//-------------------------------------------------------// My Little SCP Foundation: Horror is Magic -by Pree Spunky- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: SCP-173 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: SCP-173 "All D-Class personnel please enter the containment chamber."         I almost flinched at the ear-deafening high-pitched voice coming from the speakers all around us. Me and two other prisoners were in a spacious,  white room, with the walls surrounding us at all angles. The blinding lights shining down on us showed no emotion, just like the guard standing up on the watch tower. He had an FD-2000 sniper, which he held in his hands carefully. Another firearm, a P-99 pistol, was in its latch on the guard's side. Black armor covered his entire body, the brown eyes and sharp nose from underneath his ski mask the only signs of a human under all that heavy-duty body armor.         All of a sudden, the wicked 7.62 cal. gun was pointing at me. Before I had the chance to wonder why, the shrill voice on he microphone spoke up again. "Prisoner 378b, enter the containment chamber," it boomed. The voice sounded irritated.         I quickly realized that I had been in sort of a day dream. I hurried towards the other wide, white room, but not before glancing at the guard. He had a hint of regret in his brown eyes. Everyone has a story, I thought. His just landed himself in this hellhole.         I turned the corner into the other, big, well-lit room, the armored individual disappearing behind the corner of the wall. I looked forward to my comrades, their orange prisoner-like-attire standing out in the somber, white room. I figured we were the only people in the room.         Until I saw it.         There, in the corner of the room, was a large, lanky statue that stood at around six feet. It was facing the wall, so I couldn't make out any other features. "All Class-D Personnel, please approach SCP-173."         My heart skipped a beat. SCP-173. I've heard about it before. Many of my buddies had been sent to it for "testing." None of them ever return. Not even the guards would tell me what happened.         The man beside me grunted. "I've seen scarier things in my toilet," he snickered. His face was tan and weathered, his head bald. He had the features of a wrestler, and had a Central-American accent. He walked over to the figure with self confidence overflowing from his strides.         The man beside me and I shared a look. That was the attitude that would get yourself killed. The American (who I discovered was Prisoner 915a, evident by the number on his back) was exactly opposite of the man standing beside me, 452c. 452c was quiet, and modest. He was tall, pale, and had meek features. We were good friends, having known each other in the nine months we both spent in our jail time. 915a was boisterous, and loud. Even though I saw him a couple times in the lunch room, we were never close. And judging by his attitude, I figured that was a good thing.         The heavy, tall doors behind us started to close, but didn't. I looked over my shoulder at them. As the heavy mechanical doors receded and tried to close again, we heard a loud, mechanical sound that resembled a piece of steel being scraped against concrete. The sound was followed by the doors receding again. "There seems to be a problem with the door mechanisms, uhh," the voice overhead sounded uneasy. "So as we try to figure out the problem, please maintain direct eye contact with SCP-173 at all ti--"         His voice was caught off abruptly as the lights flickered violently, and the building shook. I lost my balance and fell backwards onto my backside, the hard tile underneath resulting in agonizing pain. The interruption ended as quickly as it started, and all was still again, only the lights were off.         I groaned as the pain on my lower back sent tremors through my body, and I quickly shook it off. The now dark room around me was unusually quiet, 915a's cocky voice not present. 452c's voice wasn't here either, which was common.         "Guys," I said hesitantly. I could feel the growing fear slowly slither around in my insides, engulfing my heart. I hate the dark. "You there? 452c, you here, buddy?"         No response. I could feel my legs come closer to my body on instinct as the pitch black room all of a sudden seemed much, much, bigger. I knew I was, somehow, alone. As I wrapped my arms around my legs, my breath hitched. My phobia of the darkness was really kicking in now. "Guys," I said loudly, not expecting a response. "Cut this shit out!"         My head lowered. I blinked, frustrated. The moment my eyes closed, I heard the sound of heavy concrete moving. My head jolted up. "God damnit guys, this isn't funny!" I almost yelled. I knew they were there. Standing in the darkness, mere feet from me. I know what I heard.         Then the light flickered.         My heart skipped a beat. Even though the light was on for a brief second, I saw everything. 452c and 915a were dead. Lying on the floor, right where they were previously stood just moments ago. Their necks were bent at an awkward angle, the bone jutting out of their jugular, bloody and yellow. And there, in the center of the room, stood that.. thing.         It was a statue, made of what I guessed was tannish concrete. It had a humanoid body, and on its face was a red pattern; the kind you'd see an Indian have when going into battle. It also had a small, pitch black mouth, filled with tiny, glistening, sharp white teeth. What caught my eye. however, was the two, big, bulging green eyes. They had no pupils, and no life shining from them. Altogether, those features made an ugly, horrific statue.         I refused to believe it was true. It couldn't be true. We were the only ones in the spacious containment chamber. Prisoner 452c, 915a, and me. Prisoner 378b. Us and that statue. That ugly, horrific, statue.         I blinked again. Another sound of concrete moving was heard, and I jumped back immediately.         "Don't you dare come near me you concrete son of a bitch!"         I backed away slowly, stone-cold determination on my face. As if anyone could see it. As I backed out of the containment chamber, I realized it was brighter, but not by a lot. I glanced up at the guard. He was aiming his FD-2000 sniper directly at me.         "Prisoner 378b get back in the containment chamber! I have permission to open fire!" He yelled at me. I could see he was just as scared as I was.         "Did you see what just happened in there?!" I yelled back. "Those men are dead!"         "Get back in the containment chamber!" He yelled again, the crazed look in his eyes showing profusely. He cocked his gun.         I raised my hands in the air, and opened my mouth to speak, but not before I blinked. SCP-173 was instantly behind the guard. I screamed and jumped back, which made the startled officer fire his weapon.         The sound was deafening, and I had to cover my ears from bleeding. They were ringing loudly, and I crumpled over, holding my poor ears in my hands. For a few seconds, I could hear nothing but ringing. I looked over to my side to see a bullet hole, inches away from my face. It was still smoking.         When I recovered from that brief moment, I looked up at the guard tower. The guard was dead.         And SCP-173 was standing above him.         Without thinking, I ran backwards as far as I could go without taking my eyes off the abomination. I wasn't sure how far away the exit was, but after a couple seconds of running, I smacked against the other wall. I opened the door behind me, stepped into the darkness on the other side, and collapsed against the door.         I threw up, the numb feeling in my gums there as quickly as it had ever come in my life. I convulsed out my breakfast. And dinner from the previous night. And lunch from yesterday. I didn't know how much food exited from my stomach, but I knew it was a lot. I coughed and hacked, the stench of half-digested food fogging the room, which was pitch black. I thought I was done, but after a quick thought of 452c's lifeless eyes staring into my own, more yellow-like substance came spewing from my mouth like a fountain.         Shakily and slowly, I shifted my position into a sitting-up position. I took short, loud breaths. The smell of my puke right next to me was overwhelming, as I turned my head for another rendezvous with yesterday's meals. Nothing more came. I panted and closed my eyes tightly. It all happened too quick. This was so surreal. Too surreal. Yes; this was not real life. I am going to wake up in a couple seconds in my stiff, uncomfortable, prison cell bed. But if it was a dream, my ears wouldn't be bleeding now..         With overwhelming grief, I concluded that this was not a dream. Tears rimmed my eyes as the lump in my throat made itself more known. I am going to die here. The very same place I promised myself I would get out of nine months ago. The very place I told myself I wouldn't.         My fist slammed on the concrete floor underneath me. No. I will not die in this hellhole. I will die peacefully, in my sleep at a hospital. I will die of old age. Not by this. Not like this.         I didn't know where this sudden burst of energy came from. I was about to dismiss it as some stupid outburst of courage that would get me killed, until I remembered. I remembered how much meaning it had. I will not die. I will go home and see my son again. My little Connor. I will show him that I will go through everything to survive. For him. I will not die. I will live to see another sunrise. Another sunset. Another fish, caught by Connor's fishing pole, dangling there. Waiting to be set free again. I will not die and let my son live the life I did. I will not die.         And with that, I got up. Not shakily, not scared, and not slowly. My mind was set.         I am going to survive. I put my chin up, and closed my eyes. If I was going to throw up or be a wuss any more, now and only now was the time. No new feelings came, so I smiled. As I opened my eyes, I found myself in a dark corridor. The gray walls seemed like they stretched on forever. I took one step forward. Then another. And another. I felt my phobia for the dark quickly diminish. It wasn't the meds they gave me, it wasn't the therapy, but pure, raw, determination. I will not die. A scream abruptly sliced into the silence. It was distant, so that was good. I didn't want my concrete friend to show up right after I open the first door. Wait, what about the picture? My heart skipped a beat. When the guards collected me for testing, they didn't let me take any belongings. Including my family portrait. It was a small, 5x5 picture of me, Connor, and my wife (who is now deceased.). I knew exactly where it was; sitting on my counter top, in my cell. That would be my first priority. Better to keep my family close the entire time while I get out of this hellish place. Then I'll tell the world. I'll tell them with solid, camcorded proof. And this foundation will be shut down for good. The guards kept their belongings in a locker room a couple blocks back. I saw it when I was being escorted for testing. I didn't really know if they actually kept their belongings in that place, but it was my best guess. I'll break one of them, take a camcorder or phone, then record the entire ordeal. Including SCP-173. I took a deep breath. I had a plan. This is going to change everything. Before I knew it, I was walking forward. I didn't command my legs to do that, but I doubted I had the courage to. I was grateful for the sudden burst of adrenaline, determination, and grit. I marched deeper into the dark abyss, with nothing more than furrowed brow, and clenched fists. I will not die. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Maze //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Maze The only signs of life were the flies, cockroaches, and spiders. The flies were buzzing around the dead body I occasionally saw on the side of the long corridors, particularly interested in the yellow, bloody bone jutting out of the victims' neck. The stench was overwhelming, undoubtedly SCP-173's doing. The cockroaches were less eager to make their presence known, scurrying about whenever I walked pass them. The spiders hanged nonchalantly on the walls and ceiling, their webs littering the facility from top to bottom. The SCP Foundation was a maze. A dark, lonely, gray maze. I had no sense of direction; the only things I saw were the two long corridor walls, stretching on down, down, down. Just when I thought I was making progress, something happened and I figured out I was just walking in circles. Frustration and anger was contaminating my brain, almost to the verge of giving up. And then I remembered the reason why I wasn't giving up. The picture. I had it. It was safe. For the hundredth time, I reached down and patted my pocket, just to be sure it was still there. It was, and I sighed out of relief. I took it out, and shined my flashlight (which I obtained by the guard's locker room; sadly, there was no camcorder around.) on it. My lips curled into a smile, and I was instantly filled with a nostalgic feeling. The picture showed a scene of me, my son (Connor), and my wife. All in happier days. It was taken by a kind stranger on the seat in front of us, on a bus. We had just came out of the station, and Connor was licking an ice cream cone, which was strawberry flavored. He had a look of curiosity and wonder as he goofily looked at the pink cream. It must have been his first time trying strawberry. Me and Sarah were sitting around him. I was whispering something into her ear. I couldn't remember what I had said, but it must have been a joke. She was in mid-laugh, and her hand was around my back. We were all happy. The nostalgia slowly drained out, replaced by a feeling of grief. My son is living a damned life. No father or mother. After Sarah died, I tried to fix his wounded heart. Look where that got me. A lump started to form in my throat. He deserves better. He deserves better than a lousy, stubborn father like me. He deserves a father who can make him happy without being arrested! I was such an idiot. How did he live with me all those- My self-pitiesh thoughts were cut short as the sudden sound of a door opening abruptly sliced the silence of the hall. I reacted quickly, turning around and shining my flashlight down the somber hall. I carefully tucked the precious photo back into its respectable place in my pocket. Nothing moved, and nothing made another sound. Until I blinked. SCP-173 was instantly feet away from me. I flinched, the big, bulging green eyes staring at my own. Its hands were bloody, and it had bullet holes all over it. Must have been pretty busy. However, instead of being terrified, a smile slowly surfaced on my face. I had been preparing for this moment. As I was walking through the maze-like facility, I devised a plan in my mind in case I ever ran into my concrete friend again. I started to walk backwards, my eyes never leaving its hideous, lifeless green orbs. The more I walked backwards, the more SCP-173 started to disappear into the darkness of the never ending corridors walls, until he finally was no longer visible. A couple seconds passed, and I still kept at it. Backing up, never taking my eyes off the spot where SCP-173 is sure to be hiding. That was the plan. The chamber was deathly silent, the only sound my foot steps hitting on the hard, tile floor. My eyes started to water. I knew that I was long enough away from the concrete statue I could blink without him coming too close, but I kept on walking backwards, just in case. When my eyes started to burn, I picked up the pace and jogged further into the unknown. When I couldn't hold it any longer, I let myself blink. Hard, and quick. When I opened my eyes, SCP-173 was standing there, but not close enough to get a hold of me. As I kept jogging, he disappeared from view again. I started to run backwards, when my back bumped against a hard, steel wall. Without delay, I quickly turned the doorknob, still looking into the dark abyss. After a couple seconds of fumbling with the all-of-a-sudden-very-complicated door handle, I finally got it to turn. I slipped into the other side, closed the door, and let out a sigh of relief. I let my hand travel down to my pocket. I needed the reassurance and comfort that photo gave to me. My fingers reached into the shallow prison-pants pocket, and found nothing there. My heart skipped a beat. Or maybe two. I digged deeper in my pocket, searching the small place desperately. Nothing. I tried my other pocket. Still nothing. Oh, shit. My heartbeat quickened to impossibly rapid speeds, and I began to sweat. Panting, I looked out of the thin vertical window of the door I was leaning against. I saw nothing. However, when I whipped out my flashlight, I saw the prized photograph on the ground, about thirty feet away. I sighed with relief. Then I blinked. SCP-173 was instantly over the photo. His hard concrete foot stabbed into the weak, thin paper. The statue's bulging eyes were staring at me now, and I was pretty sure green was my least favorite color now. I am going to get that photo. Right now. I figured that SCP-173 dragged itself across the floor, evident by the infamous sound that I heard whenever he was near. I looked down at his left foot, the photograph almost torn by the concrete limb. I had to act fast, otherwise he'll move again and rip the weak paper beyond repair. But that meant I couldn't blink until I reached the photo. I don't care. I slammed the door open, and bolted towards SCP-173. The cold and dusty wind that whipped past me as I went stung my eyes, but I didn't care. After about three seconds of running my heart out, I stopped right in front of the statue. I bent down, never taking my eyes off the tannish concrete skin, and slipped the almost-torn paper from his leg. It all happened so fast, and so easy. And then my eyes stung. A lot. More than I had ever imagined they could. I needed to get out of there, fast. The door was too far away to get to while running backwards without blinking. I couldn't go there. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a big, black door. The sign in front of it read "Level 3 Personnel Only." The beginning was blacked out from the shadows. Without thinking, I jogged towards the door, my eyes watering even more. I opened the heavy door, dashed through the open gateway, and closed it. I then slammed my eyes shut, tears slowly surfacing. My eyes felt like they were dipped in a puddle of acid. I kept my eyes closed as long as they needed to be. I could feel the acid-feeling slowly drain away, Then the glass on the door shattered. I quickly opened my eyes, but I wasn't early enough for SCP-173 to not wrap its arms around my neck. The bulging green eyes was inches, no. Centimeters from my face. I screamed, then pushed my way out of its grasp. My neck was stinging, from the coldness of the statue's touch, and the agonizing pain that was taking place where it had touched the tender skin. I stared up at SCP-173, and discovered it had somehow broke the window on the door. It was now peering down at me, green eyes full of hatred and contempt. I scrambled backwards, the close encounter pumping a late adrenaline into my veins. "Get the hell away from me!" I yelled, as I threw a wild punch in its wake. Before I knew it, I heard a sickening crunch, and excruciating pain shot through my wrist. I yelped, and pulled my hand back, eyes squinting at the abomination in front of me. I brought my hand up into my view for closer inspection. I never moved my gaze from the statue. Turns out I punched the steel door, and maybe even a little of the broken glass. I didn't know what was broken, but it was certainly something in my wrist. My right hand throbbed with pain, and it felt like a childhood bruise, only intensified. I started to pant, the overwhelming frustration, pain, and wanting for revenge gripping my mind. "Someday," I promised to myself out loud, "I'm going to kick your ass." Then I blinked. I heard an explosion of metal and steel, and the door flew from its frame, revealing SCP-173, standing right there, its bulging eyes unmoving. It stood right, smack dab in the center of the only exit. And it looked like it wanted revenge, also. I scrambled into the corner of the room, holding my stinging wrist with my left hand. I turned my head side to side, searching for an escape, without taking my eyes off the concrete menace. After a couple seconds of doing this, I found a big, silver machine in the back of the room. It looked like a rectangle, and stood about seven feet tall, and twelve feet across. There were two doors, one on each side of the long machine. I figured the scientists used it for teleportation experiments. Sure, it sounded crazy, but I had seen them run experiments before. One Class-D Personnel would enter one door, and come out the other, after the press of the button. I figured I could probably get in there, blink to make the statue move, teleport to the other door, then run out while it was still wondering where I went. I smiled. It wasn't likely that it'll work, but it was worth a shot. With a quick pat on my pocket to ensure the safety of my beloved photo, I jogged towards the first door, my stinging right wrist now in extraordinary pain. I stepped into the porta-potty-like interior, then closed the door. It was dark, and dusty. And that was as far as I planned. I facepalmed at my own stupidity. What the hell was I thinking? Someone has to push the button on the other side! How do I forget these things, honestly? My thoughts were cut short as I started vibrating. I wobbled forward and back, and almost lost my balance. The machine around me hummed to life. Did somebody press the button? As if answering my question, SCP-173 appeared right in front of me the moment I blinked. My cockiness of that fact that he couldn't get me was replaced with dread as I put the pieces together. SCP-173 pressed it. It could open doors, so why not do something as simple as pressing a button? This was bad. Whatever it was, if SCP-173 wanted it to be done, it was bad. I stared into the green eyes, horrified. My mouth made shapes and an occasional grunt or whimper came out, but no words were formed. I was too shocked to even speak. Too shocked and too angry. The machine shook myself even more, vibrating and humming. After about five seconds of this, I finally got enough wits to articulate a word. "You..." I started, but didn't finish. My vision went black. I felt myself being thrown, tossed, and turned abruptly and sharply. The sudden stretches and flattening of my body sent agonizing pain throughout my entire being, especially my burning wrist. The frustration of my vision suddenly going black on me was big now, considering I couldn't even see what was going on. I heard sounds; they were human sounds, but they were all flung together and was unintelligible. The craziness kept going. And going. And going. I felt like I was going to throw up, but I couldn't. It was like I couldn't do anything about it. I wasn't in control anymore. Then, everything ceased. The tossing, the turning, the flinging, and the voices all stopped at the same time. Silence. A single, feminine voice cut through the peacefulness. It said: "What are you?" Then I blacked out. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: A Pegasus Named Fluttershy //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: A Pegasus Named Fluttershy The first thing I felt was agonizing pain. It engulfed my entire body, although my right wrist was the worst. It felt like all my muscles were on fire, and I was extremely tired. Then, as my senses slowly came to me, I felt a soft, comfortable mattress under me. I figured I was either on a bed or couch. I then remembered that this was the most comfortable I've ever been in the past nine months of being in jail. I grunted from the pain, but sighed blissfully as my body sunk even deeper into the incredibly soft cotton. All I wanted to do was sleep. Sleep, and forget this entire nightmare. Or better yet, wake up from this entire nightmare. My eyes started to slowly open, pain making me wince. I was fully expecting to see a gray, featureless prison cell ceiling above me. Instead, however, I got a yellowish-orangish ceiling above me, with a happy and calm feeling projecting from it. I marveled at its unique structure, the expert craftsmanship having my full attention. The pain in my wrist resurfaced, and I grunted as I moved my left hand over to caress the injured right one. I didn't touch the familiar, weathered skin of my right hand, but fur. Soft, short fur. I instantly realized someone was holding my hand, with some type of furry glove. Actually, it felt more like a hoof. "Oh, dear," I heard a hesitant, feminine voice say, close bye. "I didn't mean to wake you.. Please, tell me if you would like me to stop. I'm just trying to look at your wrist.." I figured I was in some type of doctor's-- or, nurse's, office. I heard once from my jail buddies that you should always remain calm in these situations; sometimes, when an experiment went wrong, you would wake up with a nasty wound. The nurses were almost always already working on it when you woke up, and the more you moved, the harder you made their job. I sighed outwardly, and put my left hand over my eyes. It felt good to close them whenever I wanted to, again. "Nurse, just tell me. Is my wrist broken?" I asked. Better to get straight to the point than to act like it's not happening. I was expecting a "yes." Or even a response. All I got was silence. Frustration started to get the best of me. Then, after a few seconds of nothing, she spoke up. "You.. can talk?" the feminine voice stuttured. Confused, I looked over to the nurse. My mouth opened, but before any words came out; my entire body froze. There, standing just one foot away, holding my broken hand, stood a technicolor pony, with big, blue eyes. Her coat was light yellow, and she had a long and cartoonish mane, which was light pink. Come to think about it, everthing about her seemed cartoonish. Her light yellow coat was a flawless, single shade. Same with her mane, except for the occasional thin, black line running down it. Wait, are those wings?         My wide eyes shifted from her face to the two, oval shaped, feathered wings on her sides. A pegasus. I had woken up in a yellow, pink-maned, cartoon pegasus' house. Either the nurse has me on some pretty wacky medication, or I'm going crazy. No, I didn't feel loopy or funny at all. This is no medication. The countless hours of being alone, in the darkness must have gotten to my head.         She shifted uncomfortably, and averted her gaze from me. I quickly noticed that I kind of blacked out a little, staring at her sides.         A couple seconds passed, without a word being shared. Finally, I figured so should break the tense silence. I eased a friendly smile on my face. "Hi," I said simply.         The very fact I could speak must have really spooked her; she was hiding her face behind her mane. "H-hi.." She stammered quietly.         More time passed. More awkward silence.         "I'm..." she started, but then said something so quiet it was intelligible. It sounded something like "Fmudderspy," but I didn't bet that was her name. Or anyone's name, to be specific. Unless their parents were drunk Germans. I shifted a little, raising one eyebrow. "I'm.." She started again, but then whispered under her breath again. I sighed.         "I won't hurt you," I said with a smile. That seemed to put her on ease, but not a lot. "I'm 378b."         She looked up at me, tilting her head. "378b?" She questioned quietly. "Your name is a number..?"         "Well, that's actually my.." I stopped mid-sentence. I didn't want her to think I was a criminal on the run. That was the last thing she needed right now. "...nickname."         "That sure is a weird nickname.." Her voice was slightly less scared. "What's your real name?"        I never told anyone that. Only the people closest to me. "..I don't remember," I lied. That was probably one of the more realistic answers. I was most likely unconscious when she found me, so I could fake an amnesia-related accident. "I must've hit my head pretty hard.. Where am I, anyway?"         The yellow mare was getting bolder, and was no longer hiding her face behind her mane. "You're in my house. I brought you up here after I found you unconscious on my porch.. Did you use magic to get here? It looks like you were teleported."         I almost laughed. "Yeah." I said sarcastically, with a smile. "I came here by magic. I'm a wizard."         Instead of a joking expression, the small equine had wonder in her eyes as she 'awww'd. "Is that why you have a weird name, 378b?"         I was about to continue the joke, but I had a feeling in the back of my head it would somehow offend her later on. "I'm joking," I explained, with a smile to assure her it was all in good nature.         She giggled. "Oh. ...Hm, I can't remember your name. 375p?"         "378b," I corrected.         "Oh. Can I just call you.. Seven?"         I smiled, trying to relieve her tension and shyness. "Sure. I like it." She seemed a little more comfortable around me.         "Well, until you remember your name, of course!" I mentally beat up myself. I was going to have to make up a story that involved a good amount of head-whacking so I could pass as permanetally forgeting my own name. Her attention shifted from me to my wrist.         I looked down at it. "Give it to me straight. Is it broken?"         "I'm afraid so.. Sorry, Seven. Does it hurt?"         It hurt like hell. But she didn't need to know that; she'll just feel bad for me. "A little. It's not too bad, though."         The yellow equine nodded. "I'll go to the hospital, and come back with some supplies.." She then looked up at me, a little guilt in her voice. "If that's okay with you, of course!"         I smiled. She was cute, the way she stammered. In an animal way.         "That'll be fine. Thanks."         She nodded and smiled, looking down with a slight blush. As she exited the house (which, after a little examination, proved to be a small cottage), her wings unfolded.         "I never caught your name," I stated, matter-of-factly. When she turned back to face me, I pasted another friendly smile to let her know I wasn't angry.         She smiled sweetly. "I'm Fluttershy." With that, she took off, closing the door behind her As I heard the wooden sound of the door closing, I sighed, and rubbed my temple. Fluttershy, huh? ...Unique name. I was expecting something like 'Stacy,' or 'Jessica.' Heck, she looks like a 'Sarah.' The moment my mind thought up the name "Sarah," I almost jumped out of the coach. My good hand was in my pants pocket in the spam of .5 seconds. When my hand clasped over the familiar thin paper, I sighed of relief. I slowly pulled out the comforting photo, and looked over it. SCP-173's foot did cause some damage, but not a lot. The top was torn, but it wasn't over the body of the picture. I smiled as I scanned the picture for the hundredth time. Connor's wondrous face, with his short dirty-blonde hair being ruffled by my hand. He got that trait from me; both his hair color and thickness. His defined cheekbones and square jaw were also two traits of mine. Everything else was Sarah. He had her beautiful, chocolate brown eyes, and her good looks. My eyes traveled from my son to my wife. She was in mid-laugh, my mouth close to her ear, most likely telling a joke. Even though I couldn't remember what I had said, it seemed like it was funnier every time I looked at it. Her long, light blonde hair traveled over her shoulders, the light in her happy eyes bright. Then I looked at me. Medium-length dirty blonde hair that I really didn't care what looked like, and underneath blue-green eyes. I had a very thick stubble all over my lower face. That was taken over a year ago, before I was brought to prison. Now I didn't even know what I looked like. I sighed, and looked over to the door, mentally begging Fluttershy to return. My wrist was really becoming hell on a limb. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: I am no Villain //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: I am no Villain         I wish that I could talk. To share my feelings, and why I do the things I do. To tell people that I am no villain. In fact, I'm quite the opposite.         I am a hero, only my methods aren't accepted among the human race. I don't kill for fun. I don't take pleasure in what I do, however, it is necessary. It's necessary because I have to keep humans in check. I have to be the horrific bad guy; it's my job. Because without someone telling humanity that they're not in charge, all hell will break loose.         Humanity has grown too cocky over the centuries. Now, not only do they believe they're the dominate species on their world, but they also think they're the dominate ones in their solar system. Why? Because they're the only ones?         No. Because they think they're the only ones, so that somehow makes them the kings. There is life on every planet in our solar system; humanity thinks there's not, because the other planets don't have water or the right temperature. There are species out there that don't need water, and live in dozens of hundreds of degrees. There are creatures that are made out of various gases, and feed off of Corbin Dioxide.         However, humans believe they rule all. That leads to cockiness, which leads to explorations to other planets, which leads to them being so shocked when they discover life, they try conquering/killing them, for "study." That leads to the lifeforms' allies coming in, and destroying humanity. It's the law of the galaxy; you think you're in charge, you enforce it, and end up destroying your own race. It's happened millions of times. That's where I come in.         I keep humanity in check; make them think they're not the dominate ones on even their own planet. That sustains them; delaying space exploration, saving both humanity and the poor life forms who gets attacked. However, this cannot be achieved without fear.         And now, here I am on another planet. Full of decent creatures. Modest creatures. However, once again they think they're the dominant species.         And that is why they must be taught a lesson, also.         And that is why I am standing right outside their leaders' castle.         The tall, majestic double doors in front of me were a dozen times my height. They had beautiful patterns sculpted all over them. Above the two celestial doors was a towering, white castle. It had Indian-styled towers, each with at least one window.         My attention drifted back to in front of me as I heard a loud, long, creak. A thin pillar of light appeared between the two doors, expanding. As the doors parted, two white ponies clad in armor trotted out. They were in mid discussion.         "...then the mare actually slapped me! Can you believe that? After all that we've been through!" The taller, stronger one on the left complained.         The one on the right nodded understandingly. "Man, mares are weird.."         The taller one was about to retort, until he laid his yellow eyes on me. He stopped abruptly, followed shortly by his companion. I eyed them. This was one of those situations which I would love to just talk. To explain myself. To say that I don't want any trouble, and that I needed to see their leader. But I can't. I just have to deal with it. If I could groan, I would have. Why does it always have to end like this?         After a couple second of silence, the taller one spoke up. "...What do you think it is, Storm Trotter?" He had to lean down to whisper in his comrade's ear. As if I couldn't hear.         "I dunno, but it is one ugly mother bucker," So-Called "Storm Trotter" replied. I sighed mentally. If I could roll my eyes, I would.         As Storm Trotter turned his head to look out into the distance to search for the owner of the 'Ugly Mother Bucker' (that didn't exist), the taller one was still looking at me. Come on.. Blink!         As a couple seconds passed by, my patience drained. Then, finally, he blinked.         And I slid right over to him and snapped his neck.         When the lifeless body hit the floor with a 'thud,' Storm Trotter turned back.         "I don't see anyone that can own hi--" His sentence was cut short as he stared wide-eyed at my victim, and the statue he thought was lifeless. Or, as he called me, the 'Ugly Mother Bucker.'         A few short breaths escaped him as his heart rate quickened. He then slowly shifted his focus from his dead friend to me.         "How.." He started, but if he was going to say something else, I wouldn't know.         Because he blinked. And I tore his throat out.         I wasted no time, sliding freely and speedily through the big doors, and the empty hallway. It was times like this I loved: No one watching, no one slowing me. I can move freely. When I rounded the stairs, I heard Storm Trotter's body hit the grassy floor outside.         I kept skidding across the tile floor, leaving streak marks behind me.         My plan? Get into the castle. Kill one of their rulers. Get out. Simple as that; keep the ponies in check, just like the humans. Let them live in fear, I didn't care. This is for the greater good.         As I kept gliding over the polished floor (leaving messy skid marks behind), I occasionally glanced at the huge portraits on the golden walls. They were mostly landscapes. This place is so beautiful. I'm going to keep it that way. With fear.         As I rounded a corner, I heard voices from one of the doors. However, this door wasn't like the others. It was taller, and was majestic. When I slowed down near the opening, the voices were now understandable.         They were feminine, and sounded matured, and adult.         "I don't understand," one of the voices said. It sounded stressed. "Why would you want to send him back? He's been through so much. Doesn't he deserve a rest?"         "He is too violent," another voice said. "I am sorry, Luna, but he must go. I agree with you; he has gone through a lot. But he cannot stay here. He'll have a bad influence over the others." She sighed. "I'll send a letter to Fluttershy." These were definitely the two princesses.         I prepared myself to slide myself in there, until one of the princesses said something.         "Please.. The human has been through so much."         If I had any blood, it would be running cold. At first, I felt nothing. No emotion, no rage... Nothing.         Then, gradually, the fury built up. And up. And up. HUMAN?! THERE IS A HUMAN IN THIS WORLD?!         I won't allow it. I will not allow these amazing creatures to experience the horrors of a human. I skidded as fast as I could away from the door, down the stairs, through the hallway, and out the opening. I already knew who this human was: Prisoner 378b. The asshole who I've been chasing back in the foundation.         I will not allow this. I will find and kill this abomination, and take care of everyone in my way.         If I had facial expressions, I would be enraged. I will not allow you to live. I am SCP-173, and I will kill you, 378b. I will save this world. I am a hero. I am no villain. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: The Visitor/The Person Who Followed Me //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: The Visitor/The Person Who Followed Me         My eyes opened slowly from the peaceful, dreamless sleep. It was by far the best sleep I've had in these nine months. Fluttershy insisted that I would take her bed for the night, but I declined. She deserved it more than I, and the couch was good enough. That was an understatement. The couch was amazing. Far better than my hard, itchy prison bed.         I heard birds outside, the window on the wall letting through gentle, warm light. I was in bliss.         As I decided I should go back to sleep, the smell of eggs and toast with jam reached my nose. I was about to dismiss it and go back to my peaceful sleep, until I heard my stomach growl. I then remembered how long it's been since I had a decent breakfast, instead of the tasteless, gray matter they fed me at the jail. I slowly sat up, groaning from the extortion of leaving my new favorite place in the cottage. I put my feet over the edge of the coach, and slicked back my now-long hair. I didn't have to look in a mirror to know so had a horrible bed head.         I yawned, then stood up, my right hand not hurting as much now that I had a good night's rest. I followed my nose to the kitchen, and then saw a plate on the table. One half of the plate was full of scrambled eggs, while the other had two slices of toast on it, with jam lathered all over them. There was a note by the plate, which read: Dear Seven, This plate is for you; went down to a friend's for an emergency. Be back soon! Have a good day! -Fluttershy         I smiled, appreciating Shy's polite nature. Even in writing, she was always very kind. I sat down at the table, and ate the plate gratefully. It tasted good. Although the toast was a little burnt, and the scrambled eggs were slightly cold, it was the best meal I ever had in almost a year.         After I ate, I yawned again. I was still tired. I was full now, though, so I couldn't wait to feel the wonderfully comfortable sheets over me again.         As I blissfully walked over to the couch, a bird on the window frame caught my eye. It was blue, and had a nearly perfectly shaped build and beak; just like in a cartoon. The bird tilted its head at me, and chirped.         I smiled as I admired its features. I always loved animals, especially birds. I studied them for over a year, and knew almost every species of them. This, however, did not look like any species I knew. If anything, probably a blue bird.         The bird chirped again, pecking at the window frame he was standing on. It didn't behave like any other bird; instead of being skittish and shy, it was persistent in making its presence known.         I sat down on the couch, and folded my arms, studying its cartoonish features. It actually looked angry. Not like chirping and flapping its wings at me, but its brow was actually furrowed, and it was folding its wings.         "Okay," I said, half expecting it to respond. "What do you want?" The bird raised an eyebrow. I sighed, disappointed. Birds didn't talk in any world, even when they can immitate human facial features.         The blue bird motioned to the empty plate on the table. I looked over to it, then back to the human-like bird with a raised eye brow. The bird sighed (or as close to a sigh as birds can do), and flew into the house, over my head, and into the kitchen. Before I knew it, the bird was back, holding the plate with its legs. It was panting from the extortion from carrying the heavy, solid plate. It motioned towards it, and I gently grabbed it. It then pointing with one of its wings to the sink. I instantly knew what it wanted, and mouthed "oh."         I got up, walked over to the sink, and dropped it in. However, before I could return to my beloved couch, the bird landed on my hand, and folded its wings, giving me an expecting look.         "What?" I exclaimed, knowing the bird couldn't understand me. "I did what you told me to; it's in the sink." The bird tapped its foot, impatiently. I sighed. "Alright, alright." I turned on the faucet water, and soaked the plate. The bird nodded approvingly and smiled. After I finished washing the used plate, I turned the water off, then started back to the coach.         Only to be stopped by the blue bird again.         "Oh my god, what the hell do you want?" My patience was quickly draining. Instead of reacting, though, the bird glided over to the side of the sink, on top of a stack of clean, white plates. I exhaled sharply, walked begrudgingly over to the bird, put the wet plate on top of the stack, then gave the bird a questioning look. The bird smiled, somehow, and nodded its approval.         "I'm going back to sleep now," I explained to to the blue bird. It didn't move. "I'm not going to be waking up for another hour or so." No responce again. I backed up to the coach, then lied back down. "If you need me to do anything else, now's the time." Once again, the bird didn't budge. Finally.         I closed my eyes, sighed, and drifted into sleep...         ...Only to be awaked by the sound of the door opening.         I jolted up, and threw my hands over my head. "Alright! I get it! I have chores to do, and I can't sleep until I do them!"         Instead of the blue bird, however, Fluttershy stood in the doorway, a saddle bag strapped onto her. She tilted her head at my outburst. "Um.. Actually, I just wanted to ask a few questions, Seven.."         "Oh," I said, as my hands flopped back down into my lap. "Sorry."         Fluttershy clopped into the house, and closed the door behind her. She set her bag down on the table, and then went over to the couch, and sat by me. She looked up at me, her light blue irises full of something I hadn't seen in her before. And it wasn't good.         She put her hoof on my hand, and smiled up at me for a while. After a few seconds, though, her smile faded, and she sighed.         "Seven," she said, the tone of voice matching a mother's when she is giving her kids a lecture. "...You haven't been completely honest with me, lately." Her gaze slowly shifted down.         I sighed deeply, and rubbed my temple. I knew this part was coming ever since I got here, I just wanted to delay it as long as I could. I peered at her. "I'm not a bad man," I said earnestly.         Fluttershy peered back at me, confused. "I know that..! Even though I just met you, you seem very kind..!" She blushed at that last part. "But I'm just worried.. About the other person who followed you here." //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: Murder //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: Murder         I was never one for surprises. They were always catching me off guard, being bad news, and making me feel uncomfortable. I just don't like them; what others would call "thrill," I would call "shock." And not in a good way. So, with that being said, you could image how I felt after receiving Fluttershy's news.         I narrowed my brow, and leaned towards Fluttershy, attentive. "What? was all I could ask. She looked down and, almost fearfully, avoided eye contact with me.         "I know you're not a bad person, Seven," she started off. "But we need to talk." The coldness of guilt rushed into my system even before I heard the news. "Two guards were murdered at the Grand Castle last night. I'm not sure who it was, but Princess Celestia demands to see you. She said it had something to do with you." Fluttershy's eyes were moist as she huffed out roughly. She took a deep breath, and looked into my eyes. "Did you kill them?"         Shock filled my being. I only just met this yellow girl and she already distrusts me. With sternness and a hint of anger for her mini-betrayal, I looked her dead in the eyes. I answered: "No."         Fluttershy recoiled a little, surprised by my slightly hostile tone. She looked down, and I could see in her eyes that she would remember that. "...Sorry, Seven. Celestia just said that it had something to do with you. I was worried..."         I nodded, my eyes on the floor. "...She wants to see me, no?"         Fluttershy looked at me, astonished. "How did you know?"         "I've had my share with people who are convinced I murdered someone." By the time I realized what I had said, it was too late. Guilt wrapped around my heart, and a lump formed in my throat, flashing back to the memory. I slammed the door behind me, locking it as it clattered on the frame. This action was followed by repeated slams on the door and yelling. Most of them were saying stuff like "Don't do it!", "Think this over!", and (my personal least favorite) "Don't hurt him!" It was too late, though. The time for pleading was over a long, long time ago. I stared down at the man cowering before me, but only for a matter of moments. I roughly grabbed him by his tie, and brought him up, face to face with me. Raged pulsed through my entire mind. His fearful green eyes were wide with dread. He kept on saying something that sounded like "I'm sorry," and "Please, no." I didn't care. Mind clouded with rage, I threw the first punch, and my knuckles collided with his cheek bone. His head was whip-lashed to the side, and he coughed. "Please.. Think about what you're doing," he panted. This only enraged me more as I gripped his hair tightly, and slammed his face into the glass beside us. The glass shattering made the persistent knocks and yells on the door escalate. One man shouted "I'm calling the police!" "I did think about it," I growled, slamming the side of his head into the now-broken glass frame. Blood sprayed all over the frame. "I thought about it for a long, long time." The man before me collapsed, crying out in pain as he discovered the bridge of his nose was broken. "How does it feel?!" I shouted. "How does it feel to get hurt?! Just like you hurt my entire family!" I kicked his side hard enough I heard a wet 'snap!' The man below me screamed in sudden, excruciating pain, and held his side. He was winded, bloodied, and most likely had a couple ribs broken. The police were now outside, hollering and banging on the door. I figured he had enough, but just to be safe I knelt down, grabbed him by his collar, leaned in, and said angrily: "Next time, stay away from my family. Or I will beat you to death. Do you understand me?" The police were getting bolder, slamming their shoulders into the door. I knew they would be through soon, so just to make my point clear, I thrust my face into his bloodied one. "I said do you understand, asshole?!" The cowering man nodded, blood gurgling in his throat. "Don't you forget it." Then the door behind me was slammed open, and someone tackled me from behind.         Fluttershy's eyes were quizzical as I came back to the real world from the flash back. I cleared my throat, and adjusted the collar on my white tank top. I think it's about time she knew. If I held it from her any longer, that'll only lead to difficulties. plus, she deserves to hear the truth. Fluttershy," I looked her in the eye. "I need to tell you something."         Fluttershy's answer was to nonchalantly scoot closer to me.         I kept eye contact with her as I started. "Back on my world, I have a family." Fluttershy looked up at me with happiness in her eyes, but there was some form of.. disappointment also. I pulled out my beloved picture from my pocket, and showed it to her. "Here they are; that one's Connor, and the other is Sarah. My wife."         Fluttershy was about to comment on it, but after seeing the look in my sad eyes, she got the hint and stayed quiet. "We were having some financial issues. I went to this lawyer for help, but.." Anger filled my heart. "He ripped us off. After seeing this, and how hurt my family was, I went after him at his work building." I closed my eyes. "And beat him to a pulp." Flutter's eyes widened as she gasped, her eyes full of fear.         "You didn't.." She started, but I answered before she completed the question.         "No. I didn't kill him. But I warned him that if he ever came close to my family again, I would."         "All for your family.."         "What else was I supposed to do?" I leaned back, now looking forward instead of at Shy. "He hurt my family."         I closed my eyes, mentally preparing myself to tell the hardest part of my story. "He then sent an agent down to my house to get revenge for what I'd done. But the agent was mistold of who to beat. He beat my wife, thinking she was me.. And killed her. In front of Connor." Fluttershy's eyes were wide, and tears surfaced in her eyes.         "...I'm sorry, Seven.."         I shrugged, my eyes watering themselves as the lump in my throat increased in size. "Don't be sorry yet. After figuring this out, I killed the bastard." Fluttershy's eyes went from sympathy to horror in an instant. She sat there, staring at me, not dare saying a word. "I was sent to jail, put on death row, then transported to the SCP Foundation for testing. And by testing I mean putting me in life-threatening events beside dangerous entities. SCP-173 was one.. He got free, and teleported me here. I'm not sure if he followed me here, but judging by the information you've given me, there's a good chance it's true. And he is dangerous, ruthless, and savage."         Fluttershy didn't say anything to me, she was just staring at the ground. I hesitantly layed my hand on her shoulder, but she slapped it away. When she realized what she had done, Shy buried her face in her hooves.         "Please, just..." was all she could say for a minute. She kept repeating those two words, until she finally got up abruptly. "I need to be alone." She then flew up the stairs and slammed her door shut.         I sat there, on the couch all alone. Guilt clouded my thinking as I heard the start of the quiet sobs coming from upstairs. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: The Horror Begins //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: The Horror Begins         It had been two, long, painful hours since Fluttershy had left me to my own thoughts. Guilt was eating me from the inside out as her quiet sobs carried through the empty cottage. I haven't moved a muscle, the only movement I committed being blinking. The strange blue bird had flown through the window again, but I barely noticed. It looked at me quizzically on the wooden window frame, as if mentally asking what happened. As if I would talk about it. It flew over and landed on my leg, blinking up at me with those black orbs.         I lifted my left hand up to it, letting it examine and peck the hard cast fiber playfully. I smiled a little as it jumped on it, its light weight proving to not be painful on my broken hand. As it was pecking and peeking curiously at it, I examined it. Even though I was very nearly a bird specialist, I could never guess the species of the little guy. My biggest guess was a blue bird, but that was only based off of its blue color. There are many other principles of blue birds that make them special, but this bird had nothing in common with the birds back on Earth. It was a solid, one-shaded dark blue. Its beak was an average size for a bird, and its build was of the normal bird.         Suddenly, the bird flew off my leg, and out of the window. I sighed, knowing it had at least one thing in common with other birds. It never really stayed near a human long.         "SEVEN!!"         My thoughts were cut off as a scream erupted from upstairs. I was instantly up off the couch as I realized it was Fluttershy's. I started to run to the stairs, but my feet didn't find enough friction in time, so I slipped and fell. My head slammed on the wooden floor, and pain exploded from my cranium.         "SEVEN!!!" Fluttershy screamed again, her voice almost on the verge of tears. I was instantly up off the ground and dashing across the room to the stairs, my feet not slipping this time. I stumbled a couple times on the stairs, due to the smaller design being made for ponies, but I didn't stop. For a moment, all was silent, the only sounds being my feet thumping on the wooden stairs. Dread was building up as I reached the top of the stair case.         There were four doors upstairs, each looking the exact same as the other without thinking, I barged into the first door on the left. There was nothing there; only a few bookshelves and a lone light hanging on a string were in the small room. I instantly cursed myself for my loud and clumsy entry. As I backed out of the doorway, I heard whispering. Very quiet, unintelligible whispers.         As I neared the second door, the whispers increased. My heart pounded faster and faster as my outstretched hand neared the doorknob. The moment my hand wrapped around the cold, steel knob, the whispers ceased. My breath hitched as I turned the knob, and opened the door. "Get out."         That was the only warning I got.         The moment I peered inside the dark, ominous room, an unknown force slammed the door outward. It was jolted from its hinges, and it slammed into me with enough force to send me flying down the stairs. As the door and I tumbled down the hard, sharp wooden stairs, my broken wrist burnt with a passion. I knocked my head a couple times, and finally landed on the bottom of the staircase, followed shortly by the hard wooden door, which landed right beside me.         Pain was coursing through my entire body, especially my sides, head, and bad wrist. I spat out a little string of blood as I recovered from my fall. I peered up at the stair case, with my brow furrowed.         That's when I saw it.         There, standing on the top of the staircase, was a seven foot tall, white, bipedal monster. Its mouth was long, stretching to as tall as his eyes. Its mouth was partly open, revealing long, razor sharp red teeth. Its tongue was a foot long, and its nose was two holes. Its eyes were two lifeless, black marbles crudely placed on its horrific face.         It stared down at me, not moving a muscle. It didn't even blink. I was no better, having every limb all of a sudden turn to ice. We continued this staring contest for a good thirty seconds, until it abruptly roared at me. Its cry sounded like dozens of groaning, miserable voices all jumbled up into one sound.         The creature then charged down the stairs, with its long arms outstretched towards me. There was blood on its horrifically long claws. I scrambled back into the living room at the last second. The creature banged into the wall which was formerly behind me. After realizing it had missed, its grotesque eyes locked onto me again, and it charged, roaring its evil sound.         I quickly got up and started to run across the room, until I tumbled over the couch. It was a soft landing, but it closed the distance between me and the tall creature.        "Shit!" I yelped as I unceremoniously started to run again, only this time I tripped over the wooden table. And it hurt. My shin burned as a bruise started to form, and my heart raced at extreme speeds. The white bipedal tumbled over the coach, but was instantly up. It opened its mouth wide as it charged me again. "Don't run." I heard from it. Its voice was neither male or female, and was extremely unconvincing.         Not paying its command any heed, I bolted into the kitchen. The creature screeched as it saw its prey exit the room again. I quickly dug through the cabinets and cupboards, searching for any weapon I could find. As the white monster ran at me with its arms outstretched again, I grabbed the first thing my hand could get a grip on and threw it at the charging menace. This moved to only buy me a little time, as the monster angrily ripped the spoon from its nose.         The monster ran at me again, and I dived over the table, hitting many sharp and blunt utensils on my way over. The objects clattered to the ground with an incredible amount of noise. The monster screeched again, and ran to the right of the table. I ran to the left. When it changed its course, I did the same. However, the creature quickly figured out what I was trying to do, and instead dived over the table, eager to get its claws into its victim. I wasn't fast enough as he hurtled into me. We both crashed into the wall, and luckily, I was on the outside, so the enemy took most of the blow. As the monster gathered itself, I took my chance and bolted to the kitchen counter. I whipped out a large, cutting knife from one of the cupboards, just as the creature tackled me.         It roared as its claws dug into my sides. The pain was excruciating, my ribs on painful fire. Its sharp claws scraped on bone as I yelled, my cry echoing through the house. The monster roared again, its gaping mouth stretching a foot taller. "You die. I eat." it murmured. It withdrew its long claws from my sides and brought them up to my neck. Without thinking, I whipped the cutting knife out and stabbed its arm. It roared, the horrible sound also echoing through the house. It brought up its bleeding limb to its mouth, while the other weakened its grip. I slapped its grotesque hand off of my throat and stabbed it again, this time in the neck.         Dark blood squirted out from its new wound onto my hand. Its cry was cut short as the black, beady eyes widened. It slowly brought its hand up to its bleeding neck. The creature looked at me as if I had betrayed it somehow. I stared back with dark contempt as I withdrew the large blade, letting a stream of blood flow out. I brought up the blade and slammed it down on the creature's cranium. I heard a bone snapping as the red blade dug into its skull, and its head dangled lifelessly under my grasp. Blood spouted out like a fountain as I withdrew the knife. The monster's body fell to the floor, with one last sickening snap of bones. The awful stench of death instantly filled the room. My panting and stuttering was the only sound in the room for some time.         My bloody hand clenched up in a fist, and I leaned forward and screamed.  Not because of sheer terror, not because of the fact I almost died, but because I was angry. Angry about everything; angry about the SCP Foundation, angry about the monster, angry about the fact that I couldn't see Connor. Angry about everything wrong and unfair. The scream lasted for about five seconds, before it died down to a sorrowful mutter, full of swears.         Finally, I convulsed and threw up, the puke spilling all over the gory body beside me. My sides bled freely from the extortion, and then I grunted.         Then, I threw my fist up, at the air. "F*CK YOU, SCP FOUNDATION! YOUR GUARDS, YOUR EMPLOYEES, YOUR MONSTERS!" I screamed, slamming my fist down on the hard tile floor. "AND YOU!" I then collapsed, panting and bleeding. When exhaustion and pain finally got the better of me, I slipped into unconsciousness, my last thoughts being: "I am done." //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 9: Tight Hugs and Tight Ribs //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 9: Tight Hugs and Tight Ribs         The first thing I felt was pain. Raw, excruciating pain all over my body. It was tormenting me, pulling me in and out of sleep, over and over. Whenever I woke for a short, five seconds in the real world through blurry vision, I could only make out a couple things before I drifted off to my painful slumber again.         The first time awake, I heard someone sobbing. Fluttershy. I could feel her head on my chest while her soft, light pink mane was massaging my neck. It felt like I was lying on something very soft; some type of mattress. Before I could even lift my hand up to comfort Fluttershy, my brain gave in to the antagonizing, dreamless sleep.         The second time, I felt something on all my wounds; most likely bandages. I opened my eyes to have them filled with light, and I squinted. As my pupils readjusted to the brightness, I saw that my suspicions were correct; almost every inch of my body was covered with white bandages. My shirt was off, revealing a huge gash in my chest, which was stitched together. Most bandages were stained dark red, especially the one on my hand. I caught a glimpse of my pinkie and ring finger missing before I drifted off to sleep again.         The third time, I heard voices. They were feminine, blurred, and unfamiliar. One of them sounded like they were on the verge of tears, another was frantic, and the last I knew was Fluttershy, evident by her whimpering and worried attitude. As I opened my eyes slowly, the voices ceased almost immediately. I could see the blurry face of Fluttershy near mine as she whispered, "Seven?" She obviously saw my eyes open.         My mind started to go hazy and my eyelids grew heavy, but that one, simple word kept me from sleep. I blinked hard a couple times, and pushed all thoughts of tiredness to the back of my mind. With some effort, I gave the yellow mare in front of me a weak smile.         Before I could speak, however, I felt Fluttershy throw her arms around my neck and hug me fiercely. Sobbing, she squeezed me tightly, and I instantly felt the pain rush to me again. I grunted out as I felt a couple cuts open again while my broken rib acted up.         "Too.. Tight.." I panted through clenched teeth.         Fluttershy only loosened up a little, and kept crying in my chest. "I thought I lost you.." She whimpered between tears. With more effort than smiling, I lifted a three-fingered hand up and stroked her mane. I wanted to say something comforting to her, but I could find no words. The situation was grave, and comfort wasn't likely.         "I thought.. I lost you.. too.." I said quietly. As my bare, bandaged chest was being soaked with tears and fresh blood from the cuts, I examined the room I was in. It was well-lit, large, and brown in color. The walls were decorated with book shelves, along with one, lone window. I discovered I was on a bed; one that was surprisingly my size.         That was when I discovered we weren't alone in the room. Standing a couple feet away were two ponies. One was a purple colored unicorn, with a combed violet-and-pink mane and tail. Normally, I would be surprised by a unicorn's presence, but I doubt anything could surprise me now. The one standing beside her was a cyan pegasus with some sort of rainbow mane and an adventurous look.         As they both stared at me, I kept examining them, finding out they were also about the same height of Fluttershy, and they had the same cartoon-like feel to them.         The mare hugging me looked up at my face for the first time, and saw what I was staring at. She gave me one last tight squeeze before departing.         "Seven," she started quietly. "These are my friends.. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash." Both of the ponies nodded at their names.         My attention shifted from the ponies to my right hand. The pinkie and ring finger were both missing, replaced by two bloody stumps covered with bandage fabric. There was a dull ache, and when I tried to wiggle them, nothing happened. It was slightly frustrating having my brain's command not going through. It'd have to get some getting used to.         Fluttershy noticed my bewilderment at the wounded hand and lowered her gaze guiltily. "I tried my best to heal you.. I'm so sorry."         I looked at Fluttershy in the eye and smiled. "You've done everything you could."         "Seven, is it?" The cyan pegasus, Rainbow Dash, questioned. "Pretty weird name.." Twilight shouldered her friend with a frown.         "It's a nickname," I corrected. "I.. Can't remember my real one." That was the same lie I told Fluttershy.         Twilight Sparkle spoke up now. "It must feel dreadful to forget your own name.."         I was about to reply when my broken rib started up again. I grunted and squinted my eyes as it suddenly because harder to breath, and the pain rose. Fluttershy gave me a sympathetic look.         "Ah, broken rib?" Rainbow Dash remarked as she swooped over to me. I got a good look at her velvet irises, considering they were within inches away. "I know how that feels. Not to good, huh? Better get used to it; the pain will just keep coming, and coming--"         "Rainbow!" Twilight yelled, irritated.         The cyan pegasus beside my head shrugged innocently. "Hey, just telling him what he needs to know. Besides, it's not that big of a deal; the bone will be healed before you know it!"         I knew that was a lie.         Twilight came up to my side and gave me an apologetic look. "Sorry about her. She's very outgoing."         I smiled jokingly. "I'll guess that's an understatement."         "I'm right here!" The cyan pegasus fluttering above said in a matter-of-fact tone.         "Listen, Seven," Twilight sighed. I felt the mood change drastically. "We all really appreciate what you've done. You've saved Fluttershy's life."         I felt the temperature in my cheeks rise as I opened my mouth to reply, only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash.         "Aw, I shoulda been there!" She cried. She had a dreamy look on her face as she went on with, "it would have been awesome! Seven punching and beating the crap outta that guy, getting battle scars, being the hero of the day--"         "It was not awesome," Fluttershy growled. "Seven almost died trying to save me. Just look at the wounds all over him!"         The pegasus was about to retort when she looked at my body seemingly for the first time. She examined the bloody bandages, stitches, bruises, and my two missing fingers. Whatever enthusiasm was in her quickly dissipated.         "Oh.." She said quietly. "...That looks like it hurt."         I took a deep breath, the pain in my rib gradually subsiding. I took very shallow breaths as I spoke. "No offense taken. Now that I think of it, they do look pretty cool.."         Flutter and Twilight both gasped, staring at me. Rainbow Dash's enthusiasm instantly reappeared, and she had the most playful grin on her face of all time.         "Seven!" Fluttershy and Twilight yelped simultaneously.         I shrugged and replied, "Hey, if the mare wants to find the good side of a situation, then I'm all for it."         "You know what," Rainbow said with a light punch on my shoulder, which caused me to wince. "For some weird bipedal creature thing, you're not so bad."         I rubbed my already-bruised shoulder and smiled. "Human, actually."         "Seven," Fluttershy said loudly, aggravated. "How could you be acting like this in such circumstances? We have to discuss this!"         "Loss of blood," I suggested as an excuse. "Pain-Killers? Morphine? I dunno what you did to me when I was asleep."         I could have sworn I saw Rainbow Dash mouth "That's what she said."         "He actually is on a spell that relieves pain," Twilight told Fluttershy. "I think this may be a.. Side effect."         "Spells? As in Magic?" I said, not fully knowing what they were talking about. "So I'm in a world full of magic unicorns and pegasi who have names fit for a little girl's TV show.."         There was a knock on the door downstairs, which attracted the attention of all the ponies. Twilight Sparkle was instantly up, looking towards the sound. She stood there for a second, as if thinking about something, then turned back to face us. There was a little hint of guilt in her voice as she said, "They're here."         "But.. You said they wouldn't be here until later!" Exclaimed Fluttershy.         "I know, but for some reason they came earlier than expected.." Twilight looked at me, and I could clearly see the guilt on her face. "I'm sorry, but I have to get it." With that, she turned tail and ran out.         Confused, I turned to Fluttershy. "What was that all about?" I asked.         Shy turned towards me with a sad face. "I... They... I'm sorry." She stammered. She gave me another tight hug (which didn't hurt as much) and whispered into my ear, "No matter what happens, you'll always be my friend."         Still confused, I hugged back. My eyes drifted over to Rainbow Dash, who was quiet for once. Dash had a guilty look of her own, and she sighed, looking down. "I'm gonna miss you, buddy," she said.         "Can someone please tell me what the Hell you all are going with this?" I almost yelled, confused anger powering my outburst.         "I can tell you."         The ponies in the room froze. I turned my head around to see the source of the voice, and I discovered a tall, slender, white pony was standing in the doorway. She had a flowing and glittering rainbow mane and tail, along with a horn. I was about to guess she was a unicorn when I saw the huge wings plastered on her back. She had a crown on her head, marking her as the highest of authorities. Her large, light magenta eyes burrowed into my smaller, blue-green ones. There was a hint of anger in her voice as she said calmly, "I would like to speak with the human. Alone." //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 10: A New Job //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 10: A New Job         The room suddenly seemed a couple degrees colder as the celestial figure closed the door behind her, the room now void of any ponies besides herself. The white alicorn's horn steadily glowed with a light humming sound as she levitated a chair towards my bed. The bruises and bandages on my face didn't obscure the fact I was both terrified and fascinated at the strange being.         As the chair settled on the ground just a couple inches away from my bed, the authoritative equine sat on it. Her light mejenta eyes steadily glared at me as she lowered herself. She didn't speak, or give me any hints of which she was about to do. For a couple awkward seconds, she steadily inspected my body, eyes narrowed as her irises glided over my maimed frame.         I breathed in to clear my throat, bringing her back to the situation at hand, when she finally spoke up.         "Hello, Milo," she said as her eyes returned to mine, her face expressionless.         My heart skipped a beat at the mention of my real name. How she knew, I had no idea. I've never even mentioned the word "Milo" since I came into this world; I was starting to get used to just "Seven."         "...How do you know my name?" I stuttered.         The white pony smiled smugly as a hint of humor crossed her face. "I know a lot about you, human. I know your past, your stubborn nature, your admiration towards a certain yellow pegasus."         My eye twitched. I didn't even know this pony's first name, and yet she seemed to know my life story. I've known her for about fifteen seconds, and her character had really shown in that short time.         Although it was the last comment that caught me off guard. I was aware of the fact Fluttershy and I were friends, but we've never done anything... romantic. She'd occasionally blush when I was in close proximity, but I always blamed that on her shy nature.         Picking my words carefully, I muttered, "...You sure know how to say hi."         The alicorn laughed. "Sorry. I just needed to get your attention."         "You've succeeded."         The tall equine tilted her head, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "You always were so serious."         I blinked, the sudden change of her character not lost from me. She had gone from the humorless authoritive figure to the playful, girly Princess in a matter of seconds. "...Can I ask you how you know all these things?"         "If I explained that, it'll take up the entire day."         A little annoyance crept into me. If she couldn't answer how she knew my life story, then that put asking how I got here out of the question.         "But that's besides the point." Her demeanor shifted from smugness to seriousness in a matter of moments. "Do you know why I'm talking to you privately?"         I sighed, shaking my head. It was bound to be something bad; if she knew my past, it had to be negative.         "I came here.. at first to send you back to your own planet." She narrowed her eyes. "You're violent, you're a criminal, and you pose a threat to my little ponies" My blood ran cold. I would never hurt them! As I opened my mouth to interject, the white equine raised a gold-plated hoof. "Let me finish. That was the plan, until recently. Twilight Sparkle sent me a letter, explaining the details of your selfless fight with that.. thing. SCP-096. Saving Fluttershy's life." That was SCP-096? That couldn't be possible; the guards sometimes talked about it, saying an AT-4 Anti-Tank didn't do anything to it. If that was true, how could I have killed it with a knife to the head? Plus, how did she know what an SCP was? That's classified information. "Um.. I think you have the wrong monster."         "No, I'm very sure what my apprentice said was right. You see, on your planet, the atmosphere is a lot thicker with anger and violence than in Equestria. Our planet is fuller with happiness and joy, therefore making the inhabitants' from other worlds' skins weaker when they come in contact with the air."         I laughed; something I rarely did nowadays. When the pony gave me a quizzical look, I spoke, still smiling. "I'm not sure which side of Crazy you woke up on, but anger and violence are emotions. They don't have any effect on the atmosphere. Plus, a guy like me going against SCP-096? Especially with weaker skin? I would have been ripped to shreds."         The white alicorn frowned. "You partly did get ripped to shreds. Just look at yourself. And anger and violence do effect the air, and they are very serious problems in pollution. Did your world's scientists tell you otherwise? Tell me, do they also say other worlds with life don't exist?"         My smile faded from my face as her words sank in. It could very well be possible, the only thing against the theory being Society and Science. Besides, in the early BC's, people lived for centuries. The air was fresh and without pollution from negative emotions, therefore providing people with longer life times. Still, it sounded silly and irrational; like something from a low-budget kids' show.         The equine's frown dissipated. "Anyways, back to the situation at hoof. I'm completely willing to let you stay here. And I'm willing to bring Connor here, too."         Everything seemed to slow down at the mention of my son's name. My heart raced as I quickly sat up, paying the new blood and pain no heed.         "Where the Hell is my son?" I spat, anger coursing through my system. If she did anything to him..         The pony sighed, avoiding my gaze. "Connor is still on Earth, in a Foster Home. I can teleport him here, all in due time. Milo, you need to relax."         I felt broken and bruised bones grind against eachother as I wheezed. My head flopped back down on the soft pillow, my eyes staring angrily up at the ceiling. Who does she think she is? Coming in here when I'm vulnerable, threatening to send me back to that God Forsaken planet, threatening my son? Calling me a criminal?         The white alicorn sat there, letting me regain myself. After some time, she spoke up. "As I was saying, I am willing to let you stay here, with your son. If..." She leaned forward and whispered, "you do a job for me."         My furious gaze shifted from the ceiling above to the equine face to my left. She smiled, knowing I was listening.         "When you were transported here, you brought three other SCP's with you. SCP-096, SCP-902, and SCP-173. I need you to destroy them before they cause any more damage to my ponies. It seems you are already a third finished with the job."         I pondered what she said for a moment. Anything was worth it if it meant me seeing my son again. It would be dangerous, though. Although SCP-173 will be difficult to kill, SCP-902 would be the biggest problem. It was a small, lead box that emitted a ticking noise from its interior.         I've seen the test subjects when they were brought back from testing with SCP-902. They were paranoid and obsessed, saying that the box held a horribly dangerous object inside. They said the box must be destroyed at a certain time, when the ticking stops. However, the box is empty when opened.         I sighed. What other choice do I have? If I refuse I get sent back to Earth, no doubt to be arrested within minutes of my arrival. I'll never have another shot at a life like this. Besides, if I survive, I get to see Connor again. Tell him I love him..         I took a deep breath in, my mind made up. "Okay," I quietly murmured. "I'll do it. But on one condition. If I die, do whatever you can to bring Connor here. He'd love it." He always did like horses..         The pony smiled. "Thank you, Milo. I will do what I can--" "No!"         I barely had time to lift my battered head up to see a yellow blur dash between me and my employer. Fluttershy faced the taller pony with a lowered head, glaring up at her.         "Princess Celestia, please don't do this!" She stammered, the tears in her eyes obvious.         'Princess Celestia' sighed. "Fluttershy, Seven needs to do this--"         "His name is Milo!" Fluttershy interjected.  "And he doesn't have to! Hasn't he been through enough?!" She was almost shouting now as Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash peeked through the open doorway.         Celestia frowned down at the smaller pegasus. "I know what he's been through, but he needs to end this. Twelve ponies are already dead!"         The room grew deathly silent as everyone stopped talking. The only sound in the room was Celestia's heavy breathing. Twelve dead? Oh, damnit..         "...This is all my fault."         Fluttershy whipped around, facing me now. Her red-rimmed eyes were as wide as saucers as she said, "None of this is your fault."         "Yes, it is, and you know it. This is my responsibility." As I was speaking, Celestia looked down, deciding we needed some time alone. She shooed the unicorn and cyan pegasus out of the room, closing the door behind her. "I've done.. many bad things back on Earth.. This is my chance at redemption. And I need you to respect it."         Fluttershy was staring deep into my eyes, tears on her cheeks. I slowly reached over and brushed them off. "You know I need to do this."         Fluttershy looked down sadly, her cheeks red. "Well.." she then looked back up, a gleam in her crying, ocean blue eyes. "..then you know I have to do this."         Then Fluttershy kissed me. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 12: "Flutter"ing Heart //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 12: "Flutter"ing Heart         The small circle of light and fire above me, mixed with the distant sounds of chaos made my heart burn. There was nothing I wanted more than to have wings so I could fly out of this solitude, moist hole. Well, actually, there were a lot of things I wanted more.         Everything was miserable about the place; it was cold, wet, uncomfortable, hard, and worst of all, I couldn't move an inch. Most likely because of a spell from SCP-902 or a broken back. I could only hope it wasn't the latter.         The fact that my only companion was a murderous, talkative, open box made me surprised I hadn't gone insane yet. At first, I was expecting the dreaded SCP to be a horrible, evil villain who's motives were unknown and must be destroyed at all costs. Turns out, however, that it was annoying, talkative, and prying. I couldn't wait to destroy it; I already knew how, in fact. It revealed that to me in one of its never-ending rants about how we could be "partners." "Just think of it: Milo Reignheart: Hero of Equestria, Destroyer of Tyranny. Kinda has a ring to it, huh? I can see it.. Yes, you, the new King, sitting on a magnificent throne with Connor as your heir, and Fluttershy as the Queen. There would be a shrine for Sarah's courage and determination outside the castle, always to have fresh flowers beside."         I rolled my eyes at the vain suggestion. "Equestria is fine," I thought, SCP-902's telepathy picking it up perfectly. "They don't need a 'hero,' and quit acting like you know what I want." "Not a fan of castles, huh?" replied the box. "Okay, how about your own personal island after you defeat the Tyrant Princesses? You could take Connor and Fluttershy, and you'll be recognized and respected throughout Equestria and Earth!" "The Princesses are not tyrants, although as much as I'd like to say Luna is." "Not a fan of Luna? No worries, after you join sides with me and I get us out of this hole, the Princess of the Night will die horrifically. I'm sure Celestia will understand--" "Stop it. Honestly, I can see why you're the villain now." "Villain? No no no, you've got the wrong idea entirely. SCP-173 and I are the good guys, here to rid Equestrians of their horrible rulers. We would, however, have another combatant if a certain someone didn't kill him." "Yeah, that was fun." "How did our dearly departed die, anyways?" "A knife to the head." The ghostly voice in my head gasped. "Just a knife?! On Earth it took more than a tank!"         I was about to think my response, explaining the differences of positive atmospheric behavior, when reality hit: I was talking to a box. A box which had to be destroyed. I shouldn't even be in a talkative mood; so much was at stake, and so much had to be done. "You always were quiet. That's alright, I guess."         "Milo!"         My attention shifted from my paranormal "friend" to the voice above. It was faint, feminine, and familiar.. "...Twilight?" I thought. "Twilight? SCP-902 spoke telepathically to me. "Can't say I ever heard that name before. Here, lemme search your memories.."         Immense pain shot through my head, and I gasped out in pain, the first sound I made since the fall. That was enough to stir the violet pony's attention, evident by her faltered hoof steps.         "Milo! Can you hear me?" I could hear her getting closer to the hole on the ground in which I was located. "Ah, the violet unicorn," the SCP exclaimed. "I'm confused as to why she would be the one to come for you. I was expecting the more adventurous one, Rainbow Dash. Oh well, guess you never know what you're going to get in Equestria, huh?"         The black silhouette of a horned head appeared below the chaos above. When its violet owner spotted me, its horn glowed, illuminating Twilight's face. "Milo!" she yelped. "Can you hear me?!" "Whelp, sighed the SCP beside me. "it was fun to get to know you a little better. Until next time."         After that statement, I was instantly given control of my body. I waved up to Twilight frantically, hoping she didn't think I was dead. "I'm down here; I'm alright!" I yelled up to her.         Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, recollecting herself. "How did you get down there?" she yelled back.         A dull anger settled in as I thought of my arrival. "Long story. I'll tell you after I get out."         "Hang on," she announced as her horn glowed brighter. "You'll be up here before you know it!"         I tensed up for the magical feel, desperate to get out of here, when an idea came to mind. "Wait," I said as I hurried over to SCP-902. I heard Twilight groan out of impatience. As I neared the box, the goosebumps on my arms formed. The closer I got towards it, the more evident it was that the box was empty. Its former inhabit was loose, no doubt the cause of the destruction up above. I picked the box up, vaguely aware it stopped conversing with me. I then walked back to the hole above's view. "Okay, take me up."         The tingling feeling of levitation filled me as I was lifted off the ground, steadily being pulled towards the chaos above. The closer I was to the bright opening, the louder the sound of a blazing fire was. After Twilight pulled me out of the hole, I sighed out of relief, the lead box being cradled by my arm. Twilight quickly inspected me for injuries before teleporting us away.         We were brought into a dark room, which I recognized as my apartment back in Canterlot. The somber feel was thick in the air, the shades covering the room from the sun's rays. I was immediately aware of my back being soaking wet, and was profusely uncomfortable. The bathroom light was on, the door shut, a guttural sobbing coming from within.         Fluttershy.         Twilight Sparkle sighed, looking down. "Princess Luna told us what happened," she started. "Her version, at least. Everypony thinks your dead, Milo.." I could barely hear her as I slowly made my way to the bathroom door, the floor creaking underneath me. As I passed my bed, the sheets still ruffled, I set SCP-902 down on it. "I knew something was wrong," Twilight said. "I could see it in her eyes. So, I teleported to the last place she was, and.." A sniffle came from the violet pony behind me. "It was horrid.. Milo, I'm going to need some answers. Same with Fluttershy."         "I'll tell you everything," I said quietly. I was only a couple feet from the bathroom door, the crying making my heart twist in anguish and guilt. "...After this. I promise. Please, though, I need you to leave."         She sighed. "I understand. But in the morning, I'm expecting some serious answers." She hurriedly exited the room, leaving me with the pony on the other side of the door.         I raised my fist, then knocked on the door.         The pitiful crying subsided, turning into the occasional sniffle. "...Who are you? How did you get in my room?" she demanded.         I sighed, hesitating for a moment before answering. "...It's Milo."         The sniffling stopped abruptly, and moments later the door was open. Before me stood Fluttershy, her mane disheveled, and her eyes red-rimmed with tears. For what seemed like an eternity, she stared up at me, her damp cheeks trembling.         I knelt down to her level and put my hand on her shoulder. She didn't pull away. I took the hint, scooting closer to the mare I loved. "It's me," I said, smiling through my gruffy beard. "It's your Little Hero."         She gave a cry of happiness, before crashing into me, her lips locked onto mine. The force of the blow knocked us to the wall, although nothing hurt anymore. I raised my hand and stroked her soft pink mane I loved so much as we kissed. I worked my way through the tangles, knots, and everything else not perfect. I felt her hooves slide to my cheeks, shifting her small body on my lap.         Unsure arousal rose in my lower body. I shifted uncomfortably, unwilling to commence in the next part, but the dominate mare would have none of it. She continued to kiss me, greedily but passionately. I could tell she wanted this for a long time.         Then, slowly, she pulled away, savoring the feel. Once or twice she pecked me on my lips, as if not wanting to depart. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. She opened her eyes for the first time, and I found myself lost in her ocean blue irises.         "I love you," she said simply, eyes moist. "Please.. Never leave me again."         I smiled sadly. No matter how much I wanted to obey, I couldn't. Not for myself, but to take responsibility for my mistakes, and Connor. I cupped her wet cheeks with my hands gently. "I wish I could.." I said with a kiss on her lips. "I wish more than anything else I could. But we both know I have to do this." She started to look away, her lip quivering. I wouldn't have any of it, as I redirected her sad gaze to mine. "I have to. For Equestria, for you, and for Connor."         I could see fresh tears surfacing in her eyes. "I can't lose you again," she whispered.         Another kiss. "If I don't do this, we all die. I've seen the destruction those SCP's have caused. I won't let that happen to this world; it's unfair."         "So much more than that is unfair," Fluttershy said sadly.         "I know. I know. But it'll all be worth it." I shifted my hands down from her cheeks to her shoulders, caressing them lightly. She moaned softly as I continued, "when this is all over, you, Connor, and I will all be together. I promise."         Fluttershy looked down, seeming like she was reflecting on what that would be like. After a few seconds of silence, she looked up with such a depth of passion my eyebrows raised.         "I think Connor would be lonely, being the only child. Let's make sure he has some siblings."         Her lips collided with mine with a velocity I never thought possible from the yellow pegasus. Using her wings, she tried her best to drag us up. With my help, I was soon standing at my full height with her hovering at eye level. Lips interlocked and eyes closed, she blindly started to guide me towards the bed.         After reaching our destination, we both laid on the sheets as one. Her hooves traveled down my body, exploring and feeling all the exhausted and bruised muscles.         "You definitely lift," she smiled cutely between kisses.         Both pleasure and uneasiness filled my entire being. This was nothing like Fluttershy; she was acting like a completely different pony.         But I liked it.         Still keeping my lips interlocked with hers, I removed the soggy shirt which covered my torso. She wrapped her bottom hooves around my waist, her tongue wrestling with mine.         I never noticed the thumping sound of SCP-902 hitting the floor beside the bed, leaving Fluttershy and I completely isolated. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 13: A Life's Tale //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 13: A Life's Tale         For the first exception in a long time, I woke up peacefully and happily. There was a narrow gap between the drapes, letting not too much light in, but enough to arouse me from my good sleep. The apartment room was illuminated lightly, although the majority was shrouded in shadow.         I yawned, a light moan escaping my wide mouth. After a few seconds of the familiar exercise, my attention was brought to the pink mane beside me. Even though she couldn't see it, I smiled. My hand stroked Fluttershy's mane, waking her slowly.         "Good morning," I said, then kissed her on the back of her warm neck.         I could hear her giggle quietly. "Good morning to you, too, Milo." She turned around, giving me a quick peck on the lips.         For a few seconds, we just lay there, completely oblivious to all the problems and cons of our situation. It was the first time I ever truelly felt peace after that fateful time on Earth.         Fluttershy scooted closer to me on the bed before wrapping her arms around me. "Last night was just... I can't even explain it."         I was expecting some happiness or at least satisfaction at the thought of our intercourse the previous night, but instead Guilt set in. At first, I was confused: this was the mare I loved, I had her permission, and we were both serious in our relationship. But all these things couldn't mask the fact we simply were not ready. Or married.         Fluttershy noticed my change in mood, and responded with a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry, Milo. We both chose to do it, and we will both be accepting of the consequences." Another kiss on my lips. "I really do love you.."         I smiled, reassured, although still not fully positive. "We should have waited until we were married."         She shrugged. "Maybe it was meant to happen."         That statement flushed out all the remaining negativity, replacing it with Bliss. "So.." I said. "What do you want our baby to be named?"         Fluttershy laughed. "Okay, now you're jumping too far ahead. We don't even know if that's the case yet."         I shrugged. "I like to think ahead, sometimes."         After another locking of our lips, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the scraggly, dirty blond hair draping over my face. I bent over and grabbed my under armor, pulling them over my naked lower half.         Fluttershy crawled up behind me, hugging my bare back. "Do you really need to do this?" she asked. "We have so much to look forward to."         I didn't need to be reminded to know what she was implying toward. "You know I have to," was my response. After a sad sigh from the mare behind, I cringed at my cold retort, instead resorting to a more romantic approach. I leaned back and kissed her on the cheek. "It will be over soon. I promise you, someday we will be together. Peacefully." That evoked a much better response from Fluttershy: a smile and a kiss.         I saw my pants a couple paces away from the bed. After a deep breath, I lightly touched Fluttershy's hoof, meaning flowing from the gesture. After that, I got up, my tall frame making the bed creek from behind. I scooped up my old, orange prisoner pants, wiggling them on.         As my eyes were downcast, I suddenly became very self-conscious about the chest hair which bloomed on my torso, no shaving taking its toll. I swear, next time I come across a razor...         A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I instinctively moved for it, but I then realized only Twilight and Fluttershy knew I was alive. Plus, I was shirtless, with my marefriend lying on the bed.         I turned, giving Fluttershy a stare which said "What do I do?"         She quickly gestured for me to get under the bed. The small bed, although minuscule for someone my size, was the only option besides the bathroom, which I wasn't willing to risk. I quickly grabbed my shirt for as little suspicion possible, then slid (or, more accurately, struggled) under the bed as Fluttershy fixed her mane.         I didn't know if it was muscle or fat which kept me from fitting from under the bed, but in the end I had to curl up into a ball just to be unnoticeable.         From under the bed, I saw Fluttershy's yellow hooves clop on the ground, then make her way to the door. When she opened it, purple hooves were on the other side. I quickly recognized their owner as Twilight Sparkle.         "Oh, Twilight!" Fluttershy exclaimed.         "Hello, Fluttershy," said the violet unicorn, in a more serious manner. "Listen, Shy, I need to talk to you."         There was silence for a little while. I shuffled uncomfortably as a small spider made its way towards me.         "Oh, okay," Fluttershy said obliviously. I could see her step aside, giving the violet unicorn entry.         Twilight stepped in, and after the door was closed, she said eagerly, "Where's Seven?"         Fluttershy seemed surprised at first. "...What.. do you mean?"         "Listen, Shy, I know he's alive, and I know he's here. I just need to talk with him."         "How..?"         I shuffled my way from under the bed, leaving the little spider in the dust. "It's okay," I said to Fluttershy as I revealed myself. "You can trust her."         Fluttershy looked releaved at this, although Twilight did not in the least bit. Now that I was looking her in the face, I discovered her eyes were red-rimmed, her mane disheveled, and her coat messy. It was a form I rarely, if ever, saw the unicorn in.         "First of all: put a shirt on. (Blushing, I hurridly pulled my white prison tank top on.) Second: you need to tell me the truth," she said seriously. "No but's, no excuses. I've waited months for it." She trotted over and sat on the bed, showing she met business. "Just, out with it. With everything."         My heart froze at her displeasure. I looked to Fluttershy, who gave a shaky nod. I looked back to Twilight, sighing. "Whelp," I said as I sat on the opposite bed. "First thing is first: I was born on a different world. It's called Earth."         Twilight's ears instantly went up, attentive. I could see the fascination in her eyes.         "It's nothing like this place," I continued. "There's War, Sickness, Pollution, and many other problems. We learn to deal with it. So, yeah, that's where my dark attitude comes in." I chuckled quietly. "When I was born, my family was Mormon. We prayed, fasted, kept commitments, and believed in a God. However, after my mother died to an unknown sickness, my father lost it. You see, when my father was young he was beaten by his father, who was a drinker. He was already a little messed up."         Twilight seemed sorry, although she didn't say anything. Her eager eyes begged for more. I briefly looked at Fluttershy, who was a little teary. She didn't hear this part, but those couple months with me may have made it impossible to cry. I turned back to Twilight, my heart quenching at the sad memory.         I sighed, looking down. "I hate this part.. okay, so after he almost beat me to death in one of his drinking fits, I was given to my aunts." Twilight's eyes widened, although no further expression was given. I didn't have to look at Fluttershy to know she sniffled, but said nothing. I leaned back, folding my arms across my chest. "My aunt was a strong Atheist. She didn't support my religion, and there was no church nearbye. Even though it was painful to have something that close ripped away, she could have never taken my ability to pray away." I smirked a little, remembering about how I would always sneak a prayer in every night after she left.         "Your religion must be very important to you," Twilight said.         "Indeed. Although during the remainder of my childhood in my aunt's hands, I developed a habit of swearing. It's been going away lately, though." I glanced at Fluttershy and smiled.  Before Twilight could catch the look, I turned back to her. "Then, that brings me later in life. I married a woman, her name was Sarah, and we had a son named Connor. I still love him more than anything."         Twilight's hard features softened at the mention of a son. I figured there was no harm telling her that much.         "I was happy and carefree.. Until," I told her the story of the Penalty. She seemed stoic, although I sensed something was happening behind her sympathetic eyes. Fluttershy took it like a champ, not counting a couple tears sliding down her cheeks.         "...After that, I was sent to jail, then the SCP Foundation, as a Class-D. My serial number was 378b; they never reffered to me as 'Milo' again, and I almost forgot entirely about the name. They ran tests on me with various objects which the public would call 'supernatural' or 'magic'. SCP-902 and 173 are some of these guys. Then, as I was being tested with my dear friend 173, there was a malfunction in the system, and all of them got out. They wrecked havoc on the foundation, killing everyone in it.         "I barely got out. I still don't know exactly how, but I was teleported to Fluttershy's front porch."         "He's right," Fluttershy said from behind the unicorn. The latter almost jumped, as if she was so intrigued in my life story she forgot there was someone else in the room. "I found him delirious on my doorstep. His poor wrist was broken."         "That was from punching a door," I said sheepishly. The atmosphere was gradually turning to positive as we neared the story of my romance with Fluttershy. "Anyways, I stayed at her place for a couple days. We grew.. closer, may I say. After the encounter with my tall, pale friend, we got closer and closer."         Twilight's eyes were wide. "Wait.. so, you two are..?"         As a response, Fluttershy came and sat by me. She leaned in, kissing my cheek as I gave Twilight a stoic look.         "...That's.. weird..?"         I sighed. "Listen, we don't expect you to completely get it, but.. yeah, it's a little weird." Fluttershy gave me an offended look. I responded quickly with a kiss to the cheek. "But in a good kind of weird," I saved.         Twilight took a long look at us. Then she sighed. "Continue."         I briefly glanced at Fluttershy. "Early this morning, I was sent by Princess Luna to destroy SCP-902. She came with me. We went to the place it was, but the town she teleported us to was demolished; that's what you saw, Twilight. Turns out she had other plans than working together; Luna was going to destroy 902 by herself, leaving me in a muddy ditch. She said I 'couldn't destroy it.' And that I was worthless. (Fluttershy mouthed 'not true' at the latter statement.) When she left, I saw that SCP-902 was lying right beside me. Twilight, when you got me out, I took it with me."         "So.." Twilight glanced around the room. "Where is it?"         "Right under you," I said curtly, my eyes sliding down to the spot where SCP-902 lay. "It's beside the be--"         I stopped mid-speach as my eyes widened. My heart skipped a beat. I was instantly up from the bed. "No.." I mumbled. Twilight and Fluttershy both stared at me, confused. "No, no, no.."         The place where SCP-902 was placed the night before was barren. I was instantly up and on my knees, searching under the beds. Nothing.         SCP-902 was gone. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 14: All Your Errors //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 14: All Your Errors What the Hell were you thinking, Milo? Honestly. What. The Hell. Were you.. Truelly, I thought you were different than most humans. I thought we could be allies, cleansing this world from their dictators. I supported you even in your worst, most unnecessary endeavors. Even with your relationship with one of THEIR species. But to even THINK about procreation?! What the Hell were you thinking? Is Connor going to have some mutant-humanpony as a sibling? Is that the life you want your son to have? Is that the life you want? Or, better yet, are you willing to live with the guilt of putting your marefriend through so much physical trauma, only to have a horrid excuse of a child? ...I'll give you one last chance. I'll give you one more chance to become my ally. To put all your unwise and unclean decisions behind you, to leave everything bad behind. I've been thinking, 378b. Yes, I still remember your number. I've been thinking about the best possible outcome for all of us. You have strength and persistence, something both SCP-173 and I have. But you have something more: they trust you. You know how they function, you can talk to them easier than us. That's why you're perfect for this "Revolution." We need you, and you need us. We can give you your son back at any time, Milo. But the Princesses refuse to bring Connor to you until you perform a preposterously difficult task: destroy us. You don't even know if she's telling the truth; if she even COULD do it. But you know we can, and in a much easier way. You've seen my power. You've seen what I can do. You know I can give you your son back, and all you have to do is join me. Kill the princess who betrayed you, and the one who stood by and did nothing. Yet, for some unknown reason, you persist in aiding the Equestrians. I refuse to let you commit such a stubborn, ignorant sin. You're better than that. So, I am abandoning my old, patient ways, and coming with a different approach. Sometime this hour, I will teleport you to my location. The hour will give you plenty of time to say goodbye to all your friends, including Fluttershy. I have the Princess of the Night as my captive, and I will make her use her magic to bring you here. Do not think of it as a threat. Think of it as a safety measure. I really do think our friendship could still work, Milo.. Oh, and two more things. It is on a volcano. The reason why I have chosen this location will be explained, along with everything else once you come. Oh, and don't touch anyone when you are about to come to me. Granted, you don't know when you will be teleported.. so, just don't touch anyone. Just in case. Everyone you're in physical contact with when you are teleported is brought with you. We wouldn't want that, now, would we? As for the last thing: SCP-173 is with me. Please, just let it happen. It's for the best.         Normally, I would have woke up with a start.         Scream.         Look all around for danger.         But that would only result in me looking around the room, figuring it was just a dream, then regretting my breakout.         But I don't do that anymore. I've had so many nightmares that would bring any other person to tears when they woke up. I've had dreams which would land me in prison if I shared them with anyone.         Of course, the prison thing was already existent. Just another nightmare. Only, that one happened.         I woke up peacefully. No sudden movements were made, not even with my face. I just woke up like any other day, Fluttershy's body squeezed against my side. Her mane was soft compared to my gruffy beard, which it laid on currently.         I looked up at the ceiling, sighing. "Why must this happen to me?" I whispered to the blackness.         My answer was Fluttershy kissing my cheek.         "Because you're one of the few people who can take it," she said softly.         I smiled slightly, glancing her way. Of course she would hear that. "Didn't know you were awake."         "Oh, I'm awake almost all the time," she said, putting her snout on my neck. Her warm breath sent pleasurable shivers throughout my body. "Worrying about you."         The Pleasure was instantly replaced by Guilt. I gently pulled away from her embrace, the warm, lovable feeling vanishing. "You really shouldn't," I said, looking to her. Her reaction said it all: the mood was already dark.         So I decided to lighten it. "I'm a big boy."         Fluttershy's eyes shown with compassion as she replied, "In more ways than one."         Me and her both shared a small laugh. "That statement probably just made my day," I chuckled.         Fluttershy kissed my neck. "What was it this time, Milo?" she asked.         The atmosphere instantly went to somber. "What do you mean?"         "Your dream. I know you've had one," she said. Then, without warning, she suddenly shifted her position from by my side to sitting up, then on top of me, sitting on my lap. "I want to know. Is it good news?" she said as she bent down, close to my face.         Heat rising in my cheeks, I gave her a poker face. I figured it could work to remove her from the sensual position, but it succeeded in no such thing. She only kissed me on the lips, her mane draping over the sides of my face. For once, it was only Fluttershy and I, away in our little pink void.         But, like everything, it couldn't last.         I sighed. "I don't want to hurt you," I tried.         She lowered her lower body, so that she was completely splayed across me. "Nothing you say could hurt me," she said with another kiss.         This time, though, I pulled away. I could feel a lump in my throat as I quickly said, "SCP-902 has Luna. It's forcing me to meet it in an hour, along with SCP-173 on a volcano at an anonymous time. I don't know why, but it said it would explain." I gulped between breathes. "They want me. I can't touch you. It's too risky. I think it will make you come with me. I love you, Fluttershy, but I just can't touch you..."         Silence followed.         But then Fluttershy did something I never expected her to. Instead of questioning me, or being unwilling to accept it, she merely scooted off of me, with a blank face. At first, I thought I had insulted her in a way. I was mustering something up to say when she put her hoof on my hand.         "If that's true, I'm coming with you," she said with an iron will.         I shook my head, unwilling to look at her. "Fluttershy."         "Let's face it," she muttered, letting on a much darker tone than her usual, radiant self. "If you don't accept their friendship- which you won't- they'll kill you. But you'll do something smarter than that. I know you, Milo. You'll want them to think that you'll choose them," as she was talking, her face was getting progressively closer to mine. "Then, you'll destroy them. Even if you don't know how, your stubbornness will get the better of you. If that's your plan, I want to be there for you." A hoof of hers rubbed my shoulder. "Besides, no matter what happens, you said that someday this will all be over. That we can be together, with Connor in tow. I believe you. I don't care how crazy the ride is, or how heartbreaking it will be. But it will eventually end, guaranteed. We just have to choose if that end will be the one we want...         "This could be the final battle. Everything we ever hoped for could come true, after today. And if you dare think that I don't want to be a part of that, you're wrong."         A kiss landed on my cheek, then she continued.         "Plus, if an Element of Harmony is there, Luna won't freak out as much."         I sighed, looking over to her face, positioned right beside me. I knew, beneath the shyness and overwhelming adorableness, there was a will set in iron. If I liked it or not, it didn't matter: she was coming.         But that didn't mean I was letting her do this willingly.         "I can't bring you into this," I tried. It was a pathetic attempt.         "You already have," Fluttershy retorted. "In so many ways."         There was no getting past her.         For a few minutes, we lay there, the silence consuming us. We waited for the teleportation to take us, the battle for our lives. Light shown through the blinds gradually as I entwined my fingers on her hoof, time slipping past our senses.         "We don't even know when it's going to claim me," I said once.         Fluttershy only kissed my neck, something she was accustomed to doing.         Time seemed to not matter, we were just there. The number of noneventful minutes drifted from my mind, replaced by no sense of time, no sense of how long it had been.         No Peace was present. Just the enormous, somber... nothing. Like the Calm before the battle; which it most likely was. This atmosphere dissipated when I spake up.         "Amazing how easily SCP's can ruin someone's day."         Fluttershy just smiled.         It was excruciating to wait for this travesty. But, all the waiting eventually payed off.         It started off as a distant tingling, positioned in my brain. I knew it was coming. I was shifting awkwardly, trying to think up of a way I could tell Fluttershy off quickly when she sensed my uncomfortableness.         "If it's about to happen," she started. "Don't even think about pushing me away at the last second."         "I'm not," I said.         The tingling heightened, and heightened over time. "That's strange," I thought. "Usually it only takes Luna half a second to teleport."         A light started to glow around me. And Fluttershy. I could see her gasping and trying her best to look brave. But that was just not her.         With a sudden jolt of magic, I was sent into oblivion. Welcome back, Prisoner 378b. a voice said. It wasn't like any other voice, the only possible host being SCP-902 itself. Welcome back, to Earth. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: My Little Broken Wrist, Healing is Annoying and Painful //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: My Little Broken Wrist, Healing is Annoying and Painful         The sound of the cottage door opening woke me from my fifteen-minute long sleep. I rubbed my eyes with my left hand, and yawned awake. I was expecting it to be hard to sleep with a broken wrist, but turns out it's not that bad. The pain actually made me tired.         I sat up, and looked towards the doorway, blinking sleep away. Instead of the familiar yellow pegasus, however, my eyes laid upon a white coated, red-maned pony. It didn't have any wings, so at least she was a little normal. She had a nurse's hat on, and her light blue eyes widened at the sight of me.         To my relief, Fluttershy appeared next to the other white pony. "This is him.."         The other pony tilted her head at the sight of me. "Hmm.. Is he some kind of hairless, tall monkey with white and orange skin?"         She was probably referring to my orange prison slacks and white tank top. Although being called a "monkey" didn't rub me the right way, I still gazed over blankly to her.         "I.. Actually don't know. Now, could you please check on his wrist? I think it's broken."         The white pony nodded and trotted over to me. Her blue gaze paralyzed me as she searched my entire body with her eyes. I assumed she had never seen a human before, judging by her interest in my build. She sat down slowly beside me, her gentle gaze on me. "Now, just stay calm. I'm going to take a look at it." Her head and hooves went out of my perifable vision, starting her work.         Agonizing pain shot through my right arm like a bullet. I recoiled and grunted, but the white pony held me down.         "It's okay," she said unconvincingly. "Just stay calm. It'll be over soon."         I bit my lip and slammed my eyes shut, panting. If I didn't know better, I would assume my hand was on a stove. I scrunched up my face, hoping she would finish her work on my arm soon.         "It's broken," she said to Fluttershy. The latter nodded, as if she already knew. The nurse-pony turned her attention to my face. "I'm going to put on a cast. Don't worry; it'll be over soon." She smiled at me, then ducked her head back under.         When her hoof lifted my mangled right hand, I scrunched my face up in pain. After she started to fold some sort of thick toilet paper around my injured hand, I slammed my eyes shut, grunting.         It was then when I realized Fluttershy's hoof was on my left hand. Her soft fur brushed my arm while she stroked it with her hoof. I opened my eyes, and looked up. Sure enough, a foot away from my face, stood Fluttershy, caressing my hand. It felt.. good.         Once she saw that I was acknowledging her, she blushed and looked away. "I thought it would make you feel better.." She apologized, and started to withdraw her hoof. My answer was to wrap my fingers around her hoof, not letting it travel any further away.         "It makes me feel a lot better," I said, with a smile. I felt the temperature in my face rise. Dude! It's a talking horse! Why would you even let her do that? It was a friendly comfort! Nothing more. Besides, we just met! How creepy would it be if we started getting close now? I need to know her better, and vice versa.         After a couple of minutes of my wrist burning, Fluttershy blushing, and me stuck in between bliss and pain, I felt the nurse's hooves draw back.         "Okay," she said, and clopped over to infront of me. "Turns out your wrist's radius was fractured, and a couple of.." She pointed towards my fingers. "..Whatever those are are also broken. I'd advise not lifting anything too heavy until the cast is ready to be taken off; which will be in a couple weeks."         Fluttershy nodded. "Thank you, Nurse Redheart," she said earnestly. Nurse Redheart smiled, then exited the house.         I lifted up my right hand, and found it to be covered with a thick, white paper. The fingers were sticking out, but that's all that showed. As I marveled at the surprisingly well-made cast, I heard Fluttershy clear her throat.         "Sorry," she said with a sad smile.         I tilted my head up at her. "What for?"         "Well, I said I'd be back with supplies myself, but.. I sorta don't know.. How to fix a broken wrist," she mumbled that last part. "But Nurse Redheart was nice, right?"         I nodded and chuckled. "Yeah." My attention shifed to her sides again, and I realized now was my chance. "So, uh, you have wings?"         Fluttershy nodded, confused. "Of course I do! I'm a pegasus."         I already figured that out by myself, but I just needed to hear it from her. "Are there... Others?" That part I didn't know.         "Of course! There are thousands of us. Along with Earth Ponies and Unicorns."         Normally, I'd be surprised to hear the mention of unicorns. But I doubted anything could surprise me now. Okay, time to pop the question to her.         "Where am I, really? What continent" I asked.         "Equestria! One of the four on this planet."         This information did surprise me, though. A lot. "...What planet are you-- I mean, we, on?" I knew it was a very strange question to ask, but it was nessecary.         Fluttershy had confusion in her eyes as she responded with: "Equu."         That was not the answer I was hoping for. I quickly sat all the way up and looked at Fluttershy in the eye. "What?"         Fluttershy lowered her head and whimpered. "...We're on the planet.. Of Equu.. Didn't you already know that..?"         My heart rate quickened, and I started to pant. I looked around the room with a new perspective. We're not on Earth?! That's impossible! Well, we are surrounded by talking technicolor ponies. What did you expect? 'Oh, we're on an independent island of Hawaii. Humans just haven't discovered this place yet.' If I'm not on Earth, how am I going to see Connor?         My face froze. My everything froze. Connor. My son.         As realization settled in, tears surfaced in my eyes. Fluttershy must've saw this, because she wrapped her hooves around my neck, and embraced me. My first instinct was to push away. I've never been hugged in nine months. However, once I felt her soft fur and mane graze against my skin..         "Don't cry, Seven.." She comforted with a sadness of her own. She nuzzled my shoulder. "Don't worry.. All will be fine. I know it's hard to comprehend, but you'll get through it."         As I hugged back, my tears staining her yellow shoulder. My thoughts drifted off. Maybe.. Just maybe I could get him here. He has nothing for him there; to not try was being a bad father. Didn't they say they had magic? Maybe I could teleport him here with some magical help..?         That thought calmed me. Although deep inside I knew it was a long shot, it gave me hope. I smiled in the furry shoulder.         "Fluttershy," I muttered, feeling tired again.         She leaned back, and gazed into my eyes. "Yes?"         "You really are bad at comforting."         Then we both laughed, happy the sad moment was behind us. I have a plan. Find some way to bring Connor here, and rest meanwhile. The ponies seemed nice and friendly. Plus I have a fresh start.         I looked at Fluttershy, still chuckling a little to myself. I think I'm going to like it here. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 11: Fear the Night //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 11: Fear the Night "Milo.. Oh have the years gone by. Let me get a look at you.. ah, yes. You've grown from a scrawny, curious child to someone not to be trifled with. Not only have your muscles and stamina grown, but your heart has also gotten bigger. The way you fearlessly finished off that pathetic, evil excuse of a man was amazing. You're a hero, undeserving of that cruel punishment. "Yes, you're a family man now, that much is evident. Of all the trials and hardships you've gone through, most were to help your son and wife. Connor. Such a beautiful boy. Such courage and loyalty to his father. He is destined for greatness, that is certain. And Sarah.. I cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear of her untimely demise. She was an excellent example for Connor, as were you. And now you can't see either of them. "But this doesn't have to be. You don't have to destroy me. You don't have to listen to that white tyrant. You don't have to be a criminal. Just join me. Join me and save your son. Save Fluttershy. Save everyone. "Save everypony."         The darkness that surrounded me dissipated instantly as I opened my eyes, the third voice of the week gone from my head. I found myself not in a black void, but lying in a dark apartment room. The bed I was suspended on was soft and comfortable, and the fan slowly rotating above me brought back pleasant thoughts. I took a deep breath, then sighed deeply.         I felt a hoof caress my shoulder from behind, followed by soft lips landing a kiss on the back of my neck. The familiar feel of Fluttershy nuzzling me landed on my neck. Her feminine, cute voice asked, "More voices?"         I turned my head towards her, instantly feeling the butterflies in my stomach upon seeing her ocean blue eyes. "Yeah.." I whispered. "How'd you know?"         The yellow pegasus planted another kiss, this time on my cheek. Its color darkened as she said, "You stirred."         "It's been happening a lot lately. Princess Celestia told me SCP-902 would try to convince me to change, but.. she didn't say it'd act like it knew me."         Fluttershy sighed beside me. "It's okay. It's been speaking to me, too."         For a few seconds, Fluttershy and I both just layed there on the bed, looking into eachothers' eyes. It had been three months since I was mortalized by that white monster, and all my wounds were healed, save it for my three-fingeredness. Apparently, not only does Equestria's happy atmosphere weaken other life form's skin, it also heals wounds a lot quicker. My ribs were fixed in a matter of days, and the cuts were healed almost overnight. A deep scar on my torso, however, reminded me of how dangerously close to death I was that fateful afternoon.         Since I was hired for the Bounty-Hunter like job from Princess Celestia,  Fluttershy sprouted our romance. While Celestia and I were waiting for news on the two SCP's whereabouts, Shy and I and had gotten closer and closer. The Princesses and Fluttershy's friends were all unaware of our relationship, but we were planning on breaking it to them.         Today was actually supposed to be our first date. I planned to have Celestia cast a spell on me to make me appear as a pony, to lower suspiscion, and take Fluttershy to a modest, but heart felt, restaurant. However, after Princess Celestia received notice of SCP-902's whereabouts at the last moment, we were rushed to Canterlot. We were now in an apartment close to the border, where the villain lay untouched in the forest somewhere.         But now, this was Fluttershy and I's time. Even though it was going to be short, as my job required me to destroy the entity in just a couple hours, it was heart felt.         "Does it hurt?" my marefriend asked, gesturing to my three-fingered hand.         I kissed her on the forehead. "It's only a dull pain, especially in the cold. But it was worth it."         She smiled, enjoying the feel. "Milo.. My Little Hero."         "Are you implying I'm little?"         Fluttershy laughed, nuzzling my neck. "You know what I mean."         The beautiful mare then kissed me on the lips. I kissed back, graciously accepting her romance. Fluttershy was bringing her hooves up to my face when the apartment door slammed open, showering the room with blinding light. Both Fluttershy and I flinched, covering our eyes.         "Seven, SCP-902 has been located," said a stoic guard in the open doorway. "You must come immediately." With that, he was off.         I sighed, knowing it was my duty. I looked back at Fluttershy and smiled. "I'll be safe."         She wrapped her hooves around me, and my heart filled with warmth. "I don't like it when they call you that," she whispered in my ear.         I kissed her cheek. "It's an order from Princess Celestia. I don't like it either, but we can't question her."         My mare friend sighed. "...please, do be careful. I don't want to lose you."         "I'm not going anywhere." I smiled, enjoying her soft, strawberry scented mane so close to my face.         After a few more pecks on her cheek, I got up from the bed and headed for the door. However, before I exited, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My thin stubble had grown into a full beard, the chestnut hairs almost inches long. It traveled from down the sides of my cheeks, meeting at my chin and overlapping my mouth. My hair was now down to my shoulders, and in dire need of a haircut. It was held back from my forehead with a black bandana, although a couple stray hairs glided down my forehead.        I sighed. I did not like the Gruffy look; I was the kind of person who liked my hair collected and still. Without that piece of cloth, it would most likely resemble a mop more than hair.         "Oh, and Milo?" Fluttershy said seductively from behind.         I turned around to see my marefriend, only half covered in the sheets. Her upper body was bare, pronouncing her beautiful curves. With a hoof tracing the bed and a bat of her eye lashes, she smiled. "When you come back, I have a surprise for you."         My heart skipped a beat as I interpreted the meaning. She couldn't mean.. oh, no. No, that cannot happen! Sure, I love her, but not like that! She could be the most beautiful mare in Equestria, but that doesn't change the fact she's another species. Besides, I respect her too much to do that before the marriage, if there is one. Okay, now I'm jumping too far ahead.         As my mind raced, the sound of Fluttershy clearing her throat dragged me back to reality. She was rolling her eyes as she said, "No, not that. I actually have a present for you."         Both relief and slight disappointment settled in. "Oh, uh yeah. Yeah, I knew that, it's just.." My hand reached up to scratch the back of my head. I realized there was no excuse for getting out of this, and sighed. "Sorry, Shy. I shouldn't have made that assumption."         My marefriend lifted the covers off herself, dropped off the bed, and trotted her way over to me. I was tensing up for a slap, and my assumption was proven true as she grabbed my shirt collar and yanked me down to her level. I was surprised to receive a deep, passionate kiss from the yellow mare instead.         She leaned in, gently sliding her tongue into my mouth. I could feel the familiar, pleasurable sensation which came over me whenever she did that. I knew it was wrong, that I should pull away and leave this make out session for a later date, but I loved it. My tongue batted at hers playfully, wrestling for domination.         As Fluttershy pulled away, she smiled. "It's alright, Milo. I was implying towards it anyways."         "Seven! Princess Celestia requires your attention downstairs, immediately!"         I turned towards the voice, my cheeks beet red. "Yeah, I'll be down there in a minute!"         As the guard left, I turned back to Fluttershy and gave her a smile. "Gotta go save the world."         She laughed at my farewell. "Do us both a favor and never say that again."         After one last look at my marefriend, I exited the room, closing the door behind me. I walked down the long, well-lit hall, my face transforming from one of playfulness to business. As I continued my way down the apartment corridor, I was reminded of my fateful time in the SCP Foundation. The tall, colorful walls of the apartment bore little resemblance to the gloomy corridors of the God-Forsaken complex, although the long stretch between corner to corner still remained.         As I rounded the end of the hall, walked down the apartment stairs, and opened the door to the conference room, I was greeted by a calm Celestia, smiling warmly. Beside her, however, was her agitated sister: Princess Luna.         "Where have you been?" the dark blue alicorn snapped. Her mane, usually well kept and colorful, was messy and uncombed. Eyebrows narrowed, she hissed at me, "don't you know you have a job to do? Don't forget: this is for the sake of your son and Equestria."         "Luna!" the elder sister whispered harshly in her ear, although the dark alicorn's harsh words already settled in.         Anger burned inside me as my eyebrows narrowed. I could have said many things. "Who the hell do you think you are?" "Why are you being such a bitch?" "Don't you dare bring Connor in this." "Good morning to you too, your Royal Assness." Although, recognizing her stature and magical ability, I just settled with: "Sorry I'm late."         "You'd better be sorry. You have no idea the destruction SCP-902 has caused in that delay of yours."         Princess Celestia looked like she was about to interrupt for my defense, but I cut her off.         "I was only give for five minutes."         "Every minute that passes is another family slaughtered."         I flinched, my knees almost buckling from underneath me as my breath hitched. "...What?" I snapped, my mouth quivering.         Princess Luna gave her guards a nod. The dark armored stallions nodded their recognition, then closed in on us. Princess Celestia looked concerned, and started to make her way towards us. My body was already tensed up, ready for an assault, but instead of attacking, the guards formed a protective circle around the Princess and I.         "Watch," she muttered, her horn now glowing.         A bright flash shrouded my vision as I felt myself being dissolved peacefully, the last sight before me being Princess Celestia yelling. I instantly recognized the sensation of being teleported.         The blinding, white light which represented the teleportation spell dissipated, replaced by a scene of pure devestation.         Just a couple paces away lay a town, burning and rotting. The sky was dark, and the roaring of a huge fire deafened my ears. Black clouds of smoke and ash drifted from the burning cottages and corpses on the road, shriveled and disfigured. There was no screaming, and no groaning. No survivors.         The small, shriveled body of a foal made bile rise in my throat. The stench of decay and blood, laced with the intense heat of the fire, hit my face, collected by my senses. I turned away, shielding my face from the horrific scene, holding back the urge of throwing up.         "Take a good look, Seven," Princess Luna said coldly, her face stoic. "SCP-902 did this. It's what happens when you're late on the job."         I shot a look of pure rage at the dark blue pony. "How the hell could you say something like that?!" I spat. "It's YOUR job to protect the ponies, not mine. I'm only here to destroy the bastards, remember? If you would have just woken me up earlier, I would have gotten here in time!"         The Princess' eyes narrowed, with a depth of anger in her dark blue irises I've never seen before. "You. Can't. Destroy it."         For a moment, I just stared at her, confused and unbelieving. "This is what I'm here to do!"         "No," she shook with rage as her horn shone with a menacing cyan glow.  "I don't know what my sister sees in you. All I see is violence and selfishness. I have no idea how you could have ever saved Fluttershy's life, but I'm certain you wouldn't do it again." I growled at the lie. "You're not doing any of this for your son, you're doing it for yourself."         "Go to Hell!" I roared as I backhanded her across the face. She gasped, not expecting the blow at all as her head snapped back. A cut formed on her cheek bone, inevitably followed by a bruise.         She shook with anger, looking at me with a look of murder. "You're Fausting WORTHLESS!"         A bolt of electricity caught me in the chest, catapulting me into a burning town. I felt my back explode with pain as I smashed through the wall of the flaming inferno, tumbling to a stop by hitting the wall. Heat instantly wrapped around my body as my recently-healed rib acted up again, most likely bruised.         "This is what you were supposed to stop!" she yelled from outside the inferno. "And if just a box from your world could do this, I want Equestria to be rid of your planet's filth! Starting with you!"         "Are you insane?!" I yelped as the scorging planks of wood around me burnt my hands. I quickly got up from the hot floor, only to be shoved back down by Luna's magic. The incredibly hot surface caught me immediately by surprise. An explosion of white hot pain engulfed my back as the weakened floor boards crumpled under my weight.         "SCP-902 is here somewhere," I could hear Luna yelling above the inferno, insane rage coursing through her voice. "And I will destroy it! Without your help! And when I come back victorious, I'll tell Equestria how you've sacrificed yourself for the greater good. You're lucky I'd even consider that type of generosity." Her face scrunched up in anger as she added, "I'm doing Equestria a favor here!"         "Bitch!" I cursed, anger flooding my mind. I was about to throw more colorful language at her when the white hot wooden boards under me gave way, embers flying up around me. I plundered down in a free fall, and for a moment, I was in thin air. I could see the circle of flames and light above me shrink as I fell, giving a startled yell as the blackness engulfed me.         I landed on some sort of hard, wet ground back first. The air rushed out of me as I felt bones snap. I gasped and tried to suck in air, my back exploding in pain. I could see the dark Princess above, glaring down at me. "Utterly worthless," she said, her voice echoing down the dark tunnel between us.         I tried to lift up my arm to give her a flip of the bird, but my arm didn't respond. I tried again, this time to get up, but again nothing happened. I had no control over my body.         It was when the Princess of the Night exited I realized something was horrifically wrong was with me. A broken spine? Broken neck? Brain damage? All were unbelievably bad, as the healing process of something that serious would take at least a week. Long enough to make me starve.         "No.." I whispered, unable to increase the volume of my voice any higher than that. I could feel the tears clouding my vision as I realized the seriousness of the situation. Why hello there, Milo.         I felt a sharp pain in my body as my blood ran cold. With a tremendous effort, I slowly turned my head to the left, fear clouding my entire brain. I found a small box lying next to me. I see you've come to join me, finally?         There, lying just meters away was SCP-902. I was vulnerable, unable to move, but something worse was making itself known.         It wasn't ticking, and its cover lay open.