots marked on it.

"What was that you cast on the room general?" Twilight said her horn glowing for a brief moment until Celestia placed her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. Stopping Whatever spell Twilight was about to cast and motioned for her to look back to the general.

"I'm glad you asked Miss Sparkle, it was a simple anti eavesdropping enchantment. Meaning nopony can communicate with anypony in this room by any means. The only way to know what is being discussed would be to be here or come through that door." He said his horn glowing once more along with the door I had exited out but moments ago. "Which is now locked and cant be opened until I remove the enchantment."

"What is the meaning of this Celestia?" Chrysalis growled, shocking everyone in the room with how quickly she went from being seated across the room to standing beside her. Snarling at Celestia her fangs revealed and glistening, staring down at her with rage filled eyes.

"Have a seat and all will be explained." Celestia said calmly meeting Chrysalis's glare with one of her own. The two continued to stare each other down, to the point they almost came to blows. Only to be interrupted by Luna draping a wing over Chrysalis a cold calculating look on her face as she spoke.

"Chrysalis please have a seat the sooner we hear what my sister has to say, the sooner we can leave here."

Chrysalis shrank away from the contact and hissed loudly before taking up a guarded stance where she was seated. When she was finally seated Celestia looked to her sister with a thankful expression. Only to flinch at the look on her sisters face, any words of thanks dying on her tongue.

"Make no mistake Celestia I do not approve of this and only want to see it finished as quickly as possible." She said the temperature dropping to the point all gathered could see their breath. "I don't know where you get your unfounded mistrust of Thomas, when he has done nothing but keep his word. But it would be in your best interest to figure it out and let it be, lest we come to a disagreement."

Luna didn't even spare a backwards glance as she spun around on her hooves and returned to her seat. Her face devoid of emotion, her eyes dull and uninterested as she stared at the map on the wall.

"Now then the true point of this meeting...." The general began only to be stopped by Celestia standing and approaching him.

"Why don't you sit down and allow me to explain this general." Celestia said smiling down at her little pony. "After all it is my idea, so who else would be better suited to explain it."

Silence filled the room while Celestia took her place at the head of the the room, while the general took a seat. And for a second her gaze went around the room. Coming to rest on her sisters completely void face and eyes, bringing a frown to her face and her gaze shot to Chrysalis for a brief moment.

"Now then the plain and simple truth is I intend to meet with the horsemen myself and try and reason with them." Celestia said, a startled gasp and furious hiss shattering the silence that followed her words. And silence filled to room once more, making Celestia sigh in relief until a scream broke the silence.

"What!!!!!"

Celestia winced from the volume of the combined voices. When her ears finally stopped ringing she cracked open her eyes to see who had voiced their concerns. Seeing Chrysalis and Luna were the ones who voiced their discontent was of no surprise to Celestia. But it was the clouded and troubled look that covered Twilight's face that made her pause in concern.

"Twilight whats wrong?" Celestia said, her concern for her student taking precedent . Twilight didn't immediately answer which only caused those who weren't looking at her with concern to quickly do so. Making Twilight shift uncomfortably as if she could feel the weight of all their gazes on her.

"Why?"

"I'm sorry Twilight what was that?"

"Why?" Twilight said her head hung low, her mane covering her face. Until her head snapped up to face Celestia her eyes hard and determined with a tear sliding down her cheek. "Why do you want to do that, when Thomas has time and again given plenty of good reasons not to."

The silence that permeated the room after that one question was so profound not a soul dared to so much as breath, lest they bring forth the argument that was bound to come. The tension finally was broken when all eyes were drawn to Chrysalis whose horn was aglow. Only for it suddenly darken, and her face morphed to one of complete shock as her rump hit the floor.

"Chrysalis what have you done?" Celestia growled as she took a menacing step towards her.

"She has done nothing more than open my eyes." Twilight said rising to her hooves as she was once more the center of attention.

"Why are you defending him?" Chrysalis muttered still starring wide eyed at Twilight. " I thought surely you were still somehow influenced by my magic, but you are not. Why are you still defending him, against your princess and teacher no less."

"I once thought Thomas to be nothing more than another villain that needed to be defeated. But now I can see that is not the case those three days you two stayed with me has shown me different." Twilight said, her voice soft at the beginning but it quickly gained strength and volume as she spoke with resolve. "Thomas is no monster, if he were he would not have spent every waking hour of those three days looking for a cure. Not once stopping to sleep, nor eat as he searched every medical book I could get my hooves on. He even went out on a limb seeking out Zecoras help, knowing their was no guarantee it would work. And if that's not reason enough to trust him. Both Spike and I kept a careful eye on him, intending to catch him in the act of some evil plot. And all we got for our efforts was seeing a hated creature doing everything in his power to right a wrong he blamed himself for despite the fact he was was in no way at fault."

And for the third time in so many minutes a tense silence filled the room, with all eyes on Twilight after her declaration. Twilight slowly looked around the room at the faces of all those gathered. Only flinching when she saw the cold, blank expression on her mentors face, but still she stood firm. Even holding Celestia's gaze until her mask faltered and a bit of emotion crossed her face, as she let out a exasperated sigh.

"I must say Twilight I never expected you to fall for Thomas's tricks......"

"I have not been coerced or tricked princess!" Twilight shouted, stomping her hoof in anger. "Its true Chrysalis had to manipulate me and Spike into allowing them to stay with us. But we were still in complete control of ourselves, Thomas wouldn't allow it any other way. "

"Its true, Thomas insisted I only made them allow us refuge. He refused to have them under my control." Chrysalis said her gaze still locked on Twilight, a look of confusion on her muzzle.

"And further more He has never harmed a pony without good reason, and always been honest with us. What has he done to warrant your continued mistrust." Twilight said as she glared at her mentor. Both ponies stared at each other neither backing down, until Celestia sighed heavily. Her fur and mane seeming to dull giving her a aged and worn look. Until she took a deep breath and gone was the age, replaced by a sad smile on her face.

"I hope you never come to fully understand such a thing as this for yourself Twilight." Celestia said " But my mistrust is rooted long ago in the past with the spirit that shared Thomas's body."

"Timor?" Twilight interrupted earning a chuckle from her mentor.

"Yes indeed my mistrust is centered around Timor." Celestia continued, a frown creasing Twilight's brow, as well as a sympathetic look crossing Luna's face. "Long ago before the reign of discord, Timor was a good friend of my sister and I. He was always a bit dark, but that is who he was while acting as a guardian of Luna and I until we were old enough to take the throne."

Once again silence filled the room as Celestia spoke, Twilight hanging on every word Celestia said while Luna seemed lost in thought. Celestia spared no detail in telling who Timor was. Even having to stop for a minute and explain to everyone that Discord was once a very calm being, and even a good friend. And it didn't take long for Twilight to see a connection between Luna and Timor, and thus Thomas.

"So your afraid Thomas will turn evil like Timor did and drag Luna into madness with him?" Twilight said after Celestia finished earning a nod of approval from her teacher. Which only served to make two mares in the room scowl as they watched the exchange.

"If your afraid of this happening why doesn't Thomas know about it and why hasn't he confronted you about it?" Chrysalis asked, her face scrunched in confusion much like Luna's.

"Its not so much a fear, as it is something i'm sure will happen." Celestia said offering Chrysalis a sad smile, only earning her a growl in response.

"But what if it doesn't?" Twilight countered, earning a small frown Celestia as she sighed.

"It might not come to pass for another hundred years Twilight, or it might come to pass tomorrow. But it will happen immortality is a heavy burden to bear, and regardless of who the pony is. All immortals will slip into madness, some like my sister can be saved from it while others may not." Celestia said her tone heavy and depressed with a sorrowful look on her face.

"Even more reason for us to lend him our hooves in friendship sister instead of alienating him. We of anypony would know the trial of time, and we are the best suited to be there for him as time drags on." Luna said capturing her sisters attention who's expression only darkened further.

"Either way I will be meeting with the horsemen. I cant condone war without at least attempting diplomacy based on the word of one pony." Celestia said with a groan and heavy sigh. "I don't expect you to agree or even come with me."

"I will go with you princess." Shinning Armor said standing and exuding a air of confidence. And slowly everyone around the room agreed to accompany Celestia on her suicide mission. All save Luna and Chrysalis who were giving Celestia a cold glare, and vicious snarl respectively. Seeing this made her sigh, but still a small smile graced Celestia's lips as her horn began to glow.

"Thank you." She said and in a blinding flash of light everyone in the room was gone, all save the general who released the enchantments and left.

Meanwhile in some desolate field full of craters and completely void of life, sat the horsemen polishing both weapons and armor. That is until all four were blinded by a golden flash of light. Which slowly dissipated to reveal those who were gathered in canterlot but a moment ago.

"Well this just made out jobs that much easier." War said with a dark chuckle as he came to his feet.

"Indeed it does brother." Death said clutching his scythe as he leaned against it like a cane. "So please tell us what made you decide to throw your life away ponies?"

As death spoke the rest of the horsemen encircled the ponies, while shinning armor scowled and his horn began to glow. And the rest of the ponies took up defensive stances.

"We came in the hope we could resolve this conflict without further blood shed." Celestia said, her tone was calm but hopeful. Until Famines laughter broke the silence while he charged the ponies his sword held high. Only to come to a halt when it contacted a purple shield.

"I'll take that as a no then." Celestia said her face and voice void of any emotion. " Then Thomas was right and we shall see you another time." Celestas horn began to glow only for it dim when a pain filled cry filled the air. As shinning armor fell unconscious and the barrier he erected fell away, leaving the ponies open to the four horsemen.

"I don't think you'll be going anywhere." Death said as he stood and and they all began to advance on the ponies. Silence reigned as the all the ponies charged up spells and the horsemen continued to advance.

The situation quickly deteriorated from there with the ponies managing to put some distance between themselves and their assailants. And it quickly became apparent that the horsemen were toying with them as well. Coming close enough to be blasted by one of the princesses or Chrysalis while the others tried to revive Shinning. And the cycle continued for what felt like hours, until Chrysalis completely ignored the advancing horsemen and looked to the sky.

Sensing a opening War charged forward sword held high over head, aiming to cleave Chrysalis in two. Only to be blasted aside by Celestia as she spun around and glared at Chrysalis. Any words she wished to speak dying on her tongue as the scream of a incoming projectile filled the air. Followed shortly after by a thunderous impact and everyone being showered in dirt.

Return to Thomas pov

All was silent for a few seconds after initial impact, as I sat shrouded by the dust seething with rage waiting for a excuse to vent it. Finally I heard the sound of an armored footstep and I sprung into action. My tail lashed out blindly smacking four solid objects and sent them flying in the opposite direction, making me smile darkly. And with the immediate threat out of the way for but a moment. I turned to the fools behind me, all of which were gathered around a unconscious Shinning Armor.

"I hope this is the outcome you wanted Celestia." I Grumbled my attention snapping back to the horsemen as they got back on their feet. "We will discuss this later, until then you need to leave this place now."

"No we will help you." Chrysalis said taking a bold step forward. Only to stop and look behind me, her expression full or fear and apprehension. I glanced over my shoulder to see the horsemen all on their feet once more and slowly approaching.

"Leave here now." I growled as I spun around to face the horsemen, while easing Chrysalis gently back towards the others with a hind leg. None of them moved as the horsemen advanced. Taking a deep breath I dropped my head low to equal level with the horsemen and released a raging torrent of flame upon them. Knowing it would do nothing more then hinder them at the most.

"Leave here now, Celestia get them out of here!" I yelled as the horsemen continued through the flames completely unfazed. Only to have the clop of hooves on earth answer me as I noticed Luna and Chrysalis trot up alongside me. Their horns glowing with determined scowls on their faces, unleashing bolt after bolt of pure power at the horsemen. Only for it to strike them and simply dissipate, not even slowing them in the slightest.

"Leave now, you wont get another chance." I growled stepping between the horsemen and the ponies.

"And how can you expect us to leave you here against such odds?" Luna said glaring up at me along with Chrysalis.

"Turn and flee with the others, I am the only one who can survive direct conflict with the horsemen. "I growled entering into a stare down with the two of them only to be almost knocked off my feet when something hit my side. Forcing me to swing my tail and hind legs around to stop myself from falling on Chrysalis and Luna. A quick glance told me all I needed to know. Showing famines staff still held out and glowing slightly, while all his brothers were easily within ten feet of us.

"Leave now!" I yelled snapping my tail towards the horsemen making them jump back out of reach.

"NO!" Chrysalis and Luna yelled making me growl and shift my weight. Letting me snap my tail towards them. Catching them all off guard and sending them all into the air.

"Fly you fools!" I roared the air and ground shaking, making Luna and Chrysalis pause in their argument long enough for Celestia to finally take action. And then in another blinding flash of Light they were gone, leaving me alone with the horsemen.

"Now their out of the way." I growled taking a deep breath and letting power ripple across my body. The scales and flesh all burning away to leave only my bones in place.

"Did he seriously just kill himself?" War said as the horsemen stared at me in confusion.

"Sometimes I forget how different we are brother." Death said chuckling to himself. "No he hasn't killed himself, it would seem the boy has tapped into Timor's power if only just barely."

As if to prove Death right crimson balls of flame lit up in my skull, while the rest of me was lit with deep purple flames ending in blue tips. And with a deep breath the flames grew exponentially and then died back to normal when I exhaled.

"And how much of a threat do you think this makes him?" War asked as he searched me for any weaknesses.

"With such a high octane power and his limited knowledge of control he wont make much of a threat for more than a couple of minutes." Death said as he stood up straight and held his scythe at the ready.

"While its true I cant maintain this power for but a few minutes, that's all the time I need for now." I said my voice a deep earth shaking bass that echoed unnervingly.

"Ohh the runt got a little boost and thinks he can stop us how amusing." War said resting his sword on his shoulder and laughing with famine. While Pestilence and Death just watched me with calculating glares.

The horsemen's laughter was silenced by laughter of my own, while the fires that burned across my bones died away leaving only my eyes alight. While smoke began to form between my ribs and began to swallow my entire body.

When Death and Pestilence saw this they charged forward their weapons held at the ready. Only to scream in rage when they came in range and all the smoke surged forward and caught them all inside. Various screams of rage and bursts of light filled the black of the smoke, but only for a moment. Until the noise, the light, and the smoke began to dissipate leaving absolutely no trace of the horsemen.

With a heavy sigh the flames around me began to die down with the scales and other tissue creeping back into place as the flames died. And then when everything was back to normal my eyes grew heavy and my mind was fogged over in pain. So much so that I had to fight to maintain my balance, and do my best to remain conscious.

When the pain dropped to a manageable level I took to the air and made my way to Canterlot thinking to myself.

"I wonder how long Tartartus can hold the horsemen?"

The rest of the flight back was silent, even the hive mind was silent as my clawed feet touched down and I made my way inside. To find the entire castle to be completely silent all the guards watched me go by with mixed expressions. Ignoring them I continued deeper into the castle, to the medical wing. Finding everyone gathered around Shinning Armor as he lay in a bed. Only Chrysalis turned to acknowledge me as I entered the room and made my way silently over to Celestia and whispered in her ear.

"I know what happened in that meeting after I left, and I know what you fear will come to pass. To be honest i'm disappointed that your pupil and sister can see the flaws in you logic and yet you cant. Timor and I shared the same body yes, but we are not the same creature. Your fear of my dragging your sister into madness is unfounded, just because Timor and Luna fell to madness with time doesn't mean I will. Come to think of it I wonder what you were like when your brain finally snapped from stress, or what it will be like. For you see while its true all immortals will fall into darkness not everyone's trip is the same. I hope these events can convince you to trust me. Because If they don't I fear there will be more pointless blood shed, all of which we could have avoided."

With that said and giving her something to think on. I left Celestia in peace, getting a few grateful looks and smiles from the others as I left.

making amends

All was silent as I walked down the many corridors of the castle lost completely in thought as my feet took me where ever they may. And through out my wanderings I got periodic updates from Chrysalis and the changelings throughout the city. Shinning Armor had awoken a few hours ago suffering from severe magic exhaustion but was otherwise unharmed. All the known nations of the world had agreed to aid us in battle against the horsemen. And Celestia had left the infirmary heading for parts unknown Chrysalis following her example shortly there after.

And despite my borderline hatred for the solar monarch, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Her people were on the brink of extinction and her only help is a arguably unstable creature from another world. Who once shared his body with one her oldest enemies and greatest fears, and couldn't even use the powers granted to him by said enemy. But that still didn't help make her distrust of me any easier to live with.

I was drug from my brooding thoughts by two things, the first was a cool evening breeze brushing against my scaled hide, making me shiver slightly and look at my surroundings. The second was the quite sounds of crying and a sobbing voice coming from deep in the castle gardens off to the side. Curiosity getting the best of me I began to follow the sounds deep into the gardens. To a portion of the gardens that obviously saw few visitors and yet all was still clean and tidy, as if it were tended regularly. And finally as the sobs became louder and the voice almost comprehensible I rounded a bend to a sight I never thought I would see.

What stood before me was a immaculate clearing framed on all sides by flowers of every color of the rainbow. In its center stood a tall statute of a alicorn with her head hung low and legs bent. As if she were listening to the sobbing pony that lie on the stone bench that stood a few feet away from the statue. The sobbing pony to my surprise being Celestia.

"I don't know what to do anymore mother." She croaked her voice strained and barely above a whisper. "Man has returned to Equestria, and if that wasn't bad enough he was sharing his body with Timor. And has brought evil created by Timor after his banishment with him, said creatures being tartarus bent on destroying everything we hold dear."

I quietly crept forward as she spoke surprised in a way. I have seen this mare completely calm, seething in rage, and crying in despair. But this was different this fear, this emptiness in her words went so much deeper than plain despair. It was the sound of a soul at the end of her rope, not knowing what to do to make things right and protect the ones she loved.

"Everypony else trusts him and I cant get past his association with Timor. What if he truly is what he claims to be, a lost soul simply trying to survive. And right a wrong he had no control over. I want to believe that is true but what if he is just a monster waiting till I drop my guard to strike when we are all weak." Celestia's voice finally broke and she broke down in heaving sobs. Just as I reached the bench I shrank down and hopped on, doing my best to keep my hooves from making any noise while my mane and tail lit up the area around me.

"If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion princess." I said quietly having to bight back a smirk at the startled eep that escaped Celestia before she regained her composure. " I truly want nothing more than for your home and you ponies to live on despite the horrors I have unwittingly unleashed on you. Not only that I wish for a place for my child to grow healthy and strong, and to have a better live than I did. Surrounded by those who love her and care for her, instead of in constant fear of what may come to kill her next. I am willing to right here right now undergo any test you wish to administer to prove the purity of my intentions."

While I spoke I kept my eyes facing forward not even looking over once until my chin was wrapped in a golden glow and turned to face Celestia. And nothing was said we simply stared into each others eyes. Hers searching mine for any sines of malice, ill intent or lies. While mine simply tried to convey my sincerity to her as best they could. Finally the silence was broken when Celestia heaved a heavy sigh and looked at the statue for a long moment.

"I believe you, I believe you truly wish to help us." Celestia said turning to look back at me as she spoke. "But I still have my doubts and will be keeping a eye on you Thomas."

"That's good princess." I said chuckling lightly. "I would call you mad if you didn't have doubts everyone does but know this. I will give my all to ensuring that the creatures that call this world home will live to see another day, even if it kills me. For greater love hath no man, than this. That he would lay down his life for a friend." With that said I bid the princess fare well and left her to think on what was said.

For a short while I roamed the castle grounds unmolested, though I did get odd looks from the guards and castle staff. One would think that they would have become accustomed to the three forms I frequented during my stay here. Of course everyone has made the connection between I and the terrible events that plague this place by now. So there fear and apprehension are understandable, I just hope with time their views of me will change. But the peace I had found and my train of thought was lost after I rounded a corner and heard a familiar voice yell.

"Thomas wait a second please."

With a tired sigh I turned to see Twilight trotting towards me a hopeful expression on her face. while her friends followed behind her at a more relaxed pace, their expressions more guarded or apprehensive.

"What do you want Twilight?" I asked doing my best to keep my expression neutral, but failing to keep the irritation out of my voice. Making Twilight visibly cringe while her friends just glared at me.

"Well we just..... we all..." Twilight stuttered glancing up at me only to look away once more, only to at me once more and repeat what she did before. This cycle of babbling probably would have continued into the foreseeable future had one of her friends not taken the initiative.

"What Twilight is trying to say darling is we are sorry for treating you like a monster." Rarity said the smile on her face obviously forced and her kind tone faked.

"I still think her is a monster." I heard Rainbow Dash mumble under her breath. Earning a very slight nod in agreement from Rarity as she continued to speak. Completely oblivious to the fact I heard Rainbow and saw her agreement.

"And we would like to thank you for helping out where you can." Rarity finished her disdain for me slipping into her voice slightly in the end. Making me laugh for a moment catching them all by surprise.

"Come now you sound upset that i'm not the heartless monster of a creature you thought I was." I said shifting through forms of those that the ponies had to defeat to preserve their precious harmony. Only silence followed my statement as the six just stared at me slack jawed.

"You shouldn't be thanking me just yet, if you live to see the coming week then you may thank me." I said turning and began to walk away. Only to be stopped by a flurry of feathers as Rainbow Dash shot in front of me.

"What do you mean 'if we live to see the coming week'? Is that some sort of threat." She growled as she dropped into a aggressive stance and glared daggers at me.

"I have locked the Horsemen in Tartartus for the time being. And I don't even know how I did it in the first place so there wont be any repeats, but one thing is for sure. They will not be happy about it when they get out." I growled leaning down to stare eye to eye with Rainbow. "And they will escape in two days at most, and when they do they wont wast time. They will come full force for us and destroy everything in their path."

Rainbow continued to stare at me her expression conflicted and uncertain. I snorted in annoyance flames leaping from my nostrils and startling Rainbow out of my way.

"Ill leave you to think about that for a while." I grumbled and moved on. Throwing myself into any task I came across for the rest of the day. Which consisted of me, the princesses, Chrysalis, and the other world leaders making final preparations for and waiting on the Horsemen's inevitable return.

this is war

Time passed agonizingly slowly after the final preparations were made and we awaited the inevitable return of the Horsemen. But we didn't have to wait long, true to my prediction they escaped Tartartus early morning of the second day. Earthquakes shook the entire country as a massive hole appeared just outside the Everfree forest fireballs flying from its core. While thousands of creatures locked away for countless ages poured from the abyss and into the surrounding countryside attacking anything nearby, and in many cases each other.

Being the first on the scene crowd control fell to me as I rained hell fire from above. Disintegrating any foolish enough to try and stand against me, while corralling the rest back towards the abyss. The princesses and Chrysalis arrived shortly after me taking over the sealing of the rift and dealing with any stragglers while I searched for the Horsemen. Only to see them just as they disappear into the Everfree without a backwards glance.

I hovered there on the edge of the forest watching it for any sign that the Horsemen were only toying with us, and would at any moment come rushing out of the trees. But there was no sign of the Horsemen once they disappeared into the forest, leaving me to brood over their actions. Only turning from the forest when approaching wing beats reached my ears forcing me to turn and face the princesses and Chrysalis.

"Where are the Horsemen Thomas I thought you said they would come out and attack us not turn tail and flee?" Celestia said as the three of them got close enough to be heard. All was silent once more as the three of them looked to me for a answer. Only to receive none as my gaze wondered back to the forest behind us.

"Thomas a answer if you please?" Celestia said annoyance filled her tone. Once more no answer was provided, and Celestia was about to speak once more. Only to have whatever she was going to say be lost to the wind that screamed past my ears as I dived at the ground. Pulling up with only feet to spare and began to rain flames down on the ground. Passing back and forth multiple times until there was a wall of purple and green flames twenty feet high separating nearby ponyvile from the forest, with about a miles worth of open ground on either side of the flames. Satisfied with my work I returned to a now flabbergasted Celestia and Luna, while Chrysalis looked on with mild intrigue.

"Now Celestia return to Canterlot and gather our forces and bring them here. Breaking free from Tartartus must have taken more of the Horsemen's power than I thought. So they have retreated to the Everfree to regroup and recoup their strength, but we cant allow that we must strike them now and be done with it." I said earning a confused look from Luna while Celestia's face scrunched up in annoyance. But she teleported away to do as I asked none the less leaving Luna, Chrysalis, and I hovering in place watching the wall of flames. Until with a heavy sigh I began to descend coming to rest not far from the wall, Chrysalis and Luna taking up position on either side of me.

Nothing was said as we waited for Celestia to return with our forces, and all was silent save the occasional call of a bird from the forest. Leaving me bored as my thoughts and eyes gravitated towards the ones seated beside me. I couldn't help but smile in spite of all the trouble these two have caused me. The first to notice was Chrysalis as my thoughts took a lighter note and she looked too me confused only to return my smile. Luna doing the same when I looked to her, making my smile grow even more. Only for our smiles to die as a loud horn sounded ominously on the other side of the flames. And all manner of noises, screeches, and growls could be heard from the other side of the flames. Signaling the arrival of the horsemen's army's. The ground underneath began to tremble gently underfoot as the sounds grew closer. Until all was still once more as the enemy came to a stop just on the other side of the wall of flames. Then once more the noises and calls began again on the other side accompanied by the occasional scream of pain and the smell of burning flesh. The noise and screams had reached a fevered pitch when the ground began to treble once more accompanied by a single ominous boom. That grew in volume every time it sounded as the ground began to shake more and more with the weight of the approaching armies. Before any of us could think to look behind us a massive shadow fell over us. While the sounds of the enemy were drowned out by the sound of millions of wings beating the air making us all look up to a welcome sight. Above us the sun was blocked out by millions of the creatures that called this world home whether it was dragon, ponies, gryphon, or changeling. And then our attention was called to the little town behind us as the sound of a million voices singing a battle hymn filled the air and our army crested the horizon. The sight that greeted us was both awe inspiring and one I wish I never had to see. Creatures big and small, young and old, and from all walks of life marched proudly to war their voice crying their defiance, their feet pounding the earth with a show of their strength. Each pony was armed to the teeth some carried shields as tall a Celestia, some carried bows and arrows either slung across their back or held in magical grasp or just plain relying magic. And the non pony combatants were no less lethal, armed with a myriad of weapons natural or forged. And they all came to rest with a final earth shaking slam of their feet and shields. While their airborn comrades alighted where ever their was room, all looking to me expectantly as Celestia trotted up to me.

"They expect you to say something, a speech or a few simple words it matters not." She said coming to stand beside me. Silence reigned once more even our enemy's remained still as if waiting to hear what I was going to say. But I had nothing to say, what does one say to the creatures of a world you have unleashed hell on? But little did I know the world around me seemed to have a better idea than to just let me flounder. For the air was filled with the sound of music and I found the words leaving my mouth unbidden as a song filled the silence.

To my amazement not even halfway through the song everyone had joined in lending their voices when it was time. And when the song ended all was quite, but I could see a fire burning in everyone's eyes. And then those gathered before me threw their heads back and shook the very ground with one last battle cry. Every creature gathered the Princesses and Chrysalis included had their heads thrown back, shouting their defiance to the heavens. And as if an answer to our cry those gathered against us filled the air with a hellish collection of sounds. Only to be silenced once more as a single hallow voice sounded above the noise seeming to drown it out.

"Now that the musical number is done and over with shall we end this little charade?" Death said as he stepped through the wall of flames, killing the flames from his point of exit outward. Until nothing was left save the scorched earth to show it was ever there to begin with. His presence weighed heavily over the battle field and a deathly silence filled the air while his brothers stepped up beside him.

"To war, I will lead you to victory or die trying!!!" I roared as I charged the horsemen and the two armies surged forward and collided all around us. While I made sure the Horsemen's attention was focused entirely on me while coordinating with Chrysalis to get the equestrians one weapon in place. And what should have taken minutes quickly turned to hours as the Equestrians fought tooth and nail for every inch of ground they gained. But in spite of that fact they were doing well all our forces working together to quickly establish dominance over the battle field be it land or air. And I had even managed to keep the horsemen on the defensive with a random combination of teeth, tail, fire, and sheer dumb luck.

Until something shifted against our favor, it was a small shift. But it was enough to distract me and provide the opening the Horsemen needed. Letting War run forward in a flurry of strikes and strike me in the chest one Chrysalis's mark. Stunning me with the power of the strike and knocking my paralyzed clear over the Waring factions. And careening into Ponyvile skidding through multiple houses and taking the wreckage with me. Digging a trench as I went finally coming to a stop, only to be completely buried under countless tons of wreckage, dirt and debris.

I was slow to regain my bearings having gone from the thick of battle to complete darkness in what was only a matter of seconds left me dazed. But the moment my bearings and senses returned to be I began to struggle to dig myself out and aid those that needed me. But the more I struggled the more I realized I couldn't move, and no matter what I tried just wouldn't respond. And my struggles grew frenzied as the fear and despair I could feel from Chrysalis grew exponentially with every passing second. And then I saw through her eyes and I saw the reason for her fear. From atop the trees of the Everfree countless creatures leaped into the air grabbing anything they could and dragged their prey screaming to the ground. And when they moved on to their next victim all that remained was a puddle of blood, or occasionally a picked clean skull.

These terrors moved effortlessly through the ranks of their enemy's, feeding on some. Or just slicing a throat or gut open, leaving their victim to paint the battle field with their blood or entrails. Faced with these new Terrors the Equestrians and their ally's began fall back or flee in terror. All the while having their numbers picked apart slowly but surely.

And then my connection to Chrysalis was lost as she and the princesses along with the Elements of harmony called a retreat. Leaving me to rage silently in the darkness of my earthy prison as my body slowly began to grow cold, as if chilled. And as the chill spread my rage began to burn out.

` Ever so faintly I could hear the thundering of hooves on the ground above me, and to my surprise they surrounded me. It even sounded like they had begun to dig me out. But that hope died like a candle in a windstorm as the sounds of battle trickled down to me once more.

It filled with rage once more to know I was trapt and unable to do anything about it. But again the rage died down, the flames smothered by the empty chill that trapt my body. And as the chill finally reached my head my mind began to cloud and a tear escaped my eyes as they closed.

"I'm so sorry." I thought morosely as the faces of those who would undoubtedly by above because of my weakness filled my thoughts. "I was to weak to save you I should have known this from the start."

I began to fade from conciseness and another tear slipped down my snout as I accepted my fate. But before I could completely I was blinded by a flash of light. And deafened as thunderous laughter filled the silence that once surrounded me.

" I never thought You would actually need my help Thomas, but its a good thing I left something behind when I left. Now open you eyes friend and allow me to show you why you are not weak." Said a voice that filled the darkness, it almost sounded familiar. Buts the one I thought of had ling since passed on, I should know I was their to see it. But I forced open my eyes hissing in pain as I was temporarily blinded and waited for my sight to clear. And when it did I saw the outline of a alicorn approaching me. The only distinguishing feature I could see was the main and tail didn't move as Celestia and Luna's. It didn't move as if caught in a endless breeze, more like it danced as if it were........ fire?

Terror reborn

"Thomas wake up Thomas."

My eyes snapped open as I gasped for breath and stared at the endless blue sky above me. For a long second I lie there panicking disoriented and fighting to catch my breath. When I finally caught my breath I rolled to my feet and stood to find myself in a endless field of swaying grass. Confusion dominated my thoughts as I gazed at the green all around me, where there was once only black. And then a voice floated to me on a soft breeze, making every muscle in my body tighten up and lock me in place. And there I remained until the breeze died down and the voice with it, only then was I able to turn and make my way in the direction the voice had drifted from.

For what felt like hours I walked through the grass, not a single thing changing. Until I heard the voice once more this time drifting from a small stand of trees nestled on the horizon. Without a second thought my relaxed gait turned to a full blow sprint as my clawed feet threw dirt and grass into the air with my passing. And in no time at all I reached the small stand of trees and barreled through them, not even bothering to slow down as I raced past the tress. Scrapping off bark and breaking branches as I ran blindly past them focusing only on that voice.

And then my eyes caught a glimpse of something that brought me to skidding halt. Just off to my left was a small clearing among the trees with something dancing between the trees. All I could see was the occasional glimpse of light red and hear that heavenly voice drifting towards me.

Slowly I turned and made my way to the clearing trying me best to get a good look at what was dancing between the trees. And just when I reached the edge of the clearing there was a flash and I was surrounded by white. Where there was once trees now stood familiar white walls, the sight making me stop and filling me with dread.

I recognized the room immediately, it was the room where I met Terra. And as if almost on Que the door flew open beside me and in came Terra. Making me shiver as I recognized what memory this was.

"Thomas, its almost time." Terra said as she quickly walked over to my younger self and wrapped him in a warm hug. " Are you ready to go?"

My doppelganger nodded yes, and the memory seemed to fast forward from there. Until it slowed once more and the conversation Terra and I had could be heard.

"Terra i'm scared." I'd said looking away as we sat on the bed going over the plan one last time. The room was silent while Terra seemed to ponder over what I'd said. Until a warm smile graced her lips and she turned my head to face her and said.

"Being afraid isn't a bad thing Thomas, in fact I see fear as a challenge. You see I believe fear has two meanings. It means you can forget everything and run, or you can face everything and rise. Its up too you to decide what it means for you Thomas."

The memory began to fade away after that until I was just on the edge of the clearing once more. But this time I could clearly see who stood at its center. There in the center of the clearing stood Timor, seeming not to have a care in the world. For a long drown out second I could do nothing but stare at the creature in front of me. Until he seemed to finally sense my presence and looked towards me.

"You know your friend was a very wise young lady Thomas, its a shame what happened to her" Timor said as he gave me a sad, caring smile. For a moment I returned his smile until rage began to boil inside me as one thought began to repeat itself over and over. "He could have helped, he could have saved them"

"I thought you were dead you bastard." I growled, smoke rolling from between my clenched teeth. "Your supposed to be dead and gone what are you doing here alive and well."

"Really Thomas I thought you were smarter than that." Timor said with a chuckle. "I relinquished all my power and all that I am to you thus...."

"Killing you and making me you replacement I know that." I interrupted stalking forward and leaning down to stare into Timor's eyes hatefully. "And yet here you are alive and well while those I love fight for their lives and i'm buried and as good as dead. So tell me why am I here and better yet why are you alive?" For what felt like a eternity Timor and I stared each other down neither making a move, until Timor began to chuckle. A chuckle that quickly changed to a full blow guffaw.

But his laughter was cut short as my temper got the better of me and I bathed Timor in flames. Only to be knocked away and onto my back by some unseen force. And as I regained my footing I turned to Timor once again, only to have the roar that was brewing in my chest come out as a strangled squeak.

Right before my eyes Timor seemed to be withering away. The flesh and feathers fell from his wings leaving only the bone, while his coat fell off his body to show grey skin pulled taunt across his bones. And eerie glowing balls of fire floating where his eyes should have been.

"I was wrong you are not worthy of my power." Timor said his voice ringing all around me while his jaws didn't move at all. " You have disgraced the gift I have given you by being to weak to wield it. You shall atone for this atrocity with your life, now prepare to die."

And just like that I was sent flying once more only to be batted another direction as Timor appeared before me and struck me again and again. What felt like hours passed while Timor batted me around like a tennis ball, shrugging off any form of counter attack I threw at him. Until finally battered and broken he let me hit the ground, and slowly began to walk towards me his horn glowing ominously.

My vision began to swim the closer Timor got to me and I began to panic. And once more a creeping chill began to crawl across my body as I lay there.

"Do you feel that chill that is covering you body Thomas." Timor mocked. "Do you feel a overwhelming sense of dread as your end looms over you. Tell me Thomas what do you feel?"

Anger flooded my mind clearing my vision long enough to glare at Timor before my head was knocked to the side, making my vision swim and dim.

"That is fear Thomas something you cant run from or beat down. It is a part of you just as much as your wings or claws are." Timor said as his shadow filled my fading vision. "It seems I have chosen poorly and Equestria and its people will have to pay the price."

Those last words struck me hard, making me see the stupidity with which I have been acting. Ever since Timor gave me his power I have thought myself immune to fear and would get pissed at myself whenever I felt it. And the one time I let myself be afraid everything was made right. But It only took getting myself beaten to within a inch of my life to see how stupid I truly was. With that in mind a small smile began to form as my lips trembled and I croaked.

"I will face everything and rise."

"What was that Thomas I couldn't quite here you?" Timor said and I could feel him lean in as if to listen to what I said.

"I will face everything and rise." I yelled snapping my head up and Knocking Timor away allowing me room to stumble to my feet. And I focused my fading strength and lashed out with my tail striking Timor across the side. And as soon as my tail struck, power and understanding flooded my senses.

"I may be afraid but fear does not rule me. I may be fear incarnate but that does not mean I am immune to fear." I mumbled to myself as I heard Timor chuckle beside me.

"It only took me beating you half to death to make you finally understand." He said as I turned to look at him.

"I now know what I was doing wrong, but I don't understand how you are here?" I said as I shook my head in confusion.

"You know dreams are quite powerful." Timor said as he began to walk away from me. "All dreams have a hidden meaning or purpose. Its your subconscious minds way of trying to help you out."

"Ok interesting trivia Timor but that dosn't answer my question. How are you still here?" I said, nearly running over Timor as he stopped suddenly and faced me.

"But Thomas my dear friend you see I was never truly here." And then everything faded away and I was left to mull over what was said and what just happened the last thing I saw was his Cheshire grin.

The future looked bleak from celestia's point of view the horsemen quickly defeated Thomas and forced her and her allies into the abandoned town behind them. All the while slowly picking apart her armies and never allowing them to gain any sort of advantage.

At the moment She her sister, Chrysalis, and the elements of harmony were doing their best to hold the horsemen at bay when the entire battlefield went dark and then silent. Confused the combatants look to the sky to see that the moon had moved in front of the sun and made a eclipse. Celestia was just about to ask her sister what she was trying to do when she heard the horsemen behind her say.

"Pestilence enough with your damned theatrics let us destroy these creature and be done already."

"Its not of my doing War, but it is truly a splendid show and the perfect time to make a entrance."

Almost as if on Que Chrysalis froze her eyes going wide, before she turned and ran screaming over her shoulder.

"Fall back, fall back, everyone fall back."

Startled the princesses and the elements gave chase in the dim light of the eclipse and their forces followed suite. And as soon as a large section of open ground was between them and the horsemen. The ground began to shake and the shadows flew from their places on the ground and began to line up in front of the horsemen. Making it look like the ground for miles in either direction was stained blacker than a starless night. And then the shadows began to move and lift from the ground as if alive and take shape while the silence was shattered.

All eyes were on the never ending tide of black as it began to shift and bubble like blisters. And when the bubbles ruptured they revealed terrifying creatures of varying shapes and sizes, all blacker than coal and with burning red eyes. One such creature stepped forward and issued a challenge in the form of a blood curdling shriek that was quickly picked up by its allies.

Silence reigned as all gathered stared at the new monsters that divided the battle field. The silence being shattered once more as the ground trembled and a low roar rumbled through the ground seeming to come from everywhere at once. And then a explosion sent the Horsemen's ranks into chaos and fire erupted from the crater where Thomas was buried. And then among the flames a massive shadow began to take shape and a voice echoed across the battle field, filling the equestrians with hope and causing the Horsemen to spin around in shock.

"Tell me fools will you face me and a army of terrors that will haunt your nightmares for eons to come." I growled as I stepped out of the flames, crushing enemies underfoot without a care and burning any unfortunate enough to be close to me.

"Or will you yield and accept your new master and leave this place in peace?"

A eternity seemed to pass as I waited for the horsemen's response. While their army did their best to look menacing, but I could see and feel the fear coming off the creatures smart enough to understand what was going on. Many shuffled away from me in the flickering light of the flames that danced across my bones.

"We will never accept a pathetic creature such as you as our master." War roared as he, Famine and Pestilence charged blindly at me their army splitting for them opening a clear path.

"Wrong answer." I said my skeletal face warping into a terrifying grin as all the flames across my body leapt off me and onto any enemy close to me. And I lowered my head level with the charging horsemen and I opened my cavernous jaws to unleash a geyser of flame that completely consumed anything in front of me. Screams and shrieks of agony filled the air along with the stench of burning flesh. And the flames slowly died away to reveal a severely burnt but still breathing War, Pestilence and Famine. And with a barely perceptible nod the terrors I summoned surged forward like a black tide of death, and swept the horsemen's army away like sand before the high tide. The three wounded Horsemen put up a good fight taking countless numbers of my minions to the grave with them. But they where inevitably overrun and torn apart by the tide of terrors.

Slowly I turned and faced Death the final remaining threat and watched as he effortlessly batted away my army and still kept his gaze on me. I began to approach him at a relaxed pace what remained of his army was either scattered to the winds of being torn apart so I had nothing to fear from them.

"Surrender death and you wont suffer the same fate as your brothers." I growled my voice echoing across the battle field. "You have lost, you are completely surrounded heed your masters command and yield. Or you may face me one on one for the right to be your master."

Death didn't even give time to consider as he charged me and began his assault. All of his attacks bounced harmlessly off of me while the majority of mine missed thanks to his superior speed, but I was quickly shrinking the space he had to move around. Sensing this Death began to search for a escape rout only to find none. But then as he looked behind me a grin began to form on his face and then he just disappeared leaving me starring at the spot where he was, stunned. Until a startled scream and wave of terror forced me to spin around and see death standing over Chrysalis his scythe pulled back and ready to strike. And then the weapon began to move in slow motion as I charged blindly to try and beat the odds and get to them in time. But quickly became apparent I was too slow and wouldn't make it in time. First fear and denial began to weigh down my feet as I ran and the blade drew closer. But then the fear was replaced with rage and determination and with a ear splitting roar and a blinding flash I stood over Chrysalis but could do little else as the blade continued its deadly ark. In a last ditch effort I shifted forms and spread my legs in a wide stance and slammed my hands together hoping to catch the blade and stop it. Only to have pain erupt in my chest and nearly knock me off my feet as my vision swam. When My vision cleared I looked down to see the tip of deaths scythe buried in my chest why he smiled triumphantly at me and said.

"I knew I could never beat you in a fair match so I found something that would force you to make a mistake."

Death continued to smirk at me as he pushed harder on his scythe burring the blade deeper in my chest and chill my body to its core. As the blade sunk deeper my skin began to grow cold and then harden as if it was stone. Surprised I looked back and forth between my chest and death to see my flesh was indeed turning to stone and that was how death planned to defeat me. He used my loved ones as a ploy to catch me off guard and turn me to stone sealing me away forever.

The stone began to creep slowly at first as I fought it, but the longer I fought the more exhausted I became until the point came I could fight it no more. I spared a glance around me to see Chrysalis crying beside me her mouth moving but her words falling on deaf ears. Then I looked once more to Deaths smiling face and wondered had the servant really beaten the master. And then a thought hit me and my back went rigid the sound of cracking stone filling the air. Deaths expression went from a victorious smirk, to surprise and a look of complete shock as the stone that was encasing my body crumbled. And I held his scythe that was buried in my chest in my hand and ready to strike.

"Death listen to me and accept what I say as the truth." I said as I impaled him on his own scythe and then shifted forms once more towering over him as the flames that covered my bones threatened to burn him.

"I have assumed the mantel of the avatar of fear and your master. You and your brothers have directly disobeyed me and as punishment you all shall remain in hell until the time I see fit to summon you, now begone."

With that said I drew my head back and then let loose hell fire from my jaws and burned Death until nothing remained of him save the charred ground in which he stood. When Death was defeated the sky lit up once more with the warm rays of the sun and Chrysalis tackled my neck from the side wrapping her full body around it in a hug. And I could barely hear her speaking to me and even tried to speak in return when a chill began to run up my body from my tail up. Dread consumed me as I whipped around and saw the flames that danced across my body flicker and die out. My scales appearing in there place, only to have them turn to stone and continue in this way up my body. I could feel terror almost wash away my senses as I turned around to find Luna and the rest alongside Chrysalis all starring at me as my body slowly turned to stone.

"Hurry sister we must do something to save him" Luna said running forward her horn aglow as she tried to combat the stone that was overtaking my body.

"I'm sorry Luna there is nothing we can do." Celestia said making both Luna and Chrysalis bristle and turn to glare at her with contempt.

"What do you mean there is nothing we can do, we are three of the most powerful beings in the world we should be able to do something." Chrysalis hissed her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Indeed sister and why not try the elements of harmony to restore him?" Luna yelled tears streaming down her face as she screamed at her sister.

"Girls don't cry you know as well as they do I cant be helped at this point." I croaked, my voice weak and most of my body lost to the stone. "I have suffered grave injury and magically exhausted myself it only makes sense that I fall into some sort of stasis."

"But your turning to stone you will die!" They both yelled turning to me with tear filled eyes.

"who said I was going to die,I know I didn't." I said chuckling weakly getting a sad smile from the two before me. "I'm sorry I have made you all suffer." I said as I lowered my head and nuzzled Luna and Chrysalis lovingly.

"Promise me you will return to us." Luna said barely holding back sobbing as the stone over took my neck and began to creep across my skull.

"I promise I will come back to both of you." I said closing my eyes as the stone overtook them and then all was black.

For a long second all was silent as the nine that stood before the statue that was their friend. Until Luna and Chrysalis broke down and began to cry, their wails and screams filled with sorry and loss.

Hours passed as the two grieved the loss of their love, while the rest left to tend the wounded and bury the ones who lost their lives. When the time came that all was finished and the tears had long since dried up. Chrysalis and Luna looked behind them to see row upon row of simple white markers, bearing the cutie mark or name of the one buried beneath it. All facing the statue of the bowing dragon, making it look like he was bowing in respect to the ones who lost their lives. Words were said, silences shared, rituals to help the lost pass into the after life performed. But it wasn't until the sun hung on the horizon and Celestia told the two it was time to go that Chrysalis and Luna moved from their spot at the statutes feet. But before they left Chrysalis and Luna looked once more to what was once their love and saw something glisten and sparkle at the statues feet. Curious the two took a few steps closer to find to deep blue sapphires in the shape of tear drop in the grass. Each took one and fashioned a necklace for them and hung them around their necks. And then turned and left carrying a piece each of their lover.

Sixteen years have come and gone since Thomas died and saved the world from Armageddon. It was late afternoon on the outskirts of ponyvile and many could still be seen wondering among the markers of the brave fallen. But today none ventured near the dragon at the head of the field. Two creatures were already there and none dared disturb them, after all everyone knew not to get in between the three at the top of the hill.

At the foot of the statue lay Chrysalis her appearance completely unfazed by the sands of time as she told her daughter of her father once more.

"And that my child is who your father was." Chrysalis said as she stood with a sigh and began to walk away, unaware her child's eye's were still transfixed on the statue of her father.

"Come Terra it is Time to go for now." Chrysalis said, earning a reluctant sigh from her daughter as she peeled her emerald green eyes away from her father once more.

"I don't understand why I must accompany you mother." Terra said as she brushed her red mane out of her eyes with a hoof. " I would much rather sit here with father."

"You would be better off searching the memories of the hive if you wish to know more of your father." Chrysalis said giving her daughter a knowing smile. " That way you can see him when he was alive and vibrant instead of cold and stone."

"You speak as if he were dead mother." Terra said catching up to her mother.

"It has been sixteen years child, no matter how much I wish otherwise it would seem you father wont be able to keep the promise he made to Luna and I" Chrysalis said her voice sad and soft as she continued towards ponyvile where they were staying with the newly appointed princess Twilight.

While they walked Terra glanced back towards her father bowed towards those lost and the town he saved. And Terra thought she saw a piece fall off the statue, but that wasn't possible. All the princesses and her mother had cast enough spells on the statue to ensure it would be standing until the end of time. But he really couldn't be dead could he, from what her mother told her Thomas struck Terra as the sort to keep his word.

Call to arms

It would seem that even im my dreams I wouldn't be free from the horrors of reality. In my dreams I lay at the bottom of a mountain of body's. My own body broken and unresponsive as the sound of movement could be heard coming closer from seemingly all sides.

"This is truly a sad sight wouldn't you agree brother?" Famine said as he appeared before me with a devilish smirk on his face.

"Indeed it is." War said somewhere as pain erupted in my side, and I was forced off my gut and onto my side by the sheer force of the attack. For a long second everything disappeared in light of the pain that filled my body as I struggled to maintain consciousness.

"You will pay dearly for this." I said hearing two other voices matching my words. Startled I forced my eyes open and couldn't believe what I was seeing. On the ground across from me lay two others, staring at me with mirrored expressions of my shock. Before me lay a dragon much like myself save his eyes were a beautiful green color, and behind him was Timor but something was off. As I looked closer at him I noticed he seemed younger, and his eyes had a light green tint fading in and out behind his crimson eyes.

"What the hell is this?" We all three said in unison, while staring dumbly at one another.

"It amusing how the one being that can stop us is unable too." War said putting his foot on the dragons face and applying pressure. Making we three captives shift similarly trying to rid ourselves of the pain and pressure of wars boot on our faces.

"Indeed it tis." Famine kneeling in front of me. "You would be able to stop all of this with but a thought boy, if only you weren't fighting to maintain your humanity."

" I am human." I said grinding my teeth in frustration as I glared up at Famine. Only to see a Famine place a hand next to his ear and grin.

"Ohh did you hear that boy? Go ahead say that again." Famine said smiling down at me, trying to get me to speak once more. Only for both heads to snap towards the dragon as he spoke and then Timor right after.

"I am a dragon dissident from Gawain the great."

"I am the new avatar of fear and your master I command you to release me at once."

"Ohh don't you see boy?" Famine said bouncing on his toes giddily. "you are all the same creature and yet you fight within yourself to have one part maintain dominance, how foolish are you?"

"It matters not brother." War said drawing his broad sword and holding it above the dragons head, and plunging it through his neck. Making us all scream in pain as blood began to flow from all our necks. "This fool will never come to terms with what he is so he will never be a threat, nothing more than another soul for Death to reap." As War spoke he moved the blade back and forth until a loud snap could be heard and everything faded to black.

I jumped awake to find myself back in the gardens, curled into a ball underneath the tree. For what seemed like hours I sat there completely oblivious to the world around me trying to think of what that dream could mean. But I was broken from my turmoil by the sound of hoof steps approaching, and a mental probe from Chrysalis. With a tired sigh I rolled into a sitting position with my back to the tree, only then realizing I was in human form. And then to my surprise it wasn't Chrysalis that emerged from the shadows into the clearing, but Luna as she trotted over to me with a concerned look on her face.

"And to what do I owe this pleasure princess?" I said as Luna sat across from me, making her face twist into a agitated scowl.

"You know why I am here Thomas so why don't you tell me?" She said glaring at me tapping her hoof while she waited for my answer.

"It was a nightmare Luna nothing more. Its defiantly not something that warrants your concern. We all have them from time to time, im no exception." I said as I tried to stand only to be forced back down and see Luna's horn glowing with a aggravated look on her face.

"The realm of dreams are my domain, and It is my duty as princess of the night to fight off nightmares and bad dreams that would plague my ponies.' Luna said lecturing me like I was a insolent child who slept through a lesson. "That goes doubly for my friends and family, especially when the evil presence is so strong in a nightmare that I am not allowed entrance. So Thomas will you tell me what it was you dreamt or must I force you tell me?

For a long second we simply stared each other down, locked in a battle of wills. That is until Luna let out annoyed sigh, and I smirked believing I had one. Until Luna's horn began to glow and the light around her seemed to just disappear, and the temperature dropped and continued to do so. Until I finally caved not wanting to test the strength of Luna's dream magic's and said.

"Ok, Ok Luna you can stop ill tell you." I sighed and waited as Luna canceled the spell with a smirk. "In my dream my body was broken and I lay at the bottom of a mountain of shriveled body's. And then War and Famine showed up mocking me saying I could defeat them if only I wasn't fighting to cling to my humanity."

"Your body was broken?" Luna asked with a inquisitive look interrupting me. "And then your foe mocked your humanity?"

"Indeed they did princess." I said earning a solemn nod as a sign to continue. " Meanwhile there was a dragon much like the form I take except his eyes were green, and what looked like a younger version of Timor with a faint green light flickering behind his eyes. And until I argued I was still human all three of us said the exact same thing at the same time.

"So there were creatures similar to each facet of your power present." Luna stated, interrupting me once more making my eye twitch in annoyance. "And you and the duplicates all spoke as if the same being?"

"Yes Luna there were." I Growled in annoyance as I continued my tale. " And then just before war killed us in the dream Famine said I need to quite fighting the different parts of who I am. So that was my dream Luna is that what you wanted too hear?"

Luna stared at me with a look devoid of any emotion, or any signs of life as if she were lost in thought. until I cleared my throat in annoyance making her shake her head and return to herself..

"Well what do you think Thomas?" She said fixing me with a cold calculating gaze. "Are you just human or are you so much more than that?"

"I don't know what I am!" I yelled throwing my hands up exasperation. "I was born Human, with the soul of a dragon king long since past. And then while I was an infant I was force fed fear incarnate. Only to have it stain my mind and soul until I came here, where he showed remorse and gave me all his power and memory. And further more I have found one I care for deeply and adopted her people as my own, that in of itself has changed me. So be to damn honest Luna I have no idea what I am and I wouldn't even know where to began to set myself straight."

A dismal silence followed my outburst broken only by the cool night breeze and a critter moving in the bushes behind me. Luna was the first to break the silence as she stood and came to sit beside me pulling me close with a wing.

"I cant say I know how you feel because I don't." She said simply starring at her moon as she spoke. "But I know what holding things to yourself can do to a pony. So don't be afraid to come to me or my sister for help, Im sure Chrysalis would be of help in some ways as well. You are not alone in this Thomas granted you may hold the most responsibility in this matter, but that doesn't mean you must carry it all yourself. When you are ready i will aid you in your quest to find yourself you need but ask."

"We will see Luna." I said as I thought over what she said." But for now put out a royal decree all ponies are to come to canterlot immediately. And all with any form of skill with a weapon should report to the guard at once."

Luna gave me a disapproving look making me smile just a hair. "I know many will be upset, but trust me the guard is in dire need of more volunteers and the more of the population we have in canterlot the better we can defend them."

"Very well good night friend" Luna said squeezing me gently with her wing before she release me and took to the sky. silence rained as I watched Luna disappear into the night sky and thought of what to don next.

"You know she is right don't you?"

"How long have you been there Chrysalis?" I said as I turned to face her as she stepped out of the shadows behind me.

"Long enough." She said cryptically as she watched Luna disappear into the night. "You know she is right I will help you how ever I can."

"I know that, trust me I do." I said with a worn out tone. "But I don't eve know where to begin myself."

"Maybe you should consider the princesses offer that would seem to be the best option at this point. And I get the feeling she wouldn't offer this to just anyone, especially with how personal this is to her. You must really mean a lot to her, maybe more than just a friend." Chrysalis said before winking at me and dissapering in a flash if green fire leaving me alone to ponder what she and Luna had said.