Rising Shadows

Chapters

Prologue
Meet the... Resistance?
Monsters and Revelations
Promises
Failure
Prisoner

Prologue

A lone figure walked the halls he was tall with a slender build and he was clothed in dark blue armour. Bodies littered the floor, men, women, children. No one had been spared. Blood coated The normally pristine white walls, large holes had been blown into every side of the hall, paintings and tapestry’s were reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash. The once beautiful stain glass windows were gone, replaced with gaping holes that looked down at the battle that was unfolding.

Two armies were locked in a fight to the death. The golden clad ponies faced down the dogs and Minotaur's that would like nothing more than to make a meal of them. With every passing moment the chance of victory was fading, Ponies were pushed aside like they were nothing more than a rag doll. They were no match for the dogs strength and agility or the Minotaur’s sheer power. It was a blood bath the ponies were being pushed further and further back, soon they would have no place to go.

The dogs and Minotaur's had no interest in land or gold, no, all they wanted was another pony head to be placed above their mantle piece. This was no war, it was genocide.

But the figure cared not for the battle, he didn’t even glance at the chaos that was ensuing outside. He just stalked forward to a pair of large white doors. Sword and shield in hand. Shadows circled around him like a cloak, tendrils lashed out randomly as he stopped a few feet from the Large doors.

He raised his right leg and slammed it into the door. The door swung of it's hinges and fell to the floor a few feet away. The throne room was completely wrecked. The white pillars that spanned the entire length of the room were reduced to nothing more than large stumps and pieces of rubble, The far wall was gone, a gaping hole left in its wake.

The shadowy figure showed no interest in the damage his only interest was the one sitting on the throne. He was tall with a broad build, had short blond, and heavily scarred features. He was wearing a full set of black plate armour, a large halberd balanced against the throne easily within arms reach. The weapon was black with blood red spirals going up the shaft of the weapons all the way to the blade. Upon reaching the blade the spiral splits off into red teeth, giving it a much more

A large white pony with both horn and wings lay beside the throne. Her horn was gone, broken in half. Blood covered her coat from multiple wounds, the white of her coat was almost invisible due to the amount of red. She was sobbing, tears were trickling down her face and landing into a small pool of blood at her feet.

“James my friend! You have finally arrived. Like what I’ve done with the place?!” The tall figure on the throne boomed as he stroked the pastel coloured mane of the large white pony beside him, she shivered at his touch, trying to force her self to move but she lacked the strength. “Shhhh, don't worry little princess everything is going to be OK.” He whispered into her ear.

He grabbed her head and her eyes went wide. A loud crunch sounded through the room as her neck was snapped. Her lip body fell to the floor in a heap, the once multicoloured hair turning to a bright shade of pink. The light faded suddenly as the sun darkened. the sun goddess took her last breaths.

GIVE IN, SUBMIT. YOU CAN SAVE THEM ALL, ALL OF THEM!

James shook his head. Trying to force the voice from his mind.

LET ME OUT!!

“Aww so you don't like my decorations?” The man in the throne said while gesturing with his hands at the wrecked palace. “It took me so long to get it just right.” He said gleefully as he jumped up from the throne and sauntered over to a guard that was severed in two a few feet from him.

He grabbed the head of the pony “I love the decorations!” he shouted in a squeaky voice as he moved the moth of the pony as if it was speaking.

“Oh goody!! Me to” He shouted before throwing the top half of the pony through a hole in the wall and into the battle that raged below. “SO!” he boomed before turning towards James. “Have you come to congratulate me on a job well done.” He turned back and looked at James, his grin growing even wider at the sight.

LET ME OUT!!!

BZZZZ BZZZZZ

James groggily reached his phone on his bet side drawer, dropping it a few times in the process. He looked at the screen and let out a tired groan before answering. “Yeah what do you want Dale?”

“I need you to come down to Marks place right now, were hitting the place tonight!” James closed his eyes not believing what he had just been told. It was two am in the morning for peat sake.

“What? why tonight?” He protested as he slowly sat up from his bed. “It's two am.”

“Yeah I know that but Mark wants it done tonight and you know we can't change his mind if it's set on something. Now hurry get moving you have thirty minutes.”

James slouched as the call ended. He closed his eyes and shook his head. It was too early, they had only been planing for a few weeks to rob the warehouse and they expected to do it already? Fucking idiots.

He groaned as he got to his feet, his limbs protesting at every movement. He wandered around his room and looked for anything he could ware, most of his clothes were scattered about the room, on the floor, or the cabinets hell a pair of trousers were draped over the lamp shade. As you can tell he was not a very clean person.

His apartment was small. The living room was nothing more than a small room with a single brown couch and TV and The kitchen had a small electric cooker and a few cupboards with various pots and pans.

James had finally decided on what to wear, he had chosen a dark grey t-shirt, denim jeans with a black jacket to go on top as swell as black trainers.

He hurried to his bathroom mirror to check that he look at least a little representable an not like a complete druggie.

He was tall, a little overweight, had dark brown hair with a small tint of red in it and Light blue eyes. His face was rather smooth except for a shaggy beard and moustache.

Before leaving he had a look round to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything, once he was satisfied that nothing was being left on or open he locked the door and started down the stairs of his apartment building.

The journey to Mark's house didn’t take long only twenty minutes. The house was located on the very edge of the town and was a small bungalow, there were two windows peering onto the main street, a large garage was built into the side. Making it look much larger than it actually was.

James walked up to the door breathing heavily, it was along walk and he wasn't the fittest of people. He paused at the door for a second before letting out a heavy sigh. He chapped once then went it. He was met with a large blast of warm air as he stepped into the house as well as the strong smell of damp.

The main door led into a long hall with three doors, one on the left, two on the right. The walls had nothing on them except a light coating of cream paint, the carpet 'was' white but I was now grey with age.

James walked up to the door on the left and walked in. the room was a joint kitchen and dining room, the dining room also subbed for the living room. Three men were waiting for him.

Mark A tall skinny man was standing by the fridge with a beer in hand, he had blue eyes, blond hair and his nose looked like it had been broken multiple times. He was dressed in a a grey tracksuit with white trainers.

Matt was sitting on the couch, he was very shot fat man with black hair and brown eyes and was taking more than half the couch by himself. His clothes were covered in stains making it impossible to guess what colour they had once been. A large doughnut in his hand had his full attention.

The last man in the room was Dale. He was short with a small build and looked as giddy as ever. He always got exited when a hit was about to take place. He was wearing blue jeans and a bright red top. His brown hair was obscured by his baseball cap that placed a small shadow over his face which made his green eyes stand out even more.

“Good, your finally here.” Mark said as he walked over to the couch before jumping down on it. A large grin plastered on his face. “We are hitting the warehouse tonight. I have just been told by Stu that the place is empty.”

“How do we know it isn’t a trap?” Matt said after finishing his doughnut and licking his fingers. “Remember what happened to Boyd’s crew, they thought they had struck gold and now they are six feet under, well everyone except Boyd, they only found two of his fingers.”

“That’s because they were fucking idiots and went in head first without having a good look. Stu has been watching the place for three days now and he's never been wrong about these types of things.” Mark said before finishing of his beer.

“We going in armed?” James asked as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall to Matt's right.

“Of course, The weapons are in the van.” Mark said before standing up and walking to the door. James nodded at this. There was no way he was going in unarmed, he had no plans on getting killed tonight. “We leave in five minutes so get ready.” Mark walked out and into the room across the hall.

Dale still hadn’t said a word his happy jumpy self was replaced with a look apprehension. “You all right Dale?” James asked when he noticed his sudden drop in mood.

“What?” He asked as his head shot up. “ Why wouldn't I be OK!?” he stammered

It wasn't like him to get so worked up, he had been on dozens of small hits just like everyone else in the room. “Just asking.” James said as he left the hysterical man to his thoughts. Maybe the thought of what happened to Boyd and his crew had gotten to him James thought as he scanned the room for something of interest.

Matt was feasting upon another Doughnut that he had pulled put of no were and had almost devoured the entire thing. The door swung open and Mark walked in carrying a handful of black bandanna’s and gloves. “Everyone take one the get to the van, its parked just around the corner.”

Everyone garbed a pair of each then made for the front door. Matt and Dale were the first to leave but as James was about to walk out Mark stood in front of the door. “What’s wrong with Dale?” Mark asked as he looked down at James, “ He seems rather... jumpy.”

James shrugged “Not a clue, probably just nerves.”

“I hope so but to be safe just keep an eye on him.” James nodded in agreement as they both left the house and quickly walked down the road to the van. Dale was sitting in the back and Matt was at the wheel. James and Mark quickly got in and closed the doors. Mark hit the side of the van three times and the van took off.

Mark Opened a small metal box at his feet and pulled out three pistols and a couple of mags. He handed a gun to James and Dale before loading and cocking the weapon. Tonight’s going to be fun James thought as he did the same.

The journey to the warehouse only took ten minutes. The van was parked a block away and Matt was left as the get away driver. James, Mark and Dale were now in an alley way across the street from the warehouse waiting for Stu.

“Where is he? He said he would be waiting for us!” Mark cursed as he kicked a coke can that was at his feet. He paused for a moment. “Fuck it we are going in now.”

“You can't be serious.” James sputtered as he walked over to Mark “There is only three of us. And only Stu knows where the money is!”

“That doesn’t mater. We will find it by ourselves! Now lets go!” Mark shouted as pulled the bandanna over his head. Dale did the same without hesitation. His previous anxiety suddenly gone.

James took a deep breath. This was a very bad idea what was he thinking. He sighed “Fine but don't fuck around lets just get in and get out.”

Once they were sure no one was on the streets they bolted for the warehouse's back entrance and positioned them selves next to the door. A few kicks later and they were in.

The warehouse was massive. Large wooden crates covered in white sheets filled the room. A small second floor office was their target. All three men moved quickly but quietly, the warehouse was supposed to be empty but they didn't want to take any chances.

They soon reached the office on the second floor and went it. Half a dozen blue filing cabinets were up against the far fall all open and with all their papers missing. The desk was covered in blood and spent shell casings littered the floor.

All three men were in shock, it was supposed to be a quick and clean operation. “The fuck happened here?” Asked Mark as he slowly stepped into the room with Dale and James closely on his heels.

A bloodied figure lay behind the desk, Mark went pale at the sight “S.. st.. Stu.” He asked in a hushed voice almost to quite to hear. Mark rushed around to the other side of the desk. Stu's body was broken, he was missing all of his fingers on his right had swell as two from his left. His left eye had been gouged out and there had to be at least a dozen stab wounds to his chest.

Mark knelt by his side, hands shaking. He didn't know what to do. His best friend has dead before his eyes. James was stunned, he had known Stu for over five years.

Sirens broke the silence as police cars raced through the city towards the warehouse, blue and red light illuminating the streets as far as they eye could see.

“Fuck fuck fuck fuck.” Dale repeated as he went into a state of panic. “This can't be happening, this can't be happening.”

The click of a gun stopped his panic as all three men turned to look at the door. Matt was standing there with a shotgun pointed directly at Dale's chest. Matt tilted his head so he could get a better look at Stu's body, he let out a snort “Never liked the guy anyway.”

“Matt what are you doing?” James asked as he backed away from his friend, his hand ready to jump for his pistol that was tucked In his trouser pocket.

“My job, now you're all under arrest, now put your hands up!” No one complied they just looked on in shock, a man they had known for years was actually a cop!

“Geez Matt come on!” James shouted as he ran a hand through his hair unable to believe what he was hearing.

“Shut it! Now put your hands up!” Dale quickly raised both of his hands in air, Mark and James had no such intention. Mark was visibly shaking with anger, his had only a few inches from his pistol.

“I said...!” James and Mark had their pistols raised and aimed directly at Matt's head before he could finish his sentence, a wave of fear washed over his face.

Silence filled the room as the sound of car doors being append filled the streets as the cops got ready. No one moved,

“Now for the last time put your hand...” A loud bang echoed through the room as the wall behind Matt was coated in brain matter as The round from James' gun passed through his right eye.

“We need to get the fuck out of here.” Mark nodded before firing another round straight into his skull.

“That was for Stu. Dale hurry the fuck up.” Dale was in the corner, tears trickling down his blood splattered face.

“Dale I said get mov...”

BOOM

A door on the opposite side of the warehouse was blown open. Mark and James quickly moved back into the office and barricaded the door the desk. “Dale help us!” James shouted. Dale did nothing, he just stared at the bloodied body of matt that was lying in the middle of the floor.

Dale slowly moved forward towards the hastily created barricade, still with a crazed look on his face. Without warning he stood up and looked straight at the approaching men. “Dale NO!” James cried as windows shattered and bullets smashed into Dale. James and Mark fell to the floor covering there heads as shards of glass came at them like falling knives.

Dale fell to the ground in a bloody heap. James just stared at his friends body as Matt rushed over and pressed his hands against the gaping wounds, James face contorted in anger as he jumped to his feet with his pistol ready. “YOU BASTARDS!” He opened fire onto the walkway and hit the first Man in the chest.

He fired until the clip was empty, hitting another two men in the process. He fumbled for the clip in his pocket, before he could finish reloading a hail of bullets cut through the office again and he fell to the ground clutching his side

Mark rushed over to James and pulled him over to the far wall before pulling over a filing cabinet as a shield.

“Dale?” James asked as his face contorted in pain. Mark shook his head.

“Well shit.” James coughed as he rested his head against the wall. “That could have gone better.” he said as he gave off a false chuckle before the room descended into silence again. The only noise now was coming from the police who were slowly advancing on the office.

James couldn't believe it. In only a few hours two of his friends were dead all because of that fat bastard.

“I blame you for this.” Mark said as he sat down next to James as he placed the pistol on the cabinet.

James gave of a pained chuckle “And why is that?”

“I don’t know but somehow it was probably all your fault.” They both let out a small chuckle before the room fell silent again. Tears grew at the sides of James eyes as he slowly lost the feeling in his toes. If this is the end he thought, he raised the gun at the door and took aim, best make it a good one then.

The police quickly reached the door, James and Mark were both waiting for the door to burst open but it never did. The window on the door shattered and a small tink could be heard before a black object was thrown in. Time seemed to stop as the grenade bounced on the floor before coming to a stop.

James shut his eyes waited for the inevitable, but it never came. He waited for a few seconds before hearing something unexpected ...birds?

Meet the... Resistance?

…Birds?

James snapped his eyes open, “The fuck.” He mumbled as he look at the forest around him. He was lying against a large boulder in a small clearing that was surrounded by massive, dark trees.

James' mind went into over drive. 'Why am I alive?' He thought as the memories of the firefight dawned on him. His arm shot down to his side too look for the wound but found nothing, only his t-shirt showed any indication of the wound as it was stained red.

Multiple thoughts whizzed through his head, 'Why isn't there a bullet wound? what happened to Mark, why the fuck ain’t I dead!'

James sat forward and rubbed his eyes, trying to make sense of everything that was going on. 'could this be hell?' he took another good look at the dark forest and the slowly fading day light. 'seems like it.'

A glimmer of light caught his eye. At his foot lay his pistol half submerged in dirt. He quickly grabbed the gun, “Everything looks fine...” He said as he inspected the gun. He removed the clip and sighed, there was only three rounds left.

“This just gets better and better.”

James rested against the rock and shut his eyes. 'how did it go so wrong?'

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

He quickly turned towards where he thought the noise come from. “Was that a scream?”

AHHHHHHHHHHH

He rushed to his feet and charged off in the direction of the noise. He crashed intotree line and clipped a tree with is shoulder, the impact shattered the tree. James stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at tree, it was missing a huge chunk out of the side.

“What the fuc...” Another scream got his attention and he ran.

James was pounding through the forest towards the scream. “Somepony! help me!”

'Did they just say somepony?'

James stopped at the edge of the clearing his mouth agape. A wooden wolf about the size of a small horse was snarling and growling at a small cave opening. James just stared 'It's made out of wood... the wolf is made out of wood.'

James looked on for a moment before raising his gun and took aim at the wolf's head. Just as he was about to fire a bush to his right rustled. He snapped his head to the side and his eyes went wide. Another large wolf was staring right back at him, hardly making a noise.

James' heart pounded in his chest. He didn't want to make the first move and miss as he only had three rounds left. 'Fuck it' he quickly swivelled to the side and brought is gun to aim. The wolf lunged at him and he opened fire, two rounds passed straight through its chest in a hail of shattered wood and splinters as it fell to the ground howling in agony.

James quickly backed away from the screaming wolf as it flopped around the ground in agony before taking it's last breaths.

James quickly turned towards the clearing again and looked for the other wolf, it was gone. James narrowed his eyes as he slowly walked out into the clearing. Keeping his head on a swivel he jumped at every sound, just waiting for the wolf to jump at him.

After a few moments of complete silence he moved towards the small cave opening. The opening had to have been only meter high and half that in width. He could hear a light whimpering coming form the cave, he bent and tried speaking in his friendliest voice “Anyone there? Don't worry I wont hurt yo...”

He stopped mid sentence when he noticed the cowering form in the cave. A small yellow filly with bright red hair and bow lay down with her hooves over her eyes shaking like mad. “Are you OK little one?” He asked as he slowly reached out to touch the small filly.

The filly moved her hooves from her face and looked up at James before going wide eyed.“Sorry mister human please don't hurt me.” she pleaded, backing even further into the small cave.

James stared on blankly trying to understand what just happened, then it hit him. “what the fuck!” He shouted as he stumbled backwards before falling straight onto his back. “You just talked, a horse just TALKED!”

This just made the colourful filly whimpered even more. “Please don't hurt me.” she squeaked.

James shut his eyes and took a few deep breaths. “Don't worry I wont hurt you.” He said as he tucked his gun in his pocket and slowly made his way back towards the cowering filly. She was crying now, tears trickled down her face as she held her eyes shut.

James reached out and placed a hand on her head, she flinched at the touch and cowered away even more. “Don't worry, I wont hurt you.” She slowly opens her eyes and looks up at the human. Her eyes were massive, they were a light mix of orange and red and seemed to quiver as she looked at the large man in front of her.

“Really?” she asked, her lip still trembling. James' heat stopped 'Oh god, she is so CUTE!'

“No I wont hurt you now what's you name little one?”

“Mah names Applebloom.” She said. “Are you really not going to hurt me?”

“Of course not. Why would I hurt you?”

“It's just that I’ve never met a friendly human before.”

James hummed 'At least there are other humans around here but they don't sound to friendly.'

“So little one are you going to tell me why you are in the middle of a dark forest all by your self?”

The sad look on her face returned “Ah cant go home.”

“Why not?”

She was on the verge of tears. “A human has taken over Ponyville, he's got my sister!” She began to cry again.

James was about to speak again but the sound of rustling bushed caught his attention and he turned, waiting for the wolf to leap at him. Instead of a wolf a large red pony ran into the clearing somehow and somehow managing wielding a large spear.

The Large pony stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of James standing over Applebloom, the pony's gaze hardened. “Get away from my sister!” he yelled in a southern drawl. Brandishing the spear as he approached.

“Whoa man! No need to get angry now I was just trying to help.” James said as he backed away from the small filly at his feet.

“Bloom are you OK?” He asked as the small pony ran up to him and gave him a huge hug.

“I'm fine.”

“Don't you ever run off like that again. What were you thinking!” Applebloom lowered her head and muttered an apology. The large red pony looked at James and grunted, “What do you want?” He growled as he pointed the spear in the humans direction.

James gripped the hilt of his gun and stared back at the red stallion, “Well I did just save her life.” he said motioning at the dead wolf just visible in the tree line. The large pony seemed to relax slightly at this but he didn't lower his weapon.

“Is that true Applebloom?”

The filly nodded

He looked back at the human before letting out a large breath. “OK come with me and stay in front. If you try anything I’ll stab you in the back. Is that understood.” James had an uncertain look on his face but the large pony just smiled. “Or you can stay in this forest all alone.”

That got James' attention “Lead the way” he said with false enthusiasm as he let go of the pistol and let it slip back into his pocket.

The trio set off into the dark forest, James was in front with Applebloom sitting on the back of the large stallion. James would receive a small poke in the back every so often just as a reminder of the spear pointing right at his heart.

They soon reached a old wooden bridge that extended over a large gorge ,much like the ones you would find in some adventure flick. After crossing the bridge at James expense as the bridge was much to small for the human they made it to a large abandoned castle.

The castles was nothing more than a ruin, almost the entire thing was caved in except the bone white walls of the main entrance and the large brown door.

We approached the large brown door, the large red stallion hammered his spear against it three times then it opened with a loud creak.

Upon entering the castle dozens of spears came out of no where, all pointing directly at James' neck.

“Whoa whoa whoa!

“Why did you bring that thing here!” A dark brown pony hissed at James as he pushed the spear even closer to his neck.

“Because he saved mah sister.”

“I thought you were smarter than this Big Mac! This has to be a trap and you led him right to us!” The brown pony said as he glanced at Big Mac.

“Just kill him and through him in the gorge” A random pony shouted before getting a murmur of agreement.

“We will let Twilight decide what we do with, him no get out the way.” Big Mac ordered as the ponies reluctantly withdrew their weapons and made a path for the tree of them. A small poke in the back from the red stallions spear made James jump before he started walking further into the castle.

As they walked James was met with stares of hatred and utter disgust. Murmurs about how they should just kill the 'monster' made him feel even more uneasy

They soon made it to a small set of double doors which two stallions standing guard opened at the sight of Big Mac. The room was small but had a large table in the middle of it with dozens of maps covering it. Four ponies were huddled around the map and were in a deep conversation about what the best plan of was.

“Twilight I found something rather interesting” Big Mac said as two of them walked towards the table leaving Applebloom on the floor next to the door.

“Not now Big Mackintosh we're busy.” The purple unicorn replied, her eyes not leaving the map that was in front of her.

James just looked on at the group of ponies, he wasn’t even that surprised at the appearance of the unicorn, I mean come on, wolves mad out of wood and talking ponies? It wasn't much of a stretch.

“I really think you should see this.”

“Fine what is it.” She looked towards us and her eyes went wide. Her horn began to glow purple and was giving of bright sparks as the glow quickly intensified.

“What is That doing here!” She screamed as the other ponies around the desk, all stallions, clambered for their weapons.

“Whoa calm the fuck down!” The human yelled as he took a few steps away from the purple unicorn.

Her eyes narrowed as she turned to Big Mac. “Why is That here!” She hissed.

“He saved Applebloom from a Timberwolf, and he didn't try to kill me the moment I saw him.”

The unicorns look of rage was slowly being replaced with one of curiosity.

“I take it humans aren't known for being nice around here then?” James quipped in only to get started down by both Twilight and Big Mac.

“You could say that.” Twilight said. Her voice was cold and filled with venom. “ Now tell me who are you.”

James thought for a second 'should I give them my real name? Fuck it!'

“My names James.” Her eyes went wide and a purple blast hit him in the chest sending him flying into the far wall.

“Seize Him!” She screeched as a half dozen guards rushed into the room and surrounded the human.

A large white pony rushed over to James with a pair of steel handcuffs and clipped them on his arms. “OK got him.” Those were the last words that he would ever say as large black mouth grabbed him by the neck. The pony gave a blood curdling scream as he was lifted into the air by the large black maw.

The guards stumbled back at the sight of there comrades now decapitated head lying on the floor and the blood stained human in front of them.

Shadows Whipped around James, his once blue eyes were replaced with pools of black. The black shadowy mouth screeched as it bit through the handcuffs that secured him before turning its attention to the crowed of stunned and shocked ponies.

A dark chuckle escaped James' mouth as the large toothed shadow lunged at Twilight.

Monsters and Revelations

The dark chuckle was terrifying, it reminded Twilight of discord, only more... evil. The creature that stood before her was nothing like the human that had taken over Ponyville, Ice began to form around him as if all the warmth was sucked away. she had made a huge mistake.

Twilight quickly raised a a purple barrier as the shadow was mere seconds away from her. The impact pushed her back a few feet and the barrier began to flash.

The other ponies in the room took aim and threw their spears at the human only for them to be swatted away by the shadows. A second attack from the toothed shadow lunged at Twilight and collided with the shield again, it couldn't sustain another hit.

It came at her again, the shield failed and she closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable. After a few moments of silence she opened an eye and found the large shadow only inches from her neck, mouth open and teeth bared.

Her eyes went went wide at the sight, was it toying with her? She thought, she tried backing away from the shadow but was locked in place due to fear. She looked over at James, strain evident on his face.

“Hello! Anyone there?!” James shouted as he looked at the white world around him. There was no sky, ground, trees. There was only white.

“Anyone there?!” He calls out again as a confused look adorned his face.

“OK lets think last thing that happened was me getting zapped by that unicorn.” He looked around at the unending darkness and sighed. “Yep must be dead.” He sighed again as he shut his eyes.

A loud hissing noise sounded from behind him. James quickly turned and froze on the spot with what he saw. A large creature that seemed to be made entirely out of shadows that flowed like black water. The shadow creature stood at about ten foot tall, it had a massive jaw with white serrated teeth that jutted out from the gum, Dozens of shadowy limbs poked out from the body each with a long white talon.

He slowly backed away “Hello...em...nice thing” The creature growled and slithered forward. James reached for the gun in his pocket and found it empty.

'Where’s a gun when you need one' The moment he finished that thought an ak47 appeared in his hand with a bright flash. “That'll do.”

He squeezed the trigger and unloaded the gun into the creature. It screeched in pain as it turned and fled away from the gunman.

“Well that solves that problem.” James said rather cheerfully.

“Far from the contrary.” A small feminine sounding voice said.

James spun looking for the source of the voice only to find nothing, expect from the fleeing shadow in the distance.

“Do not be afraid little one I am here to help.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Luna, guardian of the night.”

“What do you want?” James called out, standing in a ready position with the gun at his shoulder.

“I am here to help. That creature you attacked was no mere bad dream, it is a creature of untold evil that has somehow made it into your dreams and the only way that you will get out of here is if you defeat it.”

“And how do I do that?” He asked not entirely convinced, after all when do you listen to some random voice that you cant see.

“This is YOUR dream after all, I think it should be quite obvious now with that weapon in your hands. We will meet each other soon human, and I wish you luck.”

“No wait!” The voice was gone. “What the fuck am I supposed to do?” He sighed as he watched the creature gain distance with every passing moment.

He stared down at the gun in his hands. 'lets think. All I did was THINK about wanting a gun, OK lets think of a... Bazooka?'

The gun in his hand disappeared in a bright flash only to be replaced with an old fashioned world war two bazooka.

“Fuck yes!” He shouted, just like a child opening a new present on Christmas day. “Now” He said looking towards the fleeing monster. “How do I catch up with you?”

The creature was running at full pelt. It slithered on the ground like a snake whilst using its talons and long arms to propel it forward at break neck speeds. It was gaining distance on James every second. It was gaining distance.

A large explosion went of meters away from the creature, it stopped dead in its tracks and turned to face the new threat.

A large black object could bee seen in the distance. There was a bright flash as the scorpion main battle tank came into view.

“Meet Sheila bitch!” James cried as he slammed down on the accelerator before firing another round at the creature. The round impacted its chest as it went sprawling to the ground, shrieking in pain.

James fired round after round at the creature before it stopped moving. He manoeuvred the scorpion within a few meters of it then hammered the gas. A satisfying squishing noise could be heard as the tracks crushed into the shadowy mass.

“Well that was easy.” He just had to say it.

A large white talon pierced the front of the tank just meter away from the cockpit. “I had to fucking say it!” James hammered at the cockpit waiting for it to open. The moment it did he jumped out of the tank and made as much distance between him and the tanks as possible.

“FUCK!” he screamed as the tank was ripped to pieces by the slicing talons. “OK what now?” he thought for a second as the the creature began to stand at its full height again. “Minigun!” There was a bright flash as a mini gun on a stand appeared out of no where.

“Fucking die!” He yelled as he pulled the trigger. A stream of lead smashed into the creature before it could make another move, it roared in pain as one of its arms was ripped of my the gun. Massive chunks of shadow were being cut away every second.

After a minute of sustained fire the only thing remaining was the head, and it was still fighting. The shadows were trying to use its jaw to pull itself forward. James sized up the head and opened fire again. The head was disintegrated buy the new assault leaving nothing but one white tooth laying on the ground.

“Now it has to be fucking dead.” He looked around at the white world “What now?”

Twilight get away from him

“What?” He asked as he looked around for the voice. The world began to melt away as he re entered the world of the living. Leaving behind just one little tooth, how bad could it be.

“Twilight I said get away from him!” Big Mac shouted as the fearful Twilight was frozen in place, the large shadowy mouth only a few inches from her face.

Much to the surprise of the ponies in the room the shadow slowly retreated back to James before disappearing entirely. His eyes lost the dark shadows and he fell to the ground gasping for air.

Two guards quickly moved up, their spears pointing directly at James' chest.

“Don't” Twilight called as she slowly regained her composure. “It might set him off again.”

James raised his head and jumped back at the sight of the headless pony in front of him. He began trying to rip his shirt of when he noticed it was caked in blood.

“Do you know of a human called Matt?” Twilight asked as James frantically tried to rip the t-shirt off, only to stop at the mention of his name.

“Fat?” he asked as he raised his head.

“Yes”

“Where is he?” James growled. His eyes slowly returning to their blacked state.

“He along with an old enemy of mine has taken over Ponyville. And we plan on taking it back.” She spoke quickly.

“I suppose a truce.” Twilight said, getting many gasps of shock from the other ponies in the room “You help us take back Ponyville and we will help you get Matt. What do you say”

James pondered this for a moment “So you want me to help you?”

“Yes”

James looked back at the dead pony in front if him. “I presume that was me?” He asked in a confused voice.

Twilight's look turned sour. “Yes. When he put the cuffs on your hands... you bit his head off.”

“I what!!”surprise washed over his face as he looked back at the dead body.

“When I threw you into the wall you were knocked unconscious. When he went to put cuffs on you a large shadowy... thing grabbed him.” She was confused, she had never seen a human look sad before, was it a trick? She thought, trying to make sense on the stunned human in front of her.

“Huh.” he said before passing out and smashing his face into the ground.

Twilight sighed “Take him to the dungeon.” She paused for a moment “ And let me know when he wakes.”

James let out a groan as he opened his eyes. He was lying on the floor of a large cell.

“Your finally awake.” A feminine voice said.

James turned his head only to find Twilight sitting outside the cell on a chair.

“lets talk.”

James grumbled a reply as he sat up and rested against the wall. E felt his gun move in his pocket, that was a big relief. “What do you wanna talk about?”

“Lets begin with the Pony who’s head you ripped off before attacking me.” She said coldly

James' voice caught in his throat, “I... I don’t really remember anything past the bit where you threw me into the wall, that really hurt by the way.”

Her gaze didn't falter. “Upon serious injury you managed to control... something, and I want to know how.”

“I hate to disappoint you but I don’t remember anything, other than some weird dream, and a princess or something.”

That caught her attention “Did you say princess? What was her name?”

“Her name was Luna, I think.”

“What did she want?”

“She helped me, she also said that we would ' meet soon'”

You could almost see the cogs turning in her head.

“Are you OK?” James asked as Twilight stared at him.

A purple aura surrounded the lock and it unclipped from the cell doors. “Come with me. Now!” she ordered as she walked down the corridor to a set of stairs, James quickly on her heels, er hooves.

They quickly made it back to the planning room, the body of the dead pony was gone and a small grey unicorn scrubbed the large blood stains. The ponies in the room snapped to attention at the entry of Twilight, there attention quickly shifted to James as he entered just behind her, still covered in blood.

“Corporal Steel Wing, get me paper and a quill.” She ordered. A small light blue pony with a white mane snapped a salute before leaving the room.

“There has been a new development, this human has said he has been in direct contact with princess Luna...”

“PRINCESS!?” James yelled before Twilight could continue.

“... And we need to verify this.”

“I have the paper and quill ma'am” The light blue pony says as he walks back into the room.

The Paper and quill are quickly surrounded in a purple aura as twilight get to work on a letter. After a few moments she rolls up the paper and in a bright purple flash disappears.

After a few moments of silence and hateful gazes thrown at James a bright blue flash and a new letter appeared before Twilight, She unrolled the paper and read it out loud. “We are to help this human and take care of him until Ponyville has been recaptured.” Confused looks washed through the room as they tried to understand The Princesses decision.

Twilight turned to James. “Come with me. We need to have a good long chat.”

Twilight and James made there way down to the lower levels of the castle in complete silence and it was driving James mad.

“What’s this Ponyville I keep hearing you go on about?” James asked.

“Ponyville Is a small town not far from the Everfree forest, where we are now. Over a week ago a Human known as Matt showed up wounded and looking for help. He was taken to the hospital and quickly recovered.” She paused for a moment to catch her breath then continued. “Upon waking, he killed three hospital staff and half of the royal guard garrison. Me and a few others went to get help only to find a large shield surrounding the town and a large part of the forest. When we got back a second barrier was up encasing just town. Both barriers stop anypony from entering or leaving so we are stuck here alone.”

“You said the Humans name was Matt right?” James asked as he thought over what she had said.

“Yes”

“What else can you tell me about him?” He wanted to be sure that it was the same Matt that had betrayed him.

She thought for a moment. “He was about a foot shorter than you, had a brown mane, seemed to be very overweight, and he could control water.”

“He could what?!”

“He used a sword to control water.” Twilight turned to James and was surprised by his look of shock. “I take it that it isn't normal for humans to have that ability?”

“No of course not!”

“Well he does and it has been used to great effect. When he first woke up he used the water from a cup to skewer a pony to a wall.”

“Why can't the princesses help?” James was deeply worried about what he was hearing. Firstly the back stabbing bastard was alive and he could control water.

“Somehow their power is rendered useless when they are near the barrier, we don't know why but it's up to us to find out why and stop it.”

“So are you in the military?”

“No I'm Princess Celestia's personal student.”

'Oh fuck, I attacked a princess personal student!'

“So where are we going exactly?” James asked trying to change the subject.

“To the dungeon. The princess may say we need to help doesn’t mean I trust you. You will be staying here until I say otherwise.”

“How lovely.” he replied bitterly

“You killed one of the Guards!”

“That reminds me why did you attack me in the first place?”

“She paused for a moment “Matt mumbled your name a lot when he was unconscious. so when I heard your name believed that you were allies and I still do, so If you don't do what I say I will kill you. Is that understood?” James nodded as he lost interest in making conversation.

They soon arrived back to the cell that James had awoken in earlier. A strong smell of damp lingered in the air, and only now did James notice that another other cell was occupied. A tall humanoid figure was chained to the wall but his hands, dark blood splattered fur covered his body.

Twilight noticed James questioning look and answered before he could ask. “It's a diamond dog, there are about seven of them helping Matt control Ponyville. This one chased after us before the second barrier went up and he got caught.”

“What happened to him?” James asked as he looked at his bloodied face.

“He wouldn’t answer our questions.” Twilight responded coldly.

“lovely.”

“Get it.” She motioned to the cell that James had been in earlier, he reluctantly went in as the door clicked behind him. The cell bars glowed as Twilight cast some spell. “This will stop you from getting out, now I have important things to, I will come for you in a few hours and you will answer all my questions, understand?”

“Yeah I understand.” He replied coldly.

James sat down on a pile of hay, the only thing in the cell, as Twilight walked out. The steady clopping of her hooves vanishing into the dark hallways.

James rubbed his eyes, trying to think through everything that had happened in the last few hours. “Is this place a type of hell? Or am I just having a major mental breakdown?” James let out a yawn and covered himself with some hay, he set his head against the concrete wall as his eyes became heavy.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

James snapped open his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the cell door, it was completely destroyed. The corridor outside was covered in burn marks and blood. A golden clad Pony lay just outside the cell, he was covered in blood and missing both of his front hooves were gone, replaced with bloody stumps.

James slowly got to his feet and peered around the corridor, the destruction went all the way to the stairs. He looked into the other cell and found the one occupant to be very much dead, he had been impaled to the wall by a spear.

James Picked up a spear that was lying a few feet from the pony and started his trek down the corridor.

'This is not good, really not good. What the fuck happened'

He began his trek up the stairs and was met with similar images to what was below. Entire pieces of wall destroyed, pools of blood at every corner but that wasn’t what worried him, what worried him was that he hadn't seen another body.

James quickly made it to the top of the stairs and pressed his ear to the big wooden door that led into the main room. After a few moments of silence he opened to door and stepped in, spear at the ready.

The main hall was the same as the lower levels and just as vacant. He slowly walked over to the briefing room that Twilight and the other guards had been in earlier. James' heart thumped in his chest as he waited for something to jump out at him from some dark corner.

He pressed his ear up against the double doors to the briefing room and listened, satisfied that nothing was going to jump to at him when he entered the room he creaked open the doors, his breath got caught in his throat at the scene, he had found the missing bodies

The Bodies Lay in a large pile a few meters from the door, almost all of the guard ponies were decapitated, their heads impaled on spikes that stuck out from the mass of bodies.

James quickly turned away from the pile as a strong stench filled his nose. He retched at the scene. James had killed people before but he could never imagine something like that. He slammed the door shut and took a few steps back, not believing what he had just seen.

He needed to get out of there. James scrambled to the main gate, not caring about the noise he was making, he just wanted to get out of there.

Once out of the castle he breathed in the cold fresh air. Hoof and paw prints covered the ground in front of him before crossing the bridge and heading into the dark forest. James grinned, if the dogs worked for matt then they would be heading straight to him.

He patted his pocket with the pistol before heading across the bridge.

“I'm coming for you Matt.”

Promises

James stood in the tree line and stared thoughtfully at the large purple barrier surrounding the small town of Ponyville. He had spent the last two hours following the tracks. The sun was rising in the distance casting a orange glow over the countryside.

The tracks disappeared into the long grass and James waited silently in hopes of catching a glimpse of the dogs. After waiting for over an hour he slumped back down and hid under the shade of a nearby tree.

He stared dejectedly at the dark forest before him. His attention quickly turned to his blood stained clothes. He shook his head at the memory of Twilight telling him that he ripped a pony's head off. Even the dream made no sense, and he has had some weird dreams in his life.

He looked up and could only just make out the colour of the second barrier. Unlike the one that surrounded the town, this one was a light blue colour and seemed to stretch for miles in every direction.

James cupped his head in his hands and let out a sniffle. 'how did it end up like this?' he thought as a small tear trickled down his cheek. 'After everything we had been through Matt betrays us?' James still couldn't believe it, and he was the one who shot him.

He let out a weak laugh before wiping the tears in his eyes. “Ha, Damn ninjas with onions.” He whispered quietly.

'If I'm dead, does that mean everyone else is dead as well?' He thought. The memories of the robbery came back to him. Shooting Matt in the head. Dale getting killed by the police. Then the grenade.

“To be honest.” James said to himself as he looked at the green fields in the distance. “Hell ain't as bad as I though it would have been.”

“Eeeek!” sounded from behind him, without thinking james drew his pistol and turned. Standing behind him was a small butter cream pegasus with a pink mane. She was frozen in shock and her eyes were wide.

“Hello?” He asked hopefully before lowering his pistol.

“Please don't eat me.” The pegasus whimpered before trying to hide behind her mane.

“I'm not going to eat you.” James said trying to reassure the scared pegasus. “I promise.”

This seemed to calm her a bit as she opened of her eyes. They quivered lightly and the beginning of tears were forming. “What's your name?” James asked.

“Fluttershy...” She whispered.

James couldn't help but feel sorry for the scared little pegasus before him. Her body shook like a pneumatic drill and he could hear the cartoonish chattering of bones.

“Well my name is James.” The crack of a twig caused him to turn quickly and Fluttershy froze with shock. He scanned the tree line for a few moments for any kind of movement. “We best get out of here.” He said.

Fluttershy only nodded. Her body like that of a rabbit frozen by the gaze of a cars head lights.

“Do you know of a place we can hide?” James asked. Fluttershy didn't reply. “Fluttershy.” Her head snapped to him. “Do you know of a place where we can hide?”

“Emm, yes... we can go to my cottage, the diamond dogs haven't been to it yet.” She replied with a slight whimper.

“The lets get going.”

The walk to her cottage was longer than James had anticipated. They had to walk almost to the other side of the large blue bubble that encircled the town. The stayed near the tree line for most of the trip and would hide in the bushes at the sight of any patrols.

The more James saw of the surroundings the more confused he got. The town was encircled by large, green flowing meadows that stretched for miles, the only thing stopping them was the forest and it was impossible to see any further due to the second shield. He couldn't help but wonder. Why did they need two shields?

The local wildlife, let alone the locals all seemed to bright. Cartoonishly bright. Brightly coloured birds flew in the air and lush blue and red flowers dotted the ground. The only thing that seemed out of place was the dark forest to their backs. Or was it the other way round?

“How much further?” James whispered to Fluttershy.

“We are almost there.” She replied. He previous fear seemed to have disappeared but every so often she would glance behind her and watch James cautiously. James would often meet her eyes and she would snap her head forward again.

The cottage slowly came into view. It stood fair way from the town, at least a mile. The cottage itself was also strange, albeit fitting with the environment. It stood on a small hill with a little stream flowing around it. The roof looked as if a tree had covered it and a small paved path lead to door that looked as if it was stolen from an old western movie.

“This is where you live?” James asked as they made their way over a small bridge that joined onto the stony path.

“Yes.” Fluttershy said. “It's the only place where the diamond dogs haven’t been to yet. Most of Sweet Apple Acres is destroyed as well as the train station.”

“Why haven't they come here?” James asked

“I don't know.” She said simply before pushing a key into the lock. It seemed rather pointless as most of the windows were open, and anyone could break in.

They both walked and James couldn't help but admire the sight. The cottage could only be described as homey. A concrete stove sat on the wall to his right and a large sofa was directly in front of him. The walls were painted a light brown and at least three bird boxes hung from the walls.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Fluttershy squeaked drawing James from his thoughts.

“What do you have?”

“Only water.” She replied sheepishly.

James smiled. “A glass of water would be wonderful.” Fluttershy returned the smile and trotted through a door to his left that lead to the kitchen. His gaze caught onto a small photo sitting in a frame on a small coffee table next to the sofa.

The picture was of Fluttershy, Twilight and four other mares. He picked the frame up and examined it closer. They were all in a large huddle and looking towards the camera that took the image.

“Please don't touch that.” Fluttershy said from behind James. He quickly placed the image down and turned to her. In her hoof was a glass of water, somehow.

“Don't touch that photo.” She said again. Her voice thick with venom and entirely different form before.

“Sorry.” James said.

Her features softened instantly. “Sorry...” She said quietly. “It's just that’s the only thing I have left to remember them by.” Her lips were quivering at this point.

“I saw Twilight only yesterday.” James said confused. Fluttershy's face shot up so quick it was a blur.

“When did you last see Twilight?” She asked quickly.

“Yesterday. In some ruined old castle.” James said taking a step away from Fluttershy who was now hovering in front of his face, staring deeply into his eyes. He missed out the part about him being imprisoned though. That could send the wrong message.

“Where is she now.” Fluttershy asked, her gaze never faltering.

“A pack of dogs took her towards town. I was following them when I met you.”

Her wings stopped mid flight and she slumped to the floor. Her eyes were wide and she was beginning to tear up. “I thought she was dead... I thought they were all dead.” She whispered before breaking into tears.

James stood there unsure of what to do. Should I do something? He thought. Fuck it.! James slowly came to a crouch and pressed his hand against her head. She froze and he carefully began stroking her head.

“Don't worry. She'll be all right.” James soothed.

“But... she won't be. The dogs will take her away just like they did to the others.” She blubbered. “Then they will get me.”

James took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes closed. He le the breath go and looked at her. “I won't let that happen, I promise.” James slung his arm around her and pulled her into a hug.

The small pegasus cried into his shoulder as he slowly rocked back and fourth. She had been crying for five minutes now and she hadn't stopped once.

“Everything is going to be all right.” James said for the fiftieth time. Fluttershy was now breathing lightly into his shoulder and she had fallen asleep. He couldn't help but smile at the cuteness of it all, an soon sleep overtook him.

James could feel the warm sun play about on his skin as he slowly woke. He had no idea how long he had been sitting there for but his numb ass gave him some hints. He gave a might stretch and yawned. He basked in the warm feeling before opening his eyes.

A gut-wrenching dread filled his stomach. The living room that he had been lying In. Tables and chairs were scatted about the room and a strong stench of blood filled the air. He looked down and to no surprise Fluttershy had vanished.

James shot to his feet and drew his pistol. He didn't dare move as he expected something to jump at him any second. After a few moments of silence he decided it was safe to quietly look around. He took a few steps forwards and turned into the kitchen and it was no better. The table had been broken in half and all of the cupboards had been puled from the walls. Plates and cutlery pulled on the floor in broken pieces.

“The fuck?” He mumbled to himself as his eyes scanned over the living room for any sign of Fluttershy..

“How the hell did I sleep through all this?” The smell of blood filled his nose again. It was a horrible metallic smell and he did his best to ignore it. He moved to the front door of the house and he finally found where the smell was coming from.

Lying at the door was a large brown bear with three spears sticking in its hide. A large gash was on its throat and congealed blood pooled around the body. He felt sick, the stench of death filled his nose, he clasped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from throwing up.

Only once he was turned from the body did he notice the tracks. Dark red paw prints ran across the grass. They went in the direction of a large tree just on the edge of the shield.

If what Fluttershy said was true then they would have taken her to the town like the others. He considered turning and running back into the forest for a moment, his rage from the previous night haven't burn off. But then two words echoed in his mind. I won't let that happen, I promise.

“I promise.”

Failure

Dingo gave a loud yawn. He stretched his back, the popping of bones made him sigh and relish the feeling. He had been watching the entrance for over five hours now and his shift was almost up. And not a moment to soon. He thought.

He rubbed his paws above the small fire that burned lazily in front of him. Every now and then he would cast a glance over at Grace. She sat against a small rock and was sleeping quietly. Every time he looked at her he felt warm and fuzzy.

He smiled. After I get paid ill ask her out. He thought.

*CRACK*

Turing quickly he grabbed his sword and looked into the darkness. He looked for any sign of movement. He was breathing heavily as a small amount of adrenaline rushed through his system. His eyes scanned the darkness warily for a few moments. He mumbled his discomfort at jumping at sounds and turned back towards the fire. He froze, Grace was gone

“Grace!” Dingo called. “You there?” He got no reply.

“Don't fool around Grace!” He called again but was met with silence. His breathing became rapid, he kept snapping his head in different directions in hope to see her.

He only had less than a second to register the two hands that grabbed his head, and in one quick motion were snapped to the side. He fell to the round unable to move. His neck had been snapped. All he could do was blink as he suffocated to death. The last thing he saw was a tall ghostly figure moving towards the gap in the shield.

James flexed his fingers. He had no idea where this strength came from but he damn well liked it. His heart thumped in his chest. He had just killed those two dogs, and he liked it. It felt like a weight had been lifted of his shoulders, he felt lighter, quicker.

He stopped in his tracks the moment those thoughts had entered in his head. Did I just get a kick out of kill them? He shook his head trying to banish the thoughts

Making his way forward the entrance to the town finally became visible. A large circular hole was cut in the shield. It was tall and wide enough that even a tank could fit through it.

That's why they have the second barrier then. James thought. He took one last moment to look behind him as to make sure of no would be assassins, then he went in.

James took a moment to take the sight of the town in. Every building down the street he was on was made of wood and had thatch roofs. In all honesty it looked a lot like a medieval town. Minus the muddy roads that were in this place, covered in short grass.

James sniffed at the air, he scrunched his face at the smell. The air was filled with a horrid odour. He couldn't fully place the smell but it was pungent all the same.

He once again made his way forward. He stopped at each alley way to peak in and make sure he wasn't being watched or followed. The sound of jeering slowly began to build in the distance. He made is way there was the rest of the town was almost void of noise, except from the odd whistle of wind that made the hair of his neck stand on end.

The noise of the crowd was increasing. James could only make out certain words but he got the gist of what was happening.

“Kill her! Rip her throat out! Burn her!” The voices cried.

James took cover in an alleyway. The sound was coming from just around the corner. Bright yellow light filled the street in front of him, from fire just out side of view. The jeers of the crow only seemed to get louder and his feeling of unease increased. He edged his way to the end of the alleyway and peered out.

A wall of bodies blocked his view. Dozens of dogs were gathered in the town center. They were cheering and chanting for someone to be killed, but their bodies blocked his view.

“You ere they got the last un?” A voice said from behind him. In a flash he had turned. Walking down the street were a pair of dogs.

“Yeah, The boss wants to have some fun with her later.” The second dog replied. They were no more than two meters from James. He was about to jump back into the alley way before they both looked strait at him.

The yellow light from the fire bounced in in their eyes, James was sure it was over now. No way could he take every single one of the dogs.

They held their gaze for a moment before turning away. They walked straight past him continuing their conversation as they went.

James was physically shaking. How did they not notice me? No way they couldn't have seen me. He let out a breath he didn't know he was having and slumped against the wall. He looked down at his hands. Willing his fingers he waved the appendage in front of his face.

“Definitely there.” He whispered. After a minute of heavy breathing he peeked his head around the corner again. The crowd was still there.

He spotted another alleyway ahead of him and prepared to make a run for it. He might be able to get a better view further down the street.

He was about to make a run for it until a loud voice silenced the crowd. “Now that you are all here we can start the show!”

James stopped mid stride. He knew that voice, he knew that voice very well. He stopped, turned to the crowd and began to walk. He pushed passed the closet dog and entered the crowd. He pushed past another one, then another then another. Every time the voice from the crowd grew louder.

“What one will it be first?” The voice shouted again. The purple one the crowd cried. James paid the voices no heed, he had only one thought, kill Matt.

He was almost at the front of the crowd now, pulling the gun from he stopped two rows from the front so he could get a good look. The dogs at his side didn't even look in his direction, they were fixated on the event unfolding in the town center, and it sickened James to the core.

Three ponies were tied to stockades jutting from the ground. Twilight and Fluttershy stood side by side and the third pony was a light blue colour with a rainbow coloured mane. Rainbow Dash no doubts .

Twilight and Rainbow both looked bloodied and their bodies were covered in dozens of black and blue marks. Fluttershy seemed to to relatively unharmed but her let eye was black and blue. She cried softly as Matt circled them.

He was as fat as ever and wore a long black robe with red streaks through it. James clicked the hammer back on the pistol and got ready. His mid was cloud, he had only one objective.

“So would like to go first?” Matt yelled. The crowd instantly raised Their hands blocking his shot. James grunted as the dogs roared for Matt to pick them. He looked around the crowd for a moment before picking out a random dog with a brown coat.

“You!” Matt shouted. The dog cheered and pushed through the crowd. A grumble of annoyance went through past through the crowd. James readied the shot again. He took aim, poisoning the gun over the dog in fronts shoulder

“What one would you like?” Matt asked the dog. Alex cursed again as the dog moved in front of Matt, obscuring his view.

The dog looked at the three ponies before his eyes fell on Flutetrshy. He raised a paw and pointed at her. “That one.” He said.

Fluttershy eyes went wide. “Leave her alone!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She pulled at the stockade “I said quiet!” Matt roared. He kicked Rainbow in the gut. She fell to the ground as the air was forced from her lungs.

“DASH!” Twilight cried.

“If you try anything I will cut off your horn!” Matt growled at Twilight. She stopped her struggling but glared daggers at him.

Matt turned to the dog and gave him a cold smile. “She's all yours.”

The dog howled and grabbed Fluttershy's wings. She kicked and screamed for him to stop . Her legs were kicking frantically as the dog got behind her, and lifted her tail.

James watched in horror. He knew what was about to happen, he lined the gun back up with Matt and held his breath. “No please, Don't! Fluttershy yelled while trying to kick the dog behind her.

“LET HER GO!” Twilight yelled again. She pulled at the restraints. Only know did James notice the black object wrapped around her horn.

“That's it!” Matt cried. He turned around giving James a clear shot at his back. “I hope you liked that horn of yours!”

“Help!” Fluttershy screamed. The dog got ready no lunge.

I promise.

James aimed and pulled the trigger. The dog was hit in the throat. He staggered back as he clutched at his bleeding throat, uselessly trying to breath. He flopped around before becoming still behind Flutetrshy.

The entire crowd turned to James. The dogs closest to him push back in panic causing much of the crowd to fall over. Matt instantly lost interest in Twilight and turned to face James. His look of anger changed instantly. A wide grin split his face and he began to laugh like he was meeting an old friend.

“James! It's about damn time you got here. Although...” He looked towards the lifeless dog at Fluttershys feet. “I would like it if you didn't kill all of my men.” He began walking to James but stopped. James raised the gun again and pointed it at Matt. James knew he was out of rounds, but Matt didn't know that.

“James, lower the gun.” Matt said, the smile vanishing from his face.

“Why would I do that?” James growled. If he could he wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

“James, are you alright?” He looked at the dead dog again before tuning his attention back to James. His eyes narrowed.

“When did we first meet?” Matt asked.

“What?” James replied. His aim not wavering. Everything felt wrong. The way Matt stood was to straight and precise for a man of his weight. The air around him felt humid and wet. James was beginning to regret using that bullet now. Casting a quick glance towards Fluttershy, she was covering herself with her tail and was crying a river.

“Where did we first meet?” Matt growled.

“Mark introduced us, four years ago.”

Matt grinned again. “Ah I see, you don't remember do you?”

“What's that supposed to mean”

“Do you really not remember anything? I also bet the last thing you remember was that job where you shot me? Don't worry I don't hold any grudge.”

James didn't answer. His mind was racing with to many questions. What does he mean I don,t remember? And how does he know I shot him? I doubt his brain works faster than a bullet.

“Ah don't worry James, you'll remember everything soon.”

James was about to speak but a loud ripping noise tore through the sky. Like the sound of tearing paper on magnified. Everyone looked up. The sky above the shield glowed a bright orange and red. Purple steaks of light danced round it as the shield began to flicker.

With Matt’s attention occupied James lunged forward. Matt moved to the side and swung his fist into James' stomach. His momentum carried him and he fell to the ground. He grabbed his stomack as pain raced through his body.

“I'd love to chat but I don't have time. Trixie!” Matt called. With a pop a light blue unicorn materialized in front of him. She was wearing a wizards had and had a large red necklace around her neck.

“We need to get out of here.” Matt said to her.

James put all his strength into his legs and lunged. Again Matt easily dodged the attack. James turned around with his fist high in the air and swung. Matt grabbed his hand in mid air and twisted. A sickening cracking could be heard and James screamed in pain. He grabbed at his wrist and fell to his knees.

Another ripping sound flooded the air and the barrier disappeared. A wave of heat washed over everyone and for a quick second a look of fear formed on Matt's face.

“This would be a good time Trixie.” Matt said. His attention on the sky as he slowly crushed James' hand.

“Trixie is trying!” The blue mare shouted. “It is difficult to transport three people.”

James had no intention of going with them. With once last push James let go of his crushed had and swung for Matt's face. His fist collided with his chin and he stumbled back. He let go of James' hand and grasped for his face.

James pushed forward and grabbed Matt's waist. His face came into contact with the wall of fat and Matt stumbled. He fell backwards with James on-top of him.

He sent punch after punch into the downed man’s face. Every strike with his right hand made him want to scream. He knew his wrist was broken but he didn't care. He readied another punch but Matt was quicker. He hit James in the cheek and sent him sprawling to the side.

“I'll kill you.” James roared. He spat out a glob of blood alongside a tooth. He felt inside his mouth with a tongue and of course he was missing an incisor.

“Trixie, we don't have much time.” Matt said again looking at the sky.

“If you want me to transport the people you need to wait!” She yelled back. Her horn was glowing a bright red now and ever so slowly the brightness was increasing.

James slowly rose to his feet. He was about to lunge again but then he saw it. A beam of white light was coming straight for them. Any dog caught in its path was instantly incinerated.

“Trixie now!” Matt yelled.

Her horn discharged and bathed all three of them in glowing red light, and a pop later Matt and Trixie were gone.

“Get back here!” James yelled at nothing but air. He tried to walk forward but stumbled and grabbed at his gut. The pain was rising and the beam of light was getting closer and closer. The light steadily increased as his vision Turned black.

Prisoner

James groaned. His head hurt like nothing he had ever felt and his stomach felt no better. He could feel himself lying on something hard but he couldn't bring himself to open his eyes to find out what.

He had no idea about how long he had been out for and to be honest he didn't rally care. Matt had gotten away and kicked his ass in the process. When did Matt learn to fight like that? No way could that lard ass have been as good as that.

James groaned. He slowly pulled open his eyes. No wave of light hit his eyes like he had expect, instead he was met with a dull grey and damp ceiling. He turned his head to his left slightly and saw metal bars. The only thing in the cell was the stone bed he was lying on.

Had it been a dream? He tried to sit up but stopped as a spasm of pain shot through his gut. “No, not a dream.” He groaned, letting himself flop back onto the stony bed. He moved his tongue around is mouth and sure enough he was still missing a tooth. His hand was wrapped in a tight cloth that stopped him from moving his broken fingers.

There was a clopping of hooves from outside. James didn't bother to look, he was to sore. “Get up!” A voice from outside ordered.

James didn't move. “Get up now.” The voice grunted and the cell unlocked. The next thing he felt was weightlessness. His eyes snapped open, he was floating. His boy was surrounded by a light green aura and was being carried from the cell by a mare in a set of full body armour.

“Put me down!” James yelled at the guard. He tried to kick at the pony's head but the magic held him in place.

“The more you struggle the more painful it will be.” He was being taken through a large grey corridor. Two guards stood at the end of the corridor, both wearing golden armour and standing at attention with a spear in their hooves, somehow.

The cards snapped a quick salute when the mare stopped at the door before opening it for her. The change in the building was drastic. Whilst the previous corridors gad been small, and damp the new ones were massive to say the least. They had to have been twenty foot high and were adorned with stained-glass windows and assortments of paintings and tapestries.

Everything seem so familiar to James, like a major case of deja vu. The walls were painted a pristine white with the roof being a light shade of pink.

After a few minutes of floating in the air and being taken through more corridors than someone can count, James and the guard reached a set of massive golden doors. Four guards stood watch at the door.

They snapped to attention and slowly pushed the door open. James gut went cold as he entered the massive room. Nearly double the height of the previous corridors, but what really frightened him sat at the end of the room.

Two large ponies, both with wings and a horn, sat at the end of the room on a platform. The largest pony had a white coat and a multicoloured mane that seemed to flow like water. The smaller pony was a dark blue with a lighter blue mane that also flowed in the air.

The white pony stared at James with so much venom it was almost visible. The dark blue one seemed more reserved. Even though she was staring daggers at him.

“Why is he being carried?” The white one shouted. The guard flinched.

“He wouldn't get up from the cell. Your majesty.” The guard bowed.

“Leave us.” The white one said again. The guard dropped James to the ground and he landed with a thump.

“Yes, your majesty.” The guard bowed a second time before leaving though the same door they came from.

James groaned. The pain in his stomach magnified by the fall. “OW.” He coughed. He could hear one of the ponies growl. He heard a noise like a shimmer before being weightless again. He was pulled right towards the largest pony and was face to face with her.

“Who are you, and where did you come from.” She growled, causing both James and the smaller pony to flinch. His chest began to tighten as her horn grew brighter.

“Hard... to... breathe.” James wheezed. The pressure on his chest dropped slightly.

“Now tell em who you are.”

“James, my name is James.” He wheezed.

“Tell me James, what do you know of the being that attacked Ponyville recently.” Celestia asked, her head tilting slightly to the side. James looked into her eyes for a split second. His breath left him. Those eyes, he could see the fire bounce around inside them.

“Sister please.” The smaller pony said. “ We wont learn anything from him like that.”

She blinked and whatever trance had been over James vanished. He breathed heavily as he tried to such what little air he could through the constriction of her magic.

“As I asked before. What can you tell us of the being that attacked Ponyville.”

“Only that I wish I had more bullets.” James retorted.

“If you don't tell us everything we wish to know, we will take it from you.” She said.

“What do you want to know.” James asked?

“Was the being in Ponyville a human?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, though you already knew that, don’t you.”

She said nothing, only offering him a sneer as a response.

James winced as another shot of pain washed through his stomach.

“Perhaps this isn't the best time to be asking questions sister. We are all emotional and it is clouding out judgement.” The blue pony butted in.

“I am not being over emotional Luna!” The white pony snapped. “Because of this human eleven of my ponies are dead and we almost lost the elements. I almost lost twilight. So don't speak to me about being over emotional.” she snapped.

Luna's ears folded downwards. Celestia took a deep breath. “Sorry Luna, it has just been so... hard recently. Now please we must continue.” She said before turning her attention back to James, who was listening intently. Luna? Where have I heard that name before?

“We don't have time for this.” Her horn glowed. She pulled James closer and her horn touched his forehead.

“Sister no!” Everything went dark.

Celestia stood in a white wilderness. She needed to find information, any information that might help her find the ones responsible for Ponyville. Normally this would be easy, but not this time. Where she should be able to see over all of the persons thoughts and memory’s there was... nothing. Just a white wilderness.

“Celestia.” A voice laughed. It was slow and deep, like the rumbling of a mountain.

“Who’s there!” Celestia shouted. “I demand that you show yourself!” She yelled at the imposing white wilderness.

“I am.” The voice said from behind her. She turned and screamed.

“Tia!” Luna yelled as she pulled Celestia away from James. Once the contact was broken their eyes shot open. The magic around James disappeared and he fell to the ground. Celestia tumbled backwards and fell onto her back.

“Get Twilight, now.” Celestia demanded.

“Sister you know that it is to dange-”

“Get Twilight now!” Celestia shouted, interrupting Luna

“She looked at her sister with sad eyes for a moment before disappearing with a pop.

“And as for you.” Celestia said to James. “Back to your cell.” Her horn glowed and James felt what quite easily could have been the most discomforting thing he had ever felt. It was as if he was ripped from the spot eh was standing in thrown into another one.

With a flash of light he landed on his back on the stony be. “Why is everyone dropping me.” He whined.

James had no idea how long he was lying there for. The only good thing he could pull from it was the pain in his stomach slowly abating and his hand had went completely numb. He was still unsure if that was good or not.

There was the sound of hooves from outside and James sat up. Twilight was standing at the cell door. Her right eye was black and blue and her lips were burst. A small cut ran down the side of her cheek and small patches of fur on her back were singed black.

She looked at James for a second before reaching for a pair of keys with her magic and unlocking the gate. “Get up and come with me.” She ordered. James did his best to comply but winced when his hand came into contact with the stone bed.

“Hurry up.”

“I'm trying my best.” James growled causing Twilight to flinch. He got to the door and stared down at the pony. I could snap her neck so easily... what no! He shook his head.

“Come with me and don't try anything.” She looked straight into his eyes. “Is that understood.” James nodded.

She began her walk down the grey corridors, the same way he had been taken before, and exited into the main hall. Unlike before hover they took the left instead of the right.

The corridors were just like before, paintings and tapestries adorned the walls and large stain glass windows let ample multi coloured light through.

After a few minutes of walking they came to a large door. Seventeen guards stood at attention, only this time they wore dark blue armour instead of the light gold he had seen.

Twilight turned to him. “By order of princess Luna you are to be escorted back to Ponyville were you will be held under my custody. Several armed guards will be present at all time during conversation and an extra twenty will soon be stationed in he town. If you break any of the rules I have decided upon you will be executed.” She took a moment to breathe. “Is that understood?”

James nodded, his mind trying to understand the assault of words. “Then lets go.” She nodded to one of the guards and he stared barking orders to his men. They pushed open the doors and James was lead out into a large garden.

A large carriage sat not far from them. Twilight made her way to the carriage and James followed. The guards surrounded him and looked like they would jump and any moment. A shiver ran down his spine as he realised how truly fucked he was.

Twilight pulled the carriage door open and got it. She looked back and stared at James. “Get in.” She ordered.

James complied. He climbed into the carriage. Three stallions followed him. They drew their swords and positioned them in line with his chest. “You move and we plunge these into your chest, is that understood?” One of the guards asked. James nodded, his eyes never leaving the sword that was precariously close to his groin.

The guard who spoke to him banged on the carriage wall twice and with a lurch it began to move. James sat motionless. The tow guards flanking him sat with their eyes locked onto him. Twilight on the other hand was looking out of the window.

James followed her gaze and his eyes went wide. White fluffy clouds past the carriage window as they soared through the air. He faltered for a moment trying to find the words .”Are...we… flying? He asked dumbstruck.

“What does it look like.” the guard to his left grunted.

Twilight had turned her attention away from the window and her gaze feel onto James. He stared back into her purple eyes. “Why did you do it?” Twilight asked. Her stern gaze falling replace by a calm look. “Why did you save Fluttershy? From the Diamond dog?”

“I promised to keep her safe.” James replied. “ And no one should have been forced to go through what was about to happen to her.” James said before breaking eye contact. His eyes focussed back on to the countryside outside. Rolling green hills spread into the distance with snow peaked mountains hugging the horizon.

Twilight had a thoughtful look. “In the castle.” She said getting James' attention. “Why didn't you kill me?”

“What do you mean?” James asked.

“Back in the castle when you were first brought to me. When you killed the guard, why didn't you do the same to me?”

James wondered what she was on about until he noticed the streaks of blood on his clothing, it all came back to him. Waking up from the black out with a pony's severed head next to him. He really needed to get new clothes.

“I didn't kill him.” James replied meekly.

Twilight tilted her head slightly. The talk of Jams killing a guard caused the swords at his chest move slightly closer. “The only thing I remember was having one really fucked up dream. Then I woke up, and that was not a pleasant site to wake up to.”

“Can you remember anything about the dream?” Twilight asked. A note pad and quill appearing with a flash as she began to take notes.

“Erm, not really. I remember a voice in my head and that's about it.” Twilight was nodding.

“Yes, Princess Luna said she visited your dreams.” Twilight was nodding as she took notes. Luna? The one from the throne room was the one helping me in my dream?

He was unsure of what to say. After all, it wasn't everyday that royalty helps you out. “Why did she help me?” He asked. “And I’m sure we have already had this conversation.”

Twilight shrugged. “We have, back at the ruined castle. She also didn't say why she helped you.”

“Why am I going with you?” James asked before the coach could fall back into silence. Twilight looked up to him with a confused look. “Why is the princess sending me to Ponyville with you? And why Ponyville? Isn't it a wreck?”

Twilight snorted. “The town is under reconstruction, it wasn't as badly damaged as we feared. Some of the prisoners even said they were under orders to leave the town intact.”

“Why?” James asked simply. Why would Matt tell them to leave the town alone?

“We don't know, I was hoping you could tell us.” Twilight rebutted.

“And why would I know? If you hadn’t notice I was trying to kill the son of a bitch.” James growled. The guards pushed the swords closer but stopped when twilight raised a hoof.

“And you got your flank handed to you.” Twilight said with a sly smile.

“Then why ask questions like that?” James said, his eyes narrowing on the purple unicorn.

“To gauge your reaction. I am here to study you, the guards...” She siad, motioning to the stallions beside her. “Are to make sure you don't try anything that may be considered... dangerous.” Her smile fell.

“I am not here to be your friend... James.” She said, rolling the last word. “I am here to help in anyway I can to track Matt down. He killed some dear friends of mine, and I want his head on a plate.”

James was silent. He didn't really know how to respond to that. He coughed slightly. “What were their names?”

“What?” Twilight snapped.

“The names of your friends, what were they.” James asked meekly.

Twilight was silent. She hadn’t expected for the human to ask about, simply for him to laugh or not care. No, it has to be a trick. Twilight thought.

“It doesn’t' concern you.” She said. James slumped slightly at the outburst, his attention falling back onto the sunny hills outside.

James didn't say another word for the entire flight. They had arrived on the outskirts of Ponyville thirty minutes after Twilight snapped at him. The town looked so different during the day. He was surprised to find that Twilight was right, the town was nearly undamaged, and it worried him.

For a town that was taken over by savages for weeks everything seemed... fine. A few ponies dotted about the street, pausing to engage in idle chit chat before heading on their way again. It seemed as if nothing had happened.

James was lead by Twilight into the gut of the town. Passers by stopped and stared at him. Some with fear in their eyes, most with anger. Actually, anger wouldn't come close to what James was seeing. Ponies would walk up to him and spit at his feet. Some pones even cried for his head to be mounted outside the city hall.

Twilight and the guards ignored the crowds. He was taken even further into the town until they stopped at a massive tree with... windows on it?

Twilight opened the door and went in. A guard slammed his spear into James back to get him moving. He turned and sneered at the guard, only resulting in him getting hit a second time.

He walked hesitantly through the door, he smiled at the sight. The tree was a library, the irony being lost to the buildings designer. Twilight didn't stop, she walked to a door on the far side of the room and opened it. She went down into the cellar, James and the guards followed.

The cellar could only be described as a large cell. A mattress lay on the floor with a quilt and pillow beside it, other than a small barred window that he could barley fit his arm through that really was about it. The room was entirely bare.

Twilight turned to him. “Sit down and make your self at home.” She turned and walked back into the library with the guards flanking her.

James turned to the makeshift bead. His mouth watering. He stalked to the mattress and lay down, letting out a sigh as he did. He hadn't slept on something comfy for days. “Just five minutes.” He yawned before pulling the cover over him with his good hand. Twenty seconds late he was asleep.