Friendship Has Many Names

by Mikey_030

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Spike, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Tragedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Human, Main 6
Length: 26264

When a boy wakes up in a mysterious land and can't remember anything...

He has no memory, no name, no cutie mark, and no purpose, can the strange creatures of Equestria be just what his life was looking for?

Published 2012-03-10 16:34:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-05 01:07:22 UTC

Chapter 1 The Human

Friendship Has Many Names

School was hard and life wasn't getting any better for me. I had a few friends that eventually came and went, while most of the time I was a loner. I was weeks away from finishing high school. It seemed like everything was moving too fast and I was just standing there, waiting while everything speed right past me as if life had better things to do than to look at me.

I spent my time laying on my bed with my laptop and just browsing the internet. As weird as it might sound, it was my best friend and I was completely comfortable with that. I would say most of my time was spent on pony videos, remixes, jokes and just the show in general. It made me happy as long as no one else knew... then again I really didn't care what people thought of me at the moment.

It was just me and my dad for the longest time. My mother had passed away long ago in a shooting that happened in my town.. At least that’s all my dad could tell me. He wasn't very bright and barely knew I was ever home, granted that I was always cooped up in my room throughout the day. If he really did try hard to give me most things he could, he sure wasn't showing it very well...

I really did have it okay for a while but as life goes on things change. It was like any other day, I was just sitting in class anxiously waiting for it to end, not paying much attention to the lesson as I could really do well on my papers without notes. As soon as the clock hit 2:50pm I was ready to get home as usual just to run up to my computer turn it on and go about my business, mostly just checking for updates to sites and pages that I was trying to keep up with.

After all had finished, I spent the rest of the time assaulting as many pony videos as I could with my eyes. Reading fan-fictions and everything else the Brony community could come up with was what I would finish the day off with. I was just about ready to turn in for the night but something happend.. I noticed my dad never came home from work as he usually should. I looked around but still no sight of him. I began to get worried but I just figured he had one too many and decided to take a detour on the way home. With that in mind I just lay in bed and shut my eyes, hoping that one day my life could get a little simpler, better... FRIENDLY-er.

I awoke to a loud noise coming from the basement. Sound of an explosion or gunshots was my thought to be the cause... but I just blanked it away from my memory of anything too serious and went to check it out and in hope find if my father was just messing around down their. As I opend the door my ears instantly go deaf as if something so loud had blown my ear drums clean out. I was blinded by a flash of white light lined in purple energy that swallowed my entire body. After that... Nothing.

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I was suddenly starting to come to. I was disoriented beyond belief, trying to stabilize myself I decided to give standing up a try when...

"wh-what, where am I?" I took a look around my surroundings, it looked as if I was in some Forrest, It was dark and by the looks of things I was alone, I was completely unaware at what had happened to me. I looked down and saw that I had no hands or feet but green hooves. I was hobbling up for what seemed like hours trying to re-figure out how to control this weird horse-like body. As I get up I tried to get things into perspective, only one problem.. "WHO AM I?"

My head was spinning in all directions, I figure that the best thing to do was find someone or something that could try and help me. I walked through the woods, frightened but determined to get somewhere, anywhere. I spotted a small hut in the distance. I walked up to it hoping to find someone living in it. I peak through the small window-like hole in the wall to see if anyone was their, all I could point out was some bottles of colorful liquid and masks hanging on the wall, near the center of the room was a cauldron bubbling with some sort of potion. I heard clacking on the floor, "Must be someone coming." I notice a zebra holding a bottle in her mouth. I figured I should ask her for help but as she pored it into the cauldron a giant explosion occurred. I would have stayed if not the fact that my fear got the best of me. I ventured on.

As I head through the woods I notice the sun coming up. It moved in an irregular pattern but I did not notice much.

I could finally see something in the distance. "A town!" I could finally find out if anyone new what happened to me or where I was for that matter.

I run or better yet, gallop faster toward the town and could finally see the break between trees and a grassy field. I pass through going at the fastest speed I could get out of my new legs. I ended up at a tree just outside of the town. It was bigger than the other trees and had windows and a balcony. I decided to walk up to the door. "Here goes nothing." I was nervous to see what was on the other side but I pulled through. I knocked twice on the door. I was greeted not by a horse, zebra or any other animal I could think of at the time, but rather.. A small dragon...

Chapter 2 Ponies!?

I stand in shock seeing the small beast, but he just seems about as logical as anything else so far.

"Uh, Hi can I help you?"

I just realized that I haven't come up with what I was exactly going to say yet. I just figured I could tell him that I am lost, maybe I can pump him for information. "Hey, uh, my name is... That’s not really important right now, I'm a little lost and I  would appreciate it if you could tell me a little bit about where I am exactly."

I can see the puzzled look on his face from the fact that I refused to give him my name but he was able to tell me something about my where I was.

"Well I'm Spike and your in Pony-ville, the best town in all of Equestria." Okay so their ponies.

"Is that the country were in?" He looked at me again puzzled.. "Country?" He repeated. As the dragon began to think I hear a voice coming from the upper level of the tree. "Spike who is it?" Well maybe whoever this is can help. The door swung open without the dragon even touching it. I jumped back as I was startled. "Hi there, I'm Twilight Sparkle, can we help you with anything? Would you like to check out a book?" I now realize that this was a library judging by all of those books behind them made it obvious. Trying to think quickly of what to say I blurt out, "Uh, yeah, yes I would like a book!" She steps back letting me into the tree but spike wasn't entirely sure he wanted me to be there from the strange questions I was asking. "So what genre do you have in mind?" the purple pony asked. "Uh" My mind went blank. I just asked. "I don't really know, what do you prefer?"

"Well I'll gather up a few of my favorites for you so you can pick."   "Thanks"

As the purple po-..Twilight Sparkle, looked for some books, I began to examine my surroundings. Nothing looks too strange or out of place except everything around me and that I am in a tree library with a dragon and a pony... As I look over to Twilight gathering my books, I notice that they were glowing purple and floating to her as if by... Magic..

"How do you do that?" I said in astonishment. "Do what?" You know, how are you making those books fly, and the door open by itself?" "Well out of all people you should know" I stood their very confused. "What why" "Your a unicorn like me." WHAT?!? I thought to myself. I try to locate a nearby mirror. I have a horn? Where did this come from. She stands confused. I think fast, "Oh yeah how could I forget." I let out a mild chuckle. "Are you feeling okay sir?" Oh now I'm busted. "Uh yeah, never better, how about them books huh?" I said as I looked around in different directions awkwardly.

'Well, do any of these catch your eye?" I stare down the 5 books she placed..floated in-front of me. I didn't really care so I chose one with with a tan pony with a black mane on the cover. Whats the heck is a daring doo? "Oh are you a fan of the series?" "Uh, sure" I said. "Well lets get you on your way, can I have your name please?" My eyes shot open, just what the heck was my name?? Did I ever have a name? Why haven't I thought of one yet? All of these questions immediately racing through my head. Knowing now that I couldn't think one up on the spot in time I decide to just let out what I know about this whole situation, maybe she could help me if she wasn't too.. weird-ed out.

"I. I.. I don't have one." She looked at me with a very surprised look on her face. "You don't have one how?" "Well" I began to explain, " I don't really know where I am, what I am, or who I am. All I know is that I woke up deep in that forest back their and managed to find my way back your library." We sat silently, "Well that is one pickle your in, so your telling me that you have no idea what ponies are?" "Well I sort of know what they are but..." my head began to hurt as if my brain was blocking something from me. "Well it sounds to me that you have a serious case of amnesia?" "I'll try to let the Princess Celestia know right away." Princess?" "Oh right, you don't have any memory, well she is the ruler of are kingdom, she controls the sun while her sister Princess Luna controls the moon." "Oh so everyone around here has magical powers?" I asked. "No, their are 3 races of ponies, Unicorn, like you and me, Pegasus, They have wings which grants the ability to fly, and Earth." "Earth?" "Yes Earth ponies, They have no wings or horns but they counter that with their brute strength." The whole situation just further confused me. "So do you have anywhere to go?"  "No.. I don't" She looks at her dragon Spike then back at me, "Well in the mean time you can stay in the guest bed with us." The dragon pulled her over to the side whispering in her ear. I couldn't here him but I somewhat new what he was saying.

"Twilight, do you really want him in our home, He could be dangerous." Spike said with concern "Well he has no idea what magic is or where he is, If it were me I would sure hope someone would take me in. Don't worry Spike I'll make sure he doesn't hurt us." "Well if you say so Twi." They both turn back to me.

"We'd be happy to take you in as our guest." I was relieved that now I had a place to stay for the moment. "Well if your okay with it I would be very great-full." "Its our pleasure, I'll contact the Princess right away, afterward I’ll take you around town and to some of my friends, Im sure they'll like you." "Well if you say so."

Chapter 3 Better Get Started

"Well, we can't just let you run around pony-ville without giving anypony a proper introduction, what do you think we should call you?" As twilight says this I began to wonder, how could I just give myself a name, something that will represent me for the rest of my life, what everyone- er Pony, will know me as, its easy being given a name by your parents because no matter what your stuck with it, and you never really mind. I have been given the chance to make a decision that will impact the path I place here from now on. "I. I don't know, its kind of a really big decision to just come up with a name. Can you think of anything Twilight?"

"Hmm, lets think from what we know about you already. Your green, you came from the Everfree Forrest, and your a unicorn.. How about Ever Green" She shouted cheerfully. "Uh That's okay, got anything else?"

"Jack Forrest?"

"Again its okay but I just don't know if I’m ready for a name yet." "Well then what are you going to say if somepony asks for your name?"  "...I'll just tell them I'm glad to see ya!" Twilight let out a giggle, "Alrighty then lets go meet some friends."

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We walked about Ponyville for quite sometime as I got used to my surroundings, everything just seemed so peaceful and right. Its just so... perfect.

Twilight led me into what appeared to be a  giant pink and blue building with what looked like a merry-go-round on top. As we walk in we were greeted by a white pony with a purple mane and matching tail. She looked as if she was about to go on a fancy dinner with somepony.

"Well hello there Twilight, How are you today?" "Just fine Rarity." "Are you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Oh yes, This is..." "I'M GLAD TO SEE YA!" Twilight couldn't help but burst out into laughter as I stare gawkingly at the beautiful looking pony.. Rarity.

"Oh that’s absolutely delightful." she said with chuckling away. "But if you don't mind me asking what should I call you?" "Well... a friend I guess, I haven't really thought of a name yet."

Rarity stood in confusion, "I didn't think you were supposed to dear, that’s why we have parents to do the naming for us." she said with a smile. "Well I don't know if I have any parents.." "Oh my that’s dreadful, Where have you been living all this time, I haven't see you around Pony-ville." "Well, actually I just woke up." Rarity confused as ever looked at Twilight for assistance. "Sorry, he isn't exactly making this easy for you Rarity, here let me explain." Twilight began to tell my tale of how I came to her. It only took a matter of minutes before she finished.

"So your staying with Twilight until you have everything figured out?" "Yep that’s the plan." "well I just think that’s splendid, It will be nice to have a fellow unicorn around, by the looks of things you don't have any clothes, I would be more than happy to make you some formal wear."

"Uh its really not that big of a deal you don't have to.." "Oh but I simply must, What if you get invited to a fancy get together and arrive looking of the average pony, it simply won't do." "Well I don't have any money." "Oh I can cover it if I need to rarity." Twilight spoke out. "Non-sense its on me, for friends." "Thank you very much Rarity, I look forward to it."

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Twilight and I walked out of the Boutique satisfied to have befriended rarity, we began our trip back through pony-ville hoping to see any other pony she would like to introduce me to. As we walk I notice a sweet smell of pastry treats coming from a nearby building.

"Wow what smells so good?" "That'd be Sugar Cube Corner, And where pink-" Immediately Twilight was being assaulted by a pink pony with frizzy hair, jumping all about her purple body. "HEY! GET OFF OF HER!" I screamed at the pink pony. She stopped bouncing and yelping and just stood their, Her hair, it looks like it had been popped with a sharp needle. Her eyes began to water and her lips quivering. I had to think of something to cheer her up.

"Hey don''t be like that, I’m sorry, Its just that I’ve been here all day and no one has offered to throw me a party yet.." I pause at what I just said... Why did I say that, I wasn't even thinking that, it just blurted out like I just... knew..

She perked up and bounced at me taking me to the ground in the process. "Hey that’s a great idea, I'll throw you a party!" "Twilight, whose your friend" "I'M GLAD TO SEE YA!." "Pinkie burst out laughing while Twilight just stood their with a smile.. yeah the joke was getting kind of old.

We began to explain to pinkie pie the story of my being here, she thought it would be a great idea to throw a congradulations-on-having-no-memory-of-your-past-what-so-ever-but-were-still-glad-you-could-meet-us-party. I said it would be a good Idea. "So would you guys like some snacks" Pinkie said in pure joy. "I would but I couldn't pay for it.." wow am I starting to sound like a broken record.. "Its okay on the house" She runs inside and gives us some delicious looking pink and blue cupcakes. "Thanks pinkie" we both shout with a mouth full of cupcakes as we left Sugar Cube Corner.

"Well that was fun" "Hey, how did you know pinkie liked to throw parties?" "... I honestly couldn't explain it to you if I tried, it kind of just shout out of my mouth like instinct."

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We decided to head back to the library for some rest. We walk in to greet spike but he wasn't home. "Hey where is the little guy?" "Oh he probably just left to go see Rarity, he likes to help her out in the meantime. "Ha I bet the little crush going on with her." "Actually he-" As Twilight spoke a loud "FOREVER" could be heard echoing around the library. We both looked around searching for what the cause of the noise was. "WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!" "... I think you mean Hay, "That would be Pinkie Pie-" "Say no more I can take the hint"

As I lay on the guest bed I began to do some thinking, Twilight was happy reading some of her books. I was thinking about my life. "Why can't I remember anything, was it some sort of spell, or did I just get bumped in the head really hard." I felt around my skull but no bumps.

I walked over to the balcony to get some fresh air. While I was just lying their trying to relax I hear a faint cry for help. I try too look around below to see where it was coming from. It was getting closer, as it did I could make out two figures hurling through the sky at blazing speeds. One figure was a yellow blur followed by a pink trail. The other was a smaller brown blur, with what seemed to be holding on to something small and white below it.

Without thinking I jump from the balcony into the air, snatching the brown blur out of the sky. The only thing rushing through my head was.. "Why did I just jump off of a two story tree..."

Chapter 4 A Burden

...I woke up, lying in my bed to find a yellow pony with wings staring down at me with tears in her eyes. As soon as she saw I was awake she latched on to me crying and thanking me at the same time. Everything hurt and I was completely disoriented trying to collect my self. "Wha- what happened?" Twilight spoke up from behind, "Well apparently you jumped off the balcony to save angel from that hawk." "Who?" "My bunny!" The yellow pony spoke up, "Thank you so much for saving him, he's my favorite pet, he's almost my own child."

"It was nothing really, I just saw that you needed help and were chasing after that hawk, I wasn't entirely sure why but I guess I decided to nab him for you." "Whats your name anyhow?" "Oh, um, I'm Fluttershy." "Well its nice to meet you Flutter shy." "Oh and don't worry about introducing yourself, Twilight already told me what happened." "Oh that’s a relief."

"How are you feeling?" Fluttershy looked concerned. "Oh just a few bumps and bruises but I think I can manage." Twilight interjected, "I think you should stay in bed a little longer, you did just fall off a house and all." "Yeah I think your ri-" Intense pain clenched my insides, I sprang up and bolted passed Twilight and Fluttershy into the bathroom as fast as I could. I Threw up...

"Hey you alright in there?" Twilight leaning up to the door to listen. I stumble out Looking like I went through a tornado, "Twilight... their was a little bit of blood in there..." "Oh goodness!" Fluttershy gasped, "How much?" I was swaying left and right trying to hang on to consciousness, "Ohhh, I'd say about enough." "Enough for what?" Twilight asked, right then I plunged to the ground like a rock.

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I woke up in a hospital bed, "Twilight and Fluttershy must have rushed me here while I was unconscious." As I looked about the room a white pony with a pink mane and a red + on her flank walked in. "Hello I'm nurse Red Heart, It seems you've come from quite a doosey." "I'll say" "Well we checked you out and it seems that you had some internal bleeding" "What!?" "Don't worry we fixed you up good as new, your friend is waiting for you at the front desk, your free to go whenever you'd like." "Oh well thanks.. how am I being covered?" "Oh your friend Twilight signed up for you, she'll be covering the costs." "That’s exactly what I was afraid of." I said under my breath

As I walked up to the waiting room, I find Twilight, she seemed happy to see me in better condition. "Hey, what happened to Fluttershy?" "Oh she had to go feed the other animals she told me to make sure you get better though." "Oh, well thanks for rushing me here." "It was no problem, I'm just happy to see you doing better." "Thanks Twilight.. so you paid for it all?" "Yeah, It was a small price to pay for your health though, no big deal." She looked at me with a smile. "Twilight.... I think I want a job."

"Oh well I'm sure we can find one for you somewhere in pony-ville, but if its because I've been using my money to take care of you recently, I don't mind at all." "Well, I just think its about time I start pulling my weight around here." "Are you sure you don't want to take it easy for a few days, you just got out of the hospital." "No, I want to help and stop freeloading off of you like some parasite." "If its what you really want.. I think I know the perfect place for ya!"

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After a long walk we end up at a giant apple orchard with a house and a barn. "Sweet Apple Acres... a farm?" "Yeah and you get to meet another friend, HEY APPLEJACK!"

After a bit of searching we found an orange earth pony. Her blonde hair bound together by red rubber bands on the end, her mane hidden under a giant cowboy hat."

"Why hey there twilight.. whose your friend?" "I'M GLA-" "NOT NOW!!" ok so maybe Twilight has had enough of my catch phrase. "I'll explain him later, do you think you could give him a job here at the farm?"

"Well I don't quite know, I'll have to ask Bigmac if its okay."

After a few minutes of searching we run into a muscular red pony, with an orange mane. "Hey big brother, Somepony's lookin' for a job." Bigmac approached us, "Hmm, well apple buckin' is kind of a family thing round here, It takes a lot of hard work and determination, I hope you do realize that you can't be usin' your fancy unicorn magic to do it."

"Well.." I looked at Twilight then back to Bigmac, "I don't really know how to use my magic yet." Bigmac looked at me with disbelief in his eyes. "Well, I don't know. Look its getting pretty late, I'll think it over til' mornin'." "Thanks Bigmac" I still didn't know if he approved but I am glad I was given the chance.

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Later that night, Twilight, Spike and I went our separate ways, we each climbed in our own bed.

I couldn't sleep a wink. I got out and looked at Twilight and spike sleeping soundly, I want to help them and stop being such a burden, I snuck out.

After a while of trying to find my way, I eventually made it back to the farm. I headed up to the barn and grabbed a bucket. I went deep into the small forest of trees filled to the top with apples. As sure as I saw that nopony could see me, I began my first apple buckin'... "Although my body was still sore from the accident, I think I can pull it off."

"Alright this shouldn't be too bad." I gave a large hard kick to the long wooden tree. An apple fell out, "What just one?" I proceeded to kick again, each kick came with slightly more apples. As I kicked I began to improve, soon I was able to get half of the tree empty in one thrust. Moving on from tree to tree I filled buckets upon buckets with apples. As I worked, I could hear small giggles coming from someplace not far from here.

I found this small house in the distance, I became curious and decided to take a peek at what was going on.I leaned my head through an open window in the clubhouse. Three small ponies playing games... In a house.. at the center.. of an apple orchard...in the dead of night... "Huh?"

"Alright girls, tomorrow's the day, this time I know we'll get our cutie marks. "Whats that?" The girls looked in shock for where my voice was coming from. "Whose out there?" Said the little yellow one in fear. "This is my families farm and I can get you in serious trouble for trespassing! "Uh no need for that." The orange one perked up, "Who are you?" "Well its gonna sound weird but I don't even know."

After much time of explaining..

"So your friends with my big sister Rarity?" "I sure hope so, shes working on some clothes for me." "Yeah I think I heard her talking about somepony that Twilight is taking in." "That'd be me." "And you've met my sister Applejack and my brother Big MacIntosh?" "Yeah, I asked them for a job but, Bigmac said he was going to think about it tonight, I thought I should just try to prove what I can do by buckin' some apples for practice out here, It's going pretty good so far." "Why won't they give you the job, bigmac sure does look like he needed some help around here?" "I think he mentioned somethong about how I was a unicorn and would just use my magic instead of buckin' but I can't really use my magic since I don't know how." "Hey Sweetybelle, looks like you've got somepony on your level." A snickering orange Pegasus pointed toward the white unicorn "Well I sure hope you get the job, you seem pretty eager, I think you'll be fine." "Thanks uh.." "Oh right, I’m Applebloom, This here is Sweetybelle, and this is Scootaloo." "Well it's an honor to meet you, but I still have to ask.. Whats a Cutie Mark?" "It's your special talent." Applebloom bursted out, "It's the symbol you get for when you find what your good at in life, we don't have ours yet like the other fillies but we try everyday to find it." "Oh so you kinds are kind of like a club?" "Yeah, were the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" The three ponies shouted.

"Sounds like you ponies have a pretty good thing going for ya, maybe someday I can join." "What do you mean?" Asked a confused Scootaloo. "Well I mean this." I then proceed to show them my empty flank. They gasped in shock. "Of course you can join, we need to help each other find our special talents, no matter who they are."

"Thanks girls it means a lot." "Well I'm gonna get back to buckin' Apples, you three have fun okay." "Sure thing, good luck." I exited the clubhouse and began to continue to buck apple's until of course I fell asleep...

WARNINGIf a stranger walks into your clubhouse and says he is a friend and you should feel comfortable around them, DON'T, ESPECIALLY IF HE PROCEEDS TO SHOW YOU HIS ASS!! ಠ_ಠ

This world is a lot different then the world of our pony friends, Please trust me when I say, Don't talk to strangers!!

also, don't have a clubhouse in the middle of the woods without any adult supervision first, or at least a way to safely and quickly contact an adult. Thank You

Chapter 5 An Explanation

“Well, its about time to start my day and do some apple buckin'.” Applejack left her room to grab something to eat. She couldn't find anypony from the apple family around. “Well that sure is strange, where is everypony?”

Applejack left out the door after consuming her breakfast, she proceeded toward the apple orchard to try to find her family members and commence her business. A short walk was all it took to find Granny Smith, Bigmac, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders gaping in awe, frozen in their places. “Hello? Whats everypony lookin' at?” Bigmac grabbed Applejack by the cheek with one hoof and aimed her vision toward the orchard. “Soon she was just as mesmerized as they were. “Wha- what happened? Half of our apples are gone!” Bigmac let out a big “NOPE.” He pointed his hoof under the giant forest of green apple-less trees. “Their.. Their all in baskets!” Applejack trotted deep into the orchard to find out what had happened.  After some time she came to a sleeping green unicorn.

She trotted up to the tree he was under, there was one apple left on it. She bucked the tree effortlessly with one hoof. The single apple came tumbling down, right onto of the intruder.

“Huh wha- what” I woke up violently, an apple struck me on the head. “HEY, WHEN DID YOU SHOW UP!” Applejack had a look of disbelief, as if I had done something horribly wrong. “Uh, a little late last night.” My expression was in a way apologetic seeing as though I wasn't welcome. “Look, we appreciate that you want to help but we mean it when we say its important to us to do the apple buckin' by hoof!” “No wait I-” Cut off by Bigmac with the rest of the family following behind. “Just what in the hay do you think your doin'! You lied to us,We said no magic!” Bigmac was emitting anger. “Wait please listen I-” Bigmac interrupted yet again, “I'm sorry but ya didn't get the job, we made it clear on how things work around here and you disobeyed us, now please leave our farm!” Seeing as though I couldn't get their attention to explain, I slumped my head and slowly began to trot off back to the library. Before I could leave their sight, I hear a small scream. “WAIT!”

The apple family stared at the young Applebloom, along with her friends. “If yall would let him speak he could tell ya he didn't use his magic.” Applebloom was standing up for me, then Scootaloo started. “Yeah he met us last night at the clubhouse, we saw him bucking most of the trees before we went to bed!” Sweetybelle interjected, “He can't even use his magic, he never learned how, assuming something like that is hurtful considering I can't use my magic either!”

As I watched the display I  couldn't help but let a tear leave my eye. “I- Is that all true? Did you really buck half of our orchard in one night?” Applejack asked apologetically. “...Yeah” “Well, if that is true, we would be happy to have you on the farm if your still interested. I'm awful sorry about the way we attacked you.” “Its okay Bigmac, I understand, I would love to help out.” “Great yall can start tomorrow bright n' early, just one more thing..” “Yeah?” “What were you doing at their clubhouse in the middle of the night?”

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After much explaining with the help of the three fillies I was able to keep my job and my dignity. I Headed back to the Library to meat Twilight and Spike just waking up. “Hey where have you been all night?” “...Getting a job.”

Chapter 6 Pay Day

The day started out very sheepishly. Since the Apple family decided I had worked hard enough on the apples they decided to let me do some other chores. Cutting grass, water plants and other various things that needed to be done around the farm.

“I'd say you did a  pretty good job for today, here's your first payment.” Applejack handed me 12 gold coins. “Thanks.. how much are they worth?” “Oh ah.. twelve bits should get you a few snacks and other things to please ya, just keep coming by if you wanna make some more.” “Thanks Applejack your awesome.” I gave her a small hug, as I backed away I saw her blushing. “Why- why thank ya.” she said, a little embarrassed. I thanked the rest of them then trotted off into town. I decided to go collect my clothes from Rarity assuming they were done.

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I entered the boutique, “Hey Rarity, you in here?” “Oh yes darling please come up.” I walked up the stairs into what looked like Rarity's work space. “So, what do you think?” She used her magic to levitate all of the close she had made me in front of my face. “Wow rarity this look awesome!” “Oh I’m quite glad you like them, I knew you would.” Rarity proceeded to place them in a bag and levitated it to me. “Well that’s it then, have a nice day dear.” As I walk away a thought occurred to me... “Here, I don't think its enough but Its something” I placed 6 bits on the counter. “Oh dear I cannot take this, I made those for you as a gift.” “Then here's my gift to you.” Rarity blushed as we both smiled at each other. “Well I'm gonna hit the road, I'll see you around Rarity.” she waved at me with her hoof as I left her shop.

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I trotted down the road, it seemed like a fantastic day not a cloud in the sky, the sun was shining bright... the stomach  was growling. “Aw man I gotta get something to eat. Suddenly the sweet sweet smells that suddenly hit my nose blasted a memory through my brain... I was at sugar cube corner.

I walked into Pinkie's bakery. “Hey Pinky, you in here?” I scanned the inside of the building looking for the pink pony. I assumed she had left so I intended on doing the same, as I turned around...

“HEY WHERE YA GOING?” I was greeted by none other than Pinkie Pie. Her Attitude was enough to send me back in fear.

“He- Hey Pinkie you scared me.” “Oops sorry” She said with a giggle. “What brings you here?” “Oh I was just looking for something to eat.” Pinkie proceeded to walk over to the counter. “Well we got all these treats fresh from the oven if you want something yummy.” “Oh okay.” I scanned over the delicious display trying to find something that catches my eye. “How bout that muffin?” “Okie dokie lokie, anything else?” “Hmm I think I’m good.” “Okay here ya go.” I put 2 bits in front of her. “No no no Your money is no good here, were friends remember.” “I know were friends that's why I want to pay.” I gave  her a smile and without protest I walked out the door.

“I wonder where I'm going to eat my muffin.” I walked down the street, my mouth was watering at the sight of it. I took a short cut through a park. Not paying attention to where I was going I stumbled to the ground.. I tripped over somepony.

“Oh I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going.” The gray Pegasus just sat their eyes watering, It didn't look like she just started though, she had tear marks dried on her cheeks.

“What's the matter?” She didn't way anything. Her eyes looked goofy as if they were looking in two different directions. “I- uh- I wanted to cheer her up so badly. “Here” I handed her my muffin, as soon as she saw the tasty snack she jumped up and hugged me.

“Thank you” She said in a shaken and sad voice. I decided to try and start a conversation “Its no problem, whats your name, if you don't mind me asking." really know at the moment.” “Huh you too.” She looked taken back at my response. “You- you don't know who you are either?” “Nope.”

“So you just showed up in equestria?” “Yeah that's it, whats your story?” She looked down, I immediately fell as if I stabbed her through the heart. “Sorry if that's to personal.” She looked up at me with a smile. “No its okay, its just that, I don't talk much, I'm usually in the background of every situation, trying to be involved with everypony but not in the way.

“So what happened?” “Well, one day I decided to help one of equestria's top flyers, Rainbow Dash, out with rebuilding city hall.” “City hall was destroyed?” “It's kinda a long story, anyways I just wanted to help but everything I did failed. I really tried but everypony laughed at me, they made fun of, well you know... my eyes.” I Proceed to try to cross my eyes like hers.”I don't think its that bad.” She laughed and began to calm down, she took a bite out of the muffin. “These are my favorite.” “Well I'm glad you like it.”  “I just wanted to say thanks for cheering me up. My name's Ditzy Doo but my friends call me Derpy Hooves.” “Well it was nice to meet you Derpy, I really hope I can see you around again. If you need anything don't be shy to look for me, I'm staying at the Library.” She looks up to think. “Hey, I know where that is, Thanks.” We went our separate ways, I headed back to the library.

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“Hey Twilight, Spike you guys home?” It was getting pretty dark I should have headed home earlier. I heard foot steps coming down the stairs, Twilight and Spike come down the stairs. “Well your home late, What have been up to today?” “Just getting some rent.” I placed 4 bits on the table.

“You don't need to do that.” “I- I know, but I want to.” Twilight levitated the bits back to me, the money floated in my face, I didn't want it. “Twilight I mean it.” Suddenly  my horn shined green and the money floating in the air by twilight’s purple magic was surrounded by green magic, The 4 bits floated back over to her. “You- you learned magic? When?” We both stared at the money astonished. “I- I don't even know. It just happened.” “Well, I guess this means I ought to teach you how to use it. We can start lessons if you want.” “Okay sure, I'd love to!” It was getting late so we all agreed to turn in. As we head up the stairs Spike grabs my hoof.

“Hey you need something spike?” Spike looked serious. “What were you doing at Rarity's house today?” “Oh I was just picking up my clothes.” “Did you say anything to her?” “Oh did I upset her I'm so sorry.” “No you didn't.. you made her happy, what did you say to her?” “Oh I just paid for a gift, she thought it was a nice gesture probably.” “Oh” Spike said, he looked a little sad. “Spike... do you and Rarity..” Spike looked up in shock. “What, no no no, were just really good friends, I just like to help her out.” “Well whatever it is, I'll put in a good word for ya.” I let out a subtle wink. “You would thanks!”

We went back to our beds when suddenly I hear a loud burp followed by a trail of green fire. Twilight looked up groggily. “What is is spike?” “Its a letter from the princess.” Twilight levitated the letter over to her. “Hmm It says that Princess Celestia needs me tomorrow. Do you think you guys can watch the library while I'm gone?”

Spike and I looked at each other. “Of course we can.”

Chapter 8 The Great and Powerful Nopony

A light blue pony popped its head out of a small window. “What in Equestria are You trying to Do!” “I- I- uh.” “No I don't want to hear it just leave before I make you leave.” “With what?” She looked at me with a glare. “Why with my Superior magic of course, I can out do any unicorn around and that means especially You!” “Well that's a good way to put it.” She looked questionable. “Huh- I-YES it was, I am obviously better than anything you could possibly hope of doing!” “Well I couldn't agree more I guess.” She again looked puzzled.

“Hey, how are you doing that?” “Doing what?” “Every time I insult you, you just accept it. Why?” “Oh, I don't know I guess if your right your right.” “So your just gonna sit there ant let me insult you and you won't fight back?” “Well I guess I couldn't argue with pure logic.”

“What are you talking about! Any Unicorn would be arguing with me hoof and horn to prove that they were just as good at magic as I am.” “Well if your better than me then there's nothing much I can do about that except train harder.” She looked at me with a hint of determination. “Show me what you can do, The Great and Powerful Trixie demands it.” “Well if you insist.” I stand there and do nothing. “Well I'm waiting.” “Why, I just showed you all I got.” “You mean to tell me your a stallion who can't even conjure up the least bit of magic?” “Well I did move some bits once but that's about it.”

The Great and po- Trixie spent a good while teaching me how to use some of the basic of magics properly. “So all I have to do is want it really hard and try to concentrate it through my horn.?” “Precisely, some magic however will use spells, you'll have to memorize them to be able to use them but that is a higher level of magic, like me, here try to take off my hat.” “Okay” As I concentrate I feel a tingling sensation coming from the top of my head, my horn was glowing. “Good, almost there!” Trixie encouraged. I started to sweat, magic was harder for beginners. I clenched my eyes together, my teeth grinding, I focus all of my energy on Trixie's hat.

Just then, her hat illuminated in a green fog, “Its working!” Trixie became excited. With all of the strength I had left I lifted the hat up into the air and on to my head. “I DID IT!!” Both of us let out a cheerful yelp, I ran over to put her hat back on and gave her a hug. She looked a little nervous, I kind of forget my boundaries from time to time, I didn't think she'd mind however.”

“You truly are the best unicorn in all of equestria.” Trixie looked down. “Actually there might be one slightly equal to The Great and Powerful Trixie.” “Who would that be?” I asked, “Well last time I was here, I told everyone how I could easily conquer an Ursa Major, then two of my younger fans found a brought an Ursa Minor to me, I could not defeat it.. but one unicorn could.” “Who?” “...Twilight Sparkle.” I looked at her with surprise and shock. “Hey I know her!”

“Yo- you know Twilight Sparkle?” “Yeah I'm living with her.” “WHAT?” “Then why in equestria do you not know how to use your magic! Are you siblings?” “No no, She's my... were living together.. I have amnesia you see. I cannot remember who I am and Twilight took me in.” “Well why wouldn't she teach you magic?” “Well I've only been here a few days and I just figured out I could even use my horn last night, Twilight was going to teach me more but she got an urgent letter from Princess Celestia.”

“Oh, I see.” Trixie and I just stood there. “Hey, you know what this means don't you? You could teach me better than Twilight, I'm pretty sure that makes you the better unicorn.” I didn't entirely think that but I felt as if I should cheer her up for her sake.

“It does, doesn't it.” Trixie said in a giddy tone. “I knew I was the better unicorn after all. Thanks, if I ever need you I shall look for you in the library of Twilight Sparkle, correct?” “Yep” “Thank you my assistant.” “Your new what!?” After that we went our separate ways.

____________________________________________________________

I made my way back to the Library to be greeted by spike. “Hey spike how was your day?” The dragon was organizing some books on the shelf. “It was good, I helped out at Rarity's place then came back here to finish my list of chores.” “Oh thanks good, can I help you with any of them?” “Sure, the last thing I have to do for the night is sweep up.” I looked at the broom then at my hooves. “Well this sure is a pickle.” Spike looked at me with apologetic eyes. “Oh sorry I forgot about your hooves, I'll get to it in a sec.” A thought raced across my mind. “Never mind I got this.” I used my horn to grasp the broom and began to sweep the floor.

“Whoa, When did you learn to do that?” “I met some pony who gave me some pointers.” “Well Twilight sure will be impressed when she gets back from canterlot.” I looked up at spike, “Speaking of which, I wonder how shes doing.” A loud crash came from the bedroom alarming both spike and I. “Oops Sorry.” Somepony said in a giggle.

___________________________________________________________

Meanwhile In Canterlot

“Twilight, the princess has been expecting you, Please right this way.” Twilight followed the guard pony to the Princesses thrown room. “Twilight, I've been expecting you, there is a grave matter I need to address to you.” “What is it your highness” “You and your friends have defeated both Nightmare Moon and Discord. And I am very proud of your strength along with your friends.” “Why thank you celestia but what are you trying to get to.” “Well, There is another that surpasses that of both Nightmare Moon and Discord. He calls himself.. Nopony, because he doesn't have a name.” Twilight had immediate fear strike her, she was sweating and started to hyperventilate as she spoke. “WHAT!” “Twilight are you already aware of this, this beast is twice the size of discord, he looks as if he were made of discarded drawings out of someponies demonic notebook.” “Well a pony came out of the Everfree forest a few days ago. But he was just as big as me and his coat was green. He needed a place to stay so I offered my home, but he had no idea who he was, couldn't give me his name, he went around Ponyville meeting everypony and just insisted that everypony just know him not by a name but by who he was, he just couldn't make one up at the time, he was so confused. I felt bad for him, I couldn't just let him sleep outside. ” “Twilight it is very important to capture him, he must not leave the Library under any circumstances do you here me!” “Yes, right now he's at the Library.. alone.. WITH SPIKE!”

Chapter 9 Rainbow Backtrack

“Princess, how have we not heard of this before, we can't just let a powerful beast like that run free in the Everfree forest.” “That's why there's a reason I urge ponies not to go into the forest, I put a spell on the forest long ago. He cannot leave it for any reason, the spell will recognize him and block his exit. He shouldn't be able to escape. But your “Friend” seems to have made it out just fine. Twilight... we need to capture him at once.

Twilight took her leave as fast as she could. She hopped on the first chariot back to Ponyville to get her “Friend” to Princess Celestia immediately.

__________________________________________

Spike and I went upstairs to address the crash. “What happened!” I shouted at the blue Pegasus in surprise. “Sorry I was Practicing for a race and I got a little out of hoof.” Spike waved at her casually. “Hey Rainbow.” “Sup.” The blue Pegasus replied. “Wait... Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow put a giddy impression on her face, but suddenly dropped to a calm one. “So, ya heard a me?”

“Well yeah, you could say that. I've talked to a few ponies that mentioned you once or twice.” “Oh really” The Rainbow maned pony replied.”Like who?” “Derpy and Gilda.” Rainbow froze in her place. A blank expression slapped to her face. “Your- Your the pony that talked to Gilda?” She walked to me slowly and put both hooves around my neck, a single tear ran down her face but I don't think she wanted me to notice. “Thank You.”

This struck me by surprise but I decided to hug back. “Hey, why didn't you tell Gilda who you were?” “Oh, because I don't know who I am for myself.” Rainbow looked confused... by his point, it didn't really come as a shocker as to why she was.. I was actually starting to get frustrated. I wanted people to know me as somepony... not just a nopony..

Rainbow looked as if she had a devious plot in her head. “Well lets go.” “Wait go where its the middle of the night.” “Were gonna go investigate.” “Investigate what.” “How you lost your memory of course, there's gotta be something in those woods that did it, its not like you just got bumped in the head, you said it yourself.. “

“I- I suppose we could go take a look. But the forest is so big, how are we supposed to find anything.” “We go to the place where you first woke up.”

I wasn't sure why but as soon as we finished talking we were off to the forest. Something about going back there made me feel a bit uneasy. As the brush engulfed me I began to put my guard on high. Something wasn't right.

________________________________________

Twilight burst through the doors of the library. “SPIKE WHERE IS HE!” Spike scrambled out of his bed frightened. “WHY IS THERE I GIANT HOLE IN THE WALL, DID HE DO THIS?” “No Twilight wait just calm down.” Spike tried to reassure the purple Unicorn. “Rainbow dash crashed through the wall, they just talked and Rainbow got all mushy and started hugging him.” “WELL THEN WHERE ARE THEY NOW!” “They said something about going to the Ever free forest.” Twilight's expression was a mix of fear and frustration. “No..”

__________________________________________

Walking in the woods with Rainbow Dash was nice, peaceful. Although it was pitch black, rainbow was able to fly up and look ahead for anything potentially dangerous. All seemed quiet. We kept on, a few minutes pass and we both new we were getting tired. Rainbow Dash somehow thought of this as a bad idea but it didn't matter much, we're already to far in.

We come across a hut.. yep that hut. “Rainbow uh maybe we should go back.” “What why? Your not scared are ya?”

“Well I- I remember this place in particular, I think a witch or somepony dangerous lives in that hut.” “Its just Zecora.” “Who?” “Her I'll introduce you.” Rainbow Dash flew down to the door of the hut and pounded down on it with her hoof. “I hope were not waking her up.” The door slides open. “Well well well, Rainbow Dash, you look swell.” “Thanks Zecora, this here is my friend.”

“Oh uh its nice to meet you Zecora.” “We've met once before, my confused unicorn.” “Huh when?” “You trot through the forest with false innuendo, I saw you peeking in through my bed room window.” Rainbow Dash gave me a glare. “Hey, I just wanted to know if anypony could help me, but before I could ask the room exploded and I ran away. “I was making a potion as you can see, making sure the forest was safe as can be.” “What do you mean, What could that potion do to make everything safer.”

“To the potion you are a stranger, showing potential danger.” “What that makes no sense, your saying that the potion did that because it thought I was dangerous?” Zecora nodded. “Bu- but how am I dangerous I've never hurt anypony before.” “For that I do not know, why the potion did show. Move deeper in the forest with much care... Through which I do not know if you should beware.” She looked at Rainbow Dash with that last phrase. We looked at each other with confused expressions. I softly broke the silence. “Well thanks Zecora, I think were gonna head out.” “Uh yeah we should get going.” Rainbow dash added.

We both left the hut waiving goodbye to Zecora. As we started walking it felt like nothing could break the awkward silence. “Am I really dangerous..” Rainbow looked back at me. “Well from what I've heard your far from it. You did save the friendship between me and Gilda.” “Yeah but what could that potion mean. Could I be dangerous in the future?” “What that's crazy, your one of the nicest pony that I’ve ever met.” I gave a small grin to Rainbow Dash to show my appreciation from her complement.

Minutes pass as I notice familiar surroundings. “I- I think this is it Rainbow Dash, we're here.”

The location was a small space in which none of the trees protruded from the ground. Like a small empty circle surrounded by forest.

“Well do you see anything?” Rainbow said while search for any means of what happened to me. “No, just emptiness.” “Well this was worth our nights, sorry I dragged you out here.” “Its no problem Rainbow, I guess we should start heading back anyway.”

“STOP RIGHT THERE!”

“What, huh, what's going on, whose out there?” Five ponies Walked through the trees, wearing odd jewelry. “Hey, what are you guys doing here.” They didn't respond, all of them had sad expressions on their faces. “Rainbow Dash get over here and put this on.” Twilight shouted, Rainbow Dash looked sad and confused. But she did as she was told. The fact that they were wearing the Elements of Harmony let her know that something was seriously wrong. “What are you guys up to? Do you need any help?”

“Cut the act nopony we know who you really are!” Her tone got to me a little. “You- you know who I am? Thats great, looks like we came all the way out here for nothin' huh Rainbow Dash.” She stayed silent. “Why is everypony looking at me like that, come on guys cheer up, we know who I am now, right?... You guys...” Fluttershy started crying.

“Okay whats going on, seriously you guys are scaring me.” Twilight started shouting. “QUIT IT, YOU KNOW VERY WELL WHO YOU ARE AND PLAYING WITH OUR EMOTIONS IS GETTING YOUR WAY OUT OF IT!!” “WE KNOW THAT YOUR NOPONY, YOUR PLAN TO  BREAK OUT OF THE FOREST ISN'T GOING TO WORK.”

“But I-.. Fluttershy, I risked my life to save Angel. Doesn't that prove I don't want to hurt anypony.” She stayed Silent. “Rarity, you made me clothes so that I could fit in remember. Pinkie Pie, I wanted to help you throw that party.” My lips started quivering.. and so did theirs. “Applejack.. I still would've helped on the farm if you needed me to, the bits were for Twilight because I didn't want her to keep spending her money on me. Rainbow... I mended Gilda's friendship with you... doesn't that count for anything.” All fell silent.

“Zecora.” Rainbow said softly. “Zecora's potion said you were dangerous.” “Bu- but guys I don't mean any harm. I couldn't imagine hurting anyone of you.”

“Twilight.. I”  “What, what could you possibly have to say to me.”  “I- I kind of-”

“WHAT!” Tears were running down her face as she was screaming. They were in so much pain because of me. I did the only thing that I thought could fix anything.

I kissed her.

Chapter 10 Forever Without A Dash of Purpose

My face left hers. She stood there, frozen. Both of us with sad expressions filling our faces. Her mouth still hanging open. Tears.. Sliding down her face, my face was no better. I used my magic to carry the crown off of her head and placed it on the ground next to her hooves. We looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity... Motionless.

Applejack used her hooves to remove the necklace she was wearing. Letting it slide off of her hooves onto the dark forest floor. “Twilight... I don't care if he's evil or has any intention at all to hurt us, I don't think I have the heart to harm him in any way at this point, all he has done for us is kindness and I don't want to do this over one misunderstanding.”

The rest of the group decided it was time to do the same as they all took off there jewelry.

“I- I just. Princess Celestia said that you.. needed to be captured.”

“But why?”

“There's an evil beast in this forest, and when I described you...  she thought it resembled him.”

“I don't look too beastly do I?” The party let out a slight giggle masked by all of the emotion they were emitting just a few seconds ago.

“If there is a beast in here somewhere I think we should get a move on pronto.”

“Well I've flown all over this forest and haven't seen this guy once, we're fine.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Twilight, can we talk about, what we did just now...”

“Later, I think we should  leave the forest no-” Twilight was cut short.

“Twilight? Twilight you there?” She couldn't move. None of them could.

“What the hay, you guys whats going on, you look like you've seen a mons-” Before I could finish, something wrapped around my body, I was slowly levitated up into the air, whatever had me in its grasp, it felt oily.

“He- Hey Put Me Down!.” I tried to struggle but it was no use.

I was slowly turned around. A black flap shot open revealing a red circle. I gasped in fear. Another flap shot open revealing the same.

“What the... Eyes?” Suddenly a huge bear like figure came into focus. It's mouth became visible

“I hope your having fun... IN MY BODY.”

“What? your body, this is my body!” The other ponies watched in horror. They hurried to get their strange jewelry back on. The beast pulled me out of his vision. He was staring down the six ponies.

“Oh look, The Elements of harmony, Tell me, I hope you don't plan on using it against me.”

Twilight looked back at him with anger while levitating her crown back on. “YES WE ARE.”

The Elements of Harmony started glowing, the six ponies floated into the air while a beam of light surrounded them.

“Oh nooo, I must leave at once, If I were to be hit by you my plans to destroy all of Equestria will be ruined.”

A bright rainbow shot out of the six ponies, violently shooting down upon the beast, he was holding me just out of reach of the light.

The flash of light blinded everypony. As they floated down, their vision began to come back. “That takes care of that.” Twilight said with a smirk.

Finally we could all see again. The beast lying on the ground. “Hes gone.”

“Wow that was amazing. You did it!” Everypony looked at me.

“Why don't you come over here?” Applejack asked I nodded with a smile.

I started trotting but.. I wasn't moving... To my fear, he still had his grip on me.

“huh, he won't let go!”

“Hm hm hm hm hm... heh heh heh ahahahahaha   AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA”

We all knew he wasn't dead.

“Oh my memory fades from time to time so you'll have to forgive me, I completely forgot that the Elements of Harmony doesn't work against me. Now If you would allow me to explain, your friend here is wearing my body. You see, I was banished here in this forest by none other than the graceful Princess Celestia.  She was so kind to keep me here instead of fighting me herself. She lacks something very important. The power to defeat me. So I spend my time cooped up in here feasting upon whatever I can find. And then it dawned on me... If the spell keeps me in the forest, why not ponies. So I began to think.. What if I was a pony. That's when I decided to make you. But for whatever reason, before I could Intertwine myself with your body... You woke up and just walked away. I was unaware of this as I left you unattended for a few, a beasts gotta eat am I right. But what I can't understand is why you woke up. Your not anypony, your just a soulless body."

Taken back by this, it did somehow make sense as to why I have no memory. He tapped me on the nose leaving a smudge of blackness.

“I just think its adorable that you met some friends, that is one thing I lack. And I see you have some affectionate feelings toward that purple one.

“So.. so what! I'm not gonna let you touch them.”

“I don't think your in any position to be calling the shots.” He said while shaking me side to side, my hooves swaying left and right.

“Do tell me, what is your name? Oh wait let me guess, you don't have one.”

I made the mistake of showing my disappointment as I looked down in sorrow.

“AND JUST WHATS WRONG WITH THAT!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Dear it would be wise to keep your mouth shut, We wouldn't want your pretty little mane to get hurt now do we.” He reached his free hand toward her.

“HEY LEAVE HER ALONE!!” I shouted at the top of my lungs.

“For a soulless purposeless nopony, you sure know how to piss me off.”

“Don't call me that or your gonna PISS ME OFF!! Now leave my friends ALONE!!” My nostrils flaring with anger and shooting steam, That's new, but for this situation quite appropriate.

“Its fine, I'll let that little out burst go. As for now, lets make sure that you stay in line. I bet you've learned a little bit about magic.”

“yeah so what.”

“Well, I'm sure some amount of magic will be able to stop me sooner or later. One less unicorn should even the playing field.”

My eyes widened “What do you-” He proceeded to grab my horn in his free hand with a violent thrust almost snapping my neck, began jerking my horn back and forth. The build of pressure was too much for me to handle.. I let out the most painful scream I'm sure anypony in equestria had ever heard as an echoing snap came from my head. Small amounts of blood were dripping down onto my face. My horn had snapped in half.

“AAAAAAHHHHH” “MY HORN!!” The pain was too much I could barely speak. The six ponies watched in horror as they could do nothing but stand there and witness my torture.

“NOOOO!” Rainbow Dash flew up into the air. “I won't let you do this.” She shouted from above.

As Rainbow built momentum she began to dart to the earth like a rocket. She was going fast.. Too fast. She was getting closer to the ground, she gained so much speed that a cone formed around her. Suddenly a burst of rainbow shot out through the skies, she came down at such velocity that nopony could see her. Inches from the beast she suddenly flew out of the way and impaled her right side into a tree, the beast had swatted her out of the air with its mighty claws.

Her wing looked like it had bent into 3 different angles. Surprisingly enough she was still conscience as the beast slowly made its way too her. He picked up the squirming Pegasus and engulfed it in its darkness. I don't know what it was really but all I could tell from the sight was his skin was eating Rainbow Dash alive.

“STOP IT NOW!!” I tried to break free but it was no use. I watched in horror as he swallowed the Pegasus into his palm. “He-help” was all she could say through her tears and muffled mouth.

Fluttershy flew up to her and tried to pull her out but the darkness of his skin had pulled Rainbow Dash too far in. If fluttershy hadn't let go, she would have been pulled in herself.

“Awww my sweet dear, don't feel bad.” He punched her to the ground. “You'll join her shortly.”

She looked up in pure terror.

"Now to deal with you once again my forest colored friend.” A giant evil grin crept up his face. He threw me to the ground with great force, I slammed into the earth.

“You ponies are always playing games and what not so I'll just assume you like sports. How about a rousing game of hoofball. He lifted his leg up. My eyes grew wide at the sight as he punted me. I tumbled across the ground for what felt like miles, I noticed a big whit figure flying over head as I tumbled. I slammed into a nearby tree. My head broke the impact. I lost complete consciousness.

“While I have your attention, your about to witness your friend get his Cutie Mark, Isn't that exciting! Oh buck up everypony, Hes been wanting this. Isn't a Cutie Mark your way of finding your purpose in life?”

He walked toward my unconscious body with my horn in his grasp. He licked one of his claws and made an X on my flank to use as a target. He plunged my own horn into my flank, stabbing it deep into the spot where my beloved Cutie Mark should have gone.

“There that at least makes him presentable. And now he has a purpose. Now what purpose could you get from a stab wound. Oh I know...

IT MEANS HES NOTHING BUT A WOUND ON THE FLANK OF SOCIETY.”

"HES NOTHING BUT A NOPONY AND FROM NOW ON, THATS THE BEST ITS GONNA GET....                             He'll just have to live with it...

For Now..”

Chapter 11 Nightmare on Pon-Street

I was taking my daily stroll down the streets of Ponyville heading for the outskirts of town as I so often do. Just enjoying the day and admiring the scenery. “Hey Rainbow Dash where did you come from?” I looked at the cyan Pegasus. She didn't say anything but just started laughing, in a way that felt pain, evil, torment and anger. She was laughing uncontrollably her face shot an evil grin staring daggers into my eyes. Her eyes glowing bright red. Her voice began to distort as her evil laughs began to intensify turning into an evil growl as the laughter grew louder and louder. Her body covered in static and turning into dark gray. Her form shaking uncontrollably, taking upon 3 forms for a split second, left Dash pure blue, right Dash Pure red, middle Dash distorted black, they snapped in and out within every other laugh. As she laughed she turned around said in a disturbing evil growl. “I'M. FREE.” Then bucked me in the head.

I shot up covered in sweat and letting out a gasp, breathing heavily as I scanned where I was. I was in a very familiar place. The PonyVille hospital. I tried to get my head straight as a struggled to fully wake up. I had the worst nightmare.

As I looked around I noticed 5 of my closest friends sitting on the floor below me sleeping. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Spike. 1 other pony I did not recognize. She was much larger than all of the other ponies.  White with a  blue, green, and pink mane that flowed in the air as if there was a breeze.

I looked to my left to see one of the 6 ponies I knew and loved, in a hospital bed. Fluttershy had bandages on one hoof and a little scrape and bruise here and there but she looked manageable.

I felt upward to find the inevitable, my horn was indeed broken in half. Leaving a hollow hole surrounded by sharp broken bone on the edges. Only one more thing was on my mind... Rainbow Dash.

Nurse Redheart came in, she spoke quietly for the sake of Fluttershy and the others. “Hey glad to see you finally awake.”

“How long is finally?” “About Two days, you must be hungry, I'll have the nurse bring you something to eat.”   “Hows Fluttershy?”  “Shes stable for the moment, she has a minor concussion and a sprained hoof but she will be up and at it again in a few days, I'm glad your concerned about your friends, that shows great characteristics about someponies, but I would like to focus on you at the moment.. I'm afraid the news isn't very good.”

“I don't know how to tell you this but I'll just come right out with it. I'm afraid we cannot reattach your horn. The unicorn horn is a very sensitive and delicate thing. It has special bonds in it that once broken cannot be put back together. If you wanted to try and look as if you still had your horn you could always find some way to stick it on, but I'm afraid that you will never be able to use magic again. Magic travels through the horn and exits through a concentrated fixed point via the tip of the horn, but once broken it cannot reach it and will just fizzle out, that is if you could find away to conjure any magic at all.

“I see.. oh well I wasn't able to use it much anyway, I'll probably just find a way to file it down and just call myself an earth pony.”

Nurse Redheart smiled. “You sure know how to make the best of the situation, your unlike most of the stallions around here, they'd be crying puddles if I dropped  a bombshell like that on them. Now as for your flank. We successfully stitched it back up good as new, but we have no idea if it will effect your cutie mark if it comes in.”

“What about my flank?!” I looked down to see a stitched up patch of skin. “Oh you don't know? Well when your friends brought you here, your horn was stabbed into it.”

“That sick little...” I mumbled under my breath. Nurse Redheart had to check on other patients so she left me alone with my friends. Most of them had woken up, all except for Fluttershy but she needed her rest.

The big white pony trotted toward me slowly. “So your the one my Twilight has been talking so much about huh.”

I blushed and looked at the magnificent pony. “Yep.”

“Well I am very sorry I suspected you of being that monster. And under the given circumstances I assume the only right thing to do would be to repay you anyway I can.” “There's no need for that. So your the Princess that told Twilight that. “Yes, I am Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

“How did I get to the hospital, I mean, how did they get away from him?”

“Well I flew overhead looking for Twilight, I saw that monster throw you into a tree, I flew down and carried you all out in a force field.” “I'm glad you did, I would hate for that thing to get a hold of Twilight and the others.”

“Twilight told me a little detail of you two from back in the forest.” “Oh yeah um well I-” “Just be sure to keep her happy, she's very special to me.” Princess Celestia had Royal business to attend to and left the hospital as soon as she knew everything was cleared up.

Everypony started to wake up, Twilight wandered over to me. “How are you feeling?” “A bit better, Nurse Redheart says that I no longer have the power of magic, so that's different.”

“Everypony looked down in despair. “Don't get too down, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, I'm just like you guys now, that's something to look forward to right?” The two ponies looked up, Applejack gave a heart warming smile. Pinkie Pie started bouncing uncontrollably. “Ooh ooh you could help me back at Sugar Cube Corner and we could run the shop, It'll be great!” Twilight interjected, “But Pinkie Pie he could do that before, and besides, don't the Cakes already own the shop?” “You just leave the Cakes to me.” Pinkie Pie said with an evil grin.“Uhh thanks Pinkie Pie but you can let the Cakes have it, we can still bake things together if you want.” “That works too!” The Pink pony said happily in agreement.

“So any news on Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “Just a sprained hoof and a mild concussion, The nurse said she'll be fine in a few days.” “Good.” “Oh and Twilight, about what I did back there, I really do like-” Twilight, before I could finish the sentence gave me a peck on the cheek. We looked at each other and smiled speechless.

A few hours pass as everypony talked about the recent events and wander what had become of Rainbow Dash. They decided it was time to go home. As they walked out of the door I stopped the last pony from leaving.

“Rarity, could you stay for a second, I want to talk to you about something.”

“Sure dear what do you want to talk about.” “Have you ever thought about who you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?” “Of course dear, and I'm sure you and Twilight will be very happy together, she really seems to like you a lot.”  “Thanks but that's not who I am referring to.” “Oh then who?”

“Rarity, do you have any Ideas on who you would like to be with, even for a little while.” Rarity looked confused but gave the question some thought. “Well I don't suppose I have, I did have a small crush on Prince Blue Blood in the past but, well... I don't want to talk about it at the moment. So right now no.”

“Well what are the characteristics of the perfect stallion you would like to spend everyday with?”

“Well, one who could help me in the shop an not feel like its too girly. He would do just about anything I said at the drop of a hat although that does sound kind of pushy. And he would actually love me and care for what I have to say and not just treat me like I'm nopony such as most of the other stallions I have met in the past.”

“So you want a stallion who would help you around the shop and can't stand to be without you for more than a few hours and actually loves you for who you are and cares deeply about you, your feelings and what you have to say?” “I guess you could put it that way, then yes.”

“Well, most of what I do know is that the particular stallion you are looking for very well may not exist.” “Wow, uhh thanks.”

“Let me finish. Although that stallion may not exist, I know for a fact that your man does exist.”

“What ever do you mean?” “Think about it Rarity... He loves to help you out as much as he possibly can... Hes not a stallion.”   “I still do not understand I-”  Her pupils shrunk and went to the center of her eyes as she realized what I was getting at. “You.... you mean Spi-”  I interrupted her. “Rarity I am not saying anything, but I really think you should consider what you said you wanted in the perfect stallion and we both know who meets those standards. All I'm trying to say is that love is a weird thing and can be found in the strangest places. But that doesn't meant it shouldn't be given a chance.”

Rarity gave me a quick smile with a hug and trotted out the room. “I Really hope I did the right thing.”

A while past and I began to here rustling in the bed next to me. “Fluttershy are you waking up?”

“Ye- yeah what happened?” “Well everypony went home, you have a minor concussion an a sprain in your hoof, I have a stitched up flank and no longer have the power of magic. So that should fill you in on everything.” “Oh my goodness I'm terribly sorry, I don't know what to say.” “Don't say anything I'll be fine, we should be out of the hospital in a few days so try an get your rest.” The yellow pony turned back over in her bed an went off to sleep. It was getting late and so did I.

The nightmare came back. The exact same nightmare... Those Red Eyes... Rainbow Dash.

________________________________________________________________________

A few days later, Twilight was just reading her books with an incredibly eager Spike. For some reason, he was a lot happier than usual and Twilight couldn't figure out why.

They were expecting me to come home soon when she heard a knock at the door, then another, and another.

“Hello- TRIXIE, GILDA, AND.. AND.. AND.. oh hi Derpy.”

_________________________________________________________________________

After I left the hospital I was met by Pinkie Pie. “I thought I could cheer you up so I got us two tickets to Ponyvilles secret dance club! This is going to be so exciting.” I thought what the hay it could be fun... I should have just saved the embarrassment right there and walked away.

“Welp here we are” The pink pony shouted as we entered a tiny building, we went down a flight of stars and met with a big door. “Tickets?” A muscular pony asked. “Hear you are Horse Power!” Pinkie Pie handed the tickets to the big white Pegasus. For a muscular guy he had some tiny wings, he was wearing sunglasses indoors, I thought that was kind of jerky looking.

“C'mon the show is about to start!” Pinkie led me through the crowd and up to the edge of the stage. An announcer introduce the DJ. “Put your hooves together and give it up for DJAAAYYY POOOONN-333!” A White pony with a spiky teal and blue mane appeared on the stage immediately blasting some really good club music in our ears.

We were getting caught up in the moment an danced the night away. A few sets in things really started to kick. Everypony was having a blast.

I watched DJ Pon-3 bounce up and down to the music, lazers were shooting out in all directions as music picked up, red and blue lazers, A fog machine started filling the room. DJ-Pon-3 Grabbed the mic to say “Are you Fillies ready!” Just before the base drop but at that moment, it struck me.

Her microphone was glitching out and her voice came out distorted, The Lazers bounced off of some mirrors they had set up to give the appearance to Three Ponies. As the bass hit she bounced up and down with much force, her sunglasses flew up into the air for a split second revealing red eyes...

I ran up to the stage and tackled her to the ground. After security dragged me out, the strange DJ called me up to her dressing room.

“HEY! WHATS WITH YOU TAKING ME DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A SHOW, I COULD HAVE GOTTEN HURT!”

“Uhh look misses Pone-3 I'm terribly sorry, I've just had some incidents happen to me recently and a few bad dreams, a close friend of mine may be dead and for some reason when I saw the lazers reflect you and I saw your eyes, I just lost it.”

“Call me Vinyl Scratch, well I guess these babies do have that effect on people. I guess I'll let you go on one condition.” “Whats that?”

She had one more set to play.

A few moments later....

“WHOS READY FOR A STAGE DIVE!!!!” “AAAAAHHH”  I was hurled into a crowd of overexcited ponies.

Pinkie and I left the club.

“So did you have fun?” Pinkie asked. “Uhh yeah Vinyl Scratch said were welcome back anytime.”

_________________________________________________________________________

I headed back to the Library to meet up with Twilight to see how everypony was doing.

Upon entering I am met with the eyes of some familiar faces. Trixie, Gilda, and Derpy with sitting with Twilight on her couch talking about my incident.

They all came up to me and asked how I was holding up and what they could do to help. “You guys just being here is enough help, thanks.”

“If you guys don't mind, I think I'm gonna head off to bed, its kinda been a long night.”

In agreement, the Three of them parted to let me go up stairs, Trixie muttered a quite phrase, “Your still my best assistant.” I stopped halfway up the steps and smiled to myself, then I continued on.

I was finally in bed but I couldn't sleep. Too much stuff was on my mind. I was in a deep train of thought when a purple dragon tugged at my hoof at the bottom of the bed. “Thank you, Thank you so much.” Tears ran down Spike's small face.

“No problem Spike, you guys have fun okay.” Spike hopped down and went off to his small bed.

I heard Twilight say good-bye to the guests, its good to know that they all cared for me so much. I decided it was time to try and drift off to sleep again.

Barely awake I feel a small wet peck hit my forehead.

I love Twilight so much.

As night passed and morning came. I finally had a successful sleep. No Rainbow Dash dream, Things might be picking up for me after all.

Until that is, I hear Gilda's voice out of the window not too far from the library.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!”

Chapter 12 Dream of Butterflies

“Gilda Stop!” I rushed out of the library to try and stop whatever was going to happen.

“Dash, what are you doing?” Rainbow Dash's form was shaking uncontrollably while grinning of the thoughts of what she was about to do to her poor griffin friend.

Parts of Rainbow Dash shot out from her and latched onto Gilda.”Hey let me go!” Gilda said in a panic. I tried to push her out of the way but I was soon as trapped as she was. We were both in a sea of darkness.

“Hey where are we?” Gilda was panicking but trying to hide her fear. “I don't know but we need to get out of here now before something else happens.”

We look around to find an escape, we found nothing, having no where else to look we both look up... A blue orb was glowing through the darkness, inside of it was an unconscious Rainbow Dash.

“Dashie!” Cried the Griffin, tears running down her face. “NO! NO NO NO! WE CAN'T BE INSIDE OF HIM, IT CAN'T BE OVER YET!”

Gilda looked over in confusion, “What do you mean inside of hi-” Gilda's sentence was cut short. “GILDA!!” Her body frozen in place as a white orb covered her body and lifted her up above me to join Rainbow Dash.

“I know its you so let her go! Let them both go! TAKE ME!”  A pair of red eyes appeared in the darkness.

“Oh boo hoo hoo, I took your widdle fwiends and there's nothing you can do about it. Oh by the way how that 'my life is a lie' crisis your going through without your horn?”

“It was great until you showed up, now are you deaf or just stupid, I said let them go!”

“Hey, that is no way to talk to your friends, well since I'm them now”

“let them go.. or I’ll make you.” “Oh goodness what are you going to do, buck the air to death, if I'm not mistaken your in my world now.”

“Well then go ahead, do it, kill me, freeze me. I don't care. Bucking do it I dare you.”

“Your not worth it.” “AREN'T I? You keep saying over and over that I am worthless and you're powerful, yet when I come into play, you seem to quiver in fear.”

“SILENCE!” A claw materialized in thin air and swatted me.

I stumble over myself trying to get back up. “Yet- yet instead of finishing me off, all you can do is throw punches. You may be strong but your the weakest thing I've ever seen.”

“If you value your friends lives you will shut your mouth.”  “Why me.”

“What do you mean, why me?”

“Why am I so different from anypony else, do you love me, can you not come forth to destroy your own creation, stop me if I guess it.”

“Do you wish for death weakling.” Soon after he said that, the darkness of the room surrounded me, slowly swallowing all of my body whole. “If death is your wish I can surely deliver, or better yet, how about your precious birdie.” The darkness flew off of me and swamped itself around Gilda.

“YOU LEAVE HER ALONE RIGHT NOW!!! THIS IS ABOUT ME!!”

“It seems that I've found a more efficient way of destroying you. From the inside out.” He was going to break everything I knew... He was right.

“Tick tock, her shell is breaking.” Gilda's orb was fixing to shatter, she would be crushed in the impact.

“No, let her go.... I SAID TO      LET      HER      GO!” A flash of light burst through the air blinding all that could see.

____________________________________________________

I was screaming in my sleep. “WAKE UP WAKE UP, SPIKE HELP ME, HE'S NO COMING TO!” Spike lit a small flame on my hoof but I would not wake up involuntary, I had to beat whatever I was facing to wake myself.

I shot up with a gasp. “GILDA!” Twilight jumped back as Gilda appeared out of nowhere landing on top of me. “What the hay just happened.” Twilight looking for a logical explanation.

“Get Princess Celestia now.” Twilight made spike take a letter, he wrote to the Princes of the current events happening to us. After a few minutes passed the Princess was at the door of the library.

“We need to get somewhere safe Princess, Nopony has escaped, he tried to kill Gilda but somehow we ended up back here it was almost like we were in a dream, actually I am pretty sure thats where we were.”

“NO..." Princess Celestia pondered. "That must be why...”

“Why what Princess.” I asked

Princess Celestia Continued “Half of Clouds Dale's Residents are gone, reports are comming in to me and so far we haven't found one of the missing ponies, They just vanished.”

“We need to hide everypony in Equestria now!"

We headed out to inform everypony we could find.

After talking with the rest of the group I decided to see if Fluttershy was okay.

I went back to the hospital but they released Fluttershy earlier in the day. Nopony has seen her since.

I needed to find Fluttershy fast. I trotted up the road trying to locate her cottage near the woods. I came up to the dark cottage near the trees, "I hope shes okay."

“Fluttershy, you in here. A dark silhouette stood in the edge of the room. “Oh Fluttershy thank goodness your okay, something terrible has happened.”

“Oh no I hope every pony is okay. Oh look a small little bunny.”

“Ye- yeah, that's your favorite pet angel remember.”

“Right... do you know why I named him that?”

“Um, no I guess not.”

“It's because that's what he's going to be...”

Fluttershy proceeded to grab the helpless bunny's head and snap his neck.

“What Fluttershy.. I.. you just.. Nopony..” “Someone catches on quickly. Now come here and tell good ole fluttershy whats wrong."

I bolted out of the cottage as fast as I could, poor Fluttershy was gone. I had to make it back to the others, I had to let them know what was happening.

Then it occurred to me. He could be anypony at anytime.

I made my way back to Twilight and the others. “Any news on Fluttershy?” I was panting uncontrollably. “Twilight  shes gone, he got her. Look we need to hide, this thing could become anypony and I won't let him take another pony's life.”

“I don't know how but for some reason I can evade him, He's encountered me the most and still hasn't got me. You guys hide, I'll help the Princess and the Guards  hide other ponies.” Twilight,  Spike, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity looked at me In utter sadness.

"Hey if this things got mah friends then I wanna help." Applejack shouted.

"Yeah I won't let Poor fluttershy go that easily, I won't let him take two of my friends without my permission." Pinkie Pie added.

"I cannot just sit and hide while our friends are in grave danger, were helping and thats final." Rarity said,

Twilight trotted up to me. "We can't let him get anypony else. we need to get help."

"From who?" I asked.

Twilight looked at her friends."Whoever we can find."

"Alright, well lets go get the Princess and try to get everything sorted out."

We heard a familiar voice in the background.

"HI GIRLS!"

Chapter 13 Magical Apples

“So what are we all talking about?”  We all looked at Fluttershy as if we saw a ghost.

“You get out of here! C'mon girls we have to go NOW!”

“Whatever do you mean, I just want to hang out with my good ole pals.”

Twilight looked at me with confusion, “This is the evil monster?” Guys you don't understand I saw her snap angels neck right in front of me. “Yeah and I saw her rip a bear to pieces but she was just giving him a message.” Twilight added. As we argued we took our attention away from Fluttershy.

In the middle of all the yelling we hear a small thump at the bottom of our hooves, on the ground in front of us is a mangled bunny carcass. Rarity screamed in terror. We slowly aimed our vision onto Fluttershy.

She was giving all of us an evil grin.

Fluttershy's voice hitting different pitches of highs and lows as she stutters her words, “What? Ha-ha-ha-haven't you se-se-se-seen a bu-bu-bu-buunny be-be-be-before?”  Her body started shaking violently as parts of her phased different colors. She started laughing hysterically, her fur turning blue and her mane turning into the same assortment of colors as a rainbow.

“S-s-s-so, who wants race!” “I'll Take that challenge!” Applejack shouted as she pulled a rope out of her hat. Before I could protest she wrapped the lasso around the blue and rainbow monster and started pulling it down with her teath.

Rainbow Dash started laughing as her body surrounded the rope, her skin followed up the rope to the source of Applejacks head. “Wht n tr-na-tion” She mumble through the rope in her mouth as the monster's skin engulfed her head.

“Applejack let go!” We all pulled at her tail as her body became a game of tug-of-war between us and the monster.

We pulled as hard as we could but to no avail we lost her. We flew back on our haunches as her hooves jerked into the air and bucked us in the face right as the rest of her body was sucked in.

We all got back up shaking our heads. Pinkie Pie started to cry.

“Ah don't worry Pinkie Pie, I'm all right, I'm still me you did it you beat nopony, now come give your good friend Applejack a hug.”  Pinkie Pie trotted forward slightly hoping that her friend was still there. I placed my hoof in front of her blocking Pinky's path.

Tears were falling down everypony's faces to have witness another one of there friends become a victim to this monster. “Oh don't be sad girls, I'm still my old self, you can trust me.”

“STOP, we already know what you are so just give it a rest, you think your so tough, then why was I able to get Gilda back!” Speaking of which where is that Griffin.

“You think just because you were able to save one of your friends means you can save them all, that's jus' down right pathetic.”

“CAN YOU PLEASE DROP THE APPLEJACK ACT FOR ONE BUCKING SECOND!”

“Oh I'm sorry where are my manners, here who would you like, I've got Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, various other ponies from Clouds Dale, Oh speaking of which, do you guys like the Wonderbolts, I don't care for them really but I've got Soarin' if you want his autograph!”

“You think this is a game, Cut it out and give us your regular form, the one from the forest.”

“Oh fine, your no fun.” He returns to his former self.

“So what did you want to talk about?”

“I want to talk about how your scared of me.” Since were on this conversation again he easily became furious.

“You little foal, you better watch your mouth around me or Purple over there is going to get it next!”

Anger shot out of me as I reacted to his comeback. “You touch her and that's the last thing you'll ever do!”

“Ah yes, well, is that why I just took the Orange one and still haven't a scratch on me?”

“How dare you, you think that I can't save her like I saved Gilda, I know theres a way to beat you and you know just as well as I do that I'm going to!”

“For all you know that could have been a mistake on my part, your just as far from beating me as you are with saving the lives of those few ponies behind you.”

He reached for my friends determined to take them as well.

From above I hear wings flapping, Gilda and Derpy were carrying Trixie to the scene.

They threw Trixie in front of us as she cast a defense spell to block him. Trixie looks back at us.

“GO NOW” Twilight casts a bubble over us as Derpy and Gilda carried us to safety.

I regretfully looked back, Trixie's spell had broken, she tried to run away but he grabbed her off of the ground, I turned away as I knew what was going to happen.

We have to find the Princess, she can tell us anything on how we could possibly stop him. She's got to be somewhere in Ponyville still helping ponies.

After not much searching we soon find her speaking with one of the royal guards.

“Twilight what happened, where are Applejack and Fluttershy?” No one answered. The Princess took the hint.

“Princess, we can hide ponies all we want, but that's not going to stop him, we need a plan we need answers, do you know anything that could help?”

The Princess looked at us with sorrow. “I- I honestly don't know. A long time ago when he first made his presence I struggled in a fierce battle, it took place a few hundred years ago, I tried to defeat him but all the magic I knew couldn't stop him, I'm afraid he's just too strong. The only thing I could do at that point was seal him in the forest, I knew it couldn't hold him for long, I tried to keep ponies out but they just wouldn't listen. Back then I had no idea he could steal ponies like that.”

“Princess its worse than you think, if he takes a pony he can take upon its image to look completely identical to them.”

“That's how he escaped... he used Rainbow Dash.”

Pinkie Pie had tears running down her face, “I want my friends back.”

“I know Pinkie Pie but we need to gather up all of our information first.” Twilight started to list. “He can take ponies and make them his own form. He can now transform into an Earth pony from Applejack, a Pegasus pony from Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Soarin', and Most of Clouds Dale..”

I Spoke up. “And... A Unicorn...” We all looked down in despair as we remember the courageous act from Trixie.

“...And a unicorn, and can withstand the most powerful of magic we have to offer 'aka Princess Celestia'. So what can we use to stop him.”

“...Me?...”

Princess Celestia trotted forward to me. “How can we stop him using you?”

“I was able to save Gilda and I can save the others... somehow.” Gilda decided to speak up. “Listen I don't know how but he got me out of there so we have to trust him, theres gotta be a way to beat this!”

As we thought something else crossed my mind.

“Hey, did anyone check on those Cutie Mark Crusaders yet?”

Rarity let out another sceam, “Sweety Belle, we have to find them we just have too!”

We headed back to Sweet Apple Acres fast in hope to find the 3 fillies still in one piece.

___________________________________________

Meanwhile...

“So girls any ideas on how to get our Cutie Marks Today?”

A knock was heard at the door.

Applebloom got up to answer it.

“Oh hey Applejack!”

Chapter 14 Get In Line Fillies

“Howdy girls, just swinging by to check up on you. So, whatcha up to?”

“Just looking for a way to get our cutie marks, the usual.” Applebloom assured her sister.

“Hey Applejack, do you know where that green pony is that was working for you, we wanted to see if he could help us get our cutie marks today.”

“Oh sorry to tell ya this Sweetybelle but ah fired him, turns out he was just working on the farm to rob us blind, I got rid of him as soon as I saw him going through your stuff Applebloom.”

“Oh mah goodness that's terrible, I guess you can't trust too many ponies now a days.”

“That's too bad I thought he was kinda cool.”

“Oh Scootaloo, I just remembered I think Rainbow Dash wants to hang out with you later!”

“Wow really, Rainbow Dash wants to hang out with me!?”  “Yep so why don't we all just step into the barn an-(aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA) Do yall hear somethi- oomf.”

I trotted at full speed and took down Applejack from the side of the club house.”

“HEY LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE YOU THEIF!”

“Applebloom its not Applejack.” I tried to explain. “SHUT UP!” Applejack yelled. The rest of the gang was not far behind me.

  I began to throw blows with my front hooves to the struggling pony below me. With each speedy buck to the head changed his form into a different pony he had captured earlier, each buck that made contact with him let out a clopping sound, 'thump' Fluttershy 'thump' Soarin' 'thump' Rainbow Dash.

“WHAT THE HAY, RAINBOW DASH?!” The startled Scootaloo yelped.  “Hey Squirt ya wanted to see me?”

Rainbow Dash used her wings to fly out of my grasp, she flew directly towards Scootaloo.

“NOOO!” Sweetybelle jumped in the way seconds before Rainbow Dash impacted the orange pony.

Half of Sweetybelle's body was sucked into Rainbow Dashes hoof. “RARITY!”

Rarity panicked and rushed to the aid of her sister, frantically trying to pull her out of the blue Pegasus. The blue mass soon traveled up through Sweetybelle latching onto Rarity. “GAH HELP!” Rarity yelped.

“I'M COMING!” Twilight watched in horror as Spike ran up to Rainbow Dash who was swallowing more of her friends. “SPIKE NOOO!”

With Rarities final look at Spike she tried to give him reassurance. Twilight Grabbed onto Spikes tail and began to pull. Tears were filling her eyes.

I joined in trying to save Twilight and Spike from the same fate as our friends. Pinkie Pie, Derpy, Gilda and Princess Celestia Grabbed onto me from behind.

“PULL!” We heaved and tugged trying to save what was left of the line of friends. “PULL!”

One final tug made Twilight lose her grip, as we fly back we all look in horror as the last of Spikes tail was engulfed.

“No...” Twilight sat and cried, Rainbow Dash walked up to the crying purple pony. “Da-d-d-don't feel b-b-bad T-t-Twilight... I'm fa-f-f-fine...” He turned into Spike to agitate Twilight hoping to push her over the edge enough to confront him, it worked.

“I'LL KILL YOU!!” I grabbed onto Twilight as she lunged forward to attack. “STOP IT TWILIGHT, Its just what  he wants, LET ME DO IT.”

Twilight fell to the ground in despair. “Oh this was fa-f-f-fun but I really must be g-g-g-going.” Spike turned into Fluttershy and took off to the skies. “GET BACK HERE COWARD!”

Gilda tapped my shoulder, "What?" I snaped back, She pointed to the two fillies crying over there many losses.

“Mah sister's gone?” Applebloom said through her tears. “Sweetybelle, she saved me...” Scootaloo added as she hugged on to Applebloom and never let go. We were all sad and furious trying to comfort each other while they comprehended what just happened.

“Alright, in a matter of days were all going to be.... any bright ideas?” Gilda asked the group.

We all looked at Princess Celestia for answers. But there weren't any, all we could do was wait until the end...

just stick together for right now, we don't want to lose anypony else, now lets take a count for everypony here, ME, Applebloom, Scootaloo, Twilight, Princess Celestia, Derpy, Gilda, and Pinkie Pi-...”

__________________________________________

“Pinkie Pie, come here!” A faint whisper lead the pink pony to the edge of Sweet Apple Acres.

“Mrs. Cake? What are you doing out here with the twins its dangerous right now, you need to hide!”

“Oh I know pinkie but I need to go find Mr. Cake he mysteriously disappeared and I don't want the twins to get hurt could you take them with you?”

“I guess I can, just be quick okay?” “Sure...Thing...Pinkie....” Mrs. Cake handed Pinkie the twins. “Come on cuties, lets get somewhare safe- huh WHAT THE HAY, HEEEEELLLLP-mmmmmffff.”

The Two fillies wrapped around Pinkie Pie and started covering her body and her muzzle, she couldn't speak.

“mmmhmhmhmhmhahahahahaaa!” Pinkie fell into his trap. All of Pinkie was consumed except for her left eye. She watched as Mrs. Cake turned black, her mane shaped itself into a big poofy mess, it slowly took the shade of.. Pink. The two forms combined back into one, all that was left was a dark shaded pink pony just  standing with her eyes still closed as all was still coming together.

“NOW,” her eyes shot open, “LET'S GO START A PARTY!”

Chapter 15 Easy As Apple Pie

“What 'bout mah brother, is he okay?” The teary eyed Applebloom asked. “Well lets find out.”

We made our way through the orchard passing by the bundles of apple trees, we come up to the apple family home and knocked on the door to let anypony in there know we were at the door. After a few minutes of waiting we were greeted by a red stallion and an elderly green mare.

“Hey everything all right, why's everypony so downstruck?” Applebloom rushed to hug her big brother's hoof for protection. “APPLEJACK'S GONE.” Applebloom yelled through her crying. Big mac and Granny Smith looked dumbfounded. “Wait What!? What do ya mean gone?” Big mac shouted waiting for an explanation. “This evil shape shifting pony came and beat us all up then took our friends!” As crazy as it sounded Applebloom had it spot on.

Big mac looked back at us for clarification on what Applebloom was saying to see if it was true, sadly we all nodded in agreement.

“Where is this guy, I outta buck his head in til' he ain't right!” Princess Celestia decided to fill in the red stallion. “Well, that's just the thing, he could be anypony, even Applejack, as far as we know, we're the only ones he can't be... for now..”

“Plus bucking him won't do any good, he can absorb anypony he wants just by touching them, you go after him looking for a fight and you would be dead by the time he see's you.” “Thanks for that Gilda....  But, I don't know yet but I don't think anypony is dead. He absorbed Gilda before and Somehow I was sucked in too, I was able to get her out somehow but I don't know what I did to do it, it just happened.”

Applebloom shot up. “So your saying there's hope for mah big sis?” “Maybe, I'm not 100% on this, but I think we may just have a shot, I've been trying to figure out what his motive is, capture all ponies, but if this is true, why won't he capture me?”

Granny smith took the fillies inside to feed and care for them while we had our discussion in the living room.

“Either he knows something we don't about you, or he's just saving you for last just for fun.”

“You may be right Derpy, I don't know for sure if he will absorb me but he can still kill me, he has inflicted some injuries on me to some extend and I am sure if given the slightest notion that we might get ahead of him he won't resist killing me.”

“But how are we supposed to get ahead of him, he could be anypony...” Someone knocked on the door, Big mac got up to answer it. “Uhh hey Pinkie Pie.” “HIIII is everypony else inside?” “Eyep, come on in.”

“Pinkie, where did you go, we thought we lost you.” I asked. “Oh I was making sure that mean pony didn't show back up here to get you guys so I kept an eye on the place, when I came back you were all gone so I just assumed you came to the house.”

“Well at least your safe.”

“Where are those poor fillies at?”

“Oh there with Granny Smith in the kitchen.”

“Oooh goodie, I can help bake them some pastries.”

“Hey Granny Smith, need any help?” The poor old mare gave pinkie a nod of approval still struck by the loss of her granddaughter.  “Well just let me know what you want me to do.”

“Could you be a dear and get me some flower, I'm going to make them some apple pies.”

“Sure thing granny.” Pinkie Pie walked over to the pantry and located the flower, she spit into the large bag before handing it back to Granny Smith. “Thank you Pinkie, I have everything else right here so we can start baking. After some time the pie was ready, she sat it on the table in front of the two fillies to let it cool. “Hey Granny Smith could you come here for a second?” They walked into the next room over. “Sure thing Pinkie what is it” “I'm really sorry about Applejack.” “Thank you Pinkie, it means a lot don't feel bad, its not like you did it.”  “But I do feel bad, Oh! I na-na-know how to cha-ch-ch-cheer you up!” “Pinkie what's wrong, your not looking right.” “Oh Granny of course I don't look right, Its me Applejack remember!” “APPLEJACK, WHAT IN EQUESTRIA, THEY SAID YOU WERE GONE!” “Don't worry granny, I wouldn't lie to you, now give me a hug!” Anypony would have obviously ran in terror but granny smith was just too old and shocked to see Applejack again, she trotted over to give her granddaughter a big hug.

“We need to find out how we can use you to beat him.” Twilight and the others still chatting about the monster. I whispered to everypony in the room,“I don't know why but I feel like we need to keep it down around Pinkie, something just doesn't seem right.” Everypony nodded in agreement.

“Well I think it would be best if we kept going, We can all go to my Castle in Canterlot, we should be safe there.” “Sounds like a good idea Princess, thank you.”

“Well I ain't leavin' the farm for nothing, this my home and I intend to keep it that way.” Granny Smith yelled. “But Granny, it ain't safe, if you really mean it I'll stay with you.” Big Mac added.

“Are you sure that's a good idea Big Mac? Its not safe!”  “Look I know whats out there but we Apples like to stand our ground. I know its not safe so please take Applebloom and her friend with ya.”

We agreed, I went into the kitchen to get the two fillies. “Wow you two can sure put down a pie!”

“Actually it was just Applebloom, I'm not very hungry right now.” “An' I stress eat sometimes.” Applebloom felt obligated to tell me, reassuring methat I was aware she was just as sad as Scootaloo.

“Alright well come on we're spending the night at the castle. Wheres Pinkie Pie?”

Granny Smith trotted in. “Oh well she is uh in the bathroom, let me go get her, Big Mac can you come here for a second.”

Granny and Big Mac walked through the hallway to the bathroom while everypony waited ready to go.

“Yeah Granny, what ya need?”  “Oh I just can't seem to get this door unjammed and I'm afraid Pinkie Pie is stuck in the bathroom until we get it open.”  “Let me.”  Big Mac gave the door a push and it opened right up.

“Huh, nopony's in here?” Granny smith shut the door with both of them inside. A few minutes later the door opened back up, with only one pony exiting....

Pinkie Pie..

Chapter 16 Bedtime Stories

“Ready!” The pink pony said as she rushed everypony out of the farm. Celestia had called upon two stallions and a chariot to fly us to Canterlot.

As we flew through the air, nopony could say a word. By now there was nothing really to say, we can't find a way to beat Nopony, most of our friends are gone, and the ones that are still here may very well be a fake that will kill the rest of us. Things aren't looking good, the only brightside right now is that were all together, and then there's Twilight..

Everypony was sad and their expressions were  gloomy, all except for Pinkie Pie who was just enjoying the scenery.

Rain suddenly started pouring down. “What's with the rain Twilight, I thought you said the pegasi were the only ones who could control the weather but there's none in sight of here besides Princess Celestia and Derpy.”

“I Don't know, this just came out of nowhere.” All eyes were aimed at Derpy and the Princess, they just shrugged.

“Well were here anyways, c'mon I will show you all to your quarters, we all need to get some sleep.”

As we made our way to the castle we noticed that Canterlot seemed untouched. Everypony there seemed fine and mostly unaware of the situation. The citizens were just taking their daily stroll through the shops and restaurants,going about another usual day.

The Princess led us to a small but very open hallway, each side covered with doors. “Alright, I'll let you all settle in, I'm going to inform the guards that you are here.”

I leaned over to the Princess to whisper, “Make sure they know what their guarding..” Celestia gave a simple nod and took her leave.

We all walked over to the door of the room that we chose. Scootaloo and Applebloom decided to bunk together.

Twilight |

   |Derpy

          Scootaloo/Applebloom |

   |Gilda

         Pinkie Pie |

                |Me

     Main Hall

↓

____________________________________________________________________

Once we were all settled we said our good nights and went to bed.

A few minutes pass and I couldn't fall to sleep, I'm going crazy with paranoia. I left my room and checked on everypony's doors. Things seemed quiet enough, but there was one door in particular I was after.

I came up to Twilight's door, I wanted to make sure nothing could get to her so I stood guard.

It had been a few hours and my eyelids were being pulled down as if they were tied to bricks, my mind scrambled as I tried to stay conscious. It was no use, I slammed against the floor unable to move.

The noise had woken up Twilight, she opened her door to check if everything was alright. She scanned the hallway but to no avail she found nothing. Just as she began to shut her door she notices a sleeping green pony hunched over himself. She knew I was keeping guard for her.

She levitated me onto her back and closed the door.

I woke up in the dead of night, trying to move but being held down I could not. I struggled for a second before I realized what was holding me their, it was a sleeping Twilight Sparkle, she had me in her embrace. All four hooves wrapped around my back,  her head resting on my neck, I decided to return the favor and wrap my hooves around her back squeezing us together, our underbelly's come together in a powerful embrace.

She moved a little when I did this but did not wake up, her facial expression was a simple smile as she slept.

I was overpowered by emotion, I felt like shivering, vomiting, and crying at the same time. It was all too much, and I loved every second of it.

As the night went by we were suddenly awaken by a knock on the door. We answered it to find Gilda. “Twilight, Applebloom's- oh.. hey, I didn't know you two were... spending the night together..” Gilda had a smirk on her face.

I gave Gilda a look of disappointment as I rolled my eyes. We were both turning bright red as Twilight quickly snapped her out of it knowing at what she was getting at. “What about Applebloom, whats wrong?”

“She's not feeling good, she keeps complaining about a stomach ache, Derpy's in there right now trying to calm her down.”

“Alright well lets go check on her, is everypony up?”

“Everypony except Pinkie Pie, she wasn't in her room.”

“Figures, alright lets go see whats the matter.”

I walked into the filly's room with the others, Scootaloo looked distressed as she saw her friend in pain.

“Applebloom tell me whats wrong.”

“Ah keep getting this weird pain in my tummy!” Applebloom was cringing in pain.

“What all did you eat?”

“All I've eaten so far was the pie that Granny Smith and Pinkie Pie baked.” I looked over at scootaloo.

“DID YOU EAT ANY OF IT!” Scootaloo looked scared at my tone and urgency.

“N-no I wasn't hungry.”

We all gave each other looks thinking the exact same thing... Where's Pinkie Pie.

Trotting down the hall as fast as we could go, we were desperately trying to find a medical pony on staff, Twilight recalled that the castle had a doctor but couldn't remember where he was located.

We were soon greeted by Pinkie Pie bouncing along the hallway back to her room.

“Where have you been.” everypony was getting tired of Pinky's cheery attitude.

“Oh just out doing some sight seeing, its like a free vacatio-” “STOP!”

Pinkie looked nervous, eyes darting around the room.“What I just-”

“No, its just sad now, you really don't know how to portray my friends do you.”

“Wait what, I-”

“No cut it out, your a dead giveaway, when I first came to town and met Pinky, I made her upset when I yelled at her for jumping on Twilight. Her hair went flat and she dropped immediately into a severe depression. I highly doubt she could watch all of her friends getting taken away from her before her very eyes and call it a 'Vacation'.”

“Oh how smarty smart smart of you, you sure are clever. But now I must invite my next guest to my Super-Awesome-Extreme-Equestrian-Stravaganza!”

“What are you-” A muffled sound came from behind me. Applebloom's mouth was filled up with something. Unable to hold the force, a black mass shot out from her lips and surrounded her body.

“LET HER GO!” Scootaloo shouted, she tried to pull it off but it stuck to her as well.

I tried to rip it off of them but it kept forming back. The others tried to help but I had to shove them off, fearing that it would take them to.

Their bodies shot into the air and slammed into Pinkie Pie, joining her body as one.

“GUARDS!!” Twilight shouted trying to find help.

“Oh that won't d-d-do any g-g-good!” Pinkie Pie turned into a castle guard. “Yep it took all night but I was able to get every single castle guard.”

“Why?” Derpy said, anger in her voice.

“With the castle's only security out of  the way I could easily c-c-claim my p-p-prize.” He transformed again.

“My dearest student Twilight Sparkle, it seems you need another lesson.” Guards Sprang up out of nowhere and grabbed Derpy and Gilda. They tried to fly away but they couldn't break free.

“GET OUT OF HERE!”  “TAKE TWILIGHT AND GO NOW!” Gilda and Derpy both screamed.

A small door appeared at the bottom of the wall, no bigger than Applebloom. A blue hoof waved us through.”Come On!” I snatched Twilight and squeezed ourselves through.

“Who- who are you?”

“Why I'm Princess Luna.”

“There Are two Princesses?”

“Yes, Twilight have you not spoken of me?”

“Sorry, it kind of slipt my mind.”

Chapter 17 Escape to Nowhere

“I am the sister of Princess Celestia,you see I have been trapped on the moon for a thousand years. I was evil and wanted to control the moon to bring everlasting night to Equestria. Celestia had no other choice but to banish me on the moon... though I do feel it was a bit of an over reaction, one thousand years is a long time to be trapped with only your thoughts to keep you company, most ponies would have gone mad, I however, am stronger because of it and will do everything in my power to help you defeat him.”

“That's got to be a big change for you.”

“I had to change my literacy completely but other than a few new names and some catching up it was no big deal“

“I am very sorry to see things turn out the way they did. I have been keeping a close eye on you, up until recent events I though everything was going perfectly. Celestia gave me all the information I needed in the mean time. Speaking of which is why I am here... She informed me that if anything should happen to her, lead as many of the group as you can through the Canterlot Royal secret passage way, do not interfere with this beast, It can and will rid the would of both you and I without lifting so much as a hoof. She also informed me to trust nopony, my main goal was to protect Twilight and her little green friend.”

“I guess that means me.”

“Now as much as I would like to chat we still have a very serious situation in our hooves, you and Twilight need to take this tunnel out to the Everfree Forest and hide out there, until when I am not sure, I.. I don't know how we are going to beat him but as long as Twilight and you are okay I'm sure something is bound to happen, we need somepony to make it through all this right?”

Twilight stepped into the conversation with concern.“Princess Luna what are you saying?”

The small door began thumping, dints were forming and it would surely break soon.

“Look you and Twilight need to go now, I'll hold them off the best I can.”

“Luna wait, can't you help us?” Twilight wanted the aid of a more powerful magic user than herself.

“Trust me Twilight I am helping, I believe in you, you two can do this, I have faith, one more thing..”

Luna looked at me in particular.

“When I was Nightmare Moon, Everypony thought that the only way to stop me was to use the elements of harmony... I felt as if there was an alternate way, I don't know what but I felt completely vulnerable. I hope that helps now GO!

I grabbed onto Twilight and lead her through the tunnel.

The door busted down and overflowed with the black mass. It regained its form in front of Luna.

“So this is the infamous Princess Luna. Oh Celestia has told me so much about you, what with your banishment to the moon and so forth. Now tell me, did Celestia send you to the moon before or after you became a power hungry tyrant?”

“You shut your mouth!” Luna used the Royal Canterlot Voice. Luna used her magic to force the cave wall to crash down on the exit, the rubble blocked his path.

“Oh don't raise your voice at me, I'm simply trying to help you.”

“In what possible way can you help me?”

“Well, what did you do on the moon for a thousand years?”

“I- I had nothing, just my thoughts, all I could see was darkness, and after a while that's all I could think about.. darkness.”

An evil grin struck his face.

“We were old acquaintances you and I, why don't we take a little trip down memory lane...

Now how did you become Nightmare Moon?”

“If you must know, I was suddenly overcome by evil and darkness and my heart filled with hatred because nopony would play or frolic in my beautiful nighttime sky.”

“Yes, buy what about before, you were a Princess before Nightmare Moon, am I not correct?”

“Well yes but..”

“But what, but you were soon overcome by darkness...” He gave Luna a disturbing smirk.

“You.. your not making any sense, everypony has hatred for somethings sometimes..”

“And I have hatred for all things all of the time, now are you going to put the pieces together or shall I..”

“Are you trying to tell me that your the spirit of Nightmare Moon?”

“Oh ho ho ho no, I'm not the spirit of Nightmare Moon, I am the creator of Nightmare Moon.  And if you don't mind, my.. hmm.. daughter and I have some catching up to do.”

“No I-gbbbmmm”

“Now, how do you feel?”

“....better... Than... EVER!”

“Good now, lets go pick up an old pal of mine..”

“Get out of that rock you multi-species buffoon, I have some work for you to do.”

“WHO DARE'S AWAKEN THE GOD OF CHAOS!”

“ME!”

Discord coward down in fear as Nopony grabbed him by the neck.

“What a... p-pleasant... s-suprise, Its.. been.. a.... while.......” Discord could barely breathe let alone talk.

“Now you listen here and listen good, I don't have time for your bucking shenanigans, I won't kill you. What I want you to do is warp the land around the Everfree forest now!”

“Gah- okay okay!” With a snap of his claws Discord warped the land around the Everfree forest upward Ten Thousand feet high.

“Good, now to keep with my promise.” Nopony chucked Discord to the ground. “Are you aware of a mare by the name of 'Queen Chrysalis'?”

“Uh, somewhat yes.”

“Good, go to her and tell her to take care of the Dragon Kingdom, I'll meet with her shortly.”

“Twilight, I think I found our way out!” The cave had been filled with multiple tunnels that headed to nowhere, luckily Twilight's magic helped lead the way.

“Finally the forest... What.. do we do... now...” I slowed to a stop as we exited the cave, the walls of the Everfree Forest blocked any type of exit what so ever.

“Twilight, I think we we're going to be here a while... Any bright ideas?”

“Well we could try to find somepony that can help us.”

“Alright, how many ponies do you think are left?”

“....Two....”

Twilight looked downward in disappointment.

“Two is enough to stop him.”

“Twilight, we need somewhere to hide for now... I think I know where to go.”

We walked forward through the forest searching for a place to hide.

“Lets see who's home.”

We knocked on the door.

“Zecora.. you in there?”

The door creaked open but Zecora wasn't there. We searched her hut trying to find something that could help us, anything would do, I had a feeling that were not far from our last encounter.

“Find anything?” Twilight said, her head buried in a bookshelf.

“No, just some jars of strange liquids.”

“Oooh here's something!” Twilight giddily spoke.

“What? A book?”

“Yeah, on unicorns.”

“So any useful information?”

“Uh, nothing I didn't already know.”

“Here let me have a look.” Twilight handed me the book. “..Interesting.”

“What?”

“Uh, nothing.” I didn't want to startle Twilight with my findings, it was pretty weird but, information is information.

“Come on, lets find a good place to sleep.”

“Your highness, we have a visitor.”

“What?! Nopony ever ventures to our lands, bring him in.” The Guards rushed away to grab the visitor.

“Well well well, I haven't seen you in a while Discord, What brings you here?”

"I'm not here to play games Chrysalis, Hes returned."

"Who?"

“...Nopony...”

Queen Chrysalis was taken back.

“Since When Did He Get Back Into The Picture?”

“I don't know but he wants you to take your changelings and overthrow the Dragon Kingdom. He will be coming by soon to check on your progress.”

“Soon? How soon? Where is he?”

“I'd give him a day or two. And he just finished wiping out all life in Ponyville and Canterlot.”

“He can't expect me to do that, I am a Queen, I will show him who is Supreme ruler around here. Discord come with me.”

The night air was cold even in the cottage. Twilight and I were holding each other in the same position as we where back in Canterlot Castle. We were cold frightend and could only think of one thing at the moment.. Each other.”

“Well isn't that cute, two love birds in their nest.”

“N-Nightmare Moon!?”

“Yes now if you would simply come with me, I'll ensure your death be quick and painless... Oh wait, I mean slow and horrifying!”

Twilight shot up ready to fight, I held a hoof out blocking her path.

One thought ran through my head. “I felt... vulnerable....”

“HEY LUNA!”

“Don't call me that!”

“We care about you, your not alone ANYMORE!” I jumped at her, she put a hoof up to block my path but I latched onto it with a hug.

“Let go! LET GO!” Nightmare Moon banged around the room trying to shake me off it wouldn't work”

“I Said L-let me GO!”

“NO, YOUR NOT ALONE, I'M HERE!” "I KNOW YOU CAN HERE ME LUNA!"

“LET GOOO!” Her body started convulsing, her dark  skin sliding off of her body and seemed to die on the floor.

A smaller blue Alicorn fell to the ground.  I helped her  into our bed.

“Twilight, shes going to be out for a while, lets find another spot.”

Twilight and I laid down next to a small pond. We took our gaze to the night sky then back to each other.

This is far from over.

Chapter 18 Friendship Is Magic...

We picked a nice spot under the trees so we could be sheltered by the still going mysterious rainfall. Twilight had fallen into a deep sleep, it had only been a few hours but I can't bring myself to close my eyes. Was it really that simple, just showing friendship and compassion. I just assumed that's what Luna was getting at back at the cave, she felt so alone and useless as if no one wanted her. Could Nopony feel this way too? I don't think so, even if he needs friendship and compassion, he won't change by a simple hug and a 'we care about you', no... he's different. He's not kindness surrounded by evil.. Hes evil surrounded by hatred.

Discord and Chrysalis Flying to find Nopony.

“Tell me this Discord, hows it been in that rock for so many years?”

“Oh just dandy, I get to watch all of those pretty little ponies prance around me like an exhibit at the museum!”

“Hey don't get snappy, I'm just making small talk, you always did anger easily for someone who likes to play fun little tricks that those little creatures love so much.”

“Yeah yeah, says the one who steals love away from ponies.”

“Hey my kingdom has to eat too remember. As I recall, my minions did have a bountiful feast last time you were around, so whose the lucky Dragon, Goat, Lion, thing.”

“You'd better keep quiet, this is not the time, do you think he is going to just say hi once he sees us, he gave us orders and by not obeying them he'll probably want a pretty good explanation, all I'm saying is are you prepared for anything because last time I checked, he wasn't very fond of me.”

“Discord, you worry too much, although you do bring up a good point. If he does happen to lash out, I'm sure you'll think of something.”

Discord rolled his eyes.

“What's with all of this rain.”

Twilight started shuffling. “Glad to see you up, how'd you sleep?”

“Oh it was pretty good, but you know what would be even better?”

“What?”

Twilight Swung her hoof into my jaw, her hoof exploded with liquid and covered my face, I couldn't breathe. I struggled  to get away as the goo slowly pulled me in deeper, I looked up back into Twilight's eyes, they were bright red. I was surely going to die from lack of oxygen, Twilight laughed hysterically as she pulled me in closer.

“No, it can't end this way! IT CAN'T!”

I ripped myself free of her suffocating grasp and ran deep into the woods. Trotting as fast as I can, trying to escape the elusive mare. Her laughter echoed through the woods as I tried to get away, tears filling my eyes and rain pouring down blinding my vision.

The laughter stopped. A dead silence fell on the woods, nothing but the sound of small bugs and animals.

“I have nowhere else to go, I can't escape, I-” I stopped dead in my tacks to find a mangled bloodied purple body lying on the forest floor in front of me. Neck snapped and blood trickling out of her mouth... Twilight.

“TWILIGHT!!” I bounce up trying to collect myself. “A dream?... It was all a dream?” It was still early in the moring.

I looked over to my side where Twilight was sleeping, she was gone.

I raced through the forest trying to find the pony I've come to care for so much, hoping that she is okay and not in the hands of that monster.

I found myself lost and confused and ready to attack just about anything that would cross my path.

“If I was to run into that beast at any given second he would be history!”

A voice came crashing down from all directions.

“Oh? Then why don't we make a little game out of it. If you can't find me before sundown tonight, I'll kill her. But if you can, then you win the Grand Prize, you get to watch me do it.”

“QUIT HIDING YOU COWARD!”

“Oh, if your going to be like that then I won't hesitate to take penalties against you, how about this, with each little outburst you make, I'll have Big Mac make an appearance and buck poor little Twilight's face in.”

I was silent.

“Oh and by the way, your purposeless life will probably go with hers, you NAMELESS freak.”

My body twitched in anger but I could not retaliate for Twilight's sake.

“Good now if I were you, I would get going, after all, The Clock... Is.. Ticking...”

It's been hours in the woods and still nothing.  I could barely see the sun at all, the clouds were too thick. I needed to act fast.

“If I'm going to stop him I'd have to do it fast. There's no doubt in my mind that at the end of today, one of us will be dead, and I couldn't care less about myself. The only pony who will to make it out of this will be Twilight, and that's a promise.”

Just above me I see Two creatures flying overhead. I waived my hoof in the hair to try and signal them to me, it worked. They were fly straight to me.

“Discord, I thought you said all life was gone in Ponyville.”

“This one must have sneaked by, Why hello there little pony, what are you doing alone in the woods?”

“I'm working on killing Nopony, care to help?”

Discord and Chrysalis looked at each other and then back to me.

“How?” They both chimed.

“Well lets see, I've confronted him multiple times, I've been able to conflict minor physical damage, he hasn't absorbed me yet nor has he shown any ability of which he can do so, and my heart burns with a fiery passion to save my marefriend, Twilight Sparkle, before he kills her at sunset tonight.”

“Twilight.... “ Discord mumbled. “Well it seems hes bested you before by the look of that horn.”

I gave Discord a look of annoyance and anger.

Chrysalis pulled him to the side to chat away from me.

“That Twilight Sparkle put me back in that cursed rock! I don't want to help him!”

“Okay fine then don't, but if he fails, were next in line...”

“Good point... OKAY HARAA HARAA DICORD AND CHRYSALIS HERE TO SAVE THE DAY... so what do you expect us to do?”

Discord was full of sarcasm at this point and I don't think he was too thrilled to be take orders from a pony.

“Alright well, I just need a way to find him before sundown, any Ideas.”

“We could fly but I'm not sure we want to present ourselves to him.” Chrysalis said trying to help.

“Can you at least keep a look out, it would probably be easier to find him if we had a birds eye view.”

Chrysalis took off to the sky, she sped up faster and faster until she came to a sudden stop. Her body came crashing down at high speeds until she hit the ground.

Discord and I ran to her aid. “Is she alright.” I asked Discord.

“Oh wait, shes waking up!”

“What happened?”

“It's a barrier spell keeping us in, but the rain seems to fall right through, seems like things can enter but not escape, how could he do that?” Discord pondered.

“He does have Celestia, along with any other magical being at his whim, He must have used the same spell that kept him in all these years, but, only on us...”

“Here I'll phase the walls surrounding the forest down.” Discord tried with all of his might but the walls wouldn't budge, they were cursed with magic.

“I guess we're walking..” Chrysalis huffed.

“It's fine, lets just get going fast, from what I can imagine, we don't have much time left.”

“Hey, don't get to close to that cave.” Discord said in a  worried tone.

A strange growl came from inside, large earthquakes shook the ground in small intervals. “Whats happening?”

A purple glow showed from inside the cave, as it got brighter, the figure it illuminated got bigger, soon it was just a short distance away.

Discord an Chrysalis backed away slowly, leaving me in the way.

Discord whispered in fear, “What are you doing get back!”

“What, why what is it-!” A loud Growl penetrated any ear within a hundred miles.

“It's an Ursa Major, NOW GET OUT OF THE WAY!” The illuminated beast charged forward toward us, Discord jumped in front of me and raised his arms into the air. A solid piece of earth shot up from the ground. The beast leaped forward trying to make a speedy escape before it was sealed in. The piece of earth slammed into the underbelly of the beast. At a last second attempt it clawed through as much of the earth as it could before it was completely stuck. Bits of dirt flew left and right while the whales of the monster screeched forth.

“GO, I can't hold it forever, GO!”

“But you can't take on that thing by your self!”

“I don't care, now go before we're all dead!”

I tried to grab Chrysalis and go but she had other plans, jumping in front of Discord, she uses her magic to help control the beast, it didn't look like it was working very well but I could see it can buy some time.

Chrysalis looked back at me, “GO NOW!”

I gave her a nod of my head and leaped away into the think brush.

Discord and Chrysalis both looked at each other, then gave each other a worried smile. The Ursa major was almost completely freed from its cave as it clawed violently through the wall, growling and snarling as it shook the ground.

I headed through the forest, I had to get away from that area as fast as possible.

Still panting I wanted to shout so badly in my rage, but then Twilight's image showed up in my head. I didn't want her to get hurt.

It was just me left. Sitting alone. In the rain.  Twilight.....

“I have to keep going I have to-” A branch was suddenly struck by lightning and gave me a blow to my head.

Moments later I wake up, the storm now more furious than ever. “Oh no what time is it? How much longer do I have?”

I ran through the forest trying my best to keep my vision sharp, then it hit me. “Where else in this forest is he going to be.” I face hoofed at the sheer obviousness that occurred to me.

I quickly wandered about trying to remember specific things that could lead me back to that spot, I soon realized that I had ended up on the same path Rainbow Dash and I went. I followed it hoping this would be it, if not.. then its over.

“Almost there.” I trotted fast toward the location until I came to a stop as my hooves slid across the mud and dirt.

“This is it, but... he's not here..” I was at the small treeless patch of forest that I had woken up in, and where we had our altercation.

I sat as the heavy rain hammered down on my head, by the looks of it, rain was covering my face, but it wasn't rain, it was tears.

“......So... lets get this over with shall we?”

I didn't even look up, grinding my teeth as my entire body became filled with rage.

Nopony was just sitting there waiting for a good moment to reveal himself, as he protruded through the dark forest into the small area, his body was soon covered by the powerful storm. As as he came, I noticed  a small pony in his claws.... The Purple one, My Purple one. Twilight's face struck with fear, she wanted to scream for help but was in complete shock.

“Give her to me, NOW!” Anger shook my voice as if pure rage was visibly firing out of my mouth. My body shaking in place.

“But don't you remember our little game? I thought I explained it quite clear.” He waved his free hand through the air as seven black  amorphous blobs fell from his arm. They shook as they formed into seven more than familiar faces... Derpy, Gilda, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and.. Rainbow Dash.

“Oh well, I guess I'll be a nice guy for a change and give you your prize and to make sure of thinks, I'll have your friends hold your eyes open, I wouldn't want you to miss anything.” Nopony lifts Twilight's body into the air as my demonized friends slowly walked toward me, all faces slapped with an evil grin.

“Think about your next move wisely....”

Nopony froze as his arms were motioning a downward thrust.

“Oh, and why is that?”

I looked up at him.

“Because.... I'LL KILL YOU..”

My eyes were burning as white beams of light filled my face. My eyes lost all color, nothing but white, smoking from two empty holes. I began sweating profusely as the white beams outlined my entire body.

“Whats this new trick, you can't use magic.”

I didn't even know what was happening, I decided to come to the closest conclusion I could think of.

“I think your underestimating me, YOU MADE ME AFTER ALL!”

“Well that is true, but I gave you no better than any other pony around here, no horn, no magic.”

“..wrong....”

My voice became unrecognizable as my own, it sounded different. Because this time, I mean it.

“your WRONG! I DON'T NEED A NAME, I HAVE FRIENDS THEY HAVE NAMES  AND THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME, I DON'T NEED ONE AND I DON'T WANT ONE, I'M BETTER OFF WITHOUT IT. THATS WHAT MAKES ME WHO I AM!”

“YOU THINK I DON'T HAVE A PURPOSE, YOU COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG I HAVE A BIGGER PURPOSE THAN YOU COULD EVER HOPE TO IMAGINE, MY PURPOSE IS PROTECTING MY FRIENDS, THEY ARE MY PURPOSE! THEY ARE MY NAME!

DERPY

GILDA

PINKIE

RARITY

APPLEJACK

FLUTTERSHY

RAINBOWDASH

AND TWILIGHT!!!”

As I shouted each ponies name, a beam of light shot out of my broken horn toward the corresponding pony freezing them in place, not through the middle of my horn, but the sharpened edges from when it was broken off, each sharp rugged edge protruding from the remains of my horn piercing through each one of my seven friends.

“THOSE ARE MY NAMES, AND EVERYPONY AND CREATURE ON THIS PLANET IS MY PURPOSE, THEY ARE ALL I NEED AND ALL I WANT IN LIFE! I WANT TO PROTECT THEM AS THEY PROTECT ME, AND IF YOUR STANDING IN THE WAY OF THAT.. THEN I'LL DO MY PART TO PROTECT THEM.”

“I DON'T NEED A HORN OR ANYTHING ELSE TO STOP YOU, ALL I NEED IS FRIENDSHIP. BECAUSE FRIENDSHIP.....     IS....       MAGIC!!!!”

The hollow hole in my horn burst open, firing a wave of pure white energy. My four hooves slid back in the dirt slightly as the force pushed me back.

“What is this,  STOP!! STOP!!” He lost grip of Twilight as he tried to get away from the wave of energy. She jumped down and came beside me.

As the wave struck him he soon couldn't move. He wasn't done yet.

“YOU FOOLS THIINK YOU CAN DESTROY ME!” His body grew four times its original size, his body gave the appearance of melting but it was only a sign that he was about to completely demolish everything.

Magic pouring out of me as seven beams against my friends and a massive beam for Nopony, it was all too much, I was overflowing with energy and my body couldn't take it.

Nopony began to move forward as if it had no effect. Twilight watched in horror as she knew this would be it. She aimed her horn for the side of my body and Shot out a beam of her own toward me. She was channeling her magic through me. Her magic stabbed into my already overflowing body.

I could fell so much more power rushing through me. It soon built up and became a second wave on top of the first. The explosion of energy that came with it through me back a far distance, my hooves still dragging in the dirt as I stay planted to the ground.

The second wave flew up the first and blew right through him. A screech soon followed as his body flew in pieces all over the forest.

I soon lost all of my power, and the feeling of my hooves.

Twilight started shouting in joy.

“WE DID IT!... We Did it... we did it... e..id ..it” My eyes circling left and right as everything became a blur, Twilight's voice slowly faded away, I fell to the ground, rain still pouring down over us.

I woke up, in a bed, my bed.

“Uh, What? What happened to me?”

I was in my house, it was the dead of night and there was a strong storm outside.

“It... It can't be all a dream. No, I was finally HAPPY!”

Then I realized something, my dad was still missing. I followed the same path going down the same hallway that fateful night, heading towards my basement. “Could that beam of light that I saw still take me back?”

I leaned up against the door, grasping the nob with as much strength my arm could give. With one quick motion I swung the door open... nothing.

I catch a small clicking sound right next to my ear. By instinct I flinch down.

A gunshot was fired, the bullet's path was adjacent to the side of my head. Out of the corner of my eye I see the gun, levitating on the side of the door. Followed by the hand... of my dad.

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!” I bolted through the hallway trying to find an escape, my dad was soon following behind. I hear another click, I jump under the kitchen counter as a bullet fired out of the barrel. I stayed in my hiding place.

“Kid, you better save a bullet for me, I'm going to put an end to all our misery, your mom went through the same phase but I got her to wise up, now stand up like a good boy and be a man.

“I AM A MAN!”  I swung a lose kitchen knife at him. He barely dodged it as it cut through his right shoulder... he dropped the gun.

I scrambled out of my spot to reach for the gun on the floor. I had it in my hands, my dad grabbed the knife out of his shoulder and stabbed me through the arm. I screamed in pain but didn't lose the gun. I aimed it right at his head from the ground.

“You think your tough enough to kill me, your own father? Your nothing but a worthless little girl!”

“....Its Pronounced... BRONY.” I fired the gun.

I stumbled outside into the rain. “I have nothing left, my family is gone, I have no money.. I'm homeless.”

Thunder started banging and the wind picked up. I fell to my knees and started weeping in the middle of the street.

A lightning bolt spiked down to earth from the sky, it struck me at the top of my head. Everything went blank.

“......ear..... lear......clear.....CLEAR!!”  I jolted up from a bed gasping for air. I starting flailing and fidgeting my body before I realized where I was. It was an Emergency Room.

“HES AWAKE!!” Shouted a multitude of voices surrounding  me.

“T-Twilight, you guys, your HERE!”

“Why wouldn't we be? The only pony that was gone was you.

I'm back, and I remember everything from my past and where I came from. Everypony I met in Equestria was standing around my bed.

“We thought you were gone sugar cube.”

“Heh, Yeah you can't leave yet, we still have to throw you that Party!”

Twilight leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I blushed.

Spike and Rarity were looking over me as well, they were practically leaning on each other, I assume Spike sacrificing himself to save Rarity gave him some bonus points.

Celestia came forward, “You saved all of Equestria, I think you deserve a Spot on the stain glass in my throne room, and a statue wouldn't be too much either.”

I gave Celestia a wink.

“Hey, what happened to Discord and Chrysalis?”

“Oh right, well they had a lot of explaining to do, but we new they were telling the truth once we saw there condition.”

“Huh” I looked over through the open door, They were being wheeled into a guest room on a flat bed, Chrysalis was cut up and bruised, Discord however was in a full body cast. I assume he had some heroism involved, as they rolled away, both of them smiling as her hoof was in his paw. I couldn't hid my laughter all though I tried to suppress it as much as I could.

Three fillies hopped up on the bed to sit next to me, Applebloom and Scootaloo both hugging SweetyBelle for saving them.

“We're glad your okay!”

“Thanks girls, it means a lot.”

“Twilight told us all about it, it sounded awesome!” Scootaloo shouted

“Yeah you were pretty awesome!” Rainbow Dash added.

“It wasn't a big deal I-”  “Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy was sitting at a nearby window, tears filling up her eyes, she tries to hide it but it doesn't work. I motion her to come closer to me.

I gave her a hug. “He knows you loved him very much, and you have more animal friends at home to take care of, plus you have us.”

To some ponies, it was just a bunny, but this was Fluttershy were talking about.

Fluttershy squeezed tighter around my neck, tears still running down her eyes. “Thank You.”

Luna Spoke up, “So, Twilight says you found your purpose.”

“Yeah... its all of you.”

A glow suddenly illuminated my flank, The Cutie Mark Crusaders along with everpony's eyes  grew wide at the sight...

Except for Derpy's, whose eyes just convulsed in a strange but pleasant pattern as she smiled.

THE END.

Chapter 7 Lions and Eagles and Ponies Oh My!

The next day I woke up, Twilight was already gone. I looked around for Spike but he was nowhere to be found. “Probably at Rarities.” I thought out loud. I guess I'll head to Sweet Apple Acres for today’s duties.

I made my way to the farm, everything looked in place, Apples most of the apples were finally starting to grow back and as usual Aj and Bigmac were out buckin'. I took my place and joined them. “How are you guys this mourning?” Applejack replied “Well other than the heat its turning out to be a real nice day.”

I finished up at the farm and made my way through the town, just passing buy stores and fellow ponies. I wasn't sure what I was really looking to do but I was just  bored. I decided I saw what I needed to see in town.. But whats beyond it? I wanted to see everything around this magical land. I decided to take a look about the outskirts of town. Just patches of forests and flower beds. In The middle of one of the flowerbeds, a strange creature protruded out from under it. It was like a bird's head with a lion's body... My curiosity got the best of me.

“Hey what are you up to?” She looked up at me in a surprise, she didn't expect to see anypony to see her in her secluded area. “Wha- what do you want.” I looked at her with a questionable but happy expression. “Well to know your name if your willing to give it to me.” She suddenly achieved the attitude she was looking for as she spoke to me as if she was the highest and mightiest of all of equestria. “If you must know, the names Gilda and by the looks of things... your nopony!” “How'd you know?” Glida looked at me in surprise of my simple comeback. “Hey whats with you, you keep eyeballing me!” “Oh I've just never met anything like you.” “Big deal you think I'm a freak just because I have the body of two animals, well let me tell you pal, my race can destroy anypony anyday.” “I'd agree with that.” I let back in a smile. “What?!? QUIT LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!!” “Oh um I'm sorry I've just never seen something so-” “Ugly” She interjected. “WHAT? I was gonna say awesome.” She looked surprised. “What? A pony thinks I'm awesome?” “Well yeah I mean look at you, you could easily rip a pony to shreds with your beak and talons, teamed up with the agility of your hunter-body and wings makes you like a super pony.. or griffin”

Gilda looked at me as she started to blush. “You really think so?” “Yeah who wouldn't!” She looked down in disappointment. “...My best friend...” A tear dripped down the feathers of her face. “What happened.. Is that why your out here alone?” “..Yeah, I showed up in town to meet my best friend a while back, I- I guess I wasn't the nicest griffin when I showed up.” “It wasn't that bad was it.” She just looked down further. “Oh.. I see, well I'll be your friend.” She gave me a perky smile. “You would?” “Yeah you seem like a fine griffin to me.” “Thanks it- it means a lot.” Its no problem, It shouldn't have to be one, all you really have to do sometimes is just open up and hope someone can lend an ear. By the way, who was your friend?” “Rainbow Dash” Immediately I thought of the talk I had with Derpy, her again.. Who is this Rainbow Dash. “Well If I see her I'll let her know that you mean well.” Thanks but I- I think because of you... I want to do it myself. Hey.. Whats your name?” “You already know, remember” “Huh wait I called you a nopony! That doesn't make any sense!” “Exactly. If you ever want to talk to me again or just hang around, I live in the Library at the other end of town. See ya round Gilda!” I said as I trotted off into the distance. She waved goodbye sheepishly with her claw giving my a small but meaningful smile.

I began walking again I ended up lost in a heavily wooded area, I couldn't find my way out. It was getting late and I was getting exhausted, I began to trot slower and slower my eyes lids drooping down, I was struggling to keep myself awake, I kept on until I slammed into a tree with my head... A square tree... with wheels... and curtains.. I looked up and apparently knocked on the front door with my face. “Who disturbs The Great and Powerful Trixie.” I rubbed my head. “Ugh the great and powerful headache.”