Prologue
Willow grunted as his broken arm bumped into his car door, sending a lance of pain up the wounded limb. His new blind spot had proven to be a colossal irritant for the young man.
Slamming his car door behind him, Willow made his way to Canterlot High’s Baseball diamond where they were hosting the Gildales Gryphon’s Softball team. He could hear fans from both sides shouting encouragement to their respective teams, as well as the odd quip at the opposing team’s expense.
Spotting his friend sitting with a group of young women he wound his way through the bleacher’s until he sat heavily next to the big blonde teen.
“Mac.” Big Mac turned to regard Willow. A small frown on his face, the greatest emotional display Willow had ever seen from his taciturn friend, as he examined Willow’s broken arm and eyepatch.
“How ya feelin?” The big man drawled.
“Like someone dropped a school on my head,” Willow replied dryly, rubbing his eye patch. “and this damn thing makes me feel like a pirate.”
Mac snorted, as his sister turned at the sound of their voices.
“Who’s your friend, he looks familiar.” the young woman asked in a southern accent.
“This here is Willow,” the man grunted “He was the one that got himself injured during that whole incident with that Sunset girl.”
“The one buried in rubble,” the girl responded “though I recognised ya, ma names Applejack.” she reached out her hand to Willow.
Willow smiled, bemused as Applejack spotted his bound arm and stuck out her other hand, which he promptly shook.
“This here is Rarity.” Applejack pointed to a lovely young woman with elaborately styled purple hair.
“We’ve met, it is good to see you on your feet again Willow.” She flashed him a dazzling smile before turning back to the game where a rainbow haired girl had just knocked the ball into the far out field.
“Way to go Dashie!” A Girl with pink curly hair shouted waving a surprisingly large flag bearing the School’s emblem; she turned and waved at the young bandaged man.
Dropping her flag on a pair of students; earning a disgruntled glare from the both of them. “Hi Willow,” she cried shouldering past Big mack and Applejack, wrapping her arms around him.
Willow rolled a grey eye, patting Pinkie on her back.
“Pinkie,” a voice scolded. Its owner; a girl with long pink hair, grabbed Pinkie’s legs and pulled. Pinkie growled playfully and held Willow tighter, her fingers digging into the baggy hoodie that he wore over his bandaged chest.
Not taking her eyes off the game, Applejack reached over and tickled Pinkie, who promptly released Willow, dissolving into a fit of giggles as Applejack pulled her back to her seat.
Straightening his hoodie, Willow looked to the diamond where a Wonder Colt had just struck out. His eyes widened slightly when he saw who was walking up to the plate. “Is that….” Willow began.
“Eyup,” Mac grunted, glaring disapprovingly down at the young redheaded batter.
“She has been doing a lot better since prom,” The pink haired girl offered, sitting next to Willow. “Whatever Twilight did really changed her for the better.”
“And we have been helping her make amends’ haven't we Rarity,” Applejack turned to the purple haired girl next to her, who nodded in agreement.
“So the whole laser light show where Sunset grew wings and turned red was real?” Willow turned back to, Fluttershy who nodded slowly, fidgeting in her seat, not looking him in the eye. “And didn’t you and Rainbow grow wings as well?” His gaze hardened as Fluttershy didn't respond.
“She sure did,” Applejack answered looking at him curiously “you were there, weren't you?”
Willow raised his good hand and tapped his bandaged cranium. “I told the doctor about it and he thought I was hallucinating from the blow to the head. Do you still have them?”
Fluttershy shook her head, but said nothing.
“May I see your back?” Willow shuffled closer to the woman, his gaze intent.
Fluttershy squeaked, hiding behind her hair and saying nothing as she flushed at the implications.
“Really Willow,” A cultured voice broke in, as Rarity spoke. “the least you could do is take a girl out to dinner before you ask to see what's under her shirt.”
Fluttershy yelped and slid further away from the bandaged young man, chewing her lip her face growing hotter by the second.
Willow turned and raised a brow as the girl smiled back at him, her hands folded neatly across her lap.
“Would that be a note of jealousy I hear in your voice Rarity?” Willow asked, turning to face her fully. He fought a smile down as he heard Fluttershy sigh in relief. “Would you rather have me trying to get at what’s under your shirt?”
Rarity scoffed good naturedly and turned her head. “You grossly overestimate your charm, Mr. Bark.”
Willow didn't bother keeping the smile off his face. Turning to watch the game, he was acutely aware of Fluttershy giving him an appraising look from the corner of her eye.
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“Come on Sunset, “Rainbow Dash shouted from third base “knock it out of the park!”
Sunset Shimmer, former bully and magically powered demon thing, nodded to her captain tightening her grip on the heavy metal baseball bat.
The opposing pitcher was the biggest girl Sunset had ever seen. She was huge, almost six feet tall, and from the looks of it all muscle. She was grinning cockily at Sunset, casually juggling the softball.
“Come on Gilda,” the second baseman yelled” let’s put them out of their misery.”
Sunset ground her teeth at the Basemen’s words. The Gilsdale Gryphons had been leading the Canterlot high Wonder colts slightly for the last 3 innings, and the Gryphons knew it. Constantly hurling insults, despite the umpires warning’s. Now it was the bottom of the ninth and the bases were loaded. Rainbow dash through a herculean effort had managed to bring them back to the point that they had a shot at winning.
“Batter up.” the Umpire called as Sunset walked to the plate, sliding the practise weight off the bat.
Standing at the plate, Sunset adjusted her helmet, glaring at the Gryphon pitcher, whose smile had grown even wider as she saw who was last up to bat.
Sunset flinched as the crowd started booing her and throwing whatever small objects they had on hand. Doing the best to ignore the rain of popcorn and candy, she stretched her back, loosening her muscles.
” You can do it darling.” a feminine voice called over the jeers, Sunset scanned the crowd until she found the source of the voice.
Rarity had been one of the first students to forgive her after she had stolen the element of magic and used its powers to turn herself into a monster, leveling part of the school in the process. Sitting next to her were four other students, they along with Rainbow Dash, amounted to her new much diminished, social circle. The rest of the student body had evidently yet to forgive her, as the shower of peanut shells and spit balls continued.
There was a face she didn’t quite recognize sitting between Applejack’s brother and Fluttershy. The man was wearing a grey hoodie and faded blue jeans. One of his arms was bound in a sling; the other was kneading one of the hoodie’s drawstrings. His grey eye, the other was covered by a black eye patch, stared hungrily at Sunset. She remembered the last time she had seen that eye.
Sunset cursed as she and Rarity pulled the last chunk of masonry revealing the boy’s prone form.
The student was in bad shape. His skin had been shredded by glass, the razor sharp blades leaving several deep lacerations across one side of his face. One of his eyes was gone, shards of glass embedded in the socket, the other lolled blankly for a moment before coming to rest on Rarity. A lazy smile made its way across his face.
“Hey gorgeous,” He rasped “Wanna dance?”
He began to raise himself up to a sitting position, but Sunset placed her hand on his chest and gently pushed down.
Rarity quickly took off her coat placing, it over the boy’s ruined eye and applying pressure.
“Don't you think you should introduce yourself first?” Rarity asked, tearing a strip from the hem of her skirt, tying the coat to the boy’s face. “You can't just expect a lady to dance with someone she doesn't know, can you.”
“Name’s Willow,” he slurred, trying once again to rise, only to be gently pushed down
again by Sunset.
“A pleasure,” Rarity reached into her pocket and pulled out a cellular phone “Now Willow I need you to do something for me ok?” She reached out and cupped the man’s chin gently turning his face so she could look him in the eye.
He nodded groggily.
“I need you to keep your eye’s open for a while ok? Sunset will keep you company why I step away for a moment,” Rarity turned To Sunset, her face determined. “ keep him awake, I have already called an ambulance so they should be on their way.”
“Wait!” Sunset asked, her tone panicky “Where will you be?”
“I'm going to find Principal Celestria, or Nurse Redheart,” Rarity turned back to Willow, ignoring Sunset’s sputtering protests. “Remember eyes open Willow…..Willow?”
Rarity gave him a shake and he started awake. She turned to sunset. “Keep him awake” And with that she was gone.
Sunset grimaced and looked around. All the other student’s, Snips and Snails Included, had gone home. Rarity had volunteered to keep Sunset Company while she worked at repairing the damage she had caused in her attempt at Twilights crown when Rarity had found some one’s foot sticking out of the rubble. There were no cars passing through at this late hour to flag down so they had to dig him out themselves.
“Who are you?” Sunset flinched at the harsh tone in Willow’s voice.
“I'm Sunset Shimmer...” She began, pausing when Willow waived his right arm dismissively.
“No,” He rasped “you channeled the powers of a magical artifact and used its powers as if you had been training for years. Who are you?” His grey eye bored into Sunset’s as he tried once more to push himself up right, only to fall back coughing. Blood dribbled from his mouth. “And where is twilight sparkle?.... Answer me child!” Willow shouted.
Sunset was about to respond when Rarity returned, a pair of paramedics wheeling a stretcher and Principal Celestia in tow.
One of the paramedic’s pulled of Rarities makeshift bandage, she grimaced and replaced it.
Willow grumbled as the paramedics looked him over but did not resist, instead glaring at Sunset. The paramedics lifted Willow onto the stretcher and began wheeling him away. Not once, did he stop staring at her.
“Batter, take your base” The umpire practically shouted in Sunset’s ear, Startling her out of her woolgathering.
“You may as well start packing up girls,” Gilda laughed. “This game is already over.”
Sunset scowled as she and Gilda took position. Her hands tightening around the bat’s handle just as Rainbow dash had shown her.
Gilda wound up and threw a vicious underhand, the ball blowing past Sunset before she could even bring the bat into position.
“Strike one” the umpire called, raising one finger and displaying it to the small crowd that had gathered to watch the game.
Sunset growled in her throat and took position again, her bat waving slightly above her head.
Gilda smirked as she threw another ball. Sunset barely missing as she swung her bat at the projectile.
“Strike two.” the umpire called.
Sunset scowl deepened as she stepped back from the plate and gave her bat a few practise swings’s, trying hard not to imagine that she wasn't swinging it into the pitcher’s smug painted face.
Stepping back to the plate, Sunset cursed the evening sun as its light blinded her. Adjusting the ball cap she was wearing under her helmet to better shield her eyes, Sunset took her position.
Sneering, Gilda threw the ball.
Sunset’s eyes narrowed in concentration as the ball flew towards her doing her best to time her swing perfectly. Taking a half step forward, Sunset swung, twisting her body and throwing all the power she could into the blow.
The edge of the bat clipped the ball, smashing it back towards Gilda. To her credit, Gilda reacted quickly, bringing her mitt up to attempt to catch the projectile hurtling towards her. She was too slow, as the ball clipped the edge of her glove knocking the projectile off it course and bouncing painfully off her shoulder.
Stunned by the sudden pain in her arm, Gilda went to one knee clutching her arm instead of picking up the ball as it rolled to a stop behind her.
Sunset was in motion the moment the bat hit the soft ball, running as fast as she could towards first base. Expecting the basemen, an angry looking teenage girl who looked like she had just broken out of juvie, to catch the ball any moment, Sunset dove for the base.
Cheering broke out from the stands as Sunset stood on the base, confused she turned to watch Rainbow being swarmed by her teammates ,quickly hoisted onto their shoulders and marched off while the student’s in the stands cheered.
They had won the game. Gilda, stunned from the blow to her shoulder hadn’t been able to throw the ball. And the Wonder Colts had taken advantage of that, with all 3 bases stealing all the way to home.
Dusting off her blue and yellow striped uniform, Sunset made her way back to the Wonder colt’s dugout. Doing her best to ignore the murderous glare that Gilda was throwing her way, she walked down the steps to the dugout and quietly dusted the pile of sunflower seeds that her teammates had left piled atop her equipment bag.
Leaving the dugout, she scanned the bleacher’s for Willow. She spotted him making his way towards the school with Big mac right behind. Sighing in relief she turned and began walking towards the school parking lot.
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“Willow,” Mac shouted as he chased after his friend. “Willow, where ya goin?” Receiving no answer Mac ran faster and grabbed his friend by the shoulder, spinning him around.
Willow hissed in pain as he was turned to face Mac, his gaze cold. Mac didn't flinch as he returned Willow glare with a look of concern. “Why did ya just storm off like that? Is it because Sunset was there?”
Willow shrugged noncommittally before turning and continuing to the school. Mac quickly joined him. “I need some thing’s from my locker,” Willow forced a small smile as he looked at Mac, “I don't think i need an escort.”
Mac grunted, unconvinced, “I’m just making sure you don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
Willow snorted as the pair entered the school and stopped in front of Willow’s locker. After a few twists of the lock the door swung open, revealing a pair of leather bound books, a stuffed back pack, and a long thin bundle wrapped in what appeared to be dirty white silk.
Willow pulled one of the books out and quickly flipped through the pages until he came across a loose sheet. Pulling it out he gently placed the book back in his locker and slammed the locker shut, locking it.
“What’s that? “ Mac asked curiously, inspecting the sheet of loose leaf in Willow’s hand.
“Homework, Willow grunted as he straightened, folding the paper and sliding it into a jean pocket. Still not looking at Mac, he turned and made his way into the school’s newly re-constructed foyer. Pausing, Willow turned to where a small pile of debris rested a few metres away from the door.
“Where did Twilight Sparkle disappear,” Willow asked suddenly turning to Mac. Mac’s only response was to point at the statue.
Snorting Willow walked to the school’s mascot, a large statue of a horse situated in the school’s grounds. Skirting a large crater in the pavement as he walked to it’s base, Willow ran a finger along the statues cool marble. “No power.” Willow muttered to himself as he inspected the supposed portal.
“Hey Mac,” a voice called. The two boys’ looked over to see Applejack and Applebloom, Mac’s other sister, walking towards them. “Granny’s waiting, we got to go.” Applejack continued, tapping her foot impatiently.
Mac sent a loaded look Willow’s way before he turned and departed with his sisters with a word of farewell.
Waiting until the three sibling’s had all boarded a beat up looking four door and begun driving away, Willow turned back to the statue, frowning. Looking around to ensure he was alone Willow hunched down next to the statue and cupped his palm.
A small but bright grey flame came into being as Willow concentrated, scraping together all of his carefully hoarded magic into a single spell. Willow spat a few unintelligible words as the flame condensed around a single digit. Holding his breath he reached out and touched the portal.
The marble rippled and glowed for a moment, before going completely dead.
Biting back a cry of dismay Willow turned and lay against the cool stone, closing his eyes while he rested a moment. He needed more power, but where was he going to find a source of magical energy?
“...not much at all , just a few fliers,” Willow’s eyes snapped open as he saw Rainbow Dash , Fluttershy, And Sunset Shimmer walk into the school missing him entirely.
A slow smile made its way across his face as he watched the three girls enter the school. He had found his power source.
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Sunset was almost to her car when she heard a voice call her name being called behind her. Flinching she started jogging towards her car.
Over the last few months she had fallen victim to the same bullying that she had once inflicted on the other student’s. So far it had been limited to name calling, throwing things at her when they thought she wasn't looking, and covering her belongings with garbage. They had not become violent yet, but the way Snip’s and Snail’s had started looking at her after Twilight Sparkle had defeated her frightened her a great deal.
“Sunset,” the voice called again “Where ya going?”.
Sunset slowed, heaving a small sigh of relief as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie pie caught up with her.
“Good game Sunset,” Rainbow congratulated slapping her on the back. “Though next time, try not to bean Gilda; she takes stuff like that personally”.
Sunset nodded as she opened the trunk to her little car.
“I'm not worried about Gilda.” Sunset began as she reached in her pockets for her keys, tossing her bag in and slamming the trunk closed.
“Sunset?” a quiet voice asked.
“Yes Fluttershy?” Sunset replied turning to look at the demure young woman.
“Would you be willing to drive me… if you don't mind that is.. I need to bring some things to the animal shelter, and I’m not strong enough to carry it all.” Fluttershy continued, hiding behind her hair, kicking the dirt guiltily with a green knee high boot.
“A’hm sure it won't be no issue, right Sunset?” Applejack broke in giving Sunset a loaded look.
“I suppose I could make a detour on my way home, “Sunset turned back to Fluttershy “now what all do you need to move?”
“Oh not much at all; just a few flyers,” Fluttershy beamed.
Muffling a sigh, Sunset bid the other girls goodnight. The young women began walking back towards the school only to be joined by Rainbow dash, shrugging when Sunset shot her a questioning look.
The three girls walked the School’s dark empty hallways in silence for a few minutes before Fluttershy directed them towards the door to her animal club.
Under Fluttershy’s direction they began packing up the small mountain of fliers had used a nearby printer to duplicate. Fluttershy excused herself for a moment, as Rainbow and Sunset began packing the flyers into cardboard boxes.
“So how have things been going?” Rainbow broke the silence as she added another stack of flyers to the box.
“Terrible, But I suppose I’m happy just to not be in jail.” Sunset replied, wrapping an elastic band around another bundle and handing it to Rainbow.
“I’m pretty sure there is nothing in the criminal code about magically blowing up the school, and turning the student body into zombie slaves. “ Rainbow replied, a slight smirk on her face.
“No, but there is for assault and vandalism,” Rainbow paused at Sunset’s word’s. “I'm on probation.”
“More than a few Students argue that you deserve worse,’
Sunset paused for a moment, before nodding her head in agreement.” I know. ”The pair resumed packing in silence.
“where is Fluttershy?” Sunset asked as she placed the last bundle of fliers in the box.
“Hey ya, where is Fluttershy” Rainbow walked towards the door and poked her head out for a moment, before looking back to Sunset and shaking her head.
Frowning, Sunset closed the box and walked out of the room and into the dimly lit hallway, Rainbow dash quickly following.
The pair walked into the hallway, eyes scanning for any trace of there shy friend. Sharing a concerned look they began wandering the school’s corridors.
“Wait, what’s that,” Rainbow suddenly whispered, pointing at a yellow backpack. “This is Fluttershy’s,” Rainbow cried out angrily. Peeling open the backpack, Rainbow lifted a small white rabbit out of the pouch. “Fluttershy would never leave Angel behind,” her face grew pale. “Something’s happened to her.”
She turned to Sunset. “We need to split up, we’ll cover more ground. I'll take the second floor you keep looking down here; we will meet up in half an hour ok?”
Not waiting for Sunset to respond, Rainbow snatched up Fluttershy’s backpack and ran down the hallway, leaving Sunset alone. Swallowing, Sunset turned and began walking down the dark hallway. “Fluttershy?” She called as she opened door after door, silently praying that she would find the shy pink haired girl whole and unharmed.
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Willow grunted as he hauled Fluttershy’s unconscious form into the chemistry lab, his broken arm and rib’s making the task far more difficult than it should have been for the otherwise fit young man. Sighing as he placed Fluttershy on a table, he quickly tied her hands around a gas spout, with some twine he had removed from his locker. Stepping back he examined his work.
Fluttershy had been tied down with her back on the table, her hands and feet tied to the gas nozzles that student’s would use to fuel a Bunsen burner.
Pulling a knife from his pocket, Willow began walking towards Fluttershy. He was about to cut open her shirt when he paused.
“Fluttershy?” a voice called from down the hallway.
Sighing, Willow returned the knife to his pocket and crouched behind one of the counter’s. Reaching cover just as the door opened.
“Fluttershy?” Sunset’s voice carried through the room easily. Willow heard a gasp and rapid footsteps as Sunset saw Fluttershy bound to the table. “Fluttershy are you ok? … Fluttershy,”
Willow rose quietly, he quickly stalked over to Sunset who was now picking at Fluttershy’s bond’s. Tapping her shoulder with his good hand she jumped and turned, only to have Willow’s fist collide with her jaw, smashing her head back and into the table.
She slumped to the ground, dazed, a trickle of blood leaking from her mouth.
Willow sighed and grabbed her by the collar of her Wondercolt uniform. Hauling her onto another table and binding her hands to another gas nozzle.
Turning back to Fluttershy, Willow used his knife to slice open the front of Fluttershy’s white blouse. Peeling back the cloth he exposed Fluttershy’s chest. Reaching down Willow unclasped Fluttershy’s bra.
“What are you doing?” Sunset’s voice slurred.
“Quiet,” Willow hissed as he turned to the struggling woman. “If I’m distracted I may take more then I need.”
“What are you doing,” Sunset repeated, “taking what?”
Willow did not respond as he turned back to Fluttershy. Reaching his hand out, he placed it over her left breast. Resisting the hormonal response to squeeze, Willow once again focused his magic.
Grey light crept from Willow’s hand, halted by a pale yellow aura that emerged from Fluttershy. Willow gritted his teeth as the grey aura forced itself into the yellow. Sweat beaded his brow as he suddenly ripped his hand back, his magic ripping the yellow light from Fluttershy’s body. Willow’s knees buckled and collapsed under him as he panted in exhaustion.
Minutes passed before his breathing slowed and he used his his good hand to push himself to his feet. He grinned as he felt the magic he had taken from fluttershy surge through his body, coursing through his veins, before finally settling in his chest, where it sat like a coiled spring, ready to burst forth.
He turned to Sunset who has ceased her struggles and started at him horrified. “Now,” he began as he stalked towards the bound woman, yellow sparks’s leaping from his hand’s and eye. “ I'm told Twilight Sparkle took the artifact with her when she went through the portal. Where does it go?”
Sunset spat at him.
Willow calmly brushed the saliva off him before reaching into a pocket and taking out his knife once more. “ As is see it..” he began, twirling the knife deftly. “ you owe me an eye.”
Sunset’s eyes shot open horrified, as He drew closer and began lightly dragging the blade up her cheek. “ no please..,” she whispered tears welling in her eyes as the blade came closer.
Willow leaned in closer, his lips brushed her ear. “Where does the portal go?” he whispered.
“Equestria,” Sunset sobbed as she broke down,”the portal leads to Equestria.”
Willow stopped the knife but did not remove it. “Who is Twilight Sparkle? And what is the Element of magic?”
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Willow whistled to himself as he left the room, the jaunty tune almost drowning our Sunset’s sobbing. After draining her of all the relevant information, he had taken her magic as well. The combined power of the two girls, dancing around his hands and eyes.
Walking to his locker he pulled out the backpack and the long bundle, securing both to his back. Not bothering with shutting and locking the door.
Willow turned just in time to catch a boot to the face. His head snapped back as he fell backwards into the lockers. His attacker wasted no time, slamming their fist into Willow’s diaphragm. Willow felt his arm seized by an iron hard grip as he was hurled away from the locker and down the hallway.
Rolling with the throw, Willow turned to see Rainbow Dash running in for another kick to the face. Snarling he weaved around Rainbow’s booted foot and thrust his palm forward slamming it into Rainbows head.
It was Rainbow’s turn to be hurled into the locker’s as she staggered back, dazed.
Seeing her attempting to stagger to her feet, Willow marshaled a fraction of his stolen power and lashed out.
Rainbow’s body was enveloped in grey light was she was seized and slammed into the locker’s, her arms and legs secured to her sides as Willow approached her.
“You son of a bitch,” Rainbow snarled, as she fought against her magical bond’s “When I get out of this I’m going to beat you within an inch of your life for what you did to Fluttershy”
Willow gestured and Rainbow was hurled across the hallway, slamming her face first into the lockers on the opposite wall. Repeating the gesture, Rainbow was hurled once more into the lockers this time on her back.
Rainbow bit back a cry of pain as Willow approached her, locking his cold grey eye into her angry rose colored irises. “I’ll kill you, you raping bastard!” She shouted into his face.
His eyes flared with grey light and Rainbow found her shirt torn open, exposing her sports bra. She struggled again as she tried to cover her bra, but the bond’s held her hand’s in place at her side’s.
Rainbow flinched as Willow reached out with his good hand and unclasped the bra, her breasts spilling out. Her face turned bright red as He reached out and placed his hand over her left breast searching for a heartbeat.
The grey light returned as Willow’s eye closed in concentration, the aura snaking its way down his arm and intermingling with the blue aura that sprung up around Rainbow’s chest. She did her best to shrink away from Willow’s hand as it made contact. Satisfied Willow yanked his hand back absorbing whatever leftover magic still resided in Rainbow. Releasing the spell, Rainbow collapsed to the ground, sobbing as she curled into a ball.
Willow looked down at her trembling form for a moment, sighing he slipped his arm’s out of his hoodie and threw it over Rainbow who flinched as it landed on her. Picking up the Backpack and parcel, that had fallen during the confrontation
He made to walk past Rainbow when he heard her whimper. “Why are you doing this? Fluttershy never did anything to you.”
“I know,” Willow replied, his voice sombre. “You haven't done anything to deserve such treatment and for that, I’m sorry.” Willow voice grew hard. “But portal need’s more magic than I can muster. And you and your friend's where the only source available to me.”
“You’re going after Twilight,” Rainbow shouted as she tried to stagger to her feet, only to collapse when a beam of grey light hit her in the ankle. She hissed in pain as she held the joint.
“I suggest you stay down,” Willow began, a magical haze surrounding an outstretched finger. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I will put you down if you get in my way,”
Rainbow snarled and put her hands under her, preparing to push herself up once more.
Willow sighed and made a sweeping gesture, his magic picking her up and slamming her into the ground face first with a crunch.
Rainbow went limp. A trickle of blood, drooling from nose.
Willow walked over to the rainbow’s limp body and put a finger to her throat, pulling back when he felt a faint but noticeable pulse. Reaching into her short’s pocket he took out her cell phone, imputing a number and holding the device to his ear.
“ 911 what’s your emergency…. hello?... ,“ Willow tossed the cellphone back to Rainbow Dash before turning and walking away.
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Sunset moaned as she regained consciousness, rolling over to reach for her pillow, her eyes shot awake when she fell from the table and to the floor.
She suddenly remembered where she was. Leaving the question of her unbound hand’s for later she ran to Fluttershy’s side. Checking her pulse, she let out a sigh of relief as she felt her friend’s pulse.
Satisfied that Fluttershy was safe for the time being, Sunset took stock of her
situation.
Willow had used magic. Sunset didn't know how that was possible without a horn or a powerful artifact like The Element of Magic. But he had done it without either, dipping into her magical reservoir and taking the bulk of it for himself. Sunset looked to Fluttershy whom someone, probably Willow, had left the lab’s fire retardant blanket over her, covering her chest.
Fluttershy wasn't a unicorn, and as far as Sunset could tell she wasn't associated with any artifacts beyond the elements.
Sunset’s eyes widened in horror as she realised what Willow was after; and what he had taken from Fluttershy. And that Rainbow was still in the school presumably looking for the both of them.
With a single glance to Fluttershy’s sleeping form, Sunset bolted from the room, zipping her leather jacket up to the top as she ran. After a few minutes of frantic searching she found Rainbow, a small pool of blood slowly spreading from her head. Shouting her friend’s name she ran to her side.
Like Fluttershy, her shirt and bra had been torn off, but at the moment her head was a far greater concern.checking her pulse Sunset sighed in relief. Continuing her examination she found Rainbow’s cell phone lying on her back.
“ Hello, is there any one there, do you need help?” The operator continued as Sunset took the receiver to her ear.
“ Yes my friend is hurt, she needs an ambulance!” Sunset replied.
“Where are you,” The operator asked. Sunset could hear frantic typing in the back ground.
“Canterlot High.”
“An ambulance is on its way, you need to stay with her. …. hello?” Sunset gingerly placed Rainbow’s cell phone back on the ground next to her. She was about to leave when Rainbow stirred.
“Rainbow,” Sunset shouted happily as she crouched back to Rainbow’s side. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Rainbow muttered as she rolled onto her back. “Where is Fluttershy? Is she ok?”
“He did the same to her too,” Sunset gestured angrily at Rainbow’s chest. Rainbow growled as she pushed herself to her feet only to fall into Sunset’s arms. “Stay put Rainbow you have a concussion.”
Rainbow snorted but did not protest as Sunset gently lowered her back to the ground. You have to stop him,” Rainbow demanded as she leaned against a locker. “He’s going after Twilight.”
“I know,” Sunset replied as she took a handkerchief out of her pocket, applying it to Rainbow’s bloody nose. “I have to stop him, will you be ok on your own?”
“Yeah,” Rainbow grunted as she pushed herself to her feet, leaning heavily on the lockers. She looked at Sunset and a brief smile flickered across her face. “Go kick his ass.”
Sunset nodded and raced down the hallway.
Reaching the foyer she was immediately blinded by a harsh grey light shining through the windows. Allowing her eyes a moment to adjust to the glare, Sunset walked through the door.
Willow stood next to the statue, his entire body wrapped in a cloud of grey smoke tinged with yellow and blue.
Looking past him, she saw that the smooth stone of the portal was rippling like a pool around Willows out stretched hands.
He was almost through.
Looking around desperately, she spotted a brick lying next to the door, left over from the reconstruction. Snatching it up, she began moving as quickly and as quietly as she could.
Coming up behind him, she raised the brick high over her head and brought it down on Willow’s head.
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Power, more power than he could possibly contain, poured through Willow and into the gate. Gesturing with his good hand, muttering an incantation taught to him by his mentors. The young man directed the energies where they needed to go, empowering the gate so that he might step through. With a final exertion of will, he forced the last spark of stolen power into the portal.
Exhausted from the effort, he slumped slightly. A slow grin spread across his face. After three years of standing around he could finally continue his mission, he would finally be able to…
A heavy blow caught Willow in the back of his thoroughly abused head, slamming it into the portals’ frame, and then again sending him to the ground.
“You aren't going anywhere you son of a bitch,” an angry voice pierced the fog of his concussion as Willow looked up to see an angry Sunset looming over him, a bloodied brick clutched in her hand. “I don’t know why you’re trying to get to Twilight Sparkle, and I don’t care.” She stepped forward and grabbed Willow by his collar. “You hurt my friends, and by Celestia I’ll see you pay for it.”
Sunset raised the brick once more, her grip tightened as she prepared to bring it down again. Willow glared defiantly at the woman, before closing his eyes as he awaited the impact.
“Wait,” a voice shouted from behind Sunset, causing them both to stiffen in surprise and seek the source.
Fluttershy walked through the door, supporting a pale and bloody Rainbow dash. “He has had enough Sunset, put him down.”
“But Fluttershy,” Sunset began, not releasing Willow’s collar.
Fluttershy held up her hand, her face stern. “He is injured and in dire need of medical attention Sunset.”
It was true; Willow could feel the blood from the head wound seeping into the bandages around his scalp. The blows had definitely popped a few stitches, opening the lacerations he had received during the school dance.
Sunset released Willow’s collar and walked over to where Fluttershy was laying Rainbow dash to the ground.
Deprived of his only source of support, Willow collapsed to the ground in a boneless heap, yelping when his head struck the pavement. He lay there for a moment with his eye closed.
He Stiffened when a he head a boot land next to his head. Unsure what to expect he flinched when a pair of hands gently touched his face. Willow opened his eye to find Fluttershy staring intently at the bloody bandage.
She produced a small first aid kit and removed a small roll of gauze.
Willow attempted to push her away, but couldn't quite make contact with the girls sweater. Abandoning his attempts at pushing her away. Willow tried to turn his head to look at the portal, only to be stopped as Fluttershy put her hands on his cheek’s.
“Hold still,” She ordered locking her blue eyes with his grey. “you may have skull fracture. Blink if you understand.”
Willow blinked.
“Now stays put and try not to move. I’ll be right back.”
Fluttershy moved out of Willow’s line of sight, presumably to check on rainbow dash. Ignoring her directions, Willow turned to look at the portal.
It was open; all he had to do was go through.
Doing his best to concentrate, Willow wrapped his backpack in magic, dragging himself towards the statue.
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“How is he?” Rainbow asked as Fluttershy rejoined them.
“Not good,” Fluttershy gave Sunset a stern look. “He may have a skull fracture, a concussion at the very least. He needs to go to a hospital.”
“Why do you care!” The words burst forth before Sunset could stop herself, her frustration at being stopped getting the better of her.
“He essentially raped the three of us ,and he has all but admitted that he is going after either Twilight or the elements of Harmony Next.” she turned to Fluttershy “ He isn't some wounded animal, this guy is a psychopath who can use magic.” Sunset’s curled into fists as she spoke. “You think what I did was bad? You haven't seen what a magic user who really wants to hurt someone can do.”
“I don’t care.” Fluttershy replied, gazing at Sunset levelly. “He is hurt and may die if he isn't given treatment. What he can or may do are immaterial.”
A bright light blinded Sunset. She jerked her head to see a trail of blood leading to the portal.
Willow was nowhere to be seen.
Chapter 1
The mirror flashed as the figure was hurled through, momentarily brightening the darkened room. The Figure hissed in pain as he landed in a heap at the foot of the small podium.
He staggered to all fours as he tried to get his bearings. The journey through the portal was always disorienting, but he knew it would pass quickly. When the room stopped spinning he examined his surroundings.
The mirror was on some manner of podium set in the center of a small, but lavishly appointed room, lined with painting sculptures and other works of art.
Taking a breath, the figure turned to regard himself in the mirror. Snorting derisively at what he found.
He was shorter now, no more than three of four feet tall. His body was still wrapped in bandages, though the odd tuft of white fur poked out where his trip had loosened them. “Some manner of equine?” he mused to himself. The reflections single grey eye narrowing as he contemplated this recent development.” A unicorn no less,” he ran his gaze over the long burnt and chipped horn, growing from his forehead. ”Ridiculous.”
Picking up a satchel that had accompanied him through the portal. The figure began limping towards the door, cursing when his left foreleg collapsed, spilling him to the ground with a pained snarl.
Remembering his training, he cast a quick spell. the rooms shadows where once again banished, as the damaged horn let of a soft grey light. The injured foreleg was wrapped in a similar glow ,as the telekinetic field slowly enveloped the limb, before hardening and supporting it. Testing his weight on it, the figure grunted in satisfaction when the leg held his weight.
Resuming his walk, the figure stopped at the door reaching out and slowly opened it, flinching then the hinges squeaked.
“Who’s there,” an authoritative voice barked “Halt and be recognized!”
The figure snarled angrily, slamming the door back shut. Limping quickly to the side, so to avoid being immediately be seen by anyone who entered the room.
The door burst open a moment later as a pair of guards rushed in, there spears raised threateningly.
“By order of Princess Celestia of Equestria you are under arrest, come quietly and you will not be haaaaa,” the guards order trailed off into a startled scream as a grey aura enveloped his hind legs, forcefully pulling the guard of his hooves.
The figure jerked his head, still hidden from the now panicking guards view. The guard was lifted into the air by his hooves and swung bodily into the other guard, their heads colliding with a resounding crunch. Releasing the now unconscious guard from his magic the figure limped out the door only to be met with the sight of a third guard disappearing down a hallway bellowing for reinforcements.
Growling angrily, the figure hobbled down the hall, occasionally ducking into a room to avoid a rushing guard or frightened maid. A few hallways later and out of breath the figure paused at a window, taking a moment to examine the world he found himself in.
The city was impressive, if not particularly large. Composed of marble mansions and towering spires, the city screamed wealth and influence. And interestingly enough it appeared to secured to the side of a mountain.
“You are not who I was hoping would emerge from the mirror,” A voice spoke, startling the intruder.
The speaker was tall,far taller than any of the other natives he had seen so far, towering a good two feet taller over his own dwarfish frame. She, as he assumed by the tone of her voice, had a bright white coat and matching wing's folded to her side. Her rainbow colored mane flowed gracefully as though blown by a non-existent wind. Her violet eyes narrowed as she ran her eyes over the figures bandaged limbs and scarred horn.
“You look like you shouldn't even be able to leave your bed, let alone infiltrate my castle,” she cocked her head slightly to the side, a curious expression on her face. She returned her gaze to the intruder’s heavily bandaged face. “Who are you my little pony?”
The intruder didn't reply, slowly backing away from the tall newcomer, inching towards the window. He had almost reached it when a dark blue magical shield sprang into life, cutting of his retreat. The sound of hoof steps on his blind side made the figure wrench his head around to examine the newcomers approach.
The figure was remarkably similar to the white one, though the colors were far darker; her mane was composed of sparkling stars. Her horn was surrounded in a blue haze, identifying her as the source of shield.
“Identify yourself , “She bellowed, flaring her wings. The intruder did not respond, simply widening his stance and beginning to channel his magic. “very well,” she continued ”guards!”
A group of guard ponies rushed into the hall, spears leveled at his chest, bellowing order’s,Ignoring the cracks that formed beneath the intruder's hooves.
With an effort of will the intruder finished his spell. His horn letting loose a blinding light, the floor he was standing on crumbled, dropping him down the tunnel he had started digging the moment the second female appeared. He landed hard on his side amidst the pile of rubble created from his spell. Biting back a gasp of pain he rolled to his feet and started walking.
He had dropped himself into some manner of lavatory, a winged female walked out of a nearby stall, screaming when she saw him. She quickly turned and fled the room, still screaming. Adjusting his bandages, the figure followed, his limp more slightly more pronounced from his fall.
Finding a window, he saw he was now on ground level, lifting a nearby metal vase he smashed the window open before going through himself, entering some manner of garden. Spotting a gate that led to outside the castle he began hobbling towards it, panting heavily from the strain of magically burrowing through the marble floor and maintaining the spell that enabled his leg to support him.
He had almost reached the gate when he heard voices shouting behind him. Turning, he saw several armored unicorn’s running towards him, their own horns alight with their own magic. Knowing he didn't have the energy to fight off so many other magic casters, he concentrated on hobbling towards the gate.
Reaching towards the handle, the intruder was struck from behind, slamming his face into the gate. Snarling he turned replacing the enchantment supporting his forelimb with a thick shield, which he promptly slammed into the guard's muzzle. The guards head snapped back as he fell way only to be replaced by two of his fellows that promptly tackled the intruder to the ground holding his limbs in place while they wrestled a magic inhibitor onto his horn.
Growling he jerked his head forward, carving a bloody trench across one guards face with his horn, narrowly missing an eye. The other guard cursed and slammed a fore hoof into the intruder's face, slamming his head into the ground. The intruder’s forelimb no longer restrained by the bleeding guard pony, he began bludgeoning his attacker with his good foreleg, slamming it repeatedly into the guards helmeted head, knocking him off.
Granted a temporary reprieve the intruder once more staggered to his feet vainly trying to pull the ring off his horn. He almost had it off when a terrible piercing pain when through him. Looking back he saw a long spear protruding through his side. Looking up he saw the first guard straightening after his throw, one side of his face a mask of blood.
Breathing suddenly became difficult as he began coughing up blood, the crimson liquid soaking into the bandages around his muzzle and barrel. He slowly sank onto the ground, more blood seeping from the terrible wound in his side, painting the marble walkway red.
He was dimly aware of the two winged unicorns arriving, the taller of the two approached him whispering something in his ear but he couldn't make out the words as he began to pass out. The darker of the two began barking order as several more guards arrived accompanied by several unarmored ponies carrying saddle bags with red crosses on their side’s. Several rushed towards him. He felt his body going numb, as one of the new comer's came to his side shouting something to her colleagues . The last thing he saw before his vision failed was the tall white pony looking at him sadly.
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Twilight's mind was racing, as she and her guard’s walked towards the royal infirmary.
“How many were injured? “Twilight asked the guard to her right.
“The intruder managed to hospitalize four guards’,” the guard responded, his face locked in a neutral expression. “Though, they all avoided serious injury.”
“And the intruder?”
“Unknown.”
Twilight let out a frustrated sigh as they reached the heavy oak door of the infirmary. The guard’s on either side coming to attention and opening the door when they spotted her coming.
The infirmary was a long room lined with bed’s each with a curtain should the bed’s occupant desire privacy. Several guard’s occupied the room, most on the bed’s having their injuries tended. One stallion in particular was having a nasty gash on his face sewn shut. The others were standing guard over another door that led to the castle’s operating room.
“Princess,” one of the guards greeted her as she and her escort entered the room. “Princess Celestia is waiting for you in the operating theater.’ Nodding her thanks, she walked into the theater, her guards remaining at the door.
Inside she found Princess Celestia, sitting quietly in one of the theaters chairs.
“You asked to see me princess?” twilight spoke, alerting the Diarch to her presence.
“Ah Twilight,” Celestia gave her pupil a tired smile. “Thank you for coming. As you may have heard there was an… incident, in the castle earlier.” Celestia’s smile became a slight frown as she looked down to the viewing glass. Twilight followed suit, paling slightly at what she saw.
A team of unicorn doctors were working on a heavily bandaged stallion lying on an operating table. A spear, that Twilight recognized as one that was issued to all guard’s, was protruding from his side. The surgeon was levitating a scalpel towards the wound. Twilight looked away as they began to remove the weapon.
“Do you recognize him, Twilight?” Celestia asked quietly, as she watched the medical staff try and save the stallion’s life. Twilight shook her head. Celestia’s frown deepened slightly.
“I hoped you would have,” Celestia admitted, wincing as the spear came free of the stallion’s body.
“Is it true he came through the mirror?” Twilight asked.
“From what the guard’s reported, yes he did.”
Twilight leaned back in her own chair, a frown matching her mentor’s appearing on her face.
“Will he survive? “Twilight asked after a few minutes of silently watching the doctor’s work, her voice quaking slightly at the prospect of somepony dying while she watched, unable to help.
“Doctor Stable informed me that the spear pierced his lung. And he wasn’t healthy even before he was wounded; the bandages conceal very severe burns and laceration’s.”
The doctors were closing the wound now sewing it shut and wrapping the stallion in even more gauze. The lead surgeon looked up to Celestia and nodded before he and his team wheeled the stallion out and into another room.
“Come along Twilight,” Celestia stood up from her chair.” let’s go see what Doctor Stable has to say about our guest.”
Making their way back into the infirmary proper, the princesses watched as the stallion was wheeled into recovery. Doctor Stable approached, wearing a tired but content smile.
“How is he Doctor?” Twilight inquired genuine concern in her voice.
“He is in a serious but stable condition princess.” Doctor stable frowned “though I have no idea why some pony in that condition is up and about. He has a skull fracture, as well as some older injuries. I’m surprised he can walk.”
“Thank you Doctor, ”Celestia smiled before continuing “now get some rest, you look exhausted. “The doctor nodded his head, stifling a yawn behind a foreleg. Wishing the princesses good night the doctor excused himself.
“Lieutenant,” Celestia called to a guard with slightly more elaborate armor than his fellows. “What preparations have been made to accommodate our ...guest?”
The Lieutenant came to attention before responding ”We have guards stationed over him day and night, all of them experienced in restraining rouge caster’s. Additionally, we are keeping a magic inhibitor on him.”
“I wish to be notified immediately when he awakens Lieutenant,” Celestia ordered, looking to the door to the recovery area. “I have questions.”
