'Where am I?' that question echoed within my mind as I felt myself drift through the darkness that was... well I can't tell what this was. It was just a dark void. In normal circumstances I would shout out in annoyance, fear or just play around with the echo that traveled in my blank mind, but for now my emotions were simply dulled. I sensed all of my bodies nerves and muscles, yet they weren't there. It was all just, nonexistent. It felt like hours, days, hell even months that I floated in that darkness, but soon I spotted a light. 'Oh god, is this the part where I step into the light?' I thought to myself with the roll of my eyes. Well, I would have rolled my eyes if I had a body. Anyway soon enough the light grew close enough to blind my vision. As my vision returned to my control I was greet with a familiar scene. It was the streets of Chicago, the ghettos to be exact. It wasn't the worst part of town, but you would keep an eye open.

Confusion was the first emotion to return to my senses as I looked down my home towns streets. It was rather empty, no life was active outside and the sounds of the city echoed from the distance. I actually thought I was home, but I quickly remembered that I couldn't move and mentally sighed. This was getting on my nerves fast. Before I could stew in my new found annoyance my attention was caught by a few figures walking down my old streets sidewalks. They were a small, loud group of four that filled the once dead streets with laughter and a drunken banter between each other. A smirk would have been on my face as I saw the figures continue on towards me. As I wished that I could join them I saw a pair of headlights turned the corner behind them and began to slowly drift down the street, steadily creeping up on the group of four. The windows were darker than night and the feeling of dread hit me for some reason.

Soon one of the four out of the group glanced behind him and instantly the mystery car shot forward down the street towards them. It came to a screeching halt next to the group and without a second to think my eyes were blinded by the muzzle flashes and deafened by the many blast of gunfire. I watched with shock and a deep fear as the group ran, shouted and fell in a storm of lead and fear. As the last member of the group went down a voice shouted and the car made its escape around the streets corner. My sight was stuck upon the fallen group as I processed what had happen. As my mind tried to piece everything together in the nights silence a groan filled the streets. I scanned the four bodies and saw at least two of them barely moving. As they laid on the ground their groans turned into shouts, then into sobs and plead for help. After a few sickening seconds of hearing them I felt my body return to me and slowly fall onto the ground.

"W-what?" I muttered as I looked down to my body, but before I could continue with my inspection a shout for help once again caught my attention. I wanted to run to them, to help or at least call for help, but my body was tone, trembling stone. Confusion, fear and frustration filled my mind as I gritted my teeth, but thankfully I was able to began my slow walk to the injured group. With shaking legs I neared the closest man and held out a trembling hand. "H-hey," I managed to stutter. As I knelt down near the man I turned him over and felt my heart skip a beat. Laying down next to me, tears overflowing his eyes and grasping his bleeding gut while spitting up blood was a familiar face. Me.

"AHHHH!!" I screamed with new found horror. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think straight, god I couldn't even control my own limps as I scrambled back on to the ground, only to feel my hand fall into a wet puddle. I looked to my hand and found it nearly drowned within a pool of blood. I followed the trail of blood that formed the puddle and felt my terror deepen as the body of one men were now behind me. I looked around to see that my home streets was now gone and replaced with an endless sea of blood. The four bodies, mine included now surrounded me in the shallow sea of blood. Their groans, sobs and yells grew louder as they began to reach out form me. "W-what the fuck!?" I screamed as my very being was shaken to its core with horror. I shook my head and felt my warm tears blind my vision and run down my face as the sea of blood began to grow higher. I cried out in dread as I tried to rise above the blood, but I found myself being held back by myself and the three other blank faced figures that continued to beg, yell and cry for my help. As I struggled to free myself from this hell a chuckle came over the yelling and crying.

"My, my you have a few demons don't you?" I looked up into the dark sky and was only greeted by a massive pair of blue eyes with green flames surrounding them. A toothy smile spread under the eyes as they stared down at me with amusement. What my scattered and terrified mind was able to piece together was that the voice was female and somewhat dulled my fear, but not by much. "Well it looks like I finally found your mind, but the question is; Where in the bloody hell is your body?" the voice asked with a chuckle and a slight hint of hunger in her voice.

"What?" I asked with confusion before being pulled deeper into the blood. Before the voice could continue it scoffed and rolled its massive eyes.

"Damn, looks like my times up. I swear he never lets me have my fun," the voice muttered with a sigh. "Well no matter, we'll soon be together little human. We're going to have so much fun, so just try not to die till then," it chuckled before disappearing in a flash of bright green flames. As the stranger disappeared the flash seemed to consume me and my world. As the flash left me I was no longer within the sea of blood and once again drifting in the void of darkness. As my crippling fear steadily faltered I took a long mental breath and sighed.

"Fuck this place."

As I awoke I shot up and gasped for air. Sweat covered my body and my eyes darted in all directions as I sucked in air to fill my lungs. Once I regained my thoughts I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before reopening them with a sigh. I noticed that I was somewhat shaking from, well whatever that was just now. With a shaky hand I ran my fingers through my hair before feeling something rest on my left hand. I glanced to the left and saw Splinter resting both his wooden paws on my hand with a worried look and folded ears. He gave a small whimper and I quickly felt bad for causing his worry. I mustered up a small smile and gently scratched the back of his ear. "I'm good buddy, just a bad dream," I said in hopes to mask my uneasiness. He seemed hesitant, but Splinter soon stepped off my hand and rested his head in my lap while keeping his eyes on me.

I chuckled and rubbed his head as I looked towards the entrance of the cave. It was slim, but I could see a small sliver of light peek through the entrances foliage cover. "Looks like it's morning, better get ready for the day bud. Go and stretch your legs while I get up. Hell, catch a few lizards to munch on before we catch breakfast," I said with a grin. Splinter folded his ears back, he looked reluctant to leave my side, but he rose from my lap and trotted out of the cave. My grin dulled a bit as he left and I forced myself up from the ground with a grunt. After a few stretches and silent curses I began to gather my gear for the day, but as I checked my things my thoughts drifted onto that damn nightmare. It was by far no ordinary nightmare. It's strange really, but for some reason my interaction with those giant eyes felt, familiar. Soon it hit me, it was similar to that same weird dream with the blue Equestrian, Tuna was her name, I think. Well at this point I can care less about their stupid names, all I know is that my dream with her felt like this crazy one. Instead it was less pleasant and the perfect image of hell.

I gritted my teeth as a flash of that sea of blood came to my mind. On instinct I grasped my gut and mentally cursed for whoever put me through that. Making me relive that, that horrible night. Slowly I raised my lower shirt to reveal my gut along with its few scars. There were a few small cuts made by cheep knifes or glass, but the ones that stuck out the most were three old bullet wounds. I glared at the wounds before closing my eyes and lowering my shirt to throw on my hoodie. With the quick shake of my head I sighed, put on my backpack, placed my gun in the back of my jeans and headed for the entrance. The whole thing was crazy and irritating, but I didn't have time to think about it. For now I need to keep doing what I've been doing, and that's staying alive.

[Aces prov]

I gave a heavy sigh before taking a sip from my mug of fresh coffee. I smiled as I savored the taste of my work, it was no sugar cube corner coffee, but it still worked. I chuckled as I leaned on my kitchens counter top and watched out my window to see the town slowly wake up for the day. A small smile came to my face as I saw a few of the markets stall owners argue over a few inches of spaced that laid between them. This was the third time this week they've gotten into it, this time they're just looking something to argue about. Thankfully it never gets out of control and they just end up giving each other the good old stubborn silent treatment. I shook my head before taking another sip of coffee. As I continued to enjoy my morning my eyes slowly drifted towards the forest that peeked over the buildings.

"Wonder how he's doing," I mumbled with a small frown. It's been a full week since I've seen Jacob and his little pup. I've been trying to find time to visit, but with getting settled in my home and job I couldn't find the time. I mean they looked capable of handling themselves, but I just want to go and make sure. Hopefully I can fine time today to go and see them. With that thought I finished my coffee and placed it in the sink, but before I could leave the kitchen I heard a know on my window and turned to see a light pink mare waving from the outside with a small grin. I smiled and waved back before walking back to the window. I opened the window leaned against the counter top again. "Morning Dahlia, how's it going?" I asked with a friendly smile.

Dahlia was a rather short earth pony with blue hair that hanged down to her shoulders. She was wearing a simple yellow T-shirt and blue jeans and carried a bag with her work cloths in them. She was actually a nice girl and was the very same mare I saw in the sugar cube corner the day I went to get Jacobs breakfast. We met a few days after I met Jacob and she's been showing me around. She's even helping introduce me to her friends, that red stallion that was in the sugar cube corner as well is included. I felt a bit odd spending time with them since I sort of eavesdropped on them, but it wasn't anything that did harm so I shook it off and just enjoyed their company. Anyway, Dahlia leaned against the window sill and chuckled. "So far it's going good, though I have to head to work in a few," she said with a pout.

"Shouldn't you head there now since it's morning? Ya know, to make sure breakfast is ready?" I asked with a smirked. She rolled her eyes and pawed away the question.

"Hey those guys are pro cooks, breakfast ain't gonna slow them down with me being gone," she assured with a confident smile.

"Well yeah, but isn't the kitchens head chef supposed to, I don't know, help cook?" she sighed and rested her head in her palm.

"Yeah, but last night was a pain thanks to Pinkie. Throwing a party without even letting us know," she mumbled with annoyance. "I swear that mare is such an air head," she complained before giving a sigh. "But she does throw one mean party," we both chuckled before I gave my own sigh.

"Well don't feel to bad about work, I gotta head out in a few minutes. The Mayor wants my help with a few documents from canterlot. Something about a new construction," Dahlia raised an eye brow as she jabbed a thumb towards the far right of town.

"Is it about that new site surrounded by the royal guards?" I thought for a moment before nodding.

"Most likely, I'm just not sure what it is that they're building," I admitted.

"Well whatever they're building it must be important to have armed guards," she said before giving me a grin. I raised an eyebrow.

"What?" I asked as she chuckled slightly. She pointed towards me and shook my head.

"Is that really what you have in your closet?" she asked with a smirk. I looked down to my appearance and pursed my lips. I was simply wearing my white tank top with a short white opened sweater. As for what I wore below was my, well short shorts with several kittens scattered around it. It was sort of small on me and a bit tight, but I liked it enough to keep it around. I looked to her with a furrowed brow.

"What's so wrong with this look?" I questioned. She shrugged and held up a hand of defense while still smiling.

"Nothing, nothing at all. Just thought you had better taste," she joked. I rolled my eyes.

"My taste in cloths are fine, now go on and let me get ready for work," Dahlia chuckled and we said our farewells before I left the kitchen. As I walked through the living room I glanced to a small pile of boxes that have yet to be unboxed and sighed. I really needed to finish with that. As I shook my head I climbed the stairs, stripped myself of my cloths and slipped into more fitting cloths for work. Slim looking black pants, a comfortable grey vest and finally a light pink stripped buttoned up shirt, a few of the buttons towards the top undone because I wanted to actually breathe. As I looked myself over one last time I nodded in satisfaction and began my walk to Ponyvilles town hall.

The town was now up and ready for the day, some looked prepared while others wanted to crawl back under the sheets. I was somewhat excited for the day seeing as how I had no plans after work. Hopefully this time I can head to see Jacob and check up on him. As I walked through the town I spotted a small column line of royal guards making their way through the streets. I watched them march on from the corner of my vision and for some reason felt uneasy. They didn't look as if they were getting ready for some big fight, but the sudden appearance of the Royal guards were somewhat worrying for me. I've seen foreign militaries do the same thing from my past jobs and it mostly spells out trouble. I tried my best to shake off the feeling and continued on.

After a few minutes of walking I finally reached town hall and entered the building to see the mayor speaking with a guard. "I assure you lieutenant Spears, everything will be done on our part. I only ask that your men simply not make the town feel uneasy," she said as she straightened her green tie. I looked to the so called lieutenant Spears and saw that he was a rather large stallion. His fur was a dark brown and his hair was a dirty blonde with a few streaks of sliver running through it. He certainly looked like a veteran soldier with his slightly dented sliver armor and sword at the hip. He smiled at the Mayor and nodded.

"Of course, I'll make sure my troops don't shake the town, we'll only be here till construction is done," he said before glancing towards the front door to see me there. I gave a sheepish smile and gave a small wave. "Well I've taken up enough of your time, I'll be off now," he said with a curt bow and walking towards the exit. I stepped out of the doorway to let him through, but before he left he looked back to the Mayor and smiled. "Please do keep our conversation in mind Mayor," he said before placing his helmet on his head and leaving the building. The Mayor gave a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose, before looking to me with a tired smile.

"Good morning Ms. Spells, I hope you've had a good morning so far," I nodded and walked to the front desk that she stood next to.

"So far so good ma'am, how's your morning been so far?" I asked with a small smile. She chuckled and gestured around the building.

"Busy as always," she chuckled before sighing. "But it comes with the job, so no complaining. Anyway," she says before gesturing towards her office. "Shall we get started on those documents? I'll need your help organizing them while I finish a new load of papers from the Royal guard," she said before walking towards her office. I followed with a raised eyebrow.

"Royal guard? If you don't mind me asking, why has there been so many guard here lately? Is there something happening?" I asked, but she simply shook her head and waved the worry away.

"I've no clue really, but I've been assured that there is no looming danger heading our way. It appears the military is simply expanding their roots a bit and setting up a small garrison here," she said.

"So it's safe to say the new construction is involved with their expansion?" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes, but like I said it's nothing to worry about. Just some new eyes to keep us safe. Honestly though I think it's because of that creature a while back," she mumbled as we entered her office.

"Creature?" I asked as I thought of Jacob.

"Hm? Oh yes that's right you hadn't arrived yet when it happened. Well it's nothing important, the creature has been captured and hasn't been seen since," she said before stopping at her desk and gesturing to another desk to the far right of the room with a stack of papers and folders. "Now, today all I need you to do is organize those papers from issues concerning the expenses of the new construction to the former land owners information. Very simple things, but when you're done all I need you to do is put the away. After that you're free for the day," I perked up at the news. Looked like my chances of visiting Jacob grew. I nodded and hopped straight to work.

[A few hours later]

As I placed the last folder into the box I sighed and gave a satisfied smile. "Finally done," I mumbled before putting the lid over the box and looking to the Mayor who was deep in her work. Her white hair was somewhat messy and she seemed to have loosened her tie and unbuttoned a few buttons on her white shirt to reveal her surprisingly generous gifts. I cleared my throat and gained her attention. "Ma'am, I've finished with the organization," she had the same tired smile on her face and nodded.

"Good, thank you for your help Ms. Spells. I'm mostly going to be neck deep in this paper work so you can head out now," she said as she gestured to the door. I thanked her and wished her luck before I left the town hall. With a sigh I stretched my limbs and smiled. It was just turning to the afternoon and I had no plans, looks likes I can finally pay Jacob that visit. 'First I'm going to have to get him lunch,' I thought with a chuckle before heading towards the nearest restaurant. 'Maybe I'll get him a drink to.'

[Between the boarders of Equestria and the Gryphon Empire.]

With an icy glare the dark figure stared down onto the gathered group of dishonest thieves to cut throat mercenaries of all races. Together they awaited within a camp centered in a ruined village that laid between Equestria and the Gryphon Empire. Around the village was a barely standing wall of stone with a few guards stationed on the top. The dark figure had two armored companions at his side. To his left was a rather tall minotaur with a heavy suit of armor and a hammer that could crush a bolder. He wore a helmet that hid his features, but his red fiery eyes glared from underneath. To the figures right was a female zebra with leather armor and a steel bladed spear. If one were to say, she is a rather attractive woman with golden earrings in her ears and a silver feather sticking out from her messy jet black hair.

The two stood silently with the dark figure as they awaited for the remaining thieves, bandits and mercenaries to arrive. Once they did the zebra stepped forward and stomped on the wooden stage that loomed over the small force. As she grabbed their attention she gave one last scan before looking back to the figure and nodding before stepping back behind him. The figure slowly walked forward and noticed the confused looks he received from the group. A moment of silence lingered in the air before the figure finally spoke.

"Welcome, it is good to see such a group of potential individuals in one place. Now you are all probably wondering why you have been summoned here and who I am," the figure paused as he held up and shadowy hand. "For who I am is of no concern right now, what is important right now is the opportunity that sits here before you," he said before raising his arms up slightly. "An opportunity to become something greater and an opportunity change the very world you live within," he paused again, but before he could continue a lone grey Gryphon in tattered clothing and light armor stepped forward.

"Oi, can ya just tell us what we're here for? I'm a busy individual," he asked with irritation. The figure chuckled and nodded.

"Of course, of course, I guess I should just get to the point," he said before folding his arms behind his back. "I am in need of an army, an army that will ask no questions and follow my lead without a problem. Now I can give you some noble cause for said such army, but I will be honest, my intentions are far from noble. In fact, they're a bit frightening, but I won't go into detail," he said before holding out one hand with a dark flame burning above his hand. "All I will tell you is that I wish to see flames sore high and make my arrival known to the world," he chuckled before closing his hand and killing the fire. Soon a thin diamond dog in leather armor stepped forward.

"What is it you want to set aflame exactly?" he asked.

"Everything," the figure simply stated. "I wish to take my forces across every country and let my long awaited fury scorch the land," he said with a fist. "To most I'm just another war hungry individual and I honestly can care less if they do. I simply want you all you to be one of the many who will help be spread my name across this world in fire," Gryphon raised an eyebrow and grinned as he crossed his arms.

"And what is your name exactly?" he asked, but before the figure could answer the heavily armored minotaur stepped forward and slammed his hammer onto the ground.

"He is one of many ancient gods of the past. The god of shadows and darkness, the being of another world and the one terror that haunted the goddesses of Equestria, Lord Michael!" he boomed with a mighty voice. The figure now named Michael chuckled and looked to the group.

"In shorter terms, this worlds new god."

Author's Note

Holy shit, has it been a whole year since I posted for this story? Yeesh my bad guys.

Anyway I hope you like the chapter, I just wanted to get the story moving a bit and I already have a decent enough start on the next chapter so hopefully it won't take another fucking year to post another chapter.

Buuuut yeah, hope ya'll have a good day and or night. Peace!