Fade Awayby JoeBobWhitneyChaptersThank YouAct I: RevivalAct II: Danger ZoneAct III: RelaxationAct IV: ChaosAct V: WarAct VI: AnewAct VII: LocalityAct VIII: Good LifeAct IX: AmazementAct XI: CrystalsAct XII: Return to SenderAct XIII: OrderAct XIV: On the BrinkAct XV: SkirmishAct XVI: MercyAct XVII: FateFinal Act: Blood, Sweat and TearsNon-Canon Act: WraithAct X: AgitationThank You What an adventure this story has been. It has been roughly two months since the beginning of this story to now and... I definitely see how much I've improved since the beginning. I can only say, thank you. For reading, staying with the story, the criticism and so on and so forth. Honestly, I can say I've enjoyed this story for a while now and as of late, I still come back to read it, for nostalgia. I love the inFamous series and I still do. But, the affinity for it has been dropped as I can't get my hands on the first one and experience that. So, this story is over and there won't be another continuation to this story until a few months after New Years, so that way, I know for sure that I will inspiration, ideas, fascination and the willpower to write a god-damn sequel. So, what can I say that hasn't been said? Not much. But, like before. Thank you. For sticking with me til the end on this somewhat atrocious story. I say that because even with the good criticism, I know that there are better inFamous stories out there but I'm joyous knowing you guys chose this one for your daily FimFiction entertainment. Adiós, amigos míos... Act I: Revival" I gotta try. " " I know." Those words lingered inside Cole's head for months. That eventful day haunted him in his sleep, whenever he DID sleep. For this, he could not forgive himself for his actions. His own friend Zeke, the one who ever truly accepted him. He was a like a brother, now he's gone. Cole was forced to kill him, for Conduits alike. He knew what he did was right... right? Cole couldn't decide. He thought as himself as a hero but he truly, he disagreed with that. "Kuo. Come meet me, please." He called for one of his companions through his phone. He sat on the top of a building, where Zeke had placed many things a home would have. A mini fridge, a table with a TV across from it and a nice brown sofa. Cole sat on the edge of the buildings, feet dangling. He heard the air slicing from from Kuo's arrival in his ears, shortly after. "I'm here, Cole." She noticed his sad appearance and sat down with him. "What's wrong?" "It's - everything. Kuo, do you think what we did was right?" Cole asked, not even looking at his companion. Kuo sighed. "No, Cole." She quietly answered. "Then, why did we do it!?" He stood up and asked, voice filled with regret and anger. "Because, it wasn't right but we had to do it! Humanity was going to die, anyway." She told him, Cole turned around and stared at the smoky but blue sky. "My friend... is dead because of my choices. Along with Nix." Cole gritted his teeth, thoughts still buzzing about in his head. "We had the right idea but it was executed with the wrong methods and tools, Cole. I'm sorry about Zeke and even Nix, but we can't do anything about t- what is that?" She stared at something in the distance, it glowed brightly and seemed to give off red electricity. "Don't try to change th- what the hell IS that?" They turned at each other before Cole jumped off the building, scarlet electricity surged from his hands and feet as he skated across power lines. Kuo followed suit, flying and landing on building to building. After about two minutes, they arrived at the location. A Blast Core, lodged within the wall. Not just any normal blue Core, it was dark red with purple and black aura, surrounding it. "A Blast Core? What's that make, uh.. ten?" He looked at Kuo, smirking. "Cole, that's not a normal Blast Core. " She looked nervous, even scared upon this discovery unlike Cole - despite his previous demeanor looked eccentric for this. He grabbed the Blast core, ripping it from the wall. Holding in his hand, he could the energy just feeling it. It felt evil, but Cole liked things like that. This enticing feeling pushed his mind farther to use it and see what he could get. Maybe, a present from John after his release of power? He thought. "Kuo, I'm using it. Let's get back to the house, this should be good." They went back, following the same path. As he skated along the lines, he could feel the energy slowly become irresistible. As they arrived, Cole almost look more evil than usual. The dark crack like veins on his face and arms seemed to glow black. His weapon, the Amp, originally gave off scarlet electricity. Now, it was a more sickly crimson. Kuo looked at him, with her suspicions telling her that Cole should not use it. But, Cole would throw her advice right out the window and use it, anyway. So, she stayed quiet as much as she wanted to say something. Cole held it tightly, looking at Kuo one last time before he got knocked out as always. Then, he began. He put power in it and in return got more power, and more and more. Kuo stepped back as his orange lightning turned red, then seemingly black. "Cole?" She called out. Through the storm like "barrier" of lightning, she saw his pained faace. "Cole!" The electricity surged, creating an explosion that seemed to knock powers out of Conduits. She heard the pained cries from people nearby. As the large cloud of dust and rubble settled, Kuo remained there, coughing. "C-Cole?" She called out again, but as it faded, he wasn't there. Just a black mark where he should be. Upon the warm grassy ground in a different dimension, lay a Conduit, stripped of his peace and thrown into a new world, he must be guided by his sins and his friends. It was hours for he laid there, electricity still surging throughout his body. He gritted his teeth and awaited the pain to go away. But, Life had MANY other plans. Oh yes. He stirred about after twenty minutes, groaning at the remaining pain. "Oh, hell. That one hurt. So, I wonder what's new... What the hell?" As tried to get up, something caught his eye. They area he was in, a grassy plain with a village in the distance. Not a town, but a actual village. "That's... different." Cole surveyed his surroundings, nothing but grass and dirt for a while besides a VERY dark forest pretty close to him. "Yeah... no." Cole cracked his knuckles, thinking of what his new power could be. He could feel a new power surging through him, he tapped into it, feeling this new power. He concentrated a large amount of power directly to his hands and was presented with a "blade" of blood red electricity known as Gigawatt Blades. The power felt familiar to him, but he didn't care. He swung the blades around for a moment but stopped when he heard a groaning noise of somebody or thing waking up. Cole quietly sneaked about until he found the source. A somewhat over-weight being wearing a green vest with a dirty white shirt and a pair of dark shorts. Otherwise known as Cole's best friend that he killed, Zeke Jedediah Dunbar. Cole current expression went to a mix of happiness, sadness and definite surprise. "Whoo, boy. That.. lightning. That definitely hurts." He heard Zeke say to himself. Cole quietly but swiftly walked up to Zeke. He tapped his friend on the shoulder, he responded with shooting his "attacker" with his magnum. Cole stumbled back. "Shit, Zeke! It's me. Calm down!" "I know! That's why I'm shooting! "You dick." Cole and Zeke stared at each other for a few seconds before busting out, laughing. "I can't believe it's... you." Cole regained his composure, wiping a tear away. "I could say the same. Hey man, I... uh.. heard what you talked about with Kuo." "You did? I-I was serious, I didn't want to, truly. But, -" "You did what you thought was right. I get it, man." Zeke stopped him. Cole still looked distraught. "Hey, I forgive ya. I really do. But, right now... There are more important things at hand." Zeke glared at him, Cole straightened up and smiled for the first time in months. Zeke nodded, Cole did the same in return. "Right, first things first. Where are we?" Cole puzzled. "No clue." Zeke bluntly answered. "Okay. Then, we head towards the village before rain starts pouring and I die from shorting out." Cole advised, remembering last time he met water with his powers. AH! SHIT! He mentally shuddered at the memory. "Good idea." They then proceeded to walk towards the quite large village in the distance. The wind slapped against their faces as tiny water droplets began to fall. Cole picked up his pace and continued to the village. Zeke looked at the darkening sky, the clouds got darker as the storm got worse by the second. As they arrived at the village, their faces went to blank. There in the village, was small colorful horses with marks on their butts. Zeke and Cole stood there with a blank expression. "Cole?" "Yeah?" "We're in Hell." "Yep." The "horses" noticed the two new beings and stared at them with fear and curiosity. Then, they caught the eyes of a certain pegasus. She looked down and saw them, one of them looked... well... sick. He wore a red and black shirt with a white t-shirt beneath. A pair of black pants with a strange design around the side accompanying the attire. What really caught her eyes was his pale "skin" and the rustic device on his back. He looked... evil, to say the least. But the other made her chuckle, a somewhat overweight being wearing a green vest with a dirty white shirt and a pair of dark shorts. She also overheard their comments. "So, this is hell?" "Makes sense for you, brother. Not me." "Are you sure? You suggested I go take down the cops or I take those blast shards from those people, right?" "You did them, anyway." "Yeah, 'cause you suggested it." "Can't argue with that logic. Hold up, I think one of them coming up to us." Honestly, they amused her. They didn't SEEM like a threat, but she wanted to make sure. Carefully but surely, she made her way from her cloud to them. "Wow, they can fly?" Zeke noticed. "So can I. I can shoot lightning from my fingertips. I highly doubt they can do that." Cole huffed. "Yeah, 'cause they got hooves. They don't have fingers." Cole laughed at that. "I see what you did there." Cole crossed his arms, still chuckling. "So, who are you?" The flying "Horse" asked them as it approached. "Did you just talk?" Cole asked, questioning his sanity. "Yeah, why?" "Horses can't talk." "Okay, not a horse, pony." "That's answers the height thing. How can you talk?" "I have a mouth, don't I? What else would I use it for?" They both chuckled at that, confusing her but she got it seconds later. The thought made her blush. "You're sick." She stated. "Come on, we're guys. Oh, anyway. Can you help us out with something?" "If it involves my mouth, I'm out." "No." He chuckled again, finding that one funny but dirty. "Can you help me find somewhere to hold up until the storm passes. Water is bad for me." "Why?" "I can control electricity. If I touch water, I short-circuit." He bluntly told her. "Can I see?" " Uh, ...sure." Cole held up his hand and red electricity surged around his hand. Cole blasted the lightning away, hitting the ground and slightly cracking it. "That. Is. Awesome!" She stared at Cole with amazement in her eyes. Cole thought nothing of it and continued with his question. "Yeah. I can use fire too. But, back to my question." He noted. "Uh... pretty sure Twilight won't mind. Follow me." They followed her, while getting each others names across, to this "Twilight Sparkle". Weird name, Cole thought. "Here we are, Cole. Hang on." She knocked on the door. They heard steps approaching the door and Voilà, another pony opened the door. "Rainbow, this bet- Who are they?" She quickly asked, curiosity biting at her. "That's Cole, the other is Zeke. They need a place to stay." "Well, I can help one of you out there." "I just need shelter from the rain. Rainbow said if Zeke can stay here, I could stay with her?" "Sure, come in." They AGAIN followed a pony in, the smell of fresh printed paper met their noses. Books. Books everywhere. A stairwell led up to what they assume was her bedroom or something. A couch and a chair to sit in as well. They took the couch while Twilight sat on the chair. "Okay, before anypony stays here. I need to ask you guys a few questions." Twilight told them, Cole nodded. "Shoot." "Where are you from?" "Empire City, America, Earth." "What are you?" "I'm a sub-human as Zeke says, because I possess powers unlike most people. I'm a Conduit to be precise. Zeke is just a big human, ain't you?" Cole stared at Zeke, who in turn was glaring at him. "We're 'friends' by some cases. We just have trust issues." "Cole... There may be some problems with your request. We don't know if magic will interfere with your 'powers'..." "Well, let's try." "Hold on." Twilight's horn began to blow before Cole felt a strange sensation around him, it was a odd feeling to be honest. "So, why did you have to do that?" He asked as she stopped. "Because, Pegasi live on clouds. They have natural body magic that allows them to use clouds as a house or anything, really." "Ah. Rainbow?" "Let's go. I hear the thunder getting bad." They both walked out the door, leaving Zeke and Twilight alone. "So, what is this place?" ~~~~~~~~~ They got to where Rainbow's "house" would be, shortly. The rain turned into a drizzle but Cole knew it was going to get worse. "So, how you getting up? I don't think I can carry you." Cole used his Lightning Tether, confusing Rainbow at first, but he was pulled up. She was surprised to see that. "Wow." "I could also use my Static Thrusters but that one is so much more fun." Cole stood at what would be the doorstep. Rainbow pushed open the door and it was Cole's turn to be surprised. It was a actual house of clouds. Cupboards, a couch, table. A full house of clouds. "I don't usually use my house. So, forgive any spiderwebs. If they got up here." Cole just walked around, feeling the cloud under his shoes and his hands as he placed them on things. He laid down on the couch and almost fell asleep instantly. It was like the softest bed possible ever created. Cole just moaned it absolute pleasure as he rested on the couch. "What are you doing down there?" Rainbow called out from upstairs. Cole thought of something, holding back a laugh. "Masturbating!" He yelled back. Cole snickered at the dead silence he received from that. Rainbow sternly walked down, staring at him. Cole finally busted out laughing at her face. "Y-you should see the look on your face!" He gasped. "That's not funny. That stuff would get stuck in the cloud." "That's why it would be funny! You'd- you'd probably step in it." He kept on, busting his sides open. Rainbow was suppressing a smile of her own at this point. "What if it rains from t-this cloud? It'd get all over people!" Rainbow finally let the gates open and there went a wave of laughter following Cole's. "Imagine their faces!" She laughed at it, Cole joining her. After a few minutes, their laughter died down as they laid on the floor, gasping for breath. "Yeah, we're get along just fine." Cole stated. "Yeah. We are." That's all, Folks! Act II: Danger Zone In a different city, specifically in a expansive castle known as Canterlot Castle, lay a ever-knowing princess. She is sitting upon her throne, allowing to see everybody, pony in this case, from below. Every mare wants to be her, every stallion wants to be with her. But, alas. Everypony is out of HER league. Anyway, she is sitting there drinking her freshly made green tea and reading new reports when she is rudely interrupted by one of her Protege's letter causing her to spill her tea. She frowns but is happy nonetheless to see her student finally talk to her. It's been quite some time. She puts down the reports and opens the letter. Dear Princess Celestia About twelve-thirty, two human beings known as Cole MacGrath and Zeke Dunbar arrived not to far from the Everfree Forest. The one known as Cole possesses control over electricity the color is rather blue or violet but crimson. To top onto that, he also can control fire based attacks. He says he is a type of human known as a Conduit. A human being must be born with the gene to use it and to activate it, somepony would need to use a device called a "Ray Sphere". The other human, is just a normal human, minus his weight. Anyway, I've prepared the Elements of Harmony if they have malicious intent, but Rainbow says Cole is a good guy. Zeke says he really couldn't even hurt Cole so after he saw our abilities, he said he wouldn't dare attack anyone or pony. But, you never know. I await your response. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle Her eyes widened at this revelation, but she was still happy nonetheless. She sits there for a good moment, thinking about this "Cole MacGrath" character. He can use electricity AND use fire. This "Conduit" may be a problem if he has malevolent motives or nature. "Guards." They turn their heads. "Prepare a chariot and fetch Luna will you?" They nod their heads and trot out of the room. She only sighs, Not even I can use elements of nature but this "Conduit" can? I will have to see this for myself, she thought. Her thought were interrupted as Luna walked in. "Tia, what is the meaning of this?" The new Alicorn figure asked her sister. "Twilight has informed me of something great and I thought it would be nice for you to get out of the castle, Lulu." Celestia responded, knowing who exactly it was. "Please. Do not call me that." Luna ushered, blushing lightly. "Fine." She smirked. "I will go." Luna protested. "Perfect." "Your Majesties. The Chariot is ready." A guard told them both, the Princesses nodded and followed him out. Celestia informed Luna of this "great information" which made Luna laugh for one reason, no being could control the elements of nature, but Celestia told her otherwise. Still, Luna was hesitant to straight believe this. If this "Cole" could use it, he has to have a weakness. The ride there was short as expected. As they arrived, the ponies bowed to their ruler. "Rise." She quickly commanded. They quickly got back up but still stared. Twilight and her friends, plus the two beings walked out. Surprising both the princesses, as one of them stood at the same height at Celestia. "Cole MacGrath. How ya doing?" The "Conduit" quickly greeted. "So, you art the Electric being." Luna addressed him blankly. "I go by the Electric Man, Demon of Empire City, the Prime Conduit." He mocked a strange British-Australian accent on the last one and southern accent on the second one. "That many names?" Celestia questioned him. "Yep. I go to a lot of places. So. You must be the Princesses." "Yes, we are. I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler alongside my sister, Princess Luna." "You know me, that's Zeke Jedediah Dunbar." "Ah. So, We art most interested in thy... powers." "Good. I don't want to see here and make small talk. It's just plain awkward. Anyway, I have multiple types of powers, so this may take a bit." Cole knew he had a long list of powers to go through. He sighed quietly and begun the presentation. He started off showing the basic bolts, explained them in their simplest form like the others. Grenades, Blasts, Rockets and everything else. After showing so many, he was visibly tired at this point, the others took notice of this. "Cole, brother. You don't have to continue, y'know. They get it, I'm sure." Zeke stated. "Yeah. Listen, as much as I can use, I do gotta have power and all this power usage is draining me." "Well, like Zeke said, We can see thou art of combat. Now, do tell, how do you regain power?" Luna asked, smirking. She knew he had a weakness. "Draining Electric sources, problem is, I don't sense many around. Except..." Cole looked towards the lightening storm that was slowly passing over. Twilight had cast a simple barrier spell around him to protect him from the "EVIL" rainstorm. Cole smirked "I can use the storm... Pegasi control clouds, right Rainbow?" "Uh... yeah. Why?" "I want a cloud filled with lightning. Can you do that?" "I'll try." Rainbow flew, with Cole hoping it was possible. Not too long after, Rainbow slowly arrived with a very dark cloud that was glowing with lightning surging throughout. "Here, take it. But, be careful. It's unstable." "Good." Cole placed his hands on the cloud and started draining it. The blue-ish lightning inside converted to a sickly crimson then to him. They all stared in amazement as the energy caused seemingly radiation. After only seconds, every single bit was drained and Cole felt refreshed, he sighed happily afterwards. "Thanks, Rainbow. And that's pretty much it." He crossed his arms. "Very impressive. In fact, if you plan on staying, you could help dealing with those." Celestia stated, reminding Cole of something. "Yeah, I..." Cole didn't finish his sentence, he just began thinking. I wanted a second chance, Zeke probably wouldn't want to stay in a world of Conduits. He'd be alone, most likely he would get himself hurt or even killed again. Maybe, this is actually heaven? No, Ponies in heaven? More like a twisted version of Hell. I must be in a entirely different galaxy. Cole sighed. "That'd be nice." Cole lightly smiled, but Luna saw past it. "You seem troubled." Luna added. "Yeah, I did some pretty bad things in the past. But, that's why we get second chances, right?" "What do you mean? - Actually, I'm sorry, we don't have time for this. " Celestia exclaimed, Luna wanted to know more, but Celestia dragged her back to the Chariot. "Hang on, Zeke... You've been awfully quiet... Where's Zeke?" Zeke was gone, nowhere to be seen. Nopony knew. "Anyway, we must return. Farewell, and good luck, Cole." Celestia noted, they both walked to their Chariot and left, leaving a somewhat tired Conduit and six ponies to themselves, in silence. "So... uh.. what now?" Cole asked, burning the silence. "We'd better get inside." Twilight ushered. "Or home. My mane is going to lose it's style if the storm keeps up." Rarity fretted, Everypony just rolled their eyes. "Yeah, Rainbow. Onwards to the Clouse." "The what?" "You know... Cloud?.. House?... Clouse?" "Oh. Yeah." Now, back to Canterlot Castle, in the Royal Gardens lay many statues all from the past, none of them truly stand out except for one. A misconceived combination of creatures most don't even know what some of the animals are. A chaotic god known as only, Discord. He is a Draconequus, a creature somewhat close to a Chimera and many other creatures of combined nature. Not only is he a god, he is a god of Chaos. A perceived imagination of havoc on different levels of which he finds "fun". He has shattered the Elements true nature before and in turn, took away their virtues. For this, he has come close to winning. Now, there is inner turmoil of a being, not a pony but something else and it's feeding him all of his power. Soon, he will be released. And endless Chaos will follow. In his own words, a big ol' storm of Chaos! "So, what do you guys do for fun around here?" Cole asked, very bored. "Read books, We always got something to do. Why?" "Because, this place definitely needs a Television." "A what?" "It's something from my world. It's like fully animated pictures." "Wow, that'd be pretty awesome." "Exactly. But, still. I'm bored." "I mean, there is stuff to do, but a storm severely stops anything from doing most of that stuff." "Unless, you're Cole MacGrath. Then, you're in paradise." They both chuckled at that, Cole just sighed, still very bored. "Ugh, something needs to happen. Seriously." As they said that, something dripped from the ceiling. It wasn't water, it was brown and sweet. Cole looked up to see a quite a stain, he put a finger up to it and licked his finger afterwards. "It's... chocolate..." "What?" "Yep, definitely chocolate. Is that good or bad?" Cole asked her. "Well, we should ask Twilight about that one." "Okay. Anything else?" "You know, I know you're probably not up to it, but we usually play Truth or Dare during a storm." "Nope. Nothing ends good when a guy is involved with a bunch of girls, especially that game." "But-" "NOTHING. Right, Pinkie?" "NOTHING!" Pinkie heads popped out of the couch, scaring Rainbow. "Okay, then..." "Thanks, Pinks." "You're welcome!" "So... You're staying here?" "Da." "What?" "Yes." "Okay. Later, then." And there she goes, leaving a Conduit to himself and his thoughts. Cole decided he would take a nap, not on the couch, not with that chocolate there. Maybe, Rainbow wouldn't mind if I sleep in her bed. Nah... So, Cole stepped uo the stairs, nearing her bedroom. Then again, I would be entering a person or pony's personal space. This is a girl, too. I don't think ponies wear panties... or... bras.. Yeah, I'm good. Cole opened the door and went right to sleep, Cole only dreamed of his past, thinking about Kuo and Nix and even the death of Zeke... but, it didn't haunt him... Zeke was alive, in this world, with Cole. He wasn't alone, either. He now had more friends, now. These ponies accepted him because even though they were different they were kind beings. Cole accepted them and in turn, received a new look on his life. That... did something to him... That feeling. It was burning away at him. Friendship and kindness. He felt himself change. Something happened to him, while he slept, he went through a change. His skin regained some of it's color, the veins upon his face lightly faded, his tattoos lost some of designs and his clothes changed. His shirt went from blood red to scarlet and black. His Electricity lost some of it's crimson and turned into orange and gold. Cole knew he was changing, but he didn't whether for good or worse. Not only that, he felt his mindset shift and change. He felt forgotten emotions, compassion, true happiness and more. Hopefully, it doesn't effect him too much... Act III: Relaxation "This. Is Absolutely. BORING." Zeke groaned, walking around a now bustling Ponyville. The storm had passed completely over and ponies returned to their duties. Birds chirped, green lizards scurried up trees like busy squirrels and finally everything was normal - Minus, the strange bipedal being walking around. Nopony was was really "happy" with a bipedal monkey thing walking to and fro. He was mumbling about something called a TV or something called pizza... Whatever that was. Each of Zeke footsteps were met with a loud squish because of the obnoxious mud path. And it bothered him greatly. First, he needs new clothes. Now, shoes? God hates the dead coming back to life. He sighed and continued walking, contemplating whether this world is... better. It is certainly peaceful, unlike New Marais or even what's left of Empire City. "Sometimes I wish everything could be normal. For once. You know, I'm not asking much here. Just a little normalcy in my life is all I need." Zeke sighed again, putting his hands with his pockets. "Zeke! Wait up!" Cole. Zeke looked at Cole in his new digs. Wait, I remember those. Those were Cole's old clothes before... he... well... transformed with clothes and crap. That greatly confused Cole, though he was happy to see Cole look almost normal. Zeke smiled. "Hey, Brother!" Zeke greeted. "I leave you alone for one minute and you take off." Cole voice sounds a bit more upbeat. As his "original" form, his voice sounded very unwelcoming. You'd probably not want to talk to him much, now he's sounding a bit like usual Cole. "You sound... chipper today." He exclaimed to Cole. "Hell yeah, I get a second chance in this place. Hey, I'm hungry. You hungry?" "Brother." Zeke deadpans at Cole. "I've been hungry." They chuckle at that. "Good. Because, Pinks is the town's sweet dispenser and baker" Cole smirked, rubbing his hands together. "Think we can get her to make pizza?" "Hell. Yes." They fist-bump and make their way to Pinkies bakery, otherwise Sugarcube Corner. They do take their time, so they can talk. "Apparently, Twilight - is Princess Celestia's student but I says it's more of a mother-daughter relationship." "Definitely. Maybe they got something going on there?" Zeke nudges Cole shoulder, receiving a zap in return causing him to flinch. "Sorry, I'm kinda wet." "In what way?" Zeke coyly smiles at Cole. "You're sick." "Hey, Rainbow said the same thing." They both laughed at that. They remember the good old times like these. They could sit at home, makes jokes, watch TV, eat pizza. And they didn't wish for anything more. Then, Cole became a Conduit and things went to absolute hell. They simply ignored that part. "Yo, Cole?" "What?" "What if you weren't a Conduit?" "Well, the Blast Sphere would go to some other poor fool. Not me." "We'd probably get the plague, wouldn't we?" "...Most likely." They both sighed after that. That whole topic is a very sore subject between them. They tried to make the best of it, but all it did was get Cole under strict twenty-four hour watch and get Zeke in trouble a few times. Cole still chuckles at those days. That was in the past, New Marais was only a few hours, they think. Cole is still hungover about Nix, though. Why didn't she side with him. She could of gotten more. Cole gritted his teeth, Zeke noticed this and placed his hand on Cole's shoulder. "Nix?" "Nix." "Come on, I know you miss her, but she didn't side with us because of her "babies"..." Zeke mocked, Cole wasn't mad at him though. She could of easily gotten more... but NO. Cole sighed angrily and rubbed his temples. "Hey, I think we're here." Zeke stated, Cole snapped out of thoughts and instantly surprised to see a building, made out of sweets. "Yep. Just as Pinks described it." Cole motioned Zeke to follow and he did. As he pushed open the doors, both their noses were blasted with the heavy scent of sweets and sugar. It's like walking into... well... a candy shop. Fuck you, I'm not good at jokes. Anyway, they made their way to the counter, which then they admired all the sweets underneath the bit register. "So..." "Let's make some Pizza... Pinks!" "Yyyesss?" Pinkie appeared from the counter, scaring Zeke. "But- she..." He stammered, trying to process how she was- "You'll get used to it." Cole assured, then turning back. Zeke still felt like he was mentally violated. "Listen, Pinks. I have an idea." Cole got close to her. "What kind?" She got close as well. "A new food. Not a sweet, but something much better. Kinda like a snack." "Oo! I love snacks! Expecially-" Cole covered her mouth before she started ranting. "I'll show you how to make it." "Through a montage?" "Hell yeah." "A Wh-" ONE EPIC MONTAGE LATER. They sit there, admiring the beautiful creation of a purest mind. Three different cheeses, Mozzarella, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Bell peppers, banana peppers, black and normal olives. Thick crust with cheese on the inside, dripping with no grease. Why and how? Pinkie says so. That's why. "It looks pretty good!" Pinkie declared, while Cole and Zeke got ready to dig in. "You know, you can try one if you like it. If you do, then we can all share it." Pinkie cut the pizza with a VERY sharp knife but still cut perfectly. Hooves. Pinkie took one bite... then she exploded. Literally, there is confetti everywhere. "That. Was. AWESOME!" She beamed, appearing out of nowhere again. "Told'ja." Cole smirked at Zeke. He just rolled his eyes in return. "I should start selling this!" "I'd be coming back here for lunch if you did." "I'd be here for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Hell, even a midnight snack." "Zeke. You pig." They laughed and devoured the pizza. For moments, it was whole... Now's there none. In... seconds. Damn, guys. Cole and Zeke sighed in relief, finally getting what they have craved for so long. For months, they yearned for a slice of God's divine food. "Where's Pinkie?" Zeke asked. "Selling Pizza. If she can makes Cupcakes fast, she can make Pizza fast." And he was right, ponies were buying the food left and right. It's a good thing Pinkie has energy beyond adrenaline. Everypony absolutely enjoyed every second of the bliss that was human food. Sadly, no pepperoni. But, this will definitely do. "So, what now?" "No idea. I've usually had to fight things, constantly. That kept me busy." "And I had TV." "Wanna go bug Twilight?" "Sure." MEANWHILE... IN HAMMER-SPACE "Plotting. Plotting." A very busy draconequus paced back and forth, holding his beard, the god thought of his way of escape and he's losing it. This so called "Cole MacGrath" has supplied him of his necessary negative energy and now's he giving off much less than required. Those wretched ponies are turning him to normal, he snaps his fingers and chuckles darkly. Through the endless void that is hammer-space, the God poofs a chalk board to him and begins writing down every part of his evil plan, making sure to leave no stone unturned... so to speak. He continued his chuckles until he roared with pure evil in that haunting laugh of his. "I can't get out... But, he can help me." He stared at Cole MacGrath through a camera, it seems. "In time, my child. In time." MEANWHILE... IN EQUESTRIA, PONYVILLE "Hey, Twilight. We're bored, what's to do around here?" Cole pestered Twilight. Her eye twitching ever so lightly. She slammed the book she was reading straight onto table, stopping Cole and Zeke. "Listen. I know you're bored. Sadly, I can't help you. So, why don't you go bug Rainbow? " She scooted them both out, closing and locking the door. Then, enchanted her house with a barrier spell. Cole shot a Alpha Bolt at it which it then bounced off and hit a building as Zeke and Cole ducked. The bolt hit it and exploded. They looked at the now burning building, then walked off, whistling innocently. "So, what now?" "No idea, brother." "Yeah..." Cole stared off in the now setting sun, admiring it's glowing beauty. The golden rays sending down such a beautiful sight. Then, something caught his eye. A bright light somewhat similar to a... Blast Core! Cole blasted off with such a force that it knocked Zeke off his feet. He only watch as Cole took off after something like a lion going after an injured gazelle. It, honestly, scared Zeke. He caught a glimpse of Cole before he took off. That was a look of hungry, he wanted power like a baby wanted candy but couldn't get it. "Yes. Yes. YES. YES!" Cole approached the glowing beauty in it's purest form, a rock filled with Ray Sphere energy. It could give Cole new powers as he received the very powerful Gigawatt Blades. (Trust me, he knows they're powerful.) Cole was mentally drooling. He could feel the very essence, of the device that gave him power, emanate from it. He grabbed it, ripping it from the tree it was lodged in. He did the same action as he would always do when using a Blast Core, put in some power and in return Cole would too. Cole was filled with this energy, his vermillion colored electricity creating a surge of lightning around him, then burst, knocking out Cole. Everything was dark. All he saw was a dark void, gulping him in it's endless maw of eternity. Cole felt pain for seconds, then relief. He felt happiness then sadness, angry then hatred, fear, depression... It went on. He could say, it was he felt on the inside, he had pent up his feelings, now they were here to bit him in the ass. Hard. He tried to move but did not feel limbs nor did he feel even there. He just knew he was seeing something. Then, as he (internally) sighed, a blinding light flared around him. Then, completely surrounding him. The light faltered, he regained his vision to be in a strange void that was a dusty faded brown. The void seemed like old, dirty paper... It was like staring at a background. "Cole MacGrath." A mysterious but comforting voice spoke in the paper-void. "Where am I and who are you?" "Simple. I am someone very important. And welcome to Hammer-Space as I like to call it. An endless void of objects, beings and such go into. You are here Cole because I summoned you to, regretfully, inform you of dire information. Those ponies, your so-called friends, are nothing but lies." Discord stated, Cole clicked his tongue and shook his head lightly. " Sure." "Trust me, I've been in your position, Cole. Alone, still regretting every AWFUL thing you did. I remember those days. The Beast? Nix? I know, Cole." "How?" "I know everything. I'm here to help you. Those ponies have forsaken me and thrown me into this prison for one reason. Because, I wanted to have fun." The voice continued to speak, further interesting Cole. "Oh yeah? Can you give me a idea?" "Perfectly." A projector popped up and a film by it's side with black marker crudely scrawled onto it saying, PUT ME IN, Cole shrugged and did what the mystical film said. He pressed the play button and it began. There, was the mismatch of creatures that was this... voice. He turned the roads to soap which made Cole lightly chuckle. As he did more, Cole laughed more and more until he neared the ending. He tied up the Princess in magic resistant licorice, popped off their horns, then scooped up their manes like cotton candy and then proceeded to eat it. That was when Cole couldn't hold it in, he fell on the "floor", laughing like a idiot at this voice's antics. "T-that was you?" He gasped. "Yep." "All that was fun!" "Yep. Yet, they banished me to this prison. Care to help me?" "Oh, I'll help you. Just let me do some of that stuff with you. I w-want to see more of that." "Done... Ta-ta!" "Wait, wha-" He woke up. He laid on the very soft grass that was ground of the Royal Gardens. Cole picked himself up, dusting himself as well. Then, he admired the garden. Flowers of sorts perfectly aligned across the paths, large hedges that made up the walls. The grass was neat and trimmed to perfection. Cole looked behind him and saw a large majestic castle. The large structure was formed in the side of a mountain, water flowed freely from the building as it seemed to float there. Shades of white, purple and golden highlights were the colors and decorations of this castle. Atop the spires, there were symbols that looked like Celestia's mark of her butt. Cole thought that this was her castle. But, where's the moons? Cole asked himself. He shook his head and turned around. There was the "voice"s prison. The mismatch of so many creatures that Cole couldn't place all of them. He thought of how he would do this. He stared at the statue for a moment. Then it came to him, snapping his fingers at the idea, Cole focused his Ionic Charges and released a Ionic Storm, sending down a bright charge of vermillion lightning that shook the ground at the massive power and the statue began to crack. That was one. Now, the second. He repeated the same process, using a Ionic Charge and creating another Ionic Storm, more powerful than the last. As he did this, he felt himself gain negative energy, it felt good. Two, now the finale! Cole released everything into the last storm, destroying the ground all around him. And breaking the statue. Cole dropped to his knee, panting. He heard a loud laugh break the silence around him. If his Ionic attacks didn't catch the attention of the Princesses, the laugh sure did. "Thanks, Cole. I appreciate it. I really do. C'mon. Up." The voice acclaimed. Cole pulled himself up and was face to face with this being. "Names Discord, God of Chaos." Those golden eye seemed to stare into his soul, but Cole shrugged it off. "Demon of Empire City." Cole chuckled. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" A loud voice boomed, but not Discords. They both looked up to see a REALLY pissed Celestia. And a pissed Luna. "Yeah, Cole. WHAT is the meaning of This?" Discord nudged Cole's shoulder. "I'm making a choice, that's what!" Cole announced, his electricity flowing back to him, somehow. His electricity was Vermillion, now red and dark red, near black. "This - Is your choice?" Celestia's anger falters and turns to sadness. "Yes, Princess. This is 'Your' choice, right Cole?" Celestia didn't like the way Discord highlighted the word, your. He was always a master of illusions and trickery. He could of made Cole do this. "Yes, it is." Cole charged up his growing electricity, it buzzed about, creating small holes as the sparks touched the ground, it was like acid. "So, Princess. Ready for what this new revelations has to entail?" Discord smirked at the steamed Princesses. "The Elements will defeat you." "No, they won't. Cole, if we want to succeed, we need to stop Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack. Don't worry about Dunbar." "Got'cha." Cole blasted off with his Firebird Strike, leaving the gods to fight or toy around in Discord's case. Act IV: Chaos "Whoa! That's a lot of lightning!" Zeke proclaimed as the Elements stood there, in the middle of town, watching the continuous strike of red lightning hit near Canterlot Castle. Every strike was deafening even from there. Every strike caused great shock-waves to blast. The last one that was delivered almost shell-shocked them all. "What's Cole even doing?" Rainbow questioned, jaw on the floor. "No idea, but Cole doesn't have to use three in a row." Zeke answered, surprising them all. "He can do that three times?" Rainbow's sputtered. "Yup. Don't piss off Cole MacGrath. Oh, it sto- What is that?" The looked to see a large pink cloud release gallons of chocolate milk upon all of them. Twilight's eyes widened and stared into nothing-ness. Zeke waved a hand in front of her face and nothing. As he flicked her ear, everything instantly went to hell. Insane phenomenon happened. Ponies were speaking backwards, some walking on air. Small animals mutated in many ways. Rabbits with long legs, mice of epic proportions. And even Buffalo, dressed in ballet outfits and danced with unbelievable elegance and precision. "The hell?" "Discord." Was all Twilight muttered. "Uh, what?" Something approached, it was red and very fast. A Lightning bolt grabbed onto a building, dashing at it, breaking that building. "Cole! What are you doing?!" Zeke's saw him, a crazy look in his eye and what really made him look odd was the fact that his clothes were gray. Like really gray. "I knew it! Cole-" Twilight began, but he threw a building at them with Kinetic Pulse. They all ducked as the building rammed into another and they exploded into giant bubbles. "Don't talk to me! How dare you lie to me and tell me that you're my friends?" They all were taken back by that, they all thought Cole wanted friends, Zeke thought the same. "Hey, brother. Didn't you want friends?" Zeke asked him, Cole clicked his tongue. "Stay out of this. We both don't want a repeat of the RFI, do we?" Cole stared at Zeke. He saw something in his eyes, pure undoubted hatred. There was malice in his words and Zeke wanted to help, but nothing would help them. He backed off, dropping his magnum on the soft soapy floor. "I always knew I would never be accepted then you go and make it WORSE!" Cole unsheathed the Amp from his back. He activates it, the prong-like ends coming out completely and glowing with the dark red sparks of electricity. "Now, you will pay. With the Elements. Where are they?" "We'll never tell you!" Rainbow stood in front of the group. Cole admired her bravery but it would get herself hurt if she wanted to be the hero. "Listen. I'm not here to hurt you, I just want the Elements." "Never." Twilight declared. "Then, you give me no choice." Cole felt more power return to him, he felt a last Ionic Charge somehow but he didn't question it. He tapped into it and released one of his strongest Ionic attacks. Ionic Drain. Red mist like energy surrounded him and drained power from all nearby beings, except Zeke. He controlled it to absorb the Elements and they fell like Rocks. Cole felt the infinite energy surging through him, he chuckled darkly. He didn't drain all of their life essence, just most of it. Strength, willpower and Magic. Zeke stayed back for his own sake, he felt selfish but this must be done. "Thanks Zeke. For not getting in the way and me not having to kill you." He took off again, leaving them to themselves. He had drained most of their powers, they weren't getting up soon. He bent down to help them. Try, actually. "Discord. I couldn't.. Never mind." Discord had collected the Elements already. With his foot upon the rubble they had created. "They thought that I would think that they would be in Ponyville. Fools." Discord proclaimed, Cole nodded and walked up to him. The defeated Princesses lay there, wings missing feathers and bruised. They weren't in the best of shape, basically. "I finally win. Your precious Elements of Harmony are defeated as are you. All of Equestria will fall asunder to my chaos. And Ponyville will be the capital." He laughed as the Princesses groaned and tried to move but to no avail. They Discord heard rocks and debris move. Cole was walking away. "Where are you going, Cole?" Discord asked, flying up near him. "Oh, just out." Cole charged up his Firebird Strike again. "Cole." He turned his head. "Make sure the Elements don't interfere." "Sure." Cole blasted off, leaving dust in his wake. He felt his emotions turn into nothing but emptiness. He didn't care. This world didn't accept me just like Earth. They should join the fray as well. After all, no-one would accept a Conduit. But, what if they did? I didn't even give them a chance. *No! All they wanted was to hurt you!** I'm pretty damn sure they were better than that. Stop lying to yourself! No! This isn't me! Liar!* Cole stopped in mid-air as he neared Ponyville, he fell straight to the ground, holding his head in pain. He landed somewhat okay and dropped to his knees, grasping his head in pain. His internal conflict continued on, pounding inside his head. It hurt like hell. No. They wanted to help you, but you threw them away. Dammit, Cole. Cole ignored the voice in his head and went to help the Elements. Cole dusted himself and ran toward them, hoping they were still okay. As he approached, he saw Zeke trying to help them. Cole ran at him, pushing him aside. Cole rubbed his hands together quickly, then touched Twilight. The electricity waved over the Elements, healing them by giving back all Cole had stored, which resulted in a very tired, after effect. "Ugh, what happened?" Rainbow groaned as she saw the Elements getting up and Cole sitting there. She gritted her teeth and punched Cole right in the jaw. He reeled back in pain, feeling his now (probably) cracked jaw. "Okay, I deserved every second of that." "You!- wait, what?" "I said, I deserved every second of that." "But, didn't you-" "I did, but I was wrong. Discord just... got to me. Made me think..-" "Yeah, I know." Rainbow assured him, sitting down with him. "Brother. It is good to have you back." "Yes, it is." Twilight got up, walking up to Cole. "You can slug me in the jaw if you want." Cole drooped his head, sighing. "I'm not going to. Rainbow was enough. We know how Discord does things." "Thanks." "I.. uh... guess we should work on fighting him, huh?" "With two out of six Elements?" Twilight pointed to the not recovering Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. At least, they were breathing. "I thought I healed them. I guess you guys are too different from humans." Cole rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly. "They are going to be fine, though." "Good." "So, what do we do?" Cole puzzled, rubbing his chin. "Something. We can't just sit around. Discord is causing chaos!" Rainbow declared, hovering and circling them. "I have an idea. Cole, we need to solve your inner turmoil." "My inner what?" Cole lost Twilight at that. "You are mentally troubled like Luna said. Discord is using that negativity as power - remove it and Discord has no influence to his power." Twilight focused her magic, pulling a book from... somewhere. "What's the bible looking book for?" Zeke questioned. "It's a spell. It will allow me to see inside you thoughts, Cole." Twilight announced, Cole stared at her. "Is... that necessary?" "Completely. Now, hold still." Twilight placed her horn on Cole head and both closed their eyes. Twilight opened her eyes to be in... a city? Yes. A city. A dirty one at that. Walls and buildings are cracked and graffiti is painted over them, posters of Cole with red marker "X"ing out his face. As she stared, she heard Cole. "Welcome to Empire City. My home. Where I was born, raised and turned into a Conduit. In fact, you can see that happen right over there." Cole pointed behind Twilight, she turned around to see Cole riding a bike, carrying a package of sorts. "Cole" pressed a button on a strange device near his shoulder. "It's a phone." He was talking, the voice said to open the package. He refused, but the Voice offered him a large sum of "dollars". Instantly, Cole pulled up to the sidewalk, opening the package. A bright blue sphere was in there, Twilight tried to examine it, but a bright light blinded her. "Ray Sphere. Takes kinetic energy from many people and puts it in one. Me, for example." "This is how you got your powers?" "Yep." "What's so troubling?" "It's later. Hang on." Everything went fast, events and the past flashed across them both before stopping at a dark-skinned woman wearing a strange shaman looking outfit talking to Cole with a strange glowing sphere on a table with Zeke and another woman that she didn't know. "Her. My friend, Nix. The Beast or John had ideas to save the world. You see, after I set off the Ray Sphere, I created the Plague. A very dangerous disease. Since, I decided to not use that device and side with John, Conduits took over. And every human with the plague..-" "Died?" "Yep." He sighed and sat on the ground as the events went forward. It continued towards to one final moment. Cole had successfully taken down Nix, sadly. Then, Zeke walked up. He picked up the RFI and said these words. I gotta try. Cole responded sadly with, I know. Zeke fired that silver thing at Cole, he backed up and growled. He shot at Zeke, he backed up farther. Before he shot again, Cole shot him again with electricity. Zeke fell to his knees, he tried to get up but Cole finished him. He dropped, the RFI hitting the ground. Cole walked up to his body and bent down, staring at his now dead friend. He stood up, unsheathing the Amp. He yelled angrily and broke the Amp. "That's... it." Cole gazed at the ground, thoughts flooding his conscious. "Cole." He looked at her. "You have to stop dwelling in the past. It's feeding Discord and if you don't stop, we may never ever be able to defeat him. The Elements can't just do it alone. You must help, too." Cole drooped his head, thinking. "I don't think I can. I mean-" "Listen to me, Cole. We must move on with ourselves. If we don't, our thoughts and views on the world change for the worse. We are chosen to live in this world under whatever you may believe in. We don't get to choose the things that happen to us, We must live with them. Do you understand, Cole?" "Yeah. I think I do." "Good." "It's gonna be hard." "I know. " "So, how do we stop Discord?" "Well, first. Let's get out of your head. "Yeah." They pulled back away from each others heads, gasping, not from air, but the experience. Cole sighed and began thinking as Twilight the same. Rainbow and Zeke stood there, dumbfounded. "So..-" Zeke started, but Twilight interrupted him. "I got it!" She beamed. "You do?" Cole questioned, Twilight looked at him with confidence. Cole nodded and looked back at their friends. "So, here how it goes.." Act V: WarAct V: War Rainbow's wings flapped as she she sped through clouds, each normal one popped within contact of her. She had one objective, learn the location of the Princesses while laying undetected. She dashed through winds, causing an updraft behind her. But, it will be necessary for speed, however. As she sped towards her objective, the others moved with her. Cole pushed forward, ignoring any chaotic mutated creatures as much as possible. Zeke followed Cole and Twilight as they moved, checking out any other problems. "How much l-longer?" Zeke wheezed as he continued running. "Not too long!" Cole immediately answered, pulling back a bit to keep track of his friend. "You okay, man?" "Yeah, I think. We'll probably have to go back later for my lung." Zeke joked, they chuckled at that and kept moving. As they neared the castle, a rainbow blur came down toward them. Cole looked up to see the blur, he smiled to see his informant and friend arrive. "RD, where's the Princesses?" Cole asked valiantly as she fluttered down. "In the Castle, caged up by some barrier. I think Discord's magic or something like that." She fluffed her wings, getting comfortable. "Why would Discord keep them in a castle?" Twilight pondered, Cole stepped forward. "Plans. He's smarter than us. If he prefers brains over brawn, I can definitely use that to my advantage." Cole cracked his neck and continued forward. He planned on getting revenge after what he had caused. Hurt his own friends, involve freeing him... He knew he was in deep trouble, but no matter what, if he get's revenge, no penalty will break his pride. "Twilight, how do we get to the castle? He's got lots of... things, guarding it." "Whatever they are, we can beat them. And for getting inside, you leave that to me." Twilight knew that this was a big operation, saving the Princesses AS A Princess will surely get her undivided attention... That - she didn't want but she'll worry about that later. "Hey, Cole." Zeke spoke up, he turned his head at his friend. "How about you use your lightning rope thingy to get up top and then move to the bottom, helping us get in?" "Yeah, that'll work. I'll see you guys in a minute, be ready!" As Cole told them, he took off. He used Lightning Tether to hook himself to the tallest spire and slowly made his way down, through the lookout. He jumped through the windows, rolling for safety. He picked himself up and dusted himself then moved on. The castle definitely had quality over quantity. Decorations that supported lovely shades of purples, yellows and even blue fill in the pristine white structure. Designs of the sun and moon dot the flags that give this castle it's order. Cole took in every little detail as he walked around. He felt as if whoever created the building this, put their very soul and essence into it. It was absolutely gorgeous, honestly. Cole shook his head and put away those thoughts. Princesses. Not admiration time. He quietly walked, making sure not to attract any unwanted attention from Discord's "Army". The "soldiers" were animals wearing really funky armor. Whether it was bubbles or chocolate, he knew Discord had some fun with his creations. "Cole." He heard his phone go off somehow, he pressed the "Respond" button and continued forward. "There you are man! How's the search going?" "First, Shush. Two, I can tell I'm getting close. You guy keep moving." Cole pressed the "End Call" button and continued. As he neared the throne room, the thick scent of chocolate hit his nose. He looked around the corner to see that the door was pure cocoa. His eye twitched but ignored it. He walked up to the door, slightly opening it to peek inside. There was Discord sitting on a golden throne as he talked with the Princesses. By the Princesses tone of voice, they were losing hope. Discord knew he was going to win. Or so he thought. "Face it, Cole is under my control. That's the end of it, Princesses." Discord taunted them, Princesses getting obviously angry as well but for it was for naught, but they kept it up. "You're wrong, Discord! He will pull through it." Celestia proclaimed, hope somewhat left. "Sure, he is. Do you have any idea how bad he has it? He can't even make up his own mind, someone else has to do it for him!" Discord laughed and that tipped Cole off the scale. He cracked his neck the other way and pushed the door open, revealing himself. They all caught noise of the door and turned at this revelation. "Cole! There you are, I was just telling the Princesses how useless their hope is!" Cole stared at him, face ever so blank but full of emotion. He aimed his hand, golden electricity flowing around his hand. He then released an attack that surprised all of them. He fired a Alpha Rocket, blasting away Discord and blowing him straight out of the castle. "Wrong, Discord. Dead. Wrong." Cole stood there, stoically. He then looked at the Princesses in their strange but powerful barrier like cage. Cole fired a Scythe Bolt at the shield. Upon contact, the shield shattered like glass, sending magic pieces everywhere "Cole." Celestia steps up, unfurling her wings to stretch. As well as Luna. "How did you find us?" "Your Elements of Harmony. Rainbow, specifically." Cole cracked his knuckles and readied himself. "Listen, you can punish me later but now, I got an evil god to take care of." Cole jumped out the hole in the wall and slammed into the ground with an Thunder Drop, sending waves of gold lightning around him. He looked around for Discord but nothing came up. He must'a ran. , Cole thought. As he said that, he was hit with something hard. Cole fell to the right, reality fading to black. "You wretched monkey. You can't even do one thing right. I give you a objective and you go ahead and fail that. Worthless trash, is what you are." Discord floated above him, mocking him. And that REALLY tipped Cole off the scale, something... snapped in him, he swore he heard a teapot whistle. Cole pulled himself up from the brink of non-consciousness and stared away from Discord. "Is that what you think?" Cole asked, Discord looked at him smiling, but still interested in his "retort". "Is that what you REALLY think? Maybe, that's true on some accounts. You did give me an objective, sure I failed it. But, in that "failure", I realized that mission was wrong all along. I was doing the wrong things ever since the beginning. First, the Ray Sphere, killing all those innocents, siding with the Beast." Cole sighed and charged his electricity. It sparked around his hands, creating a gold glow around them. "And though, those sins may never be forgiven... I still have a life to forward to. One wise man, once said: Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." Cole turned around instantly and blasted Discord with his Firebird Strike. Discord flew a great distance away as Cole ran after him. "Time to repay my debts." "Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?" Discord floated up from the rubble, staring down at Cole. "I'm a god! And you are just a pathetic ape, Cole." "Sure." Cole then fired more Alpha Bolt shots at Discord, the god dodging each one. Right into my ploy. Cole then fired a Sticky Rocket, it missing him and he laughed at that. The Rocket split apart, three mini rockets turning around and aiming at Discord while he didn't know. Discord created a large ball of rock, grass and dirt and prepared to throw it at Cole, but was stopped by the three rockets that landed a direct hit to his back, utterly disabling his wings. He growled in pain on the ground, but stood up nonetheless. It was Cole's turn to laugh, Discord threw that ball of "earth" at Cole. He used his Lightning Tether to hook to a building away. Cole then hooked near Discord, right near him to be exact. Discord smirked at his "foolishness" and readied to attack him, Cole flew near him. Cole dropped the hook near him and blasted him with a Nightmare Blast. Dark smoke blinded Discord as Cole unleashed many attacks varying from Grenades, Rockets and Bolts. After unleashing a torrent of electricity, Cole finally realized his GREAT problem. Power. And he was low - Dangerously low -to be exact, Cole dropped on one knee, panting heavily. The Princesses took notice of Cole diminishing power and Discord's growing magic. They knew that had to help, but how was the million bit question. Celestia thought of something and whispered to Luna her idea. Her sister looked unsure but took off anyway. "I hope Cole can do this." Twilight worried as they stood a great distance away from the castle. "Come on. This is Cole MacGrath, we're talking about. That man refuses to give up even if the going get's r- Who's that?" Zeke pointed to a approaching pony. Midnight blue coat, wavy starry mane. "Princess Luna!" Twilight and Rainbow gasped, as she arrived. "Yes, it great to see you two. But, there are greater matters at hand. Cole is out of power-" They gasped at that, cutting of Luna. "-And he needs power. Rainbow, I want you to bring a great storm. I don't care how bad it is, just make sure it is filled with lightning. Twilight, I need you to enchant said storm to make even greater." She commanded, the Elements and Zeke looked unsure. "Are you sure, Princess?" Rainbow questioned her, Luna simply stared at her. Rainbow saluted and took off at her greatest speed. Luna nodded to Twilight and in return, she did the same. They now waited for Rainbow- " That was fast. AND SWEET JESUS" They all stared at the greatest storm they have ever saw. The clouds alone are PITCH black and are absolutely letting down a typhoon. Rainbow flew at them, smiling. "So, hows that?" "Perfect. Twilight, you know what to do." She nodded and stepped forward. Her horn glowed intensely and the storm was surrounded in a magenta haze. The storm slowly grew, lightning getting so intense that the clouds even started to glow. Twilight finally stopped, her magic drained. "That's it..." The storm neared and they all made their way inside, Discord's "army" left many hours ago. They rushed their way into the castle, Celestia greeted them at the door, but not after gawking at the large hurricane like storm. She shook her head and they all made their way into the depths of the castle while Celestia hovered a strange orb near her. "What's that, Princess?" Rainbow asked her leader. "A Mystic Orb. It will allow us to watch the battle from afar. Very far." They all reached a big door, Celestia used her magic on something and doors unlocked, revealing a whole hidden room. "This is where we will stay. For safety." " Insolent Ape! Do you have any idea who you are facing!? I AM THE GOD OF CHAOS! You are nothing! " Discord roared as the dark smoke cleared, showing a angry god behind it. "Yep. And if I die here, I know that the others will stop you. Things get pissed when they're close to defeat or even death." Cole, despite his weakness, stood up. He stared at his (most likely) demise. By the hands of a god, in a different realm, after trying to save it. Maybe, that'll earn him some heaven points. Maybe. As Cole finally accepted his fate, he looked upwards one last time. What he saw, made his current thoughts die. A storm. Not just any storm. A storm that neared a Supercell thunderstorm in size. Cole's mouth curved into a smile, he opened his arms and held them at his side. " So you are giving up so easily? Good. Make it easy on yourself, wretch." Discord created a pink ball of magic, swirling it and forging it into a large sphere. " **Farewell, Conduit " He threw the ball at Cole, he simply held his head upwards, eyes closed. He then opened them and a large strike of lightning hit him, blowing away the ball of magic Discord created.** " What? " "Now. I hope you haven't changed your mind about that whole... god thing." As the smoke cleared, there stood a Conduit. Stripped of his peace and thrown into a new world. Life had great plans for him. All involving him being a true hero. He stood there, white lightning covering him from head to toe. Cole flex his arms, getting a feel for this new power. He knew it wouldn't last long, that's for sure. So, he was going to make good use of it. Cole then reared back both his hands and unleashed a entire stream of electricity again. Bolts, Grenades, Rockets and did not stop. A large smoke covered the battle field in dust. Cole then took this chance to unleash some of his greatest moves. Cole charged up more electricity and tapped into one of his newly restored Ionic Charges and released it in the form of a Ionic Storm. He channeled more lightning from the storm and struck the area down with the charge. Silence and white overtook everything. The speed and power from it was so great that it broke the sound barrier and blinded everyone. "Is... it over?" Twilight coughed after regaining sight, they all coughed as well. But, Zeke spoke up "Let's hope so, sister." They all walked forward and there was the battered, weak Cole on the ground and a rock statute of what Discord used to be. Chunks of stone were missing from it, cracks paved the figure and electricity still sparked about around it. "I'll take that as a 'Yes'...." They all made their way down, staring at the wasteland that was the side of the castle. Not much was left, rocks were missing from the mountain and pieces of wood, brick and dirt coated most of the side of it. It was awful to look at and what condition this whole place was in will cost hefty amounts of bits. As they stared, they heard more coughing. Not from them, but outside. Cole. They all rushed to him, they saw him slowly get up. He was covered in dirt, dust coated his now yellow and black shirt and even blood was dripping from his wounds. Cuts, small gashes. Cole was hammered to all hell. "So..." He groaned. "It's over, right?" He then fell to the side, his vision finally going to black. I hope this ain't death. Because, I know I'm in a bad shape, right now. Was his final conscious thoughts. Act VI: AnewCole had lived through the worst of many things, the Blast Sphere, getting shot at, blown up, utterly broken by the Beast, frozen, clawed at, burnt by acid and even been thrown large distances. He was a very unkillable person, as Luck always kept him alive. That can either be a curse or a blessing in one light or the other. But what had taken place made him think that he was dead. He literally drained EVERY little drop of his electricity on Discord, then was utterly bombarded with rocks, debris and rubble. He couldn't feel anything anymore, he didn't feel any limbs present either. He felt as if he went through Hell and back. But, that won't break his stride. No, if he was dead, he would not try to return to the living. He would die a hero, somewhat. "So, this must be Purgatory. As I'm sure I don't belong in Heaven or Hell, technically." Cole sighed and continued thinking. However, those thoughts were interrupted by a loud sound of someone clearing their throat. Cole turned his "head" at the sound. And what was there, made him jump. There was a being with a dark hood cloaking most of it, covering feet and head but not it's bony hands. In it's right hand, it held a long dark scythe. The heel of the Chine had a Skull cover most of it. Death, The Grim Reaper. "Heh, you're just how we imagined you." " I take many forms depending on the soul, mortal. This was the most fitting for Humans, however. " He explains, Cole just nods. " Anyway, I am her- " "To take me to either Heaven or Hell, right?" " No. Let me finish. In fact, God has gifted you life. As it was not your time. " He clicked his tongue (somehow) in disgust. "Oh, that's cool." Cole simply stated. "I hope you're gonna be happy with that. As Equestria is where you're going to be, with your 'friends'." Death raised his scythe and ripped a hole in the darkness. He then grabbed Cole and pushed him in the rip with the butt of the Snath. Cole was blinded by the bright light that now shrouded him rather than the darkness. He heard Death say farewell before pushing him out of the Afterlife. Cole slowly opened his eyes and noticed that he was in a Hospital with a heart monitor beeping beside him. IV's and many other things were hooked into his arm and they all were pretty useless as he could heal by Electricity. He shook his head, smirking. He cautiously removed the needles that fed him drugs from his arm. Once he removed all of them, he felt a bit cold and still drained. "I wonder if anyone is around." Cole then turned at the opening door to see Zeke walk in. They both smiled, with Cole's being weak. "So. Nice to be alive, isn't it man?" "Yeah, sure." Cole joked as he stretched, cracking his neck, spine and knuckles for new comfort. "You really were worrisome. Your heart monitor went from a beat every few seconds to every thirty. You really scared us. But, hey. You're up, now." Zeke told him, Cole just laid back down. "Yep. Oh, I talked to Death, by the way." Cole flatly stated. "What?" "Yeah. Cool dude, just really impatient to us. And really disgusted by God's methods. But, I am up and that's what matters." "When you're ready, I can go get the girls for ya." Zeke stood up, awaiting his answer. "Send them in a few minutes." "Alright. Later, brother." Zeke walked out, leaving Cole to his thoughts once more. He was on the brink of death but the combined efforts of Death and God effectively stopped that from happening. What really interested Cole was why he was given another chance, not that he wasn't grateful, mind you. He was just confused. Was he really that important to these Equines? Why was he important? Couldn't of they survived on their own? Maybe, the couldn't. Maybe that was why he was sent here, to be a eternal guardian. Again, his thoughts were paused by the sounds of a door opening. There was a light pink pony with a light red mane staring at him, on top of he mane was a nurse's cap. "Mister MacGrath. You have guests." She explained. "Send them in, please." Cole answered, wanting to see his friends once again. The pony nodded and opened the door completely, the Elements walked in. All of them, including Zeke. "Hey guys, what's-" He was quickly choked by the Elements of Laughter hugging him at tight as she could muster. "Cole! You should of scared us like that. I mean, who doesn't like being scared but that was too much!" Pinkie rambled as Cole felt his trachea close up as his face actually started to change colors. Red to yellow, green to blue, purple to red again. "Pinkie dear. I think Cole requires air for his lungs like us, you know." Rarity told her over-loving friend. She released her vice grip and backed away. "Thank... you... Rarity." Cole gasped, feeling O2 entering his lungs once more. "And I'm glad that you cared about me. It's nice to see someon-pony who cares." "Of course we care.!" Rainbow spoke up quickly. "Why wouldn't we?" "Oh, you know. After freeing Discord and partaking in destroying some of Canterlot-" "Nonsense! Princess Celestia forgives all of that, darling." Rarity assured Cole, he smiled at this. Knowing that the Princess would be forgiving was a load off his back. He hated unveiling the hatred behind someone so kind. Anything as kind as her ALWAYS has a dark side that no-one dares to provoke and awaken. He mentally shuddered but ignored it. "Yeah man. Celestia is a bit ticked off at the damage that was caused but she doesn't blame you. Trust me, if you were in trouble, I would of helped anyway." Zeke declared. "Thanks. Anyway, what did the Doc say about my recovery?" Cole asked, they all looked away with uncertainty. "What?" "Cole. You ain't getting out for at least a month." "A month!?" "Did you see what happened to you? Let me go over what they said. A fractured femur, humerus. Some muscle around your shoulder called a deltoid was ripped. Oh, your jaw was fractured. That was RD, though. To ad on top of that, your body is absolutely covered in cuts, gashes and bruises. You ain't leaving for some time, brother." Zeke sadly explained, Cole stared at them blankly. "That. Sucks." Cole sighed. "Listen, a month shouldn't be that long for you, right? The Doc will bring him some things of lightning for you to speed up your recovery and they'll give some other stuff and you'll be good to go." Cole just stared at the wall, still disappointed at this revelation. "I'll be out in a month? Should be good, I guess." "Alrighty then. Doc said we had a few minutes and we just burned that up. Later." And with that they left, once again leaving Cole to his thoughts. For the next month, he laid in bed simply thinking and reading the books that either Twilight, the Hospital or even Rainbow gave him. She was always in to this... Daring Do. He looked at the cover and this "Daring Do" looked like Rainbow except with different colors. He told Rainbow that, but she thought it was a compliment rather than a statement. He simply ignored that and continued to read. Twilight gave him books related to Equestria itself. Laws, history and even pony related stuff. Did you know that Carrots can't be grown with Potatoes in the same farm? Cole didn't know that and he was surprised to see that law. After so many weeks, Cole got to explaining some stuff about Earth to Twilight. She was really interested in Technology. Then came to question about Magic and Cole heavily explained that thoroughly. She was confused about that. The hours, days and weeks passed actually pretty quickly and he got to know the Nurses, Doctors and regular patients that were there. "Later Redheart. I'm finally getting out." "We're gonna miss you. Just... try not to get yourself hurt THAT bad again, okay?" "I'll try." He joked. He took his final look at the hospital and went out the doors. Fresh, unscented air met him as the blue sky welcomed him to freedom. The bright sun stared back at him and he knew that this was where he was stuck. He should accept it but Cole had difficulty doing just that. He didn't let that dim his bright mood. The day of his release from the Hospital, he got a note saying to go to Sugarcube Corner. He took his time making his way downtown as he wanted to take in the scenery and maybe meet a few ponies along the way. Just... relax as he always wanted. Peace was something Cole or Zeke could never really get. They were always dealing with something as it was. Either it was the Corrupted, Militia, Vermaak 88 or just normal day saving. There was always something keeping Cole busy. Not to long, after some waves from ponies and little "Hi"s, he finally arrived to the place. It was open but the lights were off. The sign said "OPEN" anyway. Cole shrugged his shoulders and opened the door. He was then blasted with confetti as ponies jumped out and yelled. "SURPRISE!" There was a banner hanging from the roof that was labeled. "Happy Recovery from the Hospital/Welcome To Equestria/Thank you for defeating Discord Party" He chuckled at that. "Uh... thanks?" "So, after so long, Pinkie had to idea to throw you a big party. First, just the hospital, but then she remembered the other ones. It's nice to get out finally, you know? I'm sure it got boring. So, happy recovery-from-the-hospital-welcome-to-Equestria-thank-you-for-defeating-Discord. Ready to party, man?" "Sure." And so it began anew. Cole's new life began with this and now he face every challenge that shows his face to him. For now, he can rest easy. But, for him, evil will always be around the corner. Simply waiting for it's turn on the giant chessboard that is life. We are it's pawns and we must abide by it. The End Act VII: Locality "Ugh... My head." Cole groaned as he awoke. His eyes bolted open at the sight of a house that looked like a tornado ripped through it and left it there for the fucking comedy. Confetti, streamers and ponies lay strewn about. Spilled soda, chips and other... questionable fluids pooled along the sticky flooring. Cole rubbed his head, feeling the hangover ram it's fist in his head. He carefully waded his way over the wave of pony to reach the Amp. It was lodged into a wall. Which had a gaping hole in it. Cole simply stared at the destruction, mouth agape. He reached for the Amp, pulling out of the wood, he sheathed it once more. He again carefully stepped over bodies and pushed open the door. Light instantly blinded him. "Gah! Son of a bitch!" He cursed at the brightness of the sun. He swore he heard Celestia laughing at him as he covered his eyes. "Fuck you, Sun." He raised his middle finger at the sun and walked towards Gold Oaks Library, stumbling every so step. After about three minutes, he arrived. He loudly knocked on the door, Spike answered the door. He rubbed his eyes and jumped at the sight of Cole. "MON- Oh wait, you're Cole right?" "Yep. You're Spike, right?" "Yep. Twilight's upstairs, by the way." "Cool." He closed the door behind Cole, running back up the stairs to Twilight. Cole sat down on the couch and stared at the wall, rubbing his temples. Hearing the sound of hoofsteps, he turned his head towards the approaching tired Twilight Sparkle. "Hey sunshine. Sleep well?" "Yeah, I guess. You kept half the town up." Twilight groaned as she started making Coffee. "What? You weren't at my party?" Cole joked with her. "I was. For a few hours, then I turned in. Some ponies have things to do, you know." Twilight yawned as she continued the process. "Sure." He said sarcastically but jokingly. Cole laid his head back on the couch, sighing. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the silence for as long it would last. "So, what happened last night because I can't remember shit." "First, while you still sober, you arm-wrestled both Applejack and Rainbow. Won against both of them with Applejack getting close to beating you. Rainbow tried hitting on you, but you turned her down. But, she was really drunk by that time. Zeke and you both put at least one gallon of alcohol down your throats. And the rest I didn't see as I was gone by that point." Twilight explained, Cole chuckled and continued staring at the ceiling. "Oh yeah. I remember now. It was awesome, though. First party I've had in a while." Cole sighed and smiled. "Yeah, Pinkie doesn't throw too many of THAT magnitude. She throws many parties, but that... was big. Even for her." Twilight claimed as she took a big drink of her coffee. It was silent for a minute then Cole said the darnedest thing. "Hey, you think Rainbow really likes me in that way?" Cole questioned, Twilight almost choked on her coffee. "Why?" "I'm not interested in her, honestly." "I'm sure she didn't mean it. Just off her rocker from the cider." "I mean, I don't think she's ugly or anything. I'm sure in this world, she is probably to die-for. But, I don't think I want to start dating equines." "Trust me, Rainbow was just being stupid. It'll be fine. And if she does, I'm sure you can tell her that you're not interested." "Yeah. I just hope that she's not the I-don't-take-no-for-a-answer type." Cole closed his eyes again and he faded to sleep once more. He opened his eyes to see more blackness, but he knew he was living this time. Must be my subconscious , He thought. "Yes. It is." He heard a feminine voice behind him. It was a midnight blue princess with a mane of the stars themselves. "Princess Luna. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Cole bowed lightly, holding his right arm out and his left arm folded under his stomach. "No need for the formalities, Cole. And please, call me Luna." She gestured, Cole nodded. "Okay, Luna. What are doing here, then?" "As the Princess of the Night, it is my job to make sure our subjects have well dreams. If they have nightmares, I help them overcome said fears." "Oh, so you can go into dreams?" He asked with a smirk on his face. "Yes, why?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking of something from my world." He thought of Inception. "Say princess, what would happen if you dreaming inside of a dream while in a dream inside a dream?" Luna stared at him, looking like she was counting something on the top of her head. "Er... what?" She mumbled. Cole laughed at that, he fell on the floor ripping his sides a new one. "Oh, you should see your face. Priceless!" Cole finally calmed down after Luna stared at him with confusion. "I... don't get your humor." Luna looked at him while he sighed. "It's a inside joke. Anyway, WHY are you here? I know why but why me?" "Because, we- I mean, I want to talk. You know, get to know each other. I am still new to society here." "Ah. The whole Nightmare Moon thing, right?" "Yes." "So, what do you want to know?" Hours passed as they talked, Cole shared some information from his world that he kept from the Elements for reasons and Luna in turn told him some things about herself. After sometime, it turned into juicy gossip. They each giggled at the little secrets they shared. "So then, Celestia told her guards to leave the area for a few hours. I walk in after I hear her moaning and she's stuffing her face with red velvet cake!" They both fell on the black ground and laughed their asses off. "She was covered in head to hoof with vanilla frosting!" "Really? That explains the-" He made a circular motion with his hands and pretended to pull to a train whistle. Luna snickered and laughed once more. "This... was nice. It's nice to see someone who has good humor. I certainly got some of my own." "It was nice talking with you, Cole. I believe you are going to have some time of peace for a bit. Enemies only like Discord attack only so many months and years." Luna bid him farewell and she left, waking up Cole. "Have a good nap?" Twilight asked as he woke up. "Oh yeah. Luna was hysterical." "Is that so? Well, you were smiling so I wondered what was going on." She smirked coyly. "Hey, it wasn't like that. She visited me in my subconscious and said Hi and started talking and that moved on to gossip." He snickered and held in a laugh. "Alright then. Hey, I got a idea for you. Why don't you meet the locals? I'm sure they would like to really know their 'hero'." Twilight announced, Cole nodded as she completed her statement. "You know, I'm going to do just that." Cole got up, cracking his neck and knuckles. He went over himself, checking for everything. "Amp? Check. Useless phone? Check. Still a conduit? Check." He chuckled at that last one. As he opened the door, Twilight stopped him. "Here's an idea of ponies to go to. Lyra, Vinyl and anypony else you want. You'll find Lyra most likely with BonBon around the park. Vinyl works at her store, selling records and the sorts." Cole nodded and headed out. He felt the air blow around him, cold air. He shivered but kept moving. He looked up to see clouds forming as he walked forward. He decided he would go to Vinyl's first. The name sounded familiar but he didn't know. He finally made his way to a grey building with a window showing some records and electronic stuff. He opened the glass door and a small bell rung above him. "Hang on!" A mare spoke out. She sounded kinda like a tomboy but he didn't pay too much attention. Seconds later, a white mare with a crazy electric blue mane walked out of the door behind the counter. "S'up. You must be the human Lyra was talking about." "The one and- Wait, never mind. There's two of us here." "Yeah, the one with lightning that comes from his 'hands', right?" "That one." "What can I do for you, then?" "Actually, I came over as I wanted to meet some new ponies. I only know the Elements and Twilight told me to go say Hi. So - Actually, I have a question." "Shoot." "How do you have records? But, you have a Dubstep system right there." "You know 'bout it?" "Uh.. duh! Humans use it for music!" "Humans? I wonder who got it first?" "I don't know. What year is it here?" "7013." "The hell?" "What?" "It's only 2011 where I come from! "Whoa! And you already have that? What else do you have?" "Phones." Cole removed his phone and placed it on the counter. She stared at it with confusion. "It allows you to talk to people over great distances at the same time. Rather than letters." "That is awesome. How's it work?" "It needs a radio tower. Long pole about four hundred to six hundred feet into the air. It turns electric power into radio waves and vice versa. I can't really explain the Radio waves, honestly. I'd need Wikipedia for that." "Wiki- what?" "Place of knowledge. Tells you everything. It's on the Internet." "What's that?" Cole sighed at told her everything about the Web. It took about a hour, honestly. "And that is the Internet." Vinyl's mouth was agape, staring off into space. "You okay?" He moved around her, poking her in different ares. Face, belly, forelegs, back. He even poked her mane and tail. "I think I broke her." He said to no-one. She finally took off her glasses in a slow manner revealing her magenta eyes. "Mother of Celestia..." "Uh... yeah. That's the... uh... internet. So, I'm going to leave you to your... wubs. Later." He walked out the door, he closed it behind him. He exhaled loudly and moved on to the park. If they aren't there, maybe I can chill there anyway. He took his time but neared the park. He looked around for thirty minutes but didn't find them. He then noticed a park bench and sat on it, exhausted somewhat. "Nature. Ain't it nice?" Cole said to himself, he heard something gasp and something took a seat next to him. Cole looked over to see a mint green unicorn staring at him and sitting like him. "Isn't that uncomfortable?" "Nope!" "You're Lyra, right? I wanted to say Hey, but I didn't see you around." "I was getting a smoothie." Cole stared at her like she just said heresy. "What?" "They. Have. Smoothies. Here?" "Yeah. Over there. Why?" Lyra then saw him run off to the stand, he got himself a pink smoothie and walked back over. "What flavor?" "Strawberry Banana. Absolutely Delicious." "I know, right? You should try the Blueberry Pomegranate. I had it and it was like sipping pure Love." "I thought ponies didn't have stuff like that." "Are you kidding? The best of the best is the cold stuff. Milkshakes especially." "You said it, sister. So, why'd you sit with me?" "Isn't it obvious? You're famous and you're a human. Well, Conduit. But, still." "What, they have newspapers here?" He was then handed a newspaper cloaked in a golden glow because of her horn. "Huh, I keep finding out more stuff day by day." He looked at the main article. "Newly arrived Human slash Conduit saved all of Equestria from certain peril. Huh, I guess I am." He smiled as took another sip from his divine cold beverage. "Wait. What about the human part?" "I had a dream once. I saw a bunch of you... thingies walking about on your streets. It was so cool! I've always wanted to see one for real. BonBon kept telling me that it was just a dream. But..." "I'm here. I see. Well, you're dreams are correct. We do exist and we do live amongst the stars." They both sat there, admiring the nature. Shortly, Lyra looked up at the sky and her pupils shrank. "Sorry. I have to go! Bye!" She jumped and took off. Cole waved goodbye as she did. He stood up, cracking his back. He made his way back, happy that he knows some other ponies rather than the Elements. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone calling to him. "Hey!" He heard a mare call to him. She was on a ladder, which made Cole realize even more that this world was alike. Her coat was a light yellow. Her mane was a magenta-violet with a light violet streak going through it. Her eyes were a light green like the stem of a plant. "Yeah?" "Can you please hoof me that pot down there?" "This one?" "Yes, please." "Here you go." He reached up and gave her the pot with a Aloha rose in it. She carefully grabbed it and placed it in the window sill. "Thank you kindly. Hey, you're the human slash Conduit, right?" "Yup. Cole." "Roseluck." "By your... mark, I guess you're involved with flowers." "Yes, I own the flower shop. Along with my sisters." "Hey, actually. I want to get a bouquet. - No real money. Crap." "Who's it for?" "A few mares that are my friends." "I can help you with that. Follow me." Cole followed her into her shop. The smell of flowers hit his nose within enter. He coughed lightly but ignored it. "What are they like?" "One is smart, loves books." She nodded. "One is rowdy, likes sports. The next is hardworking, works on a farm actually. Then, the next is really hyper and always up for a party. Finally, there is the elegant one. Higher class one but still lives here. And the last but not the least is shy, likes animals." "Alright. I got the perfect ones. As I know who you're talking about." She turned around and opened the door behind her. She retrieved a special bouquet of assorted flowers. The colors matched the Elements precisely. "Wow. That should be perfect. What do I owe you?" "Need a job?" "Yeah, actually." "There you go. See you Tomorrow at ten." She handed him the flowers and he bid her farewell. He made his way back to the Library, flowers in tow. "Guess who's back?" He opened the door to see all the girls there and staring at him. "I got presents. Twilight for you, Aster. Rarity, Iris. Applejack, Marigold. Pinkie, Petunia. Fluttershy, Daffodil. Rainbow, Morning Glory." He dusted off his hands from the flower pollen. "So?" "Cole. These are marvelous!" Rarity beamed. "Where did you get these?" Twilight asked. "Roseluck. I got a deal. I also got a job in the process." "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today or else I would of not taken this." Rainbow announced, Applejack nudged her shoulder. "Whatever." "It's a special occasion, I guess." Cole rubbed his hands together. "So, I have a idea. How about tomorrow we go out to eat?" "Where, darling?" Rarity asked. "Someplace nice. I got work tomorrow and well... I decided we should do something nice." "Sounds good." Twilight noted. "Yes, It's been some time since we've gone out, hasn't it girls?" Rarity asked, the group nodded and agreed. "Then it's settled. Cole, we will take you up on that." "Sweet, later guys! Hey, have any of you seen Zeke?" "Not since this morning, why?" Rainbow answered. "I hope he's okay." END OF ACT SEVEN Act VIII: Good Life "Ugh... My head." Zeke groaned as he awoke. His eyes bolted open at the sight of a city, he was laying down on a sidewalk near water. Cars were no longer present and the city looked very proper. "This is... New Marais. What the hell? It looks different." He remembers the crazy city that was New Marais and now... It looks like a different city. Buildings were cleaned, streets had no litter and everybody walked proudly. It was quite a sight to see humans once more... But, Zeke was curious. He reared his arm and punched himself straight in the chest. He huffed at the sudden loss of air. "Okay. Not dreaming." Zeke checked himself and started walking. "Where is Zeke?" Cole whispered to himself as he continued walking around the town. He stopped searching after so long and took a seat on a bench near him. Sighing, he looked up to see clouds forming getting eventually worse. Clouds started to grow dark gray on their vast bodies. He stared until he heard wings flapping beside him. Rainbow was there. "Hey, s'up Rainbow." Cole greeted. "Hey. Find Zeke?" "Nope. Not a single trace. Every pony I asked said that they hadn't seen him since the party." He sighed once more. "Think something happened to him?" "Maybe. Hopefully, nothing bad." Cole laid back, reaching his arm across the bench. "Hey, I got to ask you something." "Shoot." "They're having a big event in Cloudsdale and...-" "You want me to go?" "Fluttershy's scared and everypony else don't really have wings. So?" "Sure, I'll go. I ain't got anything else to do. When is it?" "About four. You get off work by then, right?" "Yeah, I hope. I'll ask Rose about that. I'm just on break for now. Slow day. Nice for your first. Hey, I'm hungry. Want to go something to eat, real quick?" "Sounds good. I'm starving too." They got up and headed for a cafe that Rainbow had suggested. It was quaint, had good coffee related stuff and was cheap. "So, listen. You can pay right?" Nod. "Good, cause I am still broke technically until I get paid that is." "I don't care. It's not a date, so you're cool. Plus, I'm sure they wouldn't like charge the guy who saved him from 'certain peril!'." They laughed at that. "I hope so." They arrived shortly. The scent of java, sweets and other foodstuffs hit their noses. "This place is making me drool. " He pushed open the door after ducking and they took a seat. The interior was a caramel brown with little brown cups with white outlines going up and down along the wallpaper. Like Rainbow said, it was nice and relaxing. "Hello there, how may I help you today?" "I'll take a dandelion sandwich with some hay fries. Cole?" "Fruit Paradise with a side of Blueberry Yogurt. Thank you." "What's with the fruit?" "Humans eat meat." Cole whispered. Rainbow jutted her head backwards with a face like this. "Hey, we don't eat ponies or anything. Just cow, chicken and pig. In other countries and religions, other things such as goat, sheep and even frog. Humans however, don't require it. We are omnivores. That means that we eat both veggies, fruits and protein like meat. Alright?" "Alright. I guess that explains the teeth. Oh, that was fast." As they finished their quick conversation, food arrived. A short meal, nothing much. Plus, Cole wanted to stay as he is. Being a Conduit doesn't stop you from becoming fat, sadly. But, this place seems to keep him going. They finished eating shortly and Rainbow paid, left a tip and they left. "Hey thanks. I'll pay you back. Promise." Cole stated as he took off, Rainbow saluted him as he ran off. He approached the flowers hop and lo, and behold. There was Roseluck opening the door, looking for him. "There you are. I was beginning to think you took off." She stated, Cole smirked. "Just grabbed a quick meal. Anything happen?" "Nope. Come in, I do want to show you something, however." She smiled and motioned for him to come in and he followed. She led him to the back of the shop where the a black cloak over a case on a pedestal. "What's this?" She pulled off the black cover and in the glass case was a bright blue rose. Cole's mouth dropped. It was gorgeous, it had recently bloomed so it was new, fresh and ever so fragile. "What... Is that?" "Crystal Rose. A rare type of flower that only grows during this time of the year and even then, the chances of it growing are one to one hundred. Luckily, I saw this on the bush behind my house and here we are." "How much is it worth?" "Five hundred bits." "That sounds like a lot." "If you were a pony, I'd slap you. Yes, that is a LOT. That's almost what a Royal Guard get's paid on a daily basis." "That's their paycheck? Fuck me, I'm sure I'd make a good guard then." Cole simply stared at it, admiring the curves, petals and even the beautiful stem. It was teal and was perfectly clean. No thorns, absolute crisp blue flower. "What are you going to do with it?" "Either keep for my own or make a good deal." "Selling this? I don't know. Maybe, you should keep it. However, if you find no sentimental value, then go ahead and sell it for the hundreds it's worth." Cole placed his hands around his waist, gazing at the elusive beauty. "I plan on making sure you're worth it. Co-" She was interrupted as a fancy looking pony walked in. Tan coat, sleek black hair. Bags of money on butt, tie with a dollar sign on it. This guy was the real fucking deal. "Hello there. Are you the owner of this fine shop, ma'am?" Roseluck's eyes drank to pin pricks. "Yes, Filthy Rich. I am!" Cole suppressed a snicker at that name. He liked the Filthy part. You know, cause he was tan. Dirt? Brown coat? Get it? "Is that a Crystal Rose I see?" He looked at her with a smirk. "Y-yes." "Then, I am prepared to offer whatever price you can name for it. I will not leave here without that divine piece of Equestria." He proclaimed. Roseluck just stared off into the distance, he then fell over. "Is... she okay?" "God, I hope so. So, any price eh? I'm her assistant, so I'll give you a price. A thousand." "Perfect. Excuse me." He motioned his hoof behind him and a faded yellow stallion walked in, holding a bag of bits in his mouth. He placed the bag on the counter. Cole opened it and saw gold for days. He gawked at that but smirked. He went behind him, grabbing the case of the rose. He carefully handed it to the stallion's "butler". He bid Cole farewell and left the store. "Huh?... What happened?" Roseluck groaned as she regained consciousness. "Made a sale that you'd be proud of. Thousand bits, one happy stallion. Here you go." He handed her the bag and a blue petal as she got back up. "Petal?" "One fell off. Don't worry." "Cole. I can't take all of this. You helped and I at-least need to pay you." "Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden." She smiled and gave him a equivalent of half the bag, Cole the gave her back most so he had only one-third. She was going to protest but Cole told her it was okay. She told him it was okay for him to go home and he did. "So, that was my first day as a flower boy. Not that bad." He smirked. He slowly made his way to the City Hall. Approaching the building, he went over the bits inside. Two hundred and fifty. Not bad. He opened the door and was greeted by the desk manager. "Hello there. How may we help you today?" The mare at the desk greeted. "I want to buy a house, please." "Left." Cole nodded and opened the door on the left, there was the Mayor sitting at her desk. She was going over some paperwork involving hospitals, healthcare and such. "Excuse, Mayor Mare." She looked at the noise and saw the hero himself. "Cole MacGrath. Hero of Ponyville, maybe even Equestria. What can I do for you?" "A house." "Finally moving up in the world, eh?" They chuckled. "But in all seriousness, what are you looking for?" "Small. Just for one." "Alright then. Here is the list of available residencies. Take your time." She gave a clipboard with papers on it, showing pictures of houses along with the said article of house. "That one." He pointed to a small blue house. She smiled at his choice, nodding. She gave him the address and paperwork and he was off. 172 Cherry Meadow. He followed the map he was given and he found himself in front of the blue house. "Nice." He made his way inside, the interior was dusty but very cozy. The couch still seemed new and there was a nice cherry wood table in front of the couch. He made his way upstairs after seeing the kitchen. The bedroom, bathroom and such were upstairs. Cole opened the bedroom door to see darkness. He felt along the wall and found a light switch. The light turned on to reveal a very empty bedroom. One bed, bed-stand and a closet. A few books lay on the bed-stand. "Simplistic. I like simple." He turned off the light and closed the door behind him. He cracked his knuckles as walked down the stairs. "Time to get to work." Act IX: AmazementAct IX: Amazed "Princess. We have grave news from Manehattan." A Royal Guard speaks to Celestia grimly as he entered. "Yes?" "A building caught fire the other day. But not just any, it was a Art Galley. Hundreds maybe even thousands ponies were and... they didn't make it out. Six came out, three severely burned, the others just had small cuts and scraps." She stared at him with pure sadness. "That's not all. A few hours later, seventeen were murdered anonymously. No traces were found." "Do you have any idea who did this?" Celestia asked, anger replacing her once regal voice. "No." "Find the culprit. Then, bring him to me." "Yes, your highness." The guard turned around and left. She sighed sadly and began thinking. "Whew." Cole wiped the seat from his brow. He put down his duster and dusted himself off. He backed away to see his newly refurbished house from a better view. No more cobwebs, that's for sure. He noted, sitting on his leather couch. "I love this thing." He sat there for a minute before he heard a knock on the door. He sighed in protest but got up. He walked over to the door, opening it revealed a familiar cyan pegasus. "Whoa... Nice place." She waltzed right in, uninvited. "Yeah, it's still a bit dusty but it is still good looking." Cole coughed after some dirt got in his throat. "Yeah, you need to liven up the place though. Get some brighter curtains. Jet black? I mean who has black curtains?" Rainbow huffed and crossed her arms. "The last owner, that's who. I'm also gonna need some food, proper electricity and water. The bathroom is really nice." Cole sat back down on the leather couch, sighing in relief. "Dude, that's leather." Rainbow noticed, looked disgusted. "Yep. Humans make a lot of crap with leather. My sheathe for my Amp is leather." He exclaimed. "Oh, that's right. This house did feel familiar, a Gryphon used to live here." Rainbow informed. "Really?" Cole looked surprised. "Yeah, got the couch and a few other leather things." "Guess that explains the old meat in the freezer." He mentioned, laying his back. "What?" "Yeah, some reallllly old meat in there. Reeked like death, I got rid of it though." He chuckled. "Good. So, you got a job, a house, next is a family." She joked, Cole stared at her. "Yeah, that'll happen. I don't think anyone-" "Anypony." She corrected him. He deadpanned at her. "-ANYPONY wants to be with me. I'm sure ponies want to be with Stallions, not Guys. There's a difference, you know." "Like?" "Really Rainbow? You really want me to delve into that? I think you're sick as I really don't want to talk about that." "Hey, just curious." "Curiosity killed the cat." "Say that to Fluttershy and I will have your head on a pike." "Okay. Sheesh. Anyway, I'm sure that this is where it's at. Now, I just wait and live my life." "Oh yeah, I came over here to tell you that the Event in Cloudsdale is in about thirty minutes. You still comin'?" She notified him. "Oh yeah. Come on." They both left the house after Cole locked it and headed for the clouds, jumping from cloud to cloud, he made his way on the city. "Wow. Looks awesome." "Come on, it's this way." "What's this even about?" "A Wonderbolts Show." "That... is?" She stopped causing Cole to bump into her. He backed up as Rainbow stared at him like he murdered somebody. "The Wonderbolts are the most awesome-est fliers in Equestria." "So, what? They do stunts and stuff?" "Yeah! The most awesome stunts!" "I can tell that is going to be a fun evening. Let's go." They then proceeded to go towards the Wonderbolts event. Cole thought that was going to be silly. He wasn't going to say that, however. He kept to himself and followed Rainbow. Fifteen minutes later and they arrived at the stadium. "Fuck. Are their that many ponies attending?" "They are a branch of Royal Guard, you know. They boost moral with their stuff. Come on." "What type tickets are those?" "Special. We get a great view." ~~~~~~~CAMERA CUT LATER~~~~~~~ "On a cloud, near the track itself. Fuckin' A." He rolled his eyes but began watching. The Wonderbolts reveal themselves and the fun begins. A few hours later and they are finally done. They wave goodbye and head back into the building of clouds. "So? What'd you think?" Rainbow asked, a large smile on her face. "They remind me of the Blue Angels. They had some cool stunts but I'm hard to impress. Being the man who can shoot LIGHTNING from his fingertips!" He yelled loudly on purpose. "Sheesh! You didn't have to yell." "Yes I did." He pointed behind them as two ponies were approaching them. "Spitfire and Soarin'? Oh. My. Gosh." "Let's say Hi, shall we?" He got up and walked towards them as Rainbow followed. "You must be Cole, right?" The orange one with flame-like hair greeted. "The Conduit? Yep." He placed his hands on his waist. "Rainbow, nice to see you again." She noticed her. "Nice to see you too, Spitfire!" She quickly replied. "So, the 'Hero of Equestria' came to see our show?" She questioned, he chuckled. "Yeah, Rainbow here, got tickets and I decided, what the hell? Why not?" "Say, you couldn't show us a demonstration of your lightning, could you?" Spitfire asked him. "Me? I'd be honored. Show me the way." She led him a large bundle of clouds on the track. "Strut your stuff Peacock. We'll be over in the stadiums." Spitfire flew off leaving the Conduit alone. The ponies all stared at the man standing on a cloud, flexing. "Showtime." Cole cracked his neck and bent down to ready position. He released a torrent of wind, lightning and dust known as Ionic Vortex. Their mouths dropped as it released, bringing puffy clouds into the swirling tornado. It stopped quickly as he hooked to a higher cloud with his Lightning Tether. He bounced off the cloud and unleashed many forms of Bolts, Grenades and Rockets upon the cloud he was standing on. He smiled and slammed into the ground with a Thunder Drop, causing the clouds to dissipate. He hooked back to safety with his Lightning Tether once more. "So, how was that Spitfire?" He asked as came back to them. Everypony clapped at his performance. "That was amazing. At first, I thought it was a lie that you could use lightning but you sure proved me wrong." She admitted. "Dude, that was epic." Soarin bluntly commented. "I aim to please." He dusted the cloud specs off of him and stared at the till gawking Rainbow. "If you think that's awesome, I still have some tricks up my sleeve." He poked Rainbow with 20 volts of lightning causing her to jump high. "Easy..." He chuckled. "That... was awesome." She muttered. "Good to know. Rainbow, ready to head home?" Cole asked. "Yeah. Later guys." They walked off as the two waved. They got back to ground relatively quickly. "So, that was actually pretty nice. I didn't use up too much energy and I think I made more friends. You?" "Yeah, Spitfire and Soarin respect people who can amaze them." She smirked. "Hey, I'm actually tired after that show. So, I'm going to head home and sleep. Later." He walked off, waving goodbye. Rainbow raised her hoof up in protest but lowered it back. "Yeah... later." She sighed. Act XI: Crystals It had been a few hours that he'd been flying as the Crystal Empire was quite far away. Not too long ago, he was at Canterlot to be sent to Crystal Empire because the Captain of the Royal Guard wanted to see him. He thought it was a odd request to send him all the way here for questioning. He kept to himself, however. He just wanted to be away from the now pissed off Rainbow Dash. He still had the picture in his pocket. She looks so weird in a Maid's outfit. But to the stallions, that was definite... something material that I'm not going into. She looked hot for Stallions eyes, in Cole's, she looked plain fruity. It was really tight around her which showed off her "toned" body. Cole couldn't tell the difference between toned and normal. She just seemed a bit more tiny than usual ponies. Besides Pegasi anyway. He finally saw the crystalline kingdom in the distance. His jaw dropped at the sight. The beams of light cast by the sun shined and beamed off the crystal kingdom and created a euphoria of colors. It looked like staring at a rainbow constantly. He squinted his eyes and stared away from it. Shortly after, he landed in the kingdom. And was greeted by more guards. Holding spears. Crap. He thought as he got out. To be honest, the guards were surprised at his height but they kept their composure and led him to the main castle where he was greeted by the Captain's and the Princess' personal guards and they had magic. "Here we are, Conduit. Through this door." The guards backed off and motioned for him to enter. He did as motioned for, he entered. He was surprised to see this Princess Cadence. Pink. So. Much. PINK. She was apparently the Princess of Love or something like that. "Hello there. You must be Cole." She greeted him. "You know, you're a sight for sore eyes." He joked, she sighed and smiled. "Shiny is a little too overwhelming about that. Anyway, welcome to the Crystal Empire and I hope you'll enjoy as I think Shiny plans on keeping you here for a bit." "As long as I'm not cooped up, I hate being cooped up. Speaking of Shiny, here he is." Cole raised his hand and Cadence turned around. "There you are Conduit." He greeted roughly. "Really dear? You know what, I'm going to go get some tea. Want any?" "That would be nice." Cole raised his hand, she nodded and left. "You're wife is nice. I like her. In a platonic sense. I know she's your wife. So, what do you want from me anyway?" "Answers." "Okay. A little vague. Where do you want to start?" "How did you get here?" And interrogation began. Every question that Shining asked, Cole answered. "Well how about- Actually, that's it." Cole stopped sipping his tea as he stopped firing questions. "Done?" He sighs. "Yes." "What was this about anyway?" "Why do you want to know?" "Because, I'm trying to help. Hopefully fill the holes I've created in my past." Cole sighed. "What do you mean?" Shining asked. "First, what I say must never leave this room. Not even to your wife. If I explain it, you tell me why you asked me all these questions. Deal?" "Deal." "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm no hero. I've killed innocents. "Shining stared at him, slack-jawed. "I've only wanted power and do that, I killed anyone that got in my way. I chose the wrong choices and ended the lives of so many. Shining, I wanted to reform. Turn over a new leaf, be the hero for once in my life to know what it like to loved, looked up to. " Cole looked looked sad and gritted his teeth. "I killed my own friend for fucks sake! I killed millions to save thousands. When I came to Equestria, there was still purity in this world. Hope, kindness and friendship. When Discord came and started chaos, it hit me deep. I felt as if he was me. He was going to cause chaos at at first but I knew it would become destruction one day. I knew he had to go and he must be defeated even if it cost me my life. That's right, for the first time in forever, I risked my life to save them all. What I've done - can never be forgiven. I know I'm still going to burn in the pits of whatever type of Hell there is. I at least want to ease the pain. That's why I want to help, Sir. To right my wrongs, to pure my unholiness... Be a hero." Cole sighed and sat down. Shining stared at him, feeling sad for him. "I like you Cole." He raised his eyebrow at him. "Do you know why? You admitted you were wrong. If you want to be a hero, that's the first steps. You can try again, trust me." Shining smiled at him and Cole lightly smiled in return. "Now, my end of the deal. You see large black crystals have appeared outside of the Crystal Empire. They're filled with small concentrations of Dark magic. That kind of magic can only belong to-" "King Sombra." His wife finished his sentence. "A evil ruler that plunged this kingdom into darkness. They were scared of their leader and never tried to overthrow him. The kept up until Princess Celestia ended it. We fixed this with the Crystal Heart, a embodiment of pure love. He was defeated by our hooves and almost forgotten about. But now, I swear I hear his laughing." "I'll help you." Cole stated. "If I'm going to be here for a bit, I'm going to help. Trust me, you'll need assistance." "Alright. Shiny, prepare a chariot. We're heading out." "Right." The husband walked off, fetching the guards. "I overheard you earlier." Cadence admitted. "I was at first hesitant to believe that. You seem like such a nice person from first glance and then..." "I know. Good on the outside, evil on the in. I'm here to try and correct it." "I know you will." She smiled and Cole smiled with her. And the adventure began, they headed off towards these crystals. Staring down from below, Cole shuddered at the coldness, feeling the flames inside him extinguish. He felt something inside him shrivel up and die, but he ignored the feeling. They arrived to the location, shortly. As they said, large jet black crystals jutted up from the grounds, creaking cracks around them. Cole walked up to them and felt the evil literally emanating off it. It was cold like ice and made him shudder at the slightest touch. "So, this is pure evil. "Cole stared at the large crystal, arms crossed. "It's... underwhelming, honestly." "This is just a fraction of his power. Be wary." They began walking around, examining the large black stalagmite. Cole then felt something underneath the ponies. He threw them out of the way with Kinetic Pulse and watched as a humongous black crystal rammed upwards, creating a literal spike of darkness. "Whoa. Thanks, Cole." "Yeah, I felt that. Like... something is underneath us. Something that's creating them, we gotta get underground." Cole stated. "We could get the Mining Squadron." The accompanying guard informed. "Yes. Get them, we need them." The Guard stared at the couple and they nodded to confirm the order. He then took off , flying away. "While they're doing that..." He dropped to his knees and placed his hand on the ground, feeling for disturbances. As he thought, tiny vibrations echoed throughout the snowy ground. "As I thought. Something IS underground. And we're gonna find out what." He kept his hand firm on the ground as he heard another chariot arrive. He turned his head to see furry dog-human creatures. "What are they?" "Diamond Dogs." Cadence spoke up. "They are beings who their entire life in underground. They make unbeilevable mines and dig jewels. We recently recruited them into our army after being promised more jewels." "They intelligent?" "Yes, they can speak But they lack proper grammar." The Guard began talking and the Dogs nodded and began working to Cole's astonishment. His jaw was agape at the speed of their digging. "This is how we dig, nowadays." Cadence chuckled. "Princess! We find something!" One of the Dogs speak up, they stare down the hole as a Dog brings up a dark jewel, coated in a dark haze. "Feel really cold. Me no like." "It's okay. It's what we're looking for." Cole bends down to pick up the jewel. He grabs it and is instantly is cold to the bone. He shudders but keeps examining it. He charges up electricity to his palm and the jewel shatters, sending dull pieces of crystal everywhere. "So, that's who they keep popping up. Look." He points towards the pieces and they sink into the ground. Seconds later, large onyx crystals pop up in their place. "The crystals explode from the heat down there and keep creating more crystals. How many are down there is the million dollar question." "Sombra's 'banishment' must of caused this." Shining declares, Cole nods and stands back up. "Exactly. We need to get more diggers out her. We need to get these crystals out of the ground. Alright, we got a job to do." "Men, you will listen to Cole from now on as well as us. He asks you something or gives you a order, you follow it or risk the Dungeon. Got it?" Salutes. "Good. Cole, we'll get more and you keep this up." "Over and Out. Alright, let's do this." Time passes as they find more and more crystals. They retrieve it and place it in a bag away from destruction. Hours pass and more Diamond Dogs arrive and more guards to help mine. Soon after, it seems to become a whole mining system. "Men. I think that's enough. Get up." Cole commands and his "soldiers" follow the order. Unicorns for lighting, earth ponies for mining and Diamond Dogs all get out of the large crater. "I'm sure we got the right idea. There are still many jewels down there but... it's getting late. It's almost near eight and I'm tired of this cold. Time to head home." "Yes sir!" Act XII: Return to Sender Cole sat in his room, staring at the ceiling. His mind was so full of thoughts he couldn't get to sleep. He tossed and turned in his bed, trying to fall asleep but it was futile. Sighing, he got up and left his room. He quietly made his way out of the castle, entering the streets. He walked around, admiring the Empire. He walked around for a good minute staring at either the moon or the buildings. As he went around a corner, he saw a flames flicker in the distance. He squinted his eyes and made out a small ball of flames. He ran towards the flame and as he neared the flame started moving away from him. As he sped up, the ball of flame kept it's distance. Cole kept pushing towards it and finally, when he was in a dark area of the city, the flame extinguished. It was almost black and the only light was the moon that gave a sliver of light. Colt heard noises like little steps and feet or hooves leaving the ground and hitting moments later like jumping. Cole charged his hands full of lightning and aimed where ever he heard a noise originate from. He heard something behind him and he turned around to be face-to-face with green eyes with purple smoke emanating from them. He stepped back as he heard dark laughter. He bumped into something and turning around revealed a black wall. Cole tried to push on it but it wouldn't budge. He hit it with a bolt and it bounced off. " Running will get you nowhere, Conduit. " A deep voice spoke from behind him. "Who are you?" He asked, grabbing his Amp. " Someone very important. I am the one who planted those jewels and you are spoiling my plans. So, I know the perfect treatment to remove you. All you are is just a thorn is my side and all thorns must be removed. " He was grabbed by arms that came out of the wall and he was pulled against it. He was being crushed as the arms continued to pull, squishing his lungs. He gritted his teeth and tried to reach for his Amp on the ground but couldn't. He tried and tried but the pain worsened quickly and he gave up. The arms finally grabbed his neck and began crushing his windpipe. And as he slowly faded from existence, he heard the laughter one last time... "AH!" Cole bolted up from bed and regretted it instantly. The spontaneous movement didn't give his blood enough time to move with his body. He laid back down as he panted heavily, holding his chest. He stopped panting shortly and looked at the clock on the wall. "Nine? I guess it's time to get up." He stretched and got out of bed. He headed for the shower, knowing that he smelled like awful grubby sweat. Moments later, he got out and and put on the extra clothes he was given by Rarity. A simple white and grey T-Shirt and midnight blue pants with the same Union Jack symbol on them. He left his Amp in his room, however. He didn't think he'd need it. He walked downstairs to see the couple eating breakfast. "Cole. I didn't think you were a morning person." Cadence puzzled. Cole raised his hand flat out and leaned it to the right and left as he said - "Eh... fifty-fifty. I'm a noon and morning person. I prefer morning, however. So, what's to do today?" He asked the Captain who was drinking coffee. "You go home. I know that you mean no harm and you don't have anything to do with those crystals." The Captain stated. "Okay. Are you sure?" "Yes, Cole." Cadence smiled. "It'll be okay. Plus, I think your friends miss you." "Yeah, you're right. But before we go, I want to get a few things." "Oh? What is that?" She asked as he placed his hand on his chin in a comical manner. "You'll see." He smirked. They talked for a bit and left for the town. As they arrived, Cole asked Cadence the weirdest thing. "I want something if you will." "Okay?" "Do you have Crystals Roses?" He asked, raising a eyebrow. "Y-yes. They're quite common, why?" "I want one." "Oh. Guard!" She called for her guards. One arrived seconds later. She whispered into his ear and left by teleport. One minute later and he returns. He held the rose in his magic. "Why, if you don't mind me asking?" "My boss loves flowers and I know she wanted one." Cole explained. She nodded and gave him the flower. "How sweet!" Cadence exclaimed. "Yeah yeah, ready to go?" Shining asked as he stepped forward. "Yup. Let me get my stuff." And that was that, Cole headed in and got his stuff. Retrieving any extra clothes, his Amp and anything else of his, he packed up. He left for the chariot and began the trip back home. The couple waved as he took air and he waved back. He laid back in his seat and let the guards take him home. He closed his eyes and let the wind brush against his face. He fell back asleep moments later. ~~~~~~HOURS LATER~~~~~~ "We're here." A guard spoke up, waking Cole. "Huh? Oh. Perfect." They landed over near Twilight's and ponies expected Princess Cadence because of the guards but saw the Conduit instead. He hopped out and the guards left, flying off. He headed back to his house, dropped off his things, then headed back to Twilight's. "TWILIGHT. Guess who's back!" "Cole!" She rushed downstairs. They hugged. "So, how was the Crystal Empire?" She asked him. "Fantastic. It was mind-boggling how pretty it was. So, now I'm back and ready for anything. So, I got to say hit to the others and give my Boss something. Later!" He walked out and went to their individual places. Cole went to Rarity's, said hi and was gone to the next. He knew Rainbow was probably flying so he headed for Roseluck's shop. "Rose. Guess who's back?" He had his hand behind his back holding the Rose. "Cole! I'm so glad you-" Cole placed a finger on her mouth. "I got you a present." He revealed the rose and almost fainted at the sight of the rose. "From the Crystal Empire and me, to you." "I-I... Thank you, Cole. This means a lot to me. Also, you're fired." "I know." He chuckled. "I took a break when I shouldn't of. I'm not mad. I do hope you find somebody to help you." He waved goodbye as he went to his home, walking with a bounce in his step. When he reached his house, he was attacked by a speeding blur. "Ah, shit!" It was Rainbow who grabbed the picture that Cole actually forgot about. She began ripping it up and tore it to tiny pieces. "Happy?" "Very. Nice to see that you're back. Ponyville is boring without you." "Aw, nice to know." He placed his arm around Rainbow's neck. "So, what do you want to do? I'm free 'cause I don't have a job anymore." "Oh. Well, I don't know then." "Anymore events or anything interesting?" "Not really." "Damn. We'll find something to do." "hey, if you need a job, I'm sure Applejack would like to help." She suggested. "You know what, I'm going to go ask her. Comin'?" "Yeah, I gotta see AJ anyway." They both headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Cole took his time to admire the quaint little town again. It was a nice change after the Crystal Empire which was hard to stare at in the sun. They arrived to the farm moments later and Applejack was already out and kicking the trees. "Yo!" Cole waved to her. She noticed the two and stopped, then walked over to them. "Well, howdy Cole! Nice to see that yer back. So, what can Ah do fer you today?" She asked him. "A Job. I lost mine minutes ago." He chuckled. "Well, I'm mighty sorry for that. Ah'm sure that Ah'm can find you something to do. First, let's test your strength." She showed him to a tree away from hers. "Here. Take your shot, pardner." Cole cracked his knuckles and punched the tree, sending small surges throughout it. He recoiled back in pain however from the bark. Once the lightning hit the stem, the apples literally popped off. "Hah! Take that tree." He bent down and picked up a apple and began eating it. "So?" "Alright then. You can help with getting Apples. Now, can ya carry them?" Cole cracked his neck and used his Kinetic Pulse to grab the Apples and hold them in suspension. "Like this? I've held cars which weigh tons. So, carrying baskets should be easy." "You'll be our heavy lifter then and y'all can help for the farm." She walked off back to her trees. "You can start tomorrow at seven. Get to bed early Cole." She went back to work as they left. "So, you're pretty strong then if you can hold 'tons'." Rainbow claimed. "Yeah, I can only carry so much however. But, Apples are nothing. Mm, this apple is absolutely delicious. I've never tasted a better apple!" He declared as Rainbow chuckled at that. "Trust me, the Apple family makes the best apples. Including their Zap Apples." "Their what apples?" He asked. "Magical apples from the Everfree Forest. They're really good." "Oh. Interesting." He bit from his apple to notice he had all of it. The last was the middle which contained seeds. He just went to his house and threw it away. "So, anything else to do today?" He asked, sitting down. "No, not really." "Well, shit. There's nothing to do, then?" "Yep. Ponyville is a usually quiet town." "Damn. Wait, how about that little 'date' I said I would promise?" Cole remembered. "Buck, I wish you didn't remember that. Fine, around eight right?" "Yup. Look sassy." "Whatever." Act XIII: Order King Sombra. The evil ex-ruler of the Crystal Empire. He ruled the empire with a wrath of incomparable measures. In Celestia's eyes, he was pure evil. And he was. He was the embodiment of evil and hate. He tortured anyone who went against him and because of that, he struck fear into his "subjects." But, one day, Celestia banished him from his kingdom. Then, years later he returned. But, he was stopped again by the hands of a infant dragon and a princess of love. He hated every moment of defeat and he had tasted it. Now, he had returned once more. However, he would not fail as he produced the perfect scheme to bring back the Empire to his rule again. The Conduit would not be able to stop him or the Elements or the Princess or even Cadence. "Cole, darling. What brings you here today?" The beautiful Rarity greeted our hero. "Oh. The Elements are going to Canterlot and aren't you a Element of Harmony?" He crossed his arms. "Yes I am. But, why are we going?" She asked, curious. "That 'date' I promised you girls?" He notified Rarity. "Oh, that! Right! Yes, let me get ready then." She walked off, fetching one of her dresses to go to Canterlot. He chuckled and sat down on a nearby chair. He picked up a magazine and began reading it to pass the time. Moments later, Rarity came back out holding a bejeweled violet and black suitcase. "Fancy.." He whistled and stood up. "Thank you. Now, may we go? I have already told Sweetie I will be gone for the night." "Yep, the Elements are ready." He opened the door for you and headed out. The air was chilly but not uncomfortably cold. The brisk air brushed against their faces and made leaves rustle. Cole stared off at the setting sun, it lowered slowly in the horizon. The sun sent it's golden rays across the darkening sky and thus it became varying shades of purple. A beautiful sigh to behold and Cole always got a good view of the sun every day. They got to the train station fairly quickly and left for Canterlot. "So, the Princess has booked us a nice hotel to stay in. Really fancy, should suit your style Rarity'. So, we get our rooms, unpack and prepare for a good night. Sound good?" Cole explained. He received several Yeps and he laid back in his seat. "This is going to be nice. Luckily, I still have leftover bits. That house was actually pretty cheap. Only one hundred and fifty leaves me with one hundred and that's enough to eat out. And not to mention, I'm a 'hero'." He chuckled and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of the train. "What do you mean, Cole?" "I don't consider myself a hero for saving Equestria. I beat Discord, so what?" He scoffed. "So what? Cole, you saved Ponyville and even Equestria! That's a hero in our books." Rainbow declared. "Sure." Cole turned his head and stared out the window, admiring the rising moon. They arrived to Canterlot hours later and the city was still active. They stepped out and noticed this. "Why's a bunch of lights still on?" Rarity gasped. "It's because Hoity Toity is hosting a big event downtown! I totally forgot about it. Cole, we must simply go there first." She pleaded and put on her best puppy-eyes face.. He sighed and smiled at her. "Fine." He chuckled. They all headed to their hotel. They were sent in immediately and they went to their own rooms and unpacked. Well, the Elements did. Cole packed a suit and that was it. And his Amp but that was on the sheathe. They all came out in their dresses and Cole still was in his clothes. "Cole, I think you should leave your "Amp" here." Rarity suggested, pointing to his weapon on his back. "Why?" "One, because you're not going to need it and two, the brown-orange color will clash with your black suit." She pointed out and he chuckled again at her worries. "Okay, I'll leave it here." He took off the sheathe and placed it on his bed. "I'm not using my suit though. I'm putting on something normal." He went back in and minutes later, he came back out with a familiar outfit to him and a new outfit to the girls. A yellow jacket with black highlights along it and dark faded green pants. He wore black fingerless gloves to complete the outfit. "So? I always like this outfit. It definitely is a classic." He patted off the dust on the jacket and cracked his neck. "Shall we?" He walked along the Elements towards the event that this "Hoity Toity" was hosting. "So Rarity, who is this 'Hoity Toity'? He has a weird name, that's for sure." "He is major representative of the fashion world from Canterlot. He only chooses the best dresses in the world for his line of models. I was chosen for that. Many designers are lucky to be even near him. So, I expect that this is a fashion show. It should be good." Rarity explained as Cole sighed. "Great. You're lucky that I agreed to this or else I'd be miles away from here. Don't we need tickets?" "Not if you been chosen by Hoity Toity before, no." "Oh." They made their way to the event and there was a long line of ponies trying to get in. Rarity went first and explained everything. The Elements made their way in and the Bouncer stopped Cole. "Sorry, no animals allowed." Cole just stared at him while the Elements stared slack-jawed. "Animal? Animal, huh. Funny 'cause YOU-" He stopped himself. "Do you know who I am? I am COLE MACGRATH." He got up in the bouncer's face. "Oh. Terribly sorry. Go right in." He smirked. Cole walked and he slammed the door on his face. 'You know the- Ack!" Cole shot a bolt of lightning at his face and the bouncer dropped. "Fuck you." He walked in, ignoring the now most likely pouring in line of ponies "Ah can't believe that they didn't know it was you." Applejack stated, confused. "Whatever. Got in, anyway." He looked back and scoffed at the memory. They found good seats and sat down. Cole sighed once more as he sat in the tiny chair. "This better be good." The lights dimmed all around and everyone stopped talking. Stage lights flashed on and the curtain was pulled aside and the event began. Hours later, they were done and the designer of the line of dresses and Hoity Toity came out and bowed and they were applauded. "Uh, Toity. Who is that?" The fashion designer pointed to the giant bipedal ape in yellow siting next to the mare he remembered as Rarity. "I have no idea. Let's find out." He grabbed a microphone and a overhead light focused on him. "Rarity darling. Glad to see that you came." He smiled. But the smiled dropped quickly. "And so, who is beside you?" The light focused on Cole. "Cole MacGrath. Why?" He looked unamused. "I thought that a-" "I swear to fucking CELESTIA, THAT YOU SAY THAT ANIMALS AREN'T ALLOWED IN HERE, I WILL FUCKING END YOU!" He stood up and electricity surged around his body. "I DARE YOU." He gritted his teeth and awaited his response. "I...I... Never mind." He walked offstage quickly and Cole sat back down, sighing angrily. "Cole darling. Are you okay?" Rarity asked the unusually angry Conduit. "No, Rarity, I'm not. Zeke is gone, I've been called a animal and it will continue unless I do something about it." He exhaled and inhaled deeply to calm himself down. "I need to vent. Humans are violent and the same goes to some Conduits. I... I'm leaving. I really need to go hit something or I'll hit someONE." He stood up and left, knowing that everyone was staring at him. He pushed open the doors and walked into the cold air. He found a bench and sat on it, looking up at the night sky. As he stared, he felt something inside him to tell him to hit something quickly. He looked around and noticed nothing he could hit. He looked back up at the sky and saw a storm rolling in. Not only that, he saw things flying with the storm. They didn't look like pegasi either. They were black and had glassy aqua wings. As they went over him, they came down with great force aiming for the building. Cole jumped on top the building by using his Lightning Tether and aimed at the descending oddities. As they neared, he blasted them with a Kinetic Blast, sending them backwards into the ground. He jumped down and used his Arc Constraint on them, keeping them to the ground. "What the hell are you?" He questioned the weird insect-like creatures. They hissed at him and tried to escape but it was futile. Rainbow walked out, looking for Cole and saw the creatures. "Changelings! What are they doing here, Cole?" "No idea, I just found them flying overhead and stopped them. They were aiming to hit the building and constrained them. What are changelings, anyway?" "Creatures from the Badlands that feed off of love." She explained. "Really? Fucking A. What do we do with them?" He asked her. "Get the others and contact the Princess, Luna, in this case. I'll get the girls, keep them like that." He nodded and she left, leaving him the tiring Changelings. He chuckled and bent down to their level. "You ain't getting out. That there, is pure lightning. I know because I use it." He stood back up and sat back on the bench and stared at them. He looked away and one Changeling escaped. It ran at Cole, kicking him away. He hit the ground and looked up to see the Changeling smirking and aiming it's horn at him. He kicked it away and blasted it with lightning, putting it out for the count. Two escaped and ran after him. He side-sweeped one and kicked the other in the body. He hit them with a few bolts and that finished them. Three escaped and all charged their horns. He used a Scythe Bolt, knocking them down. He hit them with Pincer Bolts and finished them. The last one escaped and began flying away. He used his Precision Bolt and hit it successfully. As that one hit the ground, the others came out and saw the sight. "Sorry, they got out." He chuckled. "And got beat." Cole picked up their bodies with Kinetic Pulse and they headed for the Castle. Thirty minutes later, they arrived. Night guards stood by and noticed the Changelings lighted up by the lightning surrounded them. They were led straight to Luna who was in the Throne room. "Well, its nice to see again, Cole." She greeted him. "Yep. Hey, we got Changelings." Her eyes widened at his statement. Cole dropped them and she walked up to them. "How did they get here unnoticed?" She questioned. "It was dark and they came in with the storm." Cole stated, Luna nodded and sighed. "We will put them in cages and wait for my sister to do with them. That's not my job to question them, at least not now anyway. Thank you for bringing them to us." "Yeah, girls. We still have to eat out, correct?" Cole reminded them. He received many "yeah's" and they headed out, they all said their goodbyes and that was that. "This is going to be a long night." Cole mumbled. Act XIV: On the Brink Luna paced back and forth in the throne room, thoughts ever worrying her so. We have caught Changelings. But why would they be here anyway? Are they trying to attack Canterlot again? No, they would be utterly foalish to do that. If they tried to attack then why would they only send seven, anyway? Maybe, their were scouts sent to oversee this operation. Or maybe, they are just distractions to keep us from discovering their actual plan. She thought of many reason to attack and none of them just quite didn't make sense. She finally sat down and collected her composure. Sighing, she looked up at the skylight and gazed at the prominently shining, silvery moon shining. In Canterlot, somewhere away from the Fashion Show are the Elements eating in a classy restaurant. They all picked their meals and ate theirs in questionable silence. Cole's outburst made them not want to talk and he agreed happily. Then out of the blue, Rainbow put her fork down loudly, gaining the attention of the table and a few others. "Alright, I'll say it since nopony wants to, what the buck was that Cole?" She asked the Conduit, who was currently Prench Cuisine. "What?" "You're outburst with Hoity." "Oh, that. Well, like I- You know what, I'm going to straight up say this now or else I'll never say it. Girls, I'm not a 'hero'. I HAVE killed innocent people. " They gasped as he sighed sadly. "I only cared about power back then and I got it by killing. The more I killed, the power I got. When I came here, I was given a second chance. I wanted to right the wrongs that I committed. Because of that, I.. I can't... Later." He stood up, leaving a pouch of bits and left, leaving them to themselves. He walked outside in the cold air once more and walked back to the castle, occasionally looking at ponies on the streets. He got to the castle and the Guards let him in. He went straight to the throne room to see Luna sitting there. "What are you doing?" He sat down with her. "The Changelings. Why would they come here with only seven?" She puzzled. "I have no idea. It could be some ploy or something else. Hey, I'm sure we'll find out, right?" He smiled lightly. "Yes, we will. I have been thinking and maybe, it is a plan. Could those be distractions?" She pondered. "Could be, you never know. Actually, that makes sense. From what Twilight has told me, they have strength in numbers. If that's true, why only send seven? It makes no sense." For hours, they went back and forth with ideas and they began making a plan of their own to explain to Celestia. The Elements came to the castle after they finished their meal and found a half-awake Luna and a sleeping Cole on the throne room floor. There was a chalkboard with writing on it, determining a plan and such. It was highly incomplete but very tactical. They let them do whatever and went to their own rooms. Cole woke at sunrise after hearing his name called. "Huh, what?" He looked around and saw nothing. Turning backwards, he saw Celestia there, smiling almost like- "It's not what you think." He began but she raised her hoof. "I know. The plan you started is excellent if the Changelings plan to attack. So, why don't you go over it and I can help add more to it. After all, Luna usually stays asleep for the daytime, you know." She stated, Cole stretched and went over the plan. Every instance of weakness in the plan, she added a foundation to it. About eleven, the plan was roughly complete. "And with that, we have our plan." Cole yawned and gave a surge of electricity around on habit. "I think it's pretty good. Should I go wake up the Elements?" "Yes. I think they should see this." Cole nodded and left to the Elements. He asked a guard and found their rooms. It took some time but they woke up. They all came back to the throne room and Cole went over the plan to the Elements so they knew. They understood it and the knew the plan. "Okay. That is that. So, what now?" Cole pondered. "That is up to you. You may stay in Canterlot, if you feel but I'm sure you all have duties back in Ponyville." Celestia exclaimed. "Yes. We should head back, I have a order to do. Well, everypony has things to do." Rarity stated. "Yeah, Rarity's right. Ah got the orchard ta git back to." Applejack explained. "So, we'll head back. Alright then, let's get to the train station. Everyone, pack up!" Cole and everyone went to their rooms and packed up. They said their goodbyes and left for the train station. They left for Ponyville shortly and they arrived hours later. "Here we are." Cole said to himself as the train went along the tracks, turning right into the Ponyville train station. They got off and went to their own places. Cole came back to the orchard, seeing Applejack already out on the farm. "Good, you're here. Ready ta git started?" She greeted and asked the stretching Conduit. "Yes, I am." He smirked. And they began working. Cole would send small charges throughout the trees and the apples would fall off into the baskets. Once many filled, he would pick them up and put them on a cart. They did this for many hours and only stopped for breaks. Celestia was currently in her throne room, observing statistics about health when she felt a cold breeze enter the usually warm room. She turned her head away from the papers and saw a dark figure shrouded in smoky darkness. "Sombra." She stared at the mist. "Princess Celestia. How are you today?" The darkness asked. "What do you want?" "You know what I want, my Empire." He growled. "That isn't your empire anymore, Sombra." She declared and the mist began walking back and forth, gaining the form of the king. "Yes, that would be true, wouldn't it? But, rightfully, I OWN that kingdom and your pathetic CADENCE stole it from me. So, I am going to take it back. Whether you or Cadence have to say about it. It is the time to begin something anew, Princess. There will be staining blood on our hooves. This is will test your willpower and strength towards threats against your entire nation. Prepare yourself, Celestia. This will end badly for both of us." And with that, the darkness dissipated, leaving a somewhat worried Celestia behind. She sighed and called for a guard. One arrived to her calling. "Prepare a letter to Shining Armor and Cadence. King Sombra... is back." Act XV: SkirmishAct IXV: Heavy Skirmish Cole was in his house, staring at the blueish-gray wall thinking. He glanced around the room and habit and found nothing of interest. A sigh left his mouth and he laid back on the couch. He had things to do today and boy, were they going to be problems. Firstly, Fluttershy required some medicinal and behavioral help with some fussy animals. Next, Rarity wants to make him clothes to prepare for fancy events. Then, Pinkie needs help with some simple things. Finally, Rainbow has lone thunder clouds to be taken care of. He thought of which one should he help first. He decided to get the boring first then get the fun later. He stood up and headed towards Rarity's. Once he arrived to the Carousel Boutique, he made his way inside. As he opened the door, a small bell rung alerting current the store owner, Rarity. "Just a minute." A elegant voice spoke to him. He waited for a minute and the she came out. "Cole! There you are. Ready?" She hovered a few needles and cloth next to her. "Yeah." He sighed and stood up. They headed into the workroom and Rarity did her work, making clothes. About a hour later, he was released from the store and he went to Pinkie's for baking. All she wanted was a assistant to help her fetch things, Cole was able to do that with ease. Pinkie urged him to try and make something but that he refused. After getting flour all over his clothes, Pinkie sent him off and he went to Fluttershy's. Of course, at first hesitant to say anything, she warmed up to him after he helped heavily. After that, he finally went to Rainbow. "Rainbow! I'm here." She came downstairs, shortly. "There you are. Time to get to work, follow me." She led him to the stray lightning clouds after that and he absorbed them. He was back to full energy after that. After at least, ten clouds were drained, he was done with today. He sat on a cloud, staring at the soon to be setting sun. It looked as if it was at least five o' clock. "So, that is that. My slate is done today. Applejack only has me when they really need me and that wasn't today." He explained to the hovering pegasus. "Alright then. That leaves the rest of the day to yourself." She smirked. "Yep. So, Rainbow. If I'm here, got anything to do? Something... interesting?" He sighed. "Nope, sadly. I wish that their was but honestly, Equestria isn't that exciting." She huffed and laid on the cloud he was on. He laid down and stared at the pitch blue sky staring back it him. As he stared, he felt peace and any form of negativity wash away and be forgotten. "That's okay. Being here, does things for me. I protect it and it gives my what I always wanted." He turned his head towards her. "Acceptance." "Ugh, you're so corny." She smirked and he playfully punch her in the arm/leg. "Hey, I'm not original so get of my shizzle." He declared. "What?" "Nothing." He chuckled and looked back at the sky, as he stared he saw something in the distance nearing. They were black and there was thousands of them. "Rainbow. We got company. Lots of company." He nodded his head towards the black storm and her jaw dropped at the sight. "Changelings. C'mon! We gotta get Twilight and then the Princesses!" She jumped off the cloud and he followed with. She didn't use the door, she fucking used the window and slammed through it as Cole kicked it open. "Changelings are attacking!" Was all Cole said before Rainbow could say it. Twilight's horn glowed and began writing for help. "Us too will take care of the infantry. Rainbow, get your shit and let's go!" He ran off, heading towards the clouds. She followed suit. He hopped on the clouds and aimed his right hand and let his electricity surge to his arms, giving them a icy blue coloration. (Use this,, it's epic.) Rainbow fluttered her wings as they neared. She charged as Cole unleashed a healthy serving of kick-ass starting with the main course of Ionic Storm, clearing out the beginnings of the army. The soldiers came after heaving in thicker chitin. Cole gave them their side of Ionic Vortex, bringing them together and blowing them away far. "Want more, you pests?!" Cole showed them their delicious deserts of Grenades, Rockets and Hefty Amounts of Bolts and that ended the soldiers and left their knights, wearing a thick combination of gelatin, steel and hide from something. He smiled darkly once he found the shiniest part of the armor, knowing that was the metal. He unleashed more attacks in the form of more bolts, specifically Pincers sending the knights down. Cole smiled at the defeat of the army, laughing at their defeat. He saw one get up and rear it's leg and throw it forward. He scoffed and turned around, staring at the sun. As he stared, he heard Rainbow say his name and he turned around to be impaled by something. A spear rammed into his middle chest, narrowly avoiding his heart and instead, getting his stomach. He fell off the cloud, ramming straight into the ground. He felt his bones rattle at the fall and writhed in pain as he felt blood began to pile up in his mouth. Rainbow and Twilight arrived as his vision darkened and blurred unto he lost consciousness. He heard faint screaming and distant calls as he entered state of unconsciousness. More screaming and calling echoed as he felt himself being pushed along something, most likely a gurney. He felt himself fade and shrivel away. As he felt Death nearing, he saw memories of his childhood, his teenage years and his times with Zeke. It all brought him to the realization that this might be where he dies. Where this trilogy stops and Equestria remembers him for whatever he was known for. He thought then and there, would he be hero to them? Yes, he would. And that drove him to pull himself from Death and run away. He felt the warmth of light follow him and went straight into the darkness, feeling pain ache through his body. He knew this as gaining his life back. The light sped up as he slowed down because of the pain, he felt tempted to give up there but he said, No, and pushed himself towards the impending darkness. He then saw a door with a pure golden doorknob appear in his vision. He ran up to it and pulled it open as he felt everything come back to him. His eyes slowly opened and Cole found himself in a hospital, with the Six in chairs, deeply asleep. The look on their saddened faces and Pinkie's flat mane told him that he'd been out for sometime. He wearily looked to the left and saw a clock on the wall. It was currently five in the morning and through the window across his right side, the sun began to peek over. The dark sky swapped into a violet cerise and he heard birds tweeting outside. He looked at the ceiling and let himself fade into sleep. Hours later, he woke up to see no-one in. He felt less tired but he still felt the large scar across his stomach. His chest ached at the thought and he clutched it lightly as not to irritate the wound. He heard knocking appear from the door. "Come in." He heard gasps outside the door and saw the Elements walk in, eyes tearing up. He smiled and sighed and opened his arms wide. "Bring it in." He was hugged by them and felt his lungs squish. "I... still... need... air.." They released their grip and felt O2 enter his lungs again. "Cole, we thought we would lose you. You used up so much energy that we didn't think you'd get up for longer or even... live." Twilight stated. "Humans and Conduits are hard to get rid of. I know from experience." He chuckled but stopped as his chest ached. "Damn, that hurt. That changeling got a lucky shot on me. It turned it invisible and he got me. I let my pride get in the way of the strength and it cost me, this." He sighed. "Dude, you're alive. That's what matters." Rainbow stated. He smiled more. "Yeah, Coly! Just being alive makes me happy! IT should for you!" Pinkie added causing his smile to enlarge. "You guys are right. I know now, that I should be happy to be even alive. After this, when I get out, I'm going to value every second of my life. Twilight, you know how you write letters?" "Yeah. Why?" "I want to write one. Celestia should be happy to see this. And so should Luna." In Canterlot, Celestia had received word of Cole severe injury and was awaiting the response to it. But first, a letter. The letter was sealed a icy blue brace. Celestia touched it and felt contained lightning inside a magical brace. She released the brace and lightning sparked about, giving off a small light show. After it finished, she began reading. Dear Celestia I was once a Conduit of Evil, only caring for power and myself. I used people and bet on their lives to get farther in life. Coming to Equestria has fully explained to me that was the wrong ways of doing things. I now fully realize my responsibilities as being a Conduit. My powers are to be used for the ways of good to provide justice and freedom from any likes of evil. I know that I must value my life and everypony's else as I have found out from experience that any day, it could end... Sincerely, Cole MacGrath. She smiled warmly upon reading the paper and the letter felt as if Cole finally knew the importance of being a hero. She noticed a PS below. P.S This was really corny. She chuckled at his words and placed the letter in her chest containing every letter that Twilight has sent to her. Each holds sentimental value and this one was no different. She stared off into the sun, knowing that finally he had found some peace in this world so unlike his. Act XVI: MercyAct XV: Mercy Cole laid in his bed, reading a book that Twilight have gave him to read while he was in the hospital. Honestly, he now remembered how boring sitting in a bed for so long could be. He wanted to get up, stretch and start running. Obviously, the free-running he practiced made him a easily bored. Parkour always had you on edge because at any jump or period, you could fall and die. Cole loved that feeling and made him crave more. The action that happened in Empire City or New Marais filled his heart with that same feeling. He enjoyed having the wind slap against his face as he ran across rooftops. He loved latching his fingers onto windows, wall and anything he could hold onto. The freedom he possessed made him happy but now look where he is. In a bed, awaiting the "OK" to leave. He sighed and looked out the window. The celestial body floated in the sky, giving this planet's it's warmth and growth for the plant-life. The sun felt as if it gave off the planet's joyous manner. Maybe, Pinkie needs the sun to be so active. That would be funny Chuckling at the thought, he returned to the book. As he read through it, someone knocked on the door. He put the book on the table next to him. "Come in." He stated for the pony behind the door. A familiar light blue pegasus was the pony who knocked. "Rainbow. Nice to see you." "You too. So, how has hospital life been?" She asked him, he rolled his eyes and deadpanned at her. "I really want to hit you but my arm is asleep." She chuckled at that. "So, how long until who get out?" "About two days. It was just a spear and plus, I regenerate fast." He snickered. "What?" She questioned. He shook his head. "Nothing. So, how is everyone?" The Conduit asked. "Fine. Just sad about you." She explained. He nodded in response. "As I thought. What about those changelings?" "Princess Celestia sent out some guards to take care of them." "Good. Anyway, has anything interesting happened yet?" "Nope." "Dammit." They chuckled and she left as the Nurse said visiting hours are over. He sighed and laid back in the bed. The bed was comfortable as it wasn't comprised of metallic springs. In fact, they said there was enchanted clouds on the inside. He believed that by experience. He glanced around the honeydew colored room for no apparent reason and went back to his book. The book was getting to a particular saucy part when the Nurse came in. Surprised, he dropped the book at the noise. "Cole MacGrath. You may head home now." She stated. "But, aren't I supposed to stay here for two days?" "Nope. Apparently, that wound healed faster more than we thought. You may go." Cole felt along the area where the wound should be and felt more skin. He shrugged his shoulders and got up. He said goodbye and left surprisingly. He kept walking and headed towards his house when he saw a golden chariot carrying a familiar statue. He remembered that exactly and ran off towards it. He found himself in a field as he saw Celestia talking to them. He walked up to them, surprising them. "Did you miss me?" He asked as he walked up. "Cole! I thought you were going to be in the hospital for a few days." Rarity stated. "Apparently not. Now, Celestia. Why do you have him with you?" He asked, crossing his arms. "Because. We need him." Cole's eye twitched. "What." He muttered. "King Sombra is back." Everyone gasped except Cole. "We need Discord's help is we are to defeat him. He has strengthened and I believe that the Crystal Heart will not be enough. That is why we need to reform him." Cole sighed angrily. "Fine. But, how are we to do this?" "Simple. He has to listen to us or else he get turned into stone again." Twilight spoke up. "Exactly. That is why I'm leaving this up to you, Fluttershy." "W-what?" She asked, hiding behind her mane. "I believe that with kindness you will be able to reform him. Okay?" "O-okay. If you think I can." She stared forward and Twilight fitted the Elements of Harmony on them and herself. "Alright. And here we go!" The Elements began to glow and they floated into the air. Each of the Elements created a swirling rainbow behind them and it released it as it grew. The wave of color hit the statue and pieces began to crack and break off. They were blinded as a immense light shined. Seconds later, it stopped, revealing the God himself covered in pale grey dust. He stretched, bending into strange shaoes and stopped as he heard all the bones crack perfectly. "Ah. Much better." He yawned. "There. I'm sure you have control over this. Farewell." Celestia left as they said Goodbye and Discord waved, holding a napkin in his left hand. Cole rolled his eyes and walked off, heading for Ponyville. "Where are you going, old chum?" He appeared beside Cole. "Away from you. I don't want to be near you." "Why Coly-Woly?" He mocked as Cole stopped in his tracks. He cracked his neck and cool blue electricity sparked across his arms. "Discord. I could end you. I did before and I'll do it again if you keep this up." He walked away leaving a pouting Discord. He flew back to Fluttershy and Cole went straight to his house. He had been sitting in his house for a few hours, finishing off the book that Twilight gave him when someone knocked on his door. Sighing, he got up and opened it. It was Applejack. "Hey, AJ. What's up?" "Discord's throwing a dinner party. Wants us to come. Are ya?" She explained. He groaned in protest. "Fine. Where?" "Fluttershy's." He nodded and she left. Cole closed the door and put on a different pair of clothing. It was his white and grey T-Shirt and his dark blue Union Jack pants. Putting his Amp in it's sheathe, he left for Fluttershy's. Moments later, he met up with the Elements. "So." Cole began. "I don't believe Discord is ready to reform yet. I think he's just playing with us." Rainbow stated. "So? We're trying to help and I'm sure Fluttershy may have made a breakthrough." Twilight spoke up. "Oh, who am I kidding?" She sighed and Cole kept a stern face. "What... the... hell?" Was all Cold said as they walked up to see Discord there in a waiter's outfit extended his tongue which turned into red carpet. Cole resisted the urge to go walk off a cliff and went in. "Hello! So glad you could make it. Come in! Come in!" He motioned for them to walk in and they did as asked. "May I take your - hat?" He asked, trying to grab Twilight's tiara. She moved away from his grasp. "Hang on to your Elements on, girls. It's going to be a bumpy night." She whispered to her friends. They all sat down and Cole paid attention to everything on the table. Candles, a bowl of Gravy and and a fish container holding a orange liquid. He slumped in his seat and sighed. "As you all know, Princess Celestia hoped we help Discord use his magic for good instead of evil." At that moment, Pinkie smashed her face into her mashed potatoes. "Pinkie Pie, care for some gravy?" "You bet!" "Allow me." He snapped his fingers and the bowl of gravy came to life. It panted like a dog and scratched itself before running over to Pinkie. "Ooo! What a cute little gravy boat you are! Yes you are, yes you are!" It licked her with it's gravy tongue and poured the gravy upon the potatoes. "That's one creepy little gravy boat is you ask me." Rainbow stated. "Oh, come on now Dashie. You're not even giving this a chance. " Fluttershy scolded her. As she said that, the "Gravy Boat" poured gravy all over Rainbow's leg. She jumped up in pain. Cole looked at Discord unamused. He smiled sheepishly. "Hey! That's hot!" "Oops! I'm s-so sorry!" He apologized innocently, hiding behind Fluttershy. "He did that on purpose!" Rainbow declared. "Oh well, I don't know about that, mistakes happen." He started. "Oh look, everypony! Dancing candles!" Candles began to hop around and everyone watched. Then, Rainbow blew some out. "I'm not falling for that!" She exclaimed. "Discord's just trying to distract us-" The blown out candles began to float and hit Rainbow. "Hey! Knock it off! I suppose that's another mistake?" "No, I think you just made them mad." Discord announced. Cole rolled his eyes. She tried to fight them off but were too hard to hit. "There's something fishy going on." Twilight exclaimed. The fish thing then splashed Twilight and then Spike and hopped off towards Cole. He ducked his head and it sprayed the orange liquid at him. "Discord!" Fluttershy called out. "Well, it's hardly my fault if the soup tureen thinks the term, 'something fishy', to be offensive. "Not the dress, not t-" Blasted by the fish. "NOT THE DRESS!" "That tureen is only doing what yer making it do." Applejack shielded her face with her fore-leg. "Now, let's not jump to any conclusions." Fluttershy explained as looked at Discord. He shrugged sheepishly. "Fluttershy! Can't you see what he's doing?" She knocked off the candles. "He's playing innocent with you so you'll never agree to using the Elements of Harmony against him!" She was then blasted by the fish. "Alright, fuck that tureen!" Cole grabbed it and chucked it at the wall, busting it open. "Well, that's a bit harsh isn't it?" "You see what I'm saying, right Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked sternly. She didn't answer. "Fluttershy?" "You know what I see? I see that Discord is far from perfect but I also see none of you giving him a chance!" "Come on!" They all yelled. "What's gotten in to you?" Rainbow asked. "Why do you keep cutting him so much slack?" "Because that's what friends do." She placed her hooves around him. "We're friends?" Discord questioned, feeling a fuzzy sensation in his heart. Whatever or wherever that was. "Why, of course! I can't remember my house being this lively since you came along." Fluttershy admitted. "Oh. Well, I've never really had a friend before." Discord teared up. "Well, now you do." Everything stopped. The candles, the gravy boat and what was left of the tureen. But, a bunny came through the window and started jumping on the table, motioning something. "Now is not a good time, Angel. We're having a dinner party." "Hold up, Ah think he's trying to tell us something." He grabbed a glass of water over himself and pretended to drown. He then grabbed a apple. "Apple!" Everyone said except Cole. "Applejack!" He facepalmed. He brought over a glass jug of cider and threw in the apple. "Sweet Apple Acres?" Rarity started. He hopped up and down in happiness. "Flooding at Sweet Apple Acres!" Rainbow finished. Everyone turned their head towards the god. "And we all know who's behind that, don't we?" "Who? Me?" A glowing yellow halo appeared above Discord's head. "Oh, give it a rest! What do you think of you're friend now, Fluttershy?" Everyone left leaving those two. He shrugged again. They all headed to Sweet Apple Acres and what they saw made their jaws drop. It was absolutely flooded. "I've never seen flooding this bad! They've built dams before but never like this." Applejack stated as Fluttershy talked to the angry beavers. They squealed at Fluttershy and she gasped. "Such language!" She sighed and hovered over to them. "It's no use. They won't listen to a word I say." Flutteshy admitted. "You see Discord's behind this, right?" Cole asked Fluttershy after being so quiet. "Of cousre I do!" She responded. "Do you all think I'm a silly, gullible fool?" They argued about that and Cole facepalmed. "I've just been trying to gain his friendship anyway I can so he'd come to trust and listen to me!" "Hey there, Fluttershy!" Discord called out from the water. "Want a turn? The water's great!" He was water-skiing on the flood water. "Fucking Discord." Cole muttered. "Time to see if it worked." She stated as Discord jumped onto land as he neared. "There you are. Such a sight for sore eyes." "As you can see, there's a big mess down here at Sweet Apple Acres." "Oh yes, awful business that." He was wiping off with a towel. "It is awful! This is Applejack's home and it's being destroyed by innocent creatures who would never be acting this way if it weren't for your reckless behavior." She scolded him like a child. "You need to fix this." "Oh. Well, very well. I will fix it if I only ask one thing in return. I ask, that you never use your Element of Harmony against me. As a sign of our friendship." She looked at them and they shook their head while Cole simply stared with his arms crossed, slowly shaking his head. The suspense ended as she accepted this. I will never use my Element of Harmony against you." Fluttershy removed it and threw it at Spike. He caught it and they looked up at her. "Excellent!" He smirked devilishly. He snapped his fingers and all the water became ice. "There! Much better! I do prefer ice-skating to water-skiing, don't you?" He danced along the ice as clone Discord judges gave him a ten. "Discord!" Fluttershy was angry now. "That's not fixing it! Why I oughta-" She lost grip and slid along the ice. "Where you going?" He taunted her. "What's wrong, pal?" "Don't call me your pal!" She yelled at him. "Aw, come skating with me and we'll let bygones be bygones." He held a pair of skates with his tail as Spike skated along next to them. "Here you go, Fluttershy! Game on!" "He fixes this or goes back to being stone!" Twilight called out. She weighed her options and looked at them. Her face contorted to frustration and finally went with Discord. "I made a promise that I'm not going to use the Elements of Harmony against him and I'm going to keep it." She took the skates in her mouth as Discord laughed at them. "Haha! You see, she wants to have fun with me because we're friends! She can't use the Elements against me 'cause we're friends!" She gritted her teeth. "I'm free forever!" He laughed boastfully. As he went off, her face grew in anger until she snapped and threw away them in anger. "NOT. YOUR. FRIEND!" She threw down the skates. "Who cares?" He spat at her. "I can do whatever I want, whenever I want! I'm Discord, the Master of Chaos!" He teleported to her. "You think you can boss me around? You think I'm just I'm going to turn this back 'cause you say so? Because if I don't, I'll lose the one friend I ever had? WHO NEEDS FRIENDS?" He threw off the outfit. "Friends are useless! You know why? Because if you are my friend, you wouldn't of yelled at me! Friends trust each other you know! And you didn't trust me enough and believe me as a friend! If you did, everything would be peachy!" He declared. Teleporting to Spike, he kicked him making him drop the Element. He picked it up and began to crush it. Pink waves of magic began to be lashed out, cutting perfect slices in the ice. And then, boom. The Elements shattered, leaving pieces of gold and pink everywhere. The Elements dimmed and became useless. Their jaws dropped and Rainbow charged at him. Discord moved out of the way of her attack. Cole fired a Rocket and at him and he threw a tree in the way, destroying them both. "This is a new era of Chaos! A era of revenge! You put me in stone and banished me and now, I'm going to return the favor!" He snapped his fingers and a portal opened up behind him. "Farewell, Cole." Out of nowhere, Cole was hit by a tree, sending him into the portal. He tried to hold on to the ice but it was useless. The blue portal closed, leaving them in shock. Discord smiled darkly at this. "There goes your one way ticket to defeating me." He laughed at them and their hope began to fade. "Friends." He laughed mockingly. "Friends are for weaklings who need support. I need no help in this conquest. Equestria, say hello to your new ruler! Discord, God of Chaos!" His laugh boomed throughout Ponyville, scaring the residents. They all stared in fear as he walked off, snapping his fingers and turning things to hell. "Is this it?" Rainbow asked. Act XVII: FateAct XVI: Fate Cole felt rough pavement under his body but his body refused to move. The throw from the portal slammed the Conduit straight into the ground and he didn't get up. No matter how hard he tried, his body refused to get up. He laid there, hearing the world move without him. Moments later, he heard the voice from the man who had been gone for so long. "Cole?" Zeke ran to his body, seeing the Conduit in some sort of pain. He bent down and nudged him. He groaned in protest. "Damn, my everything." Cole mumbled. "Cole, what happened?" "Bad shit. Zeke, I need help bad." Zeke took off, leaving him alone. His body started to respond to the commands from the brain. He could move his arms allowing him to pull himself off the ground. His legs kicked in and everything followed suit as he got up. Opening his eyes, he saw Zeke driving up in a truck. He hopped out and gave him the OK to drain it. Cole placed his weary fingers on the cold metal and absorbed the electricity. Sparks of blue electricity ran up his arms, filling him with energy at last. Cole looked towards the worried Zeke and smirked. "So, I'll explain." He went over everything from him leaving to Discord's failed reforming. "Wow. That... happened. So, that's how you got here." "Yeah. So, how did you get here?" "Well, I can't rememb-" A deafening explosion interrupted the conversation. They looked at the skyscrapers as they fell, decimating everything around it. A large cloud of dust settled upon the ground. "The hell?" "Let's check it out." Cole ran off and Zeke followed suit. He used his parkour skills to jump up the buildings and what he saw when he landed on one, he thought he was dreaming. Changelings were destroying everything. Zeke got to the roof by going up stairs and noticed the things too. "The hell are those?" He asked, walking up to Cole. "Changelings." Cole stated. "Creatures that feed on love but there isn't none here." "Actually, there's a wedding going on downtown at the Church." Zeke replied. "Right. Zeke, we got to take care of them." He cracked his knuckles. "We have to kill them." He jumped off the building as cool blue electricity ran along his arms, giving of pulses of lightning around him. As he neared, many tried to attack him but a few bolts and they were done. Zeke was in the truck, running over unfortunate ones. As Zeke drove next to him, Cole jumped on the side, holding onto the door handle. "Zeke, head towards Smut Triangle!" "Roger!" As they drove, the Changelings followed as they thought. Any of them that got too close were zapped, killing them. They arrived at the Triangle and he hopped off. They continued to near him and he looked upwards at the signs above the nearby move theater. He aimed and fired a Rocket at it. It fried the lights and destroyed the wall and with that, the sign fell crushing hundreds of them. Cole smirked at his work until it was interrupted by another blast. Looking towards Fort Phillipe, Militia were being slaughtered by more of them. Cole told Zeke to head towards the fort and Zeke did as said. Meanwhile, Cole was busy getting some equipment. He was grabbing some steel poles, wires and other things as Zeke headed into the fort. Moments later, Cole arrived carrying metallic things much to Zeke's surprise. "The hell are those for?" He asked the Conduit. "Fighting." He stabbed the poles into the ground and wrapped wires around them. Putting his hand on them, he surged electricity to them, creating a chain of lightning. Pulling out a belt steel chain he concealed, he tied them together. The blue lightning surged around it. Smirking, Cole backed away. "Zeke, we're gonna do this my way. Everyone, follow me!" Cole called out and the Militia listened and evacuated. As Cole thought, the Changelings followed them. Everyone all got a good distance as they all poured in at the gate. "Cole. Any day now." Zeke groaned, loading his revolver. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he fired a Hellfire Rocket, causing a explosion, magnified by the poles. Every changeling was killed but at the expense of the the Fort. Half the wall was destroyed. "Ho-ly shit." Cole turned around and help up his right hand and as he did that, a destroyed pole landed in that hand. "Later." Cole walked off, leaving them in shock except Zeke who caught up with him. "Man, I forgot how hectic things got when you're around." Zeke chuckled and so did Cole. "I know. So, that story..." "Oh right!" Zeke began explaining how he was thrown from Ponyville into New Marais once again. They headed towards the original area that they used as a headquarters previously. They arrived to it shortly. Cole took the express elevator while Zeke used the stairs. "Huh, still looks the same." He chuckled and sat on the oh-so familiar couch. Zeke arrived minutes later and sat on the couch, next to him. "You... dick..." He panted. "Hey, I can't help using my powers, Zeke." He patted the over-weight man on the back. Zeke grabbed the remote and changed the channel and they began watching television. Moments later, someone landed on the roof. They heard a gasp and they turned their heads towards the surprised Lucy Kuo. "Key, Kuo." Cole took a sip of his beer. "C-cole? Zeke?" "Who else?" Zeke chuckled. "How are you two here?" They both sighed and told her the story. She was snickering at the mention of ponies and they couldn't control themselves over how insane it actually sounded in person. About thirty minutes later, they finished their story. "So, that's what happened. That definitely explains the blue lightning and your current clothing." Kuo stated. "Yeah and that recent attack was from Changelings. Creatures from Equestria. That's what I don't understand. How could they get here? Celestia told me that I was stuck here but the changelings just disproved that. I'm starting to believe that she kept me here so I could keep Equestria in check. If that's so, she's one selfish bitch." Cole declared. "Would make sense, brother." Zeke agreed. "So, I guess that you're staying here then?" Kuo asked the Conduit. He sighed. "Yeah. But, I'm not leaving Equestria to defend without me. I wouldn't dare to leave them alone. So, I need to figure out how they're getting on Earth." Kuo then gave him a picture showing a image of a large circular device that Changelings were guarding. "I got a few pictures in. That's in Flood Town. Near the machinery. I think the Beast's residual regeneration energy is fueling it." Kuo explained. Cole nodded and stood up. "Perfect. Zeke, get a truck. We got a job to do. Kuo, let's do this, one last time." She nodded and they took off. Zeke stood up and went downstairs, grabbing his phone and making a call. "Hello. Yeah, it's Zeke. Listen, Commander, I need some heavy backup from the Militia. Yeah. Trucks, soldiers, all that. Thanks." Cole was skating along the power lines, feeling electricity spark beneath his feet as he moved forward. The high voltage filled him with excitement and adrenaline as he rushed forward. Turning along with the power lines, he found the bridge for Flood Town. It was flooded with Changelings. In fact, there was a perimeter of them guarding the way to it. He hopped off the lines and lightning sparked on his arms. The Changelings stared at him, ready to fight as the ground began to rumble. Militia in trucks and even transport vehicles drove up, wielding sorts of weapons. To add to that, Vermaak 88 piled up, eager to kill more. Cole had long established his role of leader of Conduits. Kuo made her way here and so did Zeke. "I hope you remember this, guys. This will be a battle for all of us to enjoy." Cole smiled. The tension between them was shattered when of the Militia fired a RPG at the changelings. " Vermaak, move in! " One of the soldiers spouted, sending them into battle. The Militia did the same and a full-on war was brought to the table. Cole moved along with the battle, removing any obstacles in his path as he moved forward. He approached the portal as he assumed and more were there to fight back. Many unleashed blasts of fire-y green magic at him, but Cole dodged and either hit them with his Amp or blasted them with bolts of plenty. While he was occupied, many piled up unbeknown to Cole was stopped as Kuo and Zeke stepped in. Frozen and then shocked or blasted with a shotgun that Zeke picked up earlier on. They approached the portal as many were taken down. As they walked up to it, it opened and more came in. They were blasted by Cole and they all jumped in, before it closed. They all hit the ground hard except Cole who floated down. He stared upon the destruction that was Ponyville. Buildings were charred and torn apart by war. The once bright paint was burnt and falling apart. Changelings, animals or ponies lay on the ground, most of the ponies being Guards. Everyone's armor was cracked and holes punctured the armor as dark green or red blood were splattered on their once golden plates of metal. Dark smoke raised into the sky as ash populated the air and caused them to cough. The once brilliant azure sky was now a deep rusty orange. The clouds speckled with soot and dust colored them brown and dirty. This was not a sight to see after so long. "No..." Cole dropped to his knees, hope shattered. Zeke and Kuo groaned as they got up. Rubbing their heads, they saw what was Ponyville as well. Their eyes drifted to the Conduit on the his hands and knees, punching the dirt. Kuo walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder. "Cole?" Zeke began. "They're dead." Cole stated sorrowfully. "The war ravaged their lives and killed them. What do we do when there's nothing left to do?" A lone tear rolled down Cole's cheek as Zeke took off his glasses in respect. His face was drooped in sorrow as Kuo's the same. "Cole. There may still be hope. We can't say that it's all over yet. There is still something we can do." Kuo pulled him up and they saw battle raging on over at Canterlot. Cole stared upon the wrecked, but still defending mountainous castle. "You're right. We still have a job to do. Guys, we can still give Equestria one last chance. I say, we give them this chance. Let's go, you too." Cole running off and they followed suit. Cole ran towards the train station as it would bring him to Canterlot the fastest and they followed the man, no questions asked. He hopped on the rails and lightning began sparking on it. "Let's go." Propelling himself forward, he skated along the rails as they followed. Zeke kept up because of the cart there that Cole pulled as he skated. Koo simply teleported with them. They arrived about a hour later. The battle was slowing down as the ponies began losing. They hurried up and they rushed into the castle as fast as they could. Nearing the castle's door, they saw more bodies and blood coat the area. Walking throughout the castle, they found the same sights and were saddened and disgusted by it. Cole was most hurt of all for not being there when they needed it most. As they neared the throne room door, Discord began to speak from inside the room along with two other voices he didn't recognize. "We are nearing the end, Celestia." Discord laughed. "Yes, your subjects have failed." A dark female spoke up. "No more will you rule. Your precious elements have failed." A dark male voice stated. "End of the line, Princess." He heard magic being charged and that was their cue. Kicking the door open, the three speakers were blasted by Ice and Electricity and a grenade that Zeke picked up. Gaps were heard as the three turned around and their expressions changed to surprise. "Miss me?" Cole stepped forward. "Cole MacGrath." Discord spoke up. "And Zeke. And you... I thought I stuck you on Earth, permanently." "Changelings had a portal." Zeke spoke up. Discord and the dark unicorn turned their heads at the Queen "What? I thought having both worlds would be better." She exclaimed. "Would be. Except COLE WAS THERE." The dark unicorn hissed at her. "Say it, don't spray it." She growled at the unicorn. He growled back as they got in each-others faces. Discord sighed and pulled them apart and cleared his throat. "This is why I had problems with all of us teaming up." He face-palmed. "Oh shut up, like they can defeat all three of us. Zeke isn't even a Conduit, right?" The Queen smirked. Zeke pumped his shotgun, loading a slug into the chamber. "I've tested guns against changelings, honey. They die easily." He smirked back and she growled at him, he just stared at her. "I know you don't have more power this time, Discord. I am who I am now and I accept that." Cole unveiled his Amp and readied. Discord just chuckled. "Ice is it then." The unicorn stared at Kuo. Three against three. Dark, Chaos and Magic against Lightning, Guns and Ice. What a match-up. Tension piled up as they stared, preparing. That tension was sliced as the villains blasted them away with magic. They were slammed through the wall, all of them entering different rooms. Cole was slammed into the kitchen while Kuo was thrown into a large room. and Zeke ended up in the barracks. The villains each went after their targets. Discord ran after Cole as he slid across the table, sending plates and dishes everywhere. Cole fired bolts and bolts at him but he dodged them all and kicked Cole in the chest, sending him into the wall. Cole growled and fired a Unstable Grenade at Discord, blowing the room up in electricity. It hit him and he recoiled in the continuous flow of pain. A layer of thick dust covered the distance between them until Cole rushed at him, whacking him with the Amp, cracking a few bones in the process. He slammed the Amp between his neck, sending millions volts of throughout his body. Discord grabbed Cole by the neck with his tail and threw him against the wall, cracking a few bones of Cole's. Zeke bobbed and weaved after every bolt of magic blasted at him. Anytime, he could he shot at he, cracking her tough chitin like armor skin. "Damn, you got tough hide, sister!" He narrowly ducked, avoiding a bolt of magic at his skull. "Hold. Still!" She stopped firing and threw a nearby sword at Zeke. He didn't notice the blade coming at hum until the last moment and he was sliced on the shoulder. He groaned in pain but continued firing at her. She moved and dodged but shotguns were harder to avoid at close range. She kept taking pellets to her skin, creating small dents in them. While she was ducked, Zeke stopped and delivered a brutal right hook to her face, causing her to stumble back at the hit. He smirked and chucked a grenade at her. It hit her and nothing happened. She began laughing until it exploded, blowing her up. "Bitch!" He laughed. Kuo unleashed a Ice Beam at King Sombra with which he blocked with a dark barrier but shattered after so much Ice being applied to it. He fired a blast of dark magic and Kuo teleported and blasted him with Ice shards, stabbing him but he shook it off like nothing. King Sombra ran at her, horn glowing darkly and blasted at her but she avoided it by using Ice Pillar and getting away from him. She slammed unto the ground, creating Ice all around her, freezing the ground underneath. He slipped and slid on the Ice while Kuo kept blasted him with more, freezing him. Cole slammed into Discord, arm first, sending electricity throughout his body and blasting him back. They were both slowing down at the immense energy that being used on each-other. Cole's attacks slung slowly and did less and less damage by the second as Discord couldn't use magic by now as it would waste to much precious magic. Cole finally used a Firebird Strike and slammed into the God. As he rammed the God into the wall, he stuck the Amp on his neck and began electrocuting him again but he placed his foot on the Gods tail. Zeke ,being the way he is, had long slowed down for his body. But the Queen was seeing her fight die away as well. However, she was more damaged than Zeke was. Too many bullets to the body means loss of blood and she was definitely feeling that. Zeke took aim and unloaded more slugs into her as she got a good shot on Zeke. He fell to the ground, clutching his chest. The Queen's knees buckled and she fell. They both stared at each-other as he aimed his handgun once more. Kuo was long drained after using all that Ice on the King. She was tired but as well as Sombra. His head ached after so much magic used repeatedly. Kuo used the last of her energy, sending shards and shards of Ice at him, cutting his flesh but he pushed forward, sending dark bolts of magic at her, knocking her down. Finally, she dropped to her knees but the King fell too. They looked upon themselves and reached for the last bit of power that they could muster and prepared for the final hit to end it. In sync with everybody, everyone used their last bit of power to blast their foe. Cole slammed down the Amp upon Discord's neck as the God tightened his grip on Cole's throat. Zeke fired his last bullet as Chrysalis used the last of her magic on Zeke. Kuo used one last Ice Spike and rammed into Sombra as he raised a dark crystal, stabbing Kuo. Everyone dropped, with the enemies seeing death and our heroes feeling near dead. "It's... finally... over.." Was all Cole said as he passed out, falling on the ground. Final Act: Blood, Sweat and Tears Discord. A God of Chaos. He was created with the intent of chaos. His entire life was filled with chaos and he enjoys every second of it. However, being stoned or killed in this case -to put it lightly - sucked. Being stuck in stone was torture. He was stuck by himself with no way to cause chaos. It was the exact of him. Normal. But, being "killed" was partially worse. Gods aren't mortal and therefor, he couldn't be killed. So, what was the situation that he was in currently? His own subconscious after being knocked out. Yes, knocked out. He was alone in his own mind. And that was not pretty in his current state. He sat in the darkness for what seemed like years, a blinding light appeared to the right of him. "Ugh, turn off the lights." He groaned as he shielded his eyes. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Discord. That's up to you." The light spoke. Turning his head, he found it to be Princess Celestia. His mouth curved into a smug smile as she walked forward. "Hello Celly, what brings you here?" He asked, said smile curving into a unamused frown. "For you, Discord. I wanted to reform. Your magic would be greatly better for good." She smiled. He scoffed. "So? I'm sure the world would be thousands BETTER without me. Trust me, I know." He sat on a invisible chair and she sat on one as well. "I've heard everything that ponies say when I'm gone. 'Oh, I'm glad that stupid DIPcord is gone' or 'He just caused chaos, he was EVIL and he deserved it'. You can't fool me, Cel'. I know who I am. And I deserve to be stone according to your little ponies. Well, thousands beat one don't they? Isn't that how votes work? You're wasting your time anyway." "Discord, I have all the time in the world to talk about this. Your magic could be used to influence ponies alike. You have the ability to do anything you want. That ,alone, proves that you do what you want because you can. Tell me, you cause chaos because you think it's fun. Others don't think as much. So, that must means you only care about yourself Discord. You've lived by your own rules and only yourself listened to them. Discord, I now know from this, that you're just lonely. And causing chaos is the only thing you know how to do. If you wanted friends, you should of asked." He stared at her like she was dead wrong but he just couldn't deny it. No matter how hard he tried, he could not refuse to believe that. He sighed and looked at her. "Is it really that easy? Is it, Celestia? Do you think that I can just walk up to somepony nowadays and ask, Want to be my friend?, do you know what they'll say in response? AH IT'S DISCORD. RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! It's not that easy as you think it is." "Then join us. Fluttershy thinks as you as a friend and I'm sure you wouldn't like to be stone again." He weighed his options and he leaned towards freedom. He sighed. "Fine. If you think it's that easy than let's get out of here. Honestly, I'm just bored of everypony thinking I'm evil. I just want to have fun!" He stood up and as he did, his eyes widened and stared at the Princess. "H-how..." "Let's go, Discord." She smiled and walked into the growing light. He shook his head and followed. As they entered the light, he was blinded once more. He awoke after being blind for so long. His eyes were adjusting to the sudden light change. Not to mention, the remaining pain in his body. Getting up, he stretched, happy to be finally in the world of the living. As he stretched, a loud explosion sounded. Averting his eyes towards the gaping hole in the wall, Cole was slung into the ground, heavily damaged. He looked out the hole and saw a severely pissed Sombra who was turning the entire castle into darkness. He turned towards Cole and grabbed him by the arm and teleported away to the Elements who were recovering. "Discord!" Rainbow prepared to fight. "What did -" "Shut up." She stopped at his serious tone. "I'm helping you. Cole is injured and King Sombrero is angry. What do we do?" He asked. They all seemed apprehensive at his sudden change. "Ah believe you. Ah am tha Element of Honesty. I know when yer telling a lie." Applejack spoke up. "Thank you, AJ. I am severely grateful for your trust. Now, Cole?" He cleared his throat. "I can heal him but it will take some time." Celestia spoke up. "Healing him will be difficult. You all need to keep Sombra away. I will fuel Cole with enough energy if you can be successful." They all nodded and headed out. "Don't worry, Princess!" Rainbow saluted. "Yeah! We'll get that super meanie head!" Pinkie stated as she bounced with them. Celestia took one last stare at Discord and nodded. He nodded back. They all left through the hole in the wall. "So, any ideas?" He asked them. They all had their Elements on. They heard a teleport happen suddenly and they saw Shining Armor and Princess Cadence standing there. "Shiny!" "Twily!" They both hugged as Cadence stared at Discord. "I'm on their side, don't start Costanza." He scoffed. She ignored the name and stared at Sombra. "Sorry we're late. We had problems with changelings at the Crystal Empire. We found a end to them and now, we're here to help." Cadence explained. "Yeah. Now's it time to defeat Sombra. C'mon!" Shining ran out to battle and everyone followed. Discord stuck behind as to remain hidden. He planned his own attack and that would be stealthy. They all ran to into battle and got their asses handed to them by his rage-filled power. Attacks did nothing and were shrugged off. For minutes, he watched them all battle and they were defeated easily. They each lay on the ground, injured except the standing Shining. He was the strongest, being the Captain of the Guard. However, that didn't matter. He fell just like the others. Sombra stood there, laughing at their useless attempts. Discord smirked and teleported behind him, unbeknown to the dark unicorn. He reared his hands back and bared their claws and then brought them down on the unicorn. He dragged them deep in his flesh and threw him away. The dark unicorn gained balance and saw his attacker. " Discord. You traitor. " He growled, horn flaring to life. "I don't care what you think." He spoke back. "[b You're worthless. " Sombra fired a blast of dark magic at him and he smacked it away and kept walking towards the unicorn. Blast after blast, Discord moved or smacked them away. He neared the unicorn and Sombra was starting fear him after throwing away his attacks. Discord teleported behind him and grabbed him by the neck. They stared at each-other, gazing into their souls. King Sombra's stare began to falter as he began seeing the darkest regions of the god's soul. The horrible, truly evil thoughts that he had thought of were the most vile, disturbing thing he'd ever seen. Discord smiled. "Sombra, there's no fate worse than death, but I'll tell you something. Life can be hell and yours... is about to be." Discord began flooding magic into his hands, sending lethal charges into the Unicorn. "You will see my pain and why I'm choosing to do this." They all awoke moments later and saw Sombra howling in pain as Discord held on him as pink magic shoots into Sombra. Discord said one last thing. "Hasta luego, hijo de puta." And with that, Sombra exploded into a bright light. IT blinded everyone excluding Discord as the energy lashed out and created even more explosions. He laughed as destruction ensued. After the light faded, everyone saw only Discord. "Pinkie, do you know what time it is?" Discord asked the pink mare. "Adventure Time?" "No. It's party time." She gasped at those words and pulled out her party cannon from her mane (SOMEHOW) as he smiled. Hours later, the party began. Ponies celebrated their victory over against their enemies and partied hard. Discord was sitting outside away from all the ponies as they got a little too rambunctious. He stared up at the dark sky and chuckled. Cole walked out ad joining the God who was sitting on a bench. "So, Discord, hows it feel being the good guy for once?" He asked the God. "It feels weird. Celestia said I did the right thing but, I mean it was simple. I'm hundreds stronger than he will ever be." Cole chuckled. "I know, it felt strange when I did something good for once after being so bad. In a way Discord, we're alike. Once evil but now we're trying to be good. I think you'll be good for this world." Cole took a sip of the fruit punch he was drinking. "What?" Discord questioned. "I'm not staying here. This world has it's Shepherd. I mean, I DO have a life in my world. I can't stay here. So, I'm hoping you can be the hero Equestria needs and deserves." He explained. "You can't pin all that on me!" Discord falsely cried. Cole just chuckled and so did Discord. "I'm sure I'll be fine. So, to heroes?" He poofed a drink to him. "To heroes." They bumped glasses and took their drinks. As they drank them, Twilight walked out. "Hey, you two. You're missing the party." They looked at each-other and shrugged. They stood up and headed in. The party was definitely lighted up after those two came in. For now, Equestria can rest easy. Hopefully. I don't know about Discord, honestly. He may cause trouble, but I'm sure he'll be forgiving. THE END. Non-Canon Act: WraithAct ?: Wraith Alright, this chapter is a alternate ending to Act IV when Cole was fighting the hypnosis Discord placed on him. So, now, for this ending, he gives in and helps Discord in his conquest. Hope you guys enjoy the second to last chapter I'll be posting. After this, comes the non-canon Christmas chapter! This world didn't accept me just like Earth. They should join the fray as well. After all, no-one would accept a Conduit. We're abominations, creations of mankind. Hate, greed and sin. But, that is not without reason, of course. Emotions are just... things our mind create to make us "human". I'm NOT human. Cole began grinding his teeth in utter anger as he flew right above the old, battered remains of Ponyville. Cole charged downwards with a Thunder Drop, unleashing waves of vermillion electricity that scattered. "Zeke. Elements of Harmony. You both are up? Surprising. I'll put you all back down." He spoke, cracking his neck. Cole's voice was cold. Utter venom oozed from his words. He - was no longer the Cole they knew, he - was a puppet like many before him. "Is this really how you're gonna do this, Cole? You're given a second chance and this is your choice? I gotta say, brother, I'm a little disappointed." Zeke reloaded his magnum and aimed at Cole while the Elements assembled formally, putting on their necklaces. Twilight finished by lowering the golden tiara upon her head, eyes closed. "Cole, give up now or we'll kick your butt." Rainbow cautioned. Cole began snickering, then chuckling, finally full blown laughing like a maniac. Moments later, his cackling stopped as he looked skywards, staring at the orange-blue sky as smoke bellowed. "You really think you can defeat me? Oh, how WRONG you are." Cole cracked his knuckles, allowing the bones to adjust. Cole turned away from the Elements dramatically, letting soft wind blow against them. "I hope you're ready for hell." Cole faced them, once more. Red electricity surged through his arms, bathing them in a vermillion glow as the lightning around them sparked and crackled. "Last chance, Cole." He just stared at Twilight. "Five... four... three... two... one. Go." The Elements began to glow intensely as they floated upwards, allowing the multi-colored magic to flow freely. Twilight closed her eyes, allowing the magic to flow through her, then she opened them. Her eyes were blinding, shielded by a white light. A bellowing rainbow came from behind them, going upwards then racing downwards. "Fatal Mistake." Cole moved instantly, letting the magic hit the ground. Sliding away, he paralyzed Zeke while shocking the Elements, knocking them out of their state of power. They each fell to the ground. Rainbow was the first to recover and raced at Cole but was stopped as Applejack bit her tail, stopping her. "What do y'all think yer doing?" She whispered to her friend as she puller her back. "I'm going to get 'em!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Ya can't jus' go in like that, he'll destroy ya." She exclaimed quietly. "Fine." Rainbow turned her head and walked over to her friends. "I ttold you." Cole crossed his arms, mocking the Elements. "The fools behind me, who were stupid enough to stand still, took the blast while I moved. And by my research, using the Elements of Harmony drain your energy. Now, let's see if that's true." Cole blasted them with a Nightmare Blast, blinding them with ash and dust. Charging a current of lightning, he blasted them with a Hellfire Rocket, blowing them away, including Zeke. "Weaklings! Bring me a real-... F-" Rainbow thrust her hoof as strong as she could at him, punching in the gut, knocking the wind out of the Conduit and blowing him away as well. "-uck." He clutched his chest in pain, trying to regain his air. She wasn't having any of that shit. She charged at him but this time he was expected it and hit her with a Detonation Blast, blowing her up. Cole took this time to run up to her and smack her in the side with his Amp, cracking a few bones before knocking her away faster. She rammed into a tree, splitting in almost two. "Ow." The pegasus muttered. "That's it!" Everyone heard the voice of Fluttershy as she hovered over to Cole, visibly angry. "First, you side with Discord then you hurt my friends? This ends now!" The dreaded "Stare". A force only the butter yellow pegasus could use. She could make animals and poniees bend at her will with this ability. Effectively, Cole stared back. As the two forces met gazes, Fluttershy stared into the hell that was Cole. Within seconds, she whimpered and fell to the ground, cowering. Cole just chuckled and ignored her, wasn't worth his time. "Who will be your shepherd now, Twilight? Who? " Cole laughed. "If ya got one, I hope he or she can take me!" "I don't think they HAVE a shepherd, my dear friend, Cole." They heard the malicious but silvery voice of Discord appear in everyone's ears as he teleported her dramatically. "You have no savior, no guardian, no shepherd, nothing. Give. Up." Discord persisted as the Elements began to walk away, forming a group. "Oh yes, run, my little ponies. That'll save you." He cackled. "Let's end this-" Cole tapped into his Ionic Core and grasped the power, letting it flow to his arms. The Ionic Core had cast a sickly purple and burnt-orange glow around his arms, bathing it in Ionic energy. "-now." He thrust his arms forward, unleashing a familiar gorgeous red and jet black mist-like energy upon them. "Farewell, 'friends'." The energy burst as the life-force was drained from the Mane Six, unto Cole, mercilessly. " Aha! This is true power!" Cole began feeling the stinging sensation of the friendship, flowing along his arms like chains. " Wait. No! " The lines of magic clamped down on his arms, sticking into the ground. He dropped to his knees in utter pain. "You... bitches. Discord, go!" The god took the advice and left, fast. A blinding wave of rainbow hit Cole, burning away at him as he howled in pain. "FUUUUUUCK!" He roared as the friendship tore at him, trying to purge him of the evil inside his soul. As he stared forward, the Mane Six stood there, with faces varying with emotions. Contempt and sadness was the strongest. "YOU CAN'T GET RIDE OF ME!" He yelled over the energy, currently blasting away at his body. They simply stared. "This is your own oblivion!" He began to surge millions of volts to counter-act the friendship which then began to eat away at it like sulfuric acid. Cole slowly but wearily stood up, face contorted and twisted in pure anger. He finally ripped free from the chains of friendship, allowing himself freedom. "D-don't do this, C-cole." Twilight stammered, backing away like the rest from the pissed off Cole. "I'll do whatever the fuck I want. Only rarely do I get to do this. You were hanging yourself, I was just providing the ROPE!" He had thrust at them with the built up current of electricity, blasting and injuring them as they smacked into things. Trees, rocks, left-over houses, ect. "Die." Cole jumped at them, whacking them with the Amp and blasted the life out of them with more lightning. Bolt after bolt sent their heart into overdrive, pumping faster than it should. "Die. DIE. DIE. DIE!" One final smack upon Twilight after her friends sent her into a wall of a building. She groaned and tried to move, but her body refused. Cole walked towards her, cracking his neck. "Now, here we are, Twilight. The end." Cole smirked as he charge his Amp. He raised his above his head and Twilight closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. She opened her eyes as she heard a loud noise and a quick pained grunt from Cole. Zeke stood there, holding his Magnum. Sparks of lightning were surrounding an area of Cole's back, aiming to heal it. Twilight looked over and saw the Amp was lodged into the ground, waiting. "This time, we're gonna finish this." Zeke put on a pair of kitchen-grade rubber gloves and held a Guard shield in his other arm. "Fair and square." Zeke fired again, with Cole firing a quick bolt of lightning at the bullet, causing it to explode. As the smoke blocked Cole's vision, Zeke ran up to him and bashed him with the Shield, staggering Cole. Zeke then picked up a nearby block of wood and whacked Cole with it. He jumped back and fired a Hellfire Rocket at him. Zeke bent down and covered himself with the Shield. It took the attack well, minus electricity being conducted to it. "Give up, Dunbar! You won't win this!" "We'll see about that." Zeke ran at him, holding the Shield out. Cole charged a Blast, holding the attack in his palms. Zeke got close and strafed out of the way as Cole used the Blast, allowing Zeke a free hit. Zeke punched the Conduit straight in the chest, knocking the wind out of Cole's lungs. Cole staggered backwards and Zeke punched him in the head, knocking him to the ground. Zeke then stomped on his chest, cracking a few of Cole's ribs and hopped away from the Conduit. "You... fat fuck!" Cole threw another Hellfire Rocket at Zeke but again, dodged the attack. Cole stood back up and charged at Zeke, unlike previous. Zeke blocked with the shield, it took the force of the kick that Cole delivered and Zeke sent it back and rammed Cole with the Shield, knocking him away. " THAT'S IT! I END THIS NOW!" Cole tapped into his Ion Core and unleashed a Ionic Storm, releasing a pure strike of lightning from above. "DIE!" Zeke was not fast enough to dodge the attack and was hit the the strength of a pure lightning strike, leaving him on the ground, near his inevitable demise. "Now, what was I doing before. Oh yeah! Where are you, Twi-" Cole choked on his words as he felt two prongs enter his chest from behind. "S-shit." He coughed. "I-I'm sorry, Cole." He dropped to his knees as Twilight shoved Cole's Amp deeper inside his own chest. Her eyes were beginning to tear up as he gritted his teeth in pain. "O-once you kill m-me, you'll still h-have to deal w-with Dis-" Cole dropped to the ground, breathing stopped "-cord." "Twilight?" Rarity gasped as she finally awoke. She rushed over to comfort her as Twilight stared at her "friend's" body. "It's okay, dear. It's over." She cooed. As the rest of her friends awoke, they mourned over their loss. Zeke was the last and the worst injured, but still got up and stood by his friend's body. Dear Princess Celestia... It has been exactly four years since the tragic event of Cole turning against Equestria. To this day, I have nightmares about him and that fateful day. Zeke has since found a way back home and has returned every so often after they found a way to travel between our worlds. Cole was buried back on his planet, far from ours. But, even after what Cole did, we still forgive Cole. I mean, Discord was the one who made him do what he did, not himself. Wherever Cole MacGrath is now... I hope that he is in a better place. Goodbye, Princess. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle. Act X: Agitation"Hey, pal. You got the time?" A very worried, but relaxed over-weight man asked. "Yep, five o' clock." The man replied happily. "Thanks." Zeke sighed and kept walking along the sidewalk. He looked up and saw people flying around and enjoying the time of their lives. He continued his pace, feeling depressed because of his loneliness. Zeke knew technically he was the last of kind here. A Human in a Conduit world, somehow. If he kept low, he wouldn't have to worry about his safety. He finally reached the building of where him and Cole used to chill in New Marais. He pushed open the front door and coughed as he walked in. Dust, cobwebs and other dirty pieces of air filled his nostrils and his throat. He quickly made his way up and reached the door to the roof shortly. He exhaled deeply as he escaped the dirty, dusty O2 filled building. He stared up at the crisp blue sky and wished for this nightmare to be over. Cole slept soundly in his bed as time passed around him. Clouds went by, ponies slept, the moon raised and lowered in time. In his sleep, he only dreamed of his friend that had suddenly disappeared. He knew that he was alive, somewhere. At least, Cole hoped that he was alive. A man can only have so much hope shattered before he finally says fuck it and gives the middle finger to hope and remembers that it is not to be trusted. Cole didn't want to say that he was dead, not again. The pain of his friend no longer with him ached in his heart and almost made life not living. However, Cole knew that somewhere in the endless universe that he was there, far away. Somewhere... . Cole suddenly woke up, rubbing his head. He gets up slowly and heads outside. He opens the front door to see a rising sun. He ignores the beauty and stares up at the sky, hoping that his friend somewhere is staring back... ~~~~~~~~~HOURS LATER~~~~~~~~ "So, Cole. What's on the agenda today?" A ready cyan rainbow-maned pegasus asks a despressed Cole. "Most likely nothing." He states, Rainbow stops moving and stares at him. She begins laughing and wiping a metaphorical tear. "You had me going there, Cole." She chuckles. "But, seriously." "I'm serious, Rainbow. I feel like doing nothing today. Sorry." He sighs as grabs a orange from a nearby stand and drops a few bits at the same time. "What, why?" She asks, obviously confused. "My friend is gone. I've asked everyone and they said that they haven't seen him since the party. Something happened to him and I have no idea where he is, Rainbow." He snarled lightly. "That's why." He storms off, leaving a still confused Rainbow behind him. He heads towards the park looking for some peace. He reaches it shortly and sits on the familiar bench he was sitting on with Lyra. As he sits, he sighs sadly and stares at the birds in the trees. He sees a family of bluejays. A father, mother and two babies ready to leave the nest. They take off and flap their wings as they leave. He stares at them as one finds a red cardinal friend. They tweet and chirp, they fly up in a tree and sit there, chirping. Minutes later, the cardinal takes off, leaving the other. He patiently waits for his friend but he never comes back. Cole picks up a rock and throws it at the tree angrily and leaves. Secondly later as he leaves, the cardinal comes back and they begin chirping happily once more. Cole walks around the town, eying all the things that this town has to offer. He decides to head home, forgetting about trying to be happy. Rainbow watched from above his sadness. She stares at him with sadness in her eyes, knowing that he's hurt by his friend's disappearance. Her face turns to confidence as she heads to Golden Oaks Library, for Twilight. "Twilight!" She yells as she opens the door to her abode. Twilight comes from upstairs seconds later. "What Rainbow?" She questions. "Do you have any idea what happened to Zeke?" Rainbow asks her, she begins thinking as she starts tapping her hoof on her chin. "No, why?" "He's gone and Cole's sad. It really hurts me to see him like this. He was so awesome and now... he's kinda downing the town's mood. I want to help him." Rainbow admits. "I'm sorry for Cole but Zeke hasn't been seen since the party." She notifies Rainbow. Rainbow exhales loudly. "Yes, I know that. But, how? Pon- people don't disappear like that. Especially if they don't have magic!" She reminds Twilight. Her eyes go wide at her reminder, she gasps. "You're right. Zeke had no way to leave like that! Come on, Rainbow! We're going to Sugarcube Corner!" ~~~~~~~CANTERLOT~~~~~~~~ "Tia. Do you know of the Human, Zeke Jedediah Dunbar's disappearance?" Luna asks her sister, Celestia. "No. When did he disappear?" She replies. "Around twelve thirty. Nopony has seen him since. I can no longer detect his aura which means he has somehow passed or has left our realm." She exclaims. "Both would be horrible to know. Cole must be distraught." "Yes, he is. We have seen his latest behavior. It is unlike his usual demeanor, so full of life and now, he is empty." She sighs sadly as Celestia places a hoof around her neck. "I know that he is alive, trust me. We will find him and inform Cole of his current location." She declared, full of confidence. "I hope so. I do not like seeing him like this." ~~~~~~~~~PONYVILLE~~~~~~~ Cole sat in his house, on the couch staring at the wall. He gritted his teeth and stood up. He grabbed a table and flipped it. Grabbing a chair with Kinetic Pulse, he rammed that into a wall, creating a hole. He unsheathed his Amp and whacked walls and things with it, breaking it, shattering it or straight up blowing it up. Minutes later after his destruction, he sobbing on the floor. "Zeke. Where the hell are you?" He cried. Sniffling, he stood back up. He went in his kitchen, grabbing a small knife from his knife storage block, he then went up into his bathroom, sighing. Staring at his reflection, he raised the knife near his neck. At that moment, Twilight and Rainbow walked in and saw the knife. "Cole! Suicide is not the answer!" Twilight urgently grabbed the knife with her magic and pulled it away. "Suicide? Why the hell would I do that?" He asks them. "Because. Zeke?" She reminded him. "I was shaving!" He raised his hands in the air. "Wait, what?" "Ugh. Watch." He groaned. He grabbed back the knife and began lightly cutting away at the hairs growing at his chin. "There. Male Humans AND Conduits grow hair around their face. We don't need to shave it but I don't want a fourteen inch beard. Anyway, what do you want?" "We're going to investigate Zeke's disappearance. We wanted to know if you wanted to help. But then, we saw you and well.. you know the rest." "You know what, sure. I'm coming. Let me get a shower first. I'll meet you at Sugarcube Corner." He scooted them out and closed the door. They left for the store, leaving the Conduit to his shower. Five minutes later, he met with them at the store, feeling refreshed. "So, how are you going to do this, investigator?" Cole placed his hands around his waist, tapping his foot impatiently. Simple. Look for any magic traces as Zeke couldn't of just straight of left. He would of returned to here." Twilight's horn lit up and she started walking around the store, looking for magic traces. Minutes later, she found one. "Here! It's very strong but very hidden. Hang on." She began analyzing the magic, concentrating on who it could be. "The magic... is a simple teleportation spell but enhanced to extreme measures. Meaning Zeke is maybe light years away." She explains. "So, he is alive?" "Yes." That revived Cole. He finally knew that his friend was currently alive and it did wonders for him. "So, is there a way to locate him?" "Most likely not. Princess Celestia would have to help with that." "Alright then. So, what now?" "That's up to you, Cole. We could either get Princess Celestia to help or do this ourselves. Up to you." "I'll be the chooser of that." A regal voice spoke from behind. The voice belonged to the Princess herself. "Princess Celestia! When did you get here." "A minute ago. I listened to your conversation to see how well your magic has become. It pained me to see you like this, Cole." "Thanks. Anyway, mind helping?" "Not at all." She walked up, lighting her horn. She began searching the regions of space, combined with the presence of this magic, she roughly located his location. "A planet. Blue oceans, green, brown and orange landscapes. Water, however seems to cover most of it." "He's on... Earth." Cole declared. "How? Somepony would need to know Earth to send him there." Twilight exclaimed. "Not exactly." Princess discontinued that. "If the user used a random spell, one can thrown anywhere. Randomize enhancements alter spells in the sense of randomization. Luckily, Zeke landed on Earth. However, using Randomize enhancements are almost impossible to use for anypony besides me and Luna. Either there is a powerful unicorn or a unknown alicorn running about." "I guess I have to thank them for sending him there, I guess." Cole chuckled. "I will look further into this. I must be off, sadly. Farewell." She then teleported, blinding them. "Again, what now?" "Again, up to you Cole. I'm going to do the same as Princess Celestia and look into this. I don't know what you and Rainbow are going to do." She then teleported, leaving Rainbow and Cole to themselves. "Wanna prank some ponies?" Rainbow suggested, a mischievous smile on her face. "You had me at prank." Cole smirked. ~~~~~~~~EARTH~~~~~~~~ "Hey! Screw you Fabian!" Zeke yelled at his TV screen. It was currently playing a show called, Love is a Lie. Fabian, the main person of the show, was cheating with Maria Moréz, a beautiful woman. "She loved you and you cheated on her! You deserve to be alone for the rest of your life, you dumb french." Zeke continued watching his odd show as Cole and Rainbow prank the every living hell out of ponies. ~~~~~~~PRANKVILLE, POYVILLE~~~~~~~~ "You sure this will work? Pinkie IS the queen of pranks. Well, besides me." Rainbow asked a busy Cole. "Yes, completely. I saw this from a show that did a bunch of stupid stuff. This one worked perfectly. Alright, done! Hurry here comes Pinkie!" Cole instantly hid behind the wall that he setting up stuff on. Pinkie came around the corner, waving to her friend. "Rainbow! There you are! I've been searching for you forever, some ponies aren't as fast as you." "Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry but have you seen this note?" Rainbow raised her hood towards the heart shaped piece of paper. Pinkie got really close to it and began reading. Cole from behind the wall, pulled the string that was attached to a machine that fired flour, pudding and frosting. He thought of a fist but he didn't want to hurt anyone. Pinkie was then blasted with the gross ingredients. "Oooo! What's this?" He raised her hoof and placed her hoof on the stuff covering her face and licked it. "Ew! Flour is gross, why would you use it with chocolate pudding and vanilla frosting alone?" "You should go look in a mirror." Rainbow tried so hard not to laugh. Pinkie found a mirror and began laughing herself. First was Rainbow and then Cole finally fell shortly after. "You should of seen the look on your face!" Rainbow laughed, holding her sides. " I should of!" "Oh, man. That... was awesome. I've never had as much fun as this. Pranking was such a good idea. Really got rid of my somber mood. Pinkie, you might want to wash that off. Or eat it, I don't care. Just do something before me and Rainbow die." Cole wiped away his tears of great mirth. "I wouldn't want that! I'll back in a pinkie!" "Doesn't she me- Never mind. She's just being Pinkie." Cole dusted himself off as always and helped Rainbow up after her fit of laughter. "Yeah, that was good. Seriously, whoever did that were some pretty funny dudes." Rainbow stated, Cole chuckled and they began walking out of Sugarcube Corner. "Yeah, Johnny Noxville was a hilarious man. He still is, I mean. He's still up and about but I kinda can't see it, sadly." He sighed and stared skyward. "You miss your home, don't you?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah, Zeke is there too. I love this place and everything but It's not my home. If I had to chance to go back, I'll probably take it. But, not if I can't always come back and visit. I admire this place's will to thrive without technology simply because you have magic. If possible, you guys could create cars at your will if you knew the ins and outs of it." Cole smiled warmly. "What's a car?" Rainbow asked. "I tell you later. For now, let's find some more stuff to do." He ran off, surprising Rainbow. "Hey, get back here!" Rainbow called for him as jumped from building to building, using his parkour skills. A tad rusty but sharp enough his skills were. Cole reminisced on times like this. Peaceful, playful ignorant days. He never had to worry about anything and he was free to do whatever he wanted. Now, he had powers and responsibilities. The "With great power comes great responsibility" was one hundred and ten percent true. ~~~~~~~~SOMEWHERE~~~~~~~~~~ "Princess Cadence. Shining Armor has requested you, your majesty." "I'll be right there!" "Alright then." In her room, Princess Cadence sighed and stared at her reflection. Her mane was unkempt was greased with sweat. Her coat had little not-taken care of tufts on it. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was a mess. She sighed and grabbed her brush and began combing it. Why she was like that? If your thinking it happened in bed, you're sick or perverted. No, she was up late researching recent disturbances. Black spiraling crystals have appeared on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. They contain small amounts of dark magic in them reminiscent of King Sombra's magic. However, he was blasted into smithereens and the only thing left was his horn. Which Princess Celestia kept in a box that was locked with her magic. That was sealed in a magic-proof room. That was also locked with more magic and was in the deepest depths of the Castle. So, it was impossible that he could return. But, Cadence was worried and began looking into recent cases and files. It took some time, shampoo and some magic, but she was back to normal. She sighed and stared at her reflection once more. He put on her best showcase smile and left her room. As she left, she swore she heard faint laughing but blamed her tired condition. "Cadence. There you are!" Shining greeted his wife happily. She smiled but was tired anyway. "Yes, I was getting ready. You know, brush my mane, take a shower, you know. Girl stuff!" She exclaimed, Shining took it as that and ignored the haste in her words. "Hey, have you heard about the black crystals outside of the Empire? I've looked into it and so have our guards. It contains dark magic like Sombra's. We're worried but we're trying not to start things. If this gets out, the whole Empire will be afraid." "Yes, I've even looked into it. Honestly, I don't believe he could of regenerated from only his horn, you know." Cadence explained, Shining began thinking. "I know but what about that... Cole - person?" Shining pinpointed. Cadence deadpanned at him. "Really dear?" "Yeah! Don't you remember Discord tricked Cole into harming the Elements and my sister! I don't like him one bit." He huffed, Cadence sighed at his ignorance. "Really? If you don't like him that much then bring him here. I'm sure he doesn't have anything important to do." "You know what, I am. I'm going to go write a letter and you'll see. But, he's coming alone. Nopony else." Cadence rolled her eyes and smiled at her husbands antics and beliefs. She shook her head and went off. ~~~~~~~CANTERLOT CASTLE~~~~~~~~ Once again, sipping tea and reading reports is Princess Celestia's motto, it seems. A letter appears but she catches her tea. She smirks and unwraps the letter. Dear Princess Celestia I, Shining Armor, the Captain of the Royal Guard request the presence of Cole MacGrath in the Crystal Empire for questioning and confirmation of his motives. Respond as soon as you can, Princess. From Shining Armor She stares at the letter before she begins chuckling. She turns to her guards. "Please Guards -" She stops herself and chuckles once more. "Prepare a Chariot but not for me. Go to Ponyville and ask of Cole MacGrath to come to Canterlot alone, will you?' The guards are confused at this request but go do their job anyway. She realizes herself how odd that sounded and the letter sounded ridiculous. She checked to make sure that no guards are around and began actually laughing. ~~~~~~~~PONYVILLE~~~~~~~~ "Gotta catch me, Rainbow!" Cole taunted the cyan pegasus following him. She could not catch him not because of his speed but because of his agility. His Lightning Tether allowed great distance away from her and his great free-running skills allowed him to jump from building to the next. "Too slow, too low and too high!" He laughed as Rainbow tried to catch him. They weren't playing Tag either. Oh no, they went to Rarity's and she said some things that she shouldn't of and showed some pictures she shouldn't of. Cole took one and presented it to Rainbow. She got pissed, try to grab it, Cole took off. "Get back here!" She yelled after him, he simply ignored her and continued booking it until he hit a tree. Twilight's, to be specific. "Fuck." He groaned as he rubbed his face. He opened his eyes to a see a blue object hurl itself at him. "SHI-" He was blasted off the roof and into the sky, letting the picture drop aimlessly. "Hah! I'll take that." She grabbed the paper and was instantly thrown into a tornado by Cole, no doubt. He plucked the picture out and walked off as the vortex had it's fun. "Later, 'Dashie'!" He laughed as she was thrown about. Don't worry, she'll be fine. The plot demands it. However, Cole might not. Just as he was heading off, he saw a golden chariot arrive but with no Princess. "Uh.. guys? Aren't you supposed to have a giant pony on the back of that?" He joked. "No. The Princess has requested you and you, alone, to come to Canterlot." "Oh. Cool. Take me away, I guess. Later, Dashie!" He hopped on the Chariot and flown back to Canterlot. The vortex stopped as he left, leaving a PISSED Rainbow there. "He's dead." She hissed. "Oh, so very dead."
Thank You What an adventure this story has been. It has been roughly two months since the beginning of this story to now and... I definitely see how much I've improved since the beginning. I can only say, thank you. For reading, staying with the story, the criticism and so on and so forth. Honestly, I can say I've enjoyed this story for a while now and as of late, I still come back to read it, for nostalgia. I love the inFamous series and I still do. But, the affinity for it has been dropped as I can't get my hands on the first one and experience that. So, this story is over and there won't be another continuation to this story until a few months after New Years, so that way, I know for sure that I will inspiration, ideas, fascination and the willpower to write a god-damn sequel. So, what can I say that hasn't been said? Not much. But, like before. Thank you. For sticking with me til the end on this somewhat atrocious story. I say that because even with the good criticism, I know that there are better inFamous stories out there but I'm joyous knowing you guys chose this one for your daily FimFiction entertainment. Adiós, amigos míos...
Act I: Revival" I gotta try. " " I know." Those words lingered inside Cole's head for months. That eventful day haunted him in his sleep, whenever he DID sleep. For this, he could not forgive himself for his actions. His own friend Zeke, the one who ever truly accepted him. He was a like a brother, now he's gone. Cole was forced to kill him, for Conduits alike. He knew what he did was right... right? Cole couldn't decide. He thought as himself as a hero but he truly, he disagreed with that. "Kuo. Come meet me, please." He called for one of his companions through his phone. He sat on the top of a building, where Zeke had placed many things a home would have. A mini fridge, a table with a TV across from it and a nice brown sofa. Cole sat on the edge of the buildings, feet dangling. He heard the air slicing from from Kuo's arrival in his ears, shortly after. "I'm here, Cole." She noticed his sad appearance and sat down with him. "What's wrong?" "It's - everything. Kuo, do you think what we did was right?" Cole asked, not even looking at his companion. Kuo sighed. "No, Cole." She quietly answered. "Then, why did we do it!?" He stood up and asked, voice filled with regret and anger. "Because, it wasn't right but we had to do it! Humanity was going to die, anyway." She told him, Cole turned around and stared at the smoky but blue sky. "My friend... is dead because of my choices. Along with Nix." Cole gritted his teeth, thoughts still buzzing about in his head. "We had the right idea but it was executed with the wrong methods and tools, Cole. I'm sorry about Zeke and even Nix, but we can't do anything about t- what is that?" She stared at something in the distance, it glowed brightly and seemed to give off red electricity. "Don't try to change th- what the hell IS that?" They turned at each other before Cole jumped off the building, scarlet electricity surged from his hands and feet as he skated across power lines. Kuo followed suit, flying and landing on building to building. After about two minutes, they arrived at the location. A Blast Core, lodged within the wall. Not just any normal blue Core, it was dark red with purple and black aura, surrounding it. "A Blast Core? What's that make, uh.. ten?" He looked at Kuo, smirking. "Cole, that's not a normal Blast Core. " She looked nervous, even scared upon this discovery unlike Cole - despite his previous demeanor looked eccentric for this. He grabbed the Blast core, ripping it from the wall. Holding in his hand, he could the energy just feeling it. It felt evil, but Cole liked things like that. This enticing feeling pushed his mind farther to use it and see what he could get. Maybe, a present from John after his release of power? He thought. "Kuo, I'm using it. Let's get back to the house, this should be good." They went back, following the same path. As he skated along the lines, he could feel the energy slowly become irresistible. As they arrived, Cole almost look more evil than usual. The dark crack like veins on his face and arms seemed to glow black. His weapon, the Amp, originally gave off scarlet electricity. Now, it was a more sickly crimson. Kuo looked at him, with her suspicions telling her that Cole should not use it. But, Cole would throw her advice right out the window and use it, anyway. So, she stayed quiet as much as she wanted to say something. Cole held it tightly, looking at Kuo one last time before he got knocked out as always. Then, he began. He put power in it and in return got more power, and more and more. Kuo stepped back as his orange lightning turned red, then seemingly black. "Cole?" She called out. Through the storm like "barrier" of lightning, she saw his pained faace. "Cole!" The electricity surged, creating an explosion that seemed to knock powers out of Conduits. She heard the pained cries from people nearby. As the large cloud of dust and rubble settled, Kuo remained there, coughing. "C-Cole?" She called out again, but as it faded, he wasn't there. Just a black mark where he should be. Upon the warm grassy ground in a different dimension, lay a Conduit, stripped of his peace and thrown into a new world, he must be guided by his sins and his friends. It was hours for he laid there, electricity still surging throughout his body. He gritted his teeth and awaited the pain to go away. But, Life had MANY other plans. Oh yes. He stirred about after twenty minutes, groaning at the remaining pain. "Oh, hell. That one hurt. So, I wonder what's new... What the hell?" As tried to get up, something caught his eye. They area he was in, a grassy plain with a village in the distance. Not a town, but a actual village. "That's... different." Cole surveyed his surroundings, nothing but grass and dirt for a while besides a VERY dark forest pretty close to him. "Yeah... no." Cole cracked his knuckles, thinking of what his new power could be. He could feel a new power surging through him, he tapped into it, feeling this new power. He concentrated a large amount of power directly to his hands and was presented with a "blade" of blood red electricity known as Gigawatt Blades. The power felt familiar to him, but he didn't care. He swung the blades around for a moment but stopped when he heard a groaning noise of somebody or thing waking up. Cole quietly sneaked about until he found the source. A somewhat over-weight being wearing a green vest with a dirty white shirt and a pair of dark shorts. Otherwise known as Cole's best friend that he killed, Zeke Jedediah Dunbar. Cole current expression went to a mix of happiness, sadness and definite surprise. "Whoo, boy. That.. lightning. That definitely hurts." He heard Zeke say to himself. Cole quietly but swiftly walked up to Zeke. He tapped his friend on the shoulder, he responded with shooting his "attacker" with his magnum. Cole stumbled back. "Shit, Zeke! It's me. Calm down!" "I know! That's why I'm shooting! "You dick." Cole and Zeke stared at each other for a few seconds before busting out, laughing. "I can't believe it's... you." Cole regained his composure, wiping a tear away. "I could say the same. Hey man, I... uh.. heard what you talked about with Kuo." "You did? I-I was serious, I didn't want to, truly. But, -" "You did what you thought was right. I get it, man." Zeke stopped him. Cole still looked distraught. "Hey, I forgive ya. I really do. But, right now... There are more important things at hand." Zeke glared at him, Cole straightened up and smiled for the first time in months. Zeke nodded, Cole did the same in return. "Right, first things first. Where are we?" Cole puzzled. "No clue." Zeke bluntly answered. "Okay. Then, we head towards the village before rain starts pouring and I die from shorting out." Cole advised, remembering last time he met water with his powers. AH! SHIT! He mentally shuddered at the memory. "Good idea." They then proceeded to walk towards the quite large village in the distance. The wind slapped against their faces as tiny water droplets began to fall. Cole picked up his pace and continued to the village. Zeke looked at the darkening sky, the clouds got darker as the storm got worse by the second. As they arrived at the village, their faces went to blank. There in the village, was small colorful horses with marks on their butts. Zeke and Cole stood there with a blank expression. "Cole?" "Yeah?" "We're in Hell." "Yep." The "horses" noticed the two new beings and stared at them with fear and curiosity. Then, they caught the eyes of a certain pegasus. She looked down and saw them, one of them looked... well... sick. He wore a red and black shirt with a white t-shirt beneath. A pair of black pants with a strange design around the side accompanying the attire. What really caught her eyes was his pale "skin" and the rustic device on his back. He looked... evil, to say the least. But the other made her chuckle, a somewhat overweight being wearing a green vest with a dirty white shirt and a pair of dark shorts. She also overheard their comments. "So, this is hell?" "Makes sense for you, brother. Not me." "Are you sure? You suggested I go take down the cops or I take those blast shards from those people, right?" "You did them, anyway." "Yeah, 'cause you suggested it." "Can't argue with that logic. Hold up, I think one of them coming up to us." Honestly, they amused her. They didn't SEEM like a threat, but she wanted to make sure. Carefully but surely, she made her way from her cloud to them. "Wow, they can fly?" Zeke noticed. "So can I. I can shoot lightning from my fingertips. I highly doubt they can do that." Cole huffed. "Yeah, 'cause they got hooves. They don't have fingers." Cole laughed at that. "I see what you did there." Cole crossed his arms, still chuckling. "So, who are you?" The flying "Horse" asked them as it approached. "Did you just talk?" Cole asked, questioning his sanity. "Yeah, why?" "Horses can't talk." "Okay, not a horse, pony." "That's answers the height thing. How can you talk?" "I have a mouth, don't I? What else would I use it for?" They both chuckled at that, confusing her but she got it seconds later. The thought made her blush. "You're sick." She stated. "Come on, we're guys. Oh, anyway. Can you help us out with something?" "If it involves my mouth, I'm out." "No." He chuckled again, finding that one funny but dirty. "Can you help me find somewhere to hold up until the storm passes. Water is bad for me." "Why?" "I can control electricity. If I touch water, I short-circuit." He bluntly told her. "Can I see?" " Uh, ...sure." Cole held up his hand and red electricity surged around his hand. Cole blasted the lightning away, hitting the ground and slightly cracking it. "That. Is. Awesome!" She stared at Cole with amazement in her eyes. Cole thought nothing of it and continued with his question. "Yeah. I can use fire too. But, back to my question." He noted. "Uh... pretty sure Twilight won't mind. Follow me." They followed her, while getting each others names across, to this "Twilight Sparkle". Weird name, Cole thought. "Here we are, Cole. Hang on." She knocked on the door. They heard steps approaching the door and Voilà, another pony opened the door. "Rainbow, this bet- Who are they?" She quickly asked, curiosity biting at her. "That's Cole, the other is Zeke. They need a place to stay." "Well, I can help one of you out there." "I just need shelter from the rain. Rainbow said if Zeke can stay here, I could stay with her?" "Sure, come in." They AGAIN followed a pony in, the smell of fresh printed paper met their noses. Books. Books everywhere. A stairwell led up to what they assume was her bedroom or something. A couch and a chair to sit in as well. They took the couch while Twilight sat on the chair. "Okay, before anypony stays here. I need to ask you guys a few questions." Twilight told them, Cole nodded. "Shoot." "Where are you from?" "Empire City, America, Earth." "What are you?" "I'm a sub-human as Zeke says, because I possess powers unlike most people. I'm a Conduit to be precise. Zeke is just a big human, ain't you?" Cole stared at Zeke, who in turn was glaring at him. "We're 'friends' by some cases. We just have trust issues." "Cole... There may be some problems with your request. We don't know if magic will interfere with your 'powers'..." "Well, let's try." "Hold on." Twilight's horn began to blow before Cole felt a strange sensation around him, it was a odd feeling to be honest. "So, why did you have to do that?" He asked as she stopped. "Because, Pegasi live on clouds. They have natural body magic that allows them to use clouds as a house or anything, really." "Ah. Rainbow?" "Let's go. I hear the thunder getting bad." They both walked out the door, leaving Zeke and Twilight alone. "So, what is this place?" ~~~~~~~~~ They got to where Rainbow's "house" would be, shortly. The rain turned into a drizzle but Cole knew it was going to get worse. "So, how you getting up? I don't think I can carry you." Cole used his Lightning Tether, confusing Rainbow at first, but he was pulled up. She was surprised to see that. "Wow." "I could also use my Static Thrusters but that one is so much more fun." Cole stood at what would be the doorstep. Rainbow pushed open the door and it was Cole's turn to be surprised. It was a actual house of clouds. Cupboards, a couch, table. A full house of clouds. "I don't usually use my house. So, forgive any spiderwebs. If they got up here." Cole just walked around, feeling the cloud under his shoes and his hands as he placed them on things. He laid down on the couch and almost fell asleep instantly. It was like the softest bed possible ever created. Cole just moaned it absolute pleasure as he rested on the couch. "What are you doing down there?" Rainbow called out from upstairs. Cole thought of something, holding back a laugh. "Masturbating!" He yelled back. Cole snickered at the dead silence he received from that. Rainbow sternly walked down, staring at him. Cole finally busted out laughing at her face. "Y-you should see the look on your face!" He gasped. "That's not funny. That stuff would get stuck in the cloud." "That's why it would be funny! You'd- you'd probably step in it." He kept on, busting his sides open. Rainbow was suppressing a smile of her own at this point. "What if it rains from t-this cloud? It'd get all over people!" Rainbow finally let the gates open and there went a wave of laughter following Cole's. "Imagine their faces!" She laughed at it, Cole joining her. After a few minutes, their laughter died down as they laid on the floor, gasping for breath. "Yeah, we're get along just fine." Cole stated. "Yeah. We are." That's all, Folks!
Act II: Danger Zone In a different city, specifically in a expansive castle known as Canterlot Castle, lay a ever-knowing princess. She is sitting upon her throne, allowing to see everybody, pony in this case, from below. Every mare wants to be her, every stallion wants to be with her. But, alas. Everypony is out of HER league. Anyway, she is sitting there drinking her freshly made green tea and reading new reports when she is rudely interrupted by one of her Protege's letter causing her to spill her tea. She frowns but is happy nonetheless to see her student finally talk to her. It's been quite some time. She puts down the reports and opens the letter. Dear Princess Celestia About twelve-thirty, two human beings known as Cole MacGrath and Zeke Dunbar arrived not to far from the Everfree Forest. The one known as Cole possesses control over electricity the color is rather blue or violet but crimson. To top onto that, he also can control fire based attacks. He says he is a type of human known as a Conduit. A human being must be born with the gene to use it and to activate it, somepony would need to use a device called a "Ray Sphere". The other human, is just a normal human, minus his weight. Anyway, I've prepared the Elements of Harmony if they have malicious intent, but Rainbow says Cole is a good guy. Zeke says he really couldn't even hurt Cole so after he saw our abilities, he said he wouldn't dare attack anyone or pony. But, you never know. I await your response. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle Her eyes widened at this revelation, but she was still happy nonetheless. She sits there for a good moment, thinking about this "Cole MacGrath" character. He can use electricity AND use fire. This "Conduit" may be a problem if he has malevolent motives or nature. "Guards." They turn their heads. "Prepare a chariot and fetch Luna will you?" They nod their heads and trot out of the room. She only sighs, Not even I can use elements of nature but this "Conduit" can? I will have to see this for myself, she thought. Her thought were interrupted as Luna walked in. "Tia, what is the meaning of this?" The new Alicorn figure asked her sister. "Twilight has informed me of something great and I thought it would be nice for you to get out of the castle, Lulu." Celestia responded, knowing who exactly it was. "Please. Do not call me that." Luna ushered, blushing lightly. "Fine." She smirked. "I will go." Luna protested. "Perfect." "Your Majesties. The Chariot is ready." A guard told them both, the Princesses nodded and followed him out. Celestia informed Luna of this "great information" which made Luna laugh for one reason, no being could control the elements of nature, but Celestia told her otherwise. Still, Luna was hesitant to straight believe this. If this "Cole" could use it, he has to have a weakness. The ride there was short as expected. As they arrived, the ponies bowed to their ruler. "Rise." She quickly commanded. They quickly got back up but still stared. Twilight and her friends, plus the two beings walked out. Surprising both the princesses, as one of them stood at the same height at Celestia. "Cole MacGrath. How ya doing?" The "Conduit" quickly greeted. "So, you art the Electric being." Luna addressed him blankly. "I go by the Electric Man, Demon of Empire City, the Prime Conduit." He mocked a strange British-Australian accent on the last one and southern accent on the second one. "That many names?" Celestia questioned him. "Yep. I go to a lot of places. So. You must be the Princesses." "Yes, we are. I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler alongside my sister, Princess Luna." "You know me, that's Zeke Jedediah Dunbar." "Ah. So, We art most interested in thy... powers." "Good. I don't want to see here and make small talk. It's just plain awkward. Anyway, I have multiple types of powers, so this may take a bit." Cole knew he had a long list of powers to go through. He sighed quietly and begun the presentation. He started off showing the basic bolts, explained them in their simplest form like the others. Grenades, Blasts, Rockets and everything else. After showing so many, he was visibly tired at this point, the others took notice of this. "Cole, brother. You don't have to continue, y'know. They get it, I'm sure." Zeke stated. "Yeah. Listen, as much as I can use, I do gotta have power and all this power usage is draining me." "Well, like Zeke said, We can see thou art of combat. Now, do tell, how do you regain power?" Luna asked, smirking. She knew he had a weakness. "Draining Electric sources, problem is, I don't sense many around. Except..." Cole looked towards the lightening storm that was slowly passing over. Twilight had cast a simple barrier spell around him to protect him from the "EVIL" rainstorm. Cole smirked "I can use the storm... Pegasi control clouds, right Rainbow?" "Uh... yeah. Why?" "I want a cloud filled with lightning. Can you do that?" "I'll try." Rainbow flew, with Cole hoping it was possible. Not too long after, Rainbow slowly arrived with a very dark cloud that was glowing with lightning surging throughout. "Here, take it. But, be careful. It's unstable." "Good." Cole placed his hands on the cloud and started draining it. The blue-ish lightning inside converted to a sickly crimson then to him. They all stared in amazement as the energy caused seemingly radiation. After only seconds, every single bit was drained and Cole felt refreshed, he sighed happily afterwards. "Thanks, Rainbow. And that's pretty much it." He crossed his arms. "Very impressive. In fact, if you plan on staying, you could help dealing with those." Celestia stated, reminding Cole of something. "Yeah, I..." Cole didn't finish his sentence, he just began thinking. I wanted a second chance, Zeke probably wouldn't want to stay in a world of Conduits. He'd be alone, most likely he would get himself hurt or even killed again. Maybe, this is actually heaven? No, Ponies in heaven? More like a twisted version of Hell. I must be in a entirely different galaxy. Cole sighed. "That'd be nice." Cole lightly smiled, but Luna saw past it. "You seem troubled." Luna added. "Yeah, I did some pretty bad things in the past. But, that's why we get second chances, right?" "What do you mean? - Actually, I'm sorry, we don't have time for this. " Celestia exclaimed, Luna wanted to know more, but Celestia dragged her back to the Chariot. "Hang on, Zeke... You've been awfully quiet... Where's Zeke?" Zeke was gone, nowhere to be seen. Nopony knew. "Anyway, we must return. Farewell, and good luck, Cole." Celestia noted, they both walked to their Chariot and left, leaving a somewhat tired Conduit and six ponies to themselves, in silence. "So... uh.. what now?" Cole asked, burning the silence. "We'd better get inside." Twilight ushered. "Or home. My mane is going to lose it's style if the storm keeps up." Rarity fretted, Everypony just rolled their eyes. "Yeah, Rainbow. Onwards to the Clouse." "The what?" "You know... Cloud?.. House?... Clouse?" "Oh. Yeah." Now, back to Canterlot Castle, in the Royal Gardens lay many statues all from the past, none of them truly stand out except for one. A misconceived combination of creatures most don't even know what some of the animals are. A chaotic god known as only, Discord. He is a Draconequus, a creature somewhat close to a Chimera and many other creatures of combined nature. Not only is he a god, he is a god of Chaos. A perceived imagination of havoc on different levels of which he finds "fun". He has shattered the Elements true nature before and in turn, took away their virtues. For this, he has come close to winning. Now, there is inner turmoil of a being, not a pony but something else and it's feeding him all of his power. Soon, he will be released. And endless Chaos will follow. In his own words, a big ol' storm of Chaos! "So, what do you guys do for fun around here?" Cole asked, very bored. "Read books, We always got something to do. Why?" "Because, this place definitely needs a Television." "A what?" "It's something from my world. It's like fully animated pictures." "Wow, that'd be pretty awesome." "Exactly. But, still. I'm bored." "I mean, there is stuff to do, but a storm severely stops anything from doing most of that stuff." "Unless, you're Cole MacGrath. Then, you're in paradise." They both chuckled at that, Cole just sighed, still very bored. "Ugh, something needs to happen. Seriously." As they said that, something dripped from the ceiling. It wasn't water, it was brown and sweet. Cole looked up to see a quite a stain, he put a finger up to it and licked his finger afterwards. "It's... chocolate..." "What?" "Yep, definitely chocolate. Is that good or bad?" Cole asked her. "Well, we should ask Twilight about that one." "Okay. Anything else?" "You know, I know you're probably not up to it, but we usually play Truth or Dare during a storm." "Nope. Nothing ends good when a guy is involved with a bunch of girls, especially that game." "But-" "NOTHING. Right, Pinkie?" "NOTHING!" Pinkie heads popped out of the couch, scaring Rainbow. "Okay, then..." "Thanks, Pinks." "You're welcome!" "So... You're staying here?" "Da." "What?" "Yes." "Okay. Later, then." And there she goes, leaving a Conduit to himself and his thoughts. Cole decided he would take a nap, not on the couch, not with that chocolate there. Maybe, Rainbow wouldn't mind if I sleep in her bed. Nah... So, Cole stepped uo the stairs, nearing her bedroom. Then again, I would be entering a person or pony's personal space. This is a girl, too. I don't think ponies wear panties... or... bras.. Yeah, I'm good. Cole opened the door and went right to sleep, Cole only dreamed of his past, thinking about Kuo and Nix and even the death of Zeke... but, it didn't haunt him... Zeke was alive, in this world, with Cole. He wasn't alone, either. He now had more friends, now. These ponies accepted him because even though they were different they were kind beings. Cole accepted them and in turn, received a new look on his life. That... did something to him... That feeling. It was burning away at him. Friendship and kindness. He felt himself change. Something happened to him, while he slept, he went through a change. His skin regained some of it's color, the veins upon his face lightly faded, his tattoos lost some of designs and his clothes changed. His shirt went from blood red to scarlet and black. His Electricity lost some of it's crimson and turned into orange and gold. Cole knew he was changing, but he didn't whether for good or worse. Not only that, he felt his mindset shift and change. He felt forgotten emotions, compassion, true happiness and more. Hopefully, it doesn't effect him too much...
Act III: Relaxation "This. Is Absolutely. BORING." Zeke groaned, walking around a now bustling Ponyville. The storm had passed completely over and ponies returned to their duties. Birds chirped, green lizards scurried up trees like busy squirrels and finally everything was normal - Minus, the strange bipedal being walking around. Nopony was was really "happy" with a bipedal monkey thing walking to and fro. He was mumbling about something called a TV or something called pizza... Whatever that was. Each of Zeke footsteps were met with a loud squish because of the obnoxious mud path. And it bothered him greatly. First, he needs new clothes. Now, shoes? God hates the dead coming back to life. He sighed and continued walking, contemplating whether this world is... better. It is certainly peaceful, unlike New Marais or even what's left of Empire City. "Sometimes I wish everything could be normal. For once. You know, I'm not asking much here. Just a little normalcy in my life is all I need." Zeke sighed again, putting his hands with his pockets. "Zeke! Wait up!" Cole. Zeke looked at Cole in his new digs. Wait, I remember those. Those were Cole's old clothes before... he... well... transformed with clothes and crap. That greatly confused Cole, though he was happy to see Cole look almost normal. Zeke smiled. "Hey, Brother!" Zeke greeted. "I leave you alone for one minute and you take off." Cole voice sounds a bit more upbeat. As his "original" form, his voice sounded very unwelcoming. You'd probably not want to talk to him much, now he's sounding a bit like usual Cole. "You sound... chipper today." He exclaimed to Cole. "Hell yeah, I get a second chance in this place. Hey, I'm hungry. You hungry?" "Brother." Zeke deadpans at Cole. "I've been hungry." They chuckle at that. "Good. Because, Pinks is the town's sweet dispenser and baker" Cole smirked, rubbing his hands together. "Think we can get her to make pizza?" "Hell. Yes." They fist-bump and make their way to Pinkies bakery, otherwise Sugarcube Corner. They do take their time, so they can talk. "Apparently, Twilight - is Princess Celestia's student but I says it's more of a mother-daughter relationship." "Definitely. Maybe they got something going on there?" Zeke nudges Cole shoulder, receiving a zap in return causing him to flinch. "Sorry, I'm kinda wet." "In what way?" Zeke coyly smiles at Cole. "You're sick." "Hey, Rainbow said the same thing." They both laughed at that. They remember the good old times like these. They could sit at home, makes jokes, watch TV, eat pizza. And they didn't wish for anything more. Then, Cole became a Conduit and things went to absolute hell. They simply ignored that part. "Yo, Cole?" "What?" "What if you weren't a Conduit?" "Well, the Blast Sphere would go to some other poor fool. Not me." "We'd probably get the plague, wouldn't we?" "...Most likely." They both sighed after that. That whole topic is a very sore subject between them. They tried to make the best of it, but all it did was get Cole under strict twenty-four hour watch and get Zeke in trouble a few times. Cole still chuckles at those days. That was in the past, New Marais was only a few hours, they think. Cole is still hungover about Nix, though. Why didn't she side with him. She could of gotten more. Cole gritted his teeth, Zeke noticed this and placed his hand on Cole's shoulder. "Nix?" "Nix." "Come on, I know you miss her, but she didn't side with us because of her "babies"..." Zeke mocked, Cole wasn't mad at him though. She could of easily gotten more... but NO. Cole sighed angrily and rubbed his temples. "Hey, I think we're here." Zeke stated, Cole snapped out of thoughts and instantly surprised to see a building, made out of sweets. "Yep. Just as Pinks described it." Cole motioned Zeke to follow and he did. As he pushed open the doors, both their noses were blasted with the heavy scent of sweets and sugar. It's like walking into... well... a candy shop. Fuck you, I'm not good at jokes. Anyway, they made their way to the counter, which then they admired all the sweets underneath the bit register. "So..." "Let's make some Pizza... Pinks!" "Yyyesss?" Pinkie appeared from the counter, scaring Zeke. "But- she..." He stammered, trying to process how she was- "You'll get used to it." Cole assured, then turning back. Zeke still felt like he was mentally violated. "Listen, Pinks. I have an idea." Cole got close to her. "What kind?" She got close as well. "A new food. Not a sweet, but something much better. Kinda like a snack." "Oo! I love snacks! Expecially-" Cole covered her mouth before she started ranting. "I'll show you how to make it." "Through a montage?" "Hell yeah." "A Wh-" ONE EPIC MONTAGE LATER. They sit there, admiring the beautiful creation of a purest mind. Three different cheeses, Mozzarella, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Bell peppers, banana peppers, black and normal olives. Thick crust with cheese on the inside, dripping with no grease. Why and how? Pinkie says so. That's why. "It looks pretty good!" Pinkie declared, while Cole and Zeke got ready to dig in. "You know, you can try one if you like it. If you do, then we can all share it." Pinkie cut the pizza with a VERY sharp knife but still cut perfectly. Hooves. Pinkie took one bite... then she exploded. Literally, there is confetti everywhere. "That. Was. AWESOME!" She beamed, appearing out of nowhere again. "Told'ja." Cole smirked at Zeke. He just rolled his eyes in return. "I should start selling this!" "I'd be coming back here for lunch if you did." "I'd be here for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Hell, even a midnight snack." "Zeke. You pig." They laughed and devoured the pizza. For moments, it was whole... Now's there none. In... seconds. Damn, guys. Cole and Zeke sighed in relief, finally getting what they have craved for so long. For months, they yearned for a slice of God's divine food. "Where's Pinkie?" Zeke asked. "Selling Pizza. If she can makes Cupcakes fast, she can make Pizza fast." And he was right, ponies were buying the food left and right. It's a good thing Pinkie has energy beyond adrenaline. Everypony absolutely enjoyed every second of the bliss that was human food. Sadly, no pepperoni. But, this will definitely do. "So, what now?" "No idea. I've usually had to fight things, constantly. That kept me busy." "And I had TV." "Wanna go bug Twilight?" "Sure." MEANWHILE... IN HAMMER-SPACE "Plotting. Plotting." A very busy draconequus paced back and forth, holding his beard, the god thought of his way of escape and he's losing it. This so called "Cole MacGrath" has supplied him of his necessary negative energy and now's he giving off much less than required. Those wretched ponies are turning him to normal, he snaps his fingers and chuckles darkly. Through the endless void that is hammer-space, the God poofs a chalk board to him and begins writing down every part of his evil plan, making sure to leave no stone unturned... so to speak. He continued his chuckles until he roared with pure evil in that haunting laugh of his. "I can't get out... But, he can help me." He stared at Cole MacGrath through a camera, it seems. "In time, my child. In time." MEANWHILE... IN EQUESTRIA, PONYVILLE "Hey, Twilight. We're bored, what's to do around here?" Cole pestered Twilight. Her eye twitching ever so lightly. She slammed the book she was reading straight onto table, stopping Cole and Zeke. "Listen. I know you're bored. Sadly, I can't help you. So, why don't you go bug Rainbow? " She scooted them both out, closing and locking the door. Then, enchanted her house with a barrier spell. Cole shot a Alpha Bolt at it which it then bounced off and hit a building as Zeke and Cole ducked. The bolt hit it and exploded. They looked at the now burning building, then walked off, whistling innocently. "So, what now?" "No idea, brother." "Yeah..." Cole stared off in the now setting sun, admiring it's glowing beauty. The golden rays sending down such a beautiful sight. Then, something caught his eye. A bright light somewhat similar to a... Blast Core! Cole blasted off with such a force that it knocked Zeke off his feet. He only watch as Cole took off after something like a lion going after an injured gazelle. It, honestly, scared Zeke. He caught a glimpse of Cole before he took off. That was a look of hungry, he wanted power like a baby wanted candy but couldn't get it. "Yes. Yes. YES. YES!" Cole approached the glowing beauty in it's purest form, a rock filled with Ray Sphere energy. It could give Cole new powers as he received the very powerful Gigawatt Blades. (Trust me, he knows they're powerful.) Cole was mentally drooling. He could feel the very essence, of the device that gave him power, emanate from it. He grabbed it, ripping it from the tree it was lodged in. He did the same action as he would always do when using a Blast Core, put in some power and in return Cole would too. Cole was filled with this energy, his vermillion colored electricity creating a surge of lightning around him, then burst, knocking out Cole. Everything was dark. All he saw was a dark void, gulping him in it's endless maw of eternity. Cole felt pain for seconds, then relief. He felt happiness then sadness, angry then hatred, fear, depression... It went on. He could say, it was he felt on the inside, he had pent up his feelings, now they were here to bit him in the ass. Hard. He tried to move but did not feel limbs nor did he feel even there. He just knew he was seeing something. Then, as he (internally) sighed, a blinding light flared around him. Then, completely surrounding him. The light faltered, he regained his vision to be in a strange void that was a dusty faded brown. The void seemed like old, dirty paper... It was like staring at a background. "Cole MacGrath." A mysterious but comforting voice spoke in the paper-void. "Where am I and who are you?" "Simple. I am someone very important. And welcome to Hammer-Space as I like to call it. An endless void of objects, beings and such go into. You are here Cole because I summoned you to, regretfully, inform you of dire information. Those ponies, your so-called friends, are nothing but lies." Discord stated, Cole clicked his tongue and shook his head lightly. " Sure." "Trust me, I've been in your position, Cole. Alone, still regretting every AWFUL thing you did. I remember those days. The Beast? Nix? I know, Cole." "How?" "I know everything. I'm here to help you. Those ponies have forsaken me and thrown me into this prison for one reason. Because, I wanted to have fun." The voice continued to speak, further interesting Cole. "Oh yeah? Can you give me a idea?" "Perfectly." A projector popped up and a film by it's side with black marker crudely scrawled onto it saying, PUT ME IN, Cole shrugged and did what the mystical film said. He pressed the play button and it began. There, was the mismatch of creatures that was this... voice. He turned the roads to soap which made Cole lightly chuckle. As he did more, Cole laughed more and more until he neared the ending. He tied up the Princess in magic resistant licorice, popped off their horns, then scooped up their manes like cotton candy and then proceeded to eat it. That was when Cole couldn't hold it in, he fell on the "floor", laughing like a idiot at this voice's antics. "T-that was you?" He gasped. "Yep." "All that was fun!" "Yep. Yet, they banished me to this prison. Care to help me?" "Oh, I'll help you. Just let me do some of that stuff with you. I w-want to see more of that." "Done... Ta-ta!" "Wait, wha-" He woke up. He laid on the very soft grass that was ground of the Royal Gardens. Cole picked himself up, dusting himself as well. Then, he admired the garden. Flowers of sorts perfectly aligned across the paths, large hedges that made up the walls. The grass was neat and trimmed to perfection. Cole looked behind him and saw a large majestic castle. The large structure was formed in the side of a mountain, water flowed freely from the building as it seemed to float there. Shades of white, purple and golden highlights were the colors and decorations of this castle. Atop the spires, there were symbols that looked like Celestia's mark of her butt. Cole thought that this was her castle. But, where's the moons? Cole asked himself. He shook his head and turned around. There was the "voice"s prison. The mismatch of so many creatures that Cole couldn't place all of them. He thought of how he would do this. He stared at the statue for a moment. Then it came to him, snapping his fingers at the idea, Cole focused his Ionic Charges and released a Ionic Storm, sending down a bright charge of vermillion lightning that shook the ground at the massive power and the statue began to crack. That was one. Now, the second. He repeated the same process, using a Ionic Charge and creating another Ionic Storm, more powerful than the last. As he did this, he felt himself gain negative energy, it felt good. Two, now the finale! Cole released everything into the last storm, destroying the ground all around him. And breaking the statue. Cole dropped to his knee, panting. He heard a loud laugh break the silence around him. If his Ionic attacks didn't catch the attention of the Princesses, the laugh sure did. "Thanks, Cole. I appreciate it. I really do. C'mon. Up." The voice acclaimed. Cole pulled himself up and was face to face with this being. "Names Discord, God of Chaos." Those golden eye seemed to stare into his soul, but Cole shrugged it off. "Demon of Empire City." Cole chuckled. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" A loud voice boomed, but not Discords. They both looked up to see a REALLY pissed Celestia. And a pissed Luna. "Yeah, Cole. WHAT is the meaning of This?" Discord nudged Cole's shoulder. "I'm making a choice, that's what!" Cole announced, his electricity flowing back to him, somehow. His electricity was Vermillion, now red and dark red, near black. "This - Is your choice?" Celestia's anger falters and turns to sadness. "Yes, Princess. This is 'Your' choice, right Cole?" Celestia didn't like the way Discord highlighted the word, your. He was always a master of illusions and trickery. He could of made Cole do this. "Yes, it is." Cole charged up his growing electricity, it buzzed about, creating small holes as the sparks touched the ground, it was like acid. "So, Princess. Ready for what this new revelations has to entail?" Discord smirked at the steamed Princesses. "The Elements will defeat you." "No, they won't. Cole, if we want to succeed, we need to stop Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack. Don't worry about Dunbar." "Got'cha." Cole blasted off with his Firebird Strike, leaving the gods to fight or toy around in Discord's case.
Act IV: Chaos "Whoa! That's a lot of lightning!" Zeke proclaimed as the Elements stood there, in the middle of town, watching the continuous strike of red lightning hit near Canterlot Castle. Every strike was deafening even from there. Every strike caused great shock-waves to blast. The last one that was delivered almost shell-shocked them all. "What's Cole even doing?" Rainbow questioned, jaw on the floor. "No idea, but Cole doesn't have to use three in a row." Zeke answered, surprising them all. "He can do that three times?" Rainbow's sputtered. "Yup. Don't piss off Cole MacGrath. Oh, it sto- What is that?" The looked to see a large pink cloud release gallons of chocolate milk upon all of them. Twilight's eyes widened and stared into nothing-ness. Zeke waved a hand in front of her face and nothing. As he flicked her ear, everything instantly went to hell. Insane phenomenon happened. Ponies were speaking backwards, some walking on air. Small animals mutated in many ways. Rabbits with long legs, mice of epic proportions. And even Buffalo, dressed in ballet outfits and danced with unbelievable elegance and precision. "The hell?" "Discord." Was all Twilight muttered. "Uh, what?" Something approached, it was red and very fast. A Lightning bolt grabbed onto a building, dashing at it, breaking that building. "Cole! What are you doing?!" Zeke's saw him, a crazy look in his eye and what really made him look odd was the fact that his clothes were gray. Like really gray. "I knew it! Cole-" Twilight began, but he threw a building at them with Kinetic Pulse. They all ducked as the building rammed into another and they exploded into giant bubbles. "Don't talk to me! How dare you lie to me and tell me that you're my friends?" They all were taken back by that, they all thought Cole wanted friends, Zeke thought the same. "Hey, brother. Didn't you want friends?" Zeke asked him, Cole clicked his tongue. "Stay out of this. We both don't want a repeat of the RFI, do we?" Cole stared at Zeke. He saw something in his eyes, pure undoubted hatred. There was malice in his words and Zeke wanted to help, but nothing would help them. He backed off, dropping his magnum on the soft soapy floor. "I always knew I would never be accepted then you go and make it WORSE!" Cole unsheathed the Amp from his back. He activates it, the prong-like ends coming out completely and glowing with the dark red sparks of electricity. "Now, you will pay. With the Elements. Where are they?" "We'll never tell you!" Rainbow stood in front of the group. Cole admired her bravery but it would get herself hurt if she wanted to be the hero. "Listen. I'm not here to hurt you, I just want the Elements." "Never." Twilight declared. "Then, you give me no choice." Cole felt more power return to him, he felt a last Ionic Charge somehow but he didn't question it. He tapped into it and released one of his strongest Ionic attacks. Ionic Drain. Red mist like energy surrounded him and drained power from all nearby beings, except Zeke. He controlled it to absorb the Elements and they fell like Rocks. Cole felt the infinite energy surging through him, he chuckled darkly. He didn't drain all of their life essence, just most of it. Strength, willpower and Magic. Zeke stayed back for his own sake, he felt selfish but this must be done. "Thanks Zeke. For not getting in the way and me not having to kill you." He took off again, leaving them to themselves. He had drained most of their powers, they weren't getting up soon. He bent down to help them. Try, actually. "Discord. I couldn't.. Never mind." Discord had collected the Elements already. With his foot upon the rubble they had created. "They thought that I would think that they would be in Ponyville. Fools." Discord proclaimed, Cole nodded and walked up to him. The defeated Princesses lay there, wings missing feathers and bruised. They weren't in the best of shape, basically. "I finally win. Your precious Elements of Harmony are defeated as are you. All of Equestria will fall asunder to my chaos. And Ponyville will be the capital." He laughed as the Princesses groaned and tried to move but to no avail. They Discord heard rocks and debris move. Cole was walking away. "Where are you going, Cole?" Discord asked, flying up near him. "Oh, just out." Cole charged up his Firebird Strike again. "Cole." He turned his head. "Make sure the Elements don't interfere." "Sure." Cole blasted off, leaving dust in his wake. He felt his emotions turn into nothing but emptiness. He didn't care. This world didn't accept me just like Earth. They should join the fray as well. After all, no-one would accept a Conduit. But, what if they did? I didn't even give them a chance. *No! All they wanted was to hurt you!** I'm pretty damn sure they were better than that. Stop lying to yourself! No! This isn't me! Liar!* Cole stopped in mid-air as he neared Ponyville, he fell straight to the ground, holding his head in pain. He landed somewhat okay and dropped to his knees, grasping his head in pain. His internal conflict continued on, pounding inside his head. It hurt like hell. No. They wanted to help you, but you threw them away. Dammit, Cole. Cole ignored the voice in his head and went to help the Elements. Cole dusted himself and ran toward them, hoping they were still okay. As he approached, he saw Zeke trying to help them. Cole ran at him, pushing him aside. Cole rubbed his hands together quickly, then touched Twilight. The electricity waved over the Elements, healing them by giving back all Cole had stored, which resulted in a very tired, after effect. "Ugh, what happened?" Rainbow groaned as she saw the Elements getting up and Cole sitting there. She gritted her teeth and punched Cole right in the jaw. He reeled back in pain, feeling his now (probably) cracked jaw. "Okay, I deserved every second of that." "You!- wait, what?" "I said, I deserved every second of that." "But, didn't you-" "I did, but I was wrong. Discord just... got to me. Made me think..-" "Yeah, I know." Rainbow assured him, sitting down with him. "Brother. It is good to have you back." "Yes, it is." Twilight got up, walking up to Cole. "You can slug me in the jaw if you want." Cole drooped his head, sighing. "I'm not going to. Rainbow was enough. We know how Discord does things." "Thanks." "I.. uh... guess we should work on fighting him, huh?" "With two out of six Elements?" Twilight pointed to the not recovering Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. At least, they were breathing. "I thought I healed them. I guess you guys are too different from humans." Cole rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly. "They are going to be fine, though." "Good." "So, what do we do?" Cole puzzled, rubbing his chin. "Something. We can't just sit around. Discord is causing chaos!" Rainbow declared, hovering and circling them. "I have an idea. Cole, we need to solve your inner turmoil." "My inner what?" Cole lost Twilight at that. "You are mentally troubled like Luna said. Discord is using that negativity as power - remove it and Discord has no influence to his power." Twilight focused her magic, pulling a book from... somewhere. "What's the bible looking book for?" Zeke questioned. "It's a spell. It will allow me to see inside you thoughts, Cole." Twilight announced, Cole stared at her. "Is... that necessary?" "Completely. Now, hold still." Twilight placed her horn on Cole head and both closed their eyes. Twilight opened her eyes to be in... a city? Yes. A city. A dirty one at that. Walls and buildings are cracked and graffiti is painted over them, posters of Cole with red marker "X"ing out his face. As she stared, she heard Cole. "Welcome to Empire City. My home. Where I was born, raised and turned into a Conduit. In fact, you can see that happen right over there." Cole pointed behind Twilight, she turned around to see Cole riding a bike, carrying a package of sorts. "Cole" pressed a button on a strange device near his shoulder. "It's a phone." He was talking, the voice said to open the package. He refused, but the Voice offered him a large sum of "dollars". Instantly, Cole pulled up to the sidewalk, opening the package. A bright blue sphere was in there, Twilight tried to examine it, but a bright light blinded her. "Ray Sphere. Takes kinetic energy from many people and puts it in one. Me, for example." "This is how you got your powers?" "Yep." "What's so troubling?" "It's later. Hang on." Everything went fast, events and the past flashed across them both before stopping at a dark-skinned woman wearing a strange shaman looking outfit talking to Cole with a strange glowing sphere on a table with Zeke and another woman that she didn't know. "Her. My friend, Nix. The Beast or John had ideas to save the world. You see, after I set off the Ray Sphere, I created the Plague. A very dangerous disease. Since, I decided to not use that device and side with John, Conduits took over. And every human with the plague..-" "Died?" "Yep." He sighed and sat on the ground as the events went forward. It continued towards to one final moment. Cole had successfully taken down Nix, sadly. Then, Zeke walked up. He picked up the RFI and said these words. I gotta try. Cole responded sadly with, I know. Zeke fired that silver thing at Cole, he backed up and growled. He shot at Zeke, he backed up farther. Before he shot again, Cole shot him again with electricity. Zeke fell to his knees, he tried to get up but Cole finished him. He dropped, the RFI hitting the ground. Cole walked up to his body and bent down, staring at his now dead friend. He stood up, unsheathing the Amp. He yelled angrily and broke the Amp. "That's... it." Cole gazed at the ground, thoughts flooding his conscious. "Cole." He looked at her. "You have to stop dwelling in the past. It's feeding Discord and if you don't stop, we may never ever be able to defeat him. The Elements can't just do it alone. You must help, too." Cole drooped his head, thinking. "I don't think I can. I mean-" "Listen to me, Cole. We must move on with ourselves. If we don't, our thoughts and views on the world change for the worse. We are chosen to live in this world under whatever you may believe in. We don't get to choose the things that happen to us, We must live with them. Do you understand, Cole?" "Yeah. I think I do." "Good." "It's gonna be hard." "I know. " "So, how do we stop Discord?" "Well, first. Let's get out of your head. "Yeah." They pulled back away from each others heads, gasping, not from air, but the experience. Cole sighed and began thinking as Twilight the same. Rainbow and Zeke stood there, dumbfounded. "So..-" Zeke started, but Twilight interrupted him. "I got it!" She beamed. "You do?" Cole questioned, Twilight looked at him with confidence. Cole nodded and looked back at their friends. "So, here how it goes.."
Act V: WarAct V: War Rainbow's wings flapped as she she sped through clouds, each normal one popped within contact of her. She had one objective, learn the location of the Princesses while laying undetected. She dashed through winds, causing an updraft behind her. But, it will be necessary for speed, however. As she sped towards her objective, the others moved with her. Cole pushed forward, ignoring any chaotic mutated creatures as much as possible. Zeke followed Cole and Twilight as they moved, checking out any other problems. "How much l-longer?" Zeke wheezed as he continued running. "Not too long!" Cole immediately answered, pulling back a bit to keep track of his friend. "You okay, man?" "Yeah, I think. We'll probably have to go back later for my lung." Zeke joked, they chuckled at that and kept moving. As they neared the castle, a rainbow blur came down toward them. Cole looked up to see the blur, he smiled to see his informant and friend arrive. "RD, where's the Princesses?" Cole asked valiantly as she fluttered down. "In the Castle, caged up by some barrier. I think Discord's magic or something like that." She fluffed her wings, getting comfortable. "Why would Discord keep them in a castle?" Twilight pondered, Cole stepped forward. "Plans. He's smarter than us. If he prefers brains over brawn, I can definitely use that to my advantage." Cole cracked his neck and continued forward. He planned on getting revenge after what he had caused. Hurt his own friends, involve freeing him... He knew he was in deep trouble, but no matter what, if he get's revenge, no penalty will break his pride. "Twilight, how do we get to the castle? He's got lots of... things, guarding it." "Whatever they are, we can beat them. And for getting inside, you leave that to me." Twilight knew that this was a big operation, saving the Princesses AS A Princess will surely get her undivided attention... That - she didn't want but she'll worry about that later. "Hey, Cole." Zeke spoke up, he turned his head at his friend. "How about you use your lightning rope thingy to get up top and then move to the bottom, helping us get in?" "Yeah, that'll work. I'll see you guys in a minute, be ready!" As Cole told them, he took off. He used Lightning Tether to hook himself to the tallest spire and slowly made his way down, through the lookout. He jumped through the windows, rolling for safety. He picked himself up and dusted himself then moved on. The castle definitely had quality over quantity. Decorations that supported lovely shades of purples, yellows and even blue fill in the pristine white structure. Designs of the sun and moon dot the flags that give this castle it's order. Cole took in every little detail as he walked around. He felt as if whoever created the building this, put their very soul and essence into it. It was absolutely gorgeous, honestly. Cole shook his head and put away those thoughts. Princesses. Not admiration time. He quietly walked, making sure not to attract any unwanted attention from Discord's "Army". The "soldiers" were animals wearing really funky armor. Whether it was bubbles or chocolate, he knew Discord had some fun with his creations. "Cole." He heard his phone go off somehow, he pressed the "Respond" button and continued forward. "There you are man! How's the search going?" "First, Shush. Two, I can tell I'm getting close. You guy keep moving." Cole pressed the "End Call" button and continued. As he neared the throne room, the thick scent of chocolate hit his nose. He looked around the corner to see that the door was pure cocoa. His eye twitched but ignored it. He walked up to the door, slightly opening it to peek inside. There was Discord sitting on a golden throne as he talked with the Princesses. By the Princesses tone of voice, they were losing hope. Discord knew he was going to win. Or so he thought. "Face it, Cole is under my control. That's the end of it, Princesses." Discord taunted them, Princesses getting obviously angry as well but for it was for naught, but they kept it up. "You're wrong, Discord! He will pull through it." Celestia proclaimed, hope somewhat left. "Sure, he is. Do you have any idea how bad he has it? He can't even make up his own mind, someone else has to do it for him!" Discord laughed and that tipped Cole off the scale. He cracked his neck the other way and pushed the door open, revealing himself. They all caught noise of the door and turned at this revelation. "Cole! There you are, I was just telling the Princesses how useless their hope is!" Cole stared at him, face ever so blank but full of emotion. He aimed his hand, golden electricity flowing around his hand. He then released an attack that surprised all of them. He fired a Alpha Rocket, blasting away Discord and blowing him straight out of the castle. "Wrong, Discord. Dead. Wrong." Cole stood there, stoically. He then looked at the Princesses in their strange but powerful barrier like cage. Cole fired a Scythe Bolt at the shield. Upon contact, the shield shattered like glass, sending magic pieces everywhere "Cole." Celestia steps up, unfurling her wings to stretch. As well as Luna. "How did you find us?" "Your Elements of Harmony. Rainbow, specifically." Cole cracked his knuckles and readied himself. "Listen, you can punish me later but now, I got an evil god to take care of." Cole jumped out the hole in the wall and slammed into the ground with an Thunder Drop, sending waves of gold lightning around him. He looked around for Discord but nothing came up. He must'a ran. , Cole thought. As he said that, he was hit with something hard. Cole fell to the right, reality fading to black. "You wretched monkey. You can't even do one thing right. I give you a objective and you go ahead and fail that. Worthless trash, is what you are." Discord floated above him, mocking him. And that REALLY tipped Cole off the scale, something... snapped in him, he swore he heard a teapot whistle. Cole pulled himself up from the brink of non-consciousness and stared away from Discord. "Is that what you think?" Cole asked, Discord looked at him smiling, but still interested in his "retort". "Is that what you REALLY think? Maybe, that's true on some accounts. You did give me an objective, sure I failed it. But, in that "failure", I realized that mission was wrong all along. I was doing the wrong things ever since the beginning. First, the Ray Sphere, killing all those innocents, siding with the Beast." Cole sighed and charged his electricity. It sparked around his hands, creating a gold glow around them. "And though, those sins may never be forgiven... I still have a life to forward to. One wise man, once said: Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." Cole turned around instantly and blasted Discord with his Firebird Strike. Discord flew a great distance away as Cole ran after him. "Time to repay my debts." "Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?" Discord floated up from the rubble, staring down at Cole. "I'm a god! And you are just a pathetic ape, Cole." "Sure." Cole then fired more Alpha Bolt shots at Discord, the god dodging each one. Right into my ploy. Cole then fired a Sticky Rocket, it missing him and he laughed at that. The Rocket split apart, three mini rockets turning around and aiming at Discord while he didn't know. Discord created a large ball of rock, grass and dirt and prepared to throw it at Cole, but was stopped by the three rockets that landed a direct hit to his back, utterly disabling his wings. He growled in pain on the ground, but stood up nonetheless. It was Cole's turn to laugh, Discord threw that ball of "earth" at Cole. He used his Lightning Tether to hook to a building away. Cole then hooked near Discord, right near him to be exact. Discord smirked at his "foolishness" and readied to attack him, Cole flew near him. Cole dropped the hook near him and blasted him with a Nightmare Blast. Dark smoke blinded Discord as Cole unleashed many attacks varying from Grenades, Rockets and Bolts. After unleashing a torrent of electricity, Cole finally realized his GREAT problem. Power. And he was low - Dangerously low -to be exact, Cole dropped on one knee, panting heavily. The Princesses took notice of Cole diminishing power and Discord's growing magic. They knew that had to help, but how was the million bit question. Celestia thought of something and whispered to Luna her idea. Her sister looked unsure but took off anyway. "I hope Cole can do this." Twilight worried as they stood a great distance away from the castle. "Come on. This is Cole MacGrath, we're talking about. That man refuses to give up even if the going get's r- Who's that?" Zeke pointed to a approaching pony. Midnight blue coat, wavy starry mane. "Princess Luna!" Twilight and Rainbow gasped, as she arrived. "Yes, it great to see you two. But, there are greater matters at hand. Cole is out of power-" They gasped at that, cutting of Luna. "-And he needs power. Rainbow, I want you to bring a great storm. I don't care how bad it is, just make sure it is filled with lightning. Twilight, I need you to enchant said storm to make even greater." She commanded, the Elements and Zeke looked unsure. "Are you sure, Princess?" Rainbow questioned her, Luna simply stared at her. Rainbow saluted and took off at her greatest speed. Luna nodded to Twilight and in return, she did the same. They now waited for Rainbow- " That was fast. AND SWEET JESUS" They all stared at the greatest storm they have ever saw. The clouds alone are PITCH black and are absolutely letting down a typhoon. Rainbow flew at them, smiling. "So, hows that?" "Perfect. Twilight, you know what to do." She nodded and stepped forward. Her horn glowed intensely and the storm was surrounded in a magenta haze. The storm slowly grew, lightning getting so intense that the clouds even started to glow. Twilight finally stopped, her magic drained. "That's it..." The storm neared and they all made their way inside, Discord's "army" left many hours ago. They rushed their way into the castle, Celestia greeted them at the door, but not after gawking at the large hurricane like storm. She shook her head and they all made their way into the depths of the castle while Celestia hovered a strange orb near her. "What's that, Princess?" Rainbow asked her leader. "A Mystic Orb. It will allow us to watch the battle from afar. Very far." They all reached a big door, Celestia used her magic on something and doors unlocked, revealing a whole hidden room. "This is where we will stay. For safety." " Insolent Ape! Do you have any idea who you are facing!? I AM THE GOD OF CHAOS! You are nothing! " Discord roared as the dark smoke cleared, showing a angry god behind it. "Yep. And if I die here, I know that the others will stop you. Things get pissed when they're close to defeat or even death." Cole, despite his weakness, stood up. He stared at his (most likely) demise. By the hands of a god, in a different realm, after trying to save it. Maybe, that'll earn him some heaven points. Maybe. As Cole finally accepted his fate, he looked upwards one last time. What he saw, made his current thoughts die. A storm. Not just any storm. A storm that neared a Supercell thunderstorm in size. Cole's mouth curved into a smile, he opened his arms and held them at his side. " So you are giving up so easily? Good. Make it easy on yourself, wretch." Discord created a pink ball of magic, swirling it and forging it into a large sphere. " **Farewell, Conduit " He threw the ball at Cole, he simply held his head upwards, eyes closed. He then opened them and a large strike of lightning hit him, blowing away the ball of magic Discord created.** " What? " "Now. I hope you haven't changed your mind about that whole... god thing." As the smoke cleared, there stood a Conduit. Stripped of his peace and thrown into a new world. Life had great plans for him. All involving him being a true hero. He stood there, white lightning covering him from head to toe. Cole flex his arms, getting a feel for this new power. He knew it wouldn't last long, that's for sure. So, he was going to make good use of it. Cole then reared back both his hands and unleashed a entire stream of electricity again. Bolts, Grenades, Rockets and did not stop. A large smoke covered the battle field in dust. Cole then took this chance to unleash some of his greatest moves. Cole charged up more electricity and tapped into one of his newly restored Ionic Charges and released it in the form of a Ionic Storm. He channeled more lightning from the storm and struck the area down with the charge. Silence and white overtook everything. The speed and power from it was so great that it broke the sound barrier and blinded everyone. "Is... it over?" Twilight coughed after regaining sight, they all coughed as well. But, Zeke spoke up "Let's hope so, sister." They all walked forward and there was the battered, weak Cole on the ground and a rock statute of what Discord used to be. Chunks of stone were missing from it, cracks paved the figure and electricity still sparked about around it. "I'll take that as a 'Yes'...." They all made their way down, staring at the wasteland that was the side of the castle. Not much was left, rocks were missing from the mountain and pieces of wood, brick and dirt coated most of the side of it. It was awful to look at and what condition this whole place was in will cost hefty amounts of bits. As they stared, they heard more coughing. Not from them, but outside. Cole. They all rushed to him, they saw him slowly get up. He was covered in dirt, dust coated his now yellow and black shirt and even blood was dripping from his wounds. Cuts, small gashes. Cole was hammered to all hell. "So..." He groaned. "It's over, right?" He then fell to the side, his vision finally going to black. I hope this ain't death. Because, I know I'm in a bad shape, right now. Was his final conscious thoughts.
Act VI: AnewCole had lived through the worst of many things, the Blast Sphere, getting shot at, blown up, utterly broken by the Beast, frozen, clawed at, burnt by acid and even been thrown large distances. He was a very unkillable person, as Luck always kept him alive. That can either be a curse or a blessing in one light or the other. But what had taken place made him think that he was dead. He literally drained EVERY little drop of his electricity on Discord, then was utterly bombarded with rocks, debris and rubble. He couldn't feel anything anymore, he didn't feel any limbs present either. He felt as if he went through Hell and back. But, that won't break his stride. No, if he was dead, he would not try to return to the living. He would die a hero, somewhat. "So, this must be Purgatory. As I'm sure I don't belong in Heaven or Hell, technically." Cole sighed and continued thinking. However, those thoughts were interrupted by a loud sound of someone clearing their throat. Cole turned his "head" at the sound. And what was there, made him jump. There was a being with a dark hood cloaking most of it, covering feet and head but not it's bony hands. In it's right hand, it held a long dark scythe. The heel of the Chine had a Skull cover most of it. Death, The Grim Reaper. "Heh, you're just how we imagined you." " I take many forms depending on the soul, mortal. This was the most fitting for Humans, however. " He explains, Cole just nods. " Anyway, I am her- " "To take me to either Heaven or Hell, right?" " No. Let me finish. In fact, God has gifted you life. As it was not your time. " He clicked his tongue (somehow) in disgust. "Oh, that's cool." Cole simply stated. "I hope you're gonna be happy with that. As Equestria is where you're going to be, with your 'friends'." Death raised his scythe and ripped a hole in the darkness. He then grabbed Cole and pushed him in the rip with the butt of the Snath. Cole was blinded by the bright light that now shrouded him rather than the darkness. He heard Death say farewell before pushing him out of the Afterlife. Cole slowly opened his eyes and noticed that he was in a Hospital with a heart monitor beeping beside him. IV's and many other things were hooked into his arm and they all were pretty useless as he could heal by Electricity. He shook his head, smirking. He cautiously removed the needles that fed him drugs from his arm. Once he removed all of them, he felt a bit cold and still drained. "I wonder if anyone is around." Cole then turned at the opening door to see Zeke walk in. They both smiled, with Cole's being weak. "So. Nice to be alive, isn't it man?" "Yeah, sure." Cole joked as he stretched, cracking his neck, spine and knuckles for new comfort. "You really were worrisome. Your heart monitor went from a beat every few seconds to every thirty. You really scared us. But, hey. You're up, now." Zeke told him, Cole just laid back down. "Yep. Oh, I talked to Death, by the way." Cole flatly stated. "What?" "Yeah. Cool dude, just really impatient to us. And really disgusted by God's methods. But, I am up and that's what matters." "When you're ready, I can go get the girls for ya." Zeke stood up, awaiting his answer. "Send them in a few minutes." "Alright. Later, brother." Zeke walked out, leaving Cole to his thoughts once more. He was on the brink of death but the combined efforts of Death and God effectively stopped that from happening. What really interested Cole was why he was given another chance, not that he wasn't grateful, mind you. He was just confused. Was he really that important to these Equines? Why was he important? Couldn't of they survived on their own? Maybe, the couldn't. Maybe that was why he was sent here, to be a eternal guardian. Again, his thoughts were paused by the sounds of a door opening. There was a light pink pony with a light red mane staring at him, on top of he mane was a nurse's cap. "Mister MacGrath. You have guests." She explained. "Send them in, please." Cole answered, wanting to see his friends once again. The pony nodded and opened the door completely, the Elements walked in. All of them, including Zeke. "Hey guys, what's-" He was quickly choked by the Elements of Laughter hugging him at tight as she could muster. "Cole! You should of scared us like that. I mean, who doesn't like being scared but that was too much!" Pinkie rambled as Cole felt his trachea close up as his face actually started to change colors. Red to yellow, green to blue, purple to red again. "Pinkie dear. I think Cole requires air for his lungs like us, you know." Rarity told her over-loving friend. She released her vice grip and backed away. "Thank... you... Rarity." Cole gasped, feeling O2 entering his lungs once more. "And I'm glad that you cared about me. It's nice to see someon-pony who cares." "Of course we care.!" Rainbow spoke up quickly. "Why wouldn't we?" "Oh, you know. After freeing Discord and partaking in destroying some of Canterlot-" "Nonsense! Princess Celestia forgives all of that, darling." Rarity assured Cole, he smiled at this. Knowing that the Princess would be forgiving was a load off his back. He hated unveiling the hatred behind someone so kind. Anything as kind as her ALWAYS has a dark side that no-one dares to provoke and awaken. He mentally shuddered but ignored it. "Yeah man. Celestia is a bit ticked off at the damage that was caused but she doesn't blame you. Trust me, if you were in trouble, I would of helped anyway." Zeke declared. "Thanks. Anyway, what did the Doc say about my recovery?" Cole asked, they all looked away with uncertainty. "What?" "Cole. You ain't getting out for at least a month." "A month!?" "Did you see what happened to you? Let me go over what they said. A fractured femur, humerus. Some muscle around your shoulder called a deltoid was ripped. Oh, your jaw was fractured. That was RD, though. To ad on top of that, your body is absolutely covered in cuts, gashes and bruises. You ain't leaving for some time, brother." Zeke sadly explained, Cole stared at them blankly. "That. Sucks." Cole sighed. "Listen, a month shouldn't be that long for you, right? The Doc will bring him some things of lightning for you to speed up your recovery and they'll give some other stuff and you'll be good to go." Cole just stared at the wall, still disappointed at this revelation. "I'll be out in a month? Should be good, I guess." "Alrighty then. Doc said we had a few minutes and we just burned that up. Later." And with that they left, once again leaving Cole to his thoughts. For the next month, he laid in bed simply thinking and reading the books that either Twilight, the Hospital or even Rainbow gave him. She was always in to this... Daring Do. He looked at the cover and this "Daring Do" looked like Rainbow except with different colors. He told Rainbow that, but she thought it was a compliment rather than a statement. He simply ignored that and continued to read. Twilight gave him books related to Equestria itself. Laws, history and even pony related stuff. Did you know that Carrots can't be grown with Potatoes in the same farm? Cole didn't know that and he was surprised to see that law. After so many weeks, Cole got to explaining some stuff about Earth to Twilight. She was really interested in Technology. Then came to question about Magic and Cole heavily explained that thoroughly. She was confused about that. The hours, days and weeks passed actually pretty quickly and he got to know the Nurses, Doctors and regular patients that were there. "Later Redheart. I'm finally getting out." "We're gonna miss you. Just... try not to get yourself hurt THAT bad again, okay?" "I'll try." He joked. He took his final look at the hospital and went out the doors. Fresh, unscented air met him as the blue sky welcomed him to freedom. The bright sun stared back at him and he knew that this was where he was stuck. He should accept it but Cole had difficulty doing just that. He didn't let that dim his bright mood. The day of his release from the Hospital, he got a note saying to go to Sugarcube Corner. He took his time making his way downtown as he wanted to take in the scenery and maybe meet a few ponies along the way. Just... relax as he always wanted. Peace was something Cole or Zeke could never really get. They were always dealing with something as it was. Either it was the Corrupted, Militia, Vermaak 88 or just normal day saving. There was always something keeping Cole busy. Not to long, after some waves from ponies and little "Hi"s, he finally arrived to the place. It was open but the lights were off. The sign said "OPEN" anyway. Cole shrugged his shoulders and opened the door. He was then blasted with confetti as ponies jumped out and yelled. "SURPRISE!" There was a banner hanging from the roof that was labeled. "Happy Recovery from the Hospital/Welcome To Equestria/Thank you for defeating Discord Party" He chuckled at that. "Uh... thanks?" "So, after so long, Pinkie had to idea to throw you a big party. First, just the hospital, but then she remembered the other ones. It's nice to get out finally, you know? I'm sure it got boring. So, happy recovery-from-the-hospital-welcome-to-Equestria-thank-you-for-defeating-Discord. Ready to party, man?" "Sure." And so it began anew. Cole's new life began with this and now he face every challenge that shows his face to him. For now, he can rest easy. But, for him, evil will always be around the corner. Simply waiting for it's turn on the giant chessboard that is life. We are it's pawns and we must abide by it. The End
Act VII: Locality "Ugh... My head." Cole groaned as he awoke. His eyes bolted open at the sight of a house that looked like a tornado ripped through it and left it there for the fucking comedy. Confetti, streamers and ponies lay strewn about. Spilled soda, chips and other... questionable fluids pooled along the sticky flooring. Cole rubbed his head, feeling the hangover ram it's fist in his head. He carefully waded his way over the wave of pony to reach the Amp. It was lodged into a wall. Which had a gaping hole in it. Cole simply stared at the destruction, mouth agape. He reached for the Amp, pulling out of the wood, he sheathed it once more. He again carefully stepped over bodies and pushed open the door. Light instantly blinded him. "Gah! Son of a bitch!" He cursed at the brightness of the sun. He swore he heard Celestia laughing at him as he covered his eyes. "Fuck you, Sun." He raised his middle finger at the sun and walked towards Gold Oaks Library, stumbling every so step. After about three minutes, he arrived. He loudly knocked on the door, Spike answered the door. He rubbed his eyes and jumped at the sight of Cole. "MON- Oh wait, you're Cole right?" "Yep. You're Spike, right?" "Yep. Twilight's upstairs, by the way." "Cool." He closed the door behind Cole, running back up the stairs to Twilight. Cole sat down on the couch and stared at the wall, rubbing his temples. Hearing the sound of hoofsteps, he turned his head towards the approaching tired Twilight Sparkle. "Hey sunshine. Sleep well?" "Yeah, I guess. You kept half the town up." Twilight groaned as she started making Coffee. "What? You weren't at my party?" Cole joked with her. "I was. For a few hours, then I turned in. Some ponies have things to do, you know." Twilight yawned as she continued the process. "Sure." He said sarcastically but jokingly. Cole laid his head back on the couch, sighing. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the silence for as long it would last. "So, what happened last night because I can't remember shit." "First, while you still sober, you arm-wrestled both Applejack and Rainbow. Won against both of them with Applejack getting close to beating you. Rainbow tried hitting on you, but you turned her down. But, she was really drunk by that time. Zeke and you both put at least one gallon of alcohol down your throats. And the rest I didn't see as I was gone by that point." Twilight explained, Cole chuckled and continued staring at the ceiling. "Oh yeah. I remember now. It was awesome, though. First party I've had in a while." Cole sighed and smiled. "Yeah, Pinkie doesn't throw too many of THAT magnitude. She throws many parties, but that... was big. Even for her." Twilight claimed as she took a big drink of her coffee. It was silent for a minute then Cole said the darnedest thing. "Hey, you think Rainbow really likes me in that way?" Cole questioned, Twilight almost choked on her coffee. "Why?" "I'm not interested in her, honestly." "I'm sure she didn't mean it. Just off her rocker from the cider." "I mean, I don't think she's ugly or anything. I'm sure in this world, she is probably to die-for. But, I don't think I want to start dating equines." "Trust me, Rainbow was just being stupid. It'll be fine. And if she does, I'm sure you can tell her that you're not interested." "Yeah. I just hope that she's not the I-don't-take-no-for-a-answer type." Cole closed his eyes again and he faded to sleep once more. He opened his eyes to see more blackness, but he knew he was living this time. Must be my subconscious , He thought. "Yes. It is." He heard a feminine voice behind him. It was a midnight blue princess with a mane of the stars themselves. "Princess Luna. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Cole bowed lightly, holding his right arm out and his left arm folded under his stomach. "No need for the formalities, Cole. And please, call me Luna." She gestured, Cole nodded. "Okay, Luna. What are doing here, then?" "As the Princess of the Night, it is my job to make sure our subjects have well dreams. If they have nightmares, I help them overcome said fears." "Oh, so you can go into dreams?" He asked with a smirk on his face. "Yes, why?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking of something from my world." He thought of Inception. "Say princess, what would happen if you dreaming inside of a dream while in a dream inside a dream?" Luna stared at him, looking like she was counting something on the top of her head. "Er... what?" She mumbled. Cole laughed at that, he fell on the floor ripping his sides a new one. "Oh, you should see your face. Priceless!" Cole finally calmed down after Luna stared at him with confusion. "I... don't get your humor." Luna looked at him while he sighed. "It's a inside joke. Anyway, WHY are you here? I know why but why me?" "Because, we- I mean, I want to talk. You know, get to know each other. I am still new to society here." "Ah. The whole Nightmare Moon thing, right?" "Yes." "So, what do you want to know?" Hours passed as they talked, Cole shared some information from his world that he kept from the Elements for reasons and Luna in turn told him some things about herself. After sometime, it turned into juicy gossip. They each giggled at the little secrets they shared. "So then, Celestia told her guards to leave the area for a few hours. I walk in after I hear her moaning and she's stuffing her face with red velvet cake!" They both fell on the black ground and laughed their asses off. "She was covered in head to hoof with vanilla frosting!" "Really? That explains the-" He made a circular motion with his hands and pretended to pull to a train whistle. Luna snickered and laughed once more. "This... was nice. It's nice to see someone who has good humor. I certainly got some of my own." "It was nice talking with you, Cole. I believe you are going to have some time of peace for a bit. Enemies only like Discord attack only so many months and years." Luna bid him farewell and she left, waking up Cole. "Have a good nap?" Twilight asked as he woke up. "Oh yeah. Luna was hysterical." "Is that so? Well, you were smiling so I wondered what was going on." She smirked coyly. "Hey, it wasn't like that. She visited me in my subconscious and said Hi and started talking and that moved on to gossip." He snickered and held in a laugh. "Alright then. Hey, I got a idea for you. Why don't you meet the locals? I'm sure they would like to really know their 'hero'." Twilight announced, Cole nodded as she completed her statement. "You know, I'm going to do just that." Cole got up, cracking his neck and knuckles. He went over himself, checking for everything. "Amp? Check. Useless phone? Check. Still a conduit? Check." He chuckled at that last one. As he opened the door, Twilight stopped him. "Here's an idea of ponies to go to. Lyra, Vinyl and anypony else you want. You'll find Lyra most likely with BonBon around the park. Vinyl works at her store, selling records and the sorts." Cole nodded and headed out. He felt the air blow around him, cold air. He shivered but kept moving. He looked up to see clouds forming as he walked forward. He decided he would go to Vinyl's first. The name sounded familiar but he didn't know. He finally made his way to a grey building with a window showing some records and electronic stuff. He opened the glass door and a small bell rung above him. "Hang on!" A mare spoke out. She sounded kinda like a tomboy but he didn't pay too much attention. Seconds later, a white mare with a crazy electric blue mane walked out of the door behind the counter. "S'up. You must be the human Lyra was talking about." "The one and- Wait, never mind. There's two of us here." "Yeah, the one with lightning that comes from his 'hands', right?" "That one." "What can I do for you, then?" "Actually, I came over as I wanted to meet some new ponies. I only know the Elements and Twilight told me to go say Hi. So - Actually, I have a question." "Shoot." "How do you have records? But, you have a Dubstep system right there." "You know 'bout it?" "Uh.. duh! Humans use it for music!" "Humans? I wonder who got it first?" "I don't know. What year is it here?" "7013." "The hell?" "What?" "It's only 2011 where I come from! "Whoa! And you already have that? What else do you have?" "Phones." Cole removed his phone and placed it on the counter. She stared at it with confusion. "It allows you to talk to people over great distances at the same time. Rather than letters." "That is awesome. How's it work?" "It needs a radio tower. Long pole about four hundred to six hundred feet into the air. It turns electric power into radio waves and vice versa. I can't really explain the Radio waves, honestly. I'd need Wikipedia for that." "Wiki- what?" "Place of knowledge. Tells you everything. It's on the Internet." "What's that?" Cole sighed at told her everything about the Web. It took about a hour, honestly. "And that is the Internet." Vinyl's mouth was agape, staring off into space. "You okay?" He moved around her, poking her in different ares. Face, belly, forelegs, back. He even poked her mane and tail. "I think I broke her." He said to no-one. She finally took off her glasses in a slow manner revealing her magenta eyes. "Mother of Celestia..." "Uh... yeah. That's the... uh... internet. So, I'm going to leave you to your... wubs. Later." He walked out the door, he closed it behind him. He exhaled loudly and moved on to the park. If they aren't there, maybe I can chill there anyway. He took his time but neared the park. He looked around for thirty minutes but didn't find them. He then noticed a park bench and sat on it, exhausted somewhat. "Nature. Ain't it nice?" Cole said to himself, he heard something gasp and something took a seat next to him. Cole looked over to see a mint green unicorn staring at him and sitting like him. "Isn't that uncomfortable?" "Nope!" "You're Lyra, right? I wanted to say Hey, but I didn't see you around." "I was getting a smoothie." Cole stared at her like she just said heresy. "What?" "They. Have. Smoothies. Here?" "Yeah. Over there. Why?" Lyra then saw him run off to the stand, he got himself a pink smoothie and walked back over. "What flavor?" "Strawberry Banana. Absolutely Delicious." "I know, right? You should try the Blueberry Pomegranate. I had it and it was like sipping pure Love." "I thought ponies didn't have stuff like that." "Are you kidding? The best of the best is the cold stuff. Milkshakes especially." "You said it, sister. So, why'd you sit with me?" "Isn't it obvious? You're famous and you're a human. Well, Conduit. But, still." "What, they have newspapers here?" He was then handed a newspaper cloaked in a golden glow because of her horn. "Huh, I keep finding out more stuff day by day." He looked at the main article. "Newly arrived Human slash Conduit saved all of Equestria from certain peril. Huh, I guess I am." He smiled as took another sip from his divine cold beverage. "Wait. What about the human part?" "I had a dream once. I saw a bunch of you... thingies walking about on your streets. It was so cool! I've always wanted to see one for real. BonBon kept telling me that it was just a dream. But..." "I'm here. I see. Well, you're dreams are correct. We do exist and we do live amongst the stars." They both sat there, admiring the nature. Shortly, Lyra looked up at the sky and her pupils shrank. "Sorry. I have to go! Bye!" She jumped and took off. Cole waved goodbye as she did. He stood up, cracking his back. He made his way back, happy that he knows some other ponies rather than the Elements. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone calling to him. "Hey!" He heard a mare call to him. She was on a ladder, which made Cole realize even more that this world was alike. Her coat was a light yellow. Her mane was a magenta-violet with a light violet streak going through it. Her eyes were a light green like the stem of a plant. "Yeah?" "Can you please hoof me that pot down there?" "This one?" "Yes, please." "Here you go." He reached up and gave her the pot with a Aloha rose in it. She carefully grabbed it and placed it in the window sill. "Thank you kindly. Hey, you're the human slash Conduit, right?" "Yup. Cole." "Roseluck." "By your... mark, I guess you're involved with flowers." "Yes, I own the flower shop. Along with my sisters." "Hey, actually. I want to get a bouquet. - No real money. Crap." "Who's it for?" "A few mares that are my friends." "I can help you with that. Follow me." Cole followed her into her shop. The smell of flowers hit his nose within enter. He coughed lightly but ignored it. "What are they like?" "One is smart, loves books." She nodded. "One is rowdy, likes sports. The next is hardworking, works on a farm actually. Then, the next is really hyper and always up for a party. Finally, there is the elegant one. Higher class one but still lives here. And the last but not the least is shy, likes animals." "Alright. I got the perfect ones. As I know who you're talking about." She turned around and opened the door behind her. She retrieved a special bouquet of assorted flowers. The colors matched the Elements precisely. "Wow. That should be perfect. What do I owe you?" "Need a job?" "Yeah, actually." "There you go. See you Tomorrow at ten." She handed him the flowers and he bid her farewell. He made his way back to the Library, flowers in tow. "Guess who's back?" He opened the door to see all the girls there and staring at him. "I got presents. Twilight for you, Aster. Rarity, Iris. Applejack, Marigold. Pinkie, Petunia. Fluttershy, Daffodil. Rainbow, Morning Glory." He dusted off his hands from the flower pollen. "So?" "Cole. These are marvelous!" Rarity beamed. "Where did you get these?" Twilight asked. "Roseluck. I got a deal. I also got a job in the process." "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today or else I would of not taken this." Rainbow announced, Applejack nudged her shoulder. "Whatever." "It's a special occasion, I guess." Cole rubbed his hands together. "So, I have a idea. How about tomorrow we go out to eat?" "Where, darling?" Rarity asked. "Someplace nice. I got work tomorrow and well... I decided we should do something nice." "Sounds good." Twilight noted. "Yes, It's been some time since we've gone out, hasn't it girls?" Rarity asked, the group nodded and agreed. "Then it's settled. Cole, we will take you up on that." "Sweet, later guys! Hey, have any of you seen Zeke?" "Not since this morning, why?" Rainbow answered. "I hope he's okay." END OF ACT SEVEN
Act VIII: Good Life "Ugh... My head." Zeke groaned as he awoke. His eyes bolted open at the sight of a city, he was laying down on a sidewalk near water. Cars were no longer present and the city looked very proper. "This is... New Marais. What the hell? It looks different." He remembers the crazy city that was New Marais and now... It looks like a different city. Buildings were cleaned, streets had no litter and everybody walked proudly. It was quite a sight to see humans once more... But, Zeke was curious. He reared his arm and punched himself straight in the chest. He huffed at the sudden loss of air. "Okay. Not dreaming." Zeke checked himself and started walking. "Where is Zeke?" Cole whispered to himself as he continued walking around the town. He stopped searching after so long and took a seat on a bench near him. Sighing, he looked up to see clouds forming getting eventually worse. Clouds started to grow dark gray on their vast bodies. He stared until he heard wings flapping beside him. Rainbow was there. "Hey, s'up Rainbow." Cole greeted. "Hey. Find Zeke?" "Nope. Not a single trace. Every pony I asked said that they hadn't seen him since the party." He sighed once more. "Think something happened to him?" "Maybe. Hopefully, nothing bad." Cole laid back, reaching his arm across the bench. "Hey, I got to ask you something." "Shoot." "They're having a big event in Cloudsdale and...-" "You want me to go?" "Fluttershy's scared and everypony else don't really have wings. So?" "Sure, I'll go. I ain't got anything else to do. When is it?" "About four. You get off work by then, right?" "Yeah, I hope. I'll ask Rose about that. I'm just on break for now. Slow day. Nice for your first. Hey, I'm hungry. Want to go something to eat, real quick?" "Sounds good. I'm starving too." They got up and headed for a cafe that Rainbow had suggested. It was quaint, had good coffee related stuff and was cheap. "So, listen. You can pay right?" Nod. "Good, cause I am still broke technically until I get paid that is." "I don't care. It's not a date, so you're cool. Plus, I'm sure they wouldn't like charge the guy who saved him from 'certain peril!'." They laughed at that. "I hope so." They arrived shortly. The scent of java, sweets and other foodstuffs hit their noses. "This place is making me drool. " He pushed open the door after ducking and they took a seat. The interior was a caramel brown with little brown cups with white outlines going up and down along the wallpaper. Like Rainbow said, it was nice and relaxing. "Hello there, how may I help you today?" "I'll take a dandelion sandwich with some hay fries. Cole?" "Fruit Paradise with a side of Blueberry Yogurt. Thank you." "What's with the fruit?" "Humans eat meat." Cole whispered. Rainbow jutted her head backwards with a face like this. "Hey, we don't eat ponies or anything. Just cow, chicken and pig. In other countries and religions, other things such as goat, sheep and even frog. Humans however, don't require it. We are omnivores. That means that we eat both veggies, fruits and protein like meat. Alright?" "Alright. I guess that explains the teeth. Oh, that was fast." As they finished their quick conversation, food arrived. A short meal, nothing much. Plus, Cole wanted to stay as he is. Being a Conduit doesn't stop you from becoming fat, sadly. But, this place seems to keep him going. They finished eating shortly and Rainbow paid, left a tip and they left. "Hey thanks. I'll pay you back. Promise." Cole stated as he took off, Rainbow saluted him as he ran off. He approached the flowers hop and lo, and behold. There was Roseluck opening the door, looking for him. "There you are. I was beginning to think you took off." She stated, Cole smirked. "Just grabbed a quick meal. Anything happen?" "Nope. Come in, I do want to show you something, however." She smiled and motioned for him to come in and he followed. She led him to the back of the shop where the a black cloak over a case on a pedestal. "What's this?" She pulled off the black cover and in the glass case was a bright blue rose. Cole's mouth dropped. It was gorgeous, it had recently bloomed so it was new, fresh and ever so fragile. "What... Is that?" "Crystal Rose. A rare type of flower that only grows during this time of the year and even then, the chances of it growing are one to one hundred. Luckily, I saw this on the bush behind my house and here we are." "How much is it worth?" "Five hundred bits." "That sounds like a lot." "If you were a pony, I'd slap you. Yes, that is a LOT. That's almost what a Royal Guard get's paid on a daily basis." "That's their paycheck? Fuck me, I'm sure I'd make a good guard then." Cole simply stared at it, admiring the curves, petals and even the beautiful stem. It was teal and was perfectly clean. No thorns, absolute crisp blue flower. "What are you going to do with it?" "Either keep for my own or make a good deal." "Selling this? I don't know. Maybe, you should keep it. However, if you find no sentimental value, then go ahead and sell it for the hundreds it's worth." Cole placed his hands around his waist, gazing at the elusive beauty. "I plan on making sure you're worth it. Co-" She was interrupted as a fancy looking pony walked in. Tan coat, sleek black hair. Bags of money on butt, tie with a dollar sign on it. This guy was the real fucking deal. "Hello there. Are you the owner of this fine shop, ma'am?" Roseluck's eyes drank to pin pricks. "Yes, Filthy Rich. I am!" Cole suppressed a snicker at that name. He liked the Filthy part. You know, cause he was tan. Dirt? Brown coat? Get it? "Is that a Crystal Rose I see?" He looked at her with a smirk. "Y-yes." "Then, I am prepared to offer whatever price you can name for it. I will not leave here without that divine piece of Equestria." He proclaimed. Roseluck just stared off into the distance, he then fell over. "Is... she okay?" "God, I hope so. So, any price eh? I'm her assistant, so I'll give you a price. A thousand." "Perfect. Excuse me." He motioned his hoof behind him and a faded yellow stallion walked in, holding a bag of bits in his mouth. He placed the bag on the counter. Cole opened it and saw gold for days. He gawked at that but smirked. He went behind him, grabbing the case of the rose. He carefully handed it to the stallion's "butler". He bid Cole farewell and left the store. "Huh?... What happened?" Roseluck groaned as she regained consciousness. "Made a sale that you'd be proud of. Thousand bits, one happy stallion. Here you go." He handed her the bag and a blue petal as she got back up. "Petal?" "One fell off. Don't worry." "Cole. I can't take all of this. You helped and I at-least need to pay you." "Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden." She smiled and gave him a equivalent of half the bag, Cole the gave her back most so he had only one-third. She was going to protest but Cole told her it was okay. She told him it was okay for him to go home and he did. "So, that was my first day as a flower boy. Not that bad." He smirked. He slowly made his way to the City Hall. Approaching the building, he went over the bits inside. Two hundred and fifty. Not bad. He opened the door and was greeted by the desk manager. "Hello there. How may we help you today?" The mare at the desk greeted. "I want to buy a house, please." "Left." Cole nodded and opened the door on the left, there was the Mayor sitting at her desk. She was going over some paperwork involving hospitals, healthcare and such. "Excuse, Mayor Mare." She looked at the noise and saw the hero himself. "Cole MacGrath. Hero of Ponyville, maybe even Equestria. What can I do for you?" "A house." "Finally moving up in the world, eh?" They chuckled. "But in all seriousness, what are you looking for?" "Small. Just for one." "Alright then. Here is the list of available residencies. Take your time." She gave a clipboard with papers on it, showing pictures of houses along with the said article of house. "That one." He pointed to a small blue house. She smiled at his choice, nodding. She gave him the address and paperwork and he was off. 172 Cherry Meadow. He followed the map he was given and he found himself in front of the blue house. "Nice." He made his way inside, the interior was dusty but very cozy. The couch still seemed new and there was a nice cherry wood table in front of the couch. He made his way upstairs after seeing the kitchen. The bedroom, bathroom and such were upstairs. Cole opened the bedroom door to see darkness. He felt along the wall and found a light switch. The light turned on to reveal a very empty bedroom. One bed, bed-stand and a closet. A few books lay on the bed-stand. "Simplistic. I like simple." He turned off the light and closed the door behind him. He cracked his knuckles as walked down the stairs. "Time to get to work."
Act IX: AmazementAct IX: Amazed "Princess. We have grave news from Manehattan." A Royal Guard speaks to Celestia grimly as he entered. "Yes?" "A building caught fire the other day. But not just any, it was a Art Galley. Hundreds maybe even thousands ponies were and... they didn't make it out. Six came out, three severely burned, the others just had small cuts and scraps." She stared at him with pure sadness. "That's not all. A few hours later, seventeen were murdered anonymously. No traces were found." "Do you have any idea who did this?" Celestia asked, anger replacing her once regal voice. "No." "Find the culprit. Then, bring him to me." "Yes, your highness." The guard turned around and left. She sighed sadly and began thinking. "Whew." Cole wiped the seat from his brow. He put down his duster and dusted himself off. He backed away to see his newly refurbished house from a better view. No more cobwebs, that's for sure. He noted, sitting on his leather couch. "I love this thing." He sat there for a minute before he heard a knock on the door. He sighed in protest but got up. He walked over to the door, opening it revealed a familiar cyan pegasus. "Whoa... Nice place." She waltzed right in, uninvited. "Yeah, it's still a bit dusty but it is still good looking." Cole coughed after some dirt got in his throat. "Yeah, you need to liven up the place though. Get some brighter curtains. Jet black? I mean who has black curtains?" Rainbow huffed and crossed her arms. "The last owner, that's who. I'm also gonna need some food, proper electricity and water. The bathroom is really nice." Cole sat back down on the leather couch, sighing in relief. "Dude, that's leather." Rainbow noticed, looked disgusted. "Yep. Humans make a lot of crap with leather. My sheathe for my Amp is leather." He exclaimed. "Oh, that's right. This house did feel familiar, a Gryphon used to live here." Rainbow informed. "Really?" Cole looked surprised. "Yeah, got the couch and a few other leather things." "Guess that explains the old meat in the freezer." He mentioned, laying his back. "What?" "Yeah, some reallllly old meat in there. Reeked like death, I got rid of it though." He chuckled. "Good. So, you got a job, a house, next is a family." She joked, Cole stared at her. "Yeah, that'll happen. I don't think anyone-" "Anypony." She corrected him. He deadpanned at her. "-ANYPONY wants to be with me. I'm sure ponies want to be with Stallions, not Guys. There's a difference, you know." "Like?" "Really Rainbow? You really want me to delve into that? I think you're sick as I really don't want to talk about that." "Hey, just curious." "Curiosity killed the cat." "Say that to Fluttershy and I will have your head on a pike." "Okay. Sheesh. Anyway, I'm sure that this is where it's at. Now, I just wait and live my life." "Oh yeah, I came over here to tell you that the Event in Cloudsdale is in about thirty minutes. You still comin'?" She notified him. "Oh yeah. Come on." They both left the house after Cole locked it and headed for the clouds, jumping from cloud to cloud, he made his way on the city. "Wow. Looks awesome." "Come on, it's this way." "What's this even about?" "A Wonderbolts Show." "That... is?" She stopped causing Cole to bump into her. He backed up as Rainbow stared at him like he murdered somebody. "The Wonderbolts are the most awesome-est fliers in Equestria." "So, what? They do stunts and stuff?" "Yeah! The most awesome stunts!" "I can tell that is going to be a fun evening. Let's go." They then proceeded to go towards the Wonderbolts event. Cole thought that was going to be silly. He wasn't going to say that, however. He kept to himself and followed Rainbow. Fifteen minutes later and they arrived at the stadium. "Fuck. Are their that many ponies attending?" "They are a branch of Royal Guard, you know. They boost moral with their stuff. Come on." "What type tickets are those?" "Special. We get a great view." ~~~~~~~CAMERA CUT LATER~~~~~~~ "On a cloud, near the track itself. Fuckin' A." He rolled his eyes but began watching. The Wonderbolts reveal themselves and the fun begins. A few hours later and they are finally done. They wave goodbye and head back into the building of clouds. "So? What'd you think?" Rainbow asked, a large smile on her face. "They remind me of the Blue Angels. They had some cool stunts but I'm hard to impress. Being the man who can shoot LIGHTNING from his fingertips!" He yelled loudly on purpose. "Sheesh! You didn't have to yell." "Yes I did." He pointed behind them as two ponies were approaching them. "Spitfire and Soarin'? Oh. My. Gosh." "Let's say Hi, shall we?" He got up and walked towards them as Rainbow followed. "You must be Cole, right?" The orange one with flame-like hair greeted. "The Conduit? Yep." He placed his hands on his waist. "Rainbow, nice to see you again." She noticed her. "Nice to see you too, Spitfire!" She quickly replied. "So, the 'Hero of Equestria' came to see our show?" She questioned, he chuckled. "Yeah, Rainbow here, got tickets and I decided, what the hell? Why not?" "Say, you couldn't show us a demonstration of your lightning, could you?" Spitfire asked him. "Me? I'd be honored. Show me the way." She led him a large bundle of clouds on the track. "Strut your stuff Peacock. We'll be over in the stadiums." Spitfire flew off leaving the Conduit alone. The ponies all stared at the man standing on a cloud, flexing. "Showtime." Cole cracked his neck and bent down to ready position. He released a torrent of wind, lightning and dust known as Ionic Vortex. Their mouths dropped as it released, bringing puffy clouds into the swirling tornado. It stopped quickly as he hooked to a higher cloud with his Lightning Tether. He bounced off the cloud and unleashed many forms of Bolts, Grenades and Rockets upon the cloud he was standing on. He smiled and slammed into the ground with a Thunder Drop, causing the clouds to dissipate. He hooked back to safety with his Lightning Tether once more. "So, how was that Spitfire?" He asked as came back to them. Everypony clapped at his performance. "That was amazing. At first, I thought it was a lie that you could use lightning but you sure proved me wrong." She admitted. "Dude, that was epic." Soarin bluntly commented. "I aim to please." He dusted the cloud specs off of him and stared at the till gawking Rainbow. "If you think that's awesome, I still have some tricks up my sleeve." He poked Rainbow with 20 volts of lightning causing her to jump high. "Easy..." He chuckled. "That... was awesome." She muttered. "Good to know. Rainbow, ready to head home?" Cole asked. "Yeah. Later guys." They walked off as the two waved. They got back to ground relatively quickly. "So, that was actually pretty nice. I didn't use up too much energy and I think I made more friends. You?" "Yeah, Spitfire and Soarin respect people who can amaze them." She smirked. "Hey, I'm actually tired after that show. So, I'm going to head home and sleep. Later." He walked off, waving goodbye. Rainbow raised her hoof up in protest but lowered it back. "Yeah... later." She sighed.
Act XI: Crystals It had been a few hours that he'd been flying as the Crystal Empire was quite far away. Not too long ago, he was at Canterlot to be sent to Crystal Empire because the Captain of the Royal Guard wanted to see him. He thought it was a odd request to send him all the way here for questioning. He kept to himself, however. He just wanted to be away from the now pissed off Rainbow Dash. He still had the picture in his pocket. She looks so weird in a Maid's outfit. But to the stallions, that was definite... something material that I'm not going into. She looked hot for Stallions eyes, in Cole's, she looked plain fruity. It was really tight around her which showed off her "toned" body. Cole couldn't tell the difference between toned and normal. She just seemed a bit more tiny than usual ponies. Besides Pegasi anyway. He finally saw the crystalline kingdom in the distance. His jaw dropped at the sight. The beams of light cast by the sun shined and beamed off the crystal kingdom and created a euphoria of colors. It looked like staring at a rainbow constantly. He squinted his eyes and stared away from it. Shortly after, he landed in the kingdom. And was greeted by more guards. Holding spears. Crap. He thought as he got out. To be honest, the guards were surprised at his height but they kept their composure and led him to the main castle where he was greeted by the Captain's and the Princess' personal guards and they had magic. "Here we are, Conduit. Through this door." The guards backed off and motioned for him to enter. He did as motioned for, he entered. He was surprised to see this Princess Cadence. Pink. So. Much. PINK. She was apparently the Princess of Love or something like that. "Hello there. You must be Cole." She greeted him. "You know, you're a sight for sore eyes." He joked, she sighed and smiled. "Shiny is a little too overwhelming about that. Anyway, welcome to the Crystal Empire and I hope you'll enjoy as I think Shiny plans on keeping you here for a bit." "As long as I'm not cooped up, I hate being cooped up. Speaking of Shiny, here he is." Cole raised his hand and Cadence turned around. "There you are Conduit." He greeted roughly. "Really dear? You know what, I'm going to go get some tea. Want any?" "That would be nice." Cole raised his hand, she nodded and left. "You're wife is nice. I like her. In a platonic sense. I know she's your wife. So, what do you want from me anyway?" "Answers." "Okay. A little vague. Where do you want to start?" "How did you get here?" And interrogation began. Every question that Shining asked, Cole answered. "Well how about- Actually, that's it." Cole stopped sipping his tea as he stopped firing questions. "Done?" He sighs. "Yes." "What was this about anyway?" "Why do you want to know?" "Because, I'm trying to help. Hopefully fill the holes I've created in my past." Cole sighed. "What do you mean?" Shining asked. "First, what I say must never leave this room. Not even to your wife. If I explain it, you tell me why you asked me all these questions. Deal?" "Deal." "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm no hero. I've killed innocents. "Shining stared at him, slack-jawed. "I've only wanted power and do that, I killed anyone that got in my way. I chose the wrong choices and ended the lives of so many. Shining, I wanted to reform. Turn over a new leaf, be the hero for once in my life to know what it like to loved, looked up to. " Cole looked looked sad and gritted his teeth. "I killed my own friend for fucks sake! I killed millions to save thousands. When I came to Equestria, there was still purity in this world. Hope, kindness and friendship. When Discord came and started chaos, it hit me deep. I felt as if he was me. He was going to cause chaos at at first but I knew it would become destruction one day. I knew he had to go and he must be defeated even if it cost me my life. That's right, for the first time in forever, I risked my life to save them all. What I've done - can never be forgiven. I know I'm still going to burn in the pits of whatever type of Hell there is. I at least want to ease the pain. That's why I want to help, Sir. To right my wrongs, to pure my unholiness... Be a hero." Cole sighed and sat down. Shining stared at him, feeling sad for him. "I like you Cole." He raised his eyebrow at him. "Do you know why? You admitted you were wrong. If you want to be a hero, that's the first steps. You can try again, trust me." Shining smiled at him and Cole lightly smiled in return. "Now, my end of the deal. You see large black crystals have appeared outside of the Crystal Empire. They're filled with small concentrations of Dark magic. That kind of magic can only belong to-" "King Sombra." His wife finished his sentence. "A evil ruler that plunged this kingdom into darkness. They were scared of their leader and never tried to overthrow him. The kept up until Princess Celestia ended it. We fixed this with the Crystal Heart, a embodiment of pure love. He was defeated by our hooves and almost forgotten about. But now, I swear I hear his laughing." "I'll help you." Cole stated. "If I'm going to be here for a bit, I'm going to help. Trust me, you'll need assistance." "Alright. Shiny, prepare a chariot. We're heading out." "Right." The husband walked off, fetching the guards. "I overheard you earlier." Cadence admitted. "I was at first hesitant to believe that. You seem like such a nice person from first glance and then..." "I know. Good on the outside, evil on the in. I'm here to try and correct it." "I know you will." She smiled and Cole smiled with her. And the adventure began, they headed off towards these crystals. Staring down from below, Cole shuddered at the coldness, feeling the flames inside him extinguish. He felt something inside him shrivel up and die, but he ignored the feeling. They arrived to the location, shortly. As they said, large jet black crystals jutted up from the grounds, creaking cracks around them. Cole walked up to them and felt the evil literally emanating off it. It was cold like ice and made him shudder at the slightest touch. "So, this is pure evil. "Cole stared at the large crystal, arms crossed. "It's... underwhelming, honestly." "This is just a fraction of his power. Be wary." They began walking around, examining the large black stalagmite. Cole then felt something underneath the ponies. He threw them out of the way with Kinetic Pulse and watched as a humongous black crystal rammed upwards, creating a literal spike of darkness. "Whoa. Thanks, Cole." "Yeah, I felt that. Like... something is underneath us. Something that's creating them, we gotta get underground." Cole stated. "We could get the Mining Squadron." The accompanying guard informed. "Yes. Get them, we need them." The Guard stared at the couple and they nodded to confirm the order. He then took off , flying away. "While they're doing that..." He dropped to his knees and placed his hand on the ground, feeling for disturbances. As he thought, tiny vibrations echoed throughout the snowy ground. "As I thought. Something IS underground. And we're gonna find out what." He kept his hand firm on the ground as he heard another chariot arrive. He turned his head to see furry dog-human creatures. "What are they?" "Diamond Dogs." Cadence spoke up. "They are beings who their entire life in underground. They make unbeilevable mines and dig jewels. We recently recruited them into our army after being promised more jewels." "They intelligent?" "Yes, they can speak But they lack proper grammar." The Guard began talking and the Dogs nodded and began working to Cole's astonishment. His jaw was agape at the speed of their digging. "This is how we dig, nowadays." Cadence chuckled. "Princess! We find something!" One of the Dogs speak up, they stare down the hole as a Dog brings up a dark jewel, coated in a dark haze. "Feel really cold. Me no like." "It's okay. It's what we're looking for." Cole bends down to pick up the jewel. He grabs it and is instantly is cold to the bone. He shudders but keeps examining it. He charges up electricity to his palm and the jewel shatters, sending dull pieces of crystal everywhere. "So, that's who they keep popping up. Look." He points towards the pieces and they sink into the ground. Seconds later, large onyx crystals pop up in their place. "The crystals explode from the heat down there and keep creating more crystals. How many are down there is the million dollar question." "Sombra's 'banishment' must of caused this." Shining declares, Cole nods and stands back up. "Exactly. We need to get more diggers out her. We need to get these crystals out of the ground. Alright, we got a job to do." "Men, you will listen to Cole from now on as well as us. He asks you something or gives you a order, you follow it or risk the Dungeon. Got it?" Salutes. "Good. Cole, we'll get more and you keep this up." "Over and Out. Alright, let's do this." Time passes as they find more and more crystals. They retrieve it and place it in a bag away from destruction. Hours pass and more Diamond Dogs arrive and more guards to help mine. Soon after, it seems to become a whole mining system. "Men. I think that's enough. Get up." Cole commands and his "soldiers" follow the order. Unicorns for lighting, earth ponies for mining and Diamond Dogs all get out of the large crater. "I'm sure we got the right idea. There are still many jewels down there but... it's getting late. It's almost near eight and I'm tired of this cold. Time to head home." "Yes sir!"
Act XII: Return to Sender Cole sat in his room, staring at the ceiling. His mind was so full of thoughts he couldn't get to sleep. He tossed and turned in his bed, trying to fall asleep but it was futile. Sighing, he got up and left his room. He quietly made his way out of the castle, entering the streets. He walked around, admiring the Empire. He walked around for a good minute staring at either the moon or the buildings. As he went around a corner, he saw a flames flicker in the distance. He squinted his eyes and made out a small ball of flames. He ran towards the flame and as he neared the flame started moving away from him. As he sped up, the ball of flame kept it's distance. Cole kept pushing towards it and finally, when he was in a dark area of the city, the flame extinguished. It was almost black and the only light was the moon that gave a sliver of light. Colt heard noises like little steps and feet or hooves leaving the ground and hitting moments later like jumping. Cole charged his hands full of lightning and aimed where ever he heard a noise originate from. He heard something behind him and he turned around to be face-to-face with green eyes with purple smoke emanating from them. He stepped back as he heard dark laughter. He bumped into something and turning around revealed a black wall. Cole tried to push on it but it wouldn't budge. He hit it with a bolt and it bounced off. " Running will get you nowhere, Conduit. " A deep voice spoke from behind him. "Who are you?" He asked, grabbing his Amp. " Someone very important. I am the one who planted those jewels and you are spoiling my plans. So, I know the perfect treatment to remove you. All you are is just a thorn is my side and all thorns must be removed. " He was grabbed by arms that came out of the wall and he was pulled against it. He was being crushed as the arms continued to pull, squishing his lungs. He gritted his teeth and tried to reach for his Amp on the ground but couldn't. He tried and tried but the pain worsened quickly and he gave up. The arms finally grabbed his neck and began crushing his windpipe. And as he slowly faded from existence, he heard the laughter one last time... "AH!" Cole bolted up from bed and regretted it instantly. The spontaneous movement didn't give his blood enough time to move with his body. He laid back down as he panted heavily, holding his chest. He stopped panting shortly and looked at the clock on the wall. "Nine? I guess it's time to get up." He stretched and got out of bed. He headed for the shower, knowing that he smelled like awful grubby sweat. Moments later, he got out and and put on the extra clothes he was given by Rarity. A simple white and grey T-Shirt and midnight blue pants with the same Union Jack symbol on them. He left his Amp in his room, however. He didn't think he'd need it. He walked downstairs to see the couple eating breakfast. "Cole. I didn't think you were a morning person." Cadence puzzled. Cole raised his hand flat out and leaned it to the right and left as he said - "Eh... fifty-fifty. I'm a noon and morning person. I prefer morning, however. So, what's to do today?" He asked the Captain who was drinking coffee. "You go home. I know that you mean no harm and you don't have anything to do with those crystals." The Captain stated. "Okay. Are you sure?" "Yes, Cole." Cadence smiled. "It'll be okay. Plus, I think your friends miss you." "Yeah, you're right. But before we go, I want to get a few things." "Oh? What is that?" She asked as he placed his hand on his chin in a comical manner. "You'll see." He smirked. They talked for a bit and left for the town. As they arrived, Cole asked Cadence the weirdest thing. "I want something if you will." "Okay?" "Do you have Crystals Roses?" He asked, raising a eyebrow. "Y-yes. They're quite common, why?" "I want one." "Oh. Guard!" She called for her guards. One arrived seconds later. She whispered into his ear and left by teleport. One minute later and he returns. He held the rose in his magic. "Why, if you don't mind me asking?" "My boss loves flowers and I know she wanted one." Cole explained. She nodded and gave him the flower. "How sweet!" Cadence exclaimed. "Yeah yeah, ready to go?" Shining asked as he stepped forward. "Yup. Let me get my stuff." And that was that, Cole headed in and got his stuff. Retrieving any extra clothes, his Amp and anything else of his, he packed up. He left for the chariot and began the trip back home. The couple waved as he took air and he waved back. He laid back in his seat and let the guards take him home. He closed his eyes and let the wind brush against his face. He fell back asleep moments later. ~~~~~~HOURS LATER~~~~~~ "We're here." A guard spoke up, waking Cole. "Huh? Oh. Perfect." They landed over near Twilight's and ponies expected Princess Cadence because of the guards but saw the Conduit instead. He hopped out and the guards left, flying off. He headed back to his house, dropped off his things, then headed back to Twilight's. "TWILIGHT. Guess who's back!" "Cole!" She rushed downstairs. They hugged. "So, how was the Crystal Empire?" She asked him. "Fantastic. It was mind-boggling how pretty it was. So, now I'm back and ready for anything. So, I got to say hit to the others and give my Boss something. Later!" He walked out and went to their individual places. Cole went to Rarity's, said hi and was gone to the next. He knew Rainbow was probably flying so he headed for Roseluck's shop. "Rose. Guess who's back?" He had his hand behind his back holding the Rose. "Cole! I'm so glad you-" Cole placed a finger on her mouth. "I got you a present." He revealed the rose and almost fainted at the sight of the rose. "From the Crystal Empire and me, to you." "I-I... Thank you, Cole. This means a lot to me. Also, you're fired." "I know." He chuckled. "I took a break when I shouldn't of. I'm not mad. I do hope you find somebody to help you." He waved goodbye as he went to his home, walking with a bounce in his step. When he reached his house, he was attacked by a speeding blur. "Ah, shit!" It was Rainbow who grabbed the picture that Cole actually forgot about. She began ripping it up and tore it to tiny pieces. "Happy?" "Very. Nice to see that you're back. Ponyville is boring without you." "Aw, nice to know." He placed his arm around Rainbow's neck. "So, what do you want to do? I'm free 'cause I don't have a job anymore." "Oh. Well, I don't know then." "Anymore events or anything interesting?" "Not really." "Damn. We'll find something to do." "hey, if you need a job, I'm sure Applejack would like to help." She suggested. "You know what, I'm going to go ask her. Comin'?" "Yeah, I gotta see AJ anyway." They both headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Cole took his time to admire the quaint little town again. It was a nice change after the Crystal Empire which was hard to stare at in the sun. They arrived to the farm moments later and Applejack was already out and kicking the trees. "Yo!" Cole waved to her. She noticed the two and stopped, then walked over to them. "Well, howdy Cole! Nice to see that yer back. So, what can Ah do fer you today?" She asked him. "A Job. I lost mine minutes ago." He chuckled. "Well, I'm mighty sorry for that. Ah'm sure that Ah'm can find you something to do. First, let's test your strength." She showed him to a tree away from hers. "Here. Take your shot, pardner." Cole cracked his knuckles and punched the tree, sending small surges throughout it. He recoiled back in pain however from the bark. Once the lightning hit the stem, the apples literally popped off. "Hah! Take that tree." He bent down and picked up a apple and began eating it. "So?" "Alright then. You can help with getting Apples. Now, can ya carry them?" Cole cracked his neck and used his Kinetic Pulse to grab the Apples and hold them in suspension. "Like this? I've held cars which weigh tons. So, carrying baskets should be easy." "You'll be our heavy lifter then and y'all can help for the farm." She walked off back to her trees. "You can start tomorrow at seven. Get to bed early Cole." She went back to work as they left. "So, you're pretty strong then if you can hold 'tons'." Rainbow claimed. "Yeah, I can only carry so much however. But, Apples are nothing. Mm, this apple is absolutely delicious. I've never tasted a better apple!" He declared as Rainbow chuckled at that. "Trust me, the Apple family makes the best apples. Including their Zap Apples." "Their what apples?" He asked. "Magical apples from the Everfree Forest. They're really good." "Oh. Interesting." He bit from his apple to notice he had all of it. The last was the middle which contained seeds. He just went to his house and threw it away. "So, anything else to do today?" He asked, sitting down. "No, not really." "Well, shit. There's nothing to do, then?" "Yep. Ponyville is a usually quiet town." "Damn. Wait, how about that little 'date' I said I would promise?" Cole remembered. "Buck, I wish you didn't remember that. Fine, around eight right?" "Yup. Look sassy." "Whatever."
Act XIII: Order King Sombra. The evil ex-ruler of the Crystal Empire. He ruled the empire with a wrath of incomparable measures. In Celestia's eyes, he was pure evil. And he was. He was the embodiment of evil and hate. He tortured anyone who went against him and because of that, he struck fear into his "subjects." But, one day, Celestia banished him from his kingdom. Then, years later he returned. But, he was stopped again by the hands of a infant dragon and a princess of love. He hated every moment of defeat and he had tasted it. Now, he had returned once more. However, he would not fail as he produced the perfect scheme to bring back the Empire to his rule again. The Conduit would not be able to stop him or the Elements or the Princess or even Cadence. "Cole, darling. What brings you here today?" The beautiful Rarity greeted our hero. "Oh. The Elements are going to Canterlot and aren't you a Element of Harmony?" He crossed his arms. "Yes I am. But, why are we going?" She asked, curious. "That 'date' I promised you girls?" He notified Rarity. "Oh, that! Right! Yes, let me get ready then." She walked off, fetching one of her dresses to go to Canterlot. He chuckled and sat down on a nearby chair. He picked up a magazine and began reading it to pass the time. Moments later, Rarity came back out holding a bejeweled violet and black suitcase. "Fancy.." He whistled and stood up. "Thank you. Now, may we go? I have already told Sweetie I will be gone for the night." "Yep, the Elements are ready." He opened the door for you and headed out. The air was chilly but not uncomfortably cold. The brisk air brushed against their faces and made leaves rustle. Cole stared off at the setting sun, it lowered slowly in the horizon. The sun sent it's golden rays across the darkening sky and thus it became varying shades of purple. A beautiful sigh to behold and Cole always got a good view of the sun every day. They got to the train station fairly quickly and left for Canterlot. "So, the Princess has booked us a nice hotel to stay in. Really fancy, should suit your style Rarity'. So, we get our rooms, unpack and prepare for a good night. Sound good?" Cole explained. He received several Yeps and he laid back in his seat. "This is going to be nice. Luckily, I still have leftover bits. That house was actually pretty cheap. Only one hundred and fifty leaves me with one hundred and that's enough to eat out. And not to mention, I'm a 'hero'." He chuckled and closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of the train. "What do you mean, Cole?" "I don't consider myself a hero for saving Equestria. I beat Discord, so what?" He scoffed. "So what? Cole, you saved Ponyville and even Equestria! That's a hero in our books." Rainbow declared. "Sure." Cole turned his head and stared out the window, admiring the rising moon. They arrived to Canterlot hours later and the city was still active. They stepped out and noticed this. "Why's a bunch of lights still on?" Rarity gasped. "It's because Hoity Toity is hosting a big event downtown! I totally forgot about it. Cole, we must simply go there first." She pleaded and put on her best puppy-eyes face.. He sighed and smiled at her. "Fine." He chuckled. They all headed to their hotel. They were sent in immediately and they went to their own rooms and unpacked. Well, the Elements did. Cole packed a suit and that was it. And his Amp but that was on the sheathe. They all came out in their dresses and Cole still was in his clothes. "Cole, I think you should leave your "Amp" here." Rarity suggested, pointing to his weapon on his back. "Why?" "One, because you're not going to need it and two, the brown-orange color will clash with your black suit." She pointed out and he chuckled again at her worries. "Okay, I'll leave it here." He took off the sheathe and placed it on his bed. "I'm not using my suit though. I'm putting on something normal." He went back in and minutes later, he came back out with a familiar outfit to him and a new outfit to the girls. A yellow jacket with black highlights along it and dark faded green pants. He wore black fingerless gloves to complete the outfit. "So? I always like this outfit. It definitely is a classic." He patted off the dust on the jacket and cracked his neck. "Shall we?" He walked along the Elements towards the event that this "Hoity Toity" was hosting. "So Rarity, who is this 'Hoity Toity'? He has a weird name, that's for sure." "He is major representative of the fashion world from Canterlot. He only chooses the best dresses in the world for his line of models. I was chosen for that. Many designers are lucky to be even near him. So, I expect that this is a fashion show. It should be good." Rarity explained as Cole sighed. "Great. You're lucky that I agreed to this or else I'd be miles away from here. Don't we need tickets?" "Not if you been chosen by Hoity Toity before, no." "Oh." They made their way to the event and there was a long line of ponies trying to get in. Rarity went first and explained everything. The Elements made their way in and the Bouncer stopped Cole. "Sorry, no animals allowed." Cole just stared at him while the Elements stared slack-jawed. "Animal? Animal, huh. Funny 'cause YOU-" He stopped himself. "Do you know who I am? I am COLE MACGRATH." He got up in the bouncer's face. "Oh. Terribly sorry. Go right in." He smirked. Cole walked and he slammed the door on his face. 'You know the- Ack!" Cole shot a bolt of lightning at his face and the bouncer dropped. "Fuck you." He walked in, ignoring the now most likely pouring in line of ponies "Ah can't believe that they didn't know it was you." Applejack stated, confused. "Whatever. Got in, anyway." He looked back and scoffed at the memory. They found good seats and sat down. Cole sighed once more as he sat in the tiny chair. "This better be good." The lights dimmed all around and everyone stopped talking. Stage lights flashed on and the curtain was pulled aside and the event began. Hours later, they were done and the designer of the line of dresses and Hoity Toity came out and bowed and they were applauded. "Uh, Toity. Who is that?" The fashion designer pointed to the giant bipedal ape in yellow siting next to the mare he remembered as Rarity. "I have no idea. Let's find out." He grabbed a microphone and a overhead light focused on him. "Rarity darling. Glad to see that you came." He smiled. But the smiled dropped quickly. "And so, who is beside you?" The light focused on Cole. "Cole MacGrath. Why?" He looked unamused. "I thought that a-" "I swear to fucking CELESTIA, THAT YOU SAY THAT ANIMALS AREN'T ALLOWED IN HERE, I WILL FUCKING END YOU!" He stood up and electricity surged around his body. "I DARE YOU." He gritted his teeth and awaited his response. "I...I... Never mind." He walked offstage quickly and Cole sat back down, sighing angrily. "Cole darling. Are you okay?" Rarity asked the unusually angry Conduit. "No, Rarity, I'm not. Zeke is gone, I've been called a animal and it will continue unless I do something about it." He exhaled and inhaled deeply to calm himself down. "I need to vent. Humans are violent and the same goes to some Conduits. I... I'm leaving. I really need to go hit something or I'll hit someONE." He stood up and left, knowing that everyone was staring at him. He pushed open the doors and walked into the cold air. He found a bench and sat on it, looking up at the night sky. As he stared, he felt something inside him to tell him to hit something quickly. He looked around and noticed nothing he could hit. He looked back up at the sky and saw a storm rolling in. Not only that, he saw things flying with the storm. They didn't look like pegasi either. They were black and had glassy aqua wings. As they went over him, they came down with great force aiming for the building. Cole jumped on top the building by using his Lightning Tether and aimed at the descending oddities. As they neared, he blasted them with a Kinetic Blast, sending them backwards into the ground. He jumped down and used his Arc Constraint on them, keeping them to the ground. "What the hell are you?" He questioned the weird insect-like creatures. They hissed at him and tried to escape but it was futile. Rainbow walked out, looking for Cole and saw the creatures. "Changelings! What are they doing here, Cole?" "No idea, I just found them flying overhead and stopped them. They were aiming to hit the building and constrained them. What are changelings, anyway?" "Creatures from the Badlands that feed off of love." She explained. "Really? Fucking A. What do we do with them?" He asked her. "Get the others and contact the Princess, Luna, in this case. I'll get the girls, keep them like that." He nodded and she left, leaving him the tiring Changelings. He chuckled and bent down to their level. "You ain't getting out. That there, is pure lightning. I know because I use it." He stood back up and sat back on the bench and stared at them. He looked away and one Changeling escaped. It ran at Cole, kicking him away. He hit the ground and looked up to see the Changeling smirking and aiming it's horn at him. He kicked it away and blasted it with lightning, putting it out for the count. Two escaped and ran after him. He side-sweeped one and kicked the other in the body. He hit them with a few bolts and that finished them. Three escaped and all charged their horns. He used a Scythe Bolt, knocking them down. He hit them with Pincer Bolts and finished them. The last one escaped and began flying away. He used his Precision Bolt and hit it successfully. As that one hit the ground, the others came out and saw the sight. "Sorry, they got out." He chuckled. "And got beat." Cole picked up their bodies with Kinetic Pulse and they headed for the Castle. Thirty minutes later, they arrived. Night guards stood by and noticed the Changelings lighted up by the lightning surrounded them. They were led straight to Luna who was in the Throne room. "Well, its nice to see again, Cole." She greeted him. "Yep. Hey, we got Changelings." Her eyes widened at his statement. Cole dropped them and she walked up to them. "How did they get here unnoticed?" She questioned. "It was dark and they came in with the storm." Cole stated, Luna nodded and sighed. "We will put them in cages and wait for my sister to do with them. That's not my job to question them, at least not now anyway. Thank you for bringing them to us." "Yeah, girls. We still have to eat out, correct?" Cole reminded them. He received many "yeah's" and they headed out, they all said their goodbyes and that was that. "This is going to be a long night." Cole mumbled.
Act XIV: On the Brink Luna paced back and forth in the throne room, thoughts ever worrying her so. We have caught Changelings. But why would they be here anyway? Are they trying to attack Canterlot again? No, they would be utterly foalish to do that. If they tried to attack then why would they only send seven, anyway? Maybe, their were scouts sent to oversee this operation. Or maybe, they are just distractions to keep us from discovering their actual plan. She thought of many reason to attack and none of them just quite didn't make sense. She finally sat down and collected her composure. Sighing, she looked up at the skylight and gazed at the prominently shining, silvery moon shining. In Canterlot, somewhere away from the Fashion Show are the Elements eating in a classy restaurant. They all picked their meals and ate theirs in questionable silence. Cole's outburst made them not want to talk and he agreed happily. Then out of the blue, Rainbow put her fork down loudly, gaining the attention of the table and a few others. "Alright, I'll say it since nopony wants to, what the buck was that Cole?" She asked the Conduit, who was currently Prench Cuisine. "What?" "You're outburst with Hoity." "Oh, that. Well, like I- You know what, I'm going to straight up say this now or else I'll never say it. Girls, I'm not a 'hero'. I HAVE killed innocent people. " They gasped as he sighed sadly. "I only cared about power back then and I got it by killing. The more I killed, the power I got. When I came here, I was given a second chance. I wanted to right the wrongs that I committed. Because of that, I.. I can't... Later." He stood up, leaving a pouch of bits and left, leaving them to themselves. He walked outside in the cold air once more and walked back to the castle, occasionally looking at ponies on the streets. He got to the castle and the Guards let him in. He went straight to the throne room to see Luna sitting there. "What are you doing?" He sat down with her. "The Changelings. Why would they come here with only seven?" She puzzled. "I have no idea. It could be some ploy or something else. Hey, I'm sure we'll find out, right?" He smiled lightly. "Yes, we will. I have been thinking and maybe, it is a plan. Could those be distractions?" She pondered. "Could be, you never know. Actually, that makes sense. From what Twilight has told me, they have strength in numbers. If that's true, why only send seven? It makes no sense." For hours, they went back and forth with ideas and they began making a plan of their own to explain to Celestia. The Elements came to the castle after they finished their meal and found a half-awake Luna and a sleeping Cole on the throne room floor. There was a chalkboard with writing on it, determining a plan and such. It was highly incomplete but very tactical. They let them do whatever and went to their own rooms. Cole woke at sunrise after hearing his name called. "Huh, what?" He looked around and saw nothing. Turning backwards, he saw Celestia there, smiling almost like- "It's not what you think." He began but she raised her hoof. "I know. The plan you started is excellent if the Changelings plan to attack. So, why don't you go over it and I can help add more to it. After all, Luna usually stays asleep for the daytime, you know." She stated, Cole stretched and went over the plan. Every instance of weakness in the plan, she added a foundation to it. About eleven, the plan was roughly complete. "And with that, we have our plan." Cole yawned and gave a surge of electricity around on habit. "I think it's pretty good. Should I go wake up the Elements?" "Yes. I think they should see this." Cole nodded and left to the Elements. He asked a guard and found their rooms. It took some time but they woke up. They all came back to the throne room and Cole went over the plan to the Elements so they knew. They understood it and the knew the plan. "Okay. That is that. So, what now?" Cole pondered. "That is up to you. You may stay in Canterlot, if you feel but I'm sure you all have duties back in Ponyville." Celestia exclaimed. "Yes. We should head back, I have a order to do. Well, everypony has things to do." Rarity stated. "Yeah, Rarity's right. Ah got the orchard ta git back to." Applejack explained. "So, we'll head back. Alright then, let's get to the train station. Everyone, pack up!" Cole and everyone went to their rooms and packed up. They said their goodbyes and left for the train station. They left for Ponyville shortly and they arrived hours later. "Here we are." Cole said to himself as the train went along the tracks, turning right into the Ponyville train station. They got off and went to their own places. Cole came back to the orchard, seeing Applejack already out on the farm. "Good, you're here. Ready ta git started?" She greeted and asked the stretching Conduit. "Yes, I am." He smirked. And they began working. Cole would send small charges throughout the trees and the apples would fall off into the baskets. Once many filled, he would pick them up and put them on a cart. They did this for many hours and only stopped for breaks. Celestia was currently in her throne room, observing statistics about health when she felt a cold breeze enter the usually warm room. She turned her head away from the papers and saw a dark figure shrouded in smoky darkness. "Sombra." She stared at the mist. "Princess Celestia. How are you today?" The darkness asked. "What do you want?" "You know what I want, my Empire." He growled. "That isn't your empire anymore, Sombra." She declared and the mist began walking back and forth, gaining the form of the king. "Yes, that would be true, wouldn't it? But, rightfully, I OWN that kingdom and your pathetic CADENCE stole it from me. So, I am going to take it back. Whether you or Cadence have to say about it. It is the time to begin something anew, Princess. There will be staining blood on our hooves. This is will test your willpower and strength towards threats against your entire nation. Prepare yourself, Celestia. This will end badly for both of us." And with that, the darkness dissipated, leaving a somewhat worried Celestia behind. She sighed and called for a guard. One arrived to her calling. "Prepare a letter to Shining Armor and Cadence. King Sombra... is back."
Act XV: SkirmishAct IXV: Heavy Skirmish Cole was in his house, staring at the blueish-gray wall thinking. He glanced around the room and habit and found nothing of interest. A sigh left his mouth and he laid back on the couch. He had things to do today and boy, were they going to be problems. Firstly, Fluttershy required some medicinal and behavioral help with some fussy animals. Next, Rarity wants to make him clothes to prepare for fancy events. Then, Pinkie needs help with some simple things. Finally, Rainbow has lone thunder clouds to be taken care of. He thought of which one should he help first. He decided to get the boring first then get the fun later. He stood up and headed towards Rarity's. Once he arrived to the Carousel Boutique, he made his way inside. As he opened the door, a small bell rung alerting current the store owner, Rarity. "Just a minute." A elegant voice spoke to him. He waited for a minute and the she came out. "Cole! There you are. Ready?" She hovered a few needles and cloth next to her. "Yeah." He sighed and stood up. They headed into the workroom and Rarity did her work, making clothes. About a hour later, he was released from the store and he went to Pinkie's for baking. All she wanted was a assistant to help her fetch things, Cole was able to do that with ease. Pinkie urged him to try and make something but that he refused. After getting flour all over his clothes, Pinkie sent him off and he went to Fluttershy's. Of course, at first hesitant to say anything, she warmed up to him after he helped heavily. After that, he finally went to Rainbow. "Rainbow! I'm here." She came downstairs, shortly. "There you are. Time to get to work, follow me." She led him to the stray lightning clouds after that and he absorbed them. He was back to full energy after that. After at least, ten clouds were drained, he was done with today. He sat on a cloud, staring at the soon to be setting sun. It looked as if it was at least five o' clock. "So, that is that. My slate is done today. Applejack only has me when they really need me and that wasn't today." He explained to the hovering pegasus. "Alright then. That leaves the rest of the day to yourself." She smirked. "Yep. So, Rainbow. If I'm here, got anything to do? Something... interesting?" He sighed. "Nope, sadly. I wish that their was but honestly, Equestria isn't that exciting." She huffed and laid on the cloud he was on. He laid down and stared at the pitch blue sky staring back it him. As he stared, he felt peace and any form of negativity wash away and be forgotten. "That's okay. Being here, does things for me. I protect it and it gives my what I always wanted." He turned his head towards her. "Acceptance." "Ugh, you're so corny." She smirked and he playfully punch her in the arm/leg. "Hey, I'm not original so get of my shizzle." He declared. "What?" "Nothing." He chuckled and looked back at the sky, as he stared he saw something in the distance nearing. They were black and there was thousands of them. "Rainbow. We got company. Lots of company." He nodded his head towards the black storm and her jaw dropped at the sight. "Changelings. C'mon! We gotta get Twilight and then the Princesses!" She jumped off the cloud and he followed with. She didn't use the door, she fucking used the window and slammed through it as Cole kicked it open. "Changelings are attacking!" Was all Cole said before Rainbow could say it. Twilight's horn glowed and began writing for help. "Us too will take care of the infantry. Rainbow, get your shit and let's go!" He ran off, heading towards the clouds. She followed suit. He hopped on the clouds and aimed his right hand and let his electricity surge to his arms, giving them a icy blue coloration. (Use this,, it's epic.) Rainbow fluttered her wings as they neared. She charged as Cole unleashed a healthy serving of kick-ass starting with the main course of Ionic Storm, clearing out the beginnings of the army. The soldiers came after heaving in thicker chitin. Cole gave them their side of Ionic Vortex, bringing them together and blowing them away far. "Want more, you pests?!" Cole showed them their delicious deserts of Grenades, Rockets and Hefty Amounts of Bolts and that ended the soldiers and left their knights, wearing a thick combination of gelatin, steel and hide from something. He smiled darkly once he found the shiniest part of the armor, knowing that was the metal. He unleashed more attacks in the form of more bolts, specifically Pincers sending the knights down. Cole smiled at the defeat of the army, laughing at their defeat. He saw one get up and rear it's leg and throw it forward. He scoffed and turned around, staring at the sun. As he stared, he heard Rainbow say his name and he turned around to be impaled by something. A spear rammed into his middle chest, narrowly avoiding his heart and instead, getting his stomach. He fell off the cloud, ramming straight into the ground. He felt his bones rattle at the fall and writhed in pain as he felt blood began to pile up in his mouth. Rainbow and Twilight arrived as his vision darkened and blurred unto he lost consciousness. He heard faint screaming and distant calls as he entered state of unconsciousness. More screaming and calling echoed as he felt himself being pushed along something, most likely a gurney. He felt himself fade and shrivel away. As he felt Death nearing, he saw memories of his childhood, his teenage years and his times with Zeke. It all brought him to the realization that this might be where he dies. Where this trilogy stops and Equestria remembers him for whatever he was known for. He thought then and there, would he be hero to them? Yes, he would. And that drove him to pull himself from Death and run away. He felt the warmth of light follow him and went straight into the darkness, feeling pain ache through his body. He knew this as gaining his life back. The light sped up as he slowed down because of the pain, he felt tempted to give up there but he said, No, and pushed himself towards the impending darkness. He then saw a door with a pure golden doorknob appear in his vision. He ran up to it and pulled it open as he felt everything come back to him. His eyes slowly opened and Cole found himself in a hospital, with the Six in chairs, deeply asleep. The look on their saddened faces and Pinkie's flat mane told him that he'd been out for sometime. He wearily looked to the left and saw a clock on the wall. It was currently five in the morning and through the window across his right side, the sun began to peek over. The dark sky swapped into a violet cerise and he heard birds tweeting outside. He looked at the ceiling and let himself fade into sleep. Hours later, he woke up to see no-one in. He felt less tired but he still felt the large scar across his stomach. His chest ached at the thought and he clutched it lightly as not to irritate the wound. He heard knocking appear from the door. "Come in." He heard gasps outside the door and saw the Elements walk in, eyes tearing up. He smiled and sighed and opened his arms wide. "Bring it in." He was hugged by them and felt his lungs squish. "I... still... need... air.." They released their grip and felt O2 enter his lungs again. "Cole, we thought we would lose you. You used up so much energy that we didn't think you'd get up for longer or even... live." Twilight stated. "Humans and Conduits are hard to get rid of. I know from experience." He chuckled but stopped as his chest ached. "Damn, that hurt. That changeling got a lucky shot on me. It turned it invisible and he got me. I let my pride get in the way of the strength and it cost me, this." He sighed. "Dude, you're alive. That's what matters." Rainbow stated. He smiled more. "Yeah, Coly! Just being alive makes me happy! IT should for you!" Pinkie added causing his smile to enlarge. "You guys are right. I know now, that I should be happy to be even alive. After this, when I get out, I'm going to value every second of my life. Twilight, you know how you write letters?" "Yeah. Why?" "I want to write one. Celestia should be happy to see this. And so should Luna." In Canterlot, Celestia had received word of Cole severe injury and was awaiting the response to it. But first, a letter. The letter was sealed a icy blue brace. Celestia touched it and felt contained lightning inside a magical brace. She released the brace and lightning sparked about, giving off a small light show. After it finished, she began reading. Dear Celestia I was once a Conduit of Evil, only caring for power and myself. I used people and bet on their lives to get farther in life. Coming to Equestria has fully explained to me that was the wrong ways of doing things. I now fully realize my responsibilities as being a Conduit. My powers are to be used for the ways of good to provide justice and freedom from any likes of evil. I know that I must value my life and everypony's else as I have found out from experience that any day, it could end... Sincerely, Cole MacGrath. She smiled warmly upon reading the paper and the letter felt as if Cole finally knew the importance of being a hero. She noticed a PS below. P.S This was really corny. She chuckled at his words and placed the letter in her chest containing every letter that Twilight has sent to her. Each holds sentimental value and this one was no different. She stared off into the sun, knowing that finally he had found some peace in this world so unlike his.
Act XVI: MercyAct XV: Mercy Cole laid in his bed, reading a book that Twilight have gave him to read while he was in the hospital. Honestly, he now remembered how boring sitting in a bed for so long could be. He wanted to get up, stretch and start running. Obviously, the free-running he practiced made him a easily bored. Parkour always had you on edge because at any jump or period, you could fall and die. Cole loved that feeling and made him crave more. The action that happened in Empire City or New Marais filled his heart with that same feeling. He enjoyed having the wind slap against his face as he ran across rooftops. He loved latching his fingers onto windows, wall and anything he could hold onto. The freedom he possessed made him happy but now look where he is. In a bed, awaiting the "OK" to leave. He sighed and looked out the window. The celestial body floated in the sky, giving this planet's it's warmth and growth for the plant-life. The sun felt as if it gave off the planet's joyous manner. Maybe, Pinkie needs the sun to be so active. That would be funny Chuckling at the thought, he returned to the book. As he read through it, someone knocked on the door. He put the book on the table next to him. "Come in." He stated for the pony behind the door. A familiar light blue pegasus was the pony who knocked. "Rainbow. Nice to see you." "You too. So, how has hospital life been?" She asked him, he rolled his eyes and deadpanned at her. "I really want to hit you but my arm is asleep." She chuckled at that. "So, how long until who get out?" "About two days. It was just a spear and plus, I regenerate fast." He snickered. "What?" She questioned. He shook his head. "Nothing. So, how is everyone?" The Conduit asked. "Fine. Just sad about you." She explained. He nodded in response. "As I thought. What about those changelings?" "Princess Celestia sent out some guards to take care of them." "Good. Anyway, has anything interesting happened yet?" "Nope." "Dammit." They chuckled and she left as the Nurse said visiting hours are over. He sighed and laid back in the bed. The bed was comfortable as it wasn't comprised of metallic springs. In fact, they said there was enchanted clouds on the inside. He believed that by experience. He glanced around the honeydew colored room for no apparent reason and went back to his book. The book was getting to a particular saucy part when the Nurse came in. Surprised, he dropped the book at the noise. "Cole MacGrath. You may head home now." She stated. "But, aren't I supposed to stay here for two days?" "Nope. Apparently, that wound healed faster more than we thought. You may go." Cole felt along the area where the wound should be and felt more skin. He shrugged his shoulders and got up. He said goodbye and left surprisingly. He kept walking and headed towards his house when he saw a golden chariot carrying a familiar statue. He remembered that exactly and ran off towards it. He found himself in a field as he saw Celestia talking to them. He walked up to them, surprising them. "Did you miss me?" He asked as he walked up. "Cole! I thought you were going to be in the hospital for a few days." Rarity stated. "Apparently not. Now, Celestia. Why do you have him with you?" He asked, crossing his arms. "Because. We need him." Cole's eye twitched. "What." He muttered. "King Sombra is back." Everyone gasped except Cole. "We need Discord's help is we are to defeat him. He has strengthened and I believe that the Crystal Heart will not be enough. That is why we need to reform him." Cole sighed angrily. "Fine. But, how are we to do this?" "Simple. He has to listen to us or else he get turned into stone again." Twilight spoke up. "Exactly. That is why I'm leaving this up to you, Fluttershy." "W-what?" She asked, hiding behind her mane. "I believe that with kindness you will be able to reform him. Okay?" "O-okay. If you think I can." She stared forward and Twilight fitted the Elements of Harmony on them and herself. "Alright. And here we go!" The Elements began to glow and they floated into the air. Each of the Elements created a swirling rainbow behind them and it released it as it grew. The wave of color hit the statue and pieces began to crack and break off. They were blinded as a immense light shined. Seconds later, it stopped, revealing the God himself covered in pale grey dust. He stretched, bending into strange shaoes and stopped as he heard all the bones crack perfectly. "Ah. Much better." He yawned. "There. I'm sure you have control over this. Farewell." Celestia left as they said Goodbye and Discord waved, holding a napkin in his left hand. Cole rolled his eyes and walked off, heading for Ponyville. "Where are you going, old chum?" He appeared beside Cole. "Away from you. I don't want to be near you." "Why Coly-Woly?" He mocked as Cole stopped in his tracks. He cracked his neck and cool blue electricity sparked across his arms. "Discord. I could end you. I did before and I'll do it again if you keep this up." He walked away leaving a pouting Discord. He flew back to Fluttershy and Cole went straight to his house. He had been sitting in his house for a few hours, finishing off the book that Twilight gave him when someone knocked on his door. Sighing, he got up and opened it. It was Applejack. "Hey, AJ. What's up?" "Discord's throwing a dinner party. Wants us to come. Are ya?" She explained. He groaned in protest. "Fine. Where?" "Fluttershy's." He nodded and she left. Cole closed the door and put on a different pair of clothing. It was his white and grey T-Shirt and his dark blue Union Jack pants. Putting his Amp in it's sheathe, he left for Fluttershy's. Moments later, he met up with the Elements. "So." Cole began. "I don't believe Discord is ready to reform yet. I think he's just playing with us." Rainbow stated. "So? We're trying to help and I'm sure Fluttershy may have made a breakthrough." Twilight spoke up. "Oh, who am I kidding?" She sighed and Cole kept a stern face. "What... the... hell?" Was all Cold said as they walked up to see Discord there in a waiter's outfit extended his tongue which turned into red carpet. Cole resisted the urge to go walk off a cliff and went in. "Hello! So glad you could make it. Come in! Come in!" He motioned for them to walk in and they did as asked. "May I take your - hat?" He asked, trying to grab Twilight's tiara. She moved away from his grasp. "Hang on to your Elements on, girls. It's going to be a bumpy night." She whispered to her friends. They all sat down and Cole paid attention to everything on the table. Candles, a bowl of Gravy and and a fish container holding a orange liquid. He slumped in his seat and sighed. "As you all know, Princess Celestia hoped we help Discord use his magic for good instead of evil." At that moment, Pinkie smashed her face into her mashed potatoes. "Pinkie Pie, care for some gravy?" "You bet!" "Allow me." He snapped his fingers and the bowl of gravy came to life. It panted like a dog and scratched itself before running over to Pinkie. "Ooo! What a cute little gravy boat you are! Yes you are, yes you are!" It licked her with it's gravy tongue and poured the gravy upon the potatoes. "That's one creepy little gravy boat is you ask me." Rainbow stated. "Oh, come on now Dashie. You're not even giving this a chance. " Fluttershy scolded her. As she said that, the "Gravy Boat" poured gravy all over Rainbow's leg. She jumped up in pain. Cole looked at Discord unamused. He smiled sheepishly. "Hey! That's hot!" "Oops! I'm s-so sorry!" He apologized innocently, hiding behind Fluttershy. "He did that on purpose!" Rainbow declared. "Oh well, I don't know about that, mistakes happen." He started. "Oh look, everypony! Dancing candles!" Candles began to hop around and everyone watched. Then, Rainbow blew some out. "I'm not falling for that!" She exclaimed. "Discord's just trying to distract us-" The blown out candles began to float and hit Rainbow. "Hey! Knock it off! I suppose that's another mistake?" "No, I think you just made them mad." Discord announced. Cole rolled his eyes. She tried to fight them off but were too hard to hit. "There's something fishy going on." Twilight exclaimed. The fish thing then splashed Twilight and then Spike and hopped off towards Cole. He ducked his head and it sprayed the orange liquid at him. "Discord!" Fluttershy called out. "Well, it's hardly my fault if the soup tureen thinks the term, 'something fishy', to be offensive. "Not the dress, not t-" Blasted by the fish. "NOT THE DRESS!" "That tureen is only doing what yer making it do." Applejack shielded her face with her fore-leg. "Now, let's not jump to any conclusions." Fluttershy explained as looked at Discord. He shrugged sheepishly. "Fluttershy! Can't you see what he's doing?" She knocked off the candles. "He's playing innocent with you so you'll never agree to using the Elements of Harmony against him!" She was then blasted by the fish. "Alright, fuck that tureen!" Cole grabbed it and chucked it at the wall, busting it open. "Well, that's a bit harsh isn't it?" "You see what I'm saying, right Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked sternly. She didn't answer. "Fluttershy?" "You know what I see? I see that Discord is far from perfect but I also see none of you giving him a chance!" "Come on!" They all yelled. "What's gotten in to you?" Rainbow asked. "Why do you keep cutting him so much slack?" "Because that's what friends do." She placed her hooves around him. "We're friends?" Discord questioned, feeling a fuzzy sensation in his heart. Whatever or wherever that was. "Why, of course! I can't remember my house being this lively since you came along." Fluttershy admitted. "Oh. Well, I've never really had a friend before." Discord teared up. "Well, now you do." Everything stopped. The candles, the gravy boat and what was left of the tureen. But, a bunny came through the window and started jumping on the table, motioning something. "Now is not a good time, Angel. We're having a dinner party." "Hold up, Ah think he's trying to tell us something." He grabbed a glass of water over himself and pretended to drown. He then grabbed a apple. "Apple!" Everyone said except Cole. "Applejack!" He facepalmed. He brought over a glass jug of cider and threw in the apple. "Sweet Apple Acres?" Rarity started. He hopped up and down in happiness. "Flooding at Sweet Apple Acres!" Rainbow finished. Everyone turned their head towards the god. "And we all know who's behind that, don't we?" "Who? Me?" A glowing yellow halo appeared above Discord's head. "Oh, give it a rest! What do you think of you're friend now, Fluttershy?" Everyone left leaving those two. He shrugged again. They all headed to Sweet Apple Acres and what they saw made their jaws drop. It was absolutely flooded. "I've never seen flooding this bad! They've built dams before but never like this." Applejack stated as Fluttershy talked to the angry beavers. They squealed at Fluttershy and she gasped. "Such language!" She sighed and hovered over to them. "It's no use. They won't listen to a word I say." Flutteshy admitted. "You see Discord's behind this, right?" Cole asked Fluttershy after being so quiet. "Of cousre I do!" She responded. "Do you all think I'm a silly, gullible fool?" They argued about that and Cole facepalmed. "I've just been trying to gain his friendship anyway I can so he'd come to trust and listen to me!" "Hey there, Fluttershy!" Discord called out from the water. "Want a turn? The water's great!" He was water-skiing on the flood water. "Fucking Discord." Cole muttered. "Time to see if it worked." She stated as Discord jumped onto land as he neared. "There you are. Such a sight for sore eyes." "As you can see, there's a big mess down here at Sweet Apple Acres." "Oh yes, awful business that." He was wiping off with a towel. "It is awful! This is Applejack's home and it's being destroyed by innocent creatures who would never be acting this way if it weren't for your reckless behavior." She scolded him like a child. "You need to fix this." "Oh. Well, very well. I will fix it if I only ask one thing in return. I ask, that you never use your Element of Harmony against me. As a sign of our friendship." She looked at them and they shook their head while Cole simply stared with his arms crossed, slowly shaking his head. The suspense ended as she accepted this. I will never use my Element of Harmony against you." Fluttershy removed it and threw it at Spike. He caught it and they looked up at her. "Excellent!" He smirked devilishly. He snapped his fingers and all the water became ice. "There! Much better! I do prefer ice-skating to water-skiing, don't you?" He danced along the ice as clone Discord judges gave him a ten. "Discord!" Fluttershy was angry now. "That's not fixing it! Why I oughta-" She lost grip and slid along the ice. "Where you going?" He taunted her. "What's wrong, pal?" "Don't call me your pal!" She yelled at him. "Aw, come skating with me and we'll let bygones be bygones." He held a pair of skates with his tail as Spike skated along next to them. "Here you go, Fluttershy! Game on!" "He fixes this or goes back to being stone!" Twilight called out. She weighed her options and looked at them. Her face contorted to frustration and finally went with Discord. "I made a promise that I'm not going to use the Elements of Harmony against him and I'm going to keep it." She took the skates in her mouth as Discord laughed at them. "Haha! You see, she wants to have fun with me because we're friends! She can't use the Elements against me 'cause we're friends!" She gritted her teeth. "I'm free forever!" He laughed boastfully. As he went off, her face grew in anger until she snapped and threw away them in anger. "NOT. YOUR. FRIEND!" She threw down the skates. "Who cares?" He spat at her. "I can do whatever I want, whenever I want! I'm Discord, the Master of Chaos!" He teleported to her. "You think you can boss me around? You think I'm just I'm going to turn this back 'cause you say so? Because if I don't, I'll lose the one friend I ever had? WHO NEEDS FRIENDS?" He threw off the outfit. "Friends are useless! You know why? Because if you are my friend, you wouldn't of yelled at me! Friends trust each other you know! And you didn't trust me enough and believe me as a friend! If you did, everything would be peachy!" He declared. Teleporting to Spike, he kicked him making him drop the Element. He picked it up and began to crush it. Pink waves of magic began to be lashed out, cutting perfect slices in the ice. And then, boom. The Elements shattered, leaving pieces of gold and pink everywhere. The Elements dimmed and became useless. Their jaws dropped and Rainbow charged at him. Discord moved out of the way of her attack. Cole fired a Rocket and at him and he threw a tree in the way, destroying them both. "This is a new era of Chaos! A era of revenge! You put me in stone and banished me and now, I'm going to return the favor!" He snapped his fingers and a portal opened up behind him. "Farewell, Cole." Out of nowhere, Cole was hit by a tree, sending him into the portal. He tried to hold on to the ice but it was useless. The blue portal closed, leaving them in shock. Discord smiled darkly at this. "There goes your one way ticket to defeating me." He laughed at them and their hope began to fade. "Friends." He laughed mockingly. "Friends are for weaklings who need support. I need no help in this conquest. Equestria, say hello to your new ruler! Discord, God of Chaos!" His laugh boomed throughout Ponyville, scaring the residents. They all stared in fear as he walked off, snapping his fingers and turning things to hell. "Is this it?" Rainbow asked.
Act XVII: FateAct XVI: Fate Cole felt rough pavement under his body but his body refused to move. The throw from the portal slammed the Conduit straight into the ground and he didn't get up. No matter how hard he tried, his body refused to get up. He laid there, hearing the world move without him. Moments later, he heard the voice from the man who had been gone for so long. "Cole?" Zeke ran to his body, seeing the Conduit in some sort of pain. He bent down and nudged him. He groaned in protest. "Damn, my everything." Cole mumbled. "Cole, what happened?" "Bad shit. Zeke, I need help bad." Zeke took off, leaving him alone. His body started to respond to the commands from the brain. He could move his arms allowing him to pull himself off the ground. His legs kicked in and everything followed suit as he got up. Opening his eyes, he saw Zeke driving up in a truck. He hopped out and gave him the OK to drain it. Cole placed his weary fingers on the cold metal and absorbed the electricity. Sparks of blue electricity ran up his arms, filling him with energy at last. Cole looked towards the worried Zeke and smirked. "So, I'll explain." He went over everything from him leaving to Discord's failed reforming. "Wow. That... happened. So, that's how you got here." "Yeah. So, how did you get here?" "Well, I can't rememb-" A deafening explosion interrupted the conversation. They looked at the skyscrapers as they fell, decimating everything around it. A large cloud of dust settled upon the ground. "The hell?" "Let's check it out." Cole ran off and Zeke followed suit. He used his parkour skills to jump up the buildings and what he saw when he landed on one, he thought he was dreaming. Changelings were destroying everything. Zeke got to the roof by going up stairs and noticed the things too. "The hell are those?" He asked, walking up to Cole. "Changelings." Cole stated. "Creatures that feed on love but there isn't none here." "Actually, there's a wedding going on downtown at the Church." Zeke replied. "Right. Zeke, we got to take care of them." He cracked his knuckles. "We have to kill them." He jumped off the building as cool blue electricity ran along his arms, giving of pulses of lightning around him. As he neared, many tried to attack him but a few bolts and they were done. Zeke was in the truck, running over unfortunate ones. As Zeke drove next to him, Cole jumped on the side, holding onto the door handle. "Zeke, head towards Smut Triangle!" "Roger!" As they drove, the Changelings followed as they thought. Any of them that got too close were zapped, killing them. They arrived at the Triangle and he hopped off. They continued to near him and he looked upwards at the signs above the nearby move theater. He aimed and fired a Rocket at it. It fried the lights and destroyed the wall and with that, the sign fell crushing hundreds of them. Cole smirked at his work until it was interrupted by another blast. Looking towards Fort Phillipe, Militia were being slaughtered by more of them. Cole told Zeke to head towards the fort and Zeke did as said. Meanwhile, Cole was busy getting some equipment. He was grabbing some steel poles, wires and other things as Zeke headed into the fort. Moments later, Cole arrived carrying metallic things much to Zeke's surprise. "The hell are those for?" He asked the Conduit. "Fighting." He stabbed the poles into the ground and wrapped wires around them. Putting his hand on them, he surged electricity to them, creating a chain of lightning. Pulling out a belt steel chain he concealed, he tied them together. The blue lightning surged around it. Smirking, Cole backed away. "Zeke, we're gonna do this my way. Everyone, follow me!" Cole called out and the Militia listened and evacuated. As Cole thought, the Changelings followed them. Everyone all got a good distance as they all poured in at the gate. "Cole. Any day now." Zeke groaned, loading his revolver. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he fired a Hellfire Rocket, causing a explosion, magnified by the poles. Every changeling was killed but at the expense of the the Fort. Half the wall was destroyed. "Ho-ly shit." Cole turned around and help up his right hand and as he did that, a destroyed pole landed in that hand. "Later." Cole walked off, leaving them in shock except Zeke who caught up with him. "Man, I forgot how hectic things got when you're around." Zeke chuckled and so did Cole. "I know. So, that story..." "Oh right!" Zeke began explaining how he was thrown from Ponyville into New Marais once again. They headed towards the original area that they used as a headquarters previously. They arrived to it shortly. Cole took the express elevator while Zeke used the stairs. "Huh, still looks the same." He chuckled and sat on the oh-so familiar couch. Zeke arrived minutes later and sat on the couch, next to him. "You... dick..." He panted. "Hey, I can't help using my powers, Zeke." He patted the over-weight man on the back. Zeke grabbed the remote and changed the channel and they began watching television. Moments later, someone landed on the roof. They heard a gasp and they turned their heads towards the surprised Lucy Kuo. "Key, Kuo." Cole took a sip of his beer. "C-cole? Zeke?" "Who else?" Zeke chuckled. "How are you two here?" They both sighed and told her the story. She was snickering at the mention of ponies and they couldn't control themselves over how insane it actually sounded in person. About thirty minutes later, they finished their story. "So, that's what happened. That definitely explains the blue lightning and your current clothing." Kuo stated. "Yeah and that recent attack was from Changelings. Creatures from Equestria. That's what I don't understand. How could they get here? Celestia told me that I was stuck here but the changelings just disproved that. I'm starting to believe that she kept me here so I could keep Equestria in check. If that's so, she's one selfish bitch." Cole declared. "Would make sense, brother." Zeke agreed. "So, I guess that you're staying here then?" Kuo asked the Conduit. He sighed. "Yeah. But, I'm not leaving Equestria to defend without me. I wouldn't dare to leave them alone. So, I need to figure out how they're getting on Earth." Kuo then gave him a picture showing a image of a large circular device that Changelings were guarding. "I got a few pictures in. That's in Flood Town. Near the machinery. I think the Beast's residual regeneration energy is fueling it." Kuo explained. Cole nodded and stood up. "Perfect. Zeke, get a truck. We got a job to do. Kuo, let's do this, one last time." She nodded and they took off. Zeke stood up and went downstairs, grabbing his phone and making a call. "Hello. Yeah, it's Zeke. Listen, Commander, I need some heavy backup from the Militia. Yeah. Trucks, soldiers, all that. Thanks." Cole was skating along the power lines, feeling electricity spark beneath his feet as he moved forward. The high voltage filled him with excitement and adrenaline as he rushed forward. Turning along with the power lines, he found the bridge for Flood Town. It was flooded with Changelings. In fact, there was a perimeter of them guarding the way to it. He hopped off the lines and lightning sparked on his arms. The Changelings stared at him, ready to fight as the ground began to rumble. Militia in trucks and even transport vehicles drove up, wielding sorts of weapons. To add to that, Vermaak 88 piled up, eager to kill more. Cole had long established his role of leader of Conduits. Kuo made her way here and so did Zeke. "I hope you remember this, guys. This will be a battle for all of us to enjoy." Cole smiled. The tension between them was shattered when of the Militia fired a RPG at the changelings. " Vermaak, move in! " One of the soldiers spouted, sending them into battle. The Militia did the same and a full-on war was brought to the table. Cole moved along with the battle, removing any obstacles in his path as he moved forward. He approached the portal as he assumed and more were there to fight back. Many unleashed blasts of fire-y green magic at him, but Cole dodged and either hit them with his Amp or blasted them with bolts of plenty. While he was occupied, many piled up unbeknown to Cole was stopped as Kuo and Zeke stepped in. Frozen and then shocked or blasted with a shotgun that Zeke picked up earlier on. They approached the portal as many were taken down. As they walked up to it, it opened and more came in. They were blasted by Cole and they all jumped in, before it closed. They all hit the ground hard except Cole who floated down. He stared upon the destruction that was Ponyville. Buildings were charred and torn apart by war. The once bright paint was burnt and falling apart. Changelings, animals or ponies lay on the ground, most of the ponies being Guards. Everyone's armor was cracked and holes punctured the armor as dark green or red blood were splattered on their once golden plates of metal. Dark smoke raised into the sky as ash populated the air and caused them to cough. The once brilliant azure sky was now a deep rusty orange. The clouds speckled with soot and dust colored them brown and dirty. This was not a sight to see after so long. "No..." Cole dropped to his knees, hope shattered. Zeke and Kuo groaned as they got up. Rubbing their heads, they saw what was Ponyville as well. Their eyes drifted to the Conduit on the his hands and knees, punching the dirt. Kuo walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder. "Cole?" Zeke began. "They're dead." Cole stated sorrowfully. "The war ravaged their lives and killed them. What do we do when there's nothing left to do?" A lone tear rolled down Cole's cheek as Zeke took off his glasses in respect. His face was drooped in sorrow as Kuo's the same. "Cole. There may still be hope. We can't say that it's all over yet. There is still something we can do." Kuo pulled him up and they saw battle raging on over at Canterlot. Cole stared upon the wrecked, but still defending mountainous castle. "You're right. We still have a job to do. Guys, we can still give Equestria one last chance. I say, we give them this chance. Let's go, you too." Cole running off and they followed suit. Cole ran towards the train station as it would bring him to Canterlot the fastest and they followed the man, no questions asked. He hopped on the rails and lightning began sparking on it. "Let's go." Propelling himself forward, he skated along the rails as they followed. Zeke kept up because of the cart there that Cole pulled as he skated. Koo simply teleported with them. They arrived about a hour later. The battle was slowing down as the ponies began losing. They hurried up and they rushed into the castle as fast as they could. Nearing the castle's door, they saw more bodies and blood coat the area. Walking throughout the castle, they found the same sights and were saddened and disgusted by it. Cole was most hurt of all for not being there when they needed it most. As they neared the throne room door, Discord began to speak from inside the room along with two other voices he didn't recognize. "We are nearing the end, Celestia." Discord laughed. "Yes, your subjects have failed." A dark female spoke up. "No more will you rule. Your precious elements have failed." A dark male voice stated. "End of the line, Princess." He heard magic being charged and that was their cue. Kicking the door open, the three speakers were blasted by Ice and Electricity and a grenade that Zeke picked up. Gaps were heard as the three turned around and their expressions changed to surprise. "Miss me?" Cole stepped forward. "Cole MacGrath." Discord spoke up. "And Zeke. And you... I thought I stuck you on Earth, permanently." "Changelings had a portal." Zeke spoke up. Discord and the dark unicorn turned their heads at the Queen "What? I thought having both worlds would be better." She exclaimed. "Would be. Except COLE WAS THERE." The dark unicorn hissed at her. "Say it, don't spray it." She growled at the unicorn. He growled back as they got in each-others faces. Discord sighed and pulled them apart and cleared his throat. "This is why I had problems with all of us teaming up." He face-palmed. "Oh shut up, like they can defeat all three of us. Zeke isn't even a Conduit, right?" The Queen smirked. Zeke pumped his shotgun, loading a slug into the chamber. "I've tested guns against changelings, honey. They die easily." He smirked back and she growled at him, he just stared at her. "I know you don't have more power this time, Discord. I am who I am now and I accept that." Cole unveiled his Amp and readied. Discord just chuckled. "Ice is it then." The unicorn stared at Kuo. Three against three. Dark, Chaos and Magic against Lightning, Guns and Ice. What a match-up. Tension piled up as they stared, preparing. That tension was sliced as the villains blasted them away with magic. They were slammed through the wall, all of them entering different rooms. Cole was slammed into the kitchen while Kuo was thrown into a large room. and Zeke ended up in the barracks. The villains each went after their targets. Discord ran after Cole as he slid across the table, sending plates and dishes everywhere. Cole fired bolts and bolts at him but he dodged them all and kicked Cole in the chest, sending him into the wall. Cole growled and fired a Unstable Grenade at Discord, blowing the room up in electricity. It hit him and he recoiled in the continuous flow of pain. A layer of thick dust covered the distance between them until Cole rushed at him, whacking him with the Amp, cracking a few bones in the process. He slammed the Amp between his neck, sending millions volts of throughout his body. Discord grabbed Cole by the neck with his tail and threw him against the wall, cracking a few bones of Cole's. Zeke bobbed and weaved after every bolt of magic blasted at him. Anytime, he could he shot at he, cracking her tough chitin like armor skin. "Damn, you got tough hide, sister!" He narrowly ducked, avoiding a bolt of magic at his skull. "Hold. Still!" She stopped firing and threw a nearby sword at Zeke. He didn't notice the blade coming at hum until the last moment and he was sliced on the shoulder. He groaned in pain but continued firing at her. She moved and dodged but shotguns were harder to avoid at close range. She kept taking pellets to her skin, creating small dents in them. While she was ducked, Zeke stopped and delivered a brutal right hook to her face, causing her to stumble back at the hit. He smirked and chucked a grenade at her. It hit her and nothing happened. She began laughing until it exploded, blowing her up. "Bitch!" He laughed. Kuo unleashed a Ice Beam at King Sombra with which he blocked with a dark barrier but shattered after so much Ice being applied to it. He fired a blast of dark magic and Kuo teleported and blasted him with Ice shards, stabbing him but he shook it off like nothing. King Sombra ran at her, horn glowing darkly and blasted at her but she avoided it by using Ice Pillar and getting away from him. She slammed unto the ground, creating Ice all around her, freezing the ground underneath. He slipped and slid on the Ice while Kuo kept blasted him with more, freezing him. Cole slammed into Discord, arm first, sending electricity throughout his body and blasting him back. They were both slowing down at the immense energy that being used on each-other. Cole's attacks slung slowly and did less and less damage by the second as Discord couldn't use magic by now as it would waste to much precious magic. Cole finally used a Firebird Strike and slammed into the God. As he rammed the God into the wall, he stuck the Amp on his neck and began electrocuting him again but he placed his foot on the Gods tail. Zeke ,being the way he is, had long slowed down for his body. But the Queen was seeing her fight die away as well. However, she was more damaged than Zeke was. Too many bullets to the body means loss of blood and she was definitely feeling that. Zeke took aim and unloaded more slugs into her as she got a good shot on Zeke. He fell to the ground, clutching his chest. The Queen's knees buckled and she fell. They both stared at each-other as he aimed his handgun once more. Kuo was long drained after using all that Ice on the King. She was tired but as well as Sombra. His head ached after so much magic used repeatedly. Kuo used the last of her energy, sending shards and shards of Ice at him, cutting his flesh but he pushed forward, sending dark bolts of magic at her, knocking her down. Finally, she dropped to her knees but the King fell too. They looked upon themselves and reached for the last bit of power that they could muster and prepared for the final hit to end it. In sync with everybody, everyone used their last bit of power to blast their foe. Cole slammed down the Amp upon Discord's neck as the God tightened his grip on Cole's throat. Zeke fired his last bullet as Chrysalis used the last of her magic on Zeke. Kuo used one last Ice Spike and rammed into Sombra as he raised a dark crystal, stabbing Kuo. Everyone dropped, with the enemies seeing death and our heroes feeling near dead. "It's... finally... over.." Was all Cole said as he passed out, falling on the ground.
Final Act: Blood, Sweat and Tears Discord. A God of Chaos. He was created with the intent of chaos. His entire life was filled with chaos and he enjoys every second of it. However, being stoned or killed in this case -to put it lightly - sucked. Being stuck in stone was torture. He was stuck by himself with no way to cause chaos. It was the exact of him. Normal. But, being "killed" was partially worse. Gods aren't mortal and therefor, he couldn't be killed. So, what was the situation that he was in currently? His own subconscious after being knocked out. Yes, knocked out. He was alone in his own mind. And that was not pretty in his current state. He sat in the darkness for what seemed like years, a blinding light appeared to the right of him. "Ugh, turn off the lights." He groaned as he shielded his eyes. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Discord. That's up to you." The light spoke. Turning his head, he found it to be Princess Celestia. His mouth curved into a smug smile as she walked forward. "Hello Celly, what brings you here?" He asked, said smile curving into a unamused frown. "For you, Discord. I wanted to reform. Your magic would be greatly better for good." She smiled. He scoffed. "So? I'm sure the world would be thousands BETTER without me. Trust me, I know." He sat on a invisible chair and she sat on one as well. "I've heard everything that ponies say when I'm gone. 'Oh, I'm glad that stupid DIPcord is gone' or 'He just caused chaos, he was EVIL and he deserved it'. You can't fool me, Cel'. I know who I am. And I deserve to be stone according to your little ponies. Well, thousands beat one don't they? Isn't that how votes work? You're wasting your time anyway." "Discord, I have all the time in the world to talk about this. Your magic could be used to influence ponies alike. You have the ability to do anything you want. That ,alone, proves that you do what you want because you can. Tell me, you cause chaos because you think it's fun. Others don't think as much. So, that must means you only care about yourself Discord. You've lived by your own rules and only yourself listened to them. Discord, I now know from this, that you're just lonely. And causing chaos is the only thing you know how to do. If you wanted friends, you should of asked." He stared at her like she was dead wrong but he just couldn't deny it. No matter how hard he tried, he could not refuse to believe that. He sighed and looked at her. "Is it really that easy? Is it, Celestia? Do you think that I can just walk up to somepony nowadays and ask, Want to be my friend?, do you know what they'll say in response? AH IT'S DISCORD. RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! It's not that easy as you think it is." "Then join us. Fluttershy thinks as you as a friend and I'm sure you wouldn't like to be stone again." He weighed his options and he leaned towards freedom. He sighed. "Fine. If you think it's that easy than let's get out of here. Honestly, I'm just bored of everypony thinking I'm evil. I just want to have fun!" He stood up and as he did, his eyes widened and stared at the Princess. "H-how..." "Let's go, Discord." She smiled and walked into the growing light. He shook his head and followed. As they entered the light, he was blinded once more. He awoke after being blind for so long. His eyes were adjusting to the sudden light change. Not to mention, the remaining pain in his body. Getting up, he stretched, happy to be finally in the world of the living. As he stretched, a loud explosion sounded. Averting his eyes towards the gaping hole in the wall, Cole was slung into the ground, heavily damaged. He looked out the hole and saw a severely pissed Sombra who was turning the entire castle into darkness. He turned towards Cole and grabbed him by the arm and teleported away to the Elements who were recovering. "Discord!" Rainbow prepared to fight. "What did -" "Shut up." She stopped at his serious tone. "I'm helping you. Cole is injured and King Sombrero is angry. What do we do?" He asked. They all seemed apprehensive at his sudden change. "Ah believe you. Ah am tha Element of Honesty. I know when yer telling a lie." Applejack spoke up. "Thank you, AJ. I am severely grateful for your trust. Now, Cole?" He cleared his throat. "I can heal him but it will take some time." Celestia spoke up. "Healing him will be difficult. You all need to keep Sombra away. I will fuel Cole with enough energy if you can be successful." They all nodded and headed out. "Don't worry, Princess!" Rainbow saluted. "Yeah! We'll get that super meanie head!" Pinkie stated as she bounced with them. Celestia took one last stare at Discord and nodded. He nodded back. They all left through the hole in the wall. "So, any ideas?" He asked them. They all had their Elements on. They heard a teleport happen suddenly and they saw Shining Armor and Princess Cadence standing there. "Shiny!" "Twily!" They both hugged as Cadence stared at Discord. "I'm on their side, don't start Costanza." He scoffed. She ignored the name and stared at Sombra. "Sorry we're late. We had problems with changelings at the Crystal Empire. We found a end to them and now, we're here to help." Cadence explained. "Yeah. Now's it time to defeat Sombra. C'mon!" Shining ran out to battle and everyone followed. Discord stuck behind as to remain hidden. He planned his own attack and that would be stealthy. They all ran to into battle and got their asses handed to them by his rage-filled power. Attacks did nothing and were shrugged off. For minutes, he watched them all battle and they were defeated easily. They each lay on the ground, injured except the standing Shining. He was the strongest, being the Captain of the Guard. However, that didn't matter. He fell just like the others. Sombra stood there, laughing at their useless attempts. Discord smirked and teleported behind him, unbeknown to the dark unicorn. He reared his hands back and bared their claws and then brought them down on the unicorn. He dragged them deep in his flesh and threw him away. The dark unicorn gained balance and saw his attacker. " Discord. You traitor. " He growled, horn flaring to life. "I don't care what you think." He spoke back. "[b You're worthless. " Sombra fired a blast of dark magic at him and he smacked it away and kept walking towards the unicorn. Blast after blast, Discord moved or smacked them away. He neared the unicorn and Sombra was starting fear him after throwing away his attacks. Discord teleported behind him and grabbed him by the neck. They stared at each-other, gazing into their souls. King Sombra's stare began to falter as he began seeing the darkest regions of the god's soul. The horrible, truly evil thoughts that he had thought of were the most vile, disturbing thing he'd ever seen. Discord smiled. "Sombra, there's no fate worse than death, but I'll tell you something. Life can be hell and yours... is about to be." Discord began flooding magic into his hands, sending lethal charges into the Unicorn. "You will see my pain and why I'm choosing to do this." They all awoke moments later and saw Sombra howling in pain as Discord held on him as pink magic shoots into Sombra. Discord said one last thing. "Hasta luego, hijo de puta." And with that, Sombra exploded into a bright light. IT blinded everyone excluding Discord as the energy lashed out and created even more explosions. He laughed as destruction ensued. After the light faded, everyone saw only Discord. "Pinkie, do you know what time it is?" Discord asked the pink mare. "Adventure Time?" "No. It's party time." She gasped at those words and pulled out her party cannon from her mane (SOMEHOW) as he smiled. Hours later, the party began. Ponies celebrated their victory over against their enemies and partied hard. Discord was sitting outside away from all the ponies as they got a little too rambunctious. He stared up at the dark sky and chuckled. Cole walked out ad joining the God who was sitting on a bench. "So, Discord, hows it feel being the good guy for once?" He asked the God. "It feels weird. Celestia said I did the right thing but, I mean it was simple. I'm hundreds stronger than he will ever be." Cole chuckled. "I know, it felt strange when I did something good for once after being so bad. In a way Discord, we're alike. Once evil but now we're trying to be good. I think you'll be good for this world." Cole took a sip of the fruit punch he was drinking. "What?" Discord questioned. "I'm not staying here. This world has it's Shepherd. I mean, I DO have a life in my world. I can't stay here. So, I'm hoping you can be the hero Equestria needs and deserves." He explained. "You can't pin all that on me!" Discord falsely cried. Cole just chuckled and so did Discord. "I'm sure I'll be fine. So, to heroes?" He poofed a drink to him. "To heroes." They bumped glasses and took their drinks. As they drank them, Twilight walked out. "Hey, you two. You're missing the party." They looked at each-other and shrugged. They stood up and headed in. The party was definitely lighted up after those two came in. For now, Equestria can rest easy. Hopefully. I don't know about Discord, honestly. He may cause trouble, but I'm sure he'll be forgiving. THE END.
Non-Canon Act: WraithAct ?: Wraith Alright, this chapter is a alternate ending to Act IV when Cole was fighting the hypnosis Discord placed on him. So, now, for this ending, he gives in and helps Discord in his conquest. Hope you guys enjoy the second to last chapter I'll be posting. After this, comes the non-canon Christmas chapter! This world didn't accept me just like Earth. They should join the fray as well. After all, no-one would accept a Conduit. We're abominations, creations of mankind. Hate, greed and sin. But, that is not without reason, of course. Emotions are just... things our mind create to make us "human". I'm NOT human. Cole began grinding his teeth in utter anger as he flew right above the old, battered remains of Ponyville. Cole charged downwards with a Thunder Drop, unleashing waves of vermillion electricity that scattered. "Zeke. Elements of Harmony. You both are up? Surprising. I'll put you all back down." He spoke, cracking his neck. Cole's voice was cold. Utter venom oozed from his words. He - was no longer the Cole they knew, he - was a puppet like many before him. "Is this really how you're gonna do this, Cole? You're given a second chance and this is your choice? I gotta say, brother, I'm a little disappointed." Zeke reloaded his magnum and aimed at Cole while the Elements assembled formally, putting on their necklaces. Twilight finished by lowering the golden tiara upon her head, eyes closed. "Cole, give up now or we'll kick your butt." Rainbow cautioned. Cole began snickering, then chuckling, finally full blown laughing like a maniac. Moments later, his cackling stopped as he looked skywards, staring at the orange-blue sky as smoke bellowed. "You really think you can defeat me? Oh, how WRONG you are." Cole cracked his knuckles, allowing the bones to adjust. Cole turned away from the Elements dramatically, letting soft wind blow against them. "I hope you're ready for hell." Cole faced them, once more. Red electricity surged through his arms, bathing them in a vermillion glow as the lightning around them sparked and crackled. "Last chance, Cole." He just stared at Twilight. "Five... four... three... two... one. Go." The Elements began to glow intensely as they floated upwards, allowing the multi-colored magic to flow freely. Twilight closed her eyes, allowing the magic to flow through her, then she opened them. Her eyes were blinding, shielded by a white light. A bellowing rainbow came from behind them, going upwards then racing downwards. "Fatal Mistake." Cole moved instantly, letting the magic hit the ground. Sliding away, he paralyzed Zeke while shocking the Elements, knocking them out of their state of power. They each fell to the ground. Rainbow was the first to recover and raced at Cole but was stopped as Applejack bit her tail, stopping her. "What do y'all think yer doing?" She whispered to her friend as she puller her back. "I'm going to get 'em!" Rainbow exclaimed. "Ya can't jus' go in like that, he'll destroy ya." She exclaimed quietly. "Fine." Rainbow turned her head and walked over to her friends. "I ttold you." Cole crossed his arms, mocking the Elements. "The fools behind me, who were stupid enough to stand still, took the blast while I moved. And by my research, using the Elements of Harmony drain your energy. Now, let's see if that's true." Cole blasted them with a Nightmare Blast, blinding them with ash and dust. Charging a current of lightning, he blasted them with a Hellfire Rocket, blowing them away, including Zeke. "Weaklings! Bring me a real-... F-" Rainbow thrust her hoof as strong as she could at him, punching in the gut, knocking the wind out of the Conduit and blowing him away as well. "-uck." He clutched his chest in pain, trying to regain his air. She wasn't having any of that shit. She charged at him but this time he was expected it and hit her with a Detonation Blast, blowing her up. Cole took this time to run up to her and smack her in the side with his Amp, cracking a few bones before knocking her away faster. She rammed into a tree, splitting in almost two. "Ow." The pegasus muttered. "That's it!" Everyone heard the voice of Fluttershy as she hovered over to Cole, visibly angry. "First, you side with Discord then you hurt my friends? This ends now!" The dreaded "Stare". A force only the butter yellow pegasus could use. She could make animals and poniees bend at her will with this ability. Effectively, Cole stared back. As the two forces met gazes, Fluttershy stared into the hell that was Cole. Within seconds, she whimpered and fell to the ground, cowering. Cole just chuckled and ignored her, wasn't worth his time. "Who will be your shepherd now, Twilight? Who? " Cole laughed. "If ya got one, I hope he or she can take me!" "I don't think they HAVE a shepherd, my dear friend, Cole." They heard the malicious but silvery voice of Discord appear in everyone's ears as he teleported her dramatically. "You have no savior, no guardian, no shepherd, nothing. Give. Up." Discord persisted as the Elements began to walk away, forming a group. "Oh yes, run, my little ponies. That'll save you." He cackled. "Let's end this-" Cole tapped into his Ionic Core and grasped the power, letting it flow to his arms. The Ionic Core had cast a sickly purple and burnt-orange glow around his arms, bathing it in Ionic energy. "-now." He thrust his arms forward, unleashing a familiar gorgeous red and jet black mist-like energy upon them. "Farewell, 'friends'." The energy burst as the life-force was drained from the Mane Six, unto Cole, mercilessly. " Aha! This is true power!" Cole began feeling the stinging sensation of the friendship, flowing along his arms like chains. " Wait. No! " The lines of magic clamped down on his arms, sticking into the ground. He dropped to his knees in utter pain. "You... bitches. Discord, go!" The god took the advice and left, fast. A blinding wave of rainbow hit Cole, burning away at him as he howled in pain. "FUUUUUUCK!" He roared as the friendship tore at him, trying to purge him of the evil inside his soul. As he stared forward, the Mane Six stood there, with faces varying with emotions. Contempt and sadness was the strongest. "YOU CAN'T GET RIDE OF ME!" He yelled over the energy, currently blasting away at his body. They simply stared. "This is your own oblivion!" He began to surge millions of volts to counter-act the friendship which then began to eat away at it like sulfuric acid. Cole slowly but wearily stood up, face contorted and twisted in pure anger. He finally ripped free from the chains of friendship, allowing himself freedom. "D-don't do this, C-cole." Twilight stammered, backing away like the rest from the pissed off Cole. "I'll do whatever the fuck I want. Only rarely do I get to do this. You were hanging yourself, I was just providing the ROPE!" He had thrust at them with the built up current of electricity, blasting and injuring them as they smacked into things. Trees, rocks, left-over houses, ect. "Die." Cole jumped at them, whacking them with the Amp and blasted the life out of them with more lightning. Bolt after bolt sent their heart into overdrive, pumping faster than it should. "Die. DIE. DIE. DIE!" One final smack upon Twilight after her friends sent her into a wall of a building. She groaned and tried to move, but her body refused. Cole walked towards her, cracking his neck. "Now, here we are, Twilight. The end." Cole smirked as he charge his Amp. He raised his above his head and Twilight closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. She opened her eyes as she heard a loud noise and a quick pained grunt from Cole. Zeke stood there, holding his Magnum. Sparks of lightning were surrounding an area of Cole's back, aiming to heal it. Twilight looked over and saw the Amp was lodged into the ground, waiting. "This time, we're gonna finish this." Zeke put on a pair of kitchen-grade rubber gloves and held a Guard shield in his other arm. "Fair and square." Zeke fired again, with Cole firing a quick bolt of lightning at the bullet, causing it to explode. As the smoke blocked Cole's vision, Zeke ran up to him and bashed him with the Shield, staggering Cole. Zeke then picked up a nearby block of wood and whacked Cole with it. He jumped back and fired a Hellfire Rocket at him. Zeke bent down and covered himself with the Shield. It took the attack well, minus electricity being conducted to it. "Give up, Dunbar! You won't win this!" "We'll see about that." Zeke ran at him, holding the Shield out. Cole charged a Blast, holding the attack in his palms. Zeke got close and strafed out of the way as Cole used the Blast, allowing Zeke a free hit. Zeke punched the Conduit straight in the chest, knocking the wind out of Cole's lungs. Cole staggered backwards and Zeke punched him in the head, knocking him to the ground. Zeke then stomped on his chest, cracking a few of Cole's ribs and hopped away from the Conduit. "You... fat fuck!" Cole threw another Hellfire Rocket at Zeke but again, dodged the attack. Cole stood back up and charged at Zeke, unlike previous. Zeke blocked with the shield, it took the force of the kick that Cole delivered and Zeke sent it back and rammed Cole with the Shield, knocking him away. " THAT'S IT! I END THIS NOW!" Cole tapped into his Ion Core and unleashed a Ionic Storm, releasing a pure strike of lightning from above. "DIE!" Zeke was not fast enough to dodge the attack and was hit the the strength of a pure lightning strike, leaving him on the ground, near his inevitable demise. "Now, what was I doing before. Oh yeah! Where are you, Twi-" Cole choked on his words as he felt two prongs enter his chest from behind. "S-shit." He coughed. "I-I'm sorry, Cole." He dropped to his knees as Twilight shoved Cole's Amp deeper inside his own chest. Her eyes were beginning to tear up as he gritted his teeth in pain. "O-once you kill m-me, you'll still h-have to deal w-with Dis-" Cole dropped to the ground, breathing stopped "-cord." "Twilight?" Rarity gasped as she finally awoke. She rushed over to comfort her as Twilight stared at her "friend's" body. "It's okay, dear. It's over." She cooed. As the rest of her friends awoke, they mourned over their loss. Zeke was the last and the worst injured, but still got up and stood by his friend's body. Dear Princess Celestia... It has been exactly four years since the tragic event of Cole turning against Equestria. To this day, I have nightmares about him and that fateful day. Zeke has since found a way back home and has returned every so often after they found a way to travel between our worlds. Cole was buried back on his planet, far from ours. But, even after what Cole did, we still forgive Cole. I mean, Discord was the one who made him do what he did, not himself. Wherever Cole MacGrath is now... I hope that he is in a better place. Goodbye, Princess. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.
Act X: Agitation"Hey, pal. You got the time?" A very worried, but relaxed over-weight man asked. "Yep, five o' clock." The man replied happily. "Thanks." Zeke sighed and kept walking along the sidewalk. He looked up and saw people flying around and enjoying the time of their lives. He continued his pace, feeling depressed because of his loneliness. Zeke knew technically he was the last of kind here. A Human in a Conduit world, somehow. If he kept low, he wouldn't have to worry about his safety. He finally reached the building of where him and Cole used to chill in New Marais. He pushed open the front door and coughed as he walked in. Dust, cobwebs and other dirty pieces of air filled his nostrils and his throat. He quickly made his way up and reached the door to the roof shortly. He exhaled deeply as he escaped the dirty, dusty O2 filled building. He stared up at the crisp blue sky and wished for this nightmare to be over. Cole slept soundly in his bed as time passed around him. Clouds went by, ponies slept, the moon raised and lowered in time. In his sleep, he only dreamed of his friend that had suddenly disappeared. He knew that he was alive, somewhere. At least, Cole hoped that he was alive. A man can only have so much hope shattered before he finally says fuck it and gives the middle finger to hope and remembers that it is not to be trusted. Cole didn't want to say that he was dead, not again. The pain of his friend no longer with him ached in his heart and almost made life not living. However, Cole knew that somewhere in the endless universe that he was there, far away. Somewhere... . Cole suddenly woke up, rubbing his head. He gets up slowly and heads outside. He opens the front door to see a rising sun. He ignores the beauty and stares up at the sky, hoping that his friend somewhere is staring back... ~~~~~~~~~HOURS LATER~~~~~~~~ "So, Cole. What's on the agenda today?" A ready cyan rainbow-maned pegasus asks a despressed Cole. "Most likely nothing." He states, Rainbow stops moving and stares at him. She begins laughing and wiping a metaphorical tear. "You had me going there, Cole." She chuckles. "But, seriously." "I'm serious, Rainbow. I feel like doing nothing today. Sorry." He sighs as grabs a orange from a nearby stand and drops a few bits at the same time. "What, why?" She asks, obviously confused. "My friend is gone. I've asked everyone and they said that they haven't seen him since the party. Something happened to him and I have no idea where he is, Rainbow." He snarled lightly. "That's why." He storms off, leaving a still confused Rainbow behind him. He heads towards the park looking for some peace. He reaches it shortly and sits on the familiar bench he was sitting on with Lyra. As he sits, he sighs sadly and stares at the birds in the trees. He sees a family of bluejays. A father, mother and two babies ready to leave the nest. They take off and flap their wings as they leave. He stares at them as one finds a red cardinal friend. They tweet and chirp, they fly up in a tree and sit there, chirping. Minutes later, the cardinal takes off, leaving the other. He patiently waits for his friend but he never comes back. Cole picks up a rock and throws it at the tree angrily and leaves. Secondly later as he leaves, the cardinal comes back and they begin chirping happily once more. Cole walks around the town, eying all the things that this town has to offer. He decides to head home, forgetting about trying to be happy. Rainbow watched from above his sadness. She stares at him with sadness in her eyes, knowing that he's hurt by his friend's disappearance. Her face turns to confidence as she heads to Golden Oaks Library, for Twilight. "Twilight!" She yells as she opens the door to her abode. Twilight comes from upstairs seconds later. "What Rainbow?" She questions. "Do you have any idea what happened to Zeke?" Rainbow asks her, she begins thinking as she starts tapping her hoof on her chin. "No, why?" "He's gone and Cole's sad. It really hurts me to see him like this. He was so awesome and now... he's kinda downing the town's mood. I want to help him." Rainbow admits. "I'm sorry for Cole but Zeke hasn't been seen since the party." She notifies Rainbow. Rainbow exhales loudly. "Yes, I know that. But, how? Pon- people don't disappear like that. Especially if they don't have magic!" She reminds Twilight. Her eyes go wide at her reminder, she gasps. "You're right. Zeke had no way to leave like that! Come on, Rainbow! We're going to Sugarcube Corner!" ~~~~~~~CANTERLOT~~~~~~~~ "Tia. Do you know of the Human, Zeke Jedediah Dunbar's disappearance?" Luna asks her sister, Celestia. "No. When did he disappear?" She replies. "Around twelve thirty. Nopony has seen him since. I can no longer detect his aura which means he has somehow passed or has left our realm." She exclaims. "Both would be horrible to know. Cole must be distraught." "Yes, he is. We have seen his latest behavior. It is unlike his usual demeanor, so full of life and now, he is empty." She sighs sadly as Celestia places a hoof around her neck. "I know that he is alive, trust me. We will find him and inform Cole of his current location." She declared, full of confidence. "I hope so. I do not like seeing him like this." ~~~~~~~~~PONYVILLE~~~~~~~ Cole sat in his house, on the couch staring at the wall. He gritted his teeth and stood up. He grabbed a table and flipped it. Grabbing a chair with Kinetic Pulse, he rammed that into a wall, creating a hole. He unsheathed his Amp and whacked walls and things with it, breaking it, shattering it or straight up blowing it up. Minutes later after his destruction, he sobbing on the floor. "Zeke. Where the hell are you?" He cried. Sniffling, he stood back up. He went in his kitchen, grabbing a small knife from his knife storage block, he then went up into his bathroom, sighing. Staring at his reflection, he raised the knife near his neck. At that moment, Twilight and Rainbow walked in and saw the knife. "Cole! Suicide is not the answer!" Twilight urgently grabbed the knife with her magic and pulled it away. "Suicide? Why the hell would I do that?" He asks them. "Because. Zeke?" She reminded him. "I was shaving!" He raised his hands in the air. "Wait, what?" "Ugh. Watch." He groaned. He grabbed back the knife and began lightly cutting away at the hairs growing at his chin. "There. Male Humans AND Conduits grow hair around their face. We don't need to shave it but I don't want a fourteen inch beard. Anyway, what do you want?" "We're going to investigate Zeke's disappearance. We wanted to know if you wanted to help. But then, we saw you and well.. you know the rest." "You know what, sure. I'm coming. Let me get a shower first. I'll meet you at Sugarcube Corner." He scooted them out and closed the door. They left for the store, leaving the Conduit to his shower. Five minutes later, he met with them at the store, feeling refreshed. "So, how are you going to do this, investigator?" Cole placed his hands around his waist, tapping his foot impatiently. Simple. Look for any magic traces as Zeke couldn't of just straight of left. He would of returned to here." Twilight's horn lit up and she started walking around the store, looking for magic traces. Minutes later, she found one. "Here! It's very strong but very hidden. Hang on." She began analyzing the magic, concentrating on who it could be. "The magic... is a simple teleportation spell but enhanced to extreme measures. Meaning Zeke is maybe light years away." She explains. "So, he is alive?" "Yes." That revived Cole. He finally knew that his friend was currently alive and it did wonders for him. "So, is there a way to locate him?" "Most likely not. Princess Celestia would have to help with that." "Alright then. So, what now?" "That's up to you, Cole. We could either get Princess Celestia to help or do this ourselves. Up to you." "I'll be the chooser of that." A regal voice spoke from behind. The voice belonged to the Princess herself. "Princess Celestia! When did you get here." "A minute ago. I listened to your conversation to see how well your magic has become. It pained me to see you like this, Cole." "Thanks. Anyway, mind helping?" "Not at all." She walked up, lighting her horn. She began searching the regions of space, combined with the presence of this magic, she roughly located his location. "A planet. Blue oceans, green, brown and orange landscapes. Water, however seems to cover most of it." "He's on... Earth." Cole declared. "How? Somepony would need to know Earth to send him there." Twilight exclaimed. "Not exactly." Princess discontinued that. "If the user used a random spell, one can thrown anywhere. Randomize enhancements alter spells in the sense of randomization. Luckily, Zeke landed on Earth. However, using Randomize enhancements are almost impossible to use for anypony besides me and Luna. Either there is a powerful unicorn or a unknown alicorn running about." "I guess I have to thank them for sending him there, I guess." Cole chuckled. "I will look further into this. I must be off, sadly. Farewell." She then teleported, blinding them. "Again, what now?" "Again, up to you Cole. I'm going to do the same as Princess Celestia and look into this. I don't know what you and Rainbow are going to do." She then teleported, leaving Rainbow and Cole to themselves. "Wanna prank some ponies?" Rainbow suggested, a mischievous smile on her face. "You had me at prank." Cole smirked. ~~~~~~~~EARTH~~~~~~~~ "Hey! Screw you Fabian!" Zeke yelled at his TV screen. It was currently playing a show called, Love is a Lie. Fabian, the main person of the show, was cheating with Maria Moréz, a beautiful woman. "She loved you and you cheated on her! You deserve to be alone for the rest of your life, you dumb french." Zeke continued watching his odd show as Cole and Rainbow prank the every living hell out of ponies. ~~~~~~~PRANKVILLE, POYVILLE~~~~~~~~ "You sure this will work? Pinkie IS the queen of pranks. Well, besides me." Rainbow asked a busy Cole. "Yes, completely. I saw this from a show that did a bunch of stupid stuff. This one worked perfectly. Alright, done! Hurry here comes Pinkie!" Cole instantly hid behind the wall that he setting up stuff on. Pinkie came around the corner, waving to her friend. "Rainbow! There you are! I've been searching for you forever, some ponies aren't as fast as you." "Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry but have you seen this note?" Rainbow raised her hood towards the heart shaped piece of paper. Pinkie got really close to it and began reading. Cole from behind the wall, pulled the string that was attached to a machine that fired flour, pudding and frosting. He thought of a fist but he didn't want to hurt anyone. Pinkie was then blasted with the gross ingredients. "Oooo! What's this?" He raised her hoof and placed her hoof on the stuff covering her face and licked it. "Ew! Flour is gross, why would you use it with chocolate pudding and vanilla frosting alone?" "You should go look in a mirror." Rainbow tried so hard not to laugh. Pinkie found a mirror and began laughing herself. First was Rainbow and then Cole finally fell shortly after. "You should of seen the look on your face!" Rainbow laughed, holding her sides. " I should of!" "Oh, man. That... was awesome. I've never had as much fun as this. Pranking was such a good idea. Really got rid of my somber mood. Pinkie, you might want to wash that off. Or eat it, I don't care. Just do something before me and Rainbow die." Cole wiped away his tears of great mirth. "I wouldn't want that! I'll back in a pinkie!" "Doesn't she me- Never mind. She's just being Pinkie." Cole dusted himself off as always and helped Rainbow up after her fit of laughter. "Yeah, that was good. Seriously, whoever did that were some pretty funny dudes." Rainbow stated, Cole chuckled and they began walking out of Sugarcube Corner. "Yeah, Johnny Noxville was a hilarious man. He still is, I mean. He's still up and about but I kinda can't see it, sadly." He sighed and stared skyward. "You miss your home, don't you?" Rainbow asked. "Yeah, Zeke is there too. I love this place and everything but It's not my home. If I had to chance to go back, I'll probably take it. But, not if I can't always come back and visit. I admire this place's will to thrive without technology simply because you have magic. If possible, you guys could create cars at your will if you knew the ins and outs of it." Cole smiled warmly. "What's a car?" Rainbow asked. "I tell you later. For now, let's find some more stuff to do." He ran off, surprising Rainbow. "Hey, get back here!" Rainbow called for him as jumped from building to building, using his parkour skills. A tad rusty but sharp enough his skills were. Cole reminisced on times like this. Peaceful, playful ignorant days. He never had to worry about anything and he was free to do whatever he wanted. Now, he had powers and responsibilities. The "With great power comes great responsibility" was one hundred and ten percent true. ~~~~~~~~SOMEWHERE~~~~~~~~~~ "Princess Cadence. Shining Armor has requested you, your majesty." "I'll be right there!" "Alright then." In her room, Princess Cadence sighed and stared at her reflection. Her mane was unkempt was greased with sweat. Her coat had little not-taken care of tufts on it. Her eyes were bloodshot and she was a mess. She sighed and grabbed her brush and began combing it. Why she was like that? If your thinking it happened in bed, you're sick or perverted. No, she was up late researching recent disturbances. Black spiraling crystals have appeared on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. They contain small amounts of dark magic in them reminiscent of King Sombra's magic. However, he was blasted into smithereens and the only thing left was his horn. Which Princess Celestia kept in a box that was locked with her magic. That was sealed in a magic-proof room. That was also locked with more magic and was in the deepest depths of the Castle. So, it was impossible that he could return. But, Cadence was worried and began looking into recent cases and files. It took some time, shampoo and some magic, but she was back to normal. She sighed and stared at her reflection once more. He put on her best showcase smile and left her room. As she left, she swore she heard faint laughing but blamed her tired condition. "Cadence. There you are!" Shining greeted his wife happily. She smiled but was tired anyway. "Yes, I was getting ready. You know, brush my mane, take a shower, you know. Girl stuff!" She exclaimed, Shining took it as that and ignored the haste in her words. "Hey, have you heard about the black crystals outside of the Empire? I've looked into it and so have our guards. It contains dark magic like Sombra's. We're worried but we're trying not to start things. If this gets out, the whole Empire will be afraid." "Yes, I've even looked into it. Honestly, I don't believe he could of regenerated from only his horn, you know." Cadence explained, Shining began thinking. "I know but what about that... Cole - person?" Shining pinpointed. Cadence deadpanned at him. "Really dear?" "Yeah! Don't you remember Discord tricked Cole into harming the Elements and my sister! I don't like him one bit." He huffed, Cadence sighed at his ignorance. "Really? If you don't like him that much then bring him here. I'm sure he doesn't have anything important to do." "You know what, I am. I'm going to go write a letter and you'll see. But, he's coming alone. Nopony else." Cadence rolled her eyes and smiled at her husbands antics and beliefs. She shook her head and went off. ~~~~~~~CANTERLOT CASTLE~~~~~~~~ Once again, sipping tea and reading reports is Princess Celestia's motto, it seems. A letter appears but she catches her tea. She smirks and unwraps the letter. Dear Princess Celestia I, Shining Armor, the Captain of the Royal Guard request the presence of Cole MacGrath in the Crystal Empire for questioning and confirmation of his motives. Respond as soon as you can, Princess. From Shining Armor She stares at the letter before she begins chuckling. She turns to her guards. "Please Guards -" She stops herself and chuckles once more. "Prepare a Chariot but not for me. Go to Ponyville and ask of Cole MacGrath to come to Canterlot alone, will you?' The guards are confused at this request but go do their job anyway. She realizes herself how odd that sounded and the letter sounded ridiculous. She checked to make sure that no guards are around and began actually laughing. ~~~~~~~~PONYVILLE~~~~~~~~ "Gotta catch me, Rainbow!" Cole taunted the cyan pegasus following him. She could not catch him not because of his speed but because of his agility. His Lightning Tether allowed great distance away from her and his great free-running skills allowed him to jump from building to the next. "Too slow, too low and too high!" He laughed as Rainbow tried to catch him. They weren't playing Tag either. Oh no, they went to Rarity's and she said some things that she shouldn't of and showed some pictures she shouldn't of. Cole took one and presented it to Rainbow. She got pissed, try to grab it, Cole took off. "Get back here!" She yelled after him, he simply ignored her and continued booking it until he hit a tree. Twilight's, to be specific. "Fuck." He groaned as he rubbed his face. He opened his eyes to a see a blue object hurl itself at him. "SHI-" He was blasted off the roof and into the sky, letting the picture drop aimlessly. "Hah! I'll take that." She grabbed the paper and was instantly thrown into a tornado by Cole, no doubt. He plucked the picture out and walked off as the vortex had it's fun. "Later, 'Dashie'!" He laughed as she was thrown about. Don't worry, she'll be fine. The plot demands it. However, Cole might not. Just as he was heading off, he saw a golden chariot arrive but with no Princess. "Uh.. guys? Aren't you supposed to have a giant pony on the back of that?" He joked. "No. The Princess has requested you and you, alone, to come to Canterlot." "Oh. Cool. Take me away, I guess. Later, Dashie!" He hopped on the Chariot and flown back to Canterlot. The vortex stopped as he left, leaving a PISSED Rainbow there. "He's dead." She hissed. "Oh, so very dead."
