The Multiverse Device

Chapters

<| Chapter 1 - Devastation |>
<| Chapter 2 - Voices |>
<| Chapter 3 - Savior |>
<| Chapter 4 - Afterlife |>
<| Chapter 5 - What just happened? |>

<| Chapter 1 - Devastation |>

There comes a point in ones life when you feel as if the world has given given up on you. As if you have died and someone else has taken your place, and no one even noticed. But then again, it's hard for anyone too notice...when they're all dead. All save a few.

And in those few, I reside. In my dark and gloomy rooftop hideout. You see, it's hard too find a nice place in the apocalypse. Maybe I should explain. Two years ago, a team of insane German scientists thought they had found the cure for cancer. When tested on the subjects, they found otherwise. After two days of intense suffering, the patients would die, simply fade from exsistance. One moment, everything is fine, the next, they're dead. Or so they thought. Much too the scientists suprise, the patients were found awake after a few hours of death. As you may have guessed, the scientists were curious and soon after they were infected.

Then, as most zombie apocalypse stories, the infection spread and 3/4 of the worlds population died or turned. Many stores were raided and burned. The military only caused more problems. People would try and raid the military platoons that would come through cities. It became so bad, the ground units were recalled from the cities, and they simply napalmed the city. Wen the military left, everyone went by themselves. And that's how I got here.

My hideout consists of three tents, all for me. One contains my food, water, medical supplies, weapons and ammo. Another for sleeping, and the last for when nature calls. I had destroyed the door too the roof, and destroyed the stairs leading up too the door, no one was getting in. I used a ladder on the side of the building to get down too the streets, although I rarely go there. The city had been abandoned by everyone soon after the military left. They haven't bombed here yet, so that's a good sign that no ones coming back.

I sat up grunting, and made my way too the weapons tent. I opened the flap and stepped in, grinning. It always cheered me up too see my awesome fire power. You see, the military never even left, they were overrun. When they were all being swarmed by the zombies, I grabbed all that I could.

My arsenal contained two M16A4's, one M60, equipped with two box magazines, 1 M4, along with 7 magazines, and a EOTECH sight. Moving too the smaller fire arms. I had obtained two Sig Suar p226 pistols when fighhting a group of bandits in the local Home Depot. My las weapon was my favorite of all, a M1911, along with a few mags of ammo. I had the sumo stored in my old school duffle bag, and thrown in the corner of the tent. I always keep the guns loaded, just in case.

Sometimes I would take pot shots at zombies below me, just too keep up on my accuracy. I should say, I had acquired a tactical vest years prior to the fallout, never seeing a use for it. But oh boy, was it my savior now. Holding up too tens mags of ammo, two grenades, and a holder for a knife, it was my best friend. On my hip I had a pistol holster, where my M1911 sat, ready for use. On my right hamstring, sat another knife holster, currently empty due to my lack of melee weapons.

I walked out of the tent, and took a huge breath of air, savoring the foul smell. I sighed, this was the life. I was afraid too admit it, but this was actually what I hade hoped for. I had stayed up late at night, and fantasied about how awesome I would be during a zombie apocalypse. Needless to say I was wrong too some extent. But hey, I was still alive.

It was getting late, for the sun was dipping below the edge of the horizon. I double checked the perimeter of my hideout. Ladder retracted, check, door jammed, check, weapons loaded, check. I strode over too my orange sleeping tent. I opened the flap and ducked inside, zipping the flap and moving a metal case in front of the door. Take no chances, that's what one of my rules was. Maybe I will tell you them all one day. I sighed and fell into my cot. Another day of boring over watch. Tomorrow was going to be different. Tomorrow was supplies day. The best and works day of the week. I would go to find more supplies to load my tents with, whether it be from abandoned stores, dead bodies, or bandit hideouts, I would get what I needed.

I closed my eyes, and entered the realm of dreams...

|~~~|

I awoke from my slumber, relived I had not been gutted in my sleep. I knew I had a dream, but failed too recall any details. I made my way too my weapons tent, and grabbed an M4 and three magazines of ammo. I also grabbed the EOTECH sight, and attached it too the top rail. Hopefully I would get too use it, it was always fun seeing a zombie, or person, go down in a spray of red mist.

Once I hade everything I needed, I shimmied my way down the ladder, and cautiously made my way down the ally. I hadn't seen any living and/or living dead I over a week. In some ways, that was great, but it was also kind of depressing. It just showed how alone I was.

The day went as usual, I had filled my duffle bag too the brim with food and medical supplies. I had only found one magazine of ammo, but it looked like something for an AK, and not for my guns. I never encountered anything besides stray cats and raccoons, which in turn, seemed to be having a field day. I clumsily walked out of the 7-11 I was in, tripped on a beam, and fell on my face.

CRASH

Oh shit...

You see, zombies can't really see for shit, so they go by noise. Luckily not smell either.

I crouched low, bringing my rifle to my shoulder. I waited. 10 seconds, 20, 30. After a few minutes, I decided it was safe too head out. My hideout was only two or three miles away, give or take. Keeping on the edge, I made my way down the deserted streets. Trash floated around with the wind, almost looked like a scene from a movie. But again, my whole life seemed like a movie, for some sick minded weirdo above.

I walked for about twenty minutes before I stopped dead in my tracks. I hear a faint roaring sound, I hadn't heard that since....oh god no, oh please no! I bit my lip and ran into a abandoned office building. I peered out the window, and what I saw confirmed my fears. On the horizon I could make out two blobs in the sky. 'Oh shit, please be helicopters, please be heli- those aren't helicopters...' I couldn't prevent what was about too happen, these were jets, and they were going to bomb the city. There was no sugar coating it. All I could hope for was that it wasn't napalm and that they missed the building on which I resided. I closed my eyes tightly, as the roaring grew closer.

I heard two clicks, one after the other. And then...

BOOM!

The world rocked violently around me, that was a close one. I waited for the second explosion but one never came. Weird, maybe a dud, but military bombs don't dud. Not from what I've seen. I shrugged, not my problem, I thought. Oh how I was wrong on that one! I walked outside and my stomach quenched. I smelt fire, and it was close. 'DAMN Military dropping fire on my shit' I said mentally, 'Or I hope it didn't get my stuff'. I turned the corner, and my heart skipped a beat. I looked up too my skyscraper. I say mine because I basically owned that shit, probably the city too. My pupils went too the size of grapes, then they shrunk. The skyscraper had flames roaring from windows of the first five stories.

I sank too my knees, "No way...no..way" all of the hard work, everything I fought for, was gone. I couldn't bring myself too watch the build collapse. I heard a deafening screech of metal, and several loud crashes. I glanced up, it was gone. The skyscraper collapsed inward on itself, sending rubble just a few feet away from me. I sank down again. I sat there for what seems like hours. I finally came back too my sense when I heard a loud moan.

"Oh now you come, eh?" I smirked a bit. I turned to my right and saw three zombies heading my way. Piece of cake. I brought up my rifle to the hollow on my shoulder, and lined up the sights with the zombies.

BANG

All three zombies crumbled to their knees, in a haze of blood and brain matter. I walked near them and put a knife through each of their necks, just making sure. I sighed, my hands now covered with dark crimson blood. I stood up, and made my way back too the intersection of I don't and Give a Fuck. I felt on the verge of tears when I looked back too the now burning building. Kind of funny, I thought. The building was the fire department headquarters of my state, New York. I looked down too my tac vest and my duffle bag. I still had something, and I was going too make something of it. I decided the old apartment building was a good place too set up shop.

I sat up, gritting my teeth. I felt so out of energy, after what had happened. My head spinner with emotions. Sad, confused, angry, hunger, terrified. I didn't know what too think. 'I'll figure something out when I get there' I thought. I walked for awhile, not caring about what was around me. I was about too turn the last corner I needed to turn when I heard what I thought were voices.

"Ha, no fucking way" I whispered. I peered around the corner and sure enough, two men were crouching over a metal canister, around four feet in length. They were saying something, but I couldn't make it out. The first man, six foot and sported a long redneck beard, was saying something too the other man. He couldn't have been more than 14 he thought. Sad, but props too him for making it this far. The older man stood up and talked too the boy straight on. The man had what looked like a AK, but I couldn't be sure. The boy only had a pistol, but I could tell what kind. I crouched low, and made my way behind a car, nearly twenty feet away from the pair. I crept only the car and rolled behind a hot dog vender's cart. Now ten feet away.

I peered over the cart, and saw the man still speaking with the boy. I decided now was my chance. I got up and aimed my rifle at the pair, and yelled, "HEY".

The man turned around and both of their eyes went wide with fear.

"But down the guns," I ordered.

They obliged easily and set the guns down. I edged my way over too them, still training my sights on them.

"Kick them over here, if you would" I said.

They kicked their weapons, with perfect precision, landing on each side of my feet. The old man sighed a sigh of defeat and the boy just stood their, scared out of his mind.

"What brings you two here? In the middle of a street, of a zombie infested city?" I asked, wondering how they weren't dead.

The old man spoke up, "W-we live a mile or so from here, and we saw the napalm rain down from the sky. We saw two jets and only heard one explosion. We were just curious, please don't kill us," The man pleaded. "We were low on supplies and we figured all of the Zombies would be dead".

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, this seemed off. That's when I noticed the mans arm moving slowly behind his back. I clicked off the safety just as the man pulled a Peacekeeper revolver on me.

BANG

The boy looked in shock as his father's throat exploded as a bullet passed through it. The man crumbled to his knees and fell on his face. The boy gritted his teeth in anger, and dove for his fathers gun.

CHINK

Aw shit. Perfect moment for a jam. 'I should've cleaned this son of a bitch earlier. I cursed and dove behind the hot dog cart, just as the boy fired a round. It ricocheted off the cart and slammed into the windshield of the car I hid behind earlier. I cursed silently and pulled out my P266. This kid had a good shot, no way was I going to just pop up like a lunatic and take my chances. After all, no taking chances. I looked around and found a piece of cracked pavement. Perfect, I thought too myself. I peered through a hole in the cart. The boy was moving closer, and still had the pistol drawn. I got a firm, but steady grip on the rock and I tossed it far too my left. Just as had hoped, the rock hit with a loud thud, and the boy spun towards the sound. At that moment I popped up and put a round through his head. The boy swayed before collapsing too the ground.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank Celestia" I said out loud. Yes, brony I was. Which did explain the Luna hoodie I was wearing. After two years, I never did forget that show. But the memories were blurred, and I couldn't remember much. I pulled myself together, it wasnt everyday you murdered two innocent men, trying too survive. Whatever.

I glanced back too the canister imbedded in the street. I shrugged, and made your way over too it. When I reached it, I jumped back in suprise. Inside was an dark blue ball, with light coming from the center.

"What the fuck!?" I thought out loud.

I cautiously picked up the ball. It was about 6 inches around and about the same in height. For something that looked so alien, it was surprisingly light, only about 2-3 pounds. I turned it over, and on the bottom there were five buttons, each labeled with a letter. A, B, C, D, and E. I looked around nervously, and slid my hand back too the front. I stood back up, and resumed my walk too the apartment building. That's when I noticed a note in the canister out of the corner of my eye.

I picked it up, my eyes devouring the text.

For when all hope is lost. For when the day comes, for when there is no hope. For when all is lost. For you. The Multiverse Device..

And with that, my hand slipped on the orb and slammed into the letter E. Fearfully, I dropped the ball to the ground and backed up. The orb started shaking violently, and then it exploded, engulfing me in a blinding white light. I felt drowsy and dropped to my knees. I felt light headed, then I slowly slipped away from consciousness.

My last thought was, 'The Multiverse Device....?'

<| Chapter 2 - Voices |>

I awoke in what seemed to be total darkness. Wisps of dark wind swirled around me. I groaned as I sat up, and rubbed my eyes. I opened them to see a silhouette of a humanoid figure. Taking in further details, I noticed that the figure was sitting in a large, leather recliner, sipping a cup of tea. It was odd, the chair and tea I could view in detail, but not the figure, only a black splotch with a red outline. The slits of his eyes and his lips were also red, he had no nose.

The recliner swerved in my direction, I assumed he noticed I was awake. His lips spread into a wide smile, revealing sharp, pure white fangs. He stood up and walked too me. I tried too move, but my legs failed me, whether out of fear or some magical force, I don't know. He came closer, and closer, until his face was but a few inches from my own. Despite the distance change, I still could see and details on his face. He stared at me for a moment, clearly eyeing me up, seeing my worth. And then he spoke.

Oliver the human I suppose? He asked in a deep, raspy voice, I assume you're the one who used my Multiverse Device?

I stood there for a moment, trying to find my voice. "Uh um, Multi- what?" I asked, still drowsy from the past events.

The Multiverse Device, He said, growing ever closer too my face, The Orb of Godly energy that you used too get here? The very device that can tear a world in two? And very well destroy the universe?

"Oh...that, yeah. I found that after the fight I had with those two guys. Which for some odd reason I assume you know about?" I said bluntly, still very confused about this situation. Yes, you seem too understand. Mmmmm, very well. When you dropped the device, you hit a button yes? He asked, narrowing his eyes. "Yeah, it's kind of blurry, but I think I hit...E?" I said, feeling worry starting too take over.

If his eyes has pupils, they would probably have shrunk to the size of an airsoft BB. He turned an paced around the room, mumbling things to himself. He did this for about five minutes while I stood their awkwardly. He suddenly stopped, and it seem he had come to a decision. Even I, being the God of Shadows, Ah, well at least I know his current occupation, cannot deceive fate! It is decided, you hit E, so you shall travel to E, He said calmly.

"Hey whoa whoa, what is this E you speak of? I've been through enough already, I don't need too fight aliens or some shit!" I practically yelled at the demon. He sighed, and sat back down in his recliner an sipped his tea. He then leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. The Multiverse Device allows you to transport between dimensions and worlds. When you hit E, the Multiverse Device was currently on the 'world mode'. Now, think. What other worlds so you know of that start with E? He asked. I thought for a second. The demon laughed as my eyes went wide. Yes, silly mortal, you seem too understand. But alas, you reek of blood, so I must send you to...eh..E! He chuckled, Do not fret though human, I will be there to guide you when things get rough. So when you start hearing voices in your head, just think about what you would say to me, and I will hear you! And no, I can't read your thoughts, unless you grant me permission. Now, be gone!!

And with that, the same bright light from before swallowed me. My stomach lurched and I threw up. The vomit seemed to seep through the ground, and that's the last thing I saw before everything went black.

|~~~|

Have you ever felt that your stomach was taken out of you turned inside out, and shoves down your throat? Probably not, but that's how I felt when I came back into the world of the living.

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, I felt a sense of déjà vu, I had definitely done that many times before. I looked around me. I seemed to be in a clearing of a dense forest. The forest had trees, probably around 40-50 feet falls and their trunks around five feet in diameter. I turned to my left and saw a small stream, fitted with rocks throughout, definitely cross-able, if needed. I turned back to the trees. I scrunched my brow, for something seemed off about these trees. Birds were flying from branch to branch, chirping happily. Squirrels rested in their nests, or were gathering nuts on the forest floor. Near the edge of the forest to my right, a family of bunnies cheerfully hopped deeper into the forest. I hadn't seen something so natural since god knows how long. But it wasnt just that, the scenery seemed to....cartoony? But that isn't surprising, considering the fact I had spent two years in a gloomy, zombie infested city.

Just then my brain exploded. The encounter with the God of Shadows rushed back too me. The awakening, the talk, the vomit. Then, the whole cartoony, nature problem seemed to make sense. He said the world he was in was not his own, and that it began wi the letter E. I didn't know for sure, but I had my suspicions of what this world could be.

I grunted as I stood up. On my way up, my foot knocked into a piece of metal with a CLANG! I looked down, and much too my delight, my M4, Sig Suaer and my duffle bag sat In the dirt. I looked at my chest and noticed my tactical vest. But even more surprising, was that my tax vest was full to the brim with magazines! "YES! Thank you Mr. Demon!" I shouted in my victory voice. My eyes widened and I grew a devilish grin and I opened my duffle.

"Oh sweet Jesus..." I mumbled. My duffle bag was filled to the brim with food and ammo. The food was simple chicken and potatoes, a weird combination but useful non the less. But the ammo, oh lord the ammo. At least half of the duffle bag was full of it. I also spotted a suppressor along with a cleaning kit near the bottom. I finished my search and zipped up the bag. I sighed when I came to a realization. This bag was going to be a bitch too cart. All of that ammo and food probably weighed at least 100 pounds, probably more.

I guess all of this good stuff has to come with drawbacks right? Correct. The bag weighed at least 120 pounds. But two years of an apocalypse keeps you pretty fit. I hoisted it over my shoulder, let my M4 fall on its sling, and I headed off in the direction of the stream.

The stream was simple enough too cross, just simply stepped over the bright green rocks. Although a little slippery, I managed to pull through. It was a rather easy trip, but I swear I saw something move under the water...

Dismissing the thought from my head, I crept too the edge of the forest, and plunged in.

|~~~|

By the time I reached the next clearing, I was sweaty and exhausted. Carry a 120 pound pack for three hours really takes it toll. I sat down for a quick breather. Silly me, as I went too sit down, the weight of the bag slammed me not my ass, hard. I grunted as I rolled over, gripping my now crushed Ishium in pain. I sat up, and opened my canteen. After resting under the shade of the trees for awhile, I decided too keep going.

After what seemed like another few hours of mindless walking, I spotted a fork in the road in the distance. My pace quickended as I grew closer to the fork. It was simple, and only had one board pointing to a small path cutting through the forest. The text on the sign was old and worn, making It hard to make out. I got a few inches away from it, and squinted hard.

Ponyville - Two Miles

"Well that's good, there most be peo- wait what the fuck" I said, taking a double take, "Ponyville sounds awfully familiar. Oh, that's right, My Little Pony," I mumbled. Then my my suspicions came true. The demon had said E, and I knew what he meant. I was in Equestria, home to the ponies.

<| Chapter 3 - Savior |>

"We'll shit" I said out loud. This was going to be fun. Hopefully it wouldn't be like all of the HiE fan-fictions I read a long while ago. When the human would walk into Ponyville and get his ass beat by applejack. And then every pony would feel sorry and welcome him.

With that said, I decided to play it safe and make my presence known gradually. So I wouldn't frighten anypony when I went into town. I figured I could help out ponies and make a hasty escape back into the forest, leaving the ponies questioning what I am. And hopefully they would figure I was a creature wanting too help, and not a savage pony-eating ape.

I chuckled as I started down the path. If I wasn't so lost in thoughts, I would've noticed the beautify of the lush forest. While walking own the path was dark, hints of light creeped through the canopy, creating an admiring glow. Down near the edges of the path, a large variety of flowers dotted the Earth. A slight fog crept in the undergrowth, giving the forest a loomy, but also welcoming effect. Dotting the path were obvious hoof-marks, smashing whatever suspicions I had regarding if I was actually in the Everfree forest.

I continued down the path for a good fifteen minutes before I reached a bend in the road. Jus before I turned the corner, I heard a faint clopping sound, and what appeared to be voices. I stood frozen for a second, debating my options. I snapped out of it and dove into the bushes, just as two ponies rounded the corner. I nearly passed out when I saw who they were. Twilight Sparkle herself, and of course, Fluttershy. As they got closer, I could just make out their conversation.

Twilight was saying something too Fluttershy, an annoyed expression on her face, "...Like I said, Zecora needs us to gather some Poision Joke for her new recipe. And you're the best with animals, so I need you if something goes wrong!" She said, glaring at Fluttershy. "Oh...I-I know b-but what if a Manticore attacks, or a h-hydra!" Fluttershy said, covering her face with her mane. 'DAWWWWW' I thought, from my hideout in the undergrowth, too cute!

"If any monster attacks us, I'm sure I can handle it. I have been getting offensive spell lessons from Shiny lately. He was getting worried about me. I told him I was fine, but he insisted," Twilight assured Futtershy, continuing down the path. I couldn't hear fluttershy's reply, but it was probably something like "Ok". As they started too disappear from sight, I had already decided I was going to follow them, like that was a hard decision. I was really hoping they wouldn't find me, it would be really awkward, getting caught stalking. Well, I wasn't stalking, just 'observing', I thought with a chuckle.

I set my duffle down, thinking I could get too it later, but I kept my M4, just in case. I was turning to coninue following when I heard Twilight squel happily, "Hey Fluttershy! I found some Poision Joke! The faster you help me gather it, the faster when can get out of here!" She chimed happily. I brushed some bushes aside, just enough so my eyes could see through. Twilight stood over a rather large patch of the glowing blue plant, and she was putting it into a saddlebag, with a pair of oddly snapped tweasers. Why she didnt use magic, I didn't know.

The gathering went on for about five minutes, before a rustling sound came from the other side of the clearing. After failing too see what it was, I lifted my weapon too my shoulder, and peered down the optics. I could make out the face of a lion and a scorpions tail. 'Weird combo, I wonder why two animals as Diverse as those are teaming up" I thought casually.

My answer came as the creatures, or creature, burst from the bushes. I mentally face palmed at my error, it was a manticore. That would explain the body parts.

The manticore fiercely roared and rushed towards the ponies. Both Twilight and Fluttershy looked up, eyes wide with shock. Instead of running, or even trying to defend themselves, they stood frozen with fear. Oh shit, here goes nothing. I jumped from the bushes and rushed towards the ponies shouting "Run you ponies! Run!" Twilight spun around and gasped, I figured she had probably never seen my kind before. Not suprising. "Seriously....run!" I said pushing her. The manticore roared, it was only twenty feet away, and approaching fast. Twilight gulped and her horn was ingulfed in a purple aura. With a pop and a flash, she and Fluttershy were gone.

I spun quickly, only too be caught in the jaw by the monsters jaw. I flew back, and slammed into a tree. I felt warm liquid running down my shirt. I looked own, but winched in pain. The flesh on my chin was clean off, and was oozing crimson liquid freely. The manticore rushed me again, but this time I rolled too the side, kicking the beast in the knee. It roared pain and stumbled over itself. With it distracted, I jumped up and aimed at the creature with my weapon. As I pulled the trigger, the beast's tail whipped around, knocking my gun aside. The bullet wizzed harmlessly past it's head, splintering a tree further back. The tail swooped back again. Stabbing my full on in the side. "ARRGGG" I yelled, slamming into a tree once again. I slid my hand down my left thigh, reaching my P226. I have a devilish smile as I upholstered it. I lined the sights up, center mast, and pulled the trigger.

BANG

The first shot slammed into the creatures shoulder, sending a spray of blood in the sir, the creature tried too recover, but the second round rocketed through it's yellow forehead. It swayed on both feet, before falling backwards onto a branch, moaning the monster in its throat.

"Owwwww" I groaned, trying to stand up. My jaw and right side both hurt incredibly. And both freely letting my blood gush out in waves. I looked down to my side, and gasped. The thought hit me hard. I mentally face palmed again. The tail has a poisonous stinger, which wold explain the green liquid mixed with my blood. I panted heavily, slumping down onto the tree trunk. I tried to keep my eyes open, but I was loosing blood fast, and they weighed a million pounds. 'This is it, two years in the apocalypse, and I get taken by a manticore' I thought with a chuckle. I gasped in pain again. Note to self, don't chuckle when stabbed by a manticore.

I heard faint sounds, like hooves and voices. 'Maybe the angels are coming too get me' I thought. The last thing I saw before slipping into the abyss, was an array of colors, closing in on me. 'I thought they said there was a bright light' I thought. But I didn't question death.

<| Chapter 4 - Afterlife |>

The first thing I thought when I came to was, 'My everything hurts....FUCKKKK!' Or something along the lines of that. The pain in my side and chin were gone, but that didn't help the soreness. I realized it must've been from being thrown into the trees. Twice. I groaned and tried to open my eyes, failing at first, due to the drowsiness inside. But after a few tries, I managed to open them, and keep them open at that. If I was a normal person, what I saw would've surprised me, but living in a apocalypse, meeting two ponies, and greeting mauled by a manticore, nothing surprised me anymore. I opened my eyes to reveal and sea of clouds, as far as I could see. These clouds were different though. Back on Earth, clouds were tainted and gray, but these glowed a vibrant pure white. It but my eyes at first, like when the sun reflects off of snow, and it burns your eyes.

Just then my mind exploded as wave after wave of memories came back. Poison Joke, stalking, ponies, attack, manticore, fight, intense pain, and blackness. I felt lightheaded and lay my head down on the clouds. They were soft and mushy, like marshmallows, but they didn't stick too you. Then that thought came too me. 'If I'm dead, how am I feeling stuff'. I sat up again, gritting my teeth. 'Yep, I can definitely feel stuff! This hurts like a bitch!'.

I struggled a little, but eventually I was able to stand up. I looked behind me, and my jaw dropped. If it could, it would've gone through the clouds. My knees gave way and I crumbled too the ground. I looked back up to see three human figures, standing a few feet away from me.

I struggled to speak, but my voice failed me. For standing before me where my parents, and my brother.

|~~~|

"Hello son" My father said. I glanced between the three of them. They stood in front of me, but their images wavered, so it was hard to make details. But they were definitely my family. Looking harder, I also noticed that they were semi-transparent. I could see the outlines of important things, like the outside of the body, ears, mouth, nose and eyes. But everything else was a faint blue glow. They all bore a smile, or so I thought. They couldn't possibly be happy too see me, not after what I had done.

"M-mom? D-dad? Brian?" I whispered in disbelief. My 'father' crossed his arms. "Wow, so long in the Zombie Apocalypse you forgot how we look eh?" He said coldly, his smile fading. "I expected more of my son". Did I forget to mention that my dad was an abusive alcoholic, and didn't stop drinking? Even in the apocalypse, he was always drunk as fuck. Part of the reason I- "Arthur, don't be so hard on him, he did what was right after all," My mother said, interrupting my train of thoughts.

"Really Jen? You're siding with this failure? He left us to die!" He hollered at her. He turned to me, "By the way, I never loved you!" He said, and disappeared in a glow of bright light.

"Oh, Oliver, please don't mind your fathers words. He just is disappointed in you, that's all" My mother said, forcing a smile onto her face.

I blinked. It's was all too much for me. My brain was going to explode. After a minute of calming down, I asked my mother the question of the year, "Am...am I dead?" I asked no one in particular. Just then, my brother decided to speak up. "Yeah bro, you're dead. Pretty badass though, how you saved the ponies" He said with a brotherly smile.

"How do you know about that?" I gasped?

"You weren't the only brony in the family, you know" He smirked. Wow, we'll played Brian, well played. He stood up, and gave me a toothy grin. "Another question," I started, "Why...can I feel things? I'm dead right?".

My mother sighed, "Yes, you're dead. But not completely. Your body is here, but your soul is not. How did you feel during the apocalypse? Did you want to die or live?" She asked. "I....I told myself that if I died, I would have failed you," I said, looking down. "That means you would do anything to live right?" She asked. I simply nodded, not wanting too look up. "That's why, Oliver, that's why you are half dead, and half alive, your soul is in between. It has not decided what to do. When you were living, you had such a strong urge to live, you basically lived off of it. It infected your soul. Even in the afterlife you still follow that urge, the urge to live," She flicked her hand to the side, "Look".

At first, there was a ripple in the air, but it soon formed into an image. I saw six colorful ponies running through the woods. 'Wow, the mane six' I thought. Twilight was in the front, followed by the other five. They were running through a town, which I assumed was Ponyville, with frantic looks on their faces. I gasped as I noticed something hovering in the air above Twilight. Her horn glowed, and something was floating in her magical aura. I realized that something was me. My arms swayed be my side, and my legs were kicking frantically.

My mother waved a hand through the image, smiling sadly. "You spirit won't let go. Only you can. You have a choice too make son," She said sadly," your soul so badly wants to go back, but only you can confirm it". I stared a her dumbly, "You're saying...I can go back?" I whispered. Wow, I sounded like Fluttershy.

"Yes, you goof, but only if you confirm it" She said, she held out her hand, and a hole appeared a few feet away in the cloud. "When you're ready".

I looked too Brian, "I'm sorry for what happened in Atlanta. I couldn't have done anything, I hope you understand" I said, offering my first for a bro hoof. "C'mon bro, it's fine. It didn't hurt that much anyways!" He said, bumping his fist against mine. Which made me feel 100% more guilty.

I made my way to the hole. I stood on the edge, and looked to my mom. "I love you, see you soon," I said with a tear forming. My mom simply nodded with a smile. She gestured with her hand for me too jump.

I looked down, somehow I knew this was going too hurt.

"I love you, Dad" I whispered to myself.

"I love you too, son" Someone behind me, and I was shoved into the hole.

|~~~|

<| Chapter 5 - What just happened? |>

Ewww, it's you again, how unpleasant

I didn't have to open my eyes to know who it was. I sighed heavily through my nose, if that's possible. I rolled onto my stomach and tried opening my eyes, but they wouldn't. Again, they weighed like a million pounds. I groaned before trying to speak, "What do you want, can't I just go back?" I pouted, "I've been through enough lately, right?".

Actually, yes, yes you have. And I don't really like you, so I am going to make this as short as I can. I know why the universe sent you here. It's pretty complicated, so I have to explain, The shadow demon sighed, I oversaw your talk with your parents. Mighty fine people If I say so myself, shame you killed them He said, trying to get me mad.

Much to my dismay, and his delight I snapped. I stood straight up, and forced my eyes open. No one, NO ONE insulted me, or my parents. "Listen up shadow-dick, you stupid dick sucker," I started, staring into his deep red eyes, "If you insult my parents one more time, I will rip your puny dick off, shove it down your throat, and drown the ones you care about in your pathetic brain matter! Hear me mother fucker?!" I shouted, waving my hands in motions of the brutalities I had described. 'That must've fucked him up! Oliver 69 - Demon 0!' I thought proudly. You dirty mind you!

The shadow demon out a hand to his mouth. I got into a defensive stance, ready for any attack he gave me. He stared at me a moment, then he broke down on his ass laughing. He literally ROFL'd, which I didn't think was possible, rolling around and waving his arms frantically. In between laughs he would sputter something, but failed as he broke down again.

I sighed, and sat on the ground. Ground? I guess there wasn't actually a ground, since it was an eternal void of nothing. But that is besides the point. After another few minutes, he stopped laughing. "About damn time," I said, "Are you done?" I asked, crossing my arm.

Y-yes! Please ex-excuse me! He said, getting up, You're a funny one, you! He chimed, striding his way over to his recliner. He sat down, and poured himself some tea. Sipping it carefully, he regained his composure. Alright, I guess you are wondering what I've brought you here for, and not directly sending you back to Equestria, as soon as possible? He asked, setting his tea cup on its saucer, and folding his hands neatly on his lap.

"Actually, first, I was wondering what I could refer to you as" I told him

Twas wondering when you would ask that. You may refer to me as, Dunar, if you will, He said motioning to himself.

"Okay..? And now, please tell me, why am I here?"

Oh, yes, It is very simple actually. I have sent the Multiverse Device to Equestria, although I know not where. And for you, and every other being in the Universe, this could be a problem! He said bluntly, as if that wasn't a big deal, Anywhere from the tallest mountain to the smallest stream. It could be anywhere. And it is your job to find it, before it falls into the wrong hands! He said, growing more serious.

"Whoa whoa wait! My job? You're a god! Can't you just, teleport it? And why is It 'My Job' in particular?" I was starting to panic....

OLIVER, YOU DUMBASS! I thought you would've figured this out by now....I am the God of everything in between! Which includes shadows, fate and destiny! He yelled.

"Wait! You're saying my destiny is too find some stupid device and destroy it?" I countered, annoyed by the situation.

Do you understand the severity of the situation? If you don't, the universe could be torn to shreds! Being friends with the God of Death, even I that would be bad, he said, calming down. Easing himself back into his recliner, You wouldn't be a pawn of the gods, Oliver, you would be the savior of the universe. When you died, you would be- He cut himself off, I have said too much. You shall return to Equestria, and make some friends. I will contact the princess and inform her of the siuation He said with a wave of his hand.

"Wait, you know Celestia?" I asked, surprised.

Yes, merely. She is the great granddaughter of the God of the Universe. He gave her the sun, she was always his favorite. He said, sighing happily, lost in thought.

"Yeah, okay. Now can I please leave? This place makes me want to shit myself!" I said, looking around nervously.

Yes, yes you shall. Good luck Oliver. Good luck....

With that, and a wave of his black hand, a bright loud engulfed me. My mind was eased of thoughts, and I knew no more.

|~~~|

I awoke in a forest, although I didn't know where I was. It was daytime, but it was very, very dark. Glancing up, I found the reason. The sun glowed elegantly on the sides of the moon. A solar eclipse. Dotting the sky were heaving rain clouds, ready to burst any second. I shifted my attention to the task at hand. Find help.

I stood up groggily, still drowsy from being unconscious. Wen I got to my feet, I scanned my surroundings, looking for any sign of civilization. Finding none, I set in a random direction, hoping for the best. I strode over to the forest edge, peering inside. It seemed calm, but not peaceful. A powerful tension filled the air, like a overfilled balloon ready to explode. No animals were in sight and a slight fog crept from the deep vines.

I decided I had to take a risk. All though it was against the rules, my rules, sometimes it was necessary. I plunged into the forest, and my face was slammed with a wave of dense heat. A brushed it aside and strode deep inside the forest. Not knowing what I was looking for exactly, I just keep walking, hoping for the best.

Sweat started forming instantly, tainting my clothes with a dreadful smell, like a locker room in school. As I continued walking, I began feeling a sense of paranoia and anxiety, as if someone was watching me. Wanting to get out of this forest, I quickend my pace.

Hours it seemed. Hours of mindless trudging. It began too rain awhile ago, which didn't add to the affect of dreadfulness in the forest. I was about to sit down for a break, when a blood curdling scream pierced the air. My head perked up instantly, someone was in trouble! I shot off the log I was resting on, and sprinted towards the area of the scream.

I ran, and ran faster than I had before. Someone was in trouble. When I reached a clearing, I gagged at what I saw.

There was a body hanging from the tree, dripping blood from every possible place. It's lower abdomen had been torn to shreds, revealing the intestines. Said intestines hung out, stretching a few feet below the body. On the ground there was a pool of blood, accompanied by various organs. Glancing too my right, I saw a old, vine infested cabin, fitted with the classic horror look. I made my way to the doorstep, and was about too knock when my blood ran cold. On the door, written in deep, crimson blood:

lets play some..hide and seek...

I.....FOUND...YOU

I spun around, and everything went black.

|~~~|

I woke up, screaming, "AGGGGGGGGGG PLEASE NO!".

I sat up in my bed, calming my gasping breath. It had been a long time since I had that nightmare. The one of my parents, in Atlanta. That's where it all happened. My mom in the tree, torn apart, my dad and brother in the cabin, eaten alive. I was supposed to keep watch, but I heard a scream far off. After finding nothing, I had come back too find the grousome scene of my dead siblings.

My eyes and ears cleared of the fog from sleep, and I took a good look at my surroundings. I sat in a hospital room, with the bed propped up against the left wall, furthest from the door. Next too me sat a what I thought was a heart rate monitor, but wit my lack of knowledge, I couldn't say for a fact. The walls bore a dull teal, and the roof brown, sharing the dullness. It seemed familiar. 'Aw, that's it, the one episode of dash in the hospital!' I mused.

I heard a faint tapping noise, but it got louder and louder. If I wasn't so weak, I would facepalm. The sound of hooves drew nearer, growing louder by the second. I cringed when they stopped outside my door, a sudden fear of meeting a pony fell on me, for some reason. I saw the door handle glow cream yellow, and turn slowly. When the pony entered, my jaw dropped.

"Your...your majesty!" I Sid, trying to bow in my bed.

"You may rise, my little human," said Celestia, a wide smile on her face," I have heard from you from Dunar, we have much too discuss" she said, her horn glowing brightly, engulfing me in an orange glow.

"Wait what ar-" I started, but was cut off when the world flashes bright around me, and with a pop, I found myself in what appeared to be Celestia's Chambers. And oh my, was it beautiful. I have read fanfics, and the proved to be somewhat correct, but it was MASSIVE. The bed itself would've fit 10 of me, and party. The walls glowed a heavy gold, along with the ceiling. Too the left, the doors to the balcony stood, draped with yellow curtains with Celestia's cutie mark showing on them. Another door near the bed led into what I assumed was a bathroom, which I could only imagine the size. Dotted along the room were various arrays of furniture, including lounging bean bags and massive dressers.

I stood and shock, mouth agape at the room. Celestia strode up next too me, standing just an inch above me, her horn just above the tip of my skull. "I am glad you think highly of my chambers, Oliver, but at times it can get rather bland," Celestia said in her regal voice,"But that is besides the point, I assume you know of why you're here yes?" She asked, facing me.

"U-um y-yes, your majesty. Please excuse me if I seem off, it's all so sudden!" I said, my breathing becoming labored once again. Celestia frowned, a deep concerned frown, "Do not fret, Oliver, you are in good hoo- er..hands! And please, there are no need for formalities here, I am off duty after all," Celestia inquired with a wink. She strode across the room, and sat in a chair. She guested to the chair in front of her, "Take a seat, we have much to discuss".

"Now, I assume Dunar has told you of your...predicament, if you will?" I replied with a nod, and she continued, "Good, and before you began, you might be wondering why I am not suprised to see a human in Equestria?" She asked, spawning her and myself a platter of tea, fitted with sugar cubes and tea bags. I simply nodded, and prepared myself sme tea. After all, I was exhausted. "Yes, perhaps I should explain," Celestia implied, setting her own tea, Many, many years ago, a human like yourself came to Equestria, sent by Aleri, the God of Advancement. He sent me a message, explaining what his destiny was, and how important he was to Equestria. It was completely unrelated to your jurneys to come. He was a brave swordsman, and was destined to slay the most foul evil. Which turned out to be Nightmare Moon. After this, he became Luna's suitor. When he died, she was devastated. She has never spoke of humans since then, so be wary and try avoiding her at al-" Celestia's speech (thankfully) was cut short by a booming voice.

WE ARE VERY WELL CAPABLE OF MEETING A HUMAN! JUST WATCH Us ......

|~~~|

~> Luna's Point of View <~

My voice faltered when I caught sight of him. My breath was taken from my throat. I had long since gotten over my pain and sorrow. It wasn't the fact that he was human that caught me backing away slowly, but his appearance. He looked just like Sir Arthur.

I ran out of the room in years, slamming the door shut behind me.

~> Celestia Point of View <~

I wasn't too surprised when Lina galloped away in tears, he did look awfully like Sir Arthur.

"I am terribly sorry about this, your room is second on the left. I need to speak with my sister. We will continue this discussion in the morning!" I said, and teleported away with a POP.

~> Oliver Point of View <~

I was left alone in Celestias chambers. I sat down on the edge of her bed, and forced my kind to reboot. ERROR 301: TERMINAL RESTART FAILED - WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED.TXT COULD NOT BE FOUND.

I blinked, and stood up. I walked out into the hallway, acknowledging the guards, and made my way to my room. The room, as you may have guessed, was much more bland than Celestias quarters, but was still a humble fit. I sighted and dove into my bed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day. Everything was so rushed. I expected to wake up in the Ponyville hospital, and meet the mane six. But instead I woke up in Canterlot, got a huge speech by Celestia, and made The Princess of the Night storm off crying. Not that I was complaining, Luna is the best pony. But it pained me too see her so sad. I would pay her a visit soon....