Author's Note

Whelp, I've been writing and rewriting this for close to a year now before i finally came up with something that i liked. And i hope any who reads this story will enjoy it as well.
One thing that I would like to disclose right now, is that i goofed on this first chapter. The point of view and time frame (past, present tenses) change quite a bit, which I imagine might get a little confusing. To set it straight, from the second chapter onward, it will be first-person, past-tense in the eyes of Ami. There will be a few parts here and there that will be third person, such as when Ami is not present in the scene.
And if you happen to find any spelling/grammatical errors, then please let me know with as specific of a location as you can.
Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the story. If you do not, then please let me know why, as i am curious.

I/ Welcome To The Family

Knuckles popped and a resounding crack filled the night before echoing off in the smoky air. She wanted to go in for another punch, this time in the nose or maybe break his arm, but the look of utter surprise and unadulterated horror that plastered the boy’s face was satisfaction enough to stay her poised fist. The other two just stared at each other for a long minute before she took another step towards the boy, perhaps overdoing it with the little stomp she added, but it did the trick. The boy made a sound somewhere between a pig squealing and a cry held between choked sobs, before he pushed himself backwards a few feet frantically before scrambling away at impressive speed, his two friends running after him. There was no doubt the boy’s jaw would be broken, but she felt no remorse. In fact, if anything she was impressed that he remained conscious.

It wasn’t she who had started it anyhow. Here was this girl, age 20; minding her own business taking a well-known shortcut through steep alleyways, when out of the shadows came three young gentlemen. Cigarettes hung loosely from their pudgy, chapped lips, and their clothes sagged so much, she thought they were several sizes too large. It was quite remarkable their pants stayed around their waists. The boy in front, seemingly the leader, stepped forward. His numerous gauges, tattoos, piercings, as well as his blood-shot eyes should have been hint enough of his intentions, but she continued to allow him closer, until he was close enough that his breath, which smelt of rotting carrion, clouded her nostrils forcing a strained cough from her lungs.
With a grin that displayed his decayed teeth, he exclaimed noisily, “You’re quite the freak, you know that?” His friends laughed behind him and stepped forward as well, pulling weapons of sorts from their pockets. One; a tall, lanky man with disturbingly long, greasy hair grasped a knife. His companion, a slightly shorter, much more rotund man, slipped forth a small handgun. They laughed again as they brandished their tools.

“Why thank you. You are quite the strange individual yourself.” Was this how she really spoke out of habit? No, but she took much joy in crawling under people’s skin. Her smile continued to shine, and dared not let it falter, if only to hide her slight apprehension.

The boy’s mouth shrunk into a wrinkled “o” and he laughed again. “You got spunk.” He reached forward and grabbed her silver hair, and then yanked, pulling hard until her face connected with his knee. To her honest surprise, his trousers smelt worse than his breath.

Almost instantly, out of instinct, she grabbed his wrist, twisted and pushed her free palm into his chest, knocking the breath out of him and knocking him back. He was surprised at her reaction, she could tell, especially since she had adopted her soft smile once again despite the small droplets of blood falling from her nostrils. “That’s it bitch!” The boy screamed as he spit out his cigarette, and revealed a set of brass knuckles. She couldn’t help but chuckle lightly as the boy rushed her, hand thrown back ready to strike. When in reasonable distance, she solidified her stance and connected her fist with his jawline. She didn’t hold on the force either. And so they all ran off, the others’ weapons apparently having been a bluff not meant to be applied in the case of her current actions.

Now, she walked through the alley, continuing her predetermined route back home. She pulled the hem of her shirt, unfortunately white, up to her nose to wipe away the slowly drying blood, the bleeding having stopped just moments after it started. Now, however she was less than anxious to return home. One look at her father could explain everything. They had such a connection only through years of bonding and an intricately forged relationship. No, it was her step mother who would prove to be the real terror. Therefore, she deviated from her path and continued through the empty street until she reached the park.
No one ever visited this particular park on account of the run-down equipment, and there being a distinct lack of small children in the vicinity, but she loved it. She felt there was just something to be said about the large willow tree leaning into the wind and singing with a lilting tone, along with the peace that surrounded the area. She sat against her favorite gnarled tree and closed her violet eyes. Before drifting off, she, as always, envisioned the large tree house she would one day build in this tree. That was her dream home, and she wouldn’t need anything else, no one else, and no place else. She let out a loud sigh, allowing her eyes to drift open again. The moon was full and pretty, mesmerizing even through the filter of dense pollution. To her disappointment, there were no stars that could shine through such smog that plagued the air. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes focused on a small speck of light she saw in the sky. For the smallest moment, she though she saw a star; a pure little innocent light in the midst of this pervasive darkness. That is, until she noticed it moving and her hopes were dashed so cruelly by the plane flying high in the abyss. Her eyes closed once more, this time due to their insistent weight, and she allowed the cool, gently breeze to lull her into sweet dreams.

‘Silver hair and violet eyes. What kind of genetic combination is that?’ She always thought to herself. Always picked on, bullied, thrown around, spit on, the list continues. Granted, in a town such as this hidden deep in the smog, and influenced by gangs and drugs, it was a wonder if anyone got by without the occasional rude remark or even a nice shiner to brag about to their friends. But nonetheless, she saw fit to allow herself to sink into self-pity under her woeful childhood. She was adopted, that much she knew for sure, so there was no one to place blame upon for her unusual color scheme. She dyed it, the color always faded; she hid it, she could never stuff the loose strands into the full cap. As for her eyes, “those gorgeous gems,” as her adoptive mother used to call them, well there was not much she could do about them, and colored contact lenses was not something she saw worthy of the discomfort and annoyance they entailed.

Whomever her birth father was, did give her one useful gift though: A gaze that could stop a lion in its tracks. By the time she was in middle school, she’d learned that most bullies could be warded off with a cold stare over her shoulder. Still, there were the bolder offenders who insisted on pulling her long hair, or pushing her to the ground. Fed up, one night she had resolved to cut her moon-silver hair, only to find it back the way it was, unharmed, by morning. At first confused, and then annoyed, she harrumphed out the door to endure yet another pitiless school day.

It was only 5 months later that she came home with her very own, likely much deserved, blackened eye and blood trickling from her nostril. Her adoptive father, being an ex-MMA champion (and long gone from that lifestyle since), growled at her for allowing such a thing to happen, and told her that the next time someone picked on her, just punch them. The conversation was promptly dropped and her father went back to finishing his fat sandwich.

‘Oh what great advice, wise one.’ She had mentally chided her father as she climbed the rotted stairs, which always complained with loud groans under any weight, to her room.

She took a long shower, enjoying the comfortably hot water, then afterward stood in front of the mirror, which stood above the sink in the bathroom. It kind of scared her when she would do this sometimes, as her eyes had an eerie glow about them in dark places, so she got rid of the body length mirror that sat in her room across from where her bed lay. Her cat, muffin, a short legged pudgy tabby, which just happened to be black, had all the glowing eyes she needed at night. Standing in front of the mirror, unclothed, age fourteen, was a very pretty young lady. Soft, fair skin; long silver hair which now reached down near to her buttocks; a face which was calm and kind but with a furrowed brow, intimidating; and eyes the color of amethysts. Her hands traveled to her stomach, and she turned sideways. She wasn't by any means chubby, but a thin layer of fat happened to cover her soft stomach, and she vowed to herself that she'd go running in the morning. She turned frontwards again and her hands continued. She got annoyed. She knew she was only fifteen, but her breasts hadn't grown any since puberty started, and she was starting to worry she'd been left without certain... “blessings.” It would only be in her seventeenth year that they would skyrocket to a point where she was satisfied and proud.

In her eyes, it was lucky for her that she grew up with a father who did not buy her dolls, dresses, and playhouses. No, instead each birthday (starting at age 12) she received from him running shoes, boxing gloves, a punching bag, and weights, respectively. Growing up in such a lifestyle (which her step mother never really approved of, but supported nonetheless) put her on a path that most young females do not follow. On the day of her sixteenth birthday, April 13th (according to birth records), her father simply handed her a piece of paper instead of the usual decorative box that weighed more than a gift to a young girl should. The paper explained, in her father's atrocious handwriting, which took her several years to get the hang of, that she had been signed up to join an MMA trainee league. At first she gave a deadpanned look, but the caring, if hopeful, rough smile of her father let her know that he thought she'd enjoy it. Which she did, and threw herself into wholeheartedly. She thought that maybe it was her father's skewed way of passing down the “family business.”

At age 18, she was top of her class, and recommended to do it professionally. As luck would have it, her first pro match was against your typical Russian Helga. Built like an ox, and standing nearly a foot taller than her, she was thrown around like a stalk of wheat in a farmers mouth. It wasn't until after a long year of 4 defeats and 8 wins had passed, that her reputation in fighting world, though just starting out, was secured. During a match, her opponent dealt a bone-shattering kick to her leg and she fell over, dazed and in pain. When the referee came over to her and inquired about her ability to continue, she merely nodded and tried to pull herself together to attempt to finish the match on one leg.. However, much to hers, the referee's, her opponent's, and the crowds' astonishment, she stood on both legs as if nothing had just applied hundreds of pounds of pressure to it. She shrugged, her opponent's jaw dropped, and she lunged forward, driving a swift and deciding punch into the face of her challenger. And it felt good. Amazing even. Somewhere along the line she accrued a nickname: Ami-the-fist. Her name being what it was, it fit, and it stuck. In tournaments, she'd always look to the crowd and find some chanting. She had fans, and she wasn't humble enough to not soak up the praise.

However, her mind, after almost every match, would plant it's attention to the fact that her body healed almost instantaneously. No broken bone stopped her, no punch faltered her. It was always due to her opponent's surprise and a single punch that ended the fight. At the age of 20, she reached champion status, and just when she started to get sponsors and supporters alike, she quit. As much as she loved fighting, she had no desire to continue it as a career for her life. No, she wanted to settle down with a nice man, live peacefully, and finally move out of her adoptive parents' house. Plus, she had the money from her winnings that ensured that if she lived modestly, she would be comfortable for quite some time. She had no knowledge whatsoever of the plans which some greater power had in store for her. And on the day of April 13th, when she would reach 21 years of age, her life would change drastically.

“Ami!...Ami!...Amethyst!!” The noise was abrupt and angry, piercing into even the deepest depths of her dreams.

“What?” She mumbled, not ready to be roused. Her eyes, glued shut by fatigue, where forced open due to a bit of rubbing that she did subconsciously, as her mind tried to put the voice to a source. It was still night, and she was still in the park. And from what she could tell, drenched in her own sweat. Her once loose top now clung to her skin, making her shiver in the cool night air. Her hair drooped around her face in streams and she could tell they were thick with perspiration.
The voice that had called her name was female, and it was kneeling down next to her. Frieda, the town sheriff, was found and she appeared worried.

“Child, are you alright?” She asked it in a careful tone, as if anymore yelling, could send Ami into a fit of rage. She, however, had trouble hiding the concern that coated her question.

Confused, Ami looked at the sheriff like she'd had too much alcohol. It was no secret that she liked to sleep in this exact spot, and she knew that Frieda knew that. And in all honesty, she wouldn't put it passed Frieda to be drunk at such a late hour. “Is... something wrong?” Ami asked, a hint of sarcasm as well as confusion in her tone.

“Well, if I'm not mistaken, and I never am, screaming and thrashing around in your sleep 'ain’t 'right'”

'It would definitely explain the sweat...' Ami thought to herself as she once again squirmed in her drench shirt, annoyed by how uncomfortable it felt. “Ya, I'm all right, just a bad dream I suppose. Thanks for waking me by the way, I should probably get home before Mom has an aneurism.” She replied with a re-assuring smile.

'Do you remember a dream?' She inquired of herself, half hoping she'd receive an answer.

'Nope. You?'

'Not a thing.'

'Hmmm....'

“Alright child, you hurry home.” The sheriff stares at her for a moment. “Actually, would you like a ride? This air's got quite the chill to it this night.” She points behind her with her thumb to a standard white cop car, the high-beams illuminating the gravel on the dirt path that connected the park with the road.

Ami thought about it for a moment. “You know, I may just take you up on that offer.” She lets another friendly smile stretch her lips. “Truth be told, my legs are kind of asleep and I'm really tired.” As they both walked towards the care, neither of them spoke.
Frieda wasn't an ordinary cop. Most of the force you came across in a town like this would either be overweight or tall and lanky. In fact it was almost comical to see a fat and skinny cop working together. Like what you would see in a cheesy cartoon or comedy show. Frieda however, did not fill either of those bills. Tall and muscularly toned, but not built. She was of Tongan blood. She and her family had moved to this area about 4 months ago. She was the kind of person who was friends with anyone who chose to befriend her. But those that didn't... They ran at the sight of her. To put it mildly, she was a devil in her own rights when made angry or given a reason to despise you. To say the least, crime rates were at an all-time low. Those who did anything unlawful either fell in line under her gaze or were discovered to have left town the next chance they got. But then again, she could be the sweetest of angels sent from Heaven if left un-provoked. Ami just counted her blessings that they hit it off as friends within ten minutes of meeting each other.

Even after a single month on the force, she was made sheriff, with no qualms from her fellow cops. Instead, they had learned a thing or two from her and stepped up their game, if only to be in Frieda's good graces.

Ami Stopped once she was within reaching distance of the car, while Frieda jogged to the other side She drove the key into the lock and twisted it to the left, resulting in a resounding sound of moving mechanisms. Frieda then opened her door and ducked inside to unlock the passenger door. As Ami was about to duck inside, she heard a distinct rustle and she looked up just in time to see a black figure jump from nearby bushes and dart from one side of the park to the other disappearing into more foliage. Her heart raced from the event, and she swallowed, willing her eyes to see further into the dark as she stared at the anomaly's exit point.

“Are you coming child?” Frieda asked patiently.

“Maybe just a dog?” Ami whispered under her breath, still staring. She was scaring herself with just how much she phrased that as a question. Then she ducked into the car, and slipped the seat belt over her chest as Frieda lightly pressed on the gas. The whole drive, Ami couldn't help but stare out the window, her mind entertaining various fantasies of what what she saw could have actually been. She knew Frieda was making frequent looks at her,, and she expected her to ask a question but she never did. And she was thankful for that. They both just sat in silent darkness as the car crawled closer to her home.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~

“You have a good night now. Is there anything I can do for you?” The ever present look of concern still adorned Frieda's face as it had the whole night as Ami exited the vehicle now in front of her home. Ami could only imagine the worry she caused the sheriff with all the trouble she gets herself into. Because for whatever reason, the sheriff was her only friend in this god-forsaken town.
Ami smiled. “No, but thanks for the ride! Just wish me luck with my mother.” Her smile became one of mock concern as she waved off the sheriff.

Frieda just gave a knowing grin and muttered, “Mmhmm.” before driving off.

Now alone, under the watchful gaze of the moon which appeared to e a slender crack of light in the dark void, she wandered up the cement steps to the front door. She reached for the door knob but stopped short. It was a gamble: would her worry stricken mother be awaiting her behind that door, waiting impatiently to ask her barrage of prying questions, or would she be able to slip quietly into her room undetected? Even if only t off-put the interrogation until tomorrow? It was late and although the odds were in her favor, Ami backed away from the door, unwilling to risk it.

She was tired and in no state of mind to deal with that cynical woman. So instead, she trailed along the side of the house until she stopped underneath her bedroom window. This method hadn't failed her yet, and even now she was grateful her bedroom wasn't that high off of ground level. She crouched slightly before springing up and leaping with her arms outstretched, to grasp onto the window ledge. She then hefted herself up, but nearly dropped herself when she screamed, seeing her mother's look of disapproval staring back at her through the window. It took her a moment to catch her breath and steady herself while she waited for her heart to calm back down. Once she had, she grasped the side of the window and tried to tug it open only to find it locked. Her mother still staring at her, her scowl only deepening.

Ami sighed, as she realized she wouldn't be getting back in the house that easily. “Fine, you win. I was wrong, you are always right. I'm Sorry. Now can I please come in before I freeze?”

Her mother glared for a moment longer before relenting and un-latching the window's lock. Once Ami had climbed in through the opening she hugged her mother, before continuing to her bed where she peeled off her clothes and hopped under the thick warm comforter, in her underwear. As for her mother, she huffed before saying simply, “You know, you will need to grow up some time.”
Ami took a moment to answer. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping her mother would simply leave her be. But when that proved fruitless, she offered, “And if I don't want to?”

There is no answer at first, and Ami is holding her breath, waiting for her mother to berate her. The only sound that is heard is a deep sigh, and the closing of her bedroom door. Ami then pulls the comforter closer to her and she tries to drive herself further into the mattress as if she could just meld with it and forget the outside world. Eventually her eyes, weighed by fatigue, drift closed and she once again enters the dream realm. And unknown to her, the pair of emerald eyes that have been watching her since the park now drift in the darkness outside her window.

• - - -HOMUNCULUS- - - -

Malik lifted his brush to the canvas again after depositing another wad of tobacco into his stout pipe which hung limply from the Side of his mouth. His lips pursed around the mouthpiece now and then to inhale the smoke, then spit it back out from the other side of his mouth. He mentally scolded his subject, knowing fully well that an outburst would accomplish nothing but scare the raven.

Malik would like to believe he had the patience required for his hobby, but he instead stamped on the grass and growled in frustration as the raven flapped its wings once and hopped to another patch of thin grass to dig for a snack. Reason number one why all of his accomplished pieces were of detailed scenery, not mobile creatures. His favorite piece, not being boastful mind you, depicted a moonlit scene on a rolling hill, the soft, muted light of the glowing orb turning the grass to an almost silver hue. He loved the way he could capture such colors on a piece of rough canvas, as if he were merely taking a picture to show off later.

Shooting an almost murderous glance to the traitorous fowl, Malik shoved his acrylics into their wooden case and lifted it onto his back. He was grateful to the soft, crimson aura that surrounded the large wooden case, it made his life that much easier. The magic flowed through his body, almost as a comforting spirit, and was released through his blackened horn, which he was questioned about all too often due to his light gray coat. His white mane fell around his neck and even went so far as to reach his muscled shoulders. At the moment, his wings were free, allowed to be touched by the cool morning winds, sending a small shiver that ran down the entire length of his spine, and swept the silver mane away from his azure eyes.

It had been a long while, nearly four hundred years if his memory wasn't failing him, since he last entered this valley. In fact he almost did not recognize it with a sizable town in the middle. The only familiar sight was the large black scar known as the Everfree forest, one of the few things on this landmass that rivaled him in age. It gave him a certain nostalgic feeling and for a moment he thought about traversing it's depths as he once had as a child. He discarded the warm memories, deciding to get through the town as quickly as possible.

As he could not risk being seen as an alicorn, he quietly rolled around in his mind figuring whether a horn or wings would be most useful here. He had a list of provisions he was seeking, so his horn won out to increase efficiency when purchasing those goods.

He sat back on the ground, cross legged and closed his eyes, concentrating his magic and will to his back where his wings protruded. He gritted his teeth and grunted, holding his breath as the wings slowly shrunk into his body that simultaneously shrank to the size of an average stallion. He sat panting for a moment before standing again, turning his back to the biting wind, and setting off for the town.

The morning sun beat on his back, offering the only warmth in the cool morning, until a plump cloud, laden with water, limped its way in front of the sun, dampening not only the sunlight, but Malik's mood as well. Not long after starting his walk, he spotted a small cottage that sat, sandwiched by the Everfree and the town. It looked lonely as it sat in the blooming sunlight, the cloud having passed on its way to bother others elsewhere.

"Quaint." He breathed, his gruff voice sounding almost alien to him, as it had been a while now since he last spoke aloud.

Trampling through the grass, he picked his way around boulders with moss and neared the small house. He noticed a small stream that ran by the cottage and nearly dropped all of his gear, rushing over to the reassuring water. Dipping his entire head into the brook, he brought it out breathing heavily but grateful for the refreshment. His horn glowed a dark crimson and a glass appeared before him, dipping into the water and returning filled to the brim. He drank greedily, swallowing every drop his tongue could reach, then, when finished, went for more. After eight full glasses of the cool liquid he sat back, sighing in contentment.

The world suddenly took on a new light just then, as if vanquishing his thirst lifted a hazy filter. His filter must have made him blind as well, because it was only then that he noticed a pair of cyan eyes staring at him. He shrieked in surprise and fell over onto his back.

"Oh dear. I'm so s-sorry, d-did I scare you?" The way she stuttered suggested he had been the one who scared her.

"Just startled me. I take it you are the owner of this humble little cottage?"

"Y-yes, I am." A thick lock of her pink mane covered half of her face, showing how shy she was. The yellow Pegasus started to walk closer to him though, steadily but slowly.

"Could you be so kind as to tell me what town this is?"

"Ponyville, and if you don't mind me asking, where a-are you from?"

"I do not belong to any specific place, I go where the wind takes me." A wanderer, a nomad, a vagabond, call it what you like, he was an adventurer of sorts, exploring new places and visiting old ones to see how they've changed.

Somehow, he'd lost her, her face showing puzzlement, so he tried a simpler explanation. "I am a wanderer, I have no home."

"Oh my, doesn't that get lonely? Don't you have any friends? I-I could never bear to leave behind my friends." Her stuttering had already nearly stopped. Malik was glad he didn't appear threatening to her.

"Not so little one, I have many a friend and the road isn't so lonely with all the animals."

"Little one?" She half whispered to herself but with a criticizing tone.

"Ye-" He swore and mentally scolded himself for having slipped up so soon. Old habits die hard he guessed.

'She might be more cautious if she found out how old I really am, or worse, what I am.'

"Just trust me when I say I am a bit older than I look." He tried to patch the situation, but the questioning look on her face betrayed his efforts.

"Aaaaand I really must be on my way, I bid you a good day." He rather quickly re-shouldered his pack with a flick of his horn, and started off toward the town.

"Hold it right here mister. You say you're older than m-me, but you don't even h-have a cutie mark." She called after him freezing him in place.

Malik looked to his bare shoulder, then turned back to the Pegasus with a look of unease.

'Damn it! She was so shy before, why is she suddenly getting so questioning?'

He was older than Celestia herself. In fact, Celestia couldn't hold a candle to his age. Why was he being patronized by a mere mare that could not have been a day over thirty? Malik feared he was losing his touch, were the years catching up to him? Or was that silly curse finally taking its toll?

But Malik did something even he did not expect. He laughed. More of a chuckle really, but surprising all the same. "Perhaps I shall tell you that tale if we meet again." He then just started walking again. Crisis averted. All he had to do was pass through the town without looking back, avoiding the yellow one at all costs. But his hurried strides were only alerting his enemy that he was housing a secret. He could feel the criticizing eyes boring into his back as he escaped.

Now a good mile from the cottage, but still another half from the town, he sank down to catch his breath. Maybe he should have chosen flight over magic this time. Only then did it occur to him that he could have implemented a simple teleportation spell which would have allowed him to avoid the trouble with the pegasus and take him straight to the city's edge. Again scolding his brain for not functioning properly in the spur of the moment, Malik continued on his way.

Teleportation was sounding like an enticing idea to just pass over the town altogether and not risk any more risky encounters. But he really did need those supplies to carry him to Canterlot, and it would be quite the walk, as he had a destination in mind that would precede his trip to the capitol city.

By the time Malik took his first steps into the town of Ponyville, the noon sun was stretching to its peak in the sky, his fur soaking up the excess heat that blazed down. The first mare he saw, he stopped and asked where he might get a drink and buy some provisions.

"There's an inn on the other side of town called the Sweet Berry Inn. You can get a drink and rest there. As for supplies, there are several general stores in Ponyville, but I would recommend the Town Depot." The mint unicorn mare pointed in general directions as she spoke, but Malik got the idea. A small leather bag then appeared before him and he withdrew from it a single golden coin. He flipped it into the air and levitated it over to the mare who accepted it, albeit surprised, with an upturned hoof.

"No no, you don't have to pay me, I'll gladly help a traveler such as yourself free of charge." She tried to return the coin with a levitation spell of her own, but Malik simply started walking away, waving a hand as he went and shouting a "thank you."

The general store appeared first, but he decided to pass it by and continue to the inn, which didn't take too long to find due to a large sign in the front of the tall wooden building. He swung the wooden door inward and strolled in, finding a seat next to a window. He set his pack down beside him on the ground and heaved a gratifying sigh, sinking into the plush cushion of the booth. The inn seemed to be more of a diner, as he could see several other customers enjoying steamy meals and a waitress going from table to table. However he did notice a set of stairs leading upwards and a board of keys behind a desk.

Finally gaining a sweet moment of sublime rest, Malik slowly closed his eyes, sighing again despite himself. A tap on his shoulder thrust him back to reality and he blinked rapidly to dispel the fatigue.

"Sir? Can I get you anything?"

"What? Oh um... Just some water would be most appreciated."

The waitress, a dark blue earth mare with purple mane hanging over both shoulders as well as wearing a starch white apron nodded, then returned not two minutes later with a tall glass of the liquid he desired. She set the glass in front of him and sauntered off to the next customer who came in moments after he had. He waited for a few drops of moisture to race down the side of the glass before picking it up and taking a reserved sip from it. He would have ordered ale or wine to better relax his nerves, but if he were to get drunk and draw attention to himself it would be the end of his peaceful travels, and he would be acquainted with prying questions.

With thoughts roaming his consciousness, it took him a good thirty minutes to finish his drink. As he swallowed the last mouthful, he gazed out the window and nearly lost it all at what he saw. The same yellow Pegasus mare from before was staring at him through the window, a look of what appeared to be distrust adorning her face. How long had she been there? The mere thought of that question caused him a bit more than just worry.

She then continued to do what he feared and entered the inn, making a beeline for where he sat. Malik froze stock still, with his head pointed downwards, hoping the mare was somehow interested in something else and just pass him by. Fat chance of that. She promptly sat herself opposite him in the same booth and continued her one sided staring contest, never so much as twitching an eyelid. The staring intensified and it was getting immensely awkward for Malik. He couldn't help but wonder if the mare expected him to spontaneously combust if she stared long and hard enough.

"Can... I help you?" Malik finally asked, hoping to break her concentration.

It was a few moments before she answered with a question of her own. "You're not a unicorn are you?"

'Hmm, I can’t tell if she’s perceptive or just nosey.'

"I don't see how I could be otherwise."

"Who are you? I-If you don't mind me asking."

"My name is Soulfire, and I'm a mere traveler passing through this town."

'Yes, Soulfire, let's go with that. It sounds fitting and Malik is a dead giveaway.'

"I'm not s-sure what you are, but you're not a u-unicorn."

"And why is that?" He crossed his arms over his chest and sat up, trying to maintain the superiority in the argument.

“Y-you don't have a cutie mark. And you say you're older than m-me, but you look my age if not younger."

That was true, to some extent anyways. To further disguise his true identity (and in truth it was in part by his curse) he used a young body. It also helped with the more physical aspect of his traveling, making it all the more convenient. And since his kind did not receive "cutie marks" he was unable to conjure one up with magic, due to it being beyond its capabilities. So instead he carried a cloak to wear which would cover his bare shoulders. But in a rather unfortunate event, he lost it in the last town, and his loss had all but escaped his mind. He mentally noted to add that to his list of provisions to get. Or at least a shirt with sleeves for that matter.

The mare continued, suddenly asking: "Are you a changeling?"

Malik only stared blankly before erupting into raucous laughter, nearly falling out of the booth. He quieted down after coming to his senses and realizing the whole inn was staring at him. In truth he was actually quite annoyed that he was being compared to such a young and illegitimate species. When he first heard of them nearly 100 years back, he could only see them as insufferable children.

"Hardly, but I still don't see it as the business of a mare I just met."

"You said you would tell me the next time we met."

"W-" she had him beat there. "Searching for me doesn't count!" He pointed an accusing finger at her as a young colt would.

"T-then I'll just keep following you until you tell me." Why in all of Gaea was she so persistent?

But Malik only smiled mischievously, already having come up with an escape route. "That is, if you can find me." His horn took on the familiar glow as he vanished before the lunging mare could grab him.

As Malik appeared on the outskirts of the town he did a quick victory dance. "Haha, now all I must do is..." Where was his pack? Filled with his art and art supplies along with the remainder of his food and money? And worse yet, his pipe. Since being a pony, he had picked up the habit and become fond of it. It kept him calm. He hated losing it.

He got all huffy and started back into the town with another teleport. "Damn it."

Twilight Sparkle, a unicorn turned Alicorn due to a recent coronation, could more often than not be found lurking in her home-like library where she almost mischievously conducted her magical experiments. Whether it was for a personal gain of knowledge to sate her curiosity or to further the world's understanding of the workings of spells and science, Fluttershy wasn't sure, but she smiled nonetheless when she found the purple unicorn tinkering away with beakers and microscopes. Her experiments weren't dangerous usually, but they made the yellow Pegasus uneasy.

Once Twilight spotted Fluttershy through thin vapors of smoke and Celestia knows what else, she removed her goggles and stepped out from behind a large desk laden with various scientific instruments.

"Good afternoon Fluttershy, is there something I can help you with?"

The airborne mare hesitated slightly before flying back to the door and returning with a, slightly large, wooden box. It was about the size of a grown stallion's back (neck to buttocks, a little smaller than the stature of Big Macintosh), and had a sort of sliding door on the top.

"Watcha got there Fluttershy?" By now Twilight got excited. Her natural urges to sate curiosity took precedence over mannerisms and she took another step towards the box, paying almost no mind to the mare who had brought her such a treat. Her mind swam through possibilities of what the box could contain. Ancient tomes or relics? Scrolls with long forgotten spells? Fossils belonging to early prehistoric mammals? Anything test worthy would satisfy her.

"Twilight," the yellow Pegasus finally spoke up, "I met somepony strange today."

"Strange? How?" She had to constantly pull her mind back to the mare in front of her.

"W-well, I found a stallion outside my cottage this morning drinking from the stream. He was gray with a white mane, but his horn was all black and longer and sharper than an ordinary unicorn's..."

"Black horn, sharpened?" Twilight cut in. The sharpening of the horn was an early practice, among tribal parties. It was mainly used to show dominance and combat prowess, but the procedure was beyond painful. It made her wince to think about it.

"Ye-yes. But the strangest part was that he had no cutie mark. He even said he was older than me. I thought he was a changeling at first, but he only laughed at me when I said so."

Twilight, only momentarily distracted from the mysterious box, tapped a finger on her chin thinking what the strange sounding unicorn could be. There are several spells that could be used to mask identity, one able to change your whole appearance by removing or adding features such as wings or a horn. However this was extremely high level magic that she herself still had not been able to successfully cast. The prospect of another alicorn came to mind but she brushed it away.

"A-and when I found him in town later, he got really defensive when I questioned him and teleported away. But he left this box behind." Fluttershy timidly pushed the box closer to her alicorn friend and eyed them both cautiously, half-expecting something monstrous to burst from the box.

Twilight brushed her hands along her lab coat before prodding it with caution, studying it with a practiced eye and ran a few spells meant to scan. Nothing. The spells only showed a hollow box, but when shifted around, you could clearly hear movement inside. When she finally caved to her own desires, she brought a hand to the lid and tried to pull it open. It wouldn't budge. Her horn shimmered in translucent magenta and tried to pull it open with magic, but still there was no give. She scanned it once more, this time for a locking mechanism, but no such thing was to be found. It should have just been able to slide open.

"Whoever owns this has some ridiculously strong magic guarding it. It would seem that the only way it's going to open is with the owner’s consent. I want to try one more thing though. For your own safety, Fluttershy, please step out of the library.

Fluttershy complied, giving a small "meep" before leaving through the front door.

Now alone, Twilight began her preparations. First she shielded the library and everything inside, but the box. She watched as the magic laced over her instruments and the innumerable books that lined the walls on their shelves. She then applied it to herself as well. Taking a deep breath, she lowered a set of goggles she had on her forehead down over her eyes and letting the breath out slowly, concentrated hard on the box. Her horn steadily grew brighter and the color of the billowy aura went white. All of a sudden the box ignited in white flames and exploded, sending a shock wave that nearly knocked Twilight off her feet.

When the smoke screen dispersed, Twilight released her magic and the barriers fell from the library's contents. Carefully walking back to the box, shock and disappointment filled her mind and adorned her face.

While that spell could effortlessly rent holes in titanium, the box, made of wood, was unscathed. It was completely free of scorch marks or any sign that would suggest she was assaulting it.

The violet alicorn bit her lip. Up until now, she was able to solve any problems thrown her way. Give her complicated algorithms and she'd get the answer in a few minutes, give her a tough spell and she'd master it in a week, give her anything that's broken and she'll return it in pristine condition. She was frustrated that after everything, she was stumped by a box.

"Fluttershy!" She yelled, not realizing how much venom she had added to the word. She hoped she hadn't flown off.

The timid Pegasus slowly poked her head through the door before fully entering. "Y-yes T-Twilight?"

"Find that stallion and bring him here now! I want to speak with him."

"B-but he disappeared and he was trying to avoid me. W-who knows where he could be now."

The deadly gaze that the unicorn shot the Pegasus may as well have been Armageddon. The timid mare squeaked and shot out the door, nearly colliding with the frame as she went.

Twilight re-directed her gaze to the box again. Not that it was any of her business what the box contained, but that box was mocking her. Taunting her. And she took it as a personal challenge.

The food all looked so enticingly delicious. Steam rose off the baked golden crust of a pie. The sweet aroma of fresh fruit mixed into a salad topped with mouthwatering dressing. Or even the heavenly scent of newly baked chocolate chip cookies. It was why Malik hung his head in disappointment when he once again was reminded of the loss of his possessions. It seemed the only result of coming to the market place was to torture himself with unreachable goods.

He had gone back to the inn to see if that mare had left his pack, but, as he feared, it was gone. His stomach growled noisily and drew attention to himself, so he continued on his way.

A yellow dot in the sky caught his attention, and when he tried to squint his eyes to see what exactly it was, he screeched and backpedaled, nearly too dramatically, as onlookers stared questioningly. It was that crazy pegasus again. He knew full well she had sight of him as she was making a straight path through the blue sky, closing the distance between them rapidly.

Malik searched the vicinity for an escape route, he wasn’t about to run out of town yet again, and he spotted a narrow space between two buildings. He charged his magic and teleported to it, hopefully the sudden disappearance would not alert his pursuer to his destination. He walked along the narrow space, avoiding a few trash cans and a blanket that lie randomly sprawled on the dirt, until he exited to another point of the market.

He cautiously looked into the sky and found the pegasus scanning the ground about 30 ft. into the air. At this point, Malik could do a number of things. He could cast a mass sleep spell on everypony, but that would require his alicorn form and take most of his magic. Not to mention he would no longer be able to buy the supplies he needed unless he was willing to steal. In his arsenal of spells, he had a number that could stop the pegasus, render her wings useless, compress the air around her so she couldn’t breathe, etc. but he did not want to cause any harm to a helpless and innocent pony. He could always just ask for the yellow mare to give him his pack back, but for some reason that just didn’t seem logical to him. For a brief moment, the thought of leaving his pack and continuing on his way entered his thoughts, but it was quickly brushed aside without much consideration, but a healthy dose of disgust.

“Got you!” The voice was harsh and tomboyish, not like the yellow mare. Malik looked to his right, which was quite difficult considering the headlock he was currently in, and spotted a rainbow colored mane in a windswept fashion belonging to a cyan pegasus.

“Not sure why, but Fluttershy wanted me to catch you. You’re coming with me buddy.”

A quick incorporealization spell allowed Malik to fall right through her grip, and she stumbled in confusion. Malik allowed himself to chuckle heartily at the mare’s dumbstruck expression. Then, in a taunting voice that had maybe too much enthusiasm, said, “catch me if you can.” Before disappearing once more.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t paying much attention to his coordinates and landed on a dumpster mere yards away from his starting position. He cracked his head hard on the metal and tried to shake away his disorientation as the blue mare dashed at him, closing the distance in less than a second.

Trying again, he landed in a more comfortable spot near a lake. Ponies dotted the grassy landscape, but none seemed to charge him the moment he was noticed.

Sighing in limited relief, he sat down and tried to devise a plan to retrieve his belongings. There were now two mares chasing him and Celestia knows who else the yellow one had recruited. The next step was to locate his pack. Calming his heart rate, he concentrated on his magic, allowing his mind to blank. Out of the numerous protection spells he laced his pack with, one allowed him to track it should it get lost such as now. An image started to form in the back of his conscious, and he brought it forward, enlarging it, but it remained blurred. Pressing himself further, he grunted in exertion, trying to make the image clearer.

A large tree carved its way out of the fuzziness and for a moment he thought the spell wasn’t working, until the image cleared more to show that the tree was actually made to be an inhabitable structure. It was complete with windows, a door, and even a balcony suggesting it was a two story structure. A sign that hung from the side of the door informed him that it was a library. He smiled. He hadn’t seen any creatures build out of trees like this since he last visited the fairy folk before they went extinct due to reckless rule of their king.

He willed the image to zoom out and it complied, showing him the surrounding buildings and landmarks. Making a mental map based on a few of the architectural landmarks he recognized, Malik once again made a teleport to the nearest one. He was in luck, he spotted the tree in question just a block away to his right. Deciding it would be best to save his magic reserves for whatever fight or flight moment that may arise, he set off jogging towards the library.

He didn’t get far, (for some reason he never expected to) before an accented voice with a southern drawl called out, saying “Hey you!”

His normal growl of annoyance turned to a snarl now as he whipped around to face his interference. A yellow-orange mare with a blonde mane and tail, both fashioned into pony tails, bounded up to him looking angry.

“Ah hear ya been givin Fluttershy and Dash some trouble.”

He tried to remain calm and collected, but Malik could hear the impatience slip into his voice. “On the contrary, it has been they who have been giving me trouble.”

“What? Sweet ol’ Fluttershy? Ah don’t believe that fer a second.”

His nerves cracked, his pseudo smile fading, and a frown creasing his face. “I just want my possession, then I will be on my way.” He said it slow, enunciating every word as not to be misheard. “Now, if you will excuse me-“Crack.

Red and yellow danced before Malik’s eyes before he slumped to the ground. He struggled to retain consciousness, but it slipped from his grasp, leaving him in a black void. His last thoughts being that of a criticizing nature towards his own powerlessness against mere mortals.

“Crap. I think I hit him too hard.” Lamented Rainbow Dash. She stared down at the body that lie motionless except for a few twitches in its legs.

“D-Did you really need to h-hit him at all?” Fluttershy could only feel sorry for him. He didn’t exactly deserve to be chased around and harassed all because he had a few secrets that were nopony’s business. She regretted now making such a big deal out of it.

“What I want to know is why he suddenly has wings. I mean, do you think he’s actually an alicorn?” Rainbow Dash prodded one of the limp wings with a hoof.

“No matter, let’s just get im back to Twi.” Applejack looped her arms under the unconscious body's while Dash grabbed his legs. And as a trio, they headed towards the library.

Malik’s awareness swam through the darkness until it re-surfaced in a low-light room filled with curios and scientific miscellanea. Several windows that dotted the walls were covered and the only door shut. His back was uncomfortable on the ground and he realized his wings once again protruded from his upper back. He cursed and rolled onto his side, grunting in pain from his back and head. Crusted blood stained the back of his head and his skull smarted.

A tight feeling on his horn concerned him and he tried to raise a hand to it only realize they were tied. He tried a simple luminance spell but the magic didn’t come to him.

“Where am I?” He asked no one in particular.

“You are in the Ponyville Library.” A disembodied voice answered. A harsh spot light fixed on him, blinding him momentarily until his eyes could adjust. After a moment of blinking, he could pick a figure out of the darkness. “You have no magic to aid in your escape,” continued the voice. “So please just answer my questions.”

Why did all of this seem so badly dramatized? He’d attended several plays, where the actors were pitiful in their parts and therefore unconvincing. This wasn’t all that different.

“May I ask what the hell I did to deserve such a welcome?”

“May I ask why you are an Alicorn with no cutie mark?” She spat back.

‘Oh right, the wings.’

“I don’t recall it being any of your business.” That couldn’t have been the real reason he was here. Nopony could have known he was an alicorn, or rather disguised as an alicorn.

There was scuffling and then a scraping sound as something was pushed across the wood floorboards. His pack entered the spotlight.

“Mind telling me what’s in the box?” The voice was more demanding than questioning.

'That’s it? That’s what this is all about? ' Malik wanted to laugh. He let out a hearty chuckle and sat up, pointing his bound hands at his horn. “Take these restraints and the magic canceling ring off and I’ll show you.”

There was no answer for a while. She obviously didn’t expect it to be so easy and Malik could only imagine the look of surprise oh his captor’s face.

A violet alicorn mare (although she was noticeably smaller than that of a full blood alicorn, so he guessed she was a newly initiated one) stepped carefully into the light and he mentally whistled. She was pretty cute, with indigo hair falling over her shoulder with a purple and pink stripe. She must have thrown what caution she had to the wind and accepted his offer as she removed the ring, a slight shiver running up his spine when her fingers grazed over his horn.

Once removed, and the ropes away from this wrists, he dropped the protection spells on his pack and slid it open with his magic.

Shock and disappointment was all too clear on the mare’s face when she looked inside, so full of wonder and curiosity, only to find such mundane items. All that was in there was a case of brushes, neatly cleaned, some pencils and erasers, a stack of paintings, a sack of bits, and some bread and cheese folded in a brown leather cloth. There was also a wooden pipe stuffed into one corner.
“I-I don’t understand.” She sat herself on the floor as the spotlight vanished as well as the window coverings, allowing afternoon light to filter in.

Malik snickered, “You young pony folk are so amusing. Your curiosity knows no bounds and you’re not satisfied until you have the full truth in front of you. At least you are more entertaining to be around that those griffins. They think they must act so superior and serious.”

The mare said nothing as she continued to look dumbstruck, mouth slightly open. Bemused, Malik shut the lid on his pack and stood up, shouldering the box.

“Who are you?” was the only thing to escape the mare’s lips.
“If you promise not to tell, I’ll show you something.” One mare couldn’t hurt, right? Besides, he was dying to see her reaction. This was obviously a pony that Celestia herself trusted enough to grant such a gift as alicornhood. And those who gained that much trust from her, were trustworthy in Malik's book.

She nodded silently in agreement and stood up. She then squealed as they both teleported to a secluded area of a forest, the trees having been cleared in a 50 yard radius.

“May I ask you your name?” Malik spoke.

“Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.”

“Alright Miss Sparkle, you have to promise not to tell any soul about what you are going to witness. Such a secret must be kept and you will only know of it because I think you an honest and trustworthy mare. In fact, I will put you under a blood oath. If you tell, you will die on the spot. I will allow you a moment to decide whether or not to accept.” He knew that using such old magic wasn’t necessary, but he wasn’t taking any risks. If large amounts of ponies knew of his true self, he could very well be found out by enemies he very much did not wish to alert.

A bead of nervous sweat ran down the side of Twilight’s face as she appeared to consider the weighty offer. “I accept.”

“Very well. I commend you on your thirst for knowledge.” Malik’s horn glowed a vibrant red and a small, thin stream of magic approached the unnerved alicorn.

“W-wait!”

He stopped the spell, beholding her with a questioning gaze, wondering if she had changed her mind.

“What about the princess? I have a duty to report to her.”

He smiled. A smile of nostalgic reminisce. “Oh, she knows. That’s if she hasn’t forgotten her old friend. Her sister as well for that matter.” He continued the spell, the thin stream once again leaking from his horn. It approached Twilight slowly before increasing in speed rapidly, piercing Twilight’s heart. She gasped in surprise but there was no pain.

“Now, watch carefully.” Malik dropped his pack and removed his clothing, as not to destroy them, and stood in a steady posture, positioning his feet wide apart. For a moment nothing occurred, just the noise of a groan steadily growing louder. All of a sudden, his back arched and his wings shot out, growing rapidly and changing shape, losing the feathers and turning to something more akin to skin, leathery and rough.

His feet expanded and the fur on the legs seemed to retract into his skin, being replaced by white scales. Lengthy claws protruded from each digit. His back convulsed twice before exploding, his whole body getting a lot larger. His head changed but the horn stayed, only growing longer and more jagged. Large fangs and teeth grew in his gaping maw, and he let loose a growl.

“A D-Dragon?!”

“INDEED.” The voice seemed to echo through Twilight’s mind.

“B-but how can a dragon have a horn? Let alone use magic to turn into a pony.”

“I am a lot older than those young dragons you see these days. In fact, I look upon your dear princess as a mere infant.”

Twilight could only stare transfixed at the brilliant white scales that adorned the dragon’s body. The sun glinted off each one making them shine like flawless diamonds. The large azure eyes that beheld her with mirth squinted as he let out a hearty chuckle that rumbled the surrounding area, shaking Twilight to her bones.

With a groan, Malik shrunk until he was back to his pony size before losing the dragon features, once again becoming an alicorn.

“I-I have so many questions.” Muttered Twilight.

Malik strode up to her and laid a hand on her shoulder, forgetting entirely of his nakedness. “Perhaps when next our paths cross, we may have a proper discussion. For now, I must continue on my way. It’s been quite some time since I last visited this valley, but I think I might return. You ponies gave me quite the amusement despite being hit over the head and knocked unconscious.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Twilight apologized, hanging her head.

“The town is not all that far from here, so this is where we shall part ways. I wish you well Twilight Sparkle.” Malik re-adorned his clothes then shouldered his pack once again and turned in the opposite of Ponyville, starting the long walk he had ahead of him. He turned once and waved before shouting, “Remember, not a soul.” He thought he could see a slight flush of red on the mare's cheeks, and he giggled.

Something crossed his mind and he stopped. He chuckled and swore before moving again. “I never bought my supplies.”

• - - -HOMUNCULUS- - - -

Sleep's effects slowly fade from Ami's mind as she is roused by an annoyingly loud alarm coming from her clock. It takes her close to a full minute to find the right button, mischievously hidden on the far side of the device, but once she does, she sighs in relief, relishing the quiet. She has half a mind to roll over, and burrow deeper under the comforter, but seeing as she has already been late to work 3 times this month, there is a voice in the back of her head telling her that she better get up before she loses her job. A loud groan escapes her lips before she promptly rolls off the side of the bed, her head hitting first. The blankets hold her feet and legs captive resulting in her being half on the bed and half on the floor. Another groan. Today is going to be rough, she can tell.
A warm shower shakes the rest of the slumber from her awakening mind, and by the time she has gotten dried and dressed in a worn pair of tan cargos and plain white t-shirt, she is fully cognitive and ready to take on the day. She can blame her father for the inherited enthusiasm, even if she does not agree with it.

Ami comes down the stairs to find that her father is back in his usual spot on the stain covered armchair nursing a bowl of cereal as he flips through channels.

“Hey dad, lazy as usual?” She smirks, as she passes behind the chair, quickly planting a peck on his cheek.

“*sigh* I get one day off of work and what do I receive? Harassment from my daughter. You'd think that after everything I've done, I would receive a little more gratitude.” Her dad whines with a heavy dose of sarcasm. If Ami weren't already in the kitchen, she would smack him upside the head for it.

Her Lunch made and in a brown paper bag, she exits the kitchen and gives her dad another kiss, this time on the head, before heading straight for the door. “You're right dad.” Ami says as she stops with her hand on the knob. “Tell you what, I'll make it up to you. See you later, love you!” She yells once the door is open and she's stepped through it.
“Love you, kick some ass for me today!” She can hear him yell through the door. She just giggles to herself and heads down the path.

It's definitely not the most exciting thing, working at a gas station, but she hasn't heard her dad complain ever since he found out he gets a family discount on gas and beer. She's got the money to buy herself a car to shorten the 6 mile walk to the station, but something about how there is always a cool breeze in this part of town, convinces her that she'd rather just walk it out. Besides, she may have ended her mma career early, but that doesn't mean she can't stay in shape right? “Oh shoot... I forgot my key... I hope Keith is there already.” Already being more than half the distance, she felt it unnecessary to walk back.
Delighted to find that after the walk, the door is unlocked, she quickly walks in and sets her backpack down behind the register counter and enters the back manager office to get some coffee started. And of course she finds Keith lightly snoring with his head on the desk. Smirking with evil thoughts, she walks up until she is within hugging distance and leans down until her mouth is right next to his ear and she takes a deep breath.

“FFFFFIIIIIIIIRRRRREEEEE” She yells as loud as she can, prompting Keith to immediately scream and fall off the chair. He scrambles to the door and throws it open while he's still on his knees, having crawled to it. Ami can be heard laughing as a thump echoes in the room, getting Keith to stop his frantic search for an extinguisher, and look over to the culprit. Ami has fallen onto the floor, her arms around her midsection as she laughs loudly, pausing periodically to look over at Keith's stunned face which only serves to send her into another fit of giggles.

“Oh haha.” He says mockingly as he gets to his feet. “I hope you plan to pay for my new hearing aid.”

“Hahaha... sorry... *giggle*... Thank you. That definitely just made my day.”

“Yes, well, does this mean I can get the hell out of here now?” He says as he picks his hat up off the ground and places it over his long golden hair which is currently tied back into a ponytail.

As Ami calms herself down, she fills up a cup of coffee, overjoyed to find it still steaming. “Another night shift?”

“And I have sweet old Johnny to thank for that. That moron decided to go and get drunk again with is whore wife. If I get to spend another moment in this hell hole, I'll lose it. Good luck.” He says before throwing a bag over his shoulder, lighting a cigarette and heading out to the front. Ami can hear the front door bell ring, meaning she is now alone. She sighs and sips on her coffee. Blegh! Needs creamer.

The day ticks by slowly, the lack of customers only making it halt it's general progression. Her constant glancing to the clock only serves to drive her nuts. Every now and then she can spot a car pulling up to get gas, after which she silently begs them to come in and buy something, anything, but is always disappointed when they re-enter their vehicles and drive off, taking her patience with them. It's now 3p.m. and she's stacking cards, in her futile attempt to speed up time. When the door rings... It rang! It rang! She glances up hopefully and sees a single hooded character enter the station.

'Oh great... a creeper. Ah well, I'll take what I can get at this point.'

“Let me know if you need help with anything.” She chimes.

The man lifts his hood to show a surprisingly fair face with several piercings. One on his right eyebrow and one on his tongue that she catches when his mouth opens to speak. “Actually, I'm just browsing.” He says it with a disturbing amount of glee. His voice is deeper than she first suspected. He has wild light brown hair that goes every-which way, but somehow looks at least decent. It covers most of his ears, but she catches several piercings along the tops of his ears when he turns down an aisle. After a moment of silence, he returns to the middle, looks around, then heads down another aisle on the opposite side. She barely catches an “Ah ha” Before he walks up to the register. He's holding a single dum dum sucker, and places it on the counter before pulling out a dollar bill and setting it as well on the counter.

Ami stares at the sucker dumbfounded, before looking up the stranger almost wanting to say, “seriously?” But the man only looks back at her with twinkling emerald eyes. She rings up the sucker and gives him 81 cents back. He bows low before taking the sucker and spinning on his heels to walk out. He unwraps his prize and popping it into his mouth before pushing the door open. He only gets to the curb before he stops, turns around and re-enters the station.

“Actually...” he starts with a smirk. “Ami-The-Fist.” He says with a sparkle in his eye. Ami gives a curt nod, and that seems to be answer enough for the man, as he bursts out laughing. “Haha! I thought so. Strange as it is to see such a pretty face in place like this. At least I can finally stop my search.”

“Ummm... what can I help you with?” Ami says with apparent apprehension.

“Oh, no. I'm just a messenger right now. So, let me get the message.” He digs around in his pocket for a few seconds before his hand comes up with a folded slip of paper. He giggles a few times while un-folding it, before he stands up straight, clears his throat and recites in a serious tone:: “We know who you are, we know your past. On the eve of your 21st year, we will begin the purge. You will at last be reunited with your siblings.” He gives her a moment to let the message sink in.

Ami can only sit there with a look of unadulterated horror twisting her face. She has no idea what to make of what this man has just said, but if her gut can tell her anything, it's that this guy is bad news and something terrible is about to happen. What's worse, her birthday is tomorrow. Her breathing goes ragged as she begins to panic. The man must have caught onto her reaction as he walks up to her, puts a hand on her cheek, which causes her to flinch.

“Awww don't worry about it too much. Mine wasn't all that bad, and it's so much better afterward. He chuckles lightly as he moves his hand up and rustles her hair. He then backs up a bit and performs another deep bow before walking back outside.
“Who the hell are you?” Ami screams, rushing around the counter to stand in front of the man. She gets into a stance suggesting she is ready to fight him if necessary.

“My name is Alair.” He says with a smile. She wants to ask him more, or maybe just yell at him again, but he ran off quite quickly after offering his name. Her panic quickly increases to frantic pacing as she attempts desperately to make sense of the situation. She may be a good fighter, but her mental fortitude never was her strongest point. She once had broken down into sobs when she saw a dead a dead boxer in the middle of the road.

She was able to calm down after a while, and go back behind the counter. The rest of the day continued on fairly slowly, her apprehension being the cause most likely. However, once Tyler entered, she thanked him and rushed out as fast as she could, running home without stopping. She tripped several times in her rush, but that did little to halt her. Once home, she threw open the door and looked around frantically. Her father, as per usual, was of course asleep in his recliner, a goofy grin on his face, as his hand rested on his stomach. She ran upstairs, taking them three at a time, and pushes through the door to her parents room where she finds her mother sitting on the bed reading a rather thick volume with gothic print on the cover.

“Oh, Ami, how was work?” She asks with a half smile as she closes the book and sets it on a nightstand.

“Um, not bad.” She says as she spins on her heels, and moves to exit the room. However, her mother stops her before she makes it.

“Hold on! Sheesh, why are you in such a hurry?” She doesn't let Ami answer, as she immediately continues. “Your father and I have been talking, and well, we think it's time that you move into your own place. You know, to take that step into adulthood. I mean, we both know you have the funds and some to spare, and we know you've always loved that park, so we talked with the mayor, and he agree to sell you a plot of land near it.” She finishes with a winning smile and a hopeful glint in her eye.”

Ami can only stare at her in bewilderment. She'd thought about it, of course, and it would be a great opportunity to finally build that tree house, but she had just never gotten to sorting through the fine details. However, she couldn't help but feel the at the words stung a little, and she nearly forgot why she had rushed home in a panic in the first place. “Oh... okay. If you guys want me gone, then I can go.” Kind of a sucker punch, but she didn't know how else to respond at the moment.

“Now Ami, you know it's not like that-” Her mom starts to say, before her brain kicks in and tries to diffuse the situation.

“I know, I know. I don't know why I said it like that. It's fine. I've been meaning to do just that for a while now. I'll go speak with the mayor tomorrow to sort something out.”

Her mother's smile returns as she gives a curt nod before wrapping her arms around her. “Thank you for understanding Ami, I love you hun.”

“Love you to mom... Wait... this isn't about you two being able to have sex at night without me being around to hear you guys, is it?” Ami suddenly pulls back with a smile and quirked eyebrows. Her mother's face immediately explodes into a bright blush as she looks downwards, suddenly finding the carpet to be more interesting than their conversation.

'Pfft. Called it.'

Ami can only hold her sides in laughter as she once again turns to leave the room, giggling all the way. “You two have fun!” She calls back as she heads into the hall towards her room. At least now she knows the source of that goofy grin on her dad's face. They probably got it on while she was gone. She continues her chuckles as she lays on her bed, pulling out her textbook to maybe finally get some homework done. Damn Math.

Ami wakes with a start to the sound of knuckles rapping on her bedroom door. She groans and rolls out of bed, unceremoniously knocking her her textbook and several pieces of notepaper onto the floor, then stepping on them in her sleepy stupor. When she reaches the door, she can hear a whisper on the other side, so she waits a second, attempting to overhear the conversation, with her ear against the wood. It stops before she can make any coherent sentences out of the mumbles. She opens the door and is quite surprised to find that there is not a single soul outside in the hall. What she does find, however, is a note taped to the wall saying, in hasty handwriting, to go downstairs and into the kitchen for surprise. Hesitant at first, but then just brushing it off as another of her dad's shenanigans, she shakes her head in annoyance to the early hour and follows the directions. All along the hall and at the top of the stairs, there are extra notes to urge her on. Saying things like 'You're almost there' or 'keep going.' Some even have the occasional smiley face. It definitely appears to be something her father would do. All throughout the house, the lights are off, but Ami has always been able to fair well enough in the dark. She takes the stairs, and when she reaches the bottom, she can see that there is a single light on in the kitchen. It's the chandelier above the dinner table. It strikes her as odd, but it takes her even more be surprise when she spots a large, round cake in the spotlight. It's a simple cake with white frosting, and she is secretly hoping it's a chocolate cake. When she reaches the table and looks down on the baked treat, she can see that in light purple frosting it says, 'Happy 21st Ami-The-Fist.'

'This isn't right.' Ami gasps, realizing what is going on, and realizing who must have done this. She hears a light footstep behind her, and she spins around.

*THUNK*

• - - -HOMUNCULUS- - - -

“Brush... canvas... paint... I'm all set.” Malik recites to himself as he packs up his belongings into his mahogany box, that he then straps to his back before getting up off the grassy hill, and starting back towards the path. Once back on the dirt road, he takes a moment to stretch each limb, yawning during the process, and then proceeding to take a long drought from his water skin. Stopping the container with a screw on cap, he starts his long walk to the pearl white castle that can be seen sitting on the side of a mountain. It's old, but not as old as he, and it has definitely been quite a few years since he last visited the upper class city known now as Canterlot. After the 'incident' in Ponyville, he was eager to get there quickly.

He does not get far before he gets a small shiver that runs through his whole body, from the tip of his horn, down to the last strand on his tail. He pauses on the path once more, annoyed by the disruption almost as much as he is frightened by the premonition it entails. He frowns deeply, and shakes his head before continuing. Malik is usually one to enjoy the free spirit of adventure and danger, but this time it feels like a whole lot more. Give him a hydra to slay, perhaps a bandit that crosses his path asking (if not demanding) him to hand his valuables over. Or maybe a nice deep, dark cave to explore at the random happenstance that some enjoyment and the occasional treasure is found. But what he feels at this moment is something that he wouldn't dare mettle with. Unless he had very pressing need to, that is.

The old being now pulls the cloak's hood (that he got in a small village known as Summer's end not long after departing from Ponyville, along with several other necessities) up over his head as he takes a moment to gauge the distance from here to the castle before his horn alights with a maroon glow, and he is gone from where he once stood, as if the universe had just decided to swallow him into oblivion. He would have taken the traditional means of transportation to get there, but with what occurred in Ponyville, He thought it best to avoid as much attention as possible. He reappears in front of the castle's large golden gates, a sly grin on his face. The guards stationed take one look at him and instantly decide to thrust their long pikes toward his direction.

“State your purpose.” The one on the left barks in a deep condescending tone, before letting his face scrunch up into a scowl. His partner following suite, while also taking a wary step towards the figure.

“Gentlecolts,” Malik states in the most calm and friendly tone he can muster. “The Princess is expecting me. You wouldn't want to keep her waiting, now would you?” He finishes off his plea with a serpentine smile, that only results in giving the guards a slight chill down their spines.

“Very well, remain here while your claim is confirmed.” Once again it is the one on the left that answers, and then backtracks until he slips through the gate. Only then does he turn his back to Malik, and continue into a barracks sitting in the castle's courtyard. The remaining gate keeper keeps his weapon lowered, continuously glaring. Malik just grins cheekily and sticks his tongue out, attempting to get a rise out of the guard. It is only a mere minute before the guard that left returns, his face stoic, but his eyes showing contentment as he states, “I'm terribly sorry, but the Princess is expecting no one.”

Malik sighs and grumbles to himself, losing his grin. “Just tell her that an old... well, very old, friend is here to see her, and what he has to say will weigh heavily upon her future actions, regarding the safety of her citizens.” His smile returns. 'That should do it.'

The guard glares, before repeating his earlier actions and leaving the gate to enter the barracks. Returning a moment later, with a deep set scowl, that informs Malik of his success. “You may proceed, but for the love of Celestia, do not cause any trouble.”
“You have nothing to worry about.” Malik chuckles as he steps through the gate, and heads off across the courtyard to the portcullis. Even with the distance, he can hear both guards grumble.

Once inside the castle's vast entrance hall, he stops to think for a moment before closing his eyes and letting his mind roam over the layout of the castle, looking through the various rooms, halls, and even kitchens (and to his excitement, plenty of food. Prepared for the Princesses no doubt, but they wouldn't mind if a croissant or bowl of soup went missing). As his mind reaches to the furthest areas of the castle, he stops in front a rather large set of gilded doors sandwiched between two more of the royal guards. His smile widens and he returns to his body, before beginning the trek through the stone labyrinth that would be required to meet with his old friend. He thought about teleportation, but he thought to himself that while here, he may as well give himself a tour of the castle he had yet to see since hearing about it's erection some thousand years ago. Not to mention, it would be such a travesty to miss out on a few snacks.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~

The moment the alabaster alicorn caught word of a visitor (an old friend, they had been referenced them as) coming to speak to her about the safety of her citizens, she immediately went into a fit of squinting eyes putting her hand up to her chin, and wearing a trench into the area preceding her throne as she contemplated who would request an audience of such importance. The only “old” friends she had, were either dead, plotting to overthrow her kingdom, or were just out in the vast stretches of Equestria wreaking havoc and (as he called it) “glorious chaos.”

Her mind sifted through faces she had come across throughout her long life, but each one was quickly put back into the recesses of her mind as she debunked the possibility of them being this mysterious visitor. She sat back in her throne with a tired scowl upon her face as she gave up the mental search and resolved to just wait and see who it could be. And when muffled speak snuck through the throne room doors, she stared intently at the entrance. When the doors opened very slightly and the familiar tint of golden armor shuffled through, she gave a curt nod to the guard, who then pushed the door open wide enough to reveal the visitor.
The sun goddess's eyes widened to impossible proportions as she realized the pony who stood before her was all but forgotten in terms of eligibility of a visit. In fact, she would go as far as to say she had hoped to never see this pony again. If only to keep powerful emotions locked away and forgotten forever. Her bottom lip trembled as she struggled to mutter the name of the one before her. And when she succeeded it was hardly more than a whisper.

“Malik.”
~-~-~-~-~-~-~

As Malik walks the carpeted hall, he can only grimace at the reaction he receives from the ruler of this land. It would be fair to say that the last time he saw such a sad face, it was in a parting glance backwards as he walked away from a dear friend thousands of years ago. It would also be fair to say that he very much so deserved the hard crack of a palm across his face, once the princess had recovered from her state of shock. It, however, surprises him greatly when the arms of the offender are thrown around his neck in a hug that nearly chokes the life out of him. He chokes and gasps for sweet oxygen but only finds the arms growing stronger in their pursuit of snuffing out his life force. He hears a faint sob come from the right side of his head, so he sighs and brings a hand up to the princess's back. After several moments of reverence, Malik puts a little more force into separating himself from Celestia. The moment he did so, Celestia's face grew to a scowl before growling, “You have a lot of explaining to do!”

“In good time.” Malik starts, wanting to postpone the reminiscing until after he delivered his message, or else he feared he would only forget. “We have much to discuss, and I have grown weary from traveling. May we find a place to sit down to converse?” Not a moment after he says this does the throne room doors burst open, revealing a panting Princess Luna, with a scroll held fast in her clenched fist.

“TIAAAAA.” She yells in her haste. “The minotaurs have mobilized their forces, and have sent confirmation of their desire to overtake our border and engage in wa-” She stops immediately once her eyes meet the gaze of Malik's. Her face immediately takes on a murderous or perhaps defensive tone, as she slowly inches around Malik to stand next to her sister, not once breaking eye contact.

“Luna. It is good to see you again. It would seem I have not been forgotten in these long years.”

“Nay, and neither have your rash actions to spite my dear sister.”

“Luna!” Celestia cuts in, “He is our guest and you will treat him as such. His claim to hold information about the safety of our ponies will be met with gratitude and nothing less. If you wish to stir any bitter feelings, you will do so outside of court.” She doesn't realize how biting her words are with their venom.

Luna, shocked by her sister's betrayal, closes her mouth and stands straight, with a stoic gaze towards Malik. And Malik can only chuckle at the folly of the two sisters. “I thank you Celestia, and if we may, shall we retire to a more comfortable setting to discuss these matters?”

“Of course.” Celestia leads the three of them to a vacant lounge room inside of the castle that is furnished with couches, chairs, plush cushions, and a large table sitting in the center hosting a variety of drinks for the occupants' refreshment. Celestia takes a seat upon one of the chairs, while Luna chooses to rest upon a rather fluffy cushion after pulling it next to her sister's chair. Malik reclines on a plush couch, but not before using his magic to pour himself a glass of brandy and take a long sip. With a heavy sigh, he sits up, setting the glass back on the table and putting his hands together to form a tent, covering his mouth.

“It is apparent to me that you are currently dealing with your own problems concerning certain alliances, but I fear I must place yet another topic for worry on your heavy laden plate.” Another deep breath before he continues. “To put it simply: Something is coming. I have no knowledge of what, who, when, where, how, or any other critical information for that matter. All I can say is that it possesses great power, and is very dangerous. I have lived through many wars, fighting in my fair share, and have stood the test of time. However, I fear that this coming atrocity will be more than I can handle on my own.” When neither Celestia nor Luna offers a reply short of concerned glares, he continues. “The reason I have suddenly showed up after millenia to share this information, is because I have reason to believe it is tied to either one of you, or perhaps both.” Once again, he stops to ascertain their reactions. Celestia has a look of fervent interest, while Luna is a bit more refined in her expression, but her fear is clear to Malik. Such fear being shown in light of the news brings a thought to Malik's mind. One that instills fear in even his mind. One that he hopes desperately is false and just his imagination. The other two in the room are staring at him patiently as he gathers his thoughts, and once he notices this, he coughs and rises to his hooves. “I have something I must attend to.”

Celestia immediately conjures a look and accompanying gesture as if to say, 'You just got here, you better not leave, or I'll restrain you.' and seeing this, Malik smiles warmly and holds out a hand. “Worry not, Celestia. I won't be long, and when I return we may engage in proper discussion to catch up with each other.” He takes her hand in his, before leaning forward and planting a gentle kiss on her cheek that makes her shift uncomfortably, but not with ingratitude. A ghost of a smile takes to her lips, and she nods without a word, if only because she was still shaken by her childhood lover's sudden reappearance. With the given permission, Malik opens the large doors leading to a balcony. He steps slowly outside where he looks with interest over the surrounding landscape, thinking that it would make for a beautiful painting in the future. With a sudden flourish of magical power, her summons a large Roc familiar, before climbing upon it's back and flying due north.
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Celestia sat with her gaze directed towards the balcony for several long minutes before reluctantly tearing her concentration away once she could no longer recognize Malik in the burnt hues of the setting sun. She takes a moment to finally set her sun, and in return, Luna connects with the moon to begin it's ascension in the ever darkening sky. When they were both finished, Celestia sighs in the now dark room, lost in her thoughts. When Luna clears her throat, to grab her attention, she turns to the door and heads for it. “Come sister, there is work to be done. I fear we won't find much rest, let alone sleep in the coming days.”

• - - -HOMUNCULUS- - - -

Sounds echoed around Ami in the dark as she jolted awake. With her first instinct being to find out what happened and where she was, she attempted to sit up only to find herself chained to a hard stone table. She tried as well as she could manage to remain calm in this apparently dire situation, but panic was rapidly filling her thoughts, and a wave of nausea hit her, causing her to gag and then vomit. She was unable to move her head much, but she was at least able to turn enough that she did not choke on her own bile. A harsh cough followed, and she struggled to regain her breath. Huffing drowned out the background as she tried to calm herself down.

Her body felt numb, and a searing pain dominated her head. She tried tugging on the chains again only to get rewarded with a loud scream of anguish. It took her but a moment to realize it was her. The chains were looped around circlets with a sort of spike that were driven into her wrists. Shifting her position notified her that the same had been done with her legs and feet. All she could do was lay there helpless and in pain. And just the thought of that was driving her nearer to insanity.
It was not long after, perhaps minutes that merely felt like hours, light footfalls could be heard drawing nearer from her right. After agonizing seconds a familiar figure entered her visions, which is to say that the face belonging to the personage was mere inches away from hers in the cool darkness. She grunted in surprise, but grew more angry than anything else when she very much recognized the same man who had entered the gas station store the day prior. Or at least what she would venture to guess was the day prior. Lord knows how long she had been out. Her stiffness, despite her restraints, told her it had been more than just a few hours.

“Welcome, Ami, back to the world of the living. We were starting to wonder if you were going to be waking up at all after the first week.” He chuckled lightly, apparently thinking himself to be humorous.
'A- A week!?'

“Anyway...” He said slowly. “You remember me right? Messenger? The one who accosted you in your home? I do think the cake was a nice touch, if I do say so myself. It truly is too bad you didn't get to try-”

“Shut up!” Ami yelled, surprising herself with how loud the echoes yelled back. “Where the hell am I? Why? What the hell do you want?”

Again he chuckled, and she had to bite her lip to suppress the urge to yell again. She also silently promised him that if she ever got out of this, she would punch his stupid head off his shoulders. “Relax Ami, we are only here to help you. I do promise you that everything will make sense in just a little bit. While the others are setting up, we can just have a little chat hmm? How about this: Question for a question, what do you say?” He had retracted from her field of vision, but she could tell that he was still close.
This man's words were not helping to calm her down, but she knew she had little choice in the matter, so it would be smart to try and glean whatever information she could out of him. Softly, enough so that the sound barely reached her ears, she answered. “Alright.”

The man however didn't seem to have any troubles hearing her. “Oh good. I'll even let you go first.” His silence reinforced his answer.

Hesitantly with fear evident, She asked her first question. “Can you turn on the lights?”

She heard him suck air in through his teeth and then sigh. “Sorry Ami, that's a no-can-do. Though I am with you on that one. I hate the dark. Trust me though. You will be able see again soon enough. Alrighty, My turn!” His giddiness and cheerfulness was dulling her fear and apprehension, only to replace it with annoyance. “Can we be friends?”

The pure audacity of the question alone sent Ami into silence for several minutes, and when he repeated the question, she gritted her teeth hard, and gruffly growled and 'no.' It sounded like he had started to pout, but made no attempt to push further. It was her turn. “Is my family safe?”

He took an agonizingly long time to answer the question, and she was beginning to fear the worst. “Yes.” Her feelings of relief that washed through her were so intense that she almost forgot the situation. “Why can't we be friends?” His voice was inquisitive while having traces of sorrow.

Now Ami really wanted to punch him. “Isn't it obvious? You kidnap me, chain me down in the most painful way possible and lord knows what else you want to do with me, and you want to be my friend? Hell no!” She made no attempt whatsoever to hide the venom in her voice.

It was at this point that she could hear the guy stand up, brush himself off, and start to walk off. 'That's right, go away. See if I care... Wait.” Her body had grown numb again and she was impartially thankful for it. However the fact remained that she was seemingly crucified onto a stone table. Her parents were probably freaking out, and there was no doubt she no longer had a job. The place stunk too much of cigarettes anyway.

Silence reigned for quite some time before more footfalls returned, these ones much heavier and sounding metallic. A voice, much deeper than the man before, spoke. “We are ready for you Amethyst.” She screamed loudly as the metal stakes were pulled from her body and dropped to the ground. It was an itchy, burning pain that she wanted desperately to crawl away from. But as quickly as it started, it stopped. The wounds were gone. It surprised her, but only until she remembered her supernatural recovery rates in the past. “Follow.” Was all she got as instruction, before the figure in the darkness walked away. It was a long walk, and she lost her way several times. Her escort was gracious enough to wait for her to catch up in those cases. At last, they entered into a foyer like room lit by dim torches along the walls. Benches covered in red cloth sat in rows off to either side, while an elaborate rug ran down the middle. It reminded her of an old Christian church, but she couldn't help but entertain the possibility that she would soon be a part of some sadistic satanist ritual. Then she noticed that the light in the room grew a bit brighter the farther into the room they went. A very large and gorgeously crafted stained glass window sat in the center of the far wall, taking up the greater portion of it. It depicted what appeared to be a unicorn, although it had wings as well, black as night, with a mane and tail that were a dark blue, but seemed ethereal in nature. It looked very large and regal, with pieces of what appeared to be armor. There were dark iron horseshoes, an ornate chest piece, and a helmet that covered most of it's face, but framed in it's large and daunting blue eyes. Below the equine there was a crescent moon shrouded in what she guessed would be mist. Surrounding all of this were 4 twinkling stars, but were arranged in a way that would suggest there should be a fifth. The background contained smaller specks of stars. The sight of it accompanied by soft light filtering through it was nothing short of breathtaking and Ami lost herself in it's image for a time, before she was pushed along by her escort.

Now that they were in some light, she understood where the metallic footsteps were from. Her escort was a very large man (or so she guessed from the sound of their voice) who wore a set of complete body armor. It appeared almost fantastical, with large pauldrons and very ornate helm. The chest piece looked to be several overlapping plates with a design carved and painted into it. The gauntlets, cuisse and greaves having a similar design. The whole thing also had a deep blue tone to it.

“Sit.” One word instructions yet again. She claimed a seat in one of the front benches, noticing a large tome sitting on the bench next to her. Curious, she picked it up and started to read. Only to give up moments later once she realized that it was in a foreign language unlike any she had seen before. She set the book back down and twiddled her thumbs, if only desperate to find something to take her mind off of her predicament. To be perfectly honest, Ami was now at this point scared out of her wits, and the anticipation welling in the pit of her stomach, told her that she had better escape while she had the opportunity. Her escort had left quite promptly after his duty of guide had been fulfilled and she was now alone in this chapel.

Standing up, she turned around and headed for the door silently, only to have it opened up in front of her with a tall man standing behind it. He wore a simple trench coat that covered his body, and a top hat that cast shadows upon his face. Upon seeing her, he reached up and tilted his hat forward with a gloved hand and performed a deep bow that only served to leave Ami in a state of shock and confusion.

“Good morning lady Amethyst.” His voice was smooth and lulling, and immediately she could tell he had quite the silver tongue. “I trust you there was no trouble in during your arrival.”
Ami's shock turned quite quickly into vivid anger as she took one step forward, thrust her hand forward and grabbed the collar of the man's coat. He made no move of a counteroffensive, despite the awkwardness of him standing a head taller than her. “I just woke up nailed to a table in the dark, only to be greeted by a maniac wanting to be my friend after confessing to being the one who did that to me. Is that how you treat your guests?”

For a split second, she thought she saw surprise in his eyes, but it was quickly hidden behind behind a sigh of defeat. He muttered something about the last time he told him, before turning his attention back to her and waiting patiently. She caught the hint, and released him. He gave an appreciative nod, and waked past her to the front of the chapel. He reached an alter, and stood there, gazing upon the stained glass window. He spoke calmly, and almost too quite for her to hear, “Amethyst, do you have any idea why you are here?”

At first Ami remained silent, expecting the man to give the answer, but when he made no indication of such, she spoke. “I can't decide if you are sadistic cultists, or trying to pull some out of bounds prank. You kidnapped me from my family and apparently restrained me in the most gruesome and condescending way. I would really appreciate you cutting the gentleman act and telling me why I'm here.”

He chuckled lightly, which caused Ami to clench her fists, and spoke. “For thousands of years I have been away from my home, searching for a way back. You see, I as well as my siblings were cast out due to having been guilty of a crime we had no say in. It was our mere existence that angered a greater power, and since we were unable to be destroyed, we were excommunicated from our own home. During these long years, I have searched diligently for both a way home, and to discover the whereabouts of my scattered siblings. So far, I have managed to rendezvous with three of them.” He paused for a moment. During his story, Ami was dumbfounded, her mouth hanging slightly open in a mixture of pity and disbelief. She had also noticed that the armored man had returned, bringing with him the creep from the basement and a very pretty lady wearing an oriental style dress, with her long silver hair, whose length was not far off from her own, tied into a ponytail. She now noticed that the creeps hair was silver as well, despite being brown upon their first meeting. He too stood a head over her, and his piercings were still present, but now being of a more gaudy nature.

The man up front continued. “Alair, whom you've been acquainted with has been with me for quite some time. Mara, I discovered several hundred years ago. Ajax found us some sixty years prior to now. And now, we are here to be reunited with our last sibling.”

If Ami had not been nervous before, she was now. She stood in horror, at the realization of what her purpose here was. They somehow thought she was their long lost sister, and now they wanted her back. However, she did not understand how any of this could be possible with his claim to be several thousand years old.

“How? How can you be that old? That's.... not possible.” Ami sputtered out, her mouth moving before her brain could formulate a proper response.

Again, he chuckled before replying. To Ami, it was getting old, and she wanted to smack him for it. “I know how hard it must be to understand and comprehend our situation. Due to the nature of our exile, the universe saw fit to position us far apart, not only in distance, but in time.”

“But how are you still alive? You should be six feet under all bones and dirt.”

“If I were mortal, then that would certainly be the case.” He left it at that. He now turned to face the group. “There is one other repercussion, of our exile. We were born into these human bodies, with our memories locked away. I suppose it's the universe's way of punishing us. However, there was a loophole. If we destroyed what brought us into this world, then our souls would seek out that which was once ours, as it would recognize it as a familiar vessel therefore our past selves would be restored. My pseudo parents were killed in cold blood, and in the moment of my intense fear, I regained my memories and abilities, and disposed of the perpetrator. I then set out to find my siblings and instruct them in how to achieve the same enlightenment I had received. Alair, as I said, was the first to be found, and he had no qualms with the destruction of his parents, due to them forsaking him in exchange for a frivolous life of carnal pleasures. Mara came next. She killed her own parents, without a single word of explanation as to why she accepted the gruesome task so quickly. Finally, Ajax found us after his parent's death some thousand years ago. I do not know why it took him so long to find us. He never removes his armor, and prefers to remain silent.

“We discovered you after having the pleasure of witnessing one of your fights. Immediately, I knew your were the last sibling, both from your strength, and your ability to rejuvenate quickly. A gift we all share. We remained in the shadows, so to speak, to fully confirm your identity, before making a move to reclaim you.”

At this point, Ami had no idea what to think, or how to react. She had been hit with an immense amount of information that sounded like a tale spun from a delusional psycho that had taken a few too many shots of LSD. But if she understood correctly, they wanted her to kill her parents. She had no intention to comply with that. Inwards, this is what was going through her mind. However, outwards, her only reaction was her head shaking of it's own volition.

“No... I can't kill my parents... No... you must have the wrong person.” She knew full well, she fit their definition, she was just too stunned to admit it. She hated being in this situation, not being specific, but there was no room for her usual brash tough act, she was left to be a trembling mess, not knowing how to either deal with her sudden feelings of hopelessness, or level her head enough to figure out why it was she felt this way. If what this man said was true, and there were plenty of doubts in her mind, then he could have thousands of years of experience. She found herself constantly wondering if she could fend them off by herself, and get out of this godforsaken place. However, it was always a fleeting thought when as she continued to remind herself she was outnumbered, perhaps out skilled, and not to mention that she had no idea the layout of this place. She was on Their turf. They had the home field advantage. So when silence reigned in the room for a few agonizing moments, she had only one way to cope with her stress and fear. She closed her eyes, and willed over and over endlessly for her to wake up from this sadistic nightmare.

After another long while the man nodded to Ajax, the armored one, who stood up and clambered out of the room. It was now that Ami realized the man had not revealed his own identity, just that of his brothers and sister. She did not know why such a mundane thought pushed it's way to the forefront of her muddled mind, but perhaps she was willing to use anything to distract herself. When she voiced this, he turned his gaze on her. It was not a harsh glare, but it almost appeared as if he had been hurt by the question. Nevertheless, he gave his name.

“Jareb.” He gave another unsettling smile proceeding his answer and turned back to the door, which was now opening once more on old hinges. That which came through the door, nearly caused a fight to break out. Bound, blindfolded, and entirely unclothed, with brand marks blemishing their bodies, were her parents. The sight revolted Ami, and she had to hold back both bile and rage that was pent up and ready to cause a hell on earth for the bastards that would do something like this.

Ami slowly turned away from her tormented parents, and let every morsel of unadulterated rage shine through her violet eyes. She took careful, slow steps at first, which then turned into flying leaps as she made her way down the chapel aisle towards Jareb. She was mere feet away, and about to feel the satisfaction of sending this deranged bastard through the window, when someone caught her arm mid swing and held it in place with disturbing strength. She turned in her surprise to find it was Alair. Shock quickly turned back to horror filled anger as she tried to wrench her hand free. She was able to tear away, but not without delivering a jab to Alair's side. He didn't even appear to flinch, aside from loosening his grip.

“Please understand Amethyst-”

“Don't call me that!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.

“Please understand, that we do this with your best interests in mind. You will thank me afterwords. I promise.” Ami did not know whether it was the audacity of the statement or the smug way he said it, that made her want to rip every limb from his body. Nor did she care to figure it out. She wasted no time in making another lunge towards Jareb, only to be tackled to the side by Alair. His hot breath brushed against her face and she cringed.

“Ami, calm down. We don't want to hurt you.” Alair stated, what almost sounded like worry in his voice.
With as much of a death glare as she could muster, she yelled. “You bastards just kidnapped me and my parents. And now you want to tell me that everything will be alright once my parents are dead?! Fuck you!” She got her legs up under Alair and kicked hard at his stomach, sending him sprawling on the ground a few yards away. For a third and final attempt she lunged at Jareb. This time grabbing at his neck, which she succeeded in doing. She wanted so desperately to crush his windpipe here and now. She knew she had the power to do so. However, her opportunity was lost, when she lost all feeling in her left arm which was tightly clamped on his neck. It confused her even more when there was unfathomable pain erupting from her upper arm. She tried to look over, but ended up falling over, dizziness and nausea filling her senses, as she tried to get a grasp on the situation. She could feel sticky blood around her as she lie on the ground.

“Allow me tell you something about Homunculi in human bodies. We have amazing regenerative abilities, as well as increased strength and agility.” The voice seemed so distant, but she could recognize it as Jareb's. “We don't, however, possess the ability to regenerate our limbs. We can, however, reattach them, if they have not been separated for more than twenty four hours.” Ami did not understand why he was telling her this. What had happened. “Now, I shall give you back your arm, if you cooperate with us.”

'My... My arm?' She struggled to move her unharmed arm, and reached her hand over. She screamed when it met a stump, still pumping out gratuitous amounts of blood. She grit her teeth, and sloppily got to her feet with what remaining strength she had, and looked to Jareb, who was holding her left arm, as if it were some trophy. By this point her ability to think rationally was out of order, and all she could think to do was shuffle over to Jareb. She clenched her good hand into a fist and charged.

“I see. That is a shame.” Jareb beat her to it, and punched her hard in the stomach, dropping her once again. She lay there helpless until she felt her hair being pulled. Ami soon found herself being dragged across the stone floor. It was only for maybe a dozen yards before her head dropped to the ground again. She was losing consciousness, and no matter how hard she struggled against it, she was powerless.

She thought she had fallen asleep, when she was jerked awake by her hair being pulled again. Except this time, there was a bright, golden light, shining into her eyes. It was the stained glass window from before. Except it was glass no more, and instead a bright gateway of sunlight. She stared in awe.

Jareb pulled harder then, bringing her to eye level with him. He whispered, “Forgive me, sister of mine. You will remember soon, and we shall be reunited. I found you once, I can find you again. Once your memories have returned, look for me in a place called the Valley of Shadows. I wish you luck.”

That was the last thing Ami heard besides the cries of her parents, as she was thrown into the light, yet simultaneously plunged into darkness.