Tales of The Forgotten: Firefly

Chapters

Journey Into the Unknown
Star-Light
Catalyst
Into The Fire
My Angels & Demons

Journey Into the Unknown

"Hey buddy. Its been a while you know. What is it, a year now? I could say I've been handling things well but...I don't know, I've changed yet I'm also still the same person I was before. We used to balance each other and now I'm trying to fill both roles. It's like how I said it was alright after...she broke my heart. Even when I completely crumbled and fell apart. You were always my anchor, what with me being a little more emotionally fragile." The stone in front of me offered only silence, the small memorial I had dedicated to Robert after he vanished, it was my sanctuary, where I went and talked whenever I needed the peace or to find answers. I was the only one that knew about it. I held out the wolf pendant he had left me in my hand as I kept talking.

"I kept to my promise though, I'm still a loving person and I carry kindness and hope with me always. With you gone...for a while I was stumbling in the dark, I remember fear, so much fear, more than I have felt in my entire life. I was falling apart piece by agonizing piece and I fully realized just how important you were to me. I didn't just want you, I needed you in my life, you were like the big brother I never had and didn't realize I couldn't live without. The others know I haven't given up on you, they used to smile with me but now it's a sad nod and they agree in tear-choked tones when we're on the topic. They say they still believe you'll come back but I see it in their eyes, the life and hope have long since departed." Tears began to well up in my eyes as the last amber hued rays of the days filtered through the leaves of the trees that surrounded me and the cold stone before me.

"But I haven't! I will find you, Robert, on that I swear. I am sorry to say that I haven't found love like you hoped. I mean there is the one brilliant girl I know, she's kind and smart but...I don't know I just...anyway you know someone actually made fun of the pendant you gave me a few months ago right? He said it looked ugly as hell and that I should get rid of it and find something new. I know you would have lost it there, you'd tell me I should have kicked his ass. I told him it held sentimental value from someone close to me. He said I shouldn't keep it on me or it'll always keep the sorrow with it. He reached for it and tried to take it and...something switched. I grabbed his arm, flipped him over me and of course that led into a fight. I fought like never before and he fought very well but still, I absolutely kicked his ass. I don't know how I did as well as I did, something came over me and as soon as it was over I had to make sure I didn't imagine it. Long story short he had to go to the hospital...we talked after, oddly enough we're kinda friends now. He deeply apologized for what he did, he said he was being a jackass and that he actually has a similar pendant for someone he lost."

The last light of the sun slowly played across my cheeks as it began to hide below the horizon, casting a beautiful autumnal shadow over the decorated stone in front of me. I wrote some of his sayings near the base of the stone and did a surprisingly accurate drawing of him on the front. It was as close as I could come to actually talking to him, I knew of course it did nothing but it always helped me nonetheless, I could usually picture what he'd say. Something brilliant and wise, from the heart and from wisdom well beyond his years.

"James and the others still have some hope, I'm planning on telling them about this little place I have set up, it's become like a sanctuary. Even gone you're still helping me pull through. I miss you, bro. I should get back soon, people know I have a place set up like this, just not where, sometimes I do sleep out here, during especially rough times, they understand by now at least, surprisingly there's no bugs right around here, it's as if even they respect this site. Sometimes I wonder if you didn't just vanish, but rather went somewhere. I try to imagine what it's like, I know I'd handle it better than a lot of people would be there's still some people I care about deeply like James and Daisy of course and my family but I can adapt, I make friends fast. It would still be very hard for me. If I could take them with me then...I'd go anywhere. I'd also follow you anywhere, show me where you went and I will follow you to hell if you asked. Anyway I've talked long enough, I'll be back again tomorrow. See you later."

I sighed and picked up my backpack which had long since become far more personalized, it no longer looked like any brand made it, it almost looked like I made it myself. I added a number of pockets and it was always filled with plenty of tools, some food, water and any personal items I deemed important, nowadays I carried it virtually everywhere. One time while I was trying to find the site just after I established it I got lost in the woods for a few days, after that the pack seemed like a good idea. I also carry a staff with me now, not a walking stick, a staff. It's a great tool, you can walk with it, poke creatures that might bite your hand off, you can use it to hold up a tent at night, all sorts of things really.

With all of my items gathered I walked the long route home as the calm night descended and the beautiful stars began to come into view, every one demanding respect as the shined brightly in the best show on Earth, one I had the pleasure of seeing every night. Rather than head straight home I went for a bit of a detour, going the long route. I walked with only the the cool night air on my back and the sound of my own breathing in my ears. Then something caught my eye.

I tried to make out whatever it was, it was far off in the distance but it seemed to glow a brilliant blue light, it pulsed, grew and shrank as it floated in the air. I cautiously moved closer and found myself in awe as I watched the anomaly continue on, as if it had a life of its own. The only thing I could even use to describe it is some kind of orb or wisp, then it clicked in my mind.

"Wait...this is the kind of thing Robert must have found...meaning...holy crap it can't be real..."

After Robert vanished I had many dreams about wisps or even odd things happening in the future, whether it be me fending off strange wolves made of wood or one particularly crazy one involving me scaling the back of a dragon. Wanting to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, I picked a rock up off of the ground and threw it at the wisp. The rock stuck to the alien sphere for a moment before slowly sinking into it.

"This is interesting..."

Then an idea came to mind, if it were a portal of some sort I have a way to test it. I pulled a few feet of rope from my pack and tied it around a stick and held the other end of the rope. I tossed the stick to the wisp and like the rock, it sank it before vanishing from sight and began to pull the rope with it. I held tight and pulled. Though it felt like I was dragging a cinder-block through rather than a simple stick it finally reemerged and fell to the ground.

That was all the evidence I needed. I checked my pack, I was usually prepared for being in the woods for an extended period of time, I learned my lesson the first time I got lost. I could only hope that if Robert was on the other side of the strange portal he was still alright.

"If you're out there, know that I will find you, Robert, and I will bring you home." I grinned in determination as I pulled out a much longer length of rope from my pack and tied a knot around a thick tree a few feet from the orb, then tying a second knot just to be safe. I tied the other end around my wrist as I prepared to go through the wisp. With any luck I could tie the rope to something on the other side and be able to use that to get back through to come home with Robert. I made sure that my staff was tightly attached to my pack, it was far taller but hopefully it would go through without any problems

"Hold on, Michael's coming." With everything set, I walked up to the wisp and raised an uncertain hand. I put it up to the wisp and it stuck to it and very slowly started sinking. I tried to pull it out but it felt like I would rip my arm off before that happened. There was no backing out now, so I put my other hand to the blue anomaly before me and the same thing happened. The wisp began pulling me in faster now, before long I felt my head and chest make contact. All I could see was bright, pulsating, blue light as it pulled me in more, my feet now dangling in the air before those came through as well.

All I sensed was bright light and then darkness. Only a second later I felt to the ground with a thud and felt cold night air on my back once more. I stood up and looked around, it was a forest and night had just fallen only...these woods felt different, I could sense it in the air, these were nothing like the trees I was used to and somehow they felt more...l don't know how I could describe it. Without waiting for long I found a tree that was close by, I untied the rope from my wrist and tied a secure knot around the trunk of the tree. When I was done I plucked on the rope to see the effect, luckily the rope seemed to go straight from where I was to this strange new place.

Then the light began to pulse quicker. It grew and shrank more rapidly now and I noticed the rope vibrating.

"No, no come on now, keep going, come on." As if it was defying me on purpose the wisp only appeared to grow more unstable. The outside of it seemed to swirl around as the light continued to pulse quicker. I reached my hand out to the wisp only for it to pass through now.

"No...come on!" I pulled on the rope and found that it still seemed connected somehow. Then the wisp starting making weird ethereal sounds as it became more unstable and violent. Then it all shrank inwards on itself suddenly and vanished with a pop. The rope fell to the ground in front of me. The end was burnt and severed from my home.

"NO! DAMN IT! COME BACK!" I jumped up to where the wisp had been before it vanished, maybe it would come back?

"No...no, no, no, no...come on, come back, come back...I can't be stuck here...It must come back at some point..."

I tried my best to remain calm. When it would return I don't know, but it surely would sometime, in the mean time I would set up a small camp and wait.

I gathered rocks from the immediate area and began setting up a fire. I picked dead branches and sticks off the ground and put them where the fire would be. When it was set up I looked around it my pack for a lighter, I always had a few, hopefully I didn't forget them this time. I found my phone first and out of curiosity checked it. Aside from no signal it was still in perfect working order so at least the portal didn't affect electronics. I threw it back in and withdrew a lighter.

I swept up some dead leaves and put them under the pyramid of branches before introducing the lighter to it. It was slow at first but slowly caught light. I moved my pack farther away so that I wouldn't risk my staff catching on fire. I made it several months ago and it was one of those things that I simply couldn't leave anywhere unless I had to.

Before I knew it an hour had passed with me beside the fire. Still no sign of the wisp, I could be here for weeks and it might not be back. I had food and water but it would only last for so long, it might be a good idea to look for water. I threw on my backpack and grabbed my staff. As I reached down I heard a low growl coming from the surrounding bushes. I squinted and could barely make out a malicious pair of green eyes staring back at me.

It leaped out of the bush and stood less than ten feet away from me and pawed at the ground. It looked like a wolf but it was different...it was dark outside but as it drew closer to the fire I could see details. The creature was made entirely of wood and it was inching closer to me but made certain to steer clear of the fire. Then three more wooden wolves just like it emerged from the bushes and began surrounding me. They closed in with murderous intent and circled as close to me as they dared.

Then one of the strange beasts lunged, I side stepped and it flew clear over the fire and rejoined the circle pacing around me.

"You bastards hate fire don't you...well let's see how you like this!" I hastily pulled a branch from the fire the had only begun to burst into flames and I wielded it like a torch before me. When I swung it the wolves backed away a fair distance. I raced forward and bashed one of them in the side of the head. The flame latched on to the beast hungrily and began to rip away at it. The wolf seemed to howl in pain and tried to roll on the ground to get rid of it. I swung the torch in a circle around me and threw it at the rest of them.

I seized the opportunity and broke into a dead sprint passed the distracted creature. I dodged past trees and rocks while I ran as fast as I could, even at my fastest the wooden wolves were already gaining ground on me, albeit slowly. Even the one I set on fire had joined the chase, its blackened face leading the charge before long. They were going to catch me very soon, I knew it. It I was going to fight them might as well do it before I get ripped to the ground. I held a firm grip on my staff as I whipped it around behind me. I caught them by surprise when I knocked one to the side and kicked the other in the head. The blackened wolf found an opening when he leaped for my face, I raised my staff and the beast's jaws clamped on. I struggled to my feet and swung the staff as hard as I could, just before it made contact with a tree the wolf let go and fell to the ground.

Yet another wolf jumped towards me but this time I was ready. I swung the staff like a bat and caught it clear in the head, the force shook throughout the creature before it sprayed in a mess of miscellaneous pieces of wood and splinters. At least it seemed they could be killed.

Another member of the pack tried bite at my arm but missed and left himself exposed. I grabbed it by the back of the head and swung the wooden beast against a tree with all the force I could muster. Like his friend he splintered into a blast of wood chips and the green lights that had been his eyes dissipated. Only two of the creatures remained. Black-face and another member of the pack circled in front of and behind me before the one in front lunged. I kicked in the air and knocked it to the ground before smashing into it with my staff. It didn't have the same effect as it did on the others but it crumbled to the ground and when it struggled to get up I smashed into it harder, finishing the job.

Before I could react, Black-face the only surviving creature lunged at the back of my neck and bit down. Jagged wooden teeth sawed at my neck and I howled in pain. I could feel blood start to trickle down my neck. If those teeth had been bone it would have been far worse. I allowed myself to fall on my back, pinning the wolf, yet it still gnawed away. I stood up again and backed up into a tree with the beast latched to my back. Upon impact it finally relented and let go. The wolf fell to the ground and backed a distance away from me. It snarled before retreating into the depths of the forest, it's haunting green eyes flashed one last look at me before it disappeared. He would be back.

Tired from fending for my life, I allowed myself to finally rest and I sat on the ground, keeping an eye out for any more ambushes. I put a hand on the back of my neck, I felt bits of wood mixed in with the blood, some of which now soaked my hand. It hurt like hell but I knew that really it was only superficial, it could have gone a lot worse if he bit from the front. I plucked the bits of wood piece by painful piece until they were all out. I let myself rest for a few moments, breathing in the refreshing night air to try and relax.

"I need a vacation." I chuckled to myself as I stood up, somewhat proud that I managed to fend off a pack of strange wolves. The only thing they could be called would be timber wolves. I openly laughed at the pun. They were literally timber wolves.

"Hopefully there's some kind of civilization or something around here..." I trekked on through the night in search of any indication of civilized beings and hopefully not the kind that would eat or sacrifice me.

After over two hours of searching the prospects of me finding a town or city seemed depressingly low. All I saw were trees, trees and big surprise, more trees. I was a little happy that nothing else had tried to kill me just yet. I was already feeling tired, it had already been a long day when I arrived and I began to think about setting up a small shelter for the night until a humble cottage gradually came into view. It wasn't much but at the moment it was the most beautiful building in the world, because it meant hope.

"There might just be a chance after all..."

Author's Note

A story I'm doing in conjunction as Storm Quill does "Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity" So yep, in Equestria and had to fight off timber wolves and as you probably guessed, that's Fluttershy's cottage up ahead. Don't worry this doesn't mean my other stories will update any slower, I've had this in my head for a while and was able to type it up relatively quickly. This story is not in any real way connected to my other stories if any of you were wondering. Hope you guys enjoyed! Let me know if you found any mistakes or what you liked or disliked, the story is going to get more interesting as it progresses and I know you'll like it.

Star-Light

I crept closer to the lone cottage until I could start to make out details, all around it were small shelters for animals and feeding stations as well. I caught a glance of sleeping chicken, birds, rabbits and a dozen other creatures all sleeping unawares of my presence. I tried to creep close to see if there were any supplies I could use from the cottage. Ordinarily I was no thief but I would only take a couple things, like maybe some medicine in case I got hurt or a map of a nearby town or something if I lucked out.

My thoughts were interrupted as I saw the back door open and out step a yellow pony with a pink mane.

Wait...Fluttershy? It can't be...if it is then that means...but that's impossible. Another world is a stretch I can believe, any alien world, but it just had to be Equestria? I had best keep my distance. It may seem like Equestria but thus far she would be the only real detail to support that theory. It would be best to keep hidden for now, wait a while and figure out what I can from a distance. For all I knew in this world they could all be psycho or something.

"Hey there, little ones. I brought you some food in case you get hungry in the middle of the night." She spoke with one of the most soft, angelic voices I had ever heard. She kept her voice to a whisper as she deposited bits of food beside a couple of her animals that seemed to have trouble going to sleep. As tempting as it was to go and introduce myself I knew that even good people could react violently to strangers that came from out of nowhere, let alone if they were a different species. Before long Fluttershy returned inside and shut off her lights and I could hear wood creaking softly as she walked up to what would surely be a second floor and her bedroom before stopping altogether. She would probably be asleep herself before long..

It would be a bad idea to make a move this soon, but it would be a waste of time to just sit here. I inched closer to the cottage and carefully scouted out the perimeter. As close as I tell it was a fairly isolated place and she lived alone except for the animals. There was a road that led away from the cottage and hopefully towards a town.

There were animals resting all around the back yard but thankfully the front yard seemed all but devoid of animals, so I'd be able to sneak in and look around without being snitched on by some bird. After half an hour of waiting I finally decided to move in. I crouched down and moved to the front door. I pulled out a bobby pin from my pack that I left in there after building a make-shift compass. Hopefully it would make a decent lock-pick as well. I slid it into the lock and tried the door only to find it was already unlocked, which was odd though I would hardly be one to complain. I threw the bobby pin back into my pocket and gently pushed open the door.

The inside of the cottage seemed comfortable and comely, the kind of house you could visit and feel like you'd lived there yourself your whole life. I began to move into the center of the living room, remembering how the wood creaked as the lone mare had went to bed. I monitored each footstep and moved as silently as possible, I looked around and noticed lots of food and water as well as bandages, but no map. I would come back if I was actually starving or becoming badly dehydrated, I grabbed a bit of gauze and a few band-aids in case I got hurt. Enough to be useful but not enough for someone to notice it's gone.

I didn't want to push my luck too far by going upstairs so the bandages were all I took. I guess I'd just have to follow the road if I wanted to know whether it led to a town. I left the way I came and made sure to close the door slowly. By now night had well and truly fallen, it would be smart for me to get some sleep before following that road. I wouldn't dare to sleep on the ground deep in the forest but thankfully a lot of the trees around looked easy to climb and had a fair amount of room that could be used for sleeping when the branches spread out to form part of the canopy. I picked out a tree far enough from the cottage to not be easily spotted yet close enough to discourage predators. Worst case scenario that timber wolf returns with friends and I run for shelter in the cottage. I'd rather deal with a confused pony than a pack of hungry beasts.

I climbed up into what would be my resting place for the night and pulled my sleeping bag off the front of the backpack. It was showing signs of wear but it would still take care of helping to keep my warm enough through the night. I laid my back against one of the tree branches and held my staff in my lap as sleep slowly washed over me.

I sat up and found myself in a strange castle of sorts. I was alone at the intersection of a dark stone hallway, in three of them I saw fierce, threatening eyes gazing at me hungrily and I could hear growling. In front of me was a slightly brighter hall and someone was walking towards me, a staff of their own in his right hand as he walked. When he came close I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Robert. He wore a long robe on his body and a gentle smile on his face. He reached out his hand and beckoned me to come closer. I did just that and he grabbed my hand and led me forward down the hall. The intersection I had started at now became engulfed in darkness.

Eventually the hallway before us led to an opening and I could see a moon-lit grass field far ahead. As soon as we emerged from the stone tunnel I noticed that we were flanked by numerous people. I looked closely as we continued walking and noticed that all of them were people I knew and cared about. They all watched with concerned eyes as we passed. Robert ignored them and continued leading me forward.

Soon the crowd faded behind us and we reached a true castle. It looked like something straight out of a hellish nightmare, the stone itself echoed fear and despair. The towers clawed into the air like black monoliths and the walls held them together like the ribs of great stone beast. Our pace slowed until we reached the gates where Robert released my hand and walked forward on his own. When I took another step he spun around with his staff in hand and poked me in the chest with the other end.

"Where I lead, you cannot follow. Now go. Run!" He shoved me back and gestured to a pack of wolves running at break-neck speed towards me from the right side. Robert ran through the gates and they promptly closed behind him, sealing himself in the dark prison. I did as he said and ran. I ran fast, very fast, but they were faster. They were gaining ground fast. When I passed under a tree branch a hand swiftly reached down and yanked me up. The wolves passed us underneath and continued on as if nothing about their chase had changed. I watched them fade into nothingness and found a wolf pendant had formed, hanging from around my neck. Robert snapped his fingers to get my attention.

"You have to keep fighting, Michael. Never give in. Now go! There's no time left. RUN!" He kicked me out of the tree and instead of the grass below I looked around a found only a wooden floor.

I stood up and saw my closest friends walking towards me, but rather than the friendly faces I knew they held malicious grins and murder in their eyes.

"As if we ever cared about you! This has been a long time coming and you know you're going to deserve every bit of it." James said as he popped his knuckles while several others closed in, leaving me less and less breathing room.

"No...no! Leave me alone! PLEASE!" I shouted in panic and a moment later a ring of fire formed around me and spread out. It disintegrated everyone around me, leaving nothing but dust and ashes.

"No! Why did this happen!? Why? What did I do!? Someone help! Please!" Tears formed in my eyes and clouded my vision as my hands sifted through the ashes as if it could bring them back. I fell to my knees as tears began to stain the floor. A hand landed on my shoulder and I turned to notice Robert once more.

"This is not your destiny. You have the power to change everything. I have faith in you. Remember that only from ashes a phoenix can rise." Then as quickly as he came, he vanished again. I looked around and saw my friends stand up from their own ashes, but they held no cold intent and helped me to my feet. This time they each carried a sword or similar weapon as well. I led them back to the front gates of the castle that Robert had disappeared into. All along the way we were beset by dozens of timber wolves but my friends destroyed them before they could reach me. They circled around to protect me as I lifted open the gate but none of them followed me through. They tried but something prevented them from crossing the line and the gate slammed shut once more, only now it was impossible to lift.

"I'll be back soon!" I shouted to them before turning towards the castle and running. I threw open a pair of doors and took off down a stone hall not unlike the one I found myself in earlier. At every intersection there were creatures watching from the dark to my left and right that began to give chase as I passed. Soon a horde of creatures were hunting me and I could hear a voice call hauntingly from farther down the hall.

"This is how it all ends! You can run but you can't outrun fate!" It laughed wickedly while the beasts closed the distance. Soon a ledge came into view, below it was a pit ten feet across filled with spikes. I launched myself across and barely caught the ledge with one hand. I hauled myself up while the creatures only managed to fall into the pit. The survivors looked down before heading back the way they came, a couple simply sat near the ledge and leered at me.

A short distance ahead a room came in sight. It was lit by a row of torches on the back wall and Robert was in the center of the room, tied to a table that stood diagonally with him strapped down to prevent any movement whatsoever. I unbound him from his straps and as soon as Robert fell from it he smiled but looked at me with sad eyes.

"You have a very great future ahead of you...but so many dark paths lie ahead. I weep for you. I warned you. Where I lead you cannot follow." As soon as he finished talking he vanished once more. The entire world around me began to vanish as well until I stood alone in a strange, blue ethereal plane. A moment later a tall blue pony with a horn and a pair of wings manifested from the air. It could only be Princess Luna and when she spoke it confirmed my suspicion.

"I am Princess Luna. I couldn't help but notice a strange new dreamer tonight. Such...terrifying dreams, you're so full of fear and terror...why?" Her eyes were wide with concern at what she had apparently seen.

"What are you doing here, young one?"

"I don't know...I'm so lost. I...is this even real or is it just that much of a crazy dream. I don't know how to explain anything you saw..."

"Don't worry. I know what it means, Michael. What's important is whether or not you do." Luna said calmly.

"I...I don't know, I've had mostly crazy dreams and nightmares since my friend disappeared."

"Oh, I see..." Luna looked away and fiddled with one of her hooves against the ground, if I didn't know any better she was hiding something.

"Can you help me?"

"I will try. I can help guide you. I know you're lost and afraid, know that the ponies here are kind and helpful. I know Fluttershy would be eager to help you. There is no need to steal, though I know why you did.

"Oh...you know about that. I promise I'll return the bandages and try to introduce myself in the morning."

"Good. And Michael, I can tell what you're feeling as well. You're lost in far more ways than just one, even if you won't admit it. You'll find me in your dreams again tomorrow. I'm sorry but I must go quickly" She turned and prepared to leave until I spoke up.

"Luna, one more thing please, before you go." I closed my mouth before going on, afraid of the answer I might receive. "Is there any way for me to get home?"

She looked at me with sorrowful eyes before walking away and fading to nothing. Moments later everything slowly glowed brighter until all I could see was a bright light and I felt myself waking up.

I snapped awake and realized it was already late morning, the sun's rays cast down over me like a spotlight, demanding me to wake up. I rolled up my sleeping bag and tied it back to the front of my backpack. I slung it on my back and picked up my staff before jumping down the tree. I took a deep breath and made my way to the front door of the cottage I had crept inside last night. I knocked on the door three time and waited for a response.

A few long moments later the door creaked open and in the doorway stood a nervous mare.

"Hello. My name is Michael, it's nice to meet you."

"Oh...ah...my name is...Fluttershy." She said softly.

"I don't know how I got here and I'm really lost, can you help me?" I pleaded

"Oh my...you poor thing. Come inside and sit down and I'll bring you some soup, then we can talk."

I did as she asked and sat down on a corner of the couch while Fluttershy quickly returned with a steaming bowl of soup and set it in my lap.

"Also...I have a quick confession to make. I was lost and terrified last night and I didn't know how you'd react to a stranger coming out of nowhere so I stole some bandages while you were sleeping. I didn't take anything else, I swear."

Rather than get upset with me she simply looked at me like a disappointed mother. I reached into my backpack and held them out to her.

"Keep them. They're meant for those in need and I have plenty more but next time, please just ask. Alright?"

"Thank you. You're really kind." I said as I tucked away the bandages.

"You're welcome, eat up and tell me what's going on."

"I'm not really sure. There was this orb or wisp thing in the woods and I went through it only to end up here. I was in the woods for a few hours until I found your cottage. I got attacked by some kind of timber wolf things but I fended them off without getting beaten up too badly. Though one got at my neck." I gestured to the back of my neck which was still bloody and relatively fresh.

"Oh my! We need to clean that right away or it could get infected. Follow me." Fluttershy quickly grabbed my hand and led me to her bathroom sink. She dipped a piece of cloth in the water and began to clean the wound. After that she applied a chemical that she warned would sting but would prevent infection. I tried to hide how much it actually stung like hell. It almost hurt as badly as the bite itself did but I tried my best to not look like a wuss.

"There. That didn't even take long and now it'll be fine. You shouldn't be in the Everfree at night, it's dangerous, there's a lot more scary animals in there. Did anything else happen?" She asked while inspecting me for more injuries.

"Well I went to sleep in one of the trees outside and I was having a terrible nightmare and then Luna appeared out of nowhere and started talking to me, it wasn't for long but she said she knew I was lost and promised to help guide me."

"Wow. Well you're the first human here in a long time, we should get you introduced to the others. Twilight might be able to help you get your bearings too. When you're done with your soup we'll head into town to find her."

"Wait...are you saying there have been other humans here?"

"Well maybe one or two, but that was almost twelve years ago."

"Oh...never mind then." I remained quiet until my soup was finished. It was interesting that I wasn't the first human here but Robert only vanished a year ago. Unless he never made contact with ponies he mustn't be here.

Once I finished my soup Fluttershy took it away and put it in the kitchen sink and took me outside with her.

"Now, we experience new things really often but some ponies could still be a little nervous if they see you so just do your best to be friendly and trustworthy. We're going to find Twilight first and ask her to invite the others so they can all meet you."

"Thank you, why are you doing this anyway? You barely know me."

"It's just what everyone should do, and maybe one day I'll be really lost and need help like you and someone will help me out." she stated optimistically.

As we walked the road towards town we talked a little and tried to find what we had in common or what she had fun doing.

Fluttershy and Luna seemed to be my first friends in this strange new world and were eager to help me out and show kindness. I could only cross my fingers and hope the rest of the world would react similarly...

Author's Note

I know it starts off a little slowly but don't worry, things are going to get interesting pretty soon. Let me know if think there's anything wrong with it, I'm always looking to improve. Other than that I'm not sure I have much else to say that wasn't shown in the chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed! And at least this time I made it without filling the entire Author's Notes box.

Catalyst

"Come on, you'll be fine. Ponyville is full of understanding ponies." Fluttershy urged as we neared the town. My pace had practically slowed to a crawl. While I knew she was more than likely right, either way walking into a town of a species you had only met that day could make most people a little nervous.

"I know it's just...not sure if I'd fit in very well." I admitted.

"You will, try not to worry about it." she reassured.

I sighed a little in defeat and kept walking as we neared the town. I nervously played with my staff as we walked through. I was met with a few odd glances at first and even a hello or two before we reached Twilight's library, it has a new look to it when compared to most of the town but still looked lived in. I smirked as I thought how it really raised the bar being an actual tree house.

"Twilight has this big castle now but since it was rebuilt she still spends much of her time in here." Fluttershy stated as she knocked on the door. We waited for a few long minutes but no answer came to the door.

"Huh. She must be off on princess business or something." Fluttershy thought out loud. "Well we should try again later, in the mean time maybe you'd want to get to know some of the other species living in Ponyville. We have of course ponies, a zebra, a handful of gryphons, a couple of dragons and maybe even a minotaur."

It really was quite a variety, and from what I could gleam about this world from the show and various stories online I could guess that the gryphons and dragons were some of the only sentient apex predators on this planet, much like humanity on Earth. I'm not particularly violent but they might be more similar in how they behave to humans than ponies.

"Know where any of the gryphons or dragons are?"

"Hmm...well Gilda came back some time ago, she left once on bad terms but when she came back she said she had grown up and learned from what she did. She became a lot nicer after that and a few years ago some of her friends moved to Ponyville after hearing what it's like. They live a little closer to Applejack's farm. We've had three dragons living here for a while and a fourth recently moved in and they're actually all bipedal which it pretty rare. Most dragons walk on all fours after they reach adulthood. Spike is often at the blacksmith now. We didn't always have one but we found it was easier to make metal here than always ship it from Canterlot. His strength helps him do really well there. The other three live near the Everfree, but not in the direction I'm in. If we take a left from here we can go meet them."

"Alright, let's go meet the dragons." I suggested. Fluttershy nodded and led the way towards where they lived. Soon we came upon three cottages that looked like Fluttershy's initially but there were some key differences. First off they were noticeably larger and a few specific points seemed reinforced with stone.

"The one on the left is where Nova lives. She's like a lot of dragons in some ways but in others she's pretty unique. She's pretty nice and loves to go on adventures and stuff. She likes to fight or train sometimes, though since most ponies are either busy or nervous about fighting a dragon she usually just does it with the other two. On the right is Valerian, he's a little bigger and he can seem a bit scary sometimes but deep down he's a nice dragon. He takes loyalty seriously and can be stubborn at times but once you get to know him he really opens up and shows that he likes to do things like paint and even write poetry. Please don't tell him I told you. In the middle lives Telara. She's really fun to be around and she is great person to talk to. She's pretty patient and always seems to be there when her friends need help. She's a lot like Nova but Nova doesn't share her interest in things like gardening or magic or astronomy. That's not to say she doesn't like them but where Nova would just enjoy stargazing or even try to learn magic herself, Telara studies it in more detail and tries to figure out all of the secrets. Her and Twilight do a lot of stuff like that together now. Anyway I've talked so much, I should let you go introduce yourself." After an explanation of what they were like she took a deep breath and smiled.

I knocked on the left most door and waited for a response. I waited but no one came to the door. I moved on to Telana's house and knocked but still, no response came. Just as I backed away from the door, the one to my right opened and out poked a tall, deep crimson red dragon, Valerian I assumed.

"If you're looking for the girls they went out hunting a while ago for rabbit, they should be back any minute." He opened the door further and noticed Fluttershy with a slightly sad look.

"Oh...sorry Fluttershy, I know how you feel about woodland creatures, especially rabbits, don't worry you know we'd never touch Angel." he smiled awkwardly.

"It's okay...I know you guys eat meat to and it would be silly for me to expect otherwise. I just have nightmares about something in the woods gobbling up Angel, it's no fault of your own. I still feed the bear that's with me fish and I have an injured wolf that eats it too.

"Alright, so what brings you by?" He asked Fluttershy.

"Oh I was actually just here to help introduce someone new in town. He's a human named Michael." She gestured to me.

"A human, interesting. Haven't seen one for some time. You know there's rumors about a human settlement somewhere in Equestria. He'd be only the second one I've ever met." he replied.

"That's just a rumor, I've never seen anything like that but if I ever do I'll talk to you."

"Alright, so, Michael, is it?" He turned back towards me and extended a claw.

"Valerian, nice to meet you." He smiled as I reached a hand out and shook with him.

"Michael, likewise. How long have you guys been in Ponyville?"

"Several years now. It was actually just going to be for a year or two while we explored around but the mayor asked us to stay. You wouldn't expect it but apparently Ponyville has a habit of getting caught in some rather sticky situations so she figured a few more dragons would be just what they needed. So far we haven't seen much but at one point there was a mating pair of manticores they found trying to set up a nest at the edge of town. All we really had to do was relocate the nest deeper into the Everfree. I distracted them while Nova and Telara flew the nest away. We actually get paid a bit each month just for living here and keeping an eye out. It's enough for necessities and a little extra and with our jobs it's decent pay."

"Wow, interesting, sounds pretty cool to be a dragon."

"I suppose so." he grinned with pride. "Oh, sorry, come in, come in. Make yourselves comfortable."

Fluttershy and I both thanked him and made our way inside. The interior seemed to have an almost militaristic design. I was surprised to see an area that opened up into a small armory loaded with swords, spears and even beautifully crafted metal armor. Valerian must have seen where I was looking.

"Oh, that. Sometimes even our fire and claws aren't enough to drive something away and we need these, in the event of say another super timber-wolf attack we need this stuff. It's magically resistant to fire and they can form if enough of the regular ones are destroyed in a short time frame. We all work at the blacksmith as well with Spike though not as often as he does. It's easier for us to make it and cheaper so we just make these from time to time. I sell some of them to help boost income too, so If you ever need protection remember where I'm at." He smiled widely as he looked over his own creations until Fluttershy made a coughing noise.

"Right. Sorry Fluttershy, I know you aren't too interested in weapons. Anyway over here is the kitchen and-" Valerian cut himself off as he passed by a window and seemed to notice something.

"Ah, wonderful, they're back. They're lovely gals I assure you. Come on out and meet them." He smiled courteously made his way to the front door where he held it open for us to exit. As we walked outside with Valerian just behind us we saw the dragoness duo come into view carrying a few large fish.

"Ayo, Valerian! Got a big ass fish that looks a little like you! What do ya say we-" The loud blue dragon stopped as soon as she saw us and just froze until she noticed Valerian behind us, then she relaxed visibly. Behind her I could assume was Telara, the green dragon. Valerian coughed into his fist and began introductions.

"Nova, Telara. You know Fluttershy, she brought a new friend for you two to meet. This is Michael. He's a human."

"Hey...I think I've seen a human before...was quite some time ago but yeah...long blonde hair though." Nova rubbed her chin.

"Anyway it's nice to meet you! Name's Nova and this is Telara." She gestured to Telara, whom waved meekly in response.

"Likewise." I smiled. I had to admit, if I were to ever see a dragon this isn't how I would have expected.

As they approached closer I saw Nova flex a stunning pair of sapphire blue wings before folding them against her back once again.

"Hello? Anyone home?" She tapped on my head. Apparently I had dozed off for a moment. But to be fair those wings really were incredible. I've had countless dreams about flying myself and I couldn't help but feel a speck of envy.

"Oh, sorry. It's just I've never seen someone with wings...other than Fluttershy."

"They are pretty nice. What happened to yours?" She asked, looking over my back and tapping a clawed finger where wings would be if I had any. Telara glared daggers at her and punched her shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for?" She glared harder.

"Nova! Apologize!"

"Okay! Jeez. Sorry...uh...Michael. I didn't mean to be insensitive." She rubbed her shoulder where she had been hit. "Ow..."

"Oh, it's okay. Humans don't have wings...sadly. I really wish I did sometimes though."

"Oh, well maybe sometime-" She ended abruptly when a young stallion with a bag at his side ran to us, breathing heavily.

"Miss...miss Flutter..." He panted.

"Take it easy there, catch your breath and tell us why you're here." Valerian said in a calming tone.

"Right...whew...anyway. Miss Fluttershy, I was told to get you right away. Princess Twilight is hosting an important meeting and she said she needs everyone there that can make it."

"Oh my. Well I can't just leave Michael here...would it be okay if he came with me?"

"I don't know, ma'am. All I know is that she wants you there as soon as you can make it."

"Why not just take him? I mean worst thing that could happen is if they told him he couldn't come in." Valerian said with a shrug.

"I suppose that's fair enough..." She put a hoof to her chin.

"Thank you ma'am, now I must go attend to my other duties. Farewell!" He waved to us and we returned our own goodbyes before he departed.

"Well if it really is that important you guys should probably hurry." Telara suggested.

"Oh and Michael, that's a nice staff you got there. If you stop by some time later I can reinforce the ends with some metal, maybe even put an enchantment on it, free of charge!"

"Wow, thanks!" I smiled. I clutched the staff tightly. While it had been useful in a surprising number of situations, it undoubtedly could be better. I'd have to take him up on that offer sometime. He gave me some advice on the best wood for a new staff as well if I wanted one and offered to teach me classes on the use of different weapons for a modest sum of bits. It wasn't long before we finally did depart however.

Fluttershy took off on a brisk jog to wherever Princess Twilight's castle was and I followed.

"That was interesting..." I stated aloud.

"Don't worry, they're all really nice people. Hopefully after this we could go back and maybe you could hang out with Valerian...or the girls." She added with a chuckle and against my best efforts she caught me blushing.

"Oh crap. I wasn't staring was I?" I asked as my cheeks began to flush a crimson hue.

"Language, mister."

"Sorry..."

"Oh yes...though she didn't notice it most of the time. If you had a tail it would have been wagging non-stop."

"Oh my god..."

"You think she's cute."

"Er...."

She giggled. I would have sworn it was an evil giggle if such a thing was possible.

"Oh don't worry, I won't tell, but I wouldn't need to at this rate." She flashed a grin back at me.

"How did you know?"

"Boys are easy to understand. Girls are the complicated ones."

"So I'm just an open-book aren't I?"

"Yep! Luckily for you, she's oblivious to these things too. But I know a crush developing when I see one!" She chimed and added a bounce in her step as she kept walking.

"I don't have a crush! I just met her!"

"Then why are you blushing again?" Again, the evil grin made a reappearance.

"I uh...are we there yet?"

"Boys are so easy to tease." She smiled. "And we're just about there."

True to her word, within another minute a beautiful crystalline castle came into view.

"We're here!" She called out and began to run towards the structure. I kept a calm walk as I approached, finally alone for a moment with some time to think. I played with the pendant that hung around my neck, it was the spitting image of a wolf, given to me by Robert, but it was obscured my by clothing as often as not. I had a tendency to play with it when I was thinking. I was thinking about Robert, if he was here, perhaps in the human settlement rumored to exist in this world.

Fluttershy's voice detracted me from my thoughts and called me to catch up. With her I quickly found an assortment of ponies, the rest of Twilight's friends...and another dragon.

"Hello, I'm Faelan!" She introduced herself with a handshake that I quickly returned.

"I'm Michael. A pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, do you know the other-" She tried to say before Applejack forced a cough into her hoof.

"Sorry to cut the introductions short sugar-cube but now that Flutters is here we really need to head inside. We'll talk more when it's done." Applejack said briefly.

Without another word, the majestic crystalline doors were pushed open, completely unaware of how much my entire world would change after this...

Author's Note

Whew...about time I updated this. It was a little odd for me because Storm Quill already wrote this part in great detail in "The Shadow War" chapter in his side of the story so I cut it a little short. If you want a more detailed version of that encounter I'd suggest reading his story (it's really good...and violent at parts) The only real difference that you'd see is who is saying "I" and "he".

I will admit...I rushed a little on this, but I wish to catch up with Storm Quill's story and I have a LOT of others being worked on, not just what you see already published. I will make a dedicated effort to put out nothing but my best work, but anyway I hope you guys enjoyed that chapter, sorry if it doesn't seem like much. Don't worry though...it'll get exciting real soon...

(What happens immediately after)

But after this there will be some parts where we are writing different perspectives but remember it's two stories that run side by side, not the exact same, this isn't a cheap way to skip some writing but it feels unnecessary at best to simply rewrite all of what he already impressively put into words.

Into The Fire

Author's Note

I'm telling you guys now, you might feel lost if you haven't read Storm Quill's side of this story. I would rather catch up and be able to write my own material rather than rewrite what already happened from a different point of view (something interesting if done right but would bore all of you to tears in this case) So there's bit of a time skip, also from the fact that due to the events of his torture (The Dark Side) He might not remember some things all that well (not memory loss but you would forget less important things after a mega ass-kicking like that anyway) Anyway I hope you guys enjoy! I apologize if it seems like a cheap way out but I don't think anyone would be anymore pleased with just rewriting what Storm Quill wrote. Don't worry, as soon as it's caught up it'll get real interesting.

Into The Fire

My mind whirled as if it were within the heart of a great storm. I saw myself in a sea of blackness and one thing echoed above all others.

Pain.

Then another feeling surfaced, one that I was unfamiliar with. Rage, though I couldn't be sure why. It felt like I was dreaming.

The last thing I remembered was going through some kind of dark portal. I saw my own funeral. It was beyond strange but I was able to say my goodbyes. It was short though, and we had to return to the real world. After that it's a scattered haze.

The first memory after that was being thrown to a stone floor. My eyes glimpsed black chitin making contact with my cheek as I was thrown into a wall. Finally one picked me up and looked me in the eyes. Changelings. I had never seen them in person but I already knew what they were. I looked around for a moment and was able to spot two more changelings standing beside him, both of whom wielded spears.

"You're going to help us find Traysil!" It roared in my face. I gave him an odd look.

"And that is...."

"Do not toy with us! The only other of your kin in this world!"

Ah. Robert. They were not going to go gentle on me, I could tell already. Robert doesn't always play well with others. Suddenly a plan came to mind. I could only hope they weren't all that bright.

"Traysil!? That bastard! Let me go and I'll help you kill him myself!" I struggled to free myself in a mock rage. The other changelings exchanged odd looks.

"Zaet, if he hates the other human as well why not use him? What better to hunt a human than a human?" One suggested. I could barely believe it. Today might be my lucky day.

"Be quiet. It's just a trick." The changeling holding me huffed in annoyance. He pressed harder into my shoulders.

"But he's right! What threat am I to you if I'm lying anyway? Look at me, I have no weapons!" I said, trying to be cooperative. He held his hooves in place but took a long moment to examine my person for weapons or anything that could be used as such. That's when my fist made impact with chitin, which hurts about as much as you'd think.

The changeling I struck reeled in pain as I dropped to the floor, in an instant the other two were closing in with spears at the ready. I ducked and when they missed I leaped at both of them, catching their necks in my elbow. They fell to the ground but they wouldn't stay down for long, the one I had punched was already starting to stand back up. The two I had just taken down were trying to stand up as well when I seized one of their spears and took off running.

I darted away through a long hallway with my pursuers only seconds behind. Balls of fire and lightning zipped by as I rounded a tight corner and kept running. It wasn't long before I began to sense something else was off. This wasn't the castle I was in before and I had no idea where Robert was.

I shook away the revelation in favor of focusing on not getting shot today, though only a moment later they had given up pursuit for some reason. Regardless, I kept running. Eventually I found myself entering a large banquet hall of sorts. What I saw probably made my heart skip a beat. Changelings..by the hundreds, no...thousands.

"Holy shit..." I breathed as I skated to a halt. In an instant, all eyes were on me. In another instant, I ran like my ass was on fire.

"SHIT. SHIT SHIT SHIT." I shouted in terror as I sprinted in the opposite direction with spear in hand. Unfortunately my escape was cut off as changelings began to flood the halls ahead while the ones behind me continued their chase. Within seconds I'd be surrounded, so I did the only rational thing I could.

I tried running through them. On the plus side, they didn't seem to expect it but I was hurt nonetheless as I shoved my way past their numbers, receiving countless nicks and tiny, poorly-aimed slices to my arms and legs. Somehow I emerged past them but not a moment later it felt like my body was paralyzed. I had been struck with a blast of magic lightning. I only barely managed to retain my balance as they charged.

Running would be useless, if I turned again I'd just be zapped a hundred times worse. At least I'd go down fighting.

"Show me what you got!" I slid under the rows of spears and thrust my own out. I heard a changeling howl in pain. I don't know where it struck but I don't think it was lethal. As soon as the yell faded I was struck in the back of the head with the blunt end of a spear and my all-too-short last stand was ended as the world went dark.

When I came to, I realized both of my hands were now bound in ropes attached to the ceiling. A moment later I heard a bitterly familiar voice.

"Now...let's try this again!" A hoof made hard impact with my head, I could tell right away it'd leave a black eye at the least, though I wouldn't be blinded.

Through my other eye I could see his bruised cheek and behind him I saw another with a fresh cut on his face, droplets of green blood still falling to the ground.

He was the next to hit me, this time in the gut. Together, the two of them took their time torturing me. Sometimes they used sharp tools, I'm not sure what else. I'm almost happy that at some point my consciousness began to fade, and thus the pain. At one point I even began to laugh, it was meant to be defiant but it sounded half-mad more than anything and made my torturers even take a step back.

"Hehehe...when I get out...I swear I'm going to kill every single one of you..." I chuckled and glared at them with all the fury of the devil. I would accept my punishment. But they shall pay the devil his due...

We all have our demons. They would come to know mine.

A moment later I slipped into unconsciousness as the brutal torture continued.

My Angels & Demons

"STOP! PLEASE!" I heard a feminine voice scream in pain in my hazy state of mind. I couldn't see. I could only barely make out noises and voices. I think I was laying on sand or something. I could feel nothing but pain myself and the voice echoed it. I tried to call out, wanting to help the voice but I couldn't speak or move. The next thing I heard was a chilling laughter.

“He..hehe...hehehe….hahaHAHAHAHA! Doesn’t that just bring upon a sense of irony Nephilis?!" The other voice said something else, and it sounded familiar...but warped. I had heard it before but it was as if it had gone mad. I heard more talking but I was only catching bits and pieces.

"ALLOW US TO SHOW THEE THE TRUE MEANING OF HELL!”

More screaming.

“P-Please let me go. I promise not to attack you again! Please let me live! Please!”

Those were the last words I heard from the feminine voice, whom I could assume might be Nephilis.

“Never attack our family and expect mercy from us.” The other voice growled in a more sober tone, finally becoming clear to my muddled mind. Robert? What happened? Did he just murder her?

A moment later I felt a pair of wet fingers touch my neck, and then I was being carried for a long time. The time felt like an eternity. I could hear my own heartbeat and felt a strange clarity of thought. My heartbeats grew just barely weaker and further apart, like the foot-steps of an individual too exhausted to go on much further. I was far from awake but I wasn't completely unconscious either, like I was caught in a limbo of consciousness.

All I might have known was that I was tortured and Robert just killed someone begging for mercy...a terrible deed most would say...but I know how deeply he cared about me. I guess he could be considered a demon or an angel. Maybe both.

At some point I became aware that I was in a bed, maybe a hospital bed. I couldn't help but desperately wish it was somewhere cozy instead. If I was dying, I'd rather be lain under a nice tree, in the evening or dawn...maybe with an old friend talking to me.

Eventually I heard voices.

"Doctor...is Michael okay?" A soft voice asked nervously.

Yes! I'm right here! I wanted to shout.

"I don't know, Fluttershy...he's stable, but unfortunately he's in a coma."

"When will he wake up?"

"We don't know...he could wake up in a few minutes, in several months...or never again."

Suddenly I felt a weight on my chest, followed by the sound of soft sobbing.

"I'm so sorry, brother...I should have been faster. This is all my fault. They came after you because of me." I heart Robert's voice in a defeated tone.

Damn it! I can't do anything! Get me out of here! I screamed in my mind.

I soon became aware of a number of voices in the room. I recognized the voices of the dragons I had met before as well as the royal princesses and the former element bearers.

Princess Celestia spoke to Robert. "It's not your fault Robert...no one could have-"

"LIKE HELL IT ISN'T! He might never wake up and it's my damn fault!" He howled back in response.

"Do not berate thyself over this, Robert. Thou hath done all you could." Luna said in a soothing tone.

In the background I heard the dragons talking among themselves.

"I can't believe it...we were just talking to him a few days ago. Why would anyone do this?" I heard Telara ask.

"I don't know. I heard it was more to get at the other human." Valerian responded.

"That still begs the same question though." Nova said.

The former element bearers sounded like they were scattered around the room, either speculating about relevant situations or whispering with others in concerned tones.

I could not have believed before-hand about what a nightmare it is to be trapped, helpless in your own body, able to hear what was going on but doing nothing.

I heard the sound of doors being opened nearby. A young nurse spoke up. "I'm sorry, everyone. Visiting hours are over. Fluttershy and Robert may stay however because of their knowledge of human anatomy and medical experience in case they are needed." Most of the room seemed to shuffle out quietly with the nurse following them out the door.

I heard a gasp from Fluttershy after most of the others had left. "Did you see it! I saw a finger move!"

"I didn't see anything." Robert said.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy." I heard the doctor say. "It was likely just a muscle twitch, it doesn't mean he's waking up but there is hope that he will. Coma patients are most likely to wake up relatively soon after being put into such a state, but after a certain point it gets increasingly unlikely."

"Oh...right. I know. I just thought..."

"It's okay, Fluttershy. Go home, get some rest. I'll keep watch over him." Robert said solemnly.

"Both of you really should go home and rest." The doctor told them. "It's unlikely anything will happen and I will be here the rest of the night. I'll send a nurse for the both of you the very second I think something will happen."

"Okay...only if you're sure...I'll come visit every morning." Fluttershy said meekly. I heard her leave through a nearby pair of doors after a long delay.

"No." Came Robert's eventual response.

"You need to. You haven't eaten since he was admitted. At the rate you're going we'll need to prepare a room for you as well, and you won't be any help to him in that state if he does wake up."

"When..." He growled.

"Sorry. When he wakes up. Either way, he's safe here. Princess Celestia is leaving a few of her best guards to keep watch. Get some rest, and come back in the morning."

The conversation dragged on for a while with Robert being stubborn as ever until someway or another the doctor convinced him to listen, an incredible feat on its own.

"Fine...I'll get something to eat...but I'm not leaving the hospital until he wakes up."

"Security will remove you eventually if you remain after-hours." A moment of tense silence followed.

"Will they now."

"Stay as long as you like."

"Thank you."

After that, conversation in the room abruptly ceased as near as I could tell.

Over time I heard visitors come and go, sometimes alone or in a group. Some whispered kind, thoughtful words to me or even left gifts I believe. Others might not have even said a word and just quietly kept watch, sometimes I felt someone hug me too. I have no idea how much time was passing by. Days, weeks, months, I couldn't be sure. I lost all sense of time. I don't know when, but sometimes I slept and dreamed, though I was unsure how I would have when I was asleep. Some were nice, some were not.

On yet another day I heard visitors enter my hospital room. I heard Fluttershy singing to me in the morning, when I could feel the warm rays of the sun's first light on my cheeks. It was actually wonderful. I could only wish she's do it more often, it was like hearing an angel sing but I know she has animals to take care of at home as well.

When Fluttershy was done I heard Robert retelling the story of how we met. How he still remembered, after all these years both impressed me, and showed me truly how much I meant in his life. Everyday I wanted to jump out of bed and tell them I was fine. Eventually I think Robert fell asleep after talking to me for quite some time. More guests came in but they were quiet and I couldn't make out exactly who was there. Eventually they left I think it was turning to night as I began to fall asleep. It's strange to think of sleep when I haven't opened my eyes in however long my coma had lasted but there were definitely times when I was more and less aware and in some sort of deeper sleep state.

I stumbled through a violent blizzard, climbing up the steps to some long-forgotten place. I put one foot after the other but sometimes I stumbled and had to catch myself. An hour later I think I was nearing the summit when the blizzard abruptly began to clear, revealing a woman sitting on a rock just ahead, she was resting on a staff she had planted in the snow.

"Well it's about time you got here." She took my hand and pulled me up the last of the steps.

"Who are you?"

"You can call me Spera. I know you a lot better than you think by the way. Now come on, we're going hunting. She picked up a compound bow with a quiver attached that had been hidden behind her and tossed it to me.

"I hope you're still a good shot." She grinned and leaped off the edge of the mountain with a running start as she grabbed her staff. Just as she began to fall a pair of large, red, angelic-like wings sprung from her back and she continued in an easy glide to a clearing in the distance. She looked back at me and shouted. "Just think about flying! It's like a dream!"

I shrugged and jumped off the mountain with bow in hand, following her example and sure in the fact that it was a dream. Sure enough, wings spread from my back like they did for her, only mine were blue for some reason. Soon I impacted the ground and pushed myself up out of the dirt, where Spera was already waiting.

"What are we hunting?"

"Hydra, trust me, the taste is worth it."

"You're insane!"

"I don't see you saying no." She wore a wide grin.

"True..."

"You know you like it, after all, I'm a part of you."

"Wait, what?"

"Too late! Focus! I can hear it coming. Quick, hide!"

I did as Spera said and quickly ducked into a bush with her.

"Ah...get your ass outta my face."

"Shut up. It's because you're taking up too much space."

"You told me to hide!"

"Why didn't you get your own bush?"

"This was the only one that looked big enough!"

"Okay, okay. Now really, be quiet, it's getting closer." Now that I listened, I could hear the monstrous sized creature moving through the foliage, it was moving through the area fairly quickly as well and would be on us in well under a minute.

"Now, my strategy is a little odd, but just follow my lead. Hope you don't mind getting wet." Before I could even respond I saw the hydra thunder through the treeline and stop abruptly. I saw in reach a couple heads down into a pit filled with something and begin to eat.

"Once my staff is in its mouth you'll take this arrow." She said, handing me a specialized arrow carefully attacked to a very strong looking rope. "Stand in the mouth and fire in deep into the hydra's belly. Then you move it out of the jaw and but the bow under the jaw, it should stay there pretty well. That's in case you get stuck." She handed me a pair of knives next. "Then go crazy. Good luck!" With an eager call to action she ran from the bush and charged to one of the distracted heads.

"Hey ugly! Right here! You know you want some of this!" Immediately one of the heads shot straight towards her while she held the staff vertically in a firm grip. One head caught her in its jaws but quickly found itself unable to close them, struggling against the staff.

"Now! Get moving!" Nervously I ran up to the hydra, narrowly missing the other heads as I joined her on the one currently struggling to kill us with the staff in its mouth. Without hesitation I shot the special rope arrow into its belly and hooked the bow on the hydra's jaw.

"Have fun! I'll keep lead it to the big field near Ponyville so we have a place to skin it!" She leaped out of the beast's mouth and ran like no one I had ever seen. The hydra was quick to pursue and started off running so fast I slipped and fell in. I grimaced as I fell into the creature's belly and tried to ignore the pervasive smell within. I thought about how nice a hot shower would be as I took Spera's knives and got to work.

After taking more cuts than a ten-foot wide cake at a party, I could sense the hydra eventually slow down as I carved it up like one big turkey. Eventually the hydra stopped altogether and stop breathing. I could hardly believe that I had just killed a hydra. I also could hardly believe how bad I was going to smell after this. I took hold of the arrow that was stuck in the creature's belly and followed the rope out, climbing up in with all the grip I could manage. Eventually I came to the mouth, which was fortunately on it side and open. I retrieved the bow from the jaw and looked around the immediate area for Spera.

Spera approached me from a nearby table where she had already peeled off a scale.

"Great job!"

"That was your plan!?"

"And you made it work beautifully! Now, help me get some scales, we'll take them to my place and then give the rest of the hydra to the town for food from the meat and materials from the scales."

Spera and I carried away as many scales as we could carry to some shack in the woods after she took a detour to tell the mayor about the hydra we left for them just outside of town.

Once we were in Spera's cabin we set the scales down on a table and took up seats on a pair of old wooden chairs.

"Look, before we start I think I should take a shower..."

"Why? You're already clean."

I looked down at myself and realized that it was true, in fact, my clothes were even cleaner than before the hydra.

"How..."

"Dream."

"Of course..."

"Let's cut to the chase. You're here for a reason."

"If this all a dream, why didn't we just get right to that? Why hunt the hydra?"

"When you slipped into the coma you wanted vengeance. That was basically blowing off steam."

"Oh...well thanks. I think. Aren't I still basically just talking to myself? Why are you a woman anyway and not a guy? It doesn't make sense."

"Yes and no...I can't explain that first part right now...you'll get your answer eventually though. And it does in a way, you'll see for yourself soon enough." She laughed a little. "Man, there's gonna be some crazy shit when you wake up."

"Wait, you know I'm going to wake up! That's great news! Do you know when?"

"Don't worry. It's sooner than you think."

"How do you know this?"

"Now where would the fun be if I told you everything." She grinned. "Besides, you'll have your hands full."

"So. It's just me in the coma. Well you too I guess. I'm not even on Earth and people only care because I'm Robert's friend..."

"Hm...sorta...you'll see when you wake up. And that's a load of crap. Are you kidding? You've only talked with them for a couple days and already they're taking a liking to you. Imagine a year from now. I know Robert, Flutters, Rainbow, and those dragons certainly miss you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Now, sorry to cut this short but I gotta go, we both have things to do. Don't worry, you'll see me again soon." She stood up from her chair and stretched. "Now you just have to do one more thing for me."

"What is that?"

"Wake up."

Author's Note

Just a bit of an in between chapter. This was a low stress chapter for me and let me have a bit of creative freedom. Even if this chapter isn't the best quality I kinda had fun with it. Don't worry, the next update will likely be for Playing The Hearstrings. Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed! Though I would appreciate a quick proof-read if anyone's up to the (monumental) task!