//-------------------------------------------------------// The Protectors: log one -by sveargith- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// sweet dreams //-------------------------------------------------------// sweet dreams Sveargith Gix flew over yal-487. Known to the locals Qelsivon. The light purple soil and the white fungi bowls sped by. Six armed gluvi, running below us in herds. The fluffy spinning musli floating away as we passed. A clear green sky. This planet was beautiful in its own unique way. Gix flapped his Pegasus wings. I flew besides him feeling the magical drain of each wing flap. Our destination ahead was ahead of us. Flashes of guardian plasma and the beams of lazes alerting us to its location. Below us two trenches faced each other 500 yards apart. Flashes of light exchanging between the two as guardian forces stalled the Loreergan legion. When gix reached the battle field he dived towards the smaller trench. His armor responding perfectly to his every action .As he dived down a beam hit him, his armor absorbed the blast easily. He landed with a hard thud. On impact his body entered its war phase. His normal teeth receded his war fangs popping out. Gix's fur stood on end and sharpened. His heart sped up and a surge of energy flooded through him. The world slowed down. And finally his pupils slitted as the world entered beautiful new detail. Gix ordered “armor, commander Blood blade identify" The hub on the helmet highlighted a, blood red armored, stallion 20 feet away. Gix walked over to him passing the gray armored clones. When the commander noticed him he pounded his left hoof on breastplate. Before standing to attention. In a deep voice Bloodblade announced “General Sveargith Gix, sir” "At ease commander.” Gix responded his mild voice squeaky in comparison. "Sir" Bloodblade asked "may I inquire, why you are here? Shouldn't you be leading the planetary siege?” "Protector Greycloack has taken command of the siege. The main assault force has succeeded in fortifying its flank you have served the order well. I've been given orders to take command of this position “Gix answered "I assume were to pull back to the main force.” Bloodblade said enthusiastically. Gix took a deep breath .Then he released it. "How has your death dreams been lately?” Bloodblade's smile turned to a frown then he sighed. "They already have enough guardians to take the planet. Gix explained. "Loyalty eternal, my troops And I are yours to command general "Bloodblade said as he bowed to Gix. "Armor assign the groups and open a com link. Troops I am General Sveargith Gix. As we speak you are being separated into two groups’ omega and alpha. On my command you are to going me in a charge towards the enemy's position .Within 40 feet you are to enter the Berserk phase. Group alpha is to provide suppression fire and preform your own charge behind commander Bloodblade once we hit the trench! Life preservation level 2.”Gix commanded. 617 Guardians responded "loyalty eternal!" "I hate ask but, you mine giving us a hand here?" Gix asked me. "300 years and you finally ask. I don't know I'm not really in the mood ...kinda tried to be honest." "Bullshit!" Our conversation was interrupted as one of the clones heads was cleaved open by a laser. "Hey Bloodblade, a barrel of dwarf en beer that my death is more epic than yours." "You know sir I might take you up on that.” Gix laughed as he jumped out of the trench. The right gun on his armor turned 90 degrees and fired a slow bright ball of plasma strait up towards the sky. As he landed Gix roared and charged towards the enemy trench. Me and about 300 guardians followed suite. I allowed my blessing to flow throughout the guardian ranks spreading primitive, powerful, untamable energy! 10 times more powerful than any amount of adrenaline. I caught up with Gix with ease. "How do you feel?” I asked Gix. "ALIVE!!!" He roared across the link. I laughed and laughed as we ran across no man’s land. So berserk and alive that death dare not claim us. Plasma bolts and laser beams streaking through the air tearing up the ground we walked on. Yet we did not stop driven as mad as we were. When we got to trench. Gix didn't even slow down. Smashing through the parapet as to pin a Loreergan to the ground with his tavra, a hoof mounted plasma blade, a Loreergan lashed out with its tentacle. Gix tore out the tavra. Swinging it around he cut off all four of assaulter's tentacles. He then grabbed the Loreergan's head and tore it off .Yellow blood sprayed the trench walls. Gix's two guns came out and shot 4 more Loreergans with plasma bolts. After that Gix became a tornado of blood, organs and ash. At that point the other troops hit the trench, literally, they followed in Gix's example smashing through the parapet. Screaming and roaring at the same time in mad blood lust. Some of the clones went to town with their shrikes, a hoof/ wrist mounted foot long retractable blade, others forgot they even had weapons. Simply tearing the Loreergans apart with their bare hoofs Before Devouring their flesh. The trench became a moat of red and yellow blood, organs floating to the top. I howled my joy to the stars. I tumbled out of bed. Flailing as I did. My head hit the wood floor with a sharp crack. Then my familiar stuck its gigantic wolf head through the wall. "Hey don't start anything without me! “He noticed me on the floor. “Oh you’re awake. Why are you on the floor? We’re not having any wet dreams are we?" "This again” I thought to myself "Are you ever going to get over the fact that I don't have a dick anymore? It’s been 600 years .I just had a flashback in my sleep.” "Really, which battle? “He asked. "Yal-487, the Mad Charge." "Ooh, I loved that battle.” "I know I saw it from your perspective." “Really! Any way I'm going to eat some ice-cream!" “You’re a gigantic blue wolf made out of mystic energy. You don’t have a stomach, or taste buds for that matter!” I mentally shouted at the retreating head. I got up and looked at the floor, and sighed. There was a foot long crack in the floor were my head landed. Great I’ll have to fix that. "Today is going to be horrible” I said to myself as I walked down stairs. Little did I know that would be a hell of an understatement? //-------------------------------------------------------// good morning //-------------------------------------------------------// good morning Canterlot house C.R 815 I entered the kitchen and opened the fridge. I levitate the milk out. I opened the freezer and there he was. My familiar had his head sticking through the back of the freezer. Trying to lick the ice-cream. I shut the freezer and walked over to the cereal cupboard. I levitated the box of cereal down and a bowl. I turned the box over the bowl, and a note fell out. It read" We are out of cereal. Whoever reads this has to go buy more, or I will have Steve eat your soul. Sincerely Juste Bougie ` PS, fuck you.” "Fuck you too" I grumbled to myself. I put the milk back into the fridge. Then I walked up stairs to the bathroom, and looked into the mirror. A silver unicorn with a blue Maine looked back at me. I brushed my mane into a reasonable shape. After that, I walked up to my room, and noticed another note on my bedside table. This one said" Dear Gix, Get a hobbies you useless bum. I can tell you from personal experience it’s very relaxing to have something to do other than train. I should know I'm a mad scientist. Like yesterday I discovered that you shouldn't leave apprentices in charge of hydras. I should know I am a mad scientist after all.” "He wonders why I don't take him seriously” I thought to myself I set the note down, and I picked up a pouch filled with bits. Then I walked outside. My familiar jumped next to me. . “Where we going?" he asked. "Shopping we have to go buy cereal.” “Oh, let’s get coco puffs!" "I'm not even going to question that." We walked through Canterlot. The city was undeniably beautiful in the morning .flower beds blooming and smelling wonderful. The towers curved gracefully into the sky. The white marble and gold sunstone glowed orange in the morning sun. The entire city was a work of art and its population was too proud to let it be anything else than beautiful. After an hour of walking we made it to the market square, and we walked up to the cereal stand. The stand was yellow and green stripped. The unicorn mare manning the stand is yellow with a light brown mane. “Hay Crunchy bits.” I yelled. "Good morning Silvermane. How’s your morning been? “She asked. "Decent so far.” “How many boxes do you want?” “You there with the blue mane halt!" yelled two royal guards as the marched up to me. "Do you need something officers?" I asked. "You need to come us.” "Why?” "The magic police want to talk to you.” They responded. I took a deep breath and let it out. "They don't even have the common courtesy to come themselves. Common lets go meet the floor cleaners.” I said. "Floor cleaners?" asked the clearly younger of the two. "You’ll understand when we get there" I answered. The two guards took positions on either side of me. Then they marched me towards the inner city. //-------------------------------------------------------// police visit //-------------------------------------------------------// police visit "Oh that's what you meant" the young guard said when we got to the magic police headquarters. “Yes bask in the most ridicules uniform ever “Gix declared as they saw a member of the magic police. "What are the wearing?" he asked. “The uniforms consist of three parts.” Gix answered. “The first part is a silk undergarment. The second is a uniform of silver chain mail. Silver chain mail what weapon they expect to stop with that is a mystery. Finally is the ridiculously long robes. The robes even on the largess of the members had at least a foot of material dragging along the ground. " "I like their hats though .Gigantic wizard hats always look nice.” My familiar added. “The wizard hats do look nice.” I agreed. “How do you know this? “The young guard asked. “Aren’t you royal guard just spots to stand around and do nothing?" After that the guard didn't ask any questions. They marched me up to the door were two members of the magic police took their place. We entered the building and walked about thirty feet before we came to an office door. The map on my left knocked on the door. Then announced” Hess here sir.” "Let him in."Said a voice behind the door. The map on the right opened the door. The office looked designed to make paper work as fun as possible. The wallpaper was rainbow colored. A boom box sat on a table in the left corner. A desk, made of mahogany, sat at the center of the room. Random papers, scrolls and books cluttered the table. The trash can looked like a frog with its mouth open to the ceiling. Two sitting pillows sat on opposite sides of the desk. "Take a seat." said the old stallion. ‘I took a seat on the pillow. The old stallion held out his hoof. "Sparklehat"He said. "Silvermane" I said as I didn't shake his hoof. “So what is it? I know for a fact I haven't broken any laws. Recently. "No you’re not in trouble. I have a job offer for you." answered Sparkle hat "A job offer?" "Yes. This department has been tasked with combating dangerous magical threats that have been on the rise. Normally Celestial would handle these threats herself, but she can't be everywhere. She has too many responsibilities even for her. So it fallen to us and the wonder bolts to handle this one responsibility. . The truth is I'm the only one here even half competent at magic. The two stallions who let you in can't even teleport. Their only purpose is to make us look professional.” "Failed in that regard.” I injected. "Yes the robes do look stupid. In my defense my only contribution was the hats. “Sparkle hat said My familiar and I both burst out laughing at this. When we stopped Sparkle hat continued. “The problem isn't that were short on recruits. The problem is we don't have any one to teach them. I've been given three years to get this department up and running and I need well trained ponies by then. Three years is two short a time for anyone to learn to use magic using just books. I need teachers and that's where you come in.” “You want me to teach. What makes you think that I'm any better at magic than any other unicorn?” "Your powerful I can sense it. I can think of only six others who have as much power as you do .That and I like the look of you." "What would this entail?” I asked. "My only request is that you train them. I’ll make sure you’re fairly compensated ..."Sparkle Hat answered. I sat there for a minute before telling him “Meet me at the third sky dock a week from now and you'll know my answer." I got up and walked to the door. I opened the door and said over my shoulder “Also I want a hat." I shut the door. //-------------------------------------------------------// Board Meeting //-------------------------------------------------------// Board Meeting I plopped down on the couch, and sighed. I looked over to my familiar "So what do you think?” I asked him. "About what? “He responded “You know very well what?" "I think you could use some energy in your life. “He responded. "You would." A knock on the door ended the conversation. I got up and opened the door, and met a mail mare. "I got a letter for you.”She said as she handed me a letter. I took the letter and slammed the door in her face. I opened the letter. It read “Meeting at noon in the master room’s jewelry box.” . My familiar appeared next to me .He read the Letter "Interesting, I wonder who it is this time." He questioned. "Let’s go." I responded as I walked out the door. We walked for about an hour through tunnels and streets in till we came to an old mine entrance. "So what are we looking for? “My familiar asked. "I don't know. Anything usual." I answered. I made my horn glow and looked at the mine entrance. The entrance had been mined clean. The wall were rough and dry. An insect landed on a rock next to me and made a beeping sound. I looked down at the bug. "You smart bastards." I mumbled . The bug glowed slightly blue. It was clearly metal. A robot most likely .I reached down towards it and it jumped onto my hoof .It glowed brighter. It scanned my DNA. Next it jumped off of my hoof and started slowly flying into the cave. I followed behind it. IT took me through a series of tunnels deep into the mine. It landed on the wall outside the entrance to a large chamber. I walked into the chamber. "Gix you made it." Greycloack said as he came up and hugged me. His brown covered in dirt .Likely from his day job. Photon turner sat in a corner tinkering with some device. His red coat was grizzled as usual. Likely from negligence. "It’s a pleasure to see you again master Gix” Said Greycloack familiar, a gold eastern dragon, as he established a link... “Nice to see you to" I said to Greycloack as he released me. "So what this meeting about?" “I want to wait until Juste gets here before we start." He answered. I took a seat on one of rock nearby looked over the data. My familiar entertained himself by annoying Greycloak's with random questions. Thirty minutes later a blat of cold air announced her arrival as she appeared from the darkness. Her dark purple mane was messy as usual. “Sup bitches, what’s the fucks the problem. “She yelled as she folded her bat wings and entered the room. Black smoke trailed behind her. My familiar jumped forward Steve, " Steve it wonderful to see you and . " My familiar said in greeting . "You know my name old one why do you insist on insulting me?” Steve said In his dark foreboding voice. "Because I find it Hilarious" My familiar said in his playful voice. Greycloack walked forward and set a device on the ground. "Alright let’s begin.” Greycloack said .The device turned on and projected a hologram. The hologram was of a vampire pony. The pony in question had bat wings, a light grey coat, black mane and blue eyes. Greycloack continued "King Blood heart lord of all vampires. Two days ago the W.N.S.S caught him planning to fight Celestial. He plans to kill her then take control of the sun. Simulations have Celestial winning only thirty nine percent of the time. That's too low a number for us to simply stand by and do nothing. We need to eliminate this threat. Gix." I stood up and touched the hologram "This is his castle “The hologram changed to an evil looking castle. " Every day Blood heart stirs up the winds around his castle until night falls. It’s impossible to approach the castle during the day. It be like trying to walk through a hurricane. The assassination will have to happen during the night .The castles imbued with a large amount of dark magic. The castles not likely to simply let us walk through it.” "So I shadow teleport in and shank the fucker.”She injected. "Sadly it’s not that simple." I responded “Vampires are naturally a tuned to the dark. The second you get within a mile of the castle they will know, and react." Juste responded “So what you want to go asshole.” "Yes to be honest. I have experience with dark magic and can get through, or lead someone else through. " "Fine then. “She responded. "I agree you should be there." Greycloack said. "Photon turner will you be coming with us?” "No, I have some dangerous projects that need attending to. “He responded. "Alright so it’s me and Greycloack. Entry point we need one. Any ideas? " "There by the water.” Phrotonturner asked. The hologram zoomed in on the the spot he specified. "It's a slide of sort’s .Its where they dump the bodies after they suck the blood out. It would serve as a good point of entry. Alright that's a plan. Me and Greycloack will enter through the chute and make our way through to the great hall. "I said "Meet me at the train station in an hour. Greycloack said as he walked out the door. “I must be going .Theres science to be done!" Phrotonturner said as he walked towards the exit. "Wait, Photon." I said. "Yes." "I need you to build something." "What?" //-------------------------------------------------------// Traveling //-------------------------------------------------------// Traveling When I got to the train station Greycloak was their waiting for me. He had changed his coat to blue, and he had his sword Venn .It was getting him a lot of awkward glances, I walked up to him "How long in ‘till the train gets here?” “About five minutes. “He answered "I wonder what’s up with them." I asked. "War hasn't ravaged this land for 700 years. A pony carrying a sword is strange to them. Most fear what is strange.” A foal trotted up to us. “But not all “He whispered to me “Hi their little one." he said to foal. "Are you a royal guard?" The foal asked in squeaky voice "Nope." He answered "Then why do you have a sword? Because" It leaned closer to Greycloak and whispered. “I don't think the others like it.” "I noticed. It’s for my job. “He answered. "What’s your job?” "Take a guess? “He challenged. The foal seemed excited by this. "A knight?" "Nope" "Smith?” "Not anymore." “Mercenary?” "Tartarus no!" The foal thought for a second .Before guessing “Adventurer?” Greycloak laughed with low and rich laugh before bellowing "You got me.”. The foal leaped in joy at this. “You’re an adventure! You’re an adventure! You’re an adventure!” "Waxhandler what did I tell you about running off!" My organs got stuck in my throat when I saw the pony walking up to us. Princess MI Amore Cadenza only heir to the crystal throne, and Phrotonturner's charge. “I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be, she’s a nice bit of joy in an existence of pain." "Okay then .Waxhandler lets go." she said awkwardly. The train as if it was trying to break the tension arrived at that moment. “Goodbye then, I was happy to have made your acquaintance" Greycloak said as he did an elaborate bow. Greycloak and I walked onto the train, and took a seat. The train had hearts and was painted pink. I wondered sometimes if pony engineers and architects intentionally were trying to encourage enemies to invade. Out of curiosity I looked back at train station and sure enough the foal was waving goodbye to the train as the princess dragged her away. “Nice kid .Anyway do vampires sparkle in the sun? “My familiar asked out of nowhere. “What! No of course they don't sparkle. That would be stupid. Where did you hear something so retarded.” “Netflix. CAKE!! I smell cake! “My familiar said as he ran jumped through the train wall behind me. We rode in the train for hours. I watched the land speed by. Odd how one’s own home world can become as strange as any alien planet given a few hundred years. "This morning I was given a job offer.” I admitted "Really, what job?" Greycloak asked. “It’s from the magic police. They want me to train some of their novices." Greycloak's familiar flew up next to us and answered “In my humble opinion Master Gix It would do you well to have a student.” Greycloak followed that up with “Regardless the magic police are protectors of Equestrian. You training those fits in with your current duties. In the end though it’s your decision.” I just sat there and thought about what he said for the rest of the train ride. The train stopped at Huffington and we got off the train. All the other ponies waited until Greycloak was firmly off the train before exiting themselves. When we got off the train we walked into town. , Despite its location, hoofing ton was originally settled by unicorns and Pegasus so it took full advantage of steam based technology. Copper pies stuck out of buildings. Large steam power machines cultivated the fields. A sky dock could be seen on the edge of town. I saw at least two ponies who had mechanical limbs. The most notable thing about the town was the sheer number of smiths in the town. Fifty percent of all metal goods in Equestrian are forged in this one town. We passed at least 11 smiths just on our way to the town center. We eventually made it to the center of the town. “So do you know the way were supposed to be going?” I asked "I though you did." grey cloak responded "We'll great now. Were lost." I said "Ash this way." Greycloak said as he walked up to a female Pegasus .The mare in Question had a tan fur and a brown mane. Her front right leg was gone instead a copper mechanical one too its place. Judging by the scared tissue it was torn off. Her wings were also mechanical. Judging by the scared tissue lightning took her wings. Greycloak introduced himself using one of his many false names “Hunter" he said sticking his left hoof out. The mare shook it "Abby Sprocket. Nice sword you got there. “She said in a light accent. "See where new and we don't know our way around. We were wondering if you could point us in the direction." Greycloak explained. "Sure thing if you let me see that fancy sword of hour’s Hunter." Abby demanded. "Alright then but be careful with Venn." Greycloak said as he handed her Venn. Abby took the sword “Swords got a name. Old fashion much. Oh I see why Crystal steel. Now one makes that any more. Old puppy this one, and exquisitely." She said as she looked at the sword .I had to agree the sword gleamed a beautiful silver in the sun light. The Old equestrian engraved into the blade was done to the tiniest detail. The gold cross guard had gems put in it for every color of the rainbow in order. “I wonder who made this, Goldprint, Steelhammer. “She said as she turned the blade. "Don’t!" Greycloak said too late. Abby Sprocket looked up from the blade her mouth hide open .The blade raveled the tiny insignia of a pony in a hood. Greycloak snatched the sword away from her and put it back in its scabbard. “Which direction to the Everfreeforest.” "That way but," she said pointing. We started to walk away. "Hey!" Abby stood up and walked after us. "That sword it’s one of Greycloak's. Where? How? Did you get one? Theirs what ten in existence.” "Twelve actually.” Greycloak injected. "That sword is worth more than what this town produces in a year. It belongs in a museum. What in the name of Celestial are you doing with it? " "It's just a sword .Let it go." I said. “Just a sword! JUST A SWORD! It's not just a sword! It's a work of art. Function and beauty joining in perfect harmony with each other. It’s the art of the forge brought to its highest degree. “Abby Sprocket preached. "Screw this!" I shouted as I teleported Greycloak and myself to a street 200 yards. "You used your real name.” "You’re allowed to use it once. Greycloak responded. “Well that's wonderful, I have to by Silvermane for the next century." I complained. "That name makes no sense . Greycloak commented. "Sappiremane sounded feminine .I was drunk!” I rebuked. "Jute’s introduction ‘ceremony’?”Greycloak asked. "I'm still feeling the hangover. Regardless let’s get going before your fan girl finds us "I said.” Greycloak nodded in agreement .We walked in the direction Abby Sprocket gave us. We walked through the city. A few ponies tried to introduce themselves. Greycloak handled most of them. I didn’t have the patience to deal with civilians. With a few exceptions. We walked on. We arrived at the Everfreeforest as the sun went down. I looked around for any ponies. "Where here! “My familiar screamed. "Aw my beautify, how I missed you" My familiar said as he kissed a tree .The tree responded by growing twice its size. Greycloak looked at me questionably. "It's his holy ground.” I said awkwardly. Greycloak just shrugged. . A small bulged in my skin appeared under my skin on my chest. The bulged crept up my neck It got to my cheek and moved to my left eye, causing pain as it went, it got to my eye and got stuck. It’s struggled and clawed at my eye as it tried to get out. It felt like and an animal was clawing my eye out! The vision in my left eye went out! I taped the left side of my head. My eye exploded outward. Blood and bits of my eye splattered the ground along with a small metal insect. "Fucking defective piece of shit!" I shouted in anger. My Multipurpose Insecticide Robot floated in front of me. My eye repaired itself. "Run a diagnostic, do repairs and guide us to the weapon stash you piece of junk!" I commanded. The M.I.R floated there for a minute before leading us to a clearing 100 feet away. We entered the clearing and I screamed in shear frustration. The entire stash had been utterly destroyed. Weapons and technology was scattered around the opening. "Well this is just wonderful!” I Complained. "This was a cragadiles work. Greycloack said as he inspected the markings on the ground. We gathered all gear and inspected all of it. The only piece that survived was a pack of nutrition injections. We dug a hole and put all the broken gear in it .We intended to retrieve it later. "We cannot go back we will simply have to make due.” Greycloak said. "Come my friends. My kingdom awaits." My familiar as he walked into the forest. My M.I.R crawled back into my body, without any complications, Greycloak, his familiar and I followed. Show us his kingdom he did. The Everfreeforest responded to my familiar the way a Kingdom reacts to the return of A beloved king. If that makes any sense. The magic of the forest swirled around my familiar's feet like a pack of puppies. The trees opened up so we could see the stars in their full glory. Everywhere my familiar step a beautiful glowing flower grew. Every tree he touched grew like the one he kissed. Whenever we came across a monster instead of attacking they bowed in respect. Manticorers, hydras, ahuizotls, chimeras, moon slugs, cockatrices, cloud gremlins, chupacrabras and all manner of other creatures came to bow to their king as he passed. My familiar stood tall in the way a king would. The forest was in joy at the return of its god. We had to stop three times on our journey .The first time was when the vampiric jacklalopes bowed. When they did this my familiar walked up to them. He added them to our physic link. Their minds felt dark and shadowy, but not evil. The largest of the jacklalopes, likely the leader, leaped forward. "What is it great one!" The head jacklalopes asked. "I have a great boon I must ask of you." My familiar said “Name it feral one and it shall be done.” "You serve king Bloodheart lord of all vampires, yes?” "Of course my lord." the jacklalopes responded. "Do not tell him of my companies approach. I wish him to not know of my coming. "My familiar commanded. "You ask me to betray my king? ”The jacklalopes asked. “Yes I do. You are to tell all animals that serve him this order." My familiar responded. The vampiric jacklalopes sighed and bowed”It shall be done. ". "Why is He acting so different than usual?" Greycloak’s familiar asked. "He has a severe case of Dissociative Identity Disorder.” I answered "This is likely a completely different personality.”. The next time we stopped it was when we came across two timber wolves timber wolves. When my familiar saw this he growled. The other animals made themselves scares at this. When timber wolves saw us and instead of bowing they attacked. IT pounced at me. My horn glowed and a fire ball shot out of it .It struck the beast in the chest and exploded. Greycloak punched the other one and its head exploded upon contact with his hoof and it fell to pieces. I cast a spell smothering the remains in chaos. The remains screamed as their order magic was snuffed out. "Beings of order on my land this is troubling. Why would they come here?" My familiar thought. We continued on for about an hour. Greycloak pulled out one of the nutrient injections and injected it into himself. He pulled out another one and offered it to me. "We can’t afford to sleep .Our healing factor can replace sleep but it requires nutrients to do that. Greycloak explained. "There’s only three injection's in that pack it’s only enough for one of us to be battle ready. Regardless I have an idea.” I walked up to one of the trees and pressed my hoof against it. "Are sure these are not normal trees. Greycloak warned. "I’m not.” I said as I began the spell. My hoof fused with the tree. I felt the flow of energy in the tree. Nutrients from the leaves flowed down the trunk into me through my hoof. Expectantly the magic in the tree hit me as I began to drain that to. I ended the spell and ripped my hoof free. And fell to the ground. I fought to gain control the new magic. It was like trying to file papers while in a tornado. After a few minutes I managed to get it all in control. And stand up. "You alright?" Greycloak asked desperately. "Fine. Let’s go." I responded. “I assumed it worked." Greycloak asked. “A little too well." I answered We continued on. We made it to our location just as the sun came up. As clockwork the castles magical shields went up as the first beam of sunlight stuck the first stone. My familiar shook his head as his usual personality took hold. "Hey guys I'm back!” My familiar announced." Did I miss anything ". .? "Nothing important." I told him. “Now we wait." Greycloak said as he began to meditate on a stump. His familiar curled around the stump. I walked to a log and took a seat. Then we waited. //-------------------------------------------------------// Child Protective Services //-------------------------------------------------------// Child Protective Services As the last ray of sun left the skies the winds and the shields faded away. Greycloak opted his eyes. "It's time." Greycloak said as he ended his meditation. I got up from the log. We stalked up to the river next to the castle. The entry point was being guarded by an undead skeleton. My horn glowed, and one of the skeletons vertebra crumbled to dust. It collapsed into a pile of bones and rusty armor. Greycloak nodded then was engulfed in grey light. When the light died he had pegasus wings. He flew up to the hole. I did the same as Greycloak. Greycloak reached into the bone pile and pulled out a sword. He handed it to me. I took the blade, and I cast a spell to sharpen it. I inspected the blade. It was a crude long sword, and it was in bad shape. The blade was rusty and unbalanced. It was clearly once a unicorn hedge knight's weapon. I grabbed the scabbard and sheathed it. I flew up the tube and it opened up into an empty dark room. I landed in the room and I returned back to my unicorn form. Greycloak came up behind me. He started to walk towards the door at the other side of the room. I held my hoof out to stop him. He stopped and stood still. The room was dead silent. “Were not falling for that!” I yelled to the room. A foal’s voice started singing "Ring around the Rosie." Roses started growing from the crack in between the stones. "Pocket full of posies” My pouches and Greycloak’s filled with golden rings. “Ashes, Ashes" Ash started sprinkling from the ceiling. I lick some they were pony ashes. "We all fall DOWN!" .The room suddenly felt like was falling! A deafening shriek filled the room! I grabbed Greycloak to keep him from moving! Suddenly It stopped the room was back to normal. Greycloak looked to the door, then looked to me. I shook my head no. The room was deafening silent. What felt like hours passed before we heard a childish giggle? The voice started to sing again”Stars and moons" The ceiling suddenly looked like the night sky. "And air balloons.” Tiny air balloons filled the air. "Fluffy clouds to the horizon." Small clouds hung at the edges of the room. "I’ll wrap you in rainbows” Rainbows shot from the moon and tied us up. We fell to the floor tied up. “And rock you to sleep again ". The room started to shake back and forth like a cradle. "Teddy bears of pink .Ducks and lambs of white." Tiny versions of those animals walked around hooves. “Don’t you cry dear I'm here now?" A small foal appeared in front of us. “I’ll be your nightlight.” The foal started glowing black. “Stars and moons and air balloons. Fluffy clouds to the horizon I'll wrap you in rainbows and rock you to sleep again. “Nothing changed. "Smiles to cure the frowns." Frowning faces shot towards Greycloak And I! I raised a shield around us and the frowns bounced off! “Twirling and tumbling in laughter." The foal started laughing while twirling and tumbling! "Someday life will always be happily ever after”! "Never more will the storms come to destroy your little world." I raised the shield again! The ceiling was suddenly covered in storm clouds! A tiny guardian world appeared at the center of the room. Lightning stuck the planet then shot at us! The shield stopped the lightning. "Never more will the waters rise,” Water started seeping through the cracks in the wall at an alarming rate. “Till the mountains no longer touch the skies. ”Small mountains as tall as the room appeared around us! The water filled the room! I glowed blue then turned into a sea pony. and Greycloak did the same ."I'll wrap you in rainbows and rock you to sleep again. I'll wrap you in rainbows and rock you to sleep again “The song ended sand thee room returned to normal, but the filly was sitting in front of us. Greycloak returned to being to a Pegasus. I returned to being a unicorn. "You done?” I asked the demon. The demon giggled “Your fun play things." “I’ve been told that before.” I responded. The demon laughed at this "Who are you?” It took a step forward. The floor flared navy blue and it hit its head against the shield. My horn glowed as my spell circle at its feet reviled its self. I walked forward my horn still glowing. A portal to Tartarus appeared behind it and it began to be sucked in. It gripped the flaming edges of the portal. Its hooves burning. "Ask Cerberus , and tell him I said hi "I said. I placed hoof on the demons head and pushed. The hooves ripped off and it tumbled into Tartarus roaring! I pulled my hoof out and closed the portal. The two burnt hooves fell to the ground. The room evaporated into aimless dark magic before dispersing. We found ourselves in a freshly used torture room. Greycloak walked up to me. “Well done." He congratulated. “A high level demon spell. It works through misdirection. It pick a song that victim or victims know. It make the song warp reality. It can't kill you directly. Unless a (you try to stop it or save yourself or B (the line in the song is about preventing something in which it dose the opposite of the line and tries to kill you with it. It’s a simple matter of knowing when to react. "I explained. “By the way what song was that second one?" I asked "A lullaby I heard a friend once sing. I don't want to talk about it." Greycloak answered. Greycloak familiar flew up to him”I’m sorry I wasn't there. I was unable to follow." "It’s okay." Greycloak reassured his familiar”I 'm fine. " I walked up to a wall and inspected it. Dark magic from the demon was present throughout the wall. Underneath that was a spell to teleport the demon to anywhere there was an intruder. But without the demon the magic in the wall was slowly fading . “We need to get moving. We have at most an hour before the dark magic fades enough for the vampires to notice. "I informed Greycloak. Greycloak nodded and we ran through the door! //-------------------------------------------------------// Dinner Time //-------------------------------------------------------// Dinner Time We ran through a hallway for five minutes before we entered the dungeon. The dungeon was a massive room with five giant cages. Yet only one had occupants. All manner of creature were contained within .Most looked extremely malnourished and beaten. The cadge was being guarded by two skeletons. Greycloak drew Venn. It made a beautiful sound as it came out. The air around the blade distorted. The blade became longer and wider. The tip became shaped like his familiars head, an eastern dragon, the blade had hundreds of tiny engravings on it. Greycloak lunged forward and swinging the sword. It cleaved through the skeletons without the slightest hint of resistance. "The Calvary arrived. “Said a talking donkey from within the cadge enthusiastically. I ran up to Greycloak. "Beskytte I presume.” I said as I indicated to the sword. Greycloak nodded. “Let’s go “I said .Greycloak grabbed my shoulder. "We can't just leave them. Greycloak said calmly. “Get us down from here!" yelled the donkey. "We don't have time." I told Greycloak. "Puss.”Said a fat green humanoid creature. A cat in the cadge made an adorable face at us. "Adorable. We can't afford to waste time here." I explained. “I will allow another innocent to be harmed.” Greycloak declared with a terrifying determination. “Head to the torture room theirs a chute you can escape through.". "Already tried that its guarded ." said an orange cat. "Not anymore." Greycloak announced as he used Beskytte to cut the lock off.” The creatures ran out of the cadge. Most gave thanks as they passed by . The donkey went over board and started kissing Greycloak’s hooves. "Common donkey.” The humanoids said as he picked up donkey and ran off to the torture room with him. "Happy now?" I asked. Greycloak nodded. Beskytte became Venn and grey cloak sheathed his sword. We continued on our way. While running up a flight of stairs we started to hear hundreds of voices. They were laughing and yelling. "In Luna’s name." I exclaimed. Greycloak pressed his ear against the stone. "Their having a feast.” Greycloak said. "If this wasn't hard enough.” I exclaimed. We ran up the rest of the stairs and entered a corridor filled with suites of griffin armor. “This way." I said. A groups of for vampires came around the corner. // combat music https://img.youtube.com/vi/0kEbfg1UWRo/mqdefault.jpg "So then I told her..." The largest of the said as he noticed us. They stopped ans stared at us for a second. "Intruders, go warn the king! ”The clear leader of the group commanded. “Brother? “Said the fat on next to him. "Go! I'll hold them off! “Yelled the leader. The three other vampires ran off down the corridor the corridor they just came from. Greycloak drew Venn and flew after them. The leader turned to pursue them .I drew my sword it made a horrible screeching noise. My body entered its war phase. "I'm your opponent leach!” I challenged. The vampire in question was a unicorn with a grey coat and a black mane. He was wearing plate mail with a black cloak on top. The vampire drew his sword. It was a hoof and a half sword, and was of a far higher quality than mine. Dark magic was imbued into the blade heavily. "May I inquire your name mortal”? He asked in an average, if not slightly snobbish, voice. "Gix .Yours?" I asked "Long fang. I offer you this chance Gix Rub now And I might spare your pitiful life. Long fang offered. “From one undead to another you really don't know who you’re dealing with.” I advised him. We lunged at each other and our swords met each other. My sword shattered on impact. Long fang tried to take my head off with the return swing. I ducked under the blade just in time. I shot a burst of magic energy at long fang throwing him 30 feet. He got up as soon as he hit the ground. "Impressive" we both said at the same time "It’s been a while since I faced an opponent as fast as myself.” Long fang explained. “Same here." I informed him. I took one of the swords from the statues. We lunged at each other and exchanged a flurry of blows. My new sword shattered just like the old one. Except this time I jabbed the shattered remains into Longfang's right eye. Before jumping away. Longfang tore the blade out of his face and the damage began to heal instantly. "Now you just made me thirsty.” Long fang announced bearing his fangs. “And I'm hungry. Let’s see which one wins." I announced bearing my war teeth. I encased my right arm in a shield and charged. Long fang charged forward swinging his sword downward .I brought my right hoof up meet it. The sword cut through the shield and half way through my hoof. My blood shot everywhere. I shot a burst of magic energy to his face again. He flew back 20 feet letting go of his sword. My healing factor took care of my wound. "This will make a nice addition to the armory." I said as I teleported it's elsewhere. “That was a family heirloom!" Long fang yelled furiously. Long fang shot a beam of dark magic at me .I raised my wards and held up my hoof. The beam hit it and separated in to four streams that harmlessly curved around me and dissipated. I ran forward and tackled Long fang .We grappled with each other. We rolled around on ground trying to tear each other throats out. While strong, Long fang was inexperienced in this form of combat .I eventually managed to pin him . I lifted my right hoof and drove it into his chest. It burst through through his rib cage and I got a hold of his heart...Then I tore it out .Flesh and bone exploded everywhere. Blood Sprayed like a geyser. I stood up and looked down at Long fang .He was paralyzed without his heart. I levitated his body. I looked over to the wall and I used magic to blast a hole through it. It was a 20 story drop down strait into water. Long fang Game me a look of pure hatred. As I held him over the edge "It’s been fun Long fang. It really has, but this is where your story ends.” I said in a happy voice. Then I let go and watched him fall. He hit the water with a splash, and then he was gone. I Returned to my civilian form and began to slowly walk, my body lacked the resources and energy for anything else, down the hall looking for Greycloak. I Found Greycloak about five minutes later. “Hey " I said. “You look depleted. Greycloak said while handing me a nutrient injection. "Thanks” I said as I took it in my left hoof and injected myself. I felt the containment of the injection coursing through my veins restoring my strength. “Did you also get his head?" Greycloak asked looking at my right hoof. I looked down at my right hoof and relished I was still holding Long fang’s heart. I dropped it on the ground. "No I did not, well that's going to come back to bite me in the ass."I answered. "We have 20 minutes left until the vampires know that we killed that demon. We need to get moving. Greycloak said. We ran towards the sound of festivity. On the way we passed the remains of the three vampires Greycloak killed all that remained was three piles of ash. "We need a plan to take on an army of vampires. Got any bright ideas?" I asked. “I may have one." Greycloak’s familiar spoke up. “All ears.” I said. “I heard you can summon something’s called the soldiers of chaos.” Greycloak’s familiar explained. “Gix is capable of accessing a small number of my army's yes." My familiar said. His more kingly personality switching in. “We can use those to distant the vampires while Greycloak and I directly fight Bloodheart. ”Greycloak’s familiar purposed. “Considering the limit I have to stay under in order to stay under Celestial’s radar. I can maybe get a hundred or so. "I explained. "Will that be enough” Greycloak's familiar asked. “It would take ten of these leaches to bring down one of them down." Greycloak boasted. " Sadly that's the kind of odds we're looking at , but it's a plan and I can think of any better one's so go with it " I said . “Well done familiar. “Greycloak complimented “Always happy to be useful " HIs familiar responded. We ran towards our goal. We arrived at our destination in about five minutes. The main feasting hall had a gigantic door. Alright let the show begin. I began, as with all spells, drawing power from my familiar. Regulating the amount as not to draw too much. I Then began the spell .I selected the right types of magic. And began the proceed. The magic around my horn grow until it was the size of a chest. "Alright I just have to wait...."I started thinking to myself when a voice interrupted me. “I know your behind that door." said a voice that sounded really bored. //-------------------------------------------------------// Bedtime //-------------------------------------------------------// Bedtime "Shit!"I thought to myself. My familiar shuttered as a different personality took control. "Come let’s kill these leaches, devour their flesh, and bath in their blood!" My familiar said with a mad look in his eye. I opened the door and stepped in. The spell was still unready. The great hall was 200 feet long. Gargoyles lined the walls. Two giant tables sat length wise. Vampires were everywhere. Some sat at the tables others hung from the walls and the ceiling. At the head table Blood Heart sat on a giant ornate obsidian throne. Drinking from a golden chalice. Three other empty chairs sat at the head table. Balloons and streamers where everywhere .A giant cake sat to Blood Hearts right. The hall smelled like blood and wine. It was very festive. "Glad you can join us Silvermane. Blood Heart said calmly. “Glad to be here.” I said. "Could you please stop casting your little spell?" Blood heart asked nicely. "No I think I'm good.” I answered. The vampires all took a step towards me, drawing their swords. Blood Heart raised his hoof and they stopped. “So whose birthday is it?” I asked, stalling. "It’s my daughters.” Blood Heart answered "Really, I didn't bring anything. By the way how did you know I was coming?" I asked quickly still stalling. “I had an informant.” Blood Heart answered. The door to his left opened up and two skeleton warrior walked in. They were dragging a beaten, bloody Abby Sprocket behind them. They dragged her body and laid it down in front of the throne. Then backed away with a bow. Blood Heart tosses his chalice towards the skeletons. It hit one of the skeletons on the head splashing it with wine. He grabbed Abby Sprocket by the mane and lifted her up. Until her neck was close to his mouth. “It’s odd, none of my animal servants informed me of your arrival. I'll have to teach them the cost of treason. "Blood Heart said. “You are their king. I am their god .They know better than to incur my bloody wrath" My familiar said Blood Heart didn't hear him not being mystically aware. "Luckily for me I have spies everywhere. Now you’re going to end that spell of hour’s and surrender or Miss Sprocket here is going to make a nice snack. “Blood Heart threatened calmly. Abby looked at me. Her eyes said a lot. She was terrified and desperate. Begging me to save her and to end the pain. I knew those eyes all too well. "Go ahead, I don't care." I answered Blood Heart bit into her neck, and sucked her blood out. Then he dumped her body next to his throne. "I didn't know ponies could be so cruel. “Blood Heart said amused. "I'm not a pony "I said and entered my war phase.” By the way did you know a vampire by the name of Long fang?" "He's my son." Blood Heart said defensively. "If you harmed him I will...” "Harmed him .Oh I did far worst. I killed him!" I lied. A collective shock spread through the room at this. Blood hearts eyes changed from being blue to red. The spell finished, and I cast it. Ninety eight spell circles shot from my horn like a fire work. Everywhere they landed a portal opened and a chaos solider stepped out. Chaos soldiers are creatures made of plasma. They took the form of animals. Mammals, reptiles, birds, each a different color. “Come my children .Destroy every undead in this accursed place. Render their flesh, burn their souls, and devour their corpses! “My familiar commanded. Then he let go a psychic roar. The chaos soldiers joined in as they attacked the vampires. Blood Heart Launched himself off his thrown at me. Ignoring the chaos soldiers. Intent on taking revenge for his son. A grey and brown blur intercepted him and knocked him through the wall. Greycloak gave me a look that would make a demon shit itself. He grabbed me and pulled me closer until my face was only two inches away from his. "You save that mares life or I will make you regret this day." Greycloak said with a terrifying resolve. Greycloak flew out the hole after Blood Heart. A griffin vampire clumsily attacked me swinging the sword downward. I sidestep to the right .Then I grabbed his sword claw broke it and ripped the sword from his claw. I stabbed him through the heart. Pulled the sword out and cut his head off. His body crumbled to dust. I ran across the hall. Dodging everything that attempted to get in the way. I got to Abby’s body and raised a shield around us. "Okay what to do what to do.” I thought to myself. I placed my hoof on her chest and cast a spell. My flesh fused with hers. Our blood streams flowed into each other. My nannies activated detecting the infection. I ordered them to enter Abby's body and begin purging the venom. That was only half the problem. Vampirism is as much a magical transformation as a medical one .Abby's familiar, a giant gear, was slowly turning black. I accessed all the types of magic my familiar was capable of producing. Light, dark, love, chaos act. I began pumping it into her body trying to reverse the process. None of it was working! I tried combing them. Applying them in different orders. Her familiar just grew blacker and blacker as vampirism consumed it. Suddenly there was a spark. This strange magic sat there like a candle in a dark room. The magic felt calm and persistent. Defiantly not something my familiar would produce. The tree that must be where I got it. "Fuck it" I thought to myself. I injected the strange magic into her .It worked! Her familiar returned to its natural color, bronze, the magic did a little more than expected. Miss Sprocket's cuts and bruises. Healed, and she opened her eyes. She looked at my hoof and tried to jerk away. She then looked up at my face, and screamed. "Calm down it’s...” I was interrupted as Abby Sprocket punched me in the face. "Get away from me you monster!" She screamed. My sharpened fur lacerated her hoof, but as the first drop of her blood hit the ground the wounds healed. I detached my hoof from her chest. "Fuck it. Just stay inside the shield” I said before joining the battle. It was going surprisingly well. . Most of the vampires were drunk. The alcohol made most of the vampires clumsy and slow. That and the vampires didn't know how to kill the chaos soldiers. The tables burned from being in contact with plasma. The gargoyles surrounding the room came alive and joined in. I took a sword from a dead vampire and used it to kill more vampires. A massive storm raged out outside. Bursts of thunder shook the room. I was ripping a vampire’s head off when the room started to shack. The sound of stones breaking filled the room. Two vampires and one of the chaos soldiers got sucked out the hole Bloodheart made. I realized what was going on and ran back to Abby Sprocket. One of the gargoyles was trying to smash through the shield. I cast a spell, and the gargoyle fell to the ground cut in half. I jumped into the shield as the roof became covered in cracks. I began pumping magic into the shield to reinforce it. "What’s going on?" Abby Sprocket asked desperately. With a load crack half the roof tore off. Everyone in the room began to get suck up through the roof. "Blood Heart created a tornado. Right on top of his own castle." I yelled in response. The entire room was torn from the rest of the castle. I t spun in circles. "He can do that?” Abby asked. "Hes a celestiadam vampire! Of course he fucking can.?” I responded. The room crumbled to pieces. The shield, with us in it, got caught in the tornado. We tumbled through the air smashing into random debris. The tornado threw us in a random direction. I cast feather fall on the shield right before we hit the ground. Despite the spell we hit the ground like a cannon ball. The dirt flew everywhere and the shield cracked. My head slammed against the shield and the world went black. I opened my eyes. The shield was cracked to shit. I stood up and Abby fell off my back. I looked down at her. Her stomach was covered with lacerations. I ordered report from the nannies. They only reported that she was knocked out, and the lacerations. I attempted to lower the shield. My head burst out in pain. I looked up at my horn. It was broken in half. It started to regrow, but it would take too long. I punched the shield and is shattered. I grabbed Abby and carried her into the forest. I made it to the clearing with Abby Sprocket, and returned to my noncombat phase. I played her on the ground carefully. I started to field dress the cuts. My familiar appeared next to me “There is more blood to be shed." He said as he indicated towards the castle. "I’d rather not incur Greycloak’s wrath. If I just left her alone one your subjects would eat her. “I responded. My familiar turned away from me in disgust. I looked back to Abby body. I tore a part of her shirt off and a small picture fell out. I used the shirt to banding her up. I picked up the picture and was shocked at what I saw. . On the picture was Abby of course with two other ponies outside a shop. On her left was a purple unicorn. Probably no one of importance, but on her right was the doctor. My familiar shook again as his playful personality took hold. He jumped next to me. "I thought this dimension didn't have a doctor.” He exclaimed. "It doesn't.” I responded. "Your full of surprises Miss sprocket. "I said to her. Being knocked out she didn't respond. I reached into her other pocket. "Are yes pick pocketing her?” My familiar asked exited. "Yes, yes we are.” I answered "Yay! Thievery." My familiar responded. I pulled out a hay bacon strip, a pocket watch and a key. I placed it all back into the pocket. I walked over to the log I was sitting on earlier. I pushed the log over and there was Long fangs sword. My blood stained he blade. The blade was made of meteoric iron. The hilt had a giant blood drop shaped ruby set in the hilt. The pummel looked like a bat head. The cross guard looked like a pair of bat wings. I picked up the blade and leaned it against a tree trunk. I sat in the middle of the clearing, and waited. About twenty minutes later Abby stirred. She sat up and winced. "Don't move." I told her. She looked around at the clearing. Then she looked down. “Thank you for saving my life.” She said. “Don’t thank me. I would have left you for dead .Thank Greycloak for forcing me to save your pathetic life . “I told her in a calm cold voice. She looked at me in shock. She probably couldn't comprehend any pony being so heartless. She looked away UN able to make eye contact. She sat there for a few minutes before she noticed where we were. "This is the ever free forest. We need to go before something finds us. "She warned. “Nothing in this forest is going to attack us .They have too much respect.” I explained to her. She looked at Long fang’s sword. “Mind if I?” She asked “Be my guest, but be careful not to cut yourself. There’s enough dark magic in that sword to kill a chimera. "I warned her. I picked up up sword and handed it to her. She carefully picked up the sword and held it close to one of the glowing flowers. . “Its elven. Meteoric iron, Hand and a half sword. Well balanced “she said thinking out loud. “Whose blood is this?" She asked me. "It’s mine." I explained. “I thought you said that there was enough dark magic in this to kill a chimera?” she asked. "Let’s just say the darkness holds no sway over me.” I explained. “Okay." She said confused. She set down the sword, and looked down at the flower. She started to pick it. "Don't pick those. If it doesn't kill you. The creatures in this forest will. “I warned her. She let go of the flower. She took the watch out of her pocket and started taking it apart and putting it back together. I picked up the sword and sheathed it. We waited. //-------------------------------------------------------// Sun Rise //-------------------------------------------------------// Sun Rise The tornado raged for hours before ceasing. Abby seemed very uncomfortable being near the storm. She took the watch apart and put it back together 16 times before she got bored and stopped .The snapping of a twig alerted us to the presence of another life form. Both Abby and I looked towards the sound. A vampire limped into the clearing. His body was mangled .He was missing his left hoof, and was bleeding from multiple cuts. His eyes glowed red with madness and thirst. His body required blood to heal itself. He looked at Abby and bared his fangs. I jumped between Abby and the vampire. A flash of silver light went across the vampire’s chest. His body slid apart then fell to the ground. Greycloak stood behind the vampire. The sun rose behind him. He placed his hoof on the vampires head, and crushed it like an apple. The vampire’s body crumbled to dust. "I'm sorry I’m late. “He apologized. Greycloak looked horrible. Half his face was severely burned. Three of his ribs looked cracked and his skull had multiple depressions. The wounds were healing, but slowly due the lack of nutrients and the severity of them. "Um, you have something on your back.” I told him. A small vampire foal slept on his back .It was a mare judging by the snout. She had a pale light yellow pelt, and a light pink mane. She had cyan colored eyes. He looked at me with his burnt eye. "I know what you’re thinking. A growing vampire will need fresh blood, and were will she live. I don't know any culture on this planet were the people are okay with vampires. Also she can easily get skin cancer from the sun. Just kill it will only be another responsibility in your life, and you don't need any more of those. " "I'm not going to kill her. Greycloak responded. . "Those other problem still stand” I injected. He pulled back some of her fur so that I could see her skin. It looked pink and healthy. Like a normal pony's .Not pale like a vampires. "A dhampir." I said surprised. "Still going to be a pain in your ass. So who's her father? " “It’s Bloodheart." Greycloak answered. “She’s Bloodheart daughter! Add assassination to the list of thrones in your backside she will cause. “I told him. Grey cloak sighed "I will not allow her to be harmed .She’s an innocent in all of this. I will protect her.” "Okay, it’s no skin off my nose.” I said finally. " I need you to wipe her memory, and create her a glamour." Grey Cloak requested. "Do it yourself.” I demanded. Greycloak appeared in front of me. He punched me in the snout, and my cartilage shattered. Foal on Grey Cloak back stirred. Blood flowed from my snout. "I see.” I responded. I entered the foals mind. It was dark as usually with vampires, but not threatening. I saw the foal’s entire life. She was a shy pony. Quite and subtle. I saw her father reading her to sleep. Dinners sat around the table. Long fang appeared often. He uselessly was preoccupied training or Hanging out with friends. In her earliest memories a mare who looked a lot like her, except not a vampire, appeared. Her mother I assumed. Her memories were one of a happy, joy filled family. I took all these memories and moved them to a deep corner of her mind. I left her an image of her mother’s face, deeming it uninteresting. I sealed all of these memories behind a mental gate only I could unlock. I left her mind, and my horn glowed as I weaved her glamour. I had it cover all the signs of vampirism. Her bat wings looked like normal pony wings. Her fangs disappeared. By the time I finished her vampire side looked like an ordinary Pegasus foal. "Their I'm done! Prick. ”I announced. Greycloak ignored me and walked over to Abby sprocket. "Are you alright Miss Sprocket? Greycloak asked. “Pretty good considering .This will be one Tartarus of a story. “She responded. "You can't tell anyone about this.” I told her bluntly. "What!?!?" Abby Sprocket exclaimed. "Miss Sprocket, Silver Mane and I are both part of an order that servers to protect Equestrian from threats that are too great for it to handle. Like Blood Heart, and entities like him. We can't do this as effectively if the targets knows where coming. Ignorance is a deadlier blade than any sword. This why we are not public knowledge. Also information on us is extremely rare, and there's beings willing to do horrible things to get that information. As you sadly learned yourself. For your countries safety and your own .You must forget this ever happened. “Greycloak explained. "You want me to forget being kidnapped, tortured, and nearly killed by vampires. Because two random 'adventures' decided to ask me for directions. "I now it’s unfair and cruel, and I'm sorry that we must ask so much of you." Greycloak sincerely apologized. My noses finished repairing itself, and added" Also if you tell anyone we'll have to kill you. " "Your partners a jerk. “Abby Sprocket told Greycloak. "So I've been told." I told her." We should get going before anymore survivors find us. “I told them. Greycloak looked at miss sprocket. "Can you walk?” He asked her. She tried to stand but winced with pain, and sat back down. She shook her head. I sighed and cast a spell. I drew stone and clay and crystals from the ground. The ground in front of me boiled and churned. I shaped it, and then animated it. Out of the ground rose a golem. It was a quadruped. Its legs and stomach were made of clay. Its back was flat and made of rock. Its head was a small lump on its front. A green crystal sat on its face like a Cyclops eye. I lifted her up gently and set her on the golems back. She looked at the golem in shock. "What is this?" Abby asked. "It’s a golem.” I answered. “Before you say thank you I only created it because I'm too lazy to carry you.”I told her. “I though only high level unicorn magic could create these. “Abby asked. "A) how do you know that b) I'm a wizard of the highest caliber. A golem is child's play to me. "I responded to her. "I heard it from a friend, and you don't act like a wizard.” She answered. "Did you think we’re all wise old men in cloaks carrying books and staffs?” I asked. She just looked at me weirdly. “Let’s be off “Grey cloak said as he walked up into the forest. I followed him, and the golem followed me. When we got to the edge of the forest the filly on Greycloak’s back stirred. Unlike before animals didn't come to see us. The forest was still acting nice. We stopped when the foal on Greycloak’s back stirred. He set her on the ground. She opened her eyes revealing them to be like her fathers. She saw us and started to back away. Even without the glamor she would have looked adorable. "Hay its okay. We’re not going to hurt you. “Grey cloak said in a soothing voice. The little day walker stopped backing up. She refused to make eye contact. It looked like it she was trying to hide behind her own hair. "What’s your name?” Greycloak asked. . She said her name, I assume, so quietly that I even with my enhanced ears I couldn't discern it. “What was that?" Greycloak asked. "Fluttershy" Fluttershy whispered. "Fluttershy that's a nice name." Greycloak commented. Fluttershy didn't respond. She poked the dirt with her hoof. "Since you have nowhere else to go how about you come with me?" Greycloak asked her calmly. Fluttershy very slowly nodded yes. She walked up next to Greycloak’s right leg. "This is where we part .Get her to a place of healing." Greycloak told me mentally. "Fine, I give her a story about being mauled by a random monster. She should be fine, so don’t bash my skull in “I told Greycloak took Flutter shy towards Hoofing ton. When the pass over a hill I looked towards Abby sprocket. "Alright your "Your story is a mysterious monster knocked you out and dragged you into the ever free forest while on a walk. This golem fought off the monster, and saved your life. Stick to your story. “I told Abby Sprocket. Before she could respond I cast a spell to knock her out. It worked and she fell asleep. Next I removed her bandages. Then I used a spell to add claw and bite wounds. Her blood covered the golem back. I then sent the golem off running towards the Hoofing ton hospital. I followed the golem from the shadows. Making sure nothing went wrong. The golem made good time and made it to the hospital in five minutes. When the golem entered through the front door I gave the golem the order to serve Abby Sprocket. I jumped on the roof of a house next to the hospital. I laid down and looked at the stars. My familiar sat next to me. "You know their only magical replicas. “My familiar pointed out. "They’re still pretty though and so is the night sky.” I explained. A sense of Deja vu came over me and I remembered my past. "I miss you”. I whispered to the stars. Tears slid down my face. I laid their feeling the pains of my past. //-------------------------------------------------------// Bus Stop //-------------------------------------------------------// Bus Stop My name is Brighthorn, and I'm a thirteen years old unicorn .I live in Canterlot .I have red fur and a purple mane. I like camping, soccer and spell casting, and Today I'm joining the magic police as novice mage. The pony who assigned us teachers told me my teacher was some pony named Silver Mane. They say he’s a mysterious adventure who goes on crazy adventures to the farthest reaches of Equestrian. Just a week ago he was seen embarking on a quest. He sounds awesome. I was told me to go to the third sky dock .I arrived there at 11:00 am. And I looked around. The sky docks were designed to land launch and Air ships. They were these massive docks that judged out of towers. In Canterlot the was five .Dock number one was the Princesses Celestia's own personal dock. Dock five was normally used by merchants. I wonder why he wanted to meet here. It's not like he could park an airship there. It's reserved for only lords and mayors. Like my father. When I got to the dock the other two students were there already. One a light orange fur and a dark orange mane. He had brown eyes. The other was a mare. She had a cyan coat. With dark blue green, and dark red mane. Her eyes were bright green. walked up and introduced myself. "Brighthorn" I said holding my hoof out. The Orange one shook my hoof. "Long tail” He said introducing himself. I looked over the at mare. "And your name?" I said holding my hoof out. "I'm Nova. “She said reading a book. The door behind me opened up, and director Sparkle hat walked in. He was flanked by two officers of the magic police. "Sir Sparkle hat, what are you doing here?” I asked while saluting with my right hoof. “Were not the royal guard .You don't need to salute an old man?" Director Sparkle hat told me in his gravely old voice. “I’m here because we’ll. Silvermane never said he would train you. Only to meet him here for the answer. " The two M.P next to him showed shock at this. “Sir is it wise to use such a wild ball.” The solider on the right advised. “I have my reasons.” Sparkle hat responded. "Does anyone else hear that. “Long Tail asked. The director and his subordinate stopped arguing. The sounds of engines filled the air. It got louder and louder until the sound filled entire room. The clouds tore apart and a massive airship descended through the clouds. It bigger than any airship I'd even seen before. It looked weird, it was bulky and square. It had two balloons. A massive dragon head decorated the front. Hatchets lined length of the ship. The entire ship was covered in strange symbols. They radiated a strange form of magic. The strange ship flew up to dock. The dock hands moved up to help the ship dock. The ropes on the ship tied themselves to the dock on their own. The dock hands were amazed at this. A unicorn was standing on deck. He stepped onto the dock. "So what’s your answer?” Sparkle Hat asked. "The answers is yes,” The mysterious pony said. "Star Swirl the Bearded.” The director looked shocked at this. "How did you?”The director asked. "I know my own power and very few could match me. Most ponies be lucky to meet one or two such beings in their lifetimes. Seven is insane. " Star Swirl smiled awkwardly. “I also know you only act serious when Equestria is in danger, and we're going to have a discussion about why you would act so serious around a lowly adventure. To be honest though I wasn't using my real name either. ”My new teacher told Star Swirl the Bearded. Star swirls horn glowed. There was a flash of light and a hat appeared in his hoof. He tossed it to my teacher. He caught it and put it on in an overly complicated way. "So who are my students? “My new teacher asked. "Them” Said Star Swirl said indicating to us. They looked at us. Our new teacher. He Sighed and walked up to us. He looked down at us. “ATTENTION. “He yelled like a drill sergeant. I saluted with my right hoof." My name is Gix. You may also call me Master, sense, or the Amazing one. "He said sarcastically. Nova raised her hoof. Gix looked at her oddly. “Yes!" "Due to the treaty of the second cloud war states it’s illegal for any pony to own any airship larger than 20 meters. Your ship clearly breaches the law, and puts Equestrian in danger ." Nova accused Gix. “Fucking nerd. Let me guess you read a shit ton of books. “Gix commented in an annoyed tone. Nova was shocked at being insulted. A massive yell filled the air. "GIX!!! YOU FORGOT TO GET CEREAL!". Gix's head shot up. His eye got a strange twitch to it. "Get on ship” He said quietly. “Why. If someone. "I began to say. Gix picked me up, with his magic, He threw me on to the ship. I hit the deck face first I slid to a stop on my face. “If you value your sanity get on the mother fucking ship.” Gix yelled. Nova and Long tail ran onto the ship. Gix jumped on board. I peeled my face off the deck. The ship detached its self from the dock and took off. The ship flew off in a random direction. My face hurt, but I didn't cry. My dad always told me crying was for the weak, and Sparkles were supposed to be strong. I looked around the ship. The wood was polished and smooth. The entire ship smelled like wood polish and oil. I noticed I couldn't hear the engine. I looked over the guard rail at the engines. The propellers were still spinning, and spewing smoke. I looked at Gix. "Alright you little shits line up. "Master Gix ordered. Nova, Long tail and I lined up in front of Gix. “Alright you probably have a lot of questions, but I'm tired so it can wait until tomorrow. Gix told us. A sack appeared”Also the kitchen isn't working, so here you go. " Gix tossed the sack towards us. He then walked into the captain’s cabin. I used my magic to catch it .I looked inside the bag. It was filled with stage looking crackers. I lifted a cracker out, and brought it to my mouth. ‘Don’t! “Long tail yelled trying to warn me. I bit into the cracker, and my teeth exploded in pain. It was as hard as rock. “Hardtack nasty stuff. You got to get it wet before you eat it. “Long tail told me in a Manhattan accent. Nova walked towards the ladders leading below deck. “Where are you going?" I asked her. “To find some water. Do you honestly think he would give us food and not a way to eat it? "She said snobbishly. She walked down the stairs. Long tail and I followed behind her. The first room we was filled with barrels. The wall in front of us had two doors. The one labeled as the library was open. I opened the door and walked in. The room was a library shelves lined the walls filled with books .most of the shelves had grates on them preventing the removal of any of the books .Strange lanterns lighted the room. Small tables and chairs were scattered around the room. On the largest table sat an empty glass. Nova was looking at a group of shelves labeled unicorn magic. These shelves weren't bared. Nova was looking at one of these shelves. "See I told you. This is a test. “Nova told us smugly.” He wants to see if we can use the resources available to accomplish our goals. " "Okay what do you want us to do?” I asked Nova. "Find any books that might help, and read them." She told us. We started taking books down and looking through them. The books were looked brand new. We looked through the books. We read through the books for hours. I saw stuff on summoning, combat, cooking, path finding, countering, shields, and so on. "Got something.” Long tail told us while looking at a book. Nova and I jumped next to him. I looked over his shoulder. On one page was a spell to summon an apple. On the other was a spell to fill a cup with water. “Okay let’s eat the use the spell and eat some hardtack." Nova said exited I looked at the spell. It was pretty simple. Not really much of a test. Nova's horn glowed and the glass filled with water. I dunked the son of the hardtack pieces into the water. I bit into it again. And this time it was soft enough for me to bite through. The hardtack tasted horrible. I could barely get one piece down without vomiting. Nova looked like she was having the same problem. Long tail ate it with no problem. He seemed to enjoy it. We, mostly Long tail, went through the bag quickly .I walked out the door. The ladders were bathed in orange light. It was sunset. We had been in the library researching for hours. I looked at the other door. A bronze plate on the door labeled it as ’students’ quarters’. Two hammock bunk beds occupied the room. A few small tables also occupied the room. The same strange lanterns bathed the room in golden light. I walked up to one of the lanterns. The lanterns were boxes. The sides were metal and glass. They had engravings on the sides. No curves were used only strait lines. The same same strange symbols I saw on the outside of the ship were engraved on the lanterns. They radiated magic at a steady constant rate. The magic felt odd. It wasn't unicorn or pegs magic. It felt kinda like earth pony magic except even more orderly and calm. I looked for the latch to open. I couldn't find one so I set it back on the table. I looked at the beds the blanket felt soft. I placed my stuff on the top bunk. I looked at a clock on the wall. It read 8 pm .The entire ship shook as we hit turbulence. "It's probably best not to explore the ship.” I thought to myself. I climbed into the hammock and fell asleep thinking about how proud Gix would be of us tomorrow for passing his test.