Tales of the Forgotten: Eternity

Chapters

Arc 1: Chapter 1 - Meet and Greet
Arc 1: Chapter 2 - The Shadow War
Arc 1: Chapter 3 - Start of The Nightmare
Arc 1: Chapter 5 - Dark Side
Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 2 - Return of the Forgotten
Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 3 - Coma
Arc 1: Chapter 7 - Break of Dusk
Arc 1: Chapter 8 - Dragons Call
Special - Our First Hearth's Warming Eve
Arc 1: Chapter 9 Part 1 - The Mind is a Cage for the Monsters Inside of You
Arc 1: Chapter 9 Part 2 - ...That are your Past
Arc 1: Chapter 10 - Sins of the Past
Arc 1: Chapter 11 - Humanity
Interlude: The mind of the Lost
Arc 2: Prologue - (In)Humanity
Arc 1: Prologue - The Return
Arc 1: Chapter 4 - Final Goodbyes And Tales To Be Written
Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 1 - Losing Family
Arc 1: Epilogue - Forsaken Hope

Arc 1: Chapter 1 - Meet and Greet

June 17th, 2027 5:28 A.M.

Ponyville Outskirts, Equestria

I awoke with a start as the dream ended. My heart nearly beating out of my chest and sweat drenching my body. One thing I had learned to quickly control after nightmares was my breathing. It didn’t take long to fully calm myself afterwards as I laid back down on the mat and stared up at the still dark sky. Why now… I thought as I brought my arm up to cover my face with the sleeve of my robe.

The robe is made of a heavy woolen cloth tied at the waist with a burlap belt. Underneath the robe I wore leather armor, the reason for this was mainly protection. Leaving the safety of Equestria also meant leaving what little protection the country had to offer me as well. I had earned enough bits within two years of traveling to commission a custom fit armor set at the blacksmith located in the Minotaurs capital city. Not soon after did I have my robe commissioned as well due to others asking why I had needed the armor.

I let the robe sleeve drop to my elbow to reveal my bracelet. The bracelet was made of rubies cut into tiny spheres, laced together with a long and thin string of iron. Faelan brought it to me as a gift for taking her with me. She had nothing left there after all…

When the time comes, I hope you’re safe. I thought as I stared at the bracelet thoughtfully.I shook the last of the thoughts and dreariness from my mind as I sat up and stretched before standing and grabbing my staff. It was nothing special on the outside looking in but to me it was one of my prized possessions. This was my third staff in these past twelve years that I had crafted myself. The first being made of a fallen branch carved into a staff, the second made of the wood of a cherrywood tree, and this one being made of a red oak. Along the length of the staff there were several symbols carved into it each carrying their own meaning.

I stood the staff up right in my right hand and started to proceed to the doors as I heard Faelan clear her throat behind me. “Where are you going this early?” She demanded to know.

“If you wish to come we will pack everything now as we won’t be returning here for a long time, if not you will pack everything and await my return. The choice is yours.” My voice was calm yet deadly at the same time as I turned back to her. She nodded her head and started to roll up her mat, I joined her and quickly packed everything.

After everything was packed we started making our way down the path towards Ponyville. “Is...is everything okay Robert?” Faelan asked worriedly. I shook my head.

“Any other day I would dismiss your concern and tell you all is well but today I am afraid I cannot. This evening I will be meeting with the princesses of Equestria at the castle in Ponyville.” My voice carried no feeling whatsoever as I spoke.

“What about me?”

“You will return to the house with Doctor Whooves during the duration of the meeting.” She jumped in front of me to protest but with one glimpse of my face she lost the fire that was burning in her to argue and gave a simple nod of her head. I could never hurt Faelan, even if I wanted to but that didn’t stop her from being scared of me when I’m like this.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered as she went back to walking behind me.

“It’s alright Faelan, I’m just worried. Why? Because He’s coming.” I said back to her as she stopped shuffling her feet and grabbed both my arms and thrusted us off into the sky with our items in tow. “What are you doing Faelan?!”

She glared down at me. “If He’s coming, you need every moment you have to prepare for him and I’m dang sure you don’t have any idea what to say to the princesses for this!” She was right, I had no clue how I was going to explain this to the others. ‘Oh hey Celestia, Cadence, and Twilight guess what an old fairytale turned out to be a prophecy that could potentially destroy everything you love and care for! Oh and the best part is, He’s only a few weeks away at most!’ That was the best I had at the moment.

I sighed as I knew she was right. “I understand. Starting tomorrow we will need to start training again, we’ve had enough days off as is! Got it?!” I looked up at her to see her smiling down happily at me nodding her head with a fire burning in her eyes. It’s back. I smiled up at her as she concentrated on flying.

I felt my hair flying freely behind me as I realized I didn’t have my ring in it but on my right ring finger. I couldn’t fix it right now so I let it be for the duration of the flight.

We landed in front of the old log cabin that I had once called home for a short period of time. I opened the door hesitantly to find a pony sleeping on my old bed. I gestured Faelan to stand in the entryway of the house so that it couldn’t escape so that I could ask it questions as to why it was in my home. I walked over to the bed and slowly peeled back the covers and shook my head. He must’ve stayed here for the night, oughta let him sleep probably tired as all heck. I thought as I saw it was the very pony I was looking for.

I silently walked over to Faelan again who was looking at me with a curious gaze. “It’s Doctor Whooves, he fell asleep here.” I explained to her as she mouthed ‘Aaaahhhhh’. “There’s a spare bedroom over there, go put your stuff up and take a nap. When you wake up I’ll probably be gone at his house filling him in on the past twelve years. There are some places I want you to go in particular and meet the ponies there.” I pulled a piece of paper out of my robe pocket and handed it to her. “They’re all on here.” I smiled to her as she pulled me into a hug.

“Be careful Robert.” She said barely audible to even me. I pulled her closer before releasing the embrace. She went to her new room quietly, making sure not to make even the slightest creek. I sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace and stared down at my hands as I waited for Doctor Whooves to wake up. I closed my eyes and reached for the dog-tag, and pendant around my neck.

I’m sorry, all three of you. I hate that none of you are here with me but in a way, happy as well. You’re far from the dangers I must face in the near future and with ones who hold you close to their hearts. I promised I would return one day, a promise I fully intend to keep even if its with my dying breaths and all you get is a limp and lifeless corpse.

I’ll look forwards to brighter days, and hope that I live till those days. He’s threatened you, my family, and my friends. A grave mistake he will regret making. I hope you have found happiness after my passing. I sat there in silence holding the pendant tightly for an hour before I heard the rustling of the sheets behind me, followed by the sound of hooves hitting the solid wood floor. I sat straight up and looked back to see the Doctor getting out of bed, his mane in a disheveled mess and eyes still closed as he stretched and yawned.

“Good morning Doctor Whooves.” I welcomed him back to the world of consciousness. His eyes bolted right open as the words left my mouth and darted right at me with killer intent before they eased into eyes of joy and disbelief. “Take it you slept well?”

He rubbed his eyes fervently and stared at me again. “Am I dreaming?” He asked as he reached back his hoof to smack himself. I quickly got up and refrained him from doing it.

“No, you are in fact not dreaming Doctor! Don’t need to smack yourself to test it either.” I gave him a hug to further prove my point. “It’s been a very long time old friend.” I said as he pushed me back slightly.

“Well if I knew you were coming home today I would have cleaned your place up better.” He stated disappointedly. I shook my head.

“From the looks of it, you ran yourself ragged taking care of the house yesterday. Don’t suppose the house has any food, does it?” I asked. He shook his head. “Well then, why don’t I treat you to breakfast?” I asked him. He lifted a hoof to protest but his stomach protested louder. :Guess that’s a yes! Let’s get going before the morning crowds roll in and I get noticed.” I went to my bag near the door and pulled out a large bit bag and tucked it into my cuirass.

The Doctor went to the bathroom and fixed his hair and whatnot before we finally left the house.

6 hours later…

With Faelan…

Faelan stretched out as much as she could on the large bed, and stifled a yawn before managing to pull herself out of the comfortable bed. It didn’t take her too long to get ready for the day as she pulled on her clothes and made her way out of the house with bag in tow. She pulled out the slip of paper that Robert had given her only hours ago and looked at the first place on the list. Sweet Apple Acres - Applejack, approach with caution. May take agression if senses a threat to her orchard. Watch out for airborne apple projectiles.

She sighed but took off into the air climbing high into the sky until Ponyville was able to be covered by her hand. She brought her wings in and let herself go into a freefall. She kept her eyes open, letting the air wash over her like a refreshing dip in the ocean. When she saw her target, Sweet Apple Acres, she started adjusting herself so that she could sail into a smooth glide around the orchard and land in front of the barn. She saw a orange mare with a cowboy hat working in the orchard south of the barn, quickly identifying it as the one named Applejack.

TIME! She yelled at herself in her head as her wings snapped open and she flew into a glide, curving so that she could circle around the entirety of the orchard waving down to the orange earth pony. At first she was hesitant but eventually gave a reluctant wave. She took that as her signal to land in front of the barn.

She landed without a hitch as she saw the same earth pony running down the road towards her at full speed with a worried expression on her face. Faelan waved at Applejack causing her to stop dead in her tracks.

“Excuse me ma’am, this is Sweet Apple Acres, correct?” Faelan asked. The pony gave a reluctant nod. “Would you happen to know where to find an Applejack?” As soon as Applejack heard her name she lost her reluctance to approach Faelan and trotted over to her, staring up at her.

“That would be me sugarcube. Why’re ya looking for me?” She asked. Faelan knelt down and showed her the piece of paper.

“He wants me to speak with each of you so that I can get to know you better.” Faelan answered. Applejack just looked at her ever more confused.

“Who wants ya to know me better?” She asked cautiously.

“Robert.” She answered without missing a beat. Applejacks eyes went wide.

“Robert?! How do y’all know Robert?!”

“Well I’m traveling with him of course.” Applejacks happy expression faded to one of disappointment.

“Where is he now?”

“He’s in town with Doctor Whooves. Before you get mad he wants to make it a surprise for Twilight and a few others. He can’t just go around telling everyone he’s back or they would all be at his throat in an instant, especially for not keeping in touch.” Faelan pointed out. Applejack sighed.

“Spose your right. So this is all hush hush right?” Applejack asked. Faelan nodded. “You really think he’ll be able to keep others from seeing him?” Faelan looked down at her with a cocked eyebrow.

“His way of hiding himself will differ from place to place. If he’s been somewhere before that has liked him, he’ll usually remove his robe because the locals know what he does. If he goes somewhere that doesn’t like him, he’ll either avoid the town altogether, or just change his attire to something different.” She explained.

Applejack looked at her astonished. “Know what he does ya say? What does he do now?” Applejack probed.

“Mind if we get some drinks, it’ll take a while to explain.” Faelan asked. Applejack nodded as she headed into the farmhouse to retrieve refreshments for them both. Faelan looked up to the sky. Never expected me to make friends with ponies, now did you daddy?

Arc 1: Chapter 2 - The Shadow War

June 17th, 2027 7:13 P.M.

Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle, Ponyville, Equestria

Want to mention real quick, the name is canon to the show. Yup that giant castle of Twilights in ponyville is called Friendship Rainbow Kingdom Castle. le proof that I wish was a joke…

There I stood in front of the doors to the castle, my hood draped over my head hiding my face from all who would try to see me and my staff held in my left hand. I lifted my right hand up to the door and hesitated to knock. Why am I hesitating? They’re waiting for me to start. GO! I screamed to myself. *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Three loud knocks on the door that I could hear ringing out through the castle and its various corridors connected to the atrium. It didn’t take long before I heard the shuffling of hooves coming to the door. Slowly the great doors opened inwards, a pure white earth stallion wearing a tuxedo stood in front of me. “I am deeply sorry sir but the princess is not available at this time. She is currently busy with other matters.” He stated simply.

“The same matters I have come here for, sir. I’m sure that Luna has told you of my coming, hasn’t she?” I asked as the stallions eyes gave away the slight hint of surprise.

He bowed deeply. “I am sorry I did not recognize you sir. They are expecting your presence in the dining hall. Follow me please.” He stood and turned back to the interior of the castle motioning me to follow him. As I entered I was flanked by two other stallions dressed the same as the one who was directing me.

“Can we take your robe and staff for you sir?” They asked simultaneously.

“No thank you. I wish to keep my items with me at all times.” I replied as they bowed and went back to what they were doing before as I continued following the butler in front of me. “Excuse me sir, may I ask your name?” I asked him.

He looked back at me with a cocked eyebrow. “You wish to know a butlers name? Usually creatures of the upper class never bat an eye at us.” He pointed out. I shook my head.

“You mistake me for someone of importance sir, will you tell me your name please?” I pushed. He grinned and looked ahead again.

“My name is Shining Silver. As long as we are exchanging names, what might yours be?” He asked in turn. I chuckled slightly.

“The name is Swift Hoof.” I lied to him using one of my various titles. I couldn’t let him tell the princesses who I was as I wanted to keep my identity away from the public ears for a while as I settled down again.

The rest of the walk was silent except for the sound of my boots and his hooves hitting the ground. The castle was made entirely of crystal, the only exception being the furniture and decor present all over the castle. It ranged from simply potted plants to great paintings covering large portions of the walls. There were a great many staircases present inside the castle, almost making it seem impossibly large.

It didn’t take us long to finally reach our destination. On the arch to the left of the doors was a small golden plaque stating what room this was. ‘Dining Hall’ was all that it said, nothing else. Shining Silver opened the great doors, “Swift Hoof has arrived princesses.” He proclaimed as he gave a bow and gestured to me. I didn’t remove my hood as I eyed the four alicorns and a certain draconequus standing beside them.

Celestia was the first to speak. “Please have a seat Swift Hoof, Princess Luna tells us you have a matter of grave importance to speak of?” She got straight to the point. I nodded and walked into the room, letting the door shut behind me. I started walking around the table to take a seat closer to them. “That’s far enough, you may explain from there.” She warned as a chair floated out from the end of the table. I gently pushed the chair in and pulled off my hood.

“I’m sorry Celestia but I will not be sitting at the end of the table.” I objected and she didn’t flinch as I saw Luna smirk out of the corner of my eye and the other two princesses were staring at me astonished. Discord held a paw to his mouth.

“I said to sit Sw-” I cut Celestia off.

“Now we both know my name isn’t Swift Hoof, Celestia. If you don’t know who I am already by just seeing my face, maybe this will remind you.” I growled as I yanked off my dog-tag and threw it up in the air for it to land in front of her with the name on it staring up at her and the wolf pendant laying on its side. Immediately her look of anger shifted to one of confusion and happiness. Twilights jaw dropped as she realized it as well. Cadence stood there between the two looking between the two in a state of confusion.

“Will somepony please explain what just happened?!” Cadence exclaimed. “Who is this creature?!” She gestured an annoyed hoof at me. Luna burst out into laughter along with Discord who was reveling in the confusion we had caused her.

“Princess mi amore Cadenza of the new Crystal Empire I presume? Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Robert Kenneth Rucker. Swift Hoof was just one of the names I have gone by during my travels. You more than likely know me as Malor the fierce from my early days of traveling when I visited the Crystal Empire seeking someone to train me in using the long sword and bo staff.”

“Your husband came to the dojo with a business inquiry for my master, asking for him to come train some new recruits to fight because the other trainer broke his legs after he fell out of his second story window. The bet was if Shining Armor could beat me in a fight that he would train them. We used wooden swords as to not hurt each other too bad, although in the end we ended up hurting each other something fierce. Shining Armor won of course and well that’s when I started training harder and harder, mixing my fighting with the longsword and bo staff.”

“At first it was really awkward for me and everybody who would come in would laugh at me and call me a fool for trying to mix the two weapons into a singular fighting style. Even my master called me foolish at one point, that was when I left the dojo and stopped training under him. It took months of training to master it, but after I did I returned to the dojo. I asked my old master to allow me to show him the fighting style I had created, he refused calling it a waste of time.”

“I did what I had to do to prove myself, I challenged my old master. He used a longsword while I used my longsword, bo staff combo. Against all odds I beat him. Given that it was a close victory that left us both bloody, we made amends at the local hospital. After we were released we went back to training and I continued improving my style as I trained under my master using the weapons singularly then together. I stayed in the Crystal Empire for a year and a half training and doing various odd jobs under the name of Malor. Eventually gaining the addition of ‘the fierce’.”

“I left the night of July 16th, 2016. Two days after my master died. The dojo was shut down and what happened afterwards, I have no clue. I traveled east to Manehatten and boarded a boat to the Griffin homeland.” Cadence looked at me dumbfounded, as well as Twilight, Celestia, and Luna. Discord eyed me curiously.

“So you mean to say you were in the Crystal Empire after you left us here?” Twilight asked sounding a little hurt.

I sighed before replying. “Twilight, I’ll explain further when we have time but right now we need to switch gears majorly.” My expression grimmed as I looked up at them. Lunas expression became just as grim and serious as mine had. Celestias whole body language changed from one of happiness to that of a calm leader before the dawn of battle, leaving her nearly unreadable. Cadence held no expression but Twilight held one of concern. Lastly Discord wore one of intrigue.

I walked over towards them and took my seat next to Princess Luna. “Discord and Princess Cadence, please take a seat.” Discord snapped his fingers and summoned a large red chair in the air over the table. “Discord please sit like the rest of us, or leave. The only reason you are here is because the princesses were suspicious of who requested their audience so urgently and thus cautious of my intentions. As far as I am concerned you have fulfilled what you were here for originally. If you want to stay. Sit. Like. The. Rest. Of. Us.” I growled at him as he rolled his eyes and dispelled the chair and sat next to Twilight.

“Now before I began, I would like each of you to know that I don’t want it to be revealed that I’m back just quite yet so please in public or in front of other from this point out call me Swift Hoof, alright?” They all nodded in agreement. “Thank you.”

“I’m sure Luna told each of you that it was dire that I meet with each of you before you came here, correct?” They all nodded again. “Did she explain anything or just leave it a blank document with the word ‘URGENT’ slapped on the front?”

“She didn’t inform us on any details, that is correct.” Celestia stated. I nodded my head.

“Good, then allow me.” I said as I undid my robes belt and took it off, revealing my leather armor and longsword strapped to my back as well as knives attached to a belt at my hip on both sides; five in each carrier. I ignored their astonished glances as I pulled my satchel bag around to my side and undid the latches, revealing the ‘fairytale’ I needed.

Discord laughed when he saw the cover of the book. It had a depiction of a rabbit standing in the middle of a sunlight meadow. “Lets see you laugh now.” I said as I put the book on the table and pulled out my flint and steel. “Happy childrens book by day,” I struck the flint a few times before the book cover finally caught fire. Instead of burning like a normal book it slowly spread across the entirety of the book, transforming it into a tome of fear. The once beautiful meadow had now turned into a desolate wasteland, littered with the corpses of all sorts of creatures ranging from ponies to dragons. The bunny had been replaced by a cloaked figure with crimson glowing eyes and the sun replaced by a shattered moon. “ malevolent beings prophecy by night.”

Discords laughter faded into a look of horror. “It seems you’ve seen this book before, haven’t you Discord?” I probed as he stood up from the table and backed away. “So you know the tale and how it ends. Don’t you?” I grimaced.

“I thought I destroyed that long ago with that damned city!” He exclaimed in fear. We all turned to him with questioning glances. “It can’t be! It just can’t!” The originally composed god of chaos was now a scared foal looking for someone to protect him.

I walked up to him and held an arm out to him. “Discord, if you know what it is then you know who’s coming. Either run away with your tail between your legs now or stay with us and defend the ponies you owe your life to.” He looked down at me with disbelief and endless fear in his eyes. Deep down he was deciding what his fate would be. Would he save himself? or Would he help save everyone?

“Discord, we shall be in need of thine powers when the time comes. Without thee we may lose all that we know.” Luna spoke. Discord looked up at her for a few seconds before looking back down at me. He sighed in defeat and [1]took my hand, literally, and brought it back to his seat. I glared at the back of his head.

[1] Believe me when I say that his magic hurts, not only can I feel his his claws digging into my armor but I can feel the rift of magic that has separated my arm. Even after twelve years of living in a world of magic, it still hurt me. No where near as much as when I first arrived but still.

I walked back to my seat and yanked my arm away from him and made a pointer finger and poked Discord in the middle of his forehead before reattaching my limb. “Is there anything any of you would like to say before I begin to explain?” I asked as I sat down and put my dog-tag back around my neck and underneath my armor. No one spoke up. “Then let us begin.” I drew in a sharp breath to begin but was stopped when the doors to the dining hall opened.

I let out my breath in a sigh of agitation. “This meeting is private, whatever your problem may be it can wait. Please leave before you are forcefully removed by me or Discord.” I barked as I twisted my face into a deadly scowl. Standing in the entryway was from left to right: Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Faelan, and lastly an unfamiliar face that was undoubtedly human.

“We were invited here by Twilight sugarcube. Ain’t no way we’re gonna leave now.” Applejack responded. I sighed and looked over to Twilight.

She nodded her head in confirmation. “Fine, take a seat. My name is Swift Hoof, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance ma’am.” I nodded to her and then proceeded to turn to Faelan. “Faelan, I understand the others but why are you here. I told you to return to the house when evening fell.” I said calmly.

“I was invited by them Swift Hoof.” She gestured to the elements walking to the part of the table we were gathered at. I nodded my head.

“Why are y’all calling him Swift Hoof?” Applejack mentioned. I was about to answer before I was interrupted.

“Yes, please do explain darling.” Rarity said.

“I will explain later but for now just leave it be, we have more important matters to attend to. Also may I ask why did you bring him here?” I pointed at the human who was standing next to Faelan trying to read me.

“We thought you might want to see him, I mean he is the second human to arrive in Equestria! We figured you would want to help him.” Pinkie Pie chimed.

I let my head droop and my eye’s close, thinking. I turned to face him fully and opened my eyes as I walked over to him. “Haven’t seen another human in thirteen years. I suppose you were the disturbance I saw last night? The flashing blue light at the edge of the Everfree?” I asked him as I stood in front of him. He was a foot shorter than me whereas twelve years ago we would have been around the same height.

He kept staring straight ahead, no doubt lost in thought. I brought my hand up and snapped my fingers in front of his face gaining his attention. “Care to answer my question?”

“Sorry! Yes, I was. I saw a strange orb that looked like what my old friend described before his disappearance and tried to tether myself to Earth and well Equestria using rope.” He responded.

“Tell me, what year was it before you arrived here?” I continued questioning him as he looked at me a bit confused.

“What do you mean?”

“Answer the question.” I was short with him.

“It was the year two thousand and fifteen.” He replied as my heart sunk.

“Two thousand and fifteen you say?” He nodded his head in response. “I’m so sorry. I am so deeply sorry child.” He looked at me a little more confused as I drew breath to tell him the sad truth. I turned back towards the others as they looked onto the sad little scene with sorrowful eyes. “The date here, in Equus, is June the seventeenth of the year two thousand and twenty-seven.” I could see the child visibly lose all color in his body. “Tell me child, what is your name?” I asked sadly.

He stepped back from me. “But…but that means…” He looked at me trying to find a spot of hope in my eyes where I could give none.

“I’ve been here for thirteen years child. The closest I have ever come to returning home was but in a dream, that dream being my own funeral. I believe the date was March thirty-first, two thousand and fourteen; although the date for me in this world was July twenty-seventh, two thousand and fourteen.” I finished my small reminiscent memory as I remembered where I was and shook it off. “So, please answer me. What is your name?”

He looked at me with a surprised expression that carried happiness and sadness at the same time. For a moment it seemed like he had frozen in time. “Is...is that you? Robert?” He asked me causing my heart to skip a beat as I turned around to the ponies behind me.

They were just as surprised at the mention of my name. I looked back at him and nodded my head. He ran up to me and hugged me, I could feel him gripping tightly as I stood there, a few tears falling to my shoulder. I was slightly confused before I realized who it was. I pushed him away and held onto his shoulders, “Where I have lead, you followed despite my warning not to.” I shook my head as I let go of him and turned around towards the others with my eyes closed. I walked over to my seat and sat down. Everyone but Michael was sitting, he was still standing at the entrance to the room.

I looked over to the princesses who were looking at me with a look that was asking who it was. “Do not worry, he may be of use to us yet. He can be trusted to keep the dealings of this meeting to himself.” I reassured them as they nodded and I looked over at Michael again. “Michael, sit here.” I pointed to the open chair next to me.

He nodded and silently shuffled over to the chair next to me and sat down, staring at me. “What?” I asked harshly to him.

“How are you able to sit there and act like nothings happened?!” He shouted with tear soaked eyes.

“Because your appearance is not important to me right now.” I responded coldly. “We, the creatures of Equus, are on the precipice of a disaster. If we allow it to happen it will be the second time the inhabitants of this world are erased.” I finished glaring at him. “Now let us begin or do I need to make my point far more clear by demonstration?!” I growled to all of them as a whole. Getting a few worried looks. None of them spoke up. “Good, then let’s begin.”

“...of no importance!?” He shot up and stepped away from his chair. “I have waited a year to find you. Everyone believed you were dead.” Michael jabbed the ground with his staff and pulled out a wolf pendant like mine with his free hand. “I know it’s been a long time for you. But do I mean so little? You forgot as well, even on your worst days you never scared me.” He gazed back at me through the tears that now began to run down his cheeks. The others gathered around seemed to hold their breath with how he responded to me. I glared daggers at him and maintained eye contact as I silently stood up.

“Sit. Down. Now.” I growled through my teeth.

“Or else what?” He spat bitterly. “I’ll help with whatever issue is at hand. But you do not intimidate me, because I know better than any that you aren’t all concrete. Deep down you are as terrified as I am of what could happen. You simply hide it better. I know what you’ve lost.” His expression softened as he took a step closer. “And I know how much seeing me again hurts despite however happy or not you are to see me.” He was pushing his luck fast.

“This is your last warning. Don’t make me hurt you.” I told him calmly.

“Then do it, but you better knock me out with the first swing.” He looked at me emotionlessly.

I hated to do it, more than I could put into words. But I had to follow through with my word or it would mean nothing. I inhaled and swung my fist at him, fast. In the blink of an eye he ducked and blocked with his staff. He stood up higher and kicked me in the gut. I recovered quickly and closed the distance, followed by a flurry of quick hits and jabs, most of which managed to make contact.

When it looked like he might collapse I walked up to him to take his staff, now that he had gotten the message. Just as I touched it he dropped to the floor and swept my legs out from under me with his own. Once on my back he cast his own staff aside and pinned me.

“I don’t want to fight. I will go along with this but afterwards I want answers. Deal?” He asked as he tried to calm his breathing. I butted him in the head and threw him off of me. I bolted to him and threw a hard right hook into his cheek.

“Stand down.” I growled. He stared at me, his eyes glistened over with anger. He threw a punch at me that I caught in my hand, he repeated with the other which I caught as well. He slipped out and tried punching me in the gut repeatedly with quick jabs. I barely flinched as he did, meanwhile I punched him in his abdomen and when he hunched over I picked him up and threw him about five feet away, landing with a loud thud. I walked over to him where he lay on his back now, cringing in pain and hardly able to move. I crouched over him and said calmly.

“You were going to get answers anyways. Where all of our family and friends back home have mourned for a year on a single loss, I’ve mourned for thirteen years on the loss of everything. I watched my own funeral that forsaken day Michael, think not it didn’t hurt me for I gave up on life after that. The ones who repaired me,” I gestured to the others in the room, “ stand here with us now. When I said you were of no importance to me right now, it’s because I’m at risk of losing everything again.”

He reached up and I thought was trying to continue fighting so I backed away, but he sat up higher and managed to hook an arm over my shoulder and pulled me closer into a hug and whispered back.

“I’m sorry…” He said, fighting back tears and still struggling to catch his breath. I grabbed his hand and helped him to his feet. We retrieved his staff together before walking back to the table and returning to our seats. They had all remained dead silent since our argument began. Faelan looked somewhat worried while the princesses generally looked shocked, although Celestia only showed it slightly. Fluttershy looked almost like a concerned mother while the others’ expressions varied between surprised and curiosity. Michael held a hand over his stomach while looking around at everyone in attendance before tilting his head back and fighting back a groan of pain.

“The Shadow War. A war with no winner and a war with no loser.” I began to explain the tome. “The reason there were no winners nor any losers is because after it there was no one at all.” I opened the tome to reveal the first pages.

Journal of Grimoire Dusk

“A Journal? I thought you said it was a malevolent prophecy?” Twilight asked, I looked up at Discord who held his eyes closed and then over at Luna who stared at her expressionless.

“Let me ask you Twilight, what do you know of the name Grimoire Dusk?” I asked. She shook her head.

“I’ve never heard that name before, why? Should I know it?” I shook my head to her.

“I’d be surprised if you had especially since you were born in the 1900’s. The name Grimoire Dusk predates any Equestrian history, even before Celestia but not before Discord.” I looked up at Discord. His face was serious for once as he spoke.

“Grimoire Dusk, a name that all should be wise to fear. Let me key you in on a little something princess the power you used against Tirek was the key to bringing him back. What you didn’t know is that you were playing right into his trap this entire time without even knowing it.” He spat as everybody but me and Luna stared at him in pure shock. “Oh yes it helped send Tirek back to the depths of Tartarus, but it released an even greater evil. For every benevolent cause, there is an equally malevolent effect waiting in the near future.”

“But that power came from the tree of harmony itself! Not to mention that it was sealed away in a chest!” Twilight argued as she put her front hooves on the table.

“That chest was his prison.” Discord responded flatly. The room went silent as they thought about what to say in response to this new information.

“Is that all or may I read it now?” I asked, only silence answered me. “Then let me begin.” I said as I picked up the tome and began reading its contents.

Entry I

I was told today that I was to start keeping a journal. My mother says it’s to vent my thoughts and keep me a sane human being, albeit I have no clue why not keeping one wouldn’t keep me sane. I honestly don’t know what to put down in here but I guess I’ll just put down a little about myself. My name is Jack Whitaker, I am currently an apprentice at the local blacksmith learning to craft armor and weapons for the knights of the kingdom. I am the current age of thirteen years. I wish to one day be one of the knights my father crafts for but I am still but a child and he will not allow it. The day I turn fourteen I shall no longer have to abide by his rules and will be free to choose my path in life. Hopefully I survive this winter.

May 16th, DCVI the year of our Lord.

“Does that mean he was once human?” Cadence asked.

“Once upon a time he was, would you wish to hear the leading up to his arrival here in Equus or skip to it?” They each looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

“Time is short, lets not worry for the details as of now.” Celestia replied. I nodded my head and fervently flipped through the book to find the entry in which he arrived.

Entry CCCIV

Today, Augusto XXIII, DCXX the year of our Lord, I have taken a leave from duty to visit my family. When I left my fathers apprenticeship I was disowned by him and my mother as their child for going against their wishes. I do wonder, hopefully so, if they have reconsidered and will be grateful to see me tomorrow when I arrive home in Fangbriar. When I left home I was but a scrawny lad with nothing to prove but everything to gain, now I tower over a great many people that I meet and wear my armor proudly to show that I am a knight of Lord Baldwins inner council.

Today, Augusto XXIV, DCXX the year of our Lord, I have visited my family. My mother and father had not recognized me at first due to the great difference of whom I was before I left and now. When they found out it was me they were less than happy to see me as the knight I had become was not the blacksmith they had wanted. I told them of the feats I had accomplished in the past nineteen years of my life and that I was working for the inner council. They were astonished to say the least.

Entry CCCV

Today, Augusto XXX, DCXX the year of our Lord, I saw something out of the ordinary. I had left my families home in good spirits as they accepted me back as their son, only to confront something…odd. I was returning to Wintervale as it was the next leg of my journey back to Xalor Keep. My horse, [A.]Alawynn, and I were traveling the paved path when I saw out of the corner of my eye a quick movement followed by an arrow planting itself in the tree to the left of me. I quickly clambered off of Alawynn and laid chase to the culprit. I ran for what seemed like hours before I gave up on catching whatever attacked me. I was retracing my footsteps when I came across a clearing. The edge of the clearing was nearly opaque due to the amount of trees, creating a solid circle that rose far into the sky. In the middle of the clearing was a single pedestal with an stone sphere placed on top of it. The ground of the clearing was overgrown with grass but clearly once held carvings of great importance. I approached the pedestal and inspected the sphere with my eyes. I poked the sphere but quickly retracted it as I felt something stab the tip of it through my armor. I drew my sword, ready for anything. The orb slowly became black with a small yellow light in the middle of it, I was about to approach it again before it simply dissipated into thin air.

“Wait a minute, that sphere he described wasn’t that the one you were brought here by?” Twilight probed.

I smirked at her. “Perceptive as ever Twilight. Yes the sphere he described was the one that brought me here, and that clearing he spoke of is the same clearing I found.” I pointed out getting a questioning gaze from her.

“Wait, what clearing?” Michael interrupted.

I was about to give him a look that asked if he was joking but quickly withdrew it as I recalled he never was told about my misadventure as I didn’t write it in my journal. “There was a clearing that I found in the woods on Camp Lejeune near the high school. It was where I first found the sphere.” I looked over at him whereas he had a raised eyebrow.

“There are no clearings in the forests of Camp Lejeune though.” He pointed out as I turned to him about to retort but closed my mouth as I took into consideration the future entries. This clearing wasn’t a natural one that was found in a specific spot but one that is meant for people. From what I’ve read across my journeys many a creature from this world has seemed to stumble upon the same clearing, each differing only slightly from each other. I don’t know what connected the ones who found the clearing but I have a feeling its not for something good. As far as I know that clearing connects many different worlds, galaxies, or even universes.

“Actually Michael, thank you for pointing that out. It actually makes this easier to explain.” I smiled at him as I returned to the conversation with Twilight. “The clearing explained here is similar in many ways to the one I encountered all those years ago. I remember the clearing in vivid detail because I dream often of that place but I won’t go into detail about why. The floor of the clearing was overgrown just as he spoke of and underneath that overgrowth was a floor that contained many intricate patterns. At first I had thought they were Mayan or Aztec in origin but it was quickly tossed away as the patterns didn’t match anything I’ve seen before. The symbols either predate anything our world or another world has to offer or is that of a long forgotten civilization.”

“There was no pedestal when I found the area but I suppose that was due to the effect of Jack touching it. That sphere was more than a mere portal, it was a device that attuned to his blood.” I looked around to see if they were following when Twilight had an aha moment but quickly her look faded to worry. “Exactly Twilight, he had spent a night with a maiden a few months before he disappeared. I think you will be able to put together the rest of the story.”

“So that means your...a direct descendant of his.” She said aloud to confirm her suspicion as Celestia and Cadence only grew more intrigued by the minute. Luna was still stoic in her expression while Discord was all but displeased with this news.

“Bingo. The one he slept with gave birth to her first son who continued to grow and expand the family through generations past eventually leading up to the meeting of my father and mother.” I looked over to Michael who was saddened. “I know what you’re thinking Michael, why not my brother, sister, father, or mother? Right?” He nodded solemnly.

“A question for another time that one is.” I teased them all with the impertinent information. I felt a hoof hit my shoulder and turned to see Luna acting as if nothing happened. I rolled my eyes and picked the tome back up.

Entry CCCVI

Writing like this is really hard so I will keep this short. Today, Septembris XIV, DCXX the year of our Lord, I have finally learned how to write with my mouth. Why my mouth? It is the only way I can write. I have turned into a creature that resembles a horse yet has a horn protruding from its forehead. I have a feeling that this has had something to do with the creepy sphere I found in the woods those many days ago. Alawynn is still with me yet she is able to actually speak my language fluently now. I now understand why my mother told me to start keeping this journal all those years ago. Alawynn taught me how to walk properly when this, for lack of better explanation, transformation happened. I’ve yet to find any other person or creature and we have been traveling for days. Anyways my jaw hurts from writing this long so I will end this here.

“Wait a minute, a unicorn?” Michael asked. I nodded my head in confirmation. “If he turned into a unicorn then why didn’t we get turned into another creature?” He sounded almost disappointed.

“I wish I had an answer to that Michael but sadly I don’t but if I was to take a wild guess, I’d say that his biological makeup as a human had a part to play in it.”

Entry CCCVII

Today, Octobris IV, DCXX the year of our Lord, we have found civilization albeit only a small camp.

I was cut off from my reading as Celestia coughed in a way to gain attention.

“Please, let us get to the chase as time is short.” She said with a calm tone. I simply nodded and skipped a few dozen pages before I reached the entry that marked the start of the Shadow War.

From here out it won’t be read as entry to entry but as if it were from his point of view. Hope you enjoy this little story!

Martii 22, DCXXX 2:21 P.M.

Outskirts of Beruvik, Zadal

“Commander Silver Star, are the troops ready?” I asked to the stallion standing next to me. His coat was a light gray and his mane a pure white. His cutie mark was that of a platinum shield with a golden 4 pointed star on it with swords crossing behind it.

“Yes Lord Dusk, we await your order.” He replied with confidence.

“Good, have Captain Ferreth take his troops to the southern gate.” He bowed and went to do his duties when I felt the ground next to me give a slight tremor. I looked to my right to find the towering Minotaur, Udoeak the cursed, kneeling to me. I gestured him up and over.

“Are your troops in position at the East and West gates Udoeak?”

“Yes my Lord. As a precaution we have had two of our changeling squads infiltrate the town before hand to attack from the inside. They have replaced the guards in the royal palace without being discovered. They await my command to kill that swine King Polaris.” I scowled at him as he flinched away and knelt down once again.

“The one who will kill Polaris will not be of those hideous creatures. Polaris will be felled by my sword and my sword alone.” Walking over to him I placed a hoof on his shoulder, smiling down at him. When his eyes met mine I used my magic to send him flying back into a tree. “Don’t ever make that mistake again or it will be your last.”

“I’m sorry my Lord! It won’t happen again, I swear that on my life!” He pleaded.

“Good, then tell your troops to await my command.” He scrambled away with tail between his legs as he went to relay the message to his troops. I turned back and walked back to my vantage point over the large city that held Dewmire Palace where the current King lived. The city's name itself was Beruvik. The sight before me brought a smile to my face.

Never before have I seen so many troops gathered together for one ultimate cause. Let alone the thought I was the one tying them all together. Altogether there were a total of Two Hundred Thousand troops. All of whom were cast from their homes by the Kings and Queens of their homelands. King Polaris is only but the start of our grand crusade.

Two gryphons and a Dragon landed around me. “Proteus, Thundercrest, Firroth. Why have you come?”

“We couldn’t allow you to go into battle alone, now could we Jack?” Proteus joked as I glared at him.

“That is no longer my name Proteus, it hasn’t been ever since that day. You may call me that in private but when on the battlefield or in front of soldiers you are to address me as Lord Dusk just as they.” I warned him. He walked over to me and put a claw on my shoulder.

“Oh come on don’t be like that, we’ve known each other for years now!”

I glared at him. “Yeah, you can’t just push us away and expect us to stand by while you fight for us!” Thundercrest chimed in. I sighed and looked back to Firroth for some help in trying to convince them. Yet he still looked down at us with the same emotionless stare he always had.

“These two are right, we will stand by you Grimoire Dusk. If we die in battle it will have been for a worthy cause.” He said as he bowed the best he could. Proteus and Thundercrest followed suit.

“If I can’t convince you otherwise then I will be glad to have you by my side.” I looked back over the city when I saw that Udoeak had returned to his troops and Captain Ferreth had arrived at the South gate.

“It’s time.” I said silently as I closed my eyes and used my magic to create a large cloud over the kingdom that grew into a thunderstorm. At the first glimpse of lightning all troops laid siege to their respective gates. The purpose of the thunderstorm is because Zadal was the land of the pegasi, no other race is allowed within its borders and those who did cross its border were quickly…dispatched. Unless they were of nobility or delegates of another country.

The thunderstorm would limit their flight capabilities and ground many of their troops as they were never trained to fly in inclimate weather as they controlled the weather within their country to keep favorable conditions. Those that were trained to fly in inclimate weather didn’t last long as I controlled the lightning within the clouds, dropping them like flies. “Let’s go!” I yelled back to my friends as I jumped off the cliff with them in pursuit.

I charged my horn for a teleport spell, my target being far above Dewmire Palace. “READY?!” I yelled back to them.

“READY!” They all yelled in unison as I released my spell and we appeared three kilometers above the palace. I felt Proteus and Thundercrest grab on to me but I quickly motioned them to distance themselves away as I charged my horn. “HOVER HERE UNTIL I GIVE THE WORD!” I yelled as all three of them stopped in midair and hovered far above the storm. I opened a small hole in the middle of the storm and allowed myself to fall through it before I teleported back to where I started from. This time I used my magic to propel me even faster as a mach cone formed around me. When I was about to hit the ground I teleported one last time, as I did I broke the sound barrier and rocketed past my friends yelling, “NOW!”

I quickly cast a spell around me as I rocketed into the center of Dewmire Palace followed by a large explosion as I hit the ground, bringing the palace crumbling down on top of me and whoever was inside. I teleported out of the crumbling palace and appeared in the courtyard. Above me my friends were still diving down to the castle as I saw them change direction towards me. I smiled up at them but then something happened.

The world slowed to a standstill as I saw a spear land itself in the side of Proteus’ head. I never saw it coming and evidently neither did he. The spear continued its path as it carried Proteus with it until it faded from my field of view. I felt my rage boil over as I searched in the direction of where the spear had come from. There was a small squad of pegasi throwing spears at them, I found the one who did it. Easily identifiable by the smile that was gracing his face. I teleported in front of him and crushed his helmet in from all directions making blood explode downwards and forwards from the opening in the helm.

His blood was still warm on my body as I reveled in it. “You killed him and now I will kill you all.” I cackled as I tilted my head to the sky as lightning struck down all around me, frying each of the pegasi to a crisp. The thunderstorm grew far more violent as wind speeds picked up and the downpour increased with my rage. NEVER HAVE I FELT SO ALIVE!

With each beat of my heart, fire pumped through my veins. “POLARIS!” I yelled at the top of my lungs as the rubble of the castle started to move. I slowly walked towards it as it moved to reveal some troops who were still alive and kicking, behind them was King Polaris standing tall and unscathed. As soon as his guards saw me they nodded and transformed into their true changeling forms and turned to Polaris who still held his head high. “LEAVE HIM!” I boomed as the changelings retreated behind me.

“But sir-” The changeling that spoke was cut off as I created a thin blade of magical energy and sent it his way. The blade lopped the changelings head from his body, sending it flying into the air. It landed with a disgusting crunch mere feet away.

“NEVER ADDRESS ME YOU FILTHY INSECT!” The other changelings quickly took this as their order to retreat from the battle to take place. I slowly started walking towards Polaris who simply stood there and stared at me uncaring.

“So you’re the heinous Grimoire Dusk. I expected more to be honest. The citizens of my country made you seem so much more powerful.” Polaris said calmly as I continued my approach. I allowed myself to calm down just enough to speak at a normal volume as I stood a mere foot in front of him.

“Believe me Polaris, you stand no chance. Surrender now and I may spare your armies lives.” I demanded as he laughed it off.

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“I believe you are mistaken boy. You stand no chance against me.” He snapped. I gave a sinister smirk as I readied myself to charge him, he braced himself as well as he took a fighting stance with his wings spread wide to reveal wing blades. I created four thin blades of magic and held them around me, slowly turning each one into a longsword. His eyes narrowed as he took off at me with a beat of his wings.

I brought two swords to the base of his wings but his blades moved just in time to protect himself from the blow. He growled at me as I simply smirked. He quickly realized his mistake and jumped backwards just as two more swords landed where his head was.

“Why are you holding back Polaris? It’s not nice to hide stuff from me.” I gave him a fake puppy dog look as I struck his wing blades with my four. I slowly pushed more energy into them as he struggled to keep them away as I approached. I leaned in close to his face and whispered, “Show me the monster of Dunbragh.” As soon as I said that he pushed my swords away and jumped backwards closing his wings.

“How do you know about Dunbragh? Every trace of that battle has been erased!” He growled as I laughed to the heavens before smiling evilly at him.

“How could anyone forget the battle of Dunbragh that brought the devil himself to power!?” I walked towards him putting magic into each hoofstep as I approached him, soon enough the ground was starting to crack underneath each hoof as I moved. My magic power flowing freely. “Thinking in only five years time that an entire world would forget that battle is preposterous you cretin!”

“At least I don’t have to hold back then.” He growled as I felt the air crackle around us as his eyes glowed a pure white and his wings conducted electricity to the point you couldn’t tell where lightning began or ended. He delivered a uppercut to my bottom jaw with a horrible crunch that sent me flying a few feet back, I quickly recovered from the blow and stood up.

He was already upon me, I quickly brought in each of my swords to form a large X to defend from his lightning as it struck around me. A couple of bolts making it through the open defense and striking my legs. It was evident he wouldn’t let up so I slipped a shield spell in front of me and brought my swords back allowing the lightning to strike the shield. There we go, just keep charging it up. I smiled at the thought as he kept letting his lightning hit the shield.

The shield I put up was one that absorbed magical energy so every ounce of power he was putting into this would be thrown back at him. Now! I jumped to the left as I transferred the power into each blade equally and allowed my shield to go down and the lightning to strike the ground, creating a large smoke screen made of stone dust. I moved my swords into position around Polaris and directed their energy at him. When the dust cleared he had let his guard down and reverted to normal.

His eyes went wide as he saw me grin maliciously. I let loose every ounce of lightning he had shot at me in one devastating explosion that was centered on him. It sent me flying backwards and onto the mound of rubble that was once Dewmire Palace. I stood smiling as I thought I had killed him only to receive a brutal blow to my side that sent me flying before I used my magic to create a platform in midair and land standing on it by changing my center of gravity. I looked up at him as he stood where I was breathing hard.

He didn’t get away unscathed as you could clearly tell where the lightning hit him as his front left hoof was gone and all that was left was a badly burnt nub. His tail was nothing but a charred nub as well and there were patches of his coat missing as well as his sky blue mane. He was having trouble breathing now as he stumbled forwards. I slowly shifted my gravity and the platform below me to be perpendicular with the ground before I let it fade away.

“Using my own power against me, I must commend you for that Grimoire Dusk. Although it will take much more than a missing limb to take me down.” He said as he let his power return. We stood there waiting for one another to make the first move for what seemed like hours but in reality was only a few minutes. I tensed my muscles to launch at him but just as I did something crashed into the rubble in between us throwing up a cloud of dust.

I waited for it to clear, standing there was Firroth. He glared at Polaris before speaking. “You will not harm Lord Dusk any farther scum.” He growled. My eyes grew wide with worry as I threw up a shield between him and Polaris as Polaris let loose his lightning again.

“Firroth, get in my way again and I will kill you.” I said coldly as he whipped his head to look at me with a stunned expression. “You are to relay the message to the troops and commanders to retreat.” He opened his mouth to argue with me but I simply held a hoof up. “You are to obey my command Firroth or you will find yourself an early grave.” I stated grimly as I begun walking towards him and underneath the great dragon to the edge of my shield. I only heard the beat of his wings as he flew away.

I slowly moved the shield forward and turned it into a sphere around Polaris before he finally stopped. He stood there in the middle of the lightning charged shield, waiting for me to release it on him again. I dispelled the shield, completely confusing my enemy. During his confusion I turned around and bucked him as hard as I could, the sound and feeling of his jaw breaking was all the confirmation I needed for connection.

I turned back towards him and before he could hit the ground I teleported underneath him and stabbed my horn into his back. I then proceeded to slam him into the ground before jumping back a few feet and charging my horn to create a ball of fire over him before slamming it down into him. He barely escaped in time as he flew straight into me with his wing blades, I didn’t move in time as he cut into my arm before being stopped by a quick burst of magic that sent him flying head over hoof backwards.

I condensed the sphere of fire into a small and laced it through the wound, grimacing as it cauterized the wound. I was breathing heavily after it finished and I let the fire dissipate into nothing. Polaris was breathing just as heavily as I was but was struggling to keep himself in the air. “What’s the matter Polaris? Are you giving up?” I asked. He glared daggers at me and flung himself at me as I ducked under him and sent a beam of magic upwards where his right wing connected to his body.

I felt his wing land on my back, cutting me on the way down. The cut wasn’t deep enough to cause any lasting damage. I levitated his wing up in front of my face and turned to face the one-winged pegasus. I smiled as I crushed his wing into a small ball of muscle, bone and feathers. “Oops.” I said sarcastically as I tossed the crumpled wing at him. It splatted against his chest and fell down onto the ground, he stared at it as tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

“Let me help you with that.” I said simply as I lopped his other wing off, causing him to scream in pain. He let his body fall over as his legs gave out and he started crying. The rain picked up from its sprinkle to a torrential downpour as I approached him. I stood over the cowering fool as he looked up at me with tears mixing with the rain as well as snot running down his face as well.

“P-please…spare me.” He pleaded as I lowered my head to his eyesight.

I put a hoof on the bottom of his jaw and lifted his face up a little more, smiling. “Why would anyone spare a coward like you.” I stated happily as I used my magic to put pressure around his entire body and grabbed his mane, ears and snout with the rest of my magic proceeding to rip his head from his body. His blood spilled out onto the ground as I stood there looking into his still open eyes as I levitated his head in front of me. “And here I thought you would have put up more of a fight.” I said distastefully as I put his head down next to his body.

I conjured a platform under the remains of King Polaris and I. I slowly raised us into the sky, letting the rain wash away the blood coating me before breaking through the clouds. When I was well above the clouds I cast them away with a spell, allowing sunlight to take over the country once more. I stared down on the once grand city of Beruvik, watching as all movement from soldiers of both sides came to a stand still as I started seeing heads turn up to the sky. I let Polaris’ body and head fall through the platform, watching as a couple pegasus guards flew up to catch their leader.

They stopped with a look of pure horror as they saw he had been decapitated and his wings had been clipped. They readied their weapons as they charged at me only to have their wings clipped as well, causing them to fall to their doom. Even from my height you could see the blood splatter as they hit the ground. I put a small amount of magic into my voice before speaking.

“THE ARMY OF THE ONCE GREAT KING POLARIS! THE BODY YOU SAW YOUR FELLOW COMRADES TRY TO GRAB WAS THE BODY AND HEAD OF KING POLARIS! LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS OR THE SAME FATE WILL BEFALL ALL OF YOU! THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!” My voice boomed over the entirety of Beruvik and for kilometers around. The only sound was that of the wind in my ears as my mane and tail billowed in the wind. After about a minute many of the troops King Polaris had controlled took to the sky, converging on my position. “THEN DIE YOU SCUM!” I screamed as I put my magic into one final spell. My Coup de grace.

Below me I started by creating a small ball of lightning, adding in part fire and acid. I continued adding to the spell eventually creating a sphere large enough to consume the entire town of Beruvik. Below was the army of King Polaris still flying at me as my troops below had finished pouring out of the city and into the countryside. They were wise to know the Storm of Extinction.

If only they were unicorns, they could cast the spell needed to protect themselves. “PROCELLA EXTINCTA LUDICIUS!” Were the final words heard as I let the spell loose, exploding in every direction as the fire and lightning mixed with the acid. I was blinded temporarily as a bit of the spell landed itself on the bottom-side of my platform, along with an eye of an unfortunate soul that quickly dissipated leaving behind not even a trace.

I stood there for a couple minutes before the spell made its way down towards the city, fire and lightning dancing within it lighting up the sky even brighter than before. Suffice to say there were no survivors from it. The acid had dissolved any armor they had as well as getting rid of some skin while the fire burnt away the rest of the fur and skin before the lightning slithered its way into the mix creating a bloody mess of their bodies.

The rain fell onto the city below, making quick work of the bodies of the dead and the civilians or wounded troops that still lingered. I started to float myself down towards the rubble of Dewmire Palace as I slowly dispelled the last of the Storm. My hooves touched the topmost piece of rubble, challenging me to stand on the slanted rock. I looked around seeing the damage and destruction that had been wrought by me and my army and laughed before the adrenaline that had been pumping through my veins only moments ago faded, leaving a weak and weary leader.

I coughed into my arm and when I pulled my head away I saw my own blood where I had coughed. I licked the inside of my mouth a little before spitting onto the ground. More blood. Looks like I over did it on the Dark Magic. I smiled.

“There’s no turning back now…”

I closed the tome, placing a piece of cloth in between the pages I stopped at. “Tell me, do any of you know where that long forgotten country of Zadal once stood?”

“I’m going to take a wild guess and say that Zadal was what Equestria is today?” Michael pipped up. I shook my head.

“Nope, take another guess.” Rainbow Dash shot up like a rocket.

“Zadal must be the lands of Griffidonia!” She exclaimed, surprising me,

“Score one for Dash. You are correct, the country of Zadal is located within what is known as current day Griffidonia. The ruins of Beruvik still lie in the uninhabitable area of Griffidonia. Procella Extincta Ludicius’ effects have long since been the cause of this contamination of Dark Magic within the area. The Dark Magic will likely not fade within our lifetime or many to come.”

“Good job Dash.” I heard Applejack whisper to her while simultaneously giving her a surreptitious hoof bump.

“Can’t we just dispel the dark energy that’s lingering there? I mean it may be dark magic but it’s magic nonetheless.” Twilight pointed out as I shook my head.

“The only reason Dusk survived casting the spell is because he wasn’t what you would call a normal unicorn. Procella Extincta Ludicius is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, dark magic spells in all of history. The only spell that I know of that comes even close to its power is Celestia’s Solar Damnation spell.” All heads immediately swiveled to Celestia as her calm look turned to one of slight surprise.

“Luckily for us the world has only seen one Storm of Extinction but it hasn’t been lucky with the five times it’s seen Solar Damnation. I won’t tell anymore as those stories are Celestias’ alone to tell. Before you ask where the books are that told me of it Celestia, I made sure to burn them so nobody else would know of it.” I said as she visibly relaxed and let out a sigh she was unconsciously holding in.

“Anyways the Storm of Extinction spell was designed as something for a last resort spell that would inevitably kill its user. Alicorn or Unicorn alike. In the very end it did end up being the cause of his death but how he survived so long after using it still remains a mystery up until the very end.” I grimaced at the thought of how he went. Even for someone like him, he didn’t deserve to die that way.

“What happened to him?” Pinkie Pie asked, her curiosity peaked. I re-opened the tome to where we had left off before skipping a few dozen pages.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“His descent into darkness isn’t one that should be discussed. I’m going to get to the reason why this meeting was called in the first place.” I replied flatly as I stopped and placed the book down and started reading again.

Septembris XVIII, DCXLII 8:36 A.M.

Heavenly Plateau, Adwiha [B.]

I stood at the edge of the Heavenly Plateau that overlooked the country of Adwiha watching over the two large armies standing across from one another, simply waiting for the order to be given to kill one another. The hatred… The fear… The sorrow… I drank every last bit of it in with gluttonous hunger. It was truly a sight to behold. The last of what was once a densely populated world reduced to two armies, one fighting to save this world and one to destroy it.

My ebony mane batted against the side of my neck as the wind kept flowing freely high above the world below. My once cyan blue eyes were now a dim gray-blue color. My face was littered with scars from battles past, the most noticeable one being the one that went from where my right ear used to stand all the way down to the front right of where most of my right cheek and upper lip used to be.

I wore armor made of the scales and leather of fallen dragons. Surprisingly the armor was lighter than one would think it should be. I wore no helmet but I did have a cowl made of silver cloth that was woven into the inside of the armors neck. I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard the clacking of armor to the left side of me. I turned to see that the ones approaching me were the current “leaders” of the pitiful army standing before mine.

As soon as I laid my eye on them, they stopped dead in their tracks as I didn’t turn anymore towards them, keeping my worse scars unseen. I didn’t give them a second glance as I stared down at the plain below. “Grimoire Dusk, I implore you and your forces to surrender. We are on the precipice of extinction! If you do-”

“Exstinctionem vos dicitis? [C.] Why should I care for vermin like you.” I said distastefully. “You act as if you can simply beg your way into forcing a surrender.” I turned my head slightly towards them, actually seeing them now. The one in front wore a golden armor with a stylized sun present on the breastplate, the one to the left wore ebony armor with a stylized moon on their breastplate, and the last one on the right wore silver armor with a stylized star on their breastplate. I could see none of their faces as they hid behind their helmets.

“You’re no leaders, “ I spat at their hooves as they backed up slightly, “not even willing to show your face to your enemy is deplorable. I will take pleasure in ripping each one of you apart myself.” I grinned wickedly as I revealed the rest of my face. I could see them visibly grimace at the sight. “Take a long hard look at this scar. Discord, the God of Chaos, bestowed upon me this gift that I now wear with honor as I know he lays dead in the depths of Tartarus.” I stepped closer and closer to them until I was only an inch away from the golden leaders face and could hear their worried breathing.

“You...you killed Discord?” They asked sounding stunned as I threw my head back and laughed.

“Oh but he was merely a toy to me. I hope you are more fun to play with.” I cackled as they started to back away from me before turning tail and running off of the plateau. When I finally stopped cackling and calmed down I returned to the edge of the plateau and stared down at the front lines. All of my troops stared up at me, awaiting my command. I pointed to Silver Star, Firroth and Udoeak, motioning them up to me. The three gathered together before disappearing in a flash of light and reappearing behind me.

“Silver Star and Firroth you both are to take your troops and make a path for me to the leaders of their pitiful army. Udoeak you may play with the stragglers as you see fit. This will be the last time any of you get to play so make today a good one. We will take no prisoners today. Their leaders won’t be easy to fight so when you are done with the peasants you are to distract the leaders I am not fighting but you are not to kill them. I will. You have your orders now move!” No sooner was I finished were they already down at their troops relaying their orders. A particularly loud cheer came from Udoeak’s troops as I saw malicious grins spread across each of their faces.

I disappeared and reappeared at the head of the army, donning my silver woolen cowl and starting to walk forward. Not soon after did I hear the marching behind me as my troops slowly started speeding up until they were all charging the enemy. I was still walking within the ranks as Firroth and Silver Star joined my sides as we walked through the warring fronts. I didn’t lift a hoof as Firroth and Silver Star killed any who would dare come near me. As soon as I caught the glint of gold from my adversaries golden armor I teleported above the battlefield conjuring a platform under me to stand.

Underneath me I could see that each of the leaders had split up. A truly foolish mistake on their parts. I started snaking my magic around me, slowly filling it with water causing it to grow and expand until it became an elongated stream of water. I started to define it more and more until it became what I wanted, a water serpent. “Let us see how powerful you truly are Solaris.” I mumbled as I dropped my platform and merged myself into the water serpent. Solaris looked up just as I slammed into him, making a crater with him in the dead center of it. I snaked up so that I was standing on my tail, staring down at him waiting for the moment he would get up. His body and armor turned into ash before being blown away by the wind.

“You won’t get away so easily Solaris.” I growled as I bit down on some of the ashes as he reformed into the alicorn he was, crying out in pain as my jowls bit down on his hind leg. He charged his horn and stabbed it into my eye, causing me to let go of him before receiving a magical blast to the side of my head. I reeled back in pain before jerking towards him and lunging at him as he drew his sword, barely managing to wedge it in my jowls.

“You will not be granted victory this day Grimoire Dusk!” He shouted as he tried shoving me back but failed as I used my tail to wrap around his back leg and yank it off like a twig as he screamed in pain.

“Oh shan’t I?” I kept his tail in my grasp and started beating him with it before growing tired of it and tearing off his armor to reveal him. He laid on the ground battered and bloody with one leg missing. “We’ve barely even started and you’re already on the edge of death Solaris. I hope your brother Artemis and Starlight prove to be more of a challenge.” I grinned wickedly as I brought a bolt of lightning down on top of Solaris, covering the area in a haze of dirt. “Welcome Starlight.” I said as I cast a spell on my eyes to see through the fog as he stood over Solaris’ body with a shield overhead.

“You would dare strike him when he’s down? Where’s your honor Grimoire!” He yelled as I simply glared at him.

“You’ve no right to speak of honor Starlight after what you did at the battle for the Unicorns capital. You betrayed them and helped my forces kill every last one of them.” I smirked as I felt the air around me crackle as he tried to create a lighting bubble around me as I simply kept walking towards him. I popped my head into his shield and smiled at him before scowling. “Goodbye you worm.” I said as I sent him flying with a magic blast before stomping on Solaris’ head, causing it to break against the ground creating a bloody pool of brain matter, skull, an eyeball and the bottom of his jaw.

When the dust cleared, my hoof was still in the pool of blood that was once Solaris’ skull. I stared at Starlight as he looked at me in horror. “You… you killed Solaris…” He mumbled as his head sunk enough that his mane covered his face. Now, we can fight without distractions. He shot towards me like a rocket, his eyes glowed a pure red color as he slammed into my shield. “I WILL KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!” He screamed as he continued to try and force his way through my shield.

“I’d love to see that Starlight.” I growled as I sidestepped and released the shield simultaneously. I raised my front two hooves above my head and brought them down on the midsection of Starlight, slamming him into the ground before picking him up with my magic and tossing him across the field like a ragdoll. I smiled as I felt his power surge. He slammed into me and sent me flying across the field before I caught myself in a field of magic and disappeared behind him. I was about to strike him with a lightning bolt but he slammed a magic hammer into my side before I could.

I was sent flying once again, this time unable to recover before the hammer slammed down on me creating a crater. I laughed as I felt him land on me. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time! Too bad it all has to come to an end so soon.” I conjured several magic swords and stabbed them through Starlight from all sides as the red faded from his eyes as he coughed blood onto me. “Bloodlust is a horrible thing Starlight, and it seems to be your downfall.” I shattered each one of the swords inside of him, turning him into swiss cheese as he fell onto me. I pushed him off of me as I stood up looking for the one I really wanted to face all this time, Artemis.

Out of the three brothers, Artemis had always proved to be the most adept in all aspects of warfare. Knowing him he was searching for my commanders to destabilize my armies chain of command and create chaos among the ranks. I saw and heard a large explosion a little ways away that was in front of me. The explosion was made of pure black flames, one of Artemis’ signature spells that he used when fighting large groups of enemies at a time. I started walking towards the explosions as I dodged limbs, broken weapons and armor that flew in every direction away from the source of the explosion.

Artemis was hovering over the field as there was a large circle cleared for him and his combatant as his troops and my troops clashed at the edges. Standing across from Artemis was Firroth who was badly wounded. I growled as I started walking towards him as a ground troop got in my way before I crushed his armor in on him. I parted the edge of the makeshift arena and walked towards Firroth as another blast of black fire was shot, this time the target me. It struck with terrifying force but didn’t do any lasting damage as I continued walking towards Firroth.

“Firroth, did he engage you?” I asked as he nodded. I heard Artemis charging another blast so I cast a shield around us the negate the spell the the surrounding areas. “I’ve taken out Solaris and Starlight, I need you to start cleaning up the battlefield of any remaining forces.” He nodded and took off into the sky, only to be shot down by a black magic beam that cut his right wing clear off. Followed by another one that cut his head off. I lowered my head and held my hooves together for a brief moment of respect to my fallen friend. I turned to face where Artemis was as he stood on the ground now, wielding a spear made of black steel.

“I commend you for finding one so strong to join your ranks Grimoire. He was truly a great warrior.” Artemis said as he bowed his head slightly in respect.

“Yes he truly was Artemis. If only you had chosen to join me those many years ago. We wouldn’t be meeting like this.” I replied as he gave a light chuckle.

“Those were the days, when you were just a new soul looking for a place in a world they had no clue about. I apologize for not showing you a better path Grimoire, but I suppose that one cannot sway you now because you’re too far gone.”

I nodded my head in agreement. “I’ve killed Solaris and Starlight.” He raised his eyebrow in curiosity. “I crushed Solaris’ skull in and ran Starlight through with a great many swords before using them to turn him into swiss cheese.” I informed him.

“I see. Do you expect it to be easy now that I know this information?” He asked flatly. I shook my head.

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“I would be greatly disappointed if it were Artemis.” I disappeared and reappeared above Artemis, creating a sword out of my magic and slamming it down onto him. He quickly blocked it with a blade of his own magical energy. I felt his sword split into two bringing the new one to my side and trying to pierce my armor only for it to shatter against it. “Dragon scales are naturally resilient to many forms of magic Artemis, these ones being tailored towards resisting all types of fire magic. Including your black flames.”

I teleported to his side and quickly turned around and bucked as hard as I could into his side. Artemis barely flinched as he looked down at me with little interest. “Don’t waste my time Grimoire.” He said as he blast me with magic sending me head over hoof backwards. I quickly regained my footing as I started to create another water serpent to possess. “That trick won’t work either, Grimoire.” He cast a anti-magic sphere around the both of us and any who would travel into it.

“Anti-magic magic? Quite ironic don’t you think Artemis?” He turned towards me before reaching to his side and pulling out a silver longsword that had runes etched into it. His wings revealed their blades now as he was hiding the blades from view with his magic.

“Ironic indeed.” He replied as I pulled out my own weapon. A red-steel longsword imbued with anti-magic runes. Currently the runes would do no good unless I got one good stab on Artemis so the runes could work their magic on his. Such is the irony of Anti-magic being a form of magic.

I didn’t even see Artemis move as he appeared in front of me, bringing his sword down in an arc at me. I quickly dodged to the right and swept my sword at his legs as he jumped backwards regaining his balance before our swords met. We stood in a power struggle for a couple of minutes before I ducked and swept his legs from under him. He fell onto his side but rolled over as my sword struck where his head was. He stood up and was about to strike as I used my sword to fling dust and dirt into the air and his eyes, obscuring his vision.

While he rubbed his eyes trying to rid them of the disturbance I took my chance and tried to stab him in the chest only for him to barely block the sword as I heard it harmlessly dink against his armor and sword. I leaped backwards and stood in a defensive position as he finally cleared his vision. He was all but mad now, exactly what I wanted.

“I’ve had enough of this little game.” He growled as he flared his wings and flung himself at me. I tried dodging his wings and sword but found myself on the receiving end of his left wing blade as it cut my left pauldron enough that it cut my skin albeit barely. As I landed he was already coming in for another attack, this time I braced myself as I ducked and slammed my sword into his. Sadly I had the stronger resolve as I saw his eyes looking at mine in surprise just before he slammed into the ground and his sword knocked across the field and outside the anti-magic range of effect.

I quickly took my chance once again and slammed my sword into his right foreleg, watching him grimace as the runes took effect. A moment later the sphere dissipated allowing me to use my magic again. I grabbed his sword in a magical field and brought it next to me as I pulled mine out of his foreleg and licked the blood off of it. “An alicorns blood tastes so much better than that of a simple unicorn or pegasi.” I grinned as he winked out of existence and reappeared a few meters away. He closed his eyes and used his magic to heal the wound I had inflicted but didn’t bother to reiterate his anti-magic spell. When he opened his eyes again they glew pure white.

“It seems I’ve underestimated you Grimoire, but I fear its time to end this.” He spoke grimly as he started creating a sphere of magical energy that pulsated with black light. I smirked as I created a platform underneath me and floated slightly into the air.

I closed my eyes and spread my magical energy throughout the entirety of my body. When I opened my eyes Artemis had turned the sphere into an arrow that was pointed straight at me. It was now an ethereal rainbow color that still gave off black light. “Harmonies Might.” He said flatly as he let the arrow loose at me. It simply phased through me and kept on going far into the distance before finally disappearing. When I looked back at Artemis he was stunned.

I laughed at him as my plan worked, and quite brilliantly I might add. “Harmonies Might, one of the only spells that rely on multiple users that are interconnected by a magical link. Sadly that link was severed when I killed your brothers.” I smiled grimly as I stabbed his sword into the ground in front of him. He still looked at me in shock as I sighed. “And here I thought you would present an actual challenge.” I grabbed his sword again and sent it flying into his chest.

His eyes shrunk to pinpricks as he looked down at the sword that protruded from his chest. “How…how did it not work…” He said perplexed. I walked over to him and twisted his sword with my hooves, causing him to drop the ground in agony. He looked at me now with killer intent in his eyes.

“Too late Artemis, you’re already dead.” I said coldly as I grabbed his sword with my magic and pulled it out, placing my sword and his in an X over his neck. “Guess this is your final goodnight.” I was about to cross the swords through his neck as I was sent flying several meters away from an explosion of magical energy. When I regained myself I saw a pillar of magical energy exploding from where Artemis and I had been. “It’s about time.”

I readied myself only to get a hoof to the face, sending me flying once again. What in the name of Tartarus was that?! I was still in the air as Artemis appeared over me and slammed into my stomach, crushing me into the ground. I gasped for air as it was knocked out of me as Artemis grabbed me by the tail and launched me into the air, proceeding to launch himself at me and stab me in the stomach with his horn causing me to cough up a small amount of blood.

“YOU WILL DIE!” He screamed in a voice that wasn’t his alone, it sounded as if he had been possessed. He sent me flying further into the air as he blasted me off of his horn, cauterizing the wound he caused. I reversed my gravity as I conjured a platform and readied myself as he slammed into my swords.

“So you were holding back? So was I.” I created a magic circle on my platform and started powering it with dark magic, allowing it to seep into my body and take hold. My cyan magic turned to a scarlet red color and I felt myself grow larger as it started to transform my body's genetic structure. “Kirin are all but real Artemis.” I growled as I sent him crashing into the ground below creating a large crater from the power.

I stood upside down looking up at Artemis as he slowly stood and glared at me, fully consumed by his hatred and anger. My hooves were now claws, my vision that of a dragons, my body was no longer covered in fur but in scales. My mane turned into spikes that ran along the length of my spine. I used my magic to create an artificial pair of dragon wings to go along with the transformation. The wings were the same color as my Scarlet magic. I drew in a large breath before letting it loose in an ear-shattering roar as I dove towards Artemis, reversing my gravity once again on the way down.

I slammed into the ground, but my target had dodged before I could hit him. He now stood at the edge of the crater looking down on me as his power surged around him. He was now shrouded in darkness, making it so you could see none of his features. The only thing visible were his pure white eyes. He jumped at me as I reached up with my left claw and grabbed his right hoof as he struck at me, he threw his left hoof at me only for it to be caught as well. I spun him around and slammed him into the ground before throwing him into the wall of the crater.

I spread out my wings and launched at him full force slamming my claws into him as I ran him through the ground and into the air before punching him a few times, each one cracking his armor more and more. I threw one last punch at him as his armor broke into little pieces and rained down onto the field below. He was sent flying before he recovered and hovered in mid-air gathering magic at the base of his horn, slowly letting it build up the length of his horn before it started crackling with energy.

I teleported underneath him and uppercutted at his underside but he disappeared in the blink of an eye and reappeared in front of me, letting loose his spell. I felt the spell hit me and send me flying but I couldn’t see anything. The next thing I felt was a sword going through my right foreleg, the next thing I saw was Artemis standing over me using his magic to drive the sword into my foreleg. I closed my eyes and phased my arm through the sword and grabbed onto his horn. “It won’t be that easy Artemis.”

I snapped his horn off, using every bit of strength to do so. The result was devastating as the area where I broke it off at exploded from the magical backlash as he was using a spell at the time. When I regained my senses I stood up and looked over at Artemis who was struggling to breath and he looked like the normal alicorn he was, minus the horn of course. I still held his horn in my claw as I walked over to him. “Oh that’s right, you need this to live don’t you alicorn?” I said smugly as I crouched over him.

“Sadly I have no more time to play with you, so you can have this back.” I proceeded to stab his horn into the side of his head, piercing through his head and appearing on the other side. Every trace of movement and breathing or pain was washed away in an instant as death overtook him. I stabbed my right claw into his chest and grabbed his heart, proceeding to crush it in my claws. “No risks, isn’t that what you taught me Artemis?”

“Artemis, Solaris and Starlight. Each of them brothers, Starlight being the youngest alicorn and a master of magic in its purest form. Solaris the middle brother of the three, master of the heavenly body known as the sun that you currently maintain control over Celestia. Artemis the eldest of the three, he was a master of warfare, and yet he was to be slain by Grimoire Dusk due to his own arrogance. Each of them were your predecessors. Each of you inherited their magical abilities and their very souls as well. In a way you are their reincarnations, Solaris to Celestia, Artemis to Luna and Starlight to Twilight.” I explained to the group before me as I closed the book.

All three of them looked at me in shock, including Luna this time. “The souls of alicorns do not simply die and go to Elysium or to Tartarus, if it were so then Discord would not be standing here with us. Discord was killed by Grimoire Dusk those many millennia ago but Discords soul as the God of Chaos didn’t die.” I looked over to Discord who was nodding his head to confirm it.

“It’s true I never died, but unlike the rest of you I retained my memories of the incident when I reincarnated. I thought that by simply putting it behind me that it would never come up again and we could move past it, but it seems now that we can’t with him returning due to you unlocking his prison.” I could feel everyones look harden on him.

“You may not like what he has to say but it’s true that you were the ones that freed him from his prison.” I pointed out as Twilight and her friends looked down in shame. “You didn’t know nor did Discord think about it at the time, so all in all we are all to blame. If I were here when Tirek arrived, he wouldn’t be able to do much to me since I have no magic.” I pointed out.

“What should we do, I mean we can’t just do nothing!” Fluttershy pointed out.

Twilight and Celestia were about to answer when I butted in. “We wait for him to come to the Equestrian border.”

“We cannot simply stand aside while this heathen harms our subjects Robert!” Celestia exclaimed, losing her serene calmness.

“He won’t be harming anybody anytime soon Celestia. He still must find his way from the catacombs of the great tomb. Knowing him he will go straight for you, Luna, and Twilight as you are his greatest threats. Once he has taken you down he will take your armies to bring upon the end once more. What we know that he doesn’t, is that he was trapped as a Kirin.” I smiled as they looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Celestia asked.

“It means he’s been draining his own magical energy to maintain that form along with the fact he’s been using Dark Magic to maintain it. After a certain amount of time, the form becomes permanent and a Kirins magic is far weaker than that of an alicorns but their physical ability is only as great as an adolescent dragon. The reason Artemis lost was because Grimoire had the magic of an alicorn and the physical ability of an adult dragon because he used his magic to boost his own abilities.”

“So basically he’s pretty much a small dragon with magic right now?” Dash pointed out as I nodded.

“For now at least, when he arrives though he won’t be that weak. He’ll have gathered enough strength that will be almost on par with Tirek.” I pointed out.

“That’s why we should attack him now!” Dash objected. I shook my head.

“If we could I would be all for it Dash. The Great Tomb isn’t an easy place to find let alone enter unless you have a death wish of your own. The Great Tomb reaches down to the seventh layer of Tartarus, with demons and spirits lining the corridors of the tomb. In two months time, the entrance to the Great Tomb will be at the edge of the Equestrian-Badlands border.” They fell into silence.

“The very last journal entry was written in Grimoire’s corrupted blood, but it wasn’t written by him. It was written by the one who had entrapped him in the Great Tomb along with the Chest of Harmony. Sadly whoever it was had left out their name from the passage.”

When the Chest of Harmony opens,

The shackles that hold Grimoire Dusk shall release.

The days of light shall come to an end once more,

And darkness will preside over the land.

The joy and laughter will cease,

Anger and remorse will replace it.

The ones who open the chest,

Will be the first victims of the new calamity.

The creature of Earth shall be claimed,

And he will embrace the darkness.

When this day comes,

All will be lost and the final days will be upon us.

I looked to each of the elements, seeing unadulterated horror present in their eyes. “So…ya mean to say that…we’re all gonna die?” Applejack asked through sputters. I bowed my head down as I let them take in the information. When I lifted my head up each of them were crying, none more so than Fluttershy who was being comforted by Rarity. Pinkie Pies cotton candy mane became straight as tears slowly dripped down her face that held an expressionless gaze. Rainbow Dash sat on her chair with her mane covering her face so none could see her cry. Twilight just stood there with bewilderment as tears streamed silently down her face.

“Please don’t cry girls, everything will be alright.” Celestia cooed, trying to sooth them. I shook my head.

“No Celestia, it won’t be fine.” I stated angrily as I slammed my fist onto the table catching their attention once again. “The reason this meeting was even called is because of a dream I had last night that only seemed to confirm my fears. The last part of the prophecy, “The creature of Earth shall be claimed, and he will embrace the darkness.”, didn’t mean that I would die Celestia.” I informed her as she looked at me with wide eyes.

“You don’t mean…” she mumbled as I nodded my head to confirm her suspicion. The room stood in silence as each one of them, one by one, understood what I had pointed out. Much to my surprise, Discord was even taken aback by it.

The room was left in stunned silence. No one spoke so I gathered my belongings and started towards the doors, motioning for Faelan to follow me. “Wait!”

I turned around as I saw Twilight holding her hoof out at me. “Where are you going?! You can’t just leave us like this!” She exclaimed as I shook my head once more.

“I’m not leaving you, I will be in contact with each and everyone of you again very soon.” I turned to face them fully and proceeded to bow in respect. “Thank you for granting an audience with me princesses of Equestria, it has been an honor.” With formalities paid I walked out of the large doors that lead into a great hall.

Arc 1: Chapter 3 - Start of The Nightmare

June 17th, 2027 11:46 P.M.

Everfree Cabin, Equestria

I sat on the floor right in front of the fireplace, poking it with the poker. The creature of Earth shall be claimed and he will embrace the darkness. That single verse was still fresh in my mind just as it was all those years ago. Many moons ago I told Luna of this tale but we had both chosen to dismiss it as nothing but pure nonsense. Even then it had taken me months to shake those horrid words. Sadly tonight I could do nothing of the sort as I allowed myself to continuously repeat it.

The darkness is coming and this time, nothing can save us from our fate. Grimoire Dusk had invaded my dreams last night and proceeded to show me what was to become of me. On the surface I am calm and collected but underneath this facade is a man who isn’t scared for himself but for those around him.

There were three almost inaudible knocks on the door to my cabin; causing me to jump a little, bringing me out of my thoughts. I put down the poker and stood up, proceeding to walk over to the oak door. “Who’s there?” I asked flatly as they simply knocked again. I grabbed my staff from the corner near the door. “I won’t ask again, I demand to know your name.” I growled loudly as I heard a small whimper from outside the door, following by the clopping of hooves beyond the door. Fluttershy… I thought as I opened the door.

*SLAM* A pink blur slammed into the magic field covering the doorway. I cringed at the sound it made as the house shook slightly. Before I left I purchased a magical trinket to put over the front and back door to the house that kept unwanted guests out. When they tried to enter a magical shield would block their entrance. The only way for them to enter was for someone that lived here to welcome them in. I heard the sound of claws on wood and a door slam open as Faelan came running out of her room with katana in hand. “WHO’S THERE?!” She demanded.

I looked down at the porch as Fluttershy stood over a knocked out Pinkie Pie. “Not to worry Faelan, it’s just Pinkie and Fluttershy.” I pointed out.

“Oh, my.” Fluttershy said as she put a hoof to Pinkies head. “She’s knocked out!” She exclaimed quietly. I laughed as I waved it off.

“Don’t worry, she’ll come around in no time Fluttershy. Please, come in.” I offered as I heard the trinket give a small pop as the entrance opened for the two. I picked Pinkie Pie up with little effort and placed her on the couch across from the fireplace. “What brings you two here so late into the night?” I asked as I walked over to the kitchen and retrieved a teapot, a jug of water and a small container of jasmine tea leaves.

Faelan sat down on the couch next to the unconscious Pinkie Pie and stared at Fluttershy, awaiting her response. Fluttershy looked down at her hooves as I poured water into the teapot and placed it over the fire. “We just wanted to see if you were alright.” She finally responded. I looked over my shoulder at her and smiled.

“Truth be told, I’m just as scared as you are if not ever more so.” I said as she looked at me a little surprised. I turned my attention back to the fire and continued to poke at it. “That wasn’t the answer you assumed I would give, is it Fluttershy?” I asked gloomily, but I didn’t wait for a response. “Fear, a feeling that is wise to heed for only after it has been realized can it be quelled. I thought I had rid myself of this same fear many moons ago Fluttershy. Alas, it had been for naught as the fear has found itself in my heart and mind once more.”

“Whereas you and the others fear for keeping your own lives; I fear for the lives of those around me. Darkness knows not its boundaries within my heart as darkness had long been my friend when I was young. There’s an old saying from my world, one that explains my life in full. “I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”[1]” I fell silent as I continued to probe the fire-place with the poker as the teapot started whistling. I proceeded to finish brewing the tea.

“Would you like a cup Fluttershy?” I asked as I handed a cup to Faelan and placed one next to Pinkies face. She nodded slightly as I poured her, her own cup.

“What do you mean by, “Darkness had long been my friend”?” Fluttershy asked as she sipped her tea.

“I don’t think he wants to talk about it Fluttershy.” Pinkie said groggily as she rubbed her head with a hoof and sat up. I nodded in confirmation.

“Sorry Fluttershy, but she’s right. I’d rather keep that portion of my life behind me entirely.” I said as I stared down into my tea remembering the nights I would lie awake, staring at the ceiling with my memories of days and nights gone past. A loner and an outcast along the outskirts of the society I once lived in. I had so few friends I could count them upon one hand as day in and day out it was either someone was bullying me or I was completely left to my own brooding.

I sighed and waved the thoughts off before finishing my tea. “You two are more than welcome to stay the night as I know how the Everfree Forest is at night. You may take my bed or you may sleep on the couches.” I stated as I stood up and looked down at them as they looked up at me.

“Are you sure? I mean I don’t want to be a burden.” Fluttershy replied softly. I shook my head at her.

“You’re not a burden Fluttershy, trust me.” I reassured her as I saw her give a little smile.

“I call the left side of the bed!” Pinkie exclaimed as she disappeared in a pink wisp of smoke. I chuckled a little as I motioned towards the bedroom with a nod.

“Might want to get in there before she hogs all the covers Fluttershy.” I said jokingly as Fluttershy nodded and followed Pinkie into my bedroom, promptly shutting the door.

“Are you sure it’s okay for them to stay here?” Faelan asked with a little worry in her voice.

“As long as they remain in that room they will be safe Faelan. You should head to bed as well, we start training tomorrow morning.” I reminded her as she finished off her tea and headed to her room, locking it behind her. I looked over to my room to see that a pair of cyan eyes were looking out through a crack with worry heavy in them. “It’ll be okay Fluttershy, just lock the door and don’t come out. Anything you hear is to be ignored, if Pinkie tries coming out please do everything you can to stop her.” Immediately after finishing that the door slammed shut and was hastily locked.

[Thy only give them reason to distrust thee further.] Luna’s voice whispered into my ear.

“They may distrust me after all Luna, but if I can save them somehow it is worth it.” I responded with uncertainty lacing my voice in a vice like grip. No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, we will not escape this unscathed. The future isn’t set in stone but my fear of what it beholds is not something to ignore. “Guard my body well Luna, if you are able to make sure the others stay asleep.”

[We shall, as long as thou dost keep thine promise to awake safely.] she replied as I started feeling the effects of the tea to take over me. The tea I used was interlaced with herbs to induce nightmares; the exact environment Grimoire needed to speak to me in. If I were dreaming normally he would have no chance of invading my mind as normal dreams work separately from nightmares in this world.

Nightmares on Earth were usually fear induced and left at most a mental or emotional scar, nightmares on Equus can harm the physical body in many ways and is a portal directly into the mind and soul of a creature. If you die within a nightmare, you die in the physical world as well. I had discovered this information after a rather unwelcome experience three years ago when I was attacked by a minotaur in my dream and it cut my arm using a sword. When I woke up I felt lightheaded and weak, when I looked down I saw I was lying in a small pool of blood. The wound I had retained from the fight was all too real. I quickly woke Faelan up for her to cauterize the wound before I was taken to a nearby hospital.

This is extremely dangerous to do but it’s a chance I’m willing to take if it can help me find a weakness within Grimoire. I silently fell onto the couch, my physical body resting on it while my mind faded through into the dark abyss of nightmares.

~ Time Unknown ~

~ Location Unknown ~

I looked up into the abyss as I continued plummeting downwards until the world around me began to materialize and the ground started rushing towards me. Directly below me I saw a lone figure clad in a black cloak walking slowly towards what seemed like a river of blood. This must be the outer ring of Violence. I thought to myself as I recalled the rings of Hell as Tartarus in this world was a direct reflection of it.

This is the seventh ring of Tartarus, violence; below me was, no doubt in my mind, Grimoire Dusk walking towards the river Phlegethon. This was the epitome of a true nightmare.

I felt a small shocking sensation as a blue aura wrapped around me and slowed my descent to the ground of Violence. It wasn’t the softest landing but it caused no damage to me. “Thank you Luna.” I said aloud as Grimoire stopped dead in his tracks due to hearing my voice.

I stood straight up and calmed the shaking that racked my body before starting to approach him. He turned around to face me, his cowl still covering his face but piercing silver eyes glowed beneath it. “Grimoire Dusk I presume?”

At the mention of his name his head perked up slightly and his eyes narrowed. “Can you not speak?” I asked.

“We can speak knave.” he hissed with a ghostly voice that made me cringe slightly.

“Do you remember who I am?” I glowered at him as I asked. He looked at my face fully before his eyes widened and contracted in acknowledgement.

“You would willingly come to me in a Nightmare? You are truly naive.” He pointed out as his form changed into mine once again and the world around us faded to an open field.

I created a sword out of thin air by simply thinking of it. “Yet with it being willingly and me being knowledgeable that this is a Nightmare, I have the same amount of control over it as you do.” I explained as I turned him into a statue then into a fish then back into his real form. He removed his hood to show that his skin and muscle had barely started regenerating. Small patches of fur started growing on the parts where his skin had finished healing creating a horrendous creature. I could see into his half grown jaw and see down his throat before fading into darkness as his cloak covered his body.

“You seem a bit disturbed at my current form Robert.” he snickered as I shook off the disturbing visage. “As you could tell, I have already reached the Seventh ring. Are you not worried for what will become of you?”

I shook my head. “Worried of what will become of me? You still live within the depths of Tartarus, to travel from the Eighth ring of Fraud it must have taken you several days perhaps even a week. We are in no immediate danger of you.” I responded as he nodded his head in agreement.

“For now anyways Robert. I do hope you don’t disappoint me.” At that moment I felt a sharp pain in my foreleg. I looked down to where the pain was coming from to find an arrow stuck through it, coming out the front of my leg. I turned around just in time as an arrow whizzed past my face and past Grimoire Dusk who was smiling at me. “Show me your control.” He said as the moon was blotted out by storm clouds.

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Several bolts of lightning touched the ground around us as we flung ourselves towards one another, fist against hoof. I ignored the pain as I grabbed him by the throat with my left hand and flung him across the field before he reversed his gravity and slammed into me. I was sent tumbling head over heels as I felt him send me flying into the air.

I quickly recovered and held my hand up and let the lightning strike me. Instead of it damaging me I redirected it at Grimoire Dusk. The lightning struck him but he quickly retaliated by sending a ball of fire my way. I barely dodged it only to have a bolt of magic find itself through my left thigh, causing me to grit my teeth in agony as I bared the pain.

I conjured more lightning towards me and sent several bolts into Grimoire Dusk. By the time the last bolt hit him there was a large plume of smoke covering the battle field. I created a shield, no sooner did a few magic bolts ricochet off of it. “I knew that you wouldn’t let me win so easily!” I yelled down to him as the dust settled to reveal Grimoire Dusk with a tattered cloak.

I heard him cackle before disappearing and slamming into my back to send me flying again. I saw him start to chase after me only for me to conjure lightning into my hand and punch him as he flew at me. My fist connected with the base of his horn and forehead, I felt the bone crack underneath it before the lightning erupted from the connection and it sent him flying into the ground.

You could hear a horrible crunch as his bones caved in and broke. It didn’t seem to affect him in anyway as he stood up and his body started healing itself. He cracked his neck to the left then to the right before glaring up at me and giving me a grotesque smile. “You aren’t taking me seriously, are you?” he asked.

I didn’t respond to his question as I appeared below him and slammed my fist into his half grown stomach. He recovered quickly and slammed a hoof into the side of my head, knocking me to the ground. I tried getting up before I felt a sharp pain in my left hand, I looked over to find that he had riveted my hand to the ground below. I melted it, allowing it to cauterize the wound before making it disappear. I rolled over as another rivet slammed into where my head was, and I continued rolling as a series of rivets followed me.

I finally regained control as I created a pit below me and quickly covered it. I stood up and created a pathway that lead directly underneath Grimoire. Once I was under him I created two spheres of air magic in each hand and dropped the ground from under him and slammed them into his stomach. The magic tore apart his still regenerating organs and sent him flying into the air. “Never underestimate your opponent Grimoire Dusk!” I yelled at him before I appeared above him and slammed my leg into him, sending him flying into the ground again.

I started diving down at him before he turned into my brother and stared up at me. “You would kill me Robbie?” he asked solemnly. My mind told me that he was real but I fought against it as my heart could tell he wasn’t.

“You just made a grave mistake Grimoire, I could kill family if it means to save others.” I glowered as his eyes widened as I stopped in mid-air and caught him with a telekinetic grasp. I created six magic circles around him; each one represented an element. Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Light and finally darkness. I charged each one with every ounce of energy I had left before letting it loose on him.

Grimoire was engulfed in sphere of magical energy that exploded with tremendous force that sent me flying. When I hit the ground the world around me faded.

June 18th, 2027 6:23 A.M.

Everfree Cabin, Equestria

I woke up with a start as the pain rung out through the entirety of my body. The blows to my head, back and stomach didn’t hurt as much as the cauterized wounds on my thigh and left hand. The wounds had already been patched up and cleaned, as well as the wound on my foreleg. I panted heavily as the pain continued to ring through my body. I stood up and limped over to my staff, using it for support.

I must have been out for a few hours after the nightmare, at least they listened to me. I thought thankfully to myself. “Faelan!” I yelled, no sooner did her door open. She didn’t give me any time to react as she slammed into me, burying her head into my chest and her arms wrapped around me, causing me to grit my teeth in pain.

“ROBERT!” She exclaimed through a tearful voice. I felt the bandages across my chest getting wet with tears as she wept. I smiled as I returned the embrace as best I could. “You almost died! You promised me-”.

“I’m sorry Faelan.” I whispered, “I am so very sorry that I was careless. I know that I promised I wouldn’t leave you and I plan to keep that promise. No matter what happens I will always be with you.” I pulled her closer as she continued to weep into my chest. I will never go back on my promises, daughter

Arc 1: Chapter 5 - Dark Side

Allow the darkness to consume you and you shall lose all of your humanity.

June 20th, 2027 9:46 P.M.

Location Unknown

I woke with a start from underneath the covers, flinging them off as I sat up on the bed I was on. My mind started working at a million miles per minute as I remembered that Michael and I had both walked into the Castle of the Two Sisters beforehand. My heart started to pick up its pace as adrenaline shot throughout my body and kicked into gear as I leaped from the bed. Michael first, questions later! I yelled at myself as I slammed open the doors to the room I was in.

The hallway was dimly lit by torches placed along the walls, there was some stirring further down the hall from something that no doubt heard the ruckus I was causing. I quickly went back into my room and closed the doors, proceeding to look for my belongings only to find nothing. I don’t recognize any of this architecture, where the hell am I?!

The room was lit by a singular fireplace that was burning bright at the periphery of the room. The walls of the room were covered with dark oak wood before transitioning to a dark gray wallpaper. There was a single window that had curtains draping over them, arousing my suspicion to see where I was; I walked over to them and cast the curtains open.

My heart fell into the pit of my stomach as the blood drained from my body as I saw the badlands hive of Sypher sprawling out in all directions below me. Nephilis! I thought as I turned around, watching as two changeling guards came into the room. Today just isn’t my day!

Alright, take care of these two then to find Michael and get the hell out of dodge. I grabbed the chair next to the table and smashed it against the wall, allowing me to create two makeshift clubs out of the chair legs. I took one in each hand and charged the changelings who jumped back, dodging the clubs. “NOT THIS TIME YOU BASTARDS!” I shouted at them as I charged them again, slamming the two clubs into one of the guards head. The other changeling quickly shot off a small ball of fire at me whilst hissing, the fire connected with my bare back as I grimaced in pain.

I quickly dropped to my back and put out the fire before sweeping its legs from under it, swiping at it with one of the clubs when he hit the ground. It rolled out of the way and popped back up, charging at me with its horn. I tossed one of the clubs away and gave him a right uppercut to his jaw as he reached me before slamming him back down with the club I had in my left hand. The guard tried getting back up but I kicked it in its temple, knocking it out cold.

I turned to see where the other one was; they were out cold laying on their side. I ignored the pain that was shooting throughout my body as I opened the door to the room across from me. The room was pretty empty spare the two chairs and single coffee table in the middle of the book lined room. I closed the doors and moved to the next room, it was another bedroom such as the one I had woken up in but it was barren of anyone.

“Shit” I whispered harshly as I turned from the room and slinked along the hallway wall towards the intersecting one. I made sure no one was watching before I crossed the hallway and made my way to the staircase near the end of it. I made sure to stay quiet as I descended further and further into the depths of the castle. I passed a few entryways into larger halls before finally reaching the bottom of the stairs with a single wooden door.

The door was barely tall enough for me to walk through as I opened it, immediately being greeted by the smell of rotting bones and dried blood. There were only a couple of torches lining the walls as I walked cautiously down the hallway, the sound of muffled voices getting louder and louder before I could finally hear them clearly around the corner.

“Well if that’s the case, why don’t we kill this one and the one upstairs already?” a changeling asked as another sighed.

“I’ve already told you, the Queen wants to keep this one alive as incentive for Traysil. She has a past with him and she wants to make sure its paid back in full and then some.” I smirked as I heard another name I went by. I remember meeting Queen Nephilis of Sypher when I had come to the badlands several years ago. I did not leave on the best of terms with the Queen as I left her with a ‘beauty’ mark.

“But isn’t she just going to kill them both anyways? Why not lie to this Traysil saying that his friend is alive?”

The other guard sighed, “I don’t know but we can’t go against the Queens orders. I think we should at least have some fun with it, what do you say?” the guard asked as the other one chuckled.

“Let’s.” they responded as I popped my head around the corner as they turned to walk further down the hall. I won’t let them hurt you Michael, I’m coming little man.

We passed by a weapon rack that had a rusted longsword hanging from it, I grabbed it carefully and held it close to my side. It didn’t take long before we arrived at a large iron door that had a few complex locks on the left side of it. They undid the locks and opened the door, walking in single file. There was a single torch in the room as I saw Michael hanging there by his hands, limp as a ragdoll. His body was littered with cuts and bruises and his left eye was swollen shut.

“Wakey wakey!” one of the guards said as they started to charge their horn. I reacted quickly as I drove the sword through the back of the changelings unguarded neck. I quickly flicked the sword to the side into the head of the other stunned guard. Both of them fell to the ground limp as I stood over them with fire in my eyes.

“No one hurts my family.” I said emptily as I looked over at Michael as he struggled to lift his head up, barely opening his right eye. He opened his mouth to say something but it fell shut as he hung his head again. I walked over to the guards and grabbed the keys from their armor and unlocked the chains binding him. His body fell limp into mine as I felt tears welling up behind my eyes.

“I will not let you die Michael, not now!” I growled as I shifted him to my back and hefted him up to carry him. My wounds didn’t make it any easier to carry him but he wasn’t too heavy. “Just hold on, lets get you upstairs where I can properly treat you before we get out of here.”

I started to walk down the hallway as I felt Michael take a ragged breath. “Don’t say anything Michael, and I swear if you tell me to leave you I will kick your ass when you get better.” I warned him as he tried to speak.

“T-th-th-thank y-you.” he finally stammered out as he let his head drop onto my shoulder.

The journey up to the first floor didn’t take long and considering that it was still night time it made my journey a lot easier. I recalled the floorplan of the castle ground floor (it was the only floor I had been on during my unfortunate encounter) and made my way to the kitchen where I could cauterize some of the wounds and clean them up quickly.

The blood drained from my face as I opened the door to find half a dozen changelings working the kitchen. I immediately turned tail and bolted down the hallway as fast as my body would let me at the moment. Michael let out a few pained grunts as he bounced up and down on my back as I turned the corner and ran through the front doors of the castle, ignoring the four guards that were smacked by them.

I kept running as fast as I could as my body burned, making me wince in pain as my feet carried me. I started to hear the buzz of changelings chasing us, but I didn’t want to turn around to see how many. The last time I had run from them there was enough to partially blot out the sky. The only reason I escaped is because Faelan was with me and was able to fly us out of there.

“STOP IN THE NAME OF THE QUEEN!” I heard one of them yell from behind me. I continued running until eventually the buzzing started to fade behind me as I crossed the border to Equestria and ran into the Haysead Swamps. Luckily for us, the changelings knew that crossing the border into Equestria would end up in a war between them and their hive.

I didn’t stop at the border for fear of losing Michael and continued running for another ten minutes before I finally allowed myself to collapse on the border of the Haysead Swamp and Horseshoe bay. The moon was high in the sky and I could hear the waves on the shore a bit farther away, I still laid there with Michael rolled over at my side panting as I caught my breath. My legs burned as if a dragon breathed fire into my veins and turned it into magma.

Michael was still out cold as he breathed shallowly next to me. Why did you have to come here Michael, you were safe back on Earth and now look at you. I thought as I stared at him. After a while, when I finally caught my breath, I shifted into a sitting position and stared up at the moon.

“After all this time, you don’t even allow me to say hello before you take off. You wound me Traysil.” A female voice I recognized all too well said as I circled around Michael and took a defensive stance towards her. The changeling standing before me was Queen Nephilis, her golden yellow eyes piercing through the night air as she looked down at me. The rest of her body was hidden by the darkness but I could still clearly see the gift I left with her plain as day.

Her left wing was still gone at the the base of her chitin as her right wing stood erect on her back. “You know entering Equestria will result in war Nephilis, go home now and I promise to place the blame elsewhere for our wounds.” I offered with a deep scowl.

“Oh but why let you go and tell when we could take you back and avoid lying altogether.” She bared her fangs as she stepped forwards from the treeline and into the moonlight. The light revealed everything about her from her perforated black carapace to the golden yellow chitin, mane and tail. “It’d be far better for you to come peacefully.” She grinned.

I stood as tall as I could and glared down at her as the moonlight shone on my back, casting a dark shadow over my face and body. “Thou dost dare threaten us Nephilis? We could forgive thee and forget thy had ever hurt us, but there tis one thing thou hast done that thou shouldn’t have.” I walked over to her as she tried to keep a calm and stern visage as she started backing away. I reached out and grabbed her horn, pulling her face close to mine so she could see my eyes.

“Thou didst nearly kill our brother, so we shall return the favor!” I growled as I slammed her head into my right knee then gave her a left hook, proceeding to slam her head into the ground. “An even greater mistake was coming here alone, THY WENCH!” I put my foot on her neck and started to press down as she started to struggle against me. Her horn glew as I saw a rock fly at me, I didn’t dodge fast enough as it slammed into my side and sent me sailing through the air.

As soon as I hit the ground she was on top of me holding her hoof to my throat as she held her horn in front of my face, getting ready to release a fire bolt. I reached up and grabbed her horn, feeling as the fire burned my hand I yanked her head to the side as it engulfed my arm. I didn’t let go of her horn as I slammed her head into the ground and got above her. I brought my left fist down onto the base of her horn, trying to break it off as she screamed in pain. My arm was no longer burning but the fire had done its damage.

I pulled her up by her horn and punched her in the throat three times as I started walking towards the coast. She was barely able to move as she tried to get some breath. By the time we reached the water she had recovered and started charging her horn again for more fire, continuing to burn my right arm as I cringed at the searing pain. I slammed her head into the sand as she let the bolt go, creating a small fire pit where I put the right side of her face as she screamed in pain.

“STOP PLEASE!” She started to wail as I continued to burn the side of her face. I grinned maliciously as her screams filled the night air, the small of her burning mane and carapace reaching my nose. The fire died out finally as I threw her to the side and brought my elbow down on her throat. She coughed up some blood as I held my elbow there as she flailed about. I felt her starting to become limp so I let go of her throat as she gulped in air greedily.

I reached down with my left hand and grabbed what was left of her mane and ripped it off as she tried to scream but the only thing that came out was a broken whimper of pain. “Thou wish of us to show thee mercy?” I asked as I cocked my head to the side with a crazed look in my eyes. She looked at me with tears streaming out of her one good eye as I looked down at her. “He..hehe...hehehe….hahaHAHAHAHA! Doesn’t that just bring upon a sense of irony Nephilis?! Thou wish for us to show thee mercy after what thou hast done to us?”

“The last time we did see each other we warned thee it would not be pleasant the following time for thee.” I took the bundle of hair that I clumped in my hand and shoved it into her mouth as she gagged on it. I held her snout closed as she continued to gag on it until she threw up and I let her snout go. I was grinning from ear to ear now as I felt joy in watching her. “First thou hadst made the mistake of ripping half our mind from us to leave us all alone. Second thou chose to attack the hive of Mistress Thyxia, our friends resided within that hive. Third thou had chosen to bring our brother into a personal quarrel between the two of us in hopes to force our loyalty.” I slammed my knee into the side of her head as she yelped in pain.

I grabbed the edge of her horn and slammed my foot down on the lower portion, causing it to snap off as she wailed in pain. “THOU DOST NOT DESERVE MERCY AFTER THE CRIMES THY HAST COMMITTED IN THIS WORLD NEPHILIS! ALLOW US TO SHOW THEE THE TRUE MEANING OF HELL!” I tossed the horn aside and kicked her in her stomach as she threw up more blood as well as what was left in her stomach. Something had finally snapped in my mind as I thought of Zeke being ripped from me by her magic. I remembered being chained there as I watched them dissect Zeke as he cried out in pain to me yelling for me to help him. I remember watching his face as he eventually fell limp with his soulless eyes still staring at me in shock.

I remember watching the skies above the hive of Syrnix, home to Mistress Thyxia and her followers, have the sun blotted out by the massive hoard of changelings led by Queen Nephilis. Her only goal out of it was to show her ‘sovereignty’, nothing more and nothing less. The Mistress led me to safety before going back to the hive to help defend it. Not a single changeling from Syrnix survived her pointless invasion.

I grabbed her horn as I dragged her by her wing towards the water, looking over my shoulder to Michael who was lying still as the moonlight revealed the severity of his wounds in full. His face was hardly recognizable from the dried blood that coated it from various cuts and bruises on his head. His left eye was purple and swollen completely shut. You could see other knots from where they had hit him in his head.

Both of his legs were broken and contorted in a way that would make many lose their lunch. His arms fared little better but luckily were not broken, then I saw his chest. There were two large gashes going from the base of his neck down to his waist that had various cuts stemming from them. His back had been mutilated so bad that there was no longer any skin and it looked like it started to become infected.

I looked back down at Nephilis as she wailed for me to let her go, for me to stop, to show her the mercy she should have shown him, Syrnix, and Zeke. I threw her into the sand where she proceeded to cower under me. “P-Please let me go. I promise not to attack you again! Please let me live! Please!” she exclaimed through sobs. I knelt down to get to her eye level and put my hand under her chin and lifted it up and smiled.

I didn’t say anything as I jammed her horn into her side as she opened her mouth wide in horror and pain as her eye looked at me in shock. “Life is too good for one such as thee.” I pulled out the horn and pushed her over to her side and used the perforations in her horn to create two large gashes similar to the ones Michael had on his chest. She didn’t say nor do anything as the pain had become too great for her to breath properly.

I rolled her over into the water as she tried to get up I knelt down and pushed her head back into the water. She tried to get away from my grip as I drowned her but it was to no avail as she started to calm down before stopping altogether. To make sure the job was done I stabbed her in the back of her skull with her own horn.

“Never attack our family and expect mercy from us.” I growled at her dead body as I turned around and walked over to Michael who was lying completely still now. I knelt down and put two fingers to his neck and checked his pulse, although it was extremely slow it was still there and he was dying. “We will not lose another.”

With what strength I had left I hoisted him up onto my back and started to run again as fast as I could towards Baltimare.

Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 2 - Return of the Forgotten

But those who wallow in despair will get nowhere.

??? ???, ????, ????

???, ???

I awoke standing in the middle of a field of flowers, some of which were foreign to me and some of which I knew well. Among the flowers were forget-me-nots, daisies, red and white roses, and myrtles. The sun shone bright above the field with no clouds in the sky to obscure its blue beauty.

“Where am I?” I thought aloud as I held a hand out to the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and the slight breeze that blew over the field. I looked around for anything that would set my bearings for where I was but I could find none as the flowers went beyond the horizon. I blinked once, twice, and three times before I noticed something odd. I was shorter than I normally was as I looked down at the flowers once again.

They were no longer up to my foreleg but now covered me all the way to my hips. The clothes I wore were not the normal leather armor nor the normal silk clothing I wore during my down time but a cotton shirt with the design of a power ranger present on it and I wore blue jean shorts as well.

“What’s going on here?” I said startling myself at my now squeaky voice. In the distance now I could see the sky shattering and falling onto the field and dissipating as the chunks of sky hit the flowers. I did a 360 to see if it was happening elsewhere and sure enough, it was. All around me the sky was falling apart and breaking against the field.

Fear was now present in my mind as I thought the sky was going to eventually fall on me, but I could not move as I was paralyzed into that one spot. Before I knew it the sky above me had started to break and fall as well. The largest piece of sky fell directly on top of me as I used my arms to try and shield myself from it only to have it break and disappear before it hit me. All that was left of the once beautiful blue sky was a black abyss.

What I found odd was the fact that the field seemed to still have been lit by the sun but I could not find it anywhere in the abyss above me. “Mommy, where are you?!” I heard my voice scream from somewhere far behind me. I turned around to see where the voice had come from but I saw nothing. The flowers beneath my feet began to wilt and die before leaving behind its black and brown corpse.

“Mommy!” I heard my voice scream again. I turned around and saw a path had been paven where the field once was and on the outside of the path was a neverending sea of blood. At the end of the path far off in the distance a single light shone down on a crying child who was whispering something to himself. I looked down at my body to find it was no longer a small childs body but that of a young teenagers.

I shook my head and walked down the path towards the child, the sea of blood around me started to churn and turn into waves that crashed against the side of the path as I walked along it. Not a single drop of blood landed on the pristine white marble that made the path as all drops of blood crashed into an invisible wall. By the time I reached the young child a storm had rolled in and blood started to rain down onto the roof of the invisible walls and ceiling above.

Purple lightning boomed in the distance as I slowly approached the child who was no longer sobbing but it was now eating something. It’s hands were bloodied as it bit down into a now lifeless rabbit. I hesitated for a minute before I placed my hand on the child's shoulder, he stopped promptly at my touch. “Are...are you alright kid?” I asked hesitantly as he slowly turned his head to face me.

The rabbits blood flowed down his chin and down onto his shirt. His eyes were pitch black with a singular blue dot in the middle of them to indicate his pupils, his teeth were jagged and broken at parts as he smiled at me and his hair was blond and reached down to the bottom of his jaw. “You’ve forgotten me, why?” He gurgled as lightning struck the wall behind him and we were sucked out of the hallway through the open hole.

There was no longer a sea of blood as it was replaced with earth far below us. It was night time and I quickly recognized the city below us as New York City. “HOW COULD YOU FORGET US!” The child screamed as I turned back towards him but had my heart nearly stopped as he was replaced with all the friends and family I had over the course of my life, each of them similar in appearance to the small child. Their eyes were blacked out with goo streaming out of them, small pupils that had the colors of each of their eyes as they were normally. Their hair was stringy and flew behind them as we fell. The blood that was streaming from their mouth now adorned the others behind them.

My body slowly changed once again into the body I had the year I had departed from Earth. I reached into my pocket and shuffled around before grabbing the pocketknife I had brought with me. “I NEVER FORGOT ANY OF YOU!” I screamed at them above the rushing wind as I turned around and went into a full fledged dive towards the ground. It took only a few more seconds before I rushed past the empire state building and towards the ground at an angle.

I slammed into the hood of a taxicab before it promptly exploded into flames and the scene around me was engulfed in flames and I appeared in a burning house. I coughed as I stood up and brushed the ash off of me, proceeding to cover my mouth as I looked around for survivors. I noticed I was now wearing the training armor that had been given to me by my master. I realized where I was; the final day of the village Coltfield.

The village was razed by the Harrington mafia after the mayor of the village could not pay them what he owed. “Momma! Papa! Where are you?!” I heard a colt cry out from upstairs before he let out a fit of coughing. Cloud Spirit! I immediately recalled the young colts name as I dashed to the stairwell before the ceiling came down on top of it. “Who are you?!” I heard him call down to me.

“Don’t worry, I’m gonna get you out of there!” I yelled back to him as I covered my mouth again and ran through the debris, getting burns all the way up my legs as I got up to him. The colt was disfigured with half his jaw missing, his right eye hanging limp from his socket, his left hind leg broken forwards to the point the bone had come through the skin, and his wings were skinless appendages that bled with an unnatural amount of blood.

“WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY PARENTS!” he screamed at me as he grew three times his size and jumped at me. I threw my arms up in front of my face and turned away in defense. After I realized I hadn’t been harmed I opened my eyes to find I was standing in the middle of a graveyard with a full blood moon high in the night sky. It created an eerie red glow over the graveyard as I felt something grab my ankle.

“You’ve forgotten us…” the person said as a multitude of other hands reached up and grabbed various parts of each of my legs and started to drag me down into the earth as I struggled to get away. I tried to bat the hands away but it was to no avail as I sunk further and further into the earth before I knew it, I had been covered all the way to the base of my neck and was now face to face with one of the people. “...why Robert? Why did you forget us?” they said as their face faded as the dirt of the earth engulfed me.

Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 3 - Coma

Sometimes dreams can be more than they seem.

June 22nd, 2027 8:16 P.M.

Golden Hooves Hospital, Baltimare, Equestria

I awoke to the sound of my heart beat monitor beeping loud enough to wake the dead from their eternal slumber. Cold sweat took hold of my entire body but my breathing was normal as I slowly sat up in my bed and shook the images from my head of the nightmare I had just endured. I heard the sound of hooves running down the hall before stopping in front of my door and hearing the click of a lock before two unicorns, one male and one female, run into the room.

“Sorry for giving y’all a scare but I’m fine, at least generally speaking. Could I get some aloe vera and some bandages for my new wounds, I had quite the nightmare last night.” I informed them as they looked between each other in confusion. I pulled off the covers to reveal that most of my pant legs had been burnt off and that there were superficial burns all the way up my legs. I also pulled off my shirt to reveal several new cuts and bruises along my back as they flinched away.

“B-but you were here all night!” the male nurse exclaimed. “How in the name of Celestia did you get those injuries!?” he continued as I shrugged my shoulders.

“If I were able to explain I would be more than happy to, but all I can say for sure is that Nightmares effect me both in the dream realm and the real world. It’s where I got this nasty little thing from a few years back.” I stood up on my bed and rolled up my pant leg more to reveal a large scar down the length of my left thigh. “Hospitals just seem to be the bearer of bad dreams as coincidentally it was where I got this scar as well.” I informed them as they reeled back a little.

They looked over me trying to analyze me as if they had thought me crazy, and they very well might have if not for the proof I carried. After a couple minutes of them staring I snapped my fingers and waved my hand in front of their faces to get their attention, “Can I get those bandages and the aloe vera please? My legs kind of feel like they’re burning with the heat of the sun and these cuts aren’t too pleasant either.” the female unicorn was about to suggest something but I cut her off, “No, you can’t use magic I’m sorry for the inconvenience, magic does a lot more harm to humans than it does good.”

They nodded their heads and went about getting me the aloe vera and some bandages, it didn’t take long for me to apply both and I was out of the bed. My pant legs had been burned and my shirt that I had been wearing when I entered the hospital sat in tatters in the corner of my room on a chair. I sighed as I picked them up and tied the tattered shirt around my waist like a belt. I would have to visit a tailor sometime soon to get them restored; for a hefty price of course.

The male nurse from earlier entered the room and saw me looking out the window down at the busy Baltimare streets. He walked up beside me and stood there silently. After a few minutes of silence I finally spoke, “I came here with another person, is he alright?” I asked as he jumped at the sudden noise. He looked down at his hooves, telling me what I didn’t want to hear.

“I’m sorry but…” he shuffled his hooves nervously as he tried to find the right words.

“This must be the first time you have ever had to face someone and tell them their family is dead, isn’t it?” I asked solemnly as he looked at me shocked and shook his head.

“No! No, no he’s not dead!” he instantly reassured me, “But he...he’s…”

“A coma?” I asked calmly as he barely nodded his head in confirmation. “Where is he right now?” I asked as he shook his head.

“You can’t see him ri-” I bent down and gave an emotionless expression.

“Whether I can or can’t isn’t up to any of you, he is my little brother and I will not stand here and let you tell me I can’t see the only of my kin in this entire world when he needs me the most.” his eyes turned to pinpricks as he stood aside.

“R-r-room 762 on f-floor 7.” he said as I nodded and gave him a smile.

“Thank you.” I said as I waved to him and left the room as I heard him plop down on the floor. I limped my way towards the stairwell as several ponies looked at me awkwardly, some even approaching me to see if I was alright. I ignored them as I made my way up the stairs towards floor 7.

I opened the door that led into the main hallway of floor 7 and on the wall was a small map of the floor. “So I need to take a left here and go all the way down and take a right then his room should be on the left, easy enough.”

It didn’t take me long to find the room but what had me miffed was that there was two royal guards standing outside the room. I didn’t flinch as I walked up to them and placed my hand on the door only for them to repel me at the last second. “No one enters this room without the princesses permission, so we must ask you to leave.” One of them stated as they retook their position in front of the door.

“First things first fellas, we’re in a hospital where a weapon lies around every corner and I’m not afraid to hurt you to get to my brother who is lying in that room. Second, I don’t give a damn whether or not I need Celestia’s permission to see him. So either step aside or I do something that we will both regret.” I growled at them as they glared daggers into me. I knew I couldn’t actually fight anymore with my wounds right now but I sure as hell would try, they brought up their spears and pointed them at me as I readied myself.

The door behind them opened as Fluttershy walked out, jumping as she saw the spears floating in front of the door and saw me standing ready to attack. “What’s going on here!?” she exclaimed as I took notice of her and relaxed a little.

“Ma’am get back inside this thing intends to-”

“Robert!” Fluttershy yelled as she leaped at me and hugged me as she cried into my shoulder. I winced at the weight but I held her there as I glared daggers into the guards once again as they looked at us confused. “Michael, he’s-he’s…” I patted the back of her head and hushed her.

“I know Fluttershy, I know.” I hugged her tighter as I gave a weak smile to the guards as I put my head onto hers and walked into the room. Celestia and Luna stood at his bedside alongside Twilight and the rest of her friends. There were four dragons in the corner of which I only noticed one as Spike; the others adopted questioning eyes.

Twilight and Celestia looked back at me and stood aside as I walked to his bedside nearly breaking down as I saw him. His whole body was covered in bandages and his limbs hung limply in harnesses tethered to the ceiling. The only thing visible was the skin around his mouth and his right eye. I set Fluttershy down as I got to my knees next to his bedside, “Michael...” my voice broke as I spoke.

The door behind us opened again as a doctor walked into the room, I turned back to Michael as tears welled up behind my eyes. “Doctor...will Michael be okay?” I heard Fluttershy ask as I looked back at the doctor to see if he would confirm what I had heard earlier or deny it. The doctor sighed before he spoke.

“We don’t know for sure Ms. Fluttershy...he’s stable for the moment but unfortunately he is in a coma.”

“Do you know when he will wake up?” Fluttershy responded as I heard someone sniffle from across the bed.

“We...we don’t know...it could be only a few minutes, in several months...or never again.” he confirmed everything the nurse had said. In that moment I felt nothing but sorrow wash over me as I fell onto his chest sobbing.

“I’m so sorry, brother...I should have been faster than that. All of this is my fault, everything! They came after you because they wanted to get at me.” I sobbed defeatedly.

“It’s not your fault Robert...no one could have-” I cut Celestia off.

“LIKE HELL IT ISN’T! He might never wake up because of me, because of that damned Queen Nephilis!” I howled at her.

“Do not berate thyself over this, Robert. Thou hath done all thy could do.” Luna said trying to sooth me.

I heard the dragons in the corner speaking amongst themselves. “I can’t believe it...we were just talking to him a couple days ago. Why would anyone do this?” the green dragon asked.

“I don’t know Telara, from what I heard it was to get at this other human.” the deep crimson dragon responded.

“That still begs the same question though Valerian.” the blue dragon said.

Twilights friends exited the bedside and took places around the perimeter of the room, talking amongst themselves with concerned tones.

I stood up with tears in my eyes and turned towards the dragons with my eyes pointed in daggers as I approached them. The blue one jumped as she noticed me and the others didn’t look too comfortable with it either. “Who are you three and what connection do you have with my little brother.” I growled as they looked between each other worriedly as I felt a tug on my ponytail but ignored it. It happened again before I turned around and Twilight was glaring at me.

“You don’t have to be so rude to them! They’re Michaels friends as well.” she informed me as I glared back at them then back at Twilight. “Apologize right now.” she ordered as I turned towards them.

“Whether you like me or not is your business, I am sorry for being rude but I don’t know you so even still I will be keeping my eye on you whether or not you are his friends. If you even think about hurting him I will make sure you don’t live to see another day.” I warned them as the color faded from the scales in their faces including Spikes.

“ROBERT!” I turned left to see who called my name as they slapped me, hard, across my left cheek. I recovered quickly and saw the one who smacked me was Faelan who had just arrived. “Why are you threatening them?!” She exclaimed angry with me. I looked down in shame then back up at her.

“Can you really blame me for this Faelan? My little brother is in a coma for christ sakes, your Uncle, your family!” I cried back as she was taken aback as the whole room went silent as well.

“Umm, did you just say uncle?” I heard Rainbow Dash ask, “I thought Faelan was a friend? I also thought he was just your friend?” she prodded as I shook my head.

I was about to tell them but a female nurse entered the room, “I’m sorry everyone, visiting hours are over. The doctor said Fluttershy, and the other human may stay however because of their knowledge of the human anatomy and medical experience in case they are needed.” she informed us.

“But I want to-” Rainbow Dash was about to argue but the nurse cut her off.

“It doesn’t matter what you want Ms. Dash, you must leave.” she was short as everybodys blood went cold with how she responded. Everybody except for me and Fluttershy left right after and closed the door.

I heard Fluttershy gasp from the side of the bed after they had left, “Did you see it! I saw a finger move!” she exclaimed quietly.

I turned around and shook my head, “I didn’t see anything, sorry.”

“I’m sorry Ms. Fluttershy.” I heard the nurse 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.” she informed her as I nodded in confirmation.

“Oh...right. I know. I just thought…”

“It’s okay Fluttershy, go home and get some rest. I’ll keep watch over him tonight.” I said solemnly as she nodded.

“Both of you really should go home and rest.” The nurse told us, “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.”

“Alright...only if you’re sure...I’ll come visit every morning.” Fluttershy responded meekly. She left through the front doors after a long delay.

After a while I simply said “No.”

The nurse glared at me, “You need to. You haven’t eaten since you two were admitted. At this rate we’ll have to prepare another room for you as well, and you won’t be any help to him in that state if he does wake up.” she tried to rationalize with me.

“When…” I growled at her to make it perfectly clear that he would as she was taken aback.

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

I became very annoyed with her as the conversation between the two of us dragged on until I finally agreed to get something to eat.

“Fine… I will go and get something to eat but I am not and will not leave this hospital or its grounds until he wakes up from this.” I growled at her.

“Security will remove you eventually if you remain after-hours.” She informed me as we stood there at another standstill for a couple minutes.

“Will they now?” I said flatly and without emotion, I saw her visibly pale and shiver.

“S-stay as long as you like.” she said hastily as she ran out of the room.

“Thanks.” I said quietly as she left the room.

Arc 1: Chapter 7 - Break of Dusk

The darkness beckons to us all at one point in our lives.

Six weeks later...

I walked among the halls of the hospital towards Michaels room where he rested on his bed still under the effects of the coma he had slipped into six weeks ago. Sweat drenched my clothes and my hair as it hung limply on my shoulders because I had taken out the ruby hair ring and put it on Michaels right ring finger. I had put it there when the nurse left the first night so that he would know I was there for him even if not physically. I had Twilight bring my equipment three weeks ago so that I could train in the morning and now I was on my way back to his room after a training session with Faelan.

I woke to the same sound of the door opening to signal the arrival of Fluttershy who had been coming every other morning to see him. Sometimes she would be accompanied by our friends or the dragons that were Michaels friends. They occasionally left gifts for him and whispered kind words or blessings of hope for him to wake soon. Usually after I returned from training they would be gone but this time was a little different as I stopped at the entryway to the room as I heard Fluttershy singing to Michael.

The light shone through the window onto Michaels face that revealed how skinny he had become and his skin nearly ghost white. She sung for what seemed like forever as I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I walked over to his bedside and sat down with my forearms on the edge of his bed. It wasn’t much longer before she had finished her song but by now I could tell she was on the verge of tears as well. How much she cared for him touched me as she had hardly even known him for a couple days.

“I remember meeting you at Lester Middle School over in Okinawa, Japan, “ I started “when we were just in sixth grade, barely starting to learn about the world. The day was overcast during the beginning of the first quarter of the school year and I had gone to my first class where you sat all alone because everyone else had outcast you. I asked around as to why you were left alone like that and everyone seemed to have the idea that you were just an annoying kid.”

“You pushed everyone away because you thought that their joking was nothing more than them being bullies to you. I didn’t really have much to do with you and I just went with the flow and outcast you as well, ignoring you and hating you for no reason at all other than to try and fit in. I hung out with Zachary and Jazmine as well as their friends. The days kept going by and you had started giving me a reason to hate you after I tried to make amends, but rightfully so after the way I had treated you, you denied me.”

“I remember almost giving up but I kept trying and eventually you started softening up and allowing me in. Eventually we became friends but when everyone figured out I was your friend they started to hate me so I went and betrayed you, I betrayed one of the best things that had ever happened in my lives simply because I wanted to be accepted by groups that mean nothing to me now.”

“You forgave me even though I didn’t deserve it after what I had put you through, every insult and every scar I gave you. I even swore that I would kill you for fuck sakes and you still forgave me! It wasn’t until my seventh grade year when Zachary died I finally saw and felt what you did, emptiness and nothing but pain because you had been alone for so long that being alone felt so much better.”

“After his death you seemed to rise into his place but never quite fit his seat but create your own alongside his and Jazmines in my heart. I remember the first time I actually called you my brother and you were slightly taken aback at how I could consider you as such. It was simply because you were the only one I could confide in with all my secrets and mistakes, to understand me and love me even at the darkest times. You were able to forgive people who hurt you where as I wasn’t able to forgive even the smallest insult towards me.”

“There are so many things that I can never repay you for within my lifetime but I will be damned if I let you fall to this. Wake up soon little man, we’re all waiting for you here.” I leaned down and kissed his forehead, with tears slowly rolling down my cheeks. I went on for hours about how we used to explore and play outside on Okinawa all the way to the time I had surprised him by coming to stay with him and his family for a month for his fifteenth birthday. Eventually I dozed off with my head in my arms at the edge of his bed.

??? ???, ????, ????

???, ???

I woke up floating above my body in the hospital as it lied there sleeping at Michael’s bedside. I looked over to the clock sitting above Michaels bed, Midnight. By now most of Equestria was resting sound asleep in their beds without a care in the world, dreaming of hopefully good things to stay the bad dreams to come. I floated myself down to the floor and walked through the halls of the hospital and out the front doors where I saw Luna sitting outside, staring up at the moon.

“So this wasn’t by chance was it?” I asked as I stood next to her.

“No, twas not by mere chance. Thou art able to feel him, art thy not?”

I closed my eyes as I felt his magic starting to reach out to me again, this time stronger than the times before. I nodded, “He’s trying to contact me again, by the power he’s exerting to do so I think he’s in Limbo right now. We don’t have long before he exits the tomb, Luna.”

She sighed, “We should start mobilizing the military, should we not?” she asked as she looked up at me. I shook my head.

“Mobilizing now wouldn’t be of much use, mobilize any unicorns able to cast barrier spells. Have them work together to create the strongest barrier possible over the entrance to the tomb to make it harder for him to escape and buy us some more time. Have them test the barrier first then have them cast it when he exits Limbo.” I suggested.

“Would that even work on him?”

I shrugged my shoulders, “I’m sure it will but no one can be sure. He’s an unknown figure in the grand scheme of things, we have read of the power he wields but haven’t seen it ourselves. We can only hope and pray that it’ll work.”

“That is true...we shall go with thy plan for the time being. How long dost thou believe it shall be before he doth reach the exit?” She asked.

“A couple days at the most so you need to get them out there tonight. It’s time to declare a state of emergency Luna, wake your sister and get this done.” I turned to face her fully with an expressionless face but eyes burning with anger. “Equus will not fall again to him, as long as blood pumps through my body and air fills my lungs he will not win.” I stated without remorse as she nodded before dissipating, along with the world around me.

August 3rd, 2027 8:32 A.M.

Golden Hooves Hospital, Baltimare, Equestria

I slipped straight from my dream state into full conciousness as I stood from the bedside and walked over to the window where the sun shone through bright and true. Make haste you two… I thought as I looked on towards Canterlot as the doors to the room opened behind me. “Mr. Robert! Mr. Robert! Come Quick!” the doctor pleaded as he panted heavily as a blast shook the entirety of the hospital. I went to the corner and grabbed my staff and sword and quickly strapped them to myself before going to the door. I looked back at Michael and felt my heart drop as I saw his eyes open at long last, staring right at me with a long tiredness present in them.

I smiled at him and shook the thought from my head with the help of another shockwave. I ran out the entrance to the room as a bolt flew past my head, singeing my bangs. I looked to the right where it had come from as the figure faded and reappeared in front of me and hit me in the gut with its rear hooves, sending me flying backwards. I regained my footing and charged it, catching it in the crook of my arm and slamming it into the ground. The hood it was wearing came off to reveal a khaki pony with a scraggly mane, his eyes were black with green irises and white pupils.

“It’s nearly time Robert! The show is about to start and you’ll have a front row seat!” He cackled as I picked him up by the neck and slammed him into the wall before pulling out my sword and holding it at arms length. I glowered at the colt as he continued to cackle, I brought the point to his chest and held it there for a minute before it started glowing white and I could feel the magic built up in it starting to send shocks through my arm.

“Let the light pierce the darkness so you may live again!” I yelled as I plunged the sword into the ponies chest as he stopped cackling immediately and his head shot up with his mouth agape. His eyes slowly turned back to white with orange irises and normal black pupils. A moment later a wisp of black magic flowed out of his open mouth and slowly accumulated into a small sphere above him. I removed the sword from the ponies chest and stabbed the sphere where the magic dissipated instantly.

I let the pony drop to the ground as he tried to cough up blood but couldn’t as the sword had done no physical damage to him. I dropped the sword at my side as well as the pain from holding it became too great, the magic built up in it faded away. There goes four months worth of build up… I thought sadly as I picked the sword back up and put it back into my scabbard. Another shockwave rocked the hospital, this time causing pictures and various items to fall from their place on shelves and the wall.

I ran down the hall towards the stairs and used the rail to descend quickly to the first floor where an explosion had blown the doorway into rubble. There was a young dragon with jet black scales with wisps of smoke coming off of it, it’s eyes were pure white with wisps of shadow coming out of them as well. It turned towards me and reeled back before releasing a stream of fire towards me. I jumped back into the stairwell as the fire licked the walls of the stairwell in front of me.

Once the fire stopped I ran out of the entrance towards the dragon who was now retreating from the hospital as I ran after it. I slowed to a stop as the streets in front of me lay in ruin as ponies from all walks of lives stared me down with the same eyes as the pony who had attacked me in Michaels hall. The dragon that had been attacking landed behind the army of ponies who had been taken over by it. “Well fuck me sideways…” I whispered as I stood there.

Out of nowhere five dragons slammed into the ground beside me, before standing up with weapons in hand. All of them I recognized as Faelan, Spike, Telara, Nova, and Valerian. They all wore iron armor with runes embedded in them and their weapons were the same. “Try not to hurt them, they’re under a spell that is corrupting their minds. I think the dragon is the one controlling them so try to take it out as fast as possible. Telara, get Michael out of here and to Ponyville, he’s awake but I doubt he’ll be able to fight with how long he’s been down.”

“Like hell you’ll leave me out!” I heard Michael exclaim behind me as I turned around with worry in my eyes, He tried to stand but leaned up against the entrance with a pipe in his right hand, his hair hung limp slightly above his eyes as he stared me down.

I was about to yell at him but Telara was already at him and hoisted him up onto her shoulders. “Take care of business! I’ve got him!” she yelled before taking off as Michael tried to scream for her to let him go as they flew away Michael looked at me with a broken and hurt expression. I felt a pang of guilt but it was quickly replaced by anger as I turned my attention back to the army of citizens standing in front of us.

Arc 1: Chapter 8 - Dragons Call

Through fighting comes many things but nothing as great as that of remorse.

August 3rd, 2027 8:58 A.M.

Baltimare, Equestria

I stared down the army with Faelan, Spike, Valerian, and Nova who were standing in a semicircle in front of me. “Faelan and Nova, do what you can to try and free the army from their possession. Spike, Valerian, you’re with me.” I ordered as I took off in a full sprint towards the army with my sword in my right hand. An earth pony ran forwards to attack me but I jumped up and landed my right foot on the bridge of his snout, hearing a cracking sound as I bounded off of him and towards the front of the army.

One of the unicorns was at the front and let a magical bolt loose at me, it connected with my chest but didn’t phase me much as adrenaline coursed through my body. I slammed the pommel of the sword into the base of their horn as I landed. They nearly crumpled to the ground by the blow but started to get back up before I kicked them in the temple, knocking them out. I saw Valerian fly towards me and hold his hand to me, I reached up to grab it as three pegasi charged me. I was caught by Valerian and flung into the air as the three pegasi slammed into each other and fell to the ground unconscious.

I sailed through the air towards the large black dragon towards the back who had reeled back and was preparing to set me aflame. I pulled the ring out of my hair and put it onto my finger as it turned into a shield just as the flames were upon me. I could feel the heat through the gemstone shield as I started to drop faster towards the dragon before the shield turned back into the ring. The dragon tried to go dodge backwards but I slammed into its chest with my sword, rebounding but not leaving it without damage. The area I had hit had caved under the blow and left a nasty gash in the dragon's chest as it roared in pain. Spike slammed into his side, toppling him over as Valerian landed beside us before charging at the dragon. The dragon quickly knocked him away with his tail as it stood up and used its wings to charge towards Spike. Spike readied himself but was no match as he was flung through the air before slamming into a stone brick building and the wall toppled down on top of him.

Valerian had gotten back up and landed hard on the dragons left wing as I saw blood splatter, he had broken the bone at the base and it was jutting through the scales. It roared in agony as it slammed its claw into Valerian who caught it in his grasp. “GET HIS OTHER WING!” He yelled to me as I nodded my head and charged at the dragon who clearly understood what he had told me. I saw his tail just in time as I jumped onto it as he flung it upwards and I landed on the roof of the apartment building Spike had been slammed into.

I quickly got up and looked over the edge as the dragon had gotten rid of Valerian and was now climbing the side of the building towards me. I got onto the ledge and jumped down towards the dragon with my sword held at arms length. It opened its mouth to try and breath fire at me but was cut off as Spike busted through the window it had just past and shoved his sword into the dragons neck. It started to fall backwards as it tried to roar in pain again but couldn’t. “COMING THROUGH!” I shouted as Spike got out of the way as the dragon fell. I shifted in the air and put my sword above my head with the tip pointing directly down. The dragon hit the ground with enough force that I could hear the building behind me shaking but it didn’t deter me as I slammed into the dragons stomach and the sword buried itself deep in its organs. It wasn’t too soft of a landing as my legs crumpled and I fell to the side as the dragon shook me off. It rolled over and got up as the blood dripped from its injured wing, stomach, and neck. I went to stand but my left leg almost gave out as I limped forwards, slowly picking up speed as the dragon turned around to flee. It didn’t take long for me to be at a full on sprint, wincing as weight was put on my leg. The dragon was trying to flounder through the air but its broken wing made it impossible.

I caught up to it and reached up and grabbed the sword as I dragged it forwards through the dragons underbelly as a shower of blood rained down behind me. The dragon quickly dropped to the floor and slid for a few feet before stopping behind me as blood drenched me from head to toe. I could hear the dragon trying to breath as I turned around and walked to its head. It looked at me with fear in its eyes, a once mighty dragon killed by a mere human.

“Tell Grimoire, true hell awaits him in Equestria.” I growled as I stabbed my sword through its open eye and into its brain as it went limp. Spike walked over to me as he held Valerians arm over his shoulders to help him walk, Valerian wasn’t in all too good of a shape as his left wing had a couple of gashes in them from the dragon we had just killed. His leg and side didn’t look in any better shape either.

“Did you...did you kill him?” Spike sputtered as he looked at it in horror. I nodded my head in confirmation.

“I doubt he will stay like this for long Spike, he is one of Grimoire Dusk’s soldiers.” I informed him as I turned towards the body as the black that had tainted his scales had started to fade into the air and float away, leaving a red dragon with tan wings in its place. My heart sunk into the pits of my stomach as I recognized the dragon. I shut my eyes tight and turned away from the sight of Sylor, Faelan’s brother, lying dead in front of me, and by my hands.

Special - Our First Hearth's Warming Eve

Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve Everybody!

December 25th, 2020 5:00 P.M.

Red Mountain, Dragon Lands

I sat on the ledge of the cave we had just set up camp in for the night, looking out over the lands as Celestias sun set on the horizon. The sky was a beautiful gradient from a deep blue to a yellow-orange that was quickly cut off by the light brown of the Gray Mountains that were dotted with fresh snow. Behind me a fire blazed in the middle of the cave with a young dragoness lying down next to it with her head on her right arm. She is only 10 years old and yet she still knows pain I couldn’t bear to have known at that age.

It wasn’t more than a month ago when I had come here to the Dragon Lands to do research on the Dragons all other races were far too scared to do. At first it was strictly business, to learn everything I could about them from their culture to their own language which was nearly impossible for me to wrap my head around, albeit I was never very good at learning languages. I came during the Great Dragon Migration and followed them to the Gemstone Peaks to follow the migration and do some research from afar. It was during that time that I met the dragoness behind me.

Her name was Faelan, a dragoness left all alone by her late family. Her mother, father, sister and brother had all died a few years ago in a terrible accident when Mount Ashstorm erupted and wiped out the small settlement of Wimborne. Of the twenty living there, only two survived with one of them being Faelan. The other dragon left her all alone, calling her weak and useless, that her father should have survived instead of her. From what I have learned, her father sacrificed his life to save Faelans.

After that Faelan traveled wherever her tiny body would take her, surviving with what little skill she had against all odds. Eventually she found a large migration of dragons flying ‘cross the sky as if something had bidden them away from where they once were and she chose to follow them. She found me hiding behind a tree as I looked on towards the sky in awe.

I looked back at her when I felt her staring at my back and looked at her with wondrous eyes as her scales shimmered in the sunlight and her eyes analyzed me cautiously. The rest after that is history as we became close within the next few days. After the migration ended we headed towards the capital of the Dragon Lands, Dragontail. Oddly she had called me Daddy at one point and I felt a pang of guilt as my heart dropped as I knew one day I would leave and she wouldn’t be able to follow me. I decided that I wouldn’t do that to her, that I wouldn’t allow her to live here all alone anymore.

I asked her if she would like to come with me and naturally she asked where, I could give her no straight answer but even so she wanted to go with me. I remember her exact words to this day, “It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, you will always be my daddy and I want to be with you forever!”

Shortly thereafter I gathered the bits to formally adopt her and did the paperwork I needed to do. A month later and here we are in a cave near the peak of the Red Mountain. My next- I mean our next destination is the Igneous Plains to gather some rock samples for the researchers back in Awrada.

I was thrust back from my thoughts as I felt Faelan wrap her hands around my eyes, “Guess who Daddy!?” she exclaimed joyfully as I laughed at her joke. I brought my hands up and over my shoulders and grabbed onto her sides as she giggled before I hefted her up over my shoulders and onto my lap.

“I think I can guess who it is Faelan my dear.” I giggled as I rested my chin on her head as I tickled her sides for a bit before we finally settled down and she leaned into my chest. She yawned loudly as the sun finally faded over the horizon and left the land in the dim glow of the waxing moon above. “Are you still tired honey?” I asked as I felt her nod her head. I put her arms over my shoulders and stood up with her hanging there as she rested on my forearms.

The memory of me carrying my younger cousin Ashelynn quickly rushed to my mind and back out as I looked down at her and felt tears start to well up in my eyes. She looked up at me tiredly and asked, “What’s wrong Daddy? Why are you crying?” I shook my head as I looked up at the moon and smiled.

“It’s nothing, you just reminded me of someone who I deeply cared about just now.” I replied as I looked back down at her and smiled. “Sorry that I don’t have anything for you today honey, but I promi-” she put her hand over my mouth and shook her head.

“It’s okay daddy, as long as I have you I don’t need presents.” she said softly as she snuggled into my chest and dozed off. I smiled as a single tear fell down my face before I walked over to the fire and laid her down next to it before pulling a blanket over her.

“Happy Hearths Warming Eve my daughter.” I whispered as I leaned over and kissed her forehead before pulling my own covers over myself and drifting off to sleep next to her.

Arc 1: Chapter 9 Part 1 - The Mind is a Cage for the Monsters Inside of You

August 3rd, 2027 9:16 A.M.

Baltimare, Equestria

The blood in my veins started to boil with anger as I looked towards the battle that was still raging between the overtaken civilians, who had started to decay and take on more skeleton like appearances, and the two dragons. Yes let your anger go… a voice spoke into my mind but was quickly drowned out by the wind as I ran towards the first skeleton and brought my staff down into it’s skull where it promptly slammed into the ground and its bottom jaw broke in half. I quickly shifted the bottom of my staff to slam it into the side of the head as the skull was launched over a few more skeletons and hit the building across the way.

“You...you’re nothing more than lies...nothing but the shambling bones of the creatures that once inhabited Baltimare.” A pegasus skeleton charged me only to be met with the tip of my staff being shoved through the back of its skull as I glared angrily into its lifeless eyes. I pulled the skeletonized pegasus closer, “Grimoire...you’ve made a grim mistake bringing dead family back to life.”

Many of them turned to face the two other dragons while a small group started to walk towards me, and I towards them. My hand burned as the magic in the surrounding air was sucked into my sword as it started to generate a green miasma around it. The veins in my hand started to glow green under my skin as I felt the burning sensation start to travel up my arm. Stop fighting it, you know you wish for power.

The power to make him pay… I thought back as I looked up towards the skeletons approaching me. ...to make him regret doing this to innocent ponies… I started to walk forward as the burning sensation started in my eyes now as well but I ignored it. ...to show him what it means… three skeletons charged at me as I brought my sword up in a diagonal arc ...TO KNOW DREAD! The sword cut through their bones with ease as they flew past me and landed in a pile of bones.

The pain had subsided in my body and was replaced with a profound coldness that bit deep into my bones. The blood in my veins came to a standstill and yet my body still moved on its own without me commanding it as if another creature had taken hold entirely. My body moved with ease as I danced through the sea of skeletons with ease, the darkness from their now fully lifeless bodies was absorbed by the blade, feeding my now desolate mind. Robert, STOP! a voice in the back of my head tried to scream but was easily tuned out with the sound of crushing bones and the roaring flames that danced at the other end of the army.

STOP AND LOOK AT YOURSELF! it screamed once more as I was thrown into the back of my own mind as my body moved without my command. When I opened my eyes I was presented with a large circular image in front of me that looked like the outside world.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” I heard a familiar voice say from the darkness that loomed around me. I tried to move my head but found it was locked in place by a strange device. My arms and my legs were tied down with leather straps. “To see one so ‘pure’ to turn into one so dark.” I could hear footsteps now as the voice drew closer. “So strong and yet so weak, so easy to manipulate, perhaps I should have done this long ago.” I saw the shadows move in the corner of my eye as I looked at the screen in absolute silence.

“Why do you insist on being silent? It’s only us two, and we both know you can’t hide anything from me.” The voice said once more as it stepped out of the shadows and into the dim light. I didn’t speak nor did I feel anything but annoyance and antipathy for him. “Tch, typical. Do you plan to stay silent or must I broach the words from your throat?”

“Robert! You’ll die if you keep this up!” I heard Faelan scream from the screen in front of me as my eyes were diverted towards her.

“FAELAN! RUN!” I screamed but the words never reached her but fell flat as they reached the screen. At that moment the dark version of myself appeared at my throat with a malicious smile on his face.

“There’s the screams I want to hear!” he exclaimed excitedly as I glared down at him. He cocked his head sideways as he started to clench his hand tighter around my throat as I clenched my teeth in pain while his nails dug into my neck. “This is no nightmare nor a dream Robert, I may play with you to any extreme I wish. But I fear my time is short, I do after all have a daughter to kill.”

“Don’t you fucking touch her.” I warned with a calm anger as I felt his grasp loosen, proceeding to smile at me.

“Oh no no no, you misunderstand. It’ll be a show, a spectacle for all to see! For now they will know no difference from us.” he smiled as I stared at him calmly.

I shook my head, “They will know that it isn’t me, your plan will fail and we will fall together. If my life must be taken to take you to Tartarus, so be it.” I threatened as he shook his head and walked towards the screen before phasing through it.

I watched as the dark magic that had been seeping into my body be expulsed into the ground below me, dissipating without a trace. I started to struggle in my bindings to try and free myself but it was to no avail as I thrashed around for what seemed like hours before finally giving into the bindings that held me there.

For hours I watched the events unfold before me as the dark side of me controlled my body, “working together” with my daughter and the others. Skeleton after skeleton fell to his sword but not without punishment towards my own body as he let the skeletons get a few hits in. When it was over my body was bloody with wounds all over my body, it was only then when the last skeleton had been dispatched that my other side rescinded control and the screen faded to black as it crashed into the ground.

After that there was nothing, no sound, no light, no cries for help. The silence had been absorbed into the darkness that held me and the area I was trapped in felt to be slowly shrinking in on me as I tried to keep a calm head. I let my mind wander back to a similar situation when I was younger and my brother had trapped me in a closet, it was almost similar. The darkness around me was terrifying, the thought that anything could be lurking was even worse as I sat in that closet and simply cried. I wailed for someone to help me but no one would listen as no one cared.

My brother had used a chair to block the door so that I couldn’t get out and plugged the little amount of light that entered the closet at the bottom of the door. I don’t know how long it was but all I could think of during that time was if I was going to die, what I had done to deserve it. I was 4 at the time so it was almost understandable why I was so scared, why I thought I was going to die, and more importantly why I felt so betrayed by my own brother who I looked up to.

Eventually I had fallen asleep with dried tears resting on my face as well as the crusty snot that bled down to my shirt.

A few hours later I remember waking up as my stomach growled loudly, I knocked on the door repeatedly with no response. I shouted that I was hungry but the outside was all quiet. I put my ear against the door but heard no footsteps and not even the fan hanging from the ceiling. It was all silent. It was about 8 minutes before I heard the front door open in the other room and my mom came inside and said, “Go get your brother, I’m about to start cooking.”

My brother didn’t say anything in response but I did hear him come into the room. I knocked on the door and he kicked it, “If you say anything I will kill your lizard.” where he then proceeded to exit the room while I whimpered in fear. “Mommy, he’s still sleeping.”

“Alright well leave him be, I’ll get him in the morning.” she replied. I spent the rest of the night in the closet trying to cry but nothing would come out, in the morning my Mom came into our room and said “Wake up you two, breakfast is almost ready!” I heard my brother come down and run out of the room while I heard my mom step towards the bed. “Bubby, wake up.” I heard the fwoosh of the covers followed by my mom yelling, “WHERE IS HE!?” I took that as my sign to slam on the door multiple times before I heard the chair being thrown and the light piercing into the closet as I covered my eyes and hugged my moms legs.

“Steven trapped me in the closet! And, and he threatened that he would kill Lizzie last night if I said anything!” I proceeded to wail into her as she picked me up and shushed me.

“STEVEN ANTHONY! GET IN HERE NOW!” she yelled. I don’t remember what happened after that but I know my brother didn’t like it as he was taken into my moms room and he was screaming at the top of his lungs.

I was violently thrown out of my memories as my body slammed onto the ground and the lights returned to illuminate who saved me. As I looked up I felt happiness along with a mix of a few emotions rise inside me as I saw who it was.

Arc 1: Chapter 9 Part 2 - ...That are your Past

Time and Date Unknown

My Mind

Zeke looked down at me with a blank face as I remembered the last time I had seen him whilst he laid on that operating table being picked apart and pleading for me to save him. “Zeke…” I whispered under my breath trying to comprehend what was going on at that moment. I felt a wave of guilt and depression wash over me as I averted my eyes down to the ground holding back tears. I felt him put his hand on my shoulder and saw his other hand appear in front of my face to help me onto my feet.

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself Robert, you can’t save everyone no matter how hard you try. Right now you need to live for the ones out there not for the ones who have come in the past.” I looked up at him and smiled at the small encouragement because I knew he was right. Living for the ones who have died won’t help save the ones still living. I took his hand and he hoisted me onto my feet. “Right now your body is in a comatose state due to the corrupted magic you were using during that battle. When the adrenaline finally wore off your body shut down.” he pointed at the black screen sitting in front of the both of us.

“This is my mind...right?” I asked him, he gave a slight nod. “And what I think, goes, correct?” as he stared into my eyes I already knew the answer wasn’t that simple anymore.

“Remember the day you first arrived in Equestria Robert?” he asked out of nowhere as I raised an eyebrow to him.

“I do, why?”

“Do you remember what that ghost said to you?” I put my hand to my chin and started to think about it before it came to me.

“I believe you said, “A dangerous path chosen to tread is one that is only filled with dread.” am I right?” he nodded. “It wasn’t just any ghost, was it?” Zeke shook his head before he started to fade at his feet. I took a step towards him and hugged him tightly.

“So you figured out who it was, didn’t you? You figured out who I really am.” he asked solemnly as I nodded my head on his shoulder. “Don’t you hate me for it?” I chuckled at him as I felt tears start to come down my face.

“Why would I hate you for it? It was never your choice to do what you did, how you managed to even stay with me past that day on Okinawa just proves how much you cared. How much you didn’t want to leave me alone.” I told him happily. “You saved my life back then, even if it cost your life you saved me. I may have hated you for a time because I felt it should have been me and not you, but as I made friends after you left me I finally understood why you did it.”

“I wanted for so long for you to be alive again, to hear your voice, to see your smile. When all I really had to do is look up and extend a hand for me to be in contact with you again because all this time you were watching over me. But now its time for you to rest Zachary. You can’t keep doing this until I am dead, you have to move on without me. Your little sister is waiting for you to join her in heaven, she’s been waiting for years for you to arrive.”

I could feel him start to shake as he pulled me closer and laid his head on top of mine. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help her Zachary. I’ve failed you on multiple accounts as your brother but if there is one thing I will make right, one thing. I will make sure they all live, even if its at the cost of my life. You did your job and protected me Zachary, now I must protect the ones I love.” I pushed away from him as he was breaking down in front of me. Most of his legs were gone now and he was starting to fade at the lower stomach in patches now.

“Please remember the good times we had Zachary, but also the bad times as each moment we spent together made both of us grow as people. I’m just happy that I could spend the time I could with you. No matter how hard things get I will always remember you. No matter how steeped in anger and darkness I become I’ll be able to see the light that shines in you that will bring me back.” I beamed at him even with tears running down my face as he stared at me as his upper torso started to fade with his head as he extended a hand out to me.

“Goodbye… Robert.” he said trying to mask his sadness with a fake smile. His upper body was completely gone leaving only his arm and hand extended out to me as it started to fade rapidly. I grabbed it tightly before it finally faded into the glints of light blue light that faded into the darkness before the space around me turned into a calm grass field with a clear blue sky above.

“Rest in Peace Zachary, tell Jazmine I said I’ll be there as soon as I’m done here.” I smiled to the sky as I felt something appear in front of me. I immediately started walking towards it and it towards me.

“So you were able to escape the bindings, were you?” It asked, I held out my arm with my palm opened towards it with a deep scowl adorning my tear dampened face.

I felt a surge of power go from my head and down to my hand, “Leave my body Grimoire, I so command you.” I growled as the light from my hand engulfed us both as he looked at me in complete shock as he was turned to ash. The world faded again but this time it was due to me fainting from getting rid of the shadow of grimoire from my mind.

Arc 1: Chapter 10 - Sins of the Past

August 10th, 2027 3:30 P.M.

Outskirts of Ponyville, Equestria

They all stood around him as he was tied down using chain made of tempered iron. Six separate anchors were set in a hexagon pattern around him where the chains connected to keep him from getting up. No one could believe what had happened or understand why he did what he did, a week after the darkness took hold of Baltimare he had been acting a little strange, more so than usual as he was more high strung and serious. Compared to his usual calm and level headed thinking he had been deliberately going out of his way to try and fight his comrades. “Robert…” Michael mumbled under his breath still trying to come to terms with what he had attempted today.

The person he most looked up to had attempted to kill him, the one who he called his brother, his family. The one who had sworn to protect him against all that would do him harm or seek to cause him pain. “How could you...I thought...I thought you cared for me?” Michael managed to finally stammer out as Robert laid there stiff as a plank staring at him with killer intent in his eyes.

“Why would I ever care for someone so weak? Someone so stupid? I’d see to it that I side with Grimoire before I had to spend another second with you. Did you really believe I would give up my life for that of an imbecile? It just goes to show how gullible you really are, and how naive you have always been.” He stated with nothing but hatred in his voice. Faelen appeared behind Michael and pulled him close.

“Don’t listen to him Michael, there’s no way that's my father.” She glared daggers into him as he smiled at her.

“Come on Faelen you know it’s me. Don’t you remember the days we spent at the spa in Neighpan? Co-”

“THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK ANOTHER WORD!” Luna boomed as she stood off to the side with Twilight and the elements of harmony. Everybody cowered away from the midnight blue alicorn as the air around her seemed to crackle with energy. “THOU HAST HARMED YOUR OWN FAMILY, HAVE THY NO SHAME IN THE CRIME THOU HAST COMMITTED?!” She seemed to deflate at the end, “Was all that you told us a lie after all? Were the words you spoke those many moons ago nothing more than lies?” The tears started to well up in her eyes as she turned away from them all to attempt to hide it.

“To think we were so naive to trust someone again. To finally have found someone I look unto with equal respect only to find out it was only a lie. We trusted you, we confided in you. We thought you were our friend and yet, you were never anything more than a lying fool.” The tears were coming in full now as she turned around to face him as he had a smug smirk on his face. She was about to continue before something strange happened.

Robert’s eyes went pure black with a white dot in the exact middle of both of them and his face contorted in pain and his body followed suit. Everyone in attendance was taken aback by what was happening in front of them as Robert’s body started to flail about as if trying to escape. Luna, Twilight, and the dragons in attendance grabbed the chains in their magic and claws and drew them as tight as they could as he still continued to struggle with all of his might.

Black and white cracks started appearing all over his body as he continued to flail about. After about thirty seconds he finally stopped moving altogether but blood streamed down his face from his eyes as the veins in his face showed at the surface of his skin and his mouth was wide open in pain. In a sudden burst of power the chains binding him were broken and the ones holding them were sent flying backwards from magical backlash and from simply the force they were holding onto the chains. His body floated in mid air and slowly made itself upright with his arms to his sides but his head looking straight up.

Something peculiar started to happen, the white light that was in his body slowly turned pitch black save for the white in the middle of his eyes. Just when it seemed like the darkness had fully taken hold his body rejected it and replaced it with a blinding white light as something ejected out of the body in the shape of a large unicorn. It was launched at a high velocity and implanted itself into the cliff face 5 meters away.

Roberts body dropped to the ground but quickly sprung to its feet as the white light concentrated itself into his left arm. He started to breath heavily as his face when from one of unadulterated pain to one of fearsome anger. He reached up to the blood that streamed down his face from his eyes and attempted to wipe it off only to smear it across his face.

“You dare harm my family Grimoire and I shall take your life with my own hands!” he screamed as he went into a full on sprint straight towards the dark gray unicorn that was barely able to stand. He was at him within a second and he slammed into the unicorn with surprising force that caused the rock around them to crack. This wasn’t magic that flowed through his body, but something different. The only sensation it left in his body was a tingling feeling as if his left arm was asleep. Even so he could still feel Grimoires bones crunching and a couple of organs rupturing under the blow. Grimoires eyes went wide in pain as he coughed up some blood onto Roberts shoulder. He charged a simple magical laser spell and targeted Roberts arm but the strange magic moved to protect him. When Robert lifted his head to look into his eyes he saw something he never thought he would see. He saw what looked like the anger and hatred of thousands of creatures that had long since met their demise. Three stood out far more prominently in his eyes, Artemis, Solaris, and Starlight. This wasn’t magic, it was the souls of those he forsaked for his own twisted gain, this was them lending their strength to a creature he thought he could easily manipulate as he did so many others.

“We’ve come back Grimoire, this time it’s all of us against you.” Robert spoke in a voice that rung out with the strength of an entire civilization behind it. The light that was on his arm traveled into Grimoires body through the hole he had punched into him and started to contort in pain.

Grimoire had felt something he hadn’t ever felt before, something he was supposed to instill in others but was now on the receiving end of. Fear. This may have only been a mere part of him but the real Grimoire could feel every bit of pain, every little emotion that he was feeling right now. The light consumed the shadows body and it screamed out in agony as it was slowly engulfed in a burning white light. Eventually its entire body was unable to be seen before it turned into ash leaving Robert standing there with the white light manifesting itself next to him in a sphere.

“You’re the ones that brought me here, aren’t you?” Robert was finally able to ask as his body was returned to him as well as his mind.

“It was us.” The voice of the old civilization responded.

“Then I only have one question.” He turned to the sphere, “Are you able to return us home?” he was straightforward.

“No, it is not. It is only in our power that we may bring but never send.” Artemis responded on his own this time.

Robert nodded and looked back to the pile of dust that was the shadow of Grimoire that had invaded his body during the battle in Baltimare. “Good, because I still have a job to do.” He looked down at his left arm where the light had been, up to his elbow his skin had a second degree burn. “How many of us have you brought to Equus to prepare for this war?” He asked flatly.

All was silent as everybody was waiting for an answer with anticipation. “Do you want the truth or the lie?” Artemis asked. Robert turned towards them and glared daggers into them.

“How many of us Artemis? How many humans have you brought here? How many did you rip from their families to help in this new war?” He growled.

“Three civilians including you and your friend, and Five of what your species would call soldiers. The six missing currently will appear in three days where you awaited Twilight those years ago.” Artemis responded calmly.

Robert visibly calmed down but said something under his breath before speaking again. “I see. The soldiers I can understand and at least they will get a proper send off back home but what about the civilian like me and Michael? Why did you bring them?”

“The civilian is 14 years old but she has never had family, friends, or anything to keep her stable. She is a street urchin or homeless as you would call them. But her heart called out for something greater than dying in the streets with nothing to her name. Her strengths will be easily known within the moment you meet.” Artemis explained his reasoning. “But I will tell you this about her...not all humans aren’t able to use magic here.”

Robert looked at Artemis with intrigue and was about to ask another question but was interrupted by a pair of scaly crimson arms wrapping around him and hoisting him off of his feet in a strong embrace. “Dad!” Faelen started to cry as she held him. He returned it as best he could as he watched Artemis fade and disappear in a matter of seconds. The others in attendance formed a circle around them as Faelen finally let up and put Robert down. Despite the reunion Robert's face was still deadly serious.

He looked over everyone in attendance and just as Luna was about to speak he cut her off. “I apologize for how I have been but I’m certain you all realized it wasn’t me who was speaking but a different person. That was a shadow of Grimoire Dusk, during the battle of Baltimare I let my anger go and that left me vulnerable to him. A shadow exists in the humans brought here, a shadow of those who came before that were human. I had been fighting it off for many years but after seeing Baltimare become essentially an undead haven under Grimoires control something inside me finally broke.”

“Seeing all of those innocents die...seeing them become part of Grimoires army against their will...we can’t let that happen to anyone else especially if we can help it. The enemy is at our doorstep now, they are banging at the gates of what they think to be heaven but what we will show them beyond those gates is hell. Not Tartarus but our hell, and until the blood in my body ceases to flow through my veins I will see to it that he pays.” He put his right hand up in front of him and clenched it into a fist.

“This burn was caused by the souls of that civilization that has long been dead since before Celestia's time. This is my reminder of the promise I make, the promise I swear to keep.” His eyes burned brighter than they have in years, the last time they burned this bright was when Faelen had been captured by a slave trading group. Faelen could remember the sight clearly, he stood on the throat of the slaver captain in charge of the group. He held his sword in his right hand and blood coated his entire body after having killed several guards just to get to him.

Nothing terrified her more than seeing this in his eyes again knowing that he would follow through with his word even if it took him dying to do so. She recalled the words he spoke right before he crushed the slaver captains skull in with his heel. “You took precious family from me and many others, now I will take your soul as repayment.”

The image was broken as he turned and smiled at her with the same warm fatherly one he had given her when he adopted her. “I will never let him harm you again Faelen, I’m sorry for not breaking out of his prison sooner.” he said sadly. He turned to Luna and Twilight, “We have more humans coming to this world, five of them. Four of which will help us without question once the situation is explained to them and the last one...from what it sounds like she will be of good use to us given the proper training. Teach her what magic you can.”

Luna was taken slightly aback, “A female of your species? And she’s able to use magic? Are you certain of this?” She asked doubtfully.

Robert shook his head, “I’m only relaying what Artemis told me directly Luna. I am skeptical as well but we will see when the time comes. I’ve already proven time and again that humans are versatile creatures when their lives are at stake.”

Luna put a hoof to her chin to contemplate as Twilight looked at her with anticipation. She didn’t say anything as she charged her horn with magic before teleporting away with Twilight in tow. Michael finally saw him and he was about to greet him but he threw a punch with his slightly healed left arm. Robert raised his left hand and caught it in his grasp. “You’re in no shape to fight Michael so stand down, lest you make me consider you a threat to my family.” he growled as he pushed his arm away. He stood there staring at Robert with an expressionless face but anger and sadness in his eyes. He went to try and attack him again but Robert slammed into his face with his right elbow, knocking Michael unconscious. “I have no time to play around.”

Robert crouched down and tossed him over my left shoulder as carefully as he could not to open any wounds. Faelen looked at me in shock, “Where has he been this past week?” he asked.

“A-at your house Dad…” she stammered out as he nodded and started walking in the direction of his home at the edge of the everfree. She quickly caught up to him after breaking out of her stupor. “Why did you-”

“I won’t deal with idiots right now Faelen. In his state he is nothing more than a hindrance to us, if every time I see him he tries to start something I won’t let it slide. He says he isn’t scared of me, even in my darkest hour but no one, not even you have seen me at my darkest hour.” The words dripped venomously from his mouth. “And for your sake, I hope you never have to see me at my darkest hour or are a part of what caused it to come on.”

“When I adopted you Faelen it wasn’t because I felt sorry for you, not because I wanted a friend. It was because I knew you were like me in a way, you were all alone in a world you didn’t fully understand. It was because I wanted to protect you and give you a reason to keep on living. I wanted to see you grow and become a dragon that could be looked unto with reverence. You are not mine by blood and to me that is far better because most get stuck with their offspring even if they don’t like them for who they are. I chose you, I literally made the choice to adopt you into this family of two because I wanted you not anyone else. If you ever think I don’t love you, remember that.”

The rest of the walk fell on silent shoulders save for the wind blowing across the field of grass and into the trees of the everfree. The dampened sounds of our footsteps on the ground grew quieter as we slowed our pace before stopping altogether in front of my old house. I opened the door and made my way to my old room and set Michael down before doing a 180 and leaving the home in question.

I had everything I needed already, my armor, staff, and sword strapped to me with a satchel bag to carry any other things I might have needed. “Faelen.” I started. She looked down at me with questioning eyes. “I will be camped at the hill in the fields where I met Twilight all those years ago until they arrive. This isn’t me asking you, this is me telling you. Stay here and protect Michael until I come home with them.” I stated harshly but she didn’t argue as her face became serious before nodding and flying back inside to do as she was told to.

I turned back towards the tree lined path leading out of the Everfree thinking, time to play the waiting game.

Arc 1: Chapter 11 - Humanity

August 13th, 2027 5:00 A.M.

Serenity Hill, Equestria

The three days of waiting had come and passed and yet sleep had never occurred to me as I watched the dark clouds at the edge of the world rage on in a never ending storm. Even against the night sky you could see the omen they sought to bring to these peaceful lands and the creatures it sought to consume in a rage brought upon by its ruler, Grimoire Dusk. Although the calm world of the green grassland around me was peaceful it also presented itself to me with uncertainty of what was to come. Today I will meet people who have likely heard my story as it was an oddity in a world without magic and yet these days I would wave it off as nothing but that, magic.

My biggest concern was that those who were coming weren’t your average human, they were the ones who answered to a higher calling for the love of their country, to defend its people and their rights to live free. What would they think of a bounty hunter, someone who took the lives of creatures without second thought because it was their way of living. Would they look down on me for doing so? Or would they simply not care?

Either way, I need them to trust me and what I tell them or we may lose some great allies in this coming war. The other uncertainty was the fourteen year old child that would be accompanying their arrival, she is a child and nothing more. Will she be ready to do what she needs to do to survive or will she retract into herself and try to push us away. If she does agree to fight then that is another head we will have to worry about, not only because she will be a comrade but because as a child she is inexperienced and being in the midst of a war. Being on the frontlines with soldiers that are ready to die...I don’t know how she will react and what seeing all the death around her will do to her mind.

All I know for certain is that when this war does come to an end, or if it does, that these newcomers will either do as I did and leave to find the truth, or believe the truth as it is told to them when they arrive. Whether they will like the truth or not, they deserve the right to know so they don’t waste years trying to find a truth already given to them.

I heard the beating of wings off in the distance and recognized who was coming instantly but I didn’t budge, not caring about formalities with the doubts present in my mind. I laid my back on the ground and stared up at the starry sky that was starting to be grazed by the early morning sun's rays. The stars started fading one by one as the sun rose higher and higher into the sky until they were all gone and the moon had faded from view. Not soon after did several hooves and a pair of feet hit the ground behind me, I rolled my head back and saw the four princesses standing tall behind me but something threw me off as I stared at them. Their torcs seemed...different.

Each torc was more intricate than they had been since I had last saw them and their gemstones seemed to give off a light glow, although it raised questions in me I decided it would be best to not ask as I would likely not understand. “Robert, give me your ring.” Faelan ordered with a flat tone as I looked to her now wondering why she was ordering me to. Her face was stern and her body language showed she meant business. I didn’t question her as I took it out of my hair and tossed it to her, leaving my hair flowing limp onto the ground around me creating a puddle of golden around my head. Faelan turned and left as soon as I did so, flying off at a speed I’ve never seen her fly at before.

“Good morning princesses, why are you here?” I was to the point with them as Celestia stepped over me and leaned her head in close to mine, touching her horn to my forehead. A shock went through my body as her magic circulated through me. “And that was for?”

“Good morning Robert, we are here to meet the new humans. And that was a restoration spell, Faelan told us that you had stayed out here all three days and nights, waiting and never once sleeping. You hardly ate anything as well from what it sounds like.” She informed me as I smiled and looked back to the now crystal clear blue sky above us.

“She’d be right in all of those aspects, thank you for that. But I don’t suppose she told you what really ails me Princesses, but I can almost guarantee it is something you feel every time you have a diplomatic mission in another country, am I correct?”

“Are you talking about the uncertainty if the species will see you as equal or even listen to your words before dismissing as nothing but the equivalent of a foal?” Luna interjected.

“Not exactly but yes it is part of my worry Princess, the real worry is whether or not they will aid us in the coming war. The worry about the child being on the frontlines with us, she will be more prone to becoming mentally unstable because no matter who you are death will affect you. I, as a bounty hunter, know that very well.” I heard the two youngest alicorns gasp.

“A b-bounty hunter?!” Twilight exclaimed, “Y-you mean you take others l-”

“Don’t finish that sentence Princess. Whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not, it won’t change that truth. Bounty hunters aren’t only there to take the lives of others, they also help others out and take on even small odd jobs.” I informed her.

She took a hesitant step forward, “So y-you haven’t taken anyponies life?” She asked with a hint of hope, I closed my eyes and my brow furrowed in displeasure. She got her answer, “B-but...you’re such a...how...how could you?” I could hear her on the verge of tears, I looked up at Celestia who was already at Twilight to comfort her. Luna looked at me not with shame or hatred, but with one of understanding.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but if you want to know the horrible truth, I will tell it to you. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia know that truth as well. In due time, you will as well both you and Princess Cadence. Whether you want to or not, bounty hunters are necessary in this world in fact I’m surprised that you don’t know it but there is a bounty board in Ponyville.”

“What's worse Twilight, I’m willing to kill for the ones I love and care for including you. Not just in your name as a princess but in your name as my extended family. In this coming war, many creatures blood will be on my hands, and many of your subjects hooves, claws, hands, or whatever they may have to defend their country and you.” I punctuated the last part to make the point clear as I stood up and glared at her, she looked at me in shock and on the verge of tears and Princess Cadence wasn’t faring too well either.

“That’s enough Robert.” Luna stated just loud enough for me to hear as she stepped in closer to me and hugged me with a wing. At first I didn’t understand but then I felt my tears starting to fall down my cheeks as I realized why I was getting so angry, it wasn’t because of her ignorance to that fact but because I didn’t want to lose her, or anyone else for that matter. In war I knew that it was highly possible that I could lose them, or any of the ones I loved and cared for. This wasn’t some bounty I would be taking on where it was me and my target, it was a war, a war against a creature that destroyed the civilization that came before.

We stood quietly for a while as we regained our composure, all of us except for Twilight was able to as she tried to come to terms with the new reality presented to her. Cadence excused herself and walked with Twilight before teleporting to only who knows where. “I’m sorry.” I said solemnly. “I didn’t mean to shock her like that.”

“Robert, it's okay because it is true, she would have had to learn the truth eventually and it was this way or the hard way. She will come around from its shock. We all do.” Celestia pointed out. “But I do have a question, or several if you’re willing Robert.”

I bowed slightly to Celestia recognizing her title out of respect, “Whatever questions you have Princess, I will answer fully and to the best of my ability.”

She raised an eyebrow at this, “What’s with the formality all of a sudden?”

“This wasn’t originally supposed to be informal, you are introducing new humans into your world and more importantly into your country Princess. What more gave it away was that you’re not wearing your normal torcs, these ones are more regal in appearance and they seem to carry magic properties. I can only take it as something formal, so treating it as such is my duty, despite what just occurred princess.” I explained as she smiled and nodded in agreement.

“You catch on quick Robert, but these torcs aren’t just for more formal occasions they’re used as a means of defense.”

“If it’s used as a means of defense then I won’t ask because I know I won’t understand. Never have and never will understand magic, let alone the fact I don’t have the brainpower it would take to control it. So let's move on from that Princess.”

“Agreed. As a bounty hunter you said you’ve taken the lives of other creatures, correct?” I nodded to her assumption. “And with each bounty did you receive the reward promised or more?” I nodded again. “Then that brings me to my final question, how many have you killed that are sentient and non-sentient?”

Her question struck deep as I looked at her with a calm visage thinking about the blood on my hands, “I’ve killed at least one sentient creature of each species. Only one of them would have been an equestrian citizen, her name was Cloudwalker it was my third bounty in Lybastor of Mirador. She was a traveling merchant who had been scamming minotaurs out of their money, the last one she sold a faulty product to had enough but didn’t want the blood on his hands especially that of a citizen of a peaceful kingdom. When I confronted her she attacked me so it made it easier to take her life, and yet I felt nothing but shame when I stood over her lifeless corpse. Knowing that the ponies of Equestria are peaceful and most wouldn’t think of harming another species, more so the fact that you all, the princesses, took me in after my loss. I took the bounty despite knowing it would bring me shame because I knew it would help the citizens of Mirador from getting scammed out of their hard earned money.”

“Before you even ask Princess, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Every creature's blood that are on my hands, every single drop, I would kill them again if it meant the same outcomes for the towns and villages that it helped. I will not give an exact amount, out of respect for the dead as one day I will be joining them either at the hands of old age or the cold grasp of death itself.” The warm air that had once been flowing over Serenity Hill had stopped and been replaced with one of anticipation, waiting for a response from the princess of this country.

She walked passed me and looked at the dark clouds as she thought of a response to this news before she turned back to me with a stern look on her face. “Then as a bounty hunter, I give you a new Bounty and from here out Robert I am your client until this bounty is complete.” I crossed my arms and scowled, already not liking what she was saying.

“I don’t like that Princess, you don’t strike me as one to hire this type of service. Let alone the service of someone who has already killed one of your subjects.”

She shook her head, “This way its easier to explain why you’re on the frontlines to my subjects, and perhaps a way to ease my mind that you are as well. Besides you aren’t the first bounty hunter I’ve hired as a mercenary and you will not be the last. I guarantee you already know who your target is, don’t you?” her words were sweet as honey and yet her deadly gaze betrayed her tone.

I nodded and gave a smirk, “I’ll have his head on a platter for you to display to the world but I won’t be able to do it alone and a team of nine aren’t going to cut it. I’ll need supplies and good soldiers that will follow my word to the point and without question.” Princess Luna stepped in.

“I shall lend you a squad of my best if I can ask a favor of you.” She suddenly became deathly serious, “You had better bring yourself back to us alive, if you die I will never forgive you.” she stomped her hoof as she was now mere inches away from my face. I knelt down and held my hand over my heart.

“I swear my soul and my blood to the devil who counts my days in this world.” I slightly unsheathed my sword and cut my hand on it, using the blood to draw a star on my clothes over my heart. Celestia flinched at the sight and Luna looked at me in shock. They were about to speak again when the star started to glow and I could feel a shock going through my body. The star had set itself on fire and burned into my skin and left a pure black mark where it was, it was a spell that any creature could perform even without magic because it wasn’t really magic. It was a pact, something akin to a blood oath.

I felt a hoof strike my head as luna looked at me with tears starting to well up in her eyes while I smiled at her and stood up rubbing my head. “I suppose you know what this is then Princess.”

“I DO! HOW COULD YOU USE THAT!?” She screamed at me fighting back her tears.

“Luna…” I started, “ this isn’t my first time using this oath. I have used this oath three times a year in the past six years because others doubted my word and if I find the cause worthy enough or I want them to trust my word I use this. Undoubtedly you know the strengths and the weaknesses that come with this.” I pointed out.

“THAT'S BECAUSE MY GUARD USES IT!” She was starting to cry now, “They use it to grow stronger, to officially show their loyalty to me.” she looked away in shame and sat down continuing to cry. “And if they go back on their loyalty or it falters for a moment…” she started sobbing as I hugged her close.

“Luna…” I couldn’t think of what to say so I just said what was on my mind. “ no matter what happens, my oath has never failed me in the past and it will not fail me now. The reason I’ve been able to grow as strong as I am now, past the normal limits of a human is because of this. ‘To give one's life in the service of others out of love is the greatest service of all.’ I live by this Luna, it is why I am a Bounty Hunter. I put my life and my soul on the line because I want to give my daughter a good life, to improve the lives of those around me. This oath doesn’t just affect me but the one I promised it to. It is called the oath of the saint, yet how one invokes it and to whom they swear themselves to is different.”

“You are one of my closest friends and that will never change, besides if you think about it Luna if I’m already dead this oath is redundant. The agreement of the oath is that if I die, I will have gone back on my word to you that I would come back to all of you alive after every mission. There are loopholes to this oath I know that others don’t because each time it is invoked, I have to redo it.”

“From my knowledge the oath is usually made out of ink or a paste, resulting in a weaker bond making the effects drastically weaker than when using your own blood. The upside to using ink or paste is that when the oath is fulfilled, is that the effects gradually increase over time. Using blood the effects increase greatly with each one fulfilled but once it is complete the effects fade until the next oath is created. So let me use my power in the name of not only Equestria but the entirety of Equus, let me use the strength I’ve gathered to defend those I love and those that I call friends. I lost so much those thirteen years ago Luna, I can’t defend any of them back on earth from here so let me defend the ones I can.”

“You’re afraid of losing someone who knows loss like you do because I’m the only one who can relate to you in this world right now. A thousand years ago you were banished to the moon and lived in exile, the loneliness and anger you felt towards yourself for not being loved by the ones you thought should love your night as they did your sisters day. A thousand years later you are home and all the ponies in Equestria and the creatures around the world love your night and see the beauty in it now. You are no longer alone and thirteen years ago I appeared here, at first you did not like me and didn’t care for me at all. When you came into that dream, my first one of many you saw what no one else can or ever will see, you saw my family and you saw my friends from my world. You heard something that came from my heart, you heard the final words I left to my family Luna and how much I cared for them. You saw how broken it left me, all of you did.”

“At my lowest point you were able to listen to me without judging because you knew exactly how I felt and you knew why I was so broken at that point in my life. I don’t ever want that to happen again Luna, that’s why I can do this oath without a second thought because those words I left apply now to my new family, to all of you. So stop your tears Luna.” I lifted her face so I could look in her eyes, they were red from crying but she had let it die down to sniffling.

I gave her another tight hug as I felt the hair all over my body stand on edge. “You might want to step back Princess.” I warned as she looked up behind me. Her eyes went wide and slowly stepped away from me, I stood straight up and half turned to face the source of the disturbance. Above us a bright blue orb had appeared and at the center of it was a pitch black hole but this one was expanding and fast. It started off at the size of a baseball but within a minute it had grown to ten times its original size and yet it was still growing. Me and the princesses had all retreated to the bottom of the hill as the sphere started to engulf the ground at the top.

The orb was finally at its full size and casting out flames from it what made it more odd was that debris from where it may have been tethered to earth was coming through. The area around the hill had started to become littered with pieces of broken buildings, one thing in particular made me flinch as I got down on my stomach, motioning the princesses to do the same. The sound of bullets being fired range out through the air and bullets hit the ground around the hill, “GET BEHIND ME!” I heard a voice yell. We laid there on the ground for a minute, waiting to see if anything else would be shot out of the orb but nothing came.

We stood up cautiously and I drew my sword approaching the orb and once I got close a large crack echoed through the air as a shock wave threw me down the hill. Celestia and Luna caught themselves more gracefully as the snapped their wings out, holding against the force while I toppled head over heels until I was finally able to stop myself and anchor myself to the ground using my sword. The shock waves kept on coming one after the other making it impossible for us to hear each other but I could tell the two sisters were trying to talk, if you could call it that, to each other.

The blue orb turned yellow and the shock waves stopped and were replaced by the sounds of a bustling cityscape. The sounds of horns going off and the sounds of people walking to and fro speaking to each other, this time though we could see into the other side. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the portal was in the middle of an alley and there was a teenager standing in front of it, a girl with long black hair and her clothes were smeared with all kinds of filth. The left sleeve was torn off completely and her right sleeve was rolled up to her elbow, but one thing that attracted my attention the most was her eyes they were abnormal even with the yellow hue given to them by the portal they seemed to be golden.

There were three larger people behind her that were staring at her hungrily. “Well well well, looks like she’s a keeper!” I heard one of them say as they pulled out a knife and grabbed her. I ripped my sword out of the ground and charged past Celestia and Luna as they were about to jump to her defense but I got to the orb first as my anger surged. Without thinking I jumped through and appeared on the other side seamlessly. They were taken by surprise but didn’t move fast enough as I brought my sword down on the arm holding her, I heard the bone crack under the blow as I ripped through his arm. I felt his blood splatter onto my legs as I brought my sword up again in a swipe and cut his head in half. The two other males stared in horror as they watched their friend fall to the ground in a bloody mass, they looked at each other before making eye contact with me.

Blood lust, that’s what my eyes conveyed as I zoned in on them before speaking, “Begone you bloody assholes, lest you fall to my sword as well.” my words scorching their minds as they turned tail screaming as they ran away. I calmed down before looking at the young teenage girl, she looked at the body below us in hatred. I put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, “Will you come?” I asked calmly as I gestured to the orb behind her. She didn’t say anything as she looked up at me, her eyes were a beautiful golden color that radiated like the sun. She nodded.

I grabbed her hand and ran back through to the other side, this time feeling the horrible shock go through my body as the adrenaline faded. I landed on the other side on my back but the girl fainted as she passed through and rolled slightly down the hill but was stopped by some of the debris from the previous portal. I got to my feet slowly as we all watched the portals separate into two separate orbs that proceeded to shrink to the size of baseballs before slamming into one another sending one last powerful shockwave out this time it knocked both the princesses into the air but I had already anchored myself so it was my turn to laugh at them.

When the residual magic finally faded and the hairs on my body fell flat, I stood up and replaced my sword into its scabbard before walking up to where Celestia and Luna were. “You just killed one of your own Robert. Why?” I heard Celestia ask sternly.

“That wasn’t one of my own Princess, those three were attempting to use that girl for other than pleasant purposes. You know it happens to mares in your cities and towns princess, humanity is just the same.” I looked back at her with a disappointed look while she looked away in shame before standing. “You may try to turn a blind eye princess, but even you can’t run from the truth.”

I motioned for them to follow me up the hill, picking up the young teenage girl on the way up trying not to what little contents I had in my stomach. She smelled as if she had just gone for a swim in the local sewer. Despite the smell, I still carried her over my shoulder. The things I do for others, oi. As we climbed I looked around at the destruction the two orbs had caused to Serenity Hill, the green grass was now covered with a thin cover of dust and ash. A smell I distinctly recognized as burning flesh and hair reached me, causing me to gag as a reflex to it. I quickly made my way to where the smell was coming from but quickly wished I hadn’t, trapped under the edge of a debris pile was a burnt corpse everything on their body had already been turned into ash and all that remained was their charred body. A couple feet away was a broken gun that I recognized as an AK-47, it was broken in half but some of it was salvageable so I made a mental note to come back later for it.

“Over here!” I heard Luna call from further up the hill. Celestia and I hastily made our way to her.

I was about to ask what she called us over for but I was silenced quickly as I watched a person in a military uniform struggle to stand up. His eyes were wide open but it seemed like he couldn’t see or hear anything. “What the fuck happened, why can’t I see anything?! Why can’t I hear my own voice?! What the fuck is going on?!” he yelled as he frantically moved around before falling onto the ground with a thud.

“Princesses, go find the others I will take care of him.” I instructed Celestia and Luna, they didn’t question me as they sprinted away from us. I knelt down to the crying man and put a hand on his arm, he retracted his arm away from me as he sat up trying to look for me.

“What the? Who’s there?!” he demanded to know, when I didn’t answer he reached for me and touched my face. “Who, who is this?” He asked quietly as his eyes started to concentrate on me, showing his vision had started to return.

“Can you hear me?” I asked loudly, he held his hand to his ear. Good it seems like his senses are returning to him as quick as mine did. “Can you hear me?” I asked louder before he dropped his hand from his ear and stared at me, concentrating in on my face not one part in particular but just my face in general.

“I can, faintly. What happened to me?” he asked a lot calmer now as he rubbed his eyes before looking at me again. He was about to say something before he plugged his nose by pinching his nostrils closed, “What in the world is that smell?!”

I chuckled before replying, “That smell sir is this child, she came through after you all did.” he was able to see clearly now as he looked all around us.

“Came through what exactly?”

“That’s a long story, I’d rather all six of you be conscious and have all your shit together before I explain that. I do have one question, you and your squad, where are you from and what branch of service?” I prodded as he looked me over, giving me an odd look as he saw my leather armor and my hair draped over my shoulders.

“I’m from the United States of America, I am a Marine. What’s with the leather armor? You look like a fucking renaissance geek in that shit.” he pointed out as I laughed.

“To be honest, you’ll find out pretty quickly that you’re the one who looks stupid. This leather armor was made in Mirador by a minotaur named Griamor, it cost me around 1000 bits to have it custom made.” he looked at me as if I had lost my mind when I said minotaur.

“Mirador? Minotaur? What in the fuck are you talking about kid?”

“Actually I am thirty one years old, and this isn’t Earth.” he gave me a death stare.

“Enough fucking games, I -”

“You what? Don’t believe me? Trust me, thirteen years ago I came to this fucking world almost exactly like you did, and I guaran-fuckin-tee there was a news story about my ass. Maybe this name will ring a bell to you, Robert Kenneth Rucker. Ever hear it?” I spoke through clenched teeth as he looked at me in surprise.

“I do know that name, everyone does, he died a couple of years ago to an…..” he looked at me with realization. “you’ve gotta be shittin me. YOU’RE him?” I gave him a smug smirk.

“Time is distorted majorly from Earth to Equus, hence why its been thirteen years for me vice Earths two years.”

“Bullshit.” he exclaimed as he shot up.

I stood up as well, watching as he picked up his m16 assault rifle. “Follow me and I’ll show you, your squad is waiting at the top of the hill with the princesses.” I informed him as he looked back at me with an unamused expression.

“And I can use magic.” he deadpanned.

“Actually, I am the first of our species to exist here in Equus. It was quickly determined that magic has an adverse effect on humans because on Earth magic does not exist natural, or artificial. This child on the other hand, may be one of the very few exceptions.” he was silent the rest of the way up the hill. Until he saw the princesses standing at the top, he grabbed my shoulder and I heard his safety click. “You even think about shooting them, and they won’t have a chance to see you be beheaded.” My sword was at his throat already and the girl I was carrying was on the ground. He was shocked to say the least that I would do something like that.

He put his m16 to my chest and gave a cocky smirk back, “I’d put that sword down unless you want to die.” he stated as if he had won. I pushed my sword enough into his chin to make him start to bleed.

“The thing about me you see, I’m not afraid to die. I’ve killed dragons as big as buildings with nothing but a sword and a staff, if you think taking a bullet to my chest scares me, you are very sadly mistaken. Pull that trigger, see who dies first Marine.” I growled as I could see a faint flash of fear flash streak across his eyes. I brought my sword down on the muzzle of his m16, forcing it into the ground as I continued to glare at him. “And whether you believe it or not, the only way you’re going to survive these next few months at least is by trusting me.”

He shook his head, “And why is that?”

I didn’t answer as I picked up the teenager again before walking up the hill again, ignoring his impatience towards me. His impatience was quickly silenced as Celestia and Luna came into full view, they were putting the others from the marines squad against the rubble in a sitting position. “What in the fuck…”

I was about to answer him but he quickly pushed past me and skidded onto his knees next to the closest guy. “PFC Riley!” he exclaimed as he tried to shake the guy awake. PFC Riley was a short stocky guy, with absolutely no hair on his head not even eyebrows. His left ear was scarred severely from a past injury it looked like, almost as if that side of his head should have been disfigured by a fire.

“Robert!” I heard Luna call, “Come quick!” I heard her exclaim worriedly. I laid the teenager down next to PFC Riley and the older marine before running over to her, hoping for the best but getting something very unexpected. Laying there was a dog, a german shepard to be exact.

I got down on all fours and felt its body for a pulse and found one almost instantly. It was steady and the dog was warm with no visible injuries to it, but its fur was caked with dust. “This is...unexpected.”

“Is...is it alive?” she asked hesitantly.

I nodded my head as I picked the dog up, it opened its eyes as I did so and looked at me. As I wrapped my arms under him and cradled him in my arms I could see his senses coming back to him. Despite not knowing me he just let me carry him, he was completely quiet as we walked back up to the group at the top of the hill. The marines that were there were now awake but still lacking most of their senses.

The one I had met earlier was trying to help each of them as best he could while Celestia watched over the teenager. He looked up at me with a sad expression, “So you were telling the truth, that we’re not on Earth anymore.” he said as he stood up.

“I don’t have any reason to lie to any of you, you’re the only other humans except for Michael in this world. I lost everything thirteen years ago mate, and now you all have lost everything as well.” I reasoned as I set the dog down next to the teenager, he quickly curled up in a ball next to her but kept on watching me. “So tell me, what’s your name?” I asked.

“My name is Sergeant Gryphon.” he stated.

“Not your rank mate, your full name.”

“Why do you need to know?”

“To get better acquainted, I can’t just call you marine all the time Sergeant Gryphon. Calling you by your rank and last name won’t work either, I’m not one of your marines as far as you should be concerned though I am a civilian.”

“Fine, my name is Luis Gryphon. Anything else you want to know, you pest?” he sighed as he reluctantly gave his name.

“Pest? I’d prefer you not call me that, my name is Robert Rucker.” I responded.

“Uughh, my head.” I heard a voice come from my left I looked down at the teengare and she was sitting up now rubbing her head. It seemed like all her senses were intact but the portal still left her with the headache we all will have for the next few hours. She stopped rubbing after a minute and opened her eyes, staring off at the distance. “Where am I?”

“Serenity Hill, Equestria.” I answered causing her to jump and turn right towards me in surprise. “How’re you feeling?” I asked as I knelt down to her height.

“You’re that guy that helped me in the alleyway, aren’t you?” she asked, I nodded in confirmation. “Thanks, I guess.” she muttered while averting her eyes to the ground. I patted her on the head and sat down next to her motioning Celestia to come closer so that she could see her.

“Chin up kid, we’re not going to hurt you. You’re one of the few humans in this world so be happy, if anything would happen to you there’d be a headhunt to find out who did what to you.” I tried cheering her up as she looked at me with a smile, her smile dropped to an awed expression as she looked above me to Celestia.

“She seems surprised to see me.” she chuckled as the child looked even more surprised. Celestia lowered her head so she could get a better look at the child, “What is your name?” she asked.

The child tried backing away but I put an arm behind her so she couldn’t, “Its alright kid, this is Princess Celestia. She is a good friend of mine and will not hurt you, just tell us your name so we can start to help you get on your feet, alright?” I explained to her with a calm voice, but she didn’t listen as she grabbed my cloak and hid herself from Celestia. I gave a defeated sigh as I shrugged towards Celestia.

An idea popped into my head, “Princess, lay down please.” I instructed her as she looked at me as if I had lost my mind. “Its nothing weird, I promise just lay down in front of me not on your side but as if you laying on a pillow or something.”

“This is a strange request Robert, what are you attempting?” She inquired while laying down in front of us. I gave her a warm smile and extended my hand putting it on her neck, at first she recoiled away from the touch but when she saw the child's eyes peering out from underneath my cloak she realized what I was doing.

“Princess, as you know back in our world horses and ponies do exist and I realized she displayed the same reaction most children give to first seeing a creature that is a lot bigger than they are. You have to remember, me and the rest of the humans that came here are a lot more mature than she is and we lived with other people as a family while she lived on the streets with no parents or siblings. She doesn’t have the education we have, she never had the opportunity to get it. Everything she knows is how to survive. Humans by nature are weak so when we confront other creatures until we know what they are and how they will react to us, we observe it from afar. By this small gesture of me placing a hand on you, it helps show her that you are a friendly creature, establishing a trust between her and your kind in a way.”

The child slowly started reaching for Celestia from under my robe, coming out slightly to reach for her. “See?” I pointed out with a smile. When the child touched Celestia's coat she retracted her hand slightly fearing the worst but then placed her hand fully on Celestia.

Celestia chuckled as she lowered her head to get a better look at the child using her magic to lift my cloak off of her. “What is your name child?” she asked softly. This time instead of trying to retreat into my cloak she grabbed onto it before muttering something that we could not make out. “I’m sorry child but I couldn’t hear you, what was it?”

This time she spoke in a whisper but loud enough for us to hear it, “I don’t have a name.” she turned red as she spoke and looked up at me before looking straight down, “I’m sorry.” she stated as she did so. I chuckled and put a hand on her head looking at Celestia.

“Then I guess we’ll have to figure out a name for her Princess. In the meantime, stay here with her while I help with the marines over there I’m sure they’ll want an explanation of where they are and what the situation is when they wake up.” I went to stand up but stopped when I felt her grab onto my leg.

“Don’t go!” she exclaimed, holding onto my leg for dear life. I laughed and took off my cloak fully revealing my weapons and armor, I placed it around her as I knelt down and patted her head.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be leaving you anytime soon. I’ll just be over there, besides the princess here will be right here next to you the-”

“But I want to be with you!”

I shook my head at her, “I’m sorry but what I am discussing with them, I can only have them hear. Not even the princesses who are the leaders of this country can not listen to this.” I explained to her as she let go of me. Celestia stepped over and laid down next to the child, letting her lean on her.

“Go ahead Robert, I’ll stay here with the child.” she nodded her head towards the group of marines.

Without a word I got up and walked over to them, they had all come to their senses now and were sitting in a circle with their rifles placed down next to them on top of their flak jackets. Luis stood up as I approached and crossed his arms and glared at me. “You had better f-”

“That’s what I’m over here to do Luis, so stop acting like an ass to me.” I cut him off causing him to deepen his glare. I ignored him as I started to address all of them. “I’m here to help you, all of you. Before I can even ask what I want to ask of you I need you to understand your situation and adapt to your new surroundings and reality. So let me be blunt with the very first thing, this isn’t earth and there is no way to go back to earth. I spent the last thirteen years trying to find something to get me back, so don’t waste your years trying. Your old life is gone, everyone you loved, everything you ever loved, everything you ever knew.”

“My name is Robert Kenneth Rucker, thirteen years ago, my time, I came to this world after my supposed death after touching a strange orb that appeared on a highway in my hometown. Although for all of you, it was only two years ago.”

“Hold the fuck up, you mean to tell me you’re that master sergeants brat who died on that highway near Camp Lejeune two years ago?” one of the marines interrupted. It was a female no older than twenty years old, her hair was cut short and pitch black. She was about 5’6” and had a thin build but she was far from scrawny.

I nodded my head, “Time here, it's a lot different than back on Earth. I can’t explain it and won’t try to explain it I arrived here in Equus months after I had actually touched that orb but what was weird wasn’t the month but the year. It was the same year here as it was on Earth, so there is no definite explanation for the time here.”

“Well shit.” she said as she looked up disappointed with my answer.

“It gets worse.”

“How much worse?” she asked.

“We’re on the precipice of a war that could end all life on Equus. You see that storm over in the distance? Its being held out of Equestrian lands by a massive shield conjured by hundreds of royal solar and lunar guards, each being changed out every hour on the hour. Even so, they’re being pushed back and the strain is becoming too great, the shifts are becoming more and more erratic as unicorns expend their magical energy to the point that we are seeing actual casualties from it. This was a couple weeks ago I heard about this, so I guarantee the situation is worse now.”

“That’s why I need you all to understand the situation fast, because whether you like it or not you’re going to have to fight.” This struck their nerves as they glared at me while Gryphon walked in front of me.

“You are not our commander. You’re a civilian so what in the hell would you know about war, let alone leading us?! We couldn’t give a FUCK if your world is in danger, they-”

“Tone it down Gryphon and let me explain.”

“No I’m done with your explan-”

“Then what’s your plan oh great leader? Do you have any experience fighting magical creatures? Do you have any experience fighting the undead? The mythical? Demons? Do you have ANY experience fighting supernatural phenomenon?” He stayed silent as he backed up a little. “Do you have any idea what I have faced, what I have killed, what I have seen or what I know? You can’t because you haven’t been here before, you don’t know how this world works. But that’s also my situation to yours, I don’t know what you all have been through, what you’ve done, what you’ve seen. But I do know this, about me and about all of you that we will give our lives to protect the ones we love.”

I raised my left hand and showed them the wrapped up appendage, “Three days ago I killed a shadow of Grimoire Dusk’s for that very reason and now my left hand is burnt to hell. This is only one of many scars I have.” I unbuckled my pauldrons, vambraces, and my cuirass, letting it drop to the ground with a loud thud proceeding to take off the chainmail shirt underneath then the silk shirt revealing my upper body. Their eyes went wide when they saw how scared my body was, “Each of these scars, every single one was from me taking on bounties, contracts, and odd jobs to help others or provide for me, my companions, and more importantly my daughter. But again, tell me how I’m your ordinary civilian, tell me I wouldn’t know about pain, tell me I don’t know how to lead, tell me I don’t know about war. Tell me what each and every one of these scars are from and how I got them.” I pointed to the black star over my heart, “This black star, it isn’t some tattoo. This is my oath to Princess Luna that at the end of this war, with or without you six, that I will come back to all of them alive. The princesses will be directly in control of where me, my daughter, my best friend who I consider a brother, and a few others go on the battlefield.”

I placed my hand on Gryphon’s shoulder and looked him in the eyes, “If you want to stand by in this war that is fine, it's not your war in the first place. If you’re willing to fight though, your efforts will be rewarded. You don’t have to make the decision now, but Equestria needs all the horse, man, dragon, or whatever power it can get. Discuss it amongst yourselves, you have a day to decide.” I put all my clothing and armor back on as the sergeant looked down at his feet in contemplation.

“A day? To decide on something like this? You can’t expect us to be able to make that decision so quickly let alone think of a way to contact our chain of command on-” I looked at him solemnly as he realized what he was saying. “ right, that… look Robert.”

“If you’re going to apologize, don’t. I understand all of your attitudes towards me, I understand your mindset right now and nothing on Earth could have prepared you for a situation like this. Although consider yourselves lucky, you aren’t children and you have each other to cope with, I had no one. The reason you all have a day to decide is because the day after tomorrow, that shield is coming down and operation Shadow Hunt begins.”

I left them with that last message and to their own party to head to the young girl and Celestia who had been joined by Luna. The child was fast asleep against Celestia who was covering her with one of her wings. I smiled at the sight as I approached. Both Celestia and Luna looked at me expecting something but I just knelt down and laid my hand on the young girl's head. The dog that had been nearby came over and sat down next to me, sniffing my arm as I touched her.

“She’s taken a liking to you Celestia, have you thought of any names yet?” I asked.

“I have not, Luna?” she looked up to her sister expectantly. “What do you think her name should be?” She was surprised that she had asked her opinion on this matter but she shook her head in response. A name clicked in my mind as I recalled the name of an old friend from three years ago.

“How about Gwen?”

Interlude: The mind of the Lost

I walked slowly down the hall towards my room as I reached the top floor of the northeast tower of Canterlot castle. I began to detach each piece of charred armor starting with my pauldrons, thud the left pauldron hit the deck with my left boot, then the right one thud. My vambraces were virtually tattered pieces of leather attached by melted buckles I ripped the left one off with ease but the right one took a bit more to tear it loose, they fell to the floor letting the metal clang as they hit. I had to slide my cuirass off over my head and the chainmail with it as it melted to the leather, the silk undershirt or what was left of it fell to the ground dissipating as it hit. I snapped off both of the calf protectors and threw them to my left before unbuckling the insides to the pieces protecting my thighs and crotch. I snapped the buckle on the left hip protector as the last of the armor fell to the ground leaving me standing in front of my door without a shirt and burnt pants and my boots that were falling apart with each step. I could feel it behind the door, the demon and my future. Did I want to do this? Not in a million years. Did I need to do this? I owe them my lives, if I don’t do it who will become the one to bear the sins others can’t bear to commit? My heartbeat was evident now as it felt like it was pounding out of my chest at that moment as I stared down at my hands one was calloused and textured after years of hard work, the other was wrapped in bandages reminding me that one era had come to an end to remind me that another one will if I don’t protect it. An entire world put their afterlives in my hands, in the sound mind that I would save the ones alive now. How does one wield this trust? Should they help others or should they help themselves? I shook my head as I threw that thought out of my head, why the hell would I betray the ones who have entrusted everything to me? They’re my family, they’re my friends...they’re the ones who see me as a monster, as a demon. A necessary loss, no matter how much they want me to be my old self I can’t, I’ve taken too many lives to even think I can return to that innocent life. I’m a murderer, I’m a killer, I’m a monster and a demon. Yet above all that I am a loving father, and a friend of those who would have me. I looked at the doorknob and began to reach for it as a memory played in the back of my mind, I sat on a swing all alone at some playground back on Earth. I watched as others went by and played with each other while I sat there all alone. No one cared for me back then, no one wanted me as a friend, no one but Zachary. The memory shifted to the night I knelt in the alleyway over his dead body crying and screaming for him to come back to me. He had been lost to an unfair fate, that's why I fight...right? To protect the ones I love? Or is it because you love the blood? The memory shifted again to the person who had made fun of him the following day as I was in a rage and slammed the kids against the stone brick wall causing it to crack. To hurt the one who would defame the dead? Or to take your rage out on anyone around you? The memory faded to Michaels smiling face as he saw me arriving at his house from the airport the summer between freshman and sophomore year. To be able to keep him smiling in the darkest of days? Or to betray them when it benefits you? A brief image of my ex-girlfriend of sophomore year running from me as I broke up with her. To let them go to escape the real me? Or to betray the family you love? The memory faded to an image I hadn’t seen before but I quickly realized the setting it was my home but then again it wasn’t as the walls distorted and the faces as well but I could clearly tell it was a family of four sitting in a living room with a barren christmas tree. Two were crying and the other two were dealing with their depression in their own way, it was my family. As I realized this their images made themselves clear. But I have a new family that I must protect! Do you really think she’s your family? The image faded to the day I found Faelen, the small dragoness sitting in a ball as she cried for a reason I don’t know to today. I WILL protect her this time! The memories shattered as I grabbed the doorknob and opened the room slamming the door against the wall as I walked in and turned to the armor that created the uneasy feeling that haunted this room. How do you plan to protect her? it screeched as a black entity formed behind it with blood red eyes. “By claiming you as my own Traveller.” But can you wear me? Can you commit the deeds you need to save her? Can you succumb to the darkness that is me? it growled as it waited for an answer. I reached my hand out touching the chestplate looking dead in its eyes, “I will become the demon of this side, in the name of Equestria, in the names of my friends, in the name of Michael, and most importantly in the name of my daughter. Make your bond demon and let me use your power to fight against Grimoire Dusk.” I replied as a jagged blood smile appeared before the demon disappeared into thin air. It left me alone in the darkened room as I slid my hands under the armholes and picked up the cuirass and set it aside.I unclipped the chain mail shirt and let it slide onto the floor while I picked up the shirt and hood sliding it onto my body. The cool touch of the silk fabric sent a shiver down my spine, I proceeded to replace my pants with the new ones provided, they were made of a polyester type fabric, light and breathable. They fit perfect. I buckled the crotch piece on along with the two thigh pieces followed by the boots that had the lower leggings attached. I looked over at the cuirass with hesitation before picking it up over my head, slowly lowering it over me, it was tight and fit my body very well but also scared me. I looked in the full length mirror several feet away and what stared back at me wasn’t...me. Yet the one looking back was far more like the real me than I had ever been. His eyes were tired and yet carried a flame within them, ready to fight and ready to kill, wrinkles had already begun to form on his forehead and his resting look seemed somber in a way. Was this how my Dad was when he was thirty? I thought as I briefly saw an image of him cross my mind as he wore his flak and kevlar with an m16 slung in front of him with one hand on the pistol grip and the other on the barrel. He was so young in that image no older than 22 years old and yet he looked as if he was already 36 years old. Of course it isn’t, I’ve fought for years yet never have I fought a war. I buckled my pauldrons onto my shoulders, taking comfort in their protection making me seem a bit bigger. I pulled on the right vambrace and glove, I pulled the straps tight tucking the excess under before picking up the left one. This one was far different, on the palm of the hand was a large star with a moon, a sun, and a heart in the middle of it. They were etched into the leather but I realized their meaning easily, a reminder to the citizens of Equestria that were counting on me. The top of the vambrace had different designs all over it, each one was a reminder of the races in Equus but in the middle of all of it was a clearing and smack dab in the middle was what I could make out as a human holding a sword. The real unification, I was of the few that could travel anywhere they wanted without repercussion and each race knew me not by my real name but through different ones and through different stories. The ones that all had in common were that of the Traveller so it only made sense. The fingers on both gloves were sharp at the end with metal tips to allow for a weapon when I find myself without a staff or a sword. They weren’t sharp enough to do damage by me just holding onto someone or something but if I were to be serious about hurting someone it’d be easy to do damage. I picked up my sword from the bed and its sheath before placing it on my left hip. I was fully armored now all except for my hood that hung limp on my back and the cloak hung limply over the right side of my body. My blonde hair hung limply over my left shoulder without any ties to hold it back, I moved it back behind me underneath my hood as I looked in the mirror. “I guess this is goodbye.” I whispered with a sad smile. “Until next time, my old friend.” I waved as I pulled the hood over my face watching as I disappeared under the darkness while my eyes glowed yellow in the darkness. I turned and walked towards the window, putting my fingers to my mouth and letting out a loud whistle that cut through the air, not a moment later Faelen appeared in front of the window in a hover wearing her own armor. I stood on the balcony staring at her and her at me, while mine was with a smile hers was with a sad expression as if she had lost something dear to her. I took a step forward, the door to my room slammed open, “Robert!” They screamed for me but I ignored them. “You don’t have to do this!” She screamed as I heard the rapid approach of hoofsteps. I stood on the ledge now looking out at Equestria, the storm had come and now raged over this once peaceful land. I turned around and brought my arms up as I stared at Twilight. “I am no longer Robert, Twilight. He lies dormant inside while the Traveller walks again.” I stated as I slowly started to fall backwards into a freefall from the balcony. “ROOOOOOOOBBBBEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs as her head appeared over the balcony watching in shock as tears fell from her eyes. Just before I hit the ground Faelen caught me and we sailed back up and past her in the direction of Ponyville. Nephilis caught up with us and when she saw me this time instead of being scared, she smiled at me. This was it, the end of peace, and possibly the end of Equus as we know it.

Arc 2: Prologue - (In)Humanity

Date Unkown

Location Unkown

They say that everything that happens in life has a reason, whether it be the death of an insignificant plant to the fall of an empire. If the sky were to disappear or the earth to break open and swallow us whole, there has to be a reason to why it happened. All creatures have a reason why they’re herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores albeit they’re driven by instincts to simply survive by any means necessary. To that rule, of course, are certain exceptions such as humans, ponies, dragons, kirin, changelings, and the list goes on. Unlike most creatures we’re capable of further thought and feeling, with that comes the ability to use languages to communicate, trade, and develop relationships with each other. We are creatures capable of so much and yet at the end of the day our primal instincts are what drive us, no matter how hard we try to distance ourselves from them. Those primal instincts make our emotions only that much stronger and no matter how hard we may try, we can never escape them. I can’t ever escape them, I will never escape them. The instinct that drives all creatures that struggle to survive, that one basic instinct that ties all predators together, the instinct to kill in order to survive.

Even now as my own blood mixes with the rain soaking my armor, I stand defiant to the one who has caused me so much pain over these past couple of years. My body is riddled in deep gashes and cuts whilst my once formidable armor hangs limply from my frame in tatters. From my left shoulder blood ran lazily from where my arm had been violently ripped out...and despite it all my irises shimmered with a bright emerald hue that refused to die as my gaze cut through the wild tempest that commanded the night like an enraged god. My right arm was straightened out in front of me wielding the sword they had made me. I used what strength I had left to not fall limp to the ground, defying death itself as I winced through every breath with a deadly glare directed towards the one who caused that pain and suffering. Behind me lay creatures that I had called friends and family. some of them were barely hanging on while the others...they were already gone.

I took a step towards the floating creature; it looked down at me with loathing yet behind that I could see he was begging me to stop. The weight of the step was heavy as the ground below me cracked, lightning bolted across the sky above while the rain continued to pour down on us; the resulting thunder drowned out the sound of swords clashing in the distance along with the bloodthirsty cries of the two armies. I took another step but this time my strength finally failed me as my leg gave out and I collapsed, barely catching myself by planting my sword to keep me steady, wincing as the screeching sound of the blade against hard stone died out. I felt weak and on the verge of death but I can’t give up nor can I give in, so many innocent lives have been taken by this monster that was once my closest friend. So much pain, so much loss, the only thing that he deserved...no that we both deserved was death.

He turned on them, he shed the blood of our comrades, the ones we swore to protect until the last drop of blood had left both of our bodies. The Marines who had come here, they had died only a year after this war began, it was when he fell that their blood stained on not only his hands but mine, a stain that neither of us can ever remove. Now I must bring an end to this, I must take responsibility for what we have both done. I must kill Robert before he brings anymore pain to the innocent creatures of this world even if it costs me my own life.

I stood up as tears started to stream down my cheeks mixing with the rain as I felt the runes in my armor activate, it caused the air around me to light up like a star in the night sky. Pushing myself forward I worked up to a sprint towards him as he shook his head and attempted to evade, but I was faster and my vengeance would not be denied. As I reached the edge of the cliff I lept at him and in that instant I brought my sword back to swing at him, he raised his left hand up with bloody tears running from his icy, luminous blue eyes. At that moment my blade carved into him, but he had already released his spell and we were both consumed in a brilliant light. As my body began to burn away to ash I saw him stare at me in horror as he screamed my name, but it was too late. I’m sorry, Robert, you were the one that needed me most, and I had failed to save you. Although consumed by light oblivion consumed my vision as I drifted off into death’s clutches, who had been denied so long, had finally gotten his way.

Arc 1: Prologue - The Return

June 16th, 2027 11:43 A.M.

Everfree Forest, Equestria

“Days, Months, and Years have come and gone and yet I have yet to find passage back to Earth. I still remember your smiling face and your hopeful spirit that once kept me smiling even when the world was at its darkest. Through everything from your bad breakups, to your parents expecting far too much out of you, you always seemed to spread unconditional love and kindness to your friends and family. I guess I took that for granite.”

“Maybe one day I will be able to see you again Michael, and tell you I am truly sorry in person.” I said silently to the wolf pendant I was holding at arms length above me. I held it there as I lay here in a small clearing of the Everfree. “Or maybe, I will see you in the next life old friend.” I let my arm fall along with the pendant to my chest as those last words left my mouth.

The sky above was a beautiful sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky. I smiled as I let the sounds of the forest I once called home take over my mind. It’s been far too long since we’ve relaxed like this, hasn’t it Zeke? I thought to myself solemnly. Twelve years does a great many wonders to your mind and body, sadly one of those wonders took him away. I quickly tossed the thought from my mind and continued to embrace the warm sun.

I closed my eyes allowing the sounds to soak in. The birds chirping in the distance, the rustling of animals in the bushes, the sound of the wind through the leaves of the treetops, and the slight breeze flowing through the grass of the clearing. The world seemed to be at peace after what seemed to be a lifetime. The last time I felt peace like this was in the plains of Zebranica two years ago.

“It’s peaceful, isn’t it Robert?” A female voice murmured beside me. I had been so absorbed in the serenity of the scene I didn’t notice her approach. I opened my eyes and tilted my head to the left to see Faelan laying down right beside me staring up at the sky with her arms behind her head. Her deep scarlet scales shimmered in the sunlight while her sky blue eyes looked on peacefully.

I tilted my head back to the sky. “Yeah.” Was all I replied with. What did I ever do to deserve her company? I wondered to myself. I met Faelan seven years ago when my travels led me into the Dragon Lands of the south. I was there to simply study the dragons history and culture as well as the different types of dragons. Needless to say that they weren’t exactly the easiest of creatures to speak to for many reasons. The biggest one being the smell of sulfur being heavy in their breath when they spoke, but I suppose that was to be expected as they did breath fire after all. At least most of them did.

I digress, Faelan was still a child when I met her whereas now she was twenty years of age. Whereas most dragons would grow up to be gigantic creatures that could easily destroy a city, Faelan was quite different. She grew up to become one of the [1]few bipedal dragons that lived in the dragon lands. Most dragons would be bipedal from birth to their teenage years but between the ages of 16 and 18 they would slowly start becoming quadrupedal like many of their species.

[1]The ratio is 1 to every 10,000 dragons.

Anyways, I met Faelan when I traveled to the Great Dragon Migration area. I had remembered that ponies and most other species knew very little of dragons because they were either too scarce in other lands or they were much too afraid of their kind. I decided to do a little favor to the other races of Equus and do the research myself. I was brought out of my thoughts as I felt Faelan lay her head across my chest.

I looked down to find that she had fallen asleep. I suppose you heard me thinking about you, didn’t you? I chuckled at the thought. In my thirty years of life, never did I think I would be friends with a dragon let alone allow it to lay on my chest. I placed one hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer as she snuggled into my side.

We weren’t an item but were pretty much siblings, her the younger sister and I the older brother. Suffice to say I am the only family she has and vice-versa. I yawned quietly as I slowly started drifting off to sleep for a small nap. A nap couldn’t hurt, could it?

Seven hours later

I felt myself being shaken but I waved it off and it stopped. It started again but was now accompanied by a voice, “Pssst, you need to wake up! PSSSSHHTTT, you need to wake up now Robert!” Faelan whispered harshly. I groaned as I stretched my arms and legs outwards.

“Ugh, what’s wrong Faelan?” I asked groggily trying to rid the sleep from my mind. It took me a second to realize that it was now night time whereas when we had fallen asleep it was merely noon. My eyes went wide as I started to fully realize where we were. “Aww, crap.” I stated angrily to myself. I should’ve stayed awake!

I got to my feet and helped Faelan up as we stared at the edge of the clearing around us making sure nothing was there before speaking any further. “Okay, we need to reach the castle and soon. If the Everfree is anything like how it was when I was younger we’re in big trouble.” I stated as I took hold of Faelan’s arm and bolted in the general direction of the castle.

“Robert! Slow down, you’re going to rip my arm off!” Faelan exclaimed as I continued running. Faelan was stronger, faster, and more agile than I could ever dream of being but when I was in a hurry to get somewhere, not even she could beat my speed.

“Run now, healing later!” I said back to her as the castle came into view over the treetops. “We’re almost there! Think you can give us a lift the rest of the way Faelan?!” I yelled back to her. Her eyes narrowed and she nodded as she reversed the grip I had on her and jumped into the air with a strong beat of her wings with me in tow. She may have been bipedal but she still had wings like every other dragon I knew.

With a few more beats of her wings we were flying high above the Everfree and towards the Castle of the two sisters. While she was concentrating on her flight I couldn’t help but to notice an eerie blue light coming from one of the various paths littering the edge of the Everfree. I narrowed my vision to try and get a better view of it and quickly noticed the light was starting to pulsate eventually disappearing altogether. Strange was all I could think to myself.

“You okay down there?!” I heard Faelan shout down to me as the wind rushed past us. I looked up at her and nodded, tossing the strange light out of my mind for the moment. “Get ready to jump Robert!” She shouted as we came to the courtyard of the castle. I braced myself for landing and she let go of my arm, letting me shoot to the ground like a rocket. It wasn’t that far of a drop but what made the landing hard on me was the speed. Many people would have tumbled head over heels into the unforgiving stone wall of the castle exterior but after many landings I was able use the momentum to my advantage slide all the way up to the stairs of the castle.

Faelan quickly landed next to me as I made my way into the castles atrium where we had our belongings laid out with a fire pit in the center. “Faelan can you get some food ready to cook? I’ll go get the firewood from the kitchen.” She quickly went to work on readying the food. I took a torch from it’s socket and proceeded to the kitchen.

I opened the doors and was swiftly met with a spear landing itself behind me. So my trap hasn’t been set off for twelve years? Never thought I would be the one on its receiving end. I shook off the memory as I entered the room and found the firewood pile still as full as the day I left the castle. I quickly gathered six pieces of firewood and made my way back to the atrium.

Faelan had set up two bowls of salad and a cooking pot readying its content to make a stew. I placed three firewood pieces under the pot and set them on fire using the torch. Soon enough the stew was cooking at a nice pace and we were eating our salads. It took Faelan a long time to adjust to eating any type of vegetable seeing as she was a carnivore by nature. I explained to her that I made a promise to try and not to eat meat unless absolutely necessary. Of course we eat meat still but only on rare occasions such as this one.

“So, what do you plan to do tomorrow Robert?” Faelan asked as she finished the last piece of salad in her bowl. I looked down into my half empty salad bowl and thought about it for a second before answering.

“I’m going to go see Doctor Whooves. Of everyone I know, I think I should see him first.” He was the first pony that I wanted to see because well, he was my first friend in this world. I suppose that he should be the first to see my return as well. “From what I’ve heard he’s been taking care of my home near the edge of the Everfree everyday for the past twelve years, keeping it clean for the day I would return.” I looked up to Faelan who was looking at me with an irritated stare.

“You mean to tell me, you have a home here and you wanted to stay here?” She stated with a suspicious calmness in her voice. I nodded as she shook her head. “Sometimes you make NO sense to me Robert.” She said as she facepalmed.

I shrugged my shoulders and waved it off. “This was the first place I really called home when I arrived here Faelan, of course I wanted to stay here for a couple of days. We have slept in worse places you know.” I reminded her as she shuddered. “Yeah it could have been like that place.” I pointed out as she shook all of her limbs to rid herself of the memory.

“Don’t. Even. Remind. Me. If I ever see that gryphon again we’re going to have gryphon wings for dinner.” I laughed at the thought of seeing him roasting on a barbecue pike. Long story short, that gryphon spread rumors around the town we were staying in about them two being a pair. Suffice to say I made sure that he would never be able to show his ugly mug in public ever again.

After we finished with our stew we quickly went to sleep. At least Faelan did, mostly notable by her snoring. I laid there for what seemed like hours before sleep finally decided to wash over me.

Time and Date Unknown

Location Unknown

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I woke up and found myself standing in the middle of a hallway dimly lit by moonlight behind me. Further down the hallway in front of me I heard a low growling noise that beckoned me forth. I slowly walked forward with staff in my right hand and my robe trailing behind me. The sound of growling grew louder and louder with each passing second until I saw something that made my heart and mind skip a few beats. On the ground in front of me sitting down was someone whom I never thought I’d see again. Michael.

I donned a gentle smile as he looked up at me and beckoned him towards me without saying a single word to him. He stood up and slowly approached me with a blank face on his face. I grabbed his hand with my left hand and led him back towards the moonlight I had come from. As we exited the hallway we were surrounded by old friends and family from days long ago, I simply ignored them and their concerned expression. Their visage was nothing new to me as they had all appeared in numerous nightmares and dreams of mine.

We continued our trek until a castle made its appearance, one that I had known all too well but was far different from what it had currently looked like. It was the Castle of the Two Sisters from a millenium ago, but it seemed to have been corrupted. The towers that once stood tall as a pillar of strength now stood like obsidian monoliths that conveyed fear and despair to all who would dare approach it. The walls that once offered protection were now brought together likes ribs of a long decayed beast.

We slowed our pace as we reached the gates of the castle when I heard a growling that I knew all too well, the growls of pure hatred that filled the air when a pack of Timberwolves had found their prey. I released my grip of Michael and proceeded to walk closer to the gate, turning around with my staff and poking the end of it to the middle of his chest.

The pack was coming after him and I needed to see what had corrupted the castle the way it had. “Where I lead, you can not follow. Now go. Run!” I shouted to him as I shoved him back with my staff and gestured over to the pack of Timberwolves running towards him. I quickly turned around and pushed through the gates having the shut behind me as I heard Michael take off. Be safe my friend. I thought as I ran up the steps and into the castle.

I busted through the closed doors to find a horrid sight in front of me, but one that wasn’t unfamiliar to me. Bodies of loved ones and friends were spread across the entirety of the floor and their blood was splattered across the walls. There was a lone light shining down onto a solitary figure standing in the middle of the room. I didn’t stand there long as I put the sight out of my mind and thrust forward at full speed with my staff and slammed it into the figure sending it flying into the statue that once held the elements of harmony many moons ago.

It stood up as if nothing had happened and stared at me with bloodlust filling its eyes. It held its arm out and a sword appeared in its hand as a pure white maniacal grin spread across its face as it charged towards me. I brought my staff up to block the blow as I got a better look at what it was. My heart skipped a beat as I saw my own face. “You did this. All of this was your fault Robert. They could have survived if you had just given up.” He said through a deadly smile.

I launched him backwards and jumped back myself. “We did nothing! You were the one who killed them all! You brought them here and slaughtered every last one of them!” I yelled back as the scene faded and I appeared on a tree branch above a path of the Everfree.

I heard the sounds of a pack chasing someone now, instinctively I reached down with my arm fully extended soon finding it grabbing onto the shirt of Michael. I swiftly yanked him up onto the branch as the timber wolves continued running off into the distance, eventually disappearing into nothing. As soon as they did a bright white light appeared on Michaels neck before fading and revealing the wolf pendant I left him. I snapped my fingers, getting his attention.

“You have to keep fighting, Michael. Never give up and never give in. NOW GO!” I shouted as I kicked him out of the tree and instinctively jumped up and off the branch as an unforgiving sword cut the branch clear off the tree. I brought my staff up above my head yelling, “THIS ENDS NOW!” proceeding to slam the staff into the back of the creatures head. His head and my staff slammed into the ground, causing brain matter, bits of his skull and a lot of blood to splatter onto the environment.

I stood over the corpse breathing hard as it turned into dust and blew away in all directions, transforming the world around me into darkness with a wooden floor. “No! Why did this happen?! Why?! What did I do?! Someone help me! Please!” I heard Michael scream through the darkness, urging me to run to him. I quickly found him sitting in the middle of a ring of ash and dust, sifting through it like they were that of loved ones doomed to die in a wildfire or a house fire.

I realized quickly these were in fact the ashes of his loved ones. He silently cried as I walked up behind him and placed my hand on his shoulder. He turned towards me with tears and snot still fresh on his face, he looked up at me trying to find guidance in my eyes where the was none. I closed my eyes and said “This is not your destiny Michael, it never has been. You have the power to change the world into something bright and beautiful. My faith in you will never fade. Remember my most important lesson, only from ashes may a phoenix rise.”

I turned away from him as I felt an evil presence appear behind me and try to stab at me. I barely managed to dodge the blade. When I opened my eyes we were in the canyon for the Great Dragon Migration. The scene merged with the one of the castle atrium where the bodies that once littered the floors were now standing holding weaponry of their own, their eyes glowing a crimson red. They surrounded the two of us and held their weapons at arms length, creating a deadly ring.

“You will never escape your fate Robert, you were destined to die here!” It screeched as it launched at me. I opened my eyes wide as I felt adrenaline rush through my body as I brought my staff up to meet his sword. As soon as his blade struck my staff transformed into a greatsword made of the same crimson metal that created the ring at the base of my ponytail.

“Fate? Destiny? Ones fate and destiny is not determined by others, but by the determination and spirit they set forth when paving their path in life! I will not die here, the only one who will end is you!” I thrust him backwards staggering him as I swung the sword in a wide side arc only for it to clash with his blade again. I noticed that he was caught off guard and used it to my advantage, kicking his knee in. *SNAP*! It broke like a twig causing him to scream in pain.

I quickly drew back the greatsword and brought it above my head and brought it down as hard as I could. Sadly I forgot to incapacitate his arms so he brought his sword and other hand up to defend himself. “You may kill me now, but I will always come back. You will never be rid of me.” He laughed crazily. Somehow his leg fixed itself and swept me off my feet, sending me falling onto my back. He stood above me, ready to drive his sword into my chest. “This is how it all ends! You can never outrun fate!” He cackled. I took his delay into account and drove my great sword into his jaw.

“Never underestimate your opponent and never forget they’re there in battle.” I stated as I got up and held him at arms length above my head with the greatsword as I tossed him into the air one last time and brought the great sword up through his midsection, drenching myself in his blood. I stood up only for my body to give way to exhaustion. I felt myself fall backwards only to be caught by a table. I was about to allow myself to rest when I felt constraints wrap around my wrists and ankles.

“As I said before, you will never be rid of me.” The same hate filled voice said before it faded into the darkness. I laid my head back wearily as I waited for my strength to gather once again. I heard the sound of footsteps approaching through the hallway in front of me. My whole body tensed up ready to break the straps if need be. My worry was washed away as Michael entered the room and simply looked at me. No! I told you to stay out of here! I yelled at him in my mind.

He proceeded to undo my straps and I fell onto him, using what little strength I had I pushed off of him and looked him in the eyes. “You have a very great future ahead of you Michael...but so many dark paths lie in store. I weep for your loss and the sorrow you must bear. I warned you, you can no longer escape this path. Where I lead you cannot follow, not now.” I whispered to him as I fell through him and further into the abyss of my world.

I fell for what seemed like hours before I finally stopped and floated horizontally with my arms and legs hanging limp. The scene around me slowly faded into a blue ethereal plane. There was no floor beneath me as I continued to float there as I heard the clopping of hooves approaching. “He’s here, isn’t he?” Was all I asked.

“Is that anyway to speak to us after thou hast not seen us in over a decade?” Luna retorted as I shook my head.

I gave a chuckle before responding. “I suppose it isn’t, but I must know. He’s arrived at last hasn’t he?” I asked again.

Luna appeared over me and simply nodded. My expression became grim, “Then it won’t be long. We have at most a few weeks till he arrives in Equestria.” That creature I fought wasn’t just a manifestation of the darker half of myself but something entirely different. “Tomorrow night Luna, bring Celestia, Cadence, and Twilight to the castle in Ponyville.” I ‘asked’ her.

Luna and I may have not spoken or seen each other for nearly a decade but I have kept my knowledge open to her and her alone. We had casually dismissed this old fairytale as nothing but that, a fairytale. During one of my expeditions in Saddle Arabia I came across a long forgotten city. Needless to say I tipped off the local government to the area and they came in to recover what they could. Of course I recovered what I wanted first. Suffice to say their fairytales were anything but that.

Luna looked down at me slightly confused. “At Ponyville? Where art thou exactly?” She asked.

“Take a wild guess.” I said flatly as the realization hit her. We may have shared information but outside of Equestria she was bound by law not to intrude upon anyone elses dreams. “I know you’re happy but don’t tell Celestia or Twilight why we need to meet or who they’re meeting with. I want it to still be a surprise that I’m back. Okay?” I pleaded to her as she simply nodded her head and wrapped her hooves around my head, hugging me the best she could.

After that she faded from the dream as I felt myself drop once again. This time shocking me back to consciousness.

Arc 1: Chapter 4 - Final Goodbyes And Tales To Be Written

Our hearts extend to worlds around as the tales of ours reach beyond.

June 18th, 2027 9:26 A.M.

Ponyville Plains, Equestria

I stood alone on a small hill of the rolling plains that was right outside of Ponyville, the hill that I had first met Twilight on that day so many years ago. The tree that once stood resolute was gone; destroyed during the battle between Tirek and Twilight. There was a certain pang of guilt that plagued my heart that it was gone but I knew it could not be helped.

“It has been so long since that day and yet I still remember it clear as day.” I said aloud to no one in particular. “For the past twelve years, I have calmly called myself a creature of Equus. The anger and disdain that I showed towards humanity dissipated into a yearning to see another human again someday. But, why? Why did I hate humanity so much back then? Was I just a naive fool?”

The world responded to my question with a small gust of wind that slapped my hair against the back of my neck. I laughed quietly, “I suppose that was a yes.”

I looked up to the clear blue sky, today is supposed to be clear until sunset when the pegasi return from Cloudsdale to bring rain to Ponyville. “I wonder how they are doing these days; all of my friends and family.” a feeling of sadness washed over me at the thought. “Please be okay everybody, I don’t want to eventually come home and find you all had drifted apart or had done something bad after my leaving.”

Everyday I would think about my family and friends, the lives that they had constructed after I had left. I would think about the good and the bad scenarios that could have come after. I thought of the times that we spent together in the past and the adventures we could have had. I remember dreaming a few days ago about just sitting in the living room with my shadow covered faces of my family.

The sad part about all of this was that I could no longer remember their faces, it was truly a horrible feeling but after so long without seeing them I guess it couldn’t be helped with my horrible memory. I usually sat there talking to them about my imaginary day at school where I sat in my classes, daydreaming about various things with them all listening attentively. I knew it was only a dream but a part of me always wished it was real, that everything I dreamed in those dreams were real.

I had a yearning to return to Earth, even if it were only for a few hours just so that I could see them again. To tell them how much they mean to me and to apologize for everything bad that I have ever said to or about them. It was a regret that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. I was no longer the only one who would have to live with that regret either as Michael will know the sorrow soon. He’ll come around to realize that he truly misses his family and friends, even the people that he didn’t have an inclination to like in the slightest.

He’ll miss every good and bad thing that happened to him in his life knowing that even though sometimes it hurt, it was what made him into the person he is today.

“I suppose I should stop thinking so much about it, shouldn’t I?” I asked aloud as I turned away from the horizon and back towards Ponyville. I saw a lone cloud sitting above the path towards Ponyville; I immediately knew the culprit of said cloud. I smiled and shook my head as I walked down to the path underneath the cloud.

I grabbed a pebble and chucked it up at the bottom of the cloud where I quickly got an agitated response. “Hey bub what’s the big idea!?” I heard a familiar voice scream down at me.

“There isn’t any big idea behind annoying you Rainbow Dash!” I responded as she poked her head over the cloud. Her eyes went wide before flying down to me.

“Whoa dude, what happened to you?” She asked pointing the the gauze wrappings around my head, legs, arms, chest, and stomach. I hadn’t put my armor on so I was wearing just some casual clothing, a thin silk jacket with no undershirt and silk pants to match. Whenever I wasn’t training or doing something important I wore this light clothing as I felt more at ease instead of going naked as most other creatures living here in Equus.

“Just had a terrible nightmare, that’s all. What are you doing out here napping?” I tried to change the subject.

“I thought I would catch up on some rest, I could be asking you what you’re doing out here.” She pressed. I shook my head and looked back at the horizon.

“Just thinking about some stuff.” I responded solemnly. We fell silent for a few moments before I spoke up again, “Hey, do you know where Michael is?” I asked.

She put a hoof to her chin before she responded, “Isn’t Michael that other human?” she questioned, I nodded in response. “I think I saw him going home with Fluttershy last night after the little meeting we had, why?”

I shook my head, “It’s nothing important, I just want to speak to him. It’s been thirteen long years since I’ve seen him, or another human for that matter.” I reminded her as she nodded.

“Alright well, I’m gonna get back to napping. I’ll see you around, alright?” With that she flew back up onto her cloud. See ya Rainbow Dash I said in my mind before starting to walk down the path with a limp in my step.

It took me an hour and a half to make it to Fluttershy’s cottage. I walked up to the door and knocked three times. “I got it Fluttershy!” I heard Michael say from behind the door as it opened. I stood a good foot taller than him, casting a shadow over him as the sun shone against my back. “Robert…” he whispered.

“I need to speak with you Michael, gather your items and come.” I ordered him and turned around, walking over to the fence and leaning down on it.

“You came here just to demand that Robert?” he said miffed. I shot a glare at him.

“I’m not the same person you knew a year ago Michael, theres a lot I need to tell you. A lot of it you won’t like but you need to hear me out.” I responded as he scoffed at me.

“Say’s the one who decided to stay here instead of coming back to Earth!” he yelled back at me as I sighed and look at the sky.

“You say that as if I had a choice to go back Michael.” I responded to him as I turned around fully. He was looking at me quizzically, “There is no returning to Earth Michael. My ultimate goal of my travels for the past twelve years was to try and find something to return me there. Nothing, not even a clue to a spell or device that could do such a thing. There is no hope of returning to Earth except in memories and dreams, so whatever inane hope you had of such a thing; toss it away.” I explained flatly as he looked at me slightly shocked before he shook his head.

“Are you really just going to give up hope on that Robert?!” he was yelling now.

I glared at him with sorrow filled eyes. “I’ve already given up hope on it a year ago Michael.” I said quietly as he looked at me dumbfounded. “I gave up hope on seeing any of you ever again, I gave up hope on seeing my family, I gave up hope on anything dealing with Earth Michael and the sooner you do the sooner you can move on.” He silently gawked at me for a moment before closing his mouth and going back inside to retrieve his belongings.

I’m sorry Michael, but giving you false hope isn’t something I can do right now. Even if it risks hurting you. I thought solemnly.

It was a few moments before he came back outside. “I’ve got my stuff, you ready?” he asked, I nodded in response and began down the path towards the Everfree Forest. “Umm, Robert that’s-”

“The Everfree Forest, I know. It is where I live and where you will live until your home is constructed, but before we go to my house we are going to the Castle of the Two Sisters.” I stopped in front of the entrance and turned back to him. “I have already established my relationship with the ponies of Equestria as a serene one without conflict. Whether you choose to have that same relationship or not is entirely up to you.”

He nodded his head as I turned and proceeded down the path towards the Castle of the Two Sisters with Michael in tow.

June 18th, 2027 1:02 P.M.

Castle of the Two Sisters, Everfree Forest, Equestria

As I stood there in front of the castle I felt something strange; a foreboding feeling. It felt as if the very air around the castle was trying to force me away from it and yet I couldn’t move myself away from it because the aura was enticing to me. I couldn’t move forwards but I couldn’t turn away either. “Michael.”

“Yeah?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Do you feel that?” I asked as I continued analyzing the castle, trying to find what was causing this feeling.

“Feel what?” he responded with a slight tone of worry.

“Stay close by Michael, keep any weapon you have ready.” I said worriedly as I stood up straight and put the pain in the back of my mind. I was finally able to move forward towards the castle, the feeling growing stronger with each step as I walked closer and closer. When I reached the first step of the stairs leading into the castle every inch of my body was screaming for me to turn and run. The only thing that kept me moving forward was my mind, telling me that I needed to go in.

I walked to the top of the stairs and stopped in front of the two large doors, slowly pushing them open with my staff. Instead of the normal visage of a bright sun beaming down into the atrium as I was used to, there was a wall of darkness covering the entryway. “Michael, back away slowly.” I whispered to him as he continued to look at me with a questioning stare.

“Why? There’s nothing there?” He said as he put an arm through the entryway. “See? No big deal.” He said as he walked through the entryway as I grabbed his left arm.

“MICHAEL!” I screamed at him as I felt his grip quickly change as he fell downwards, grabbing onto my arm as a lifeline. The darkness slowly creeped up and around my arm, pulling me down towards it as I tried to pull away from it.

“ROBERT!” I heard several voices yell from behind me. I turned around barely in time to see Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy running towards us.

I tried screaming for them to get away as fast as they could but all that came out was the muffled sound of my voice as the darkness started wrapping around my head, fully pulling me in with Michael.

Date Unknown

Location Unknown

The world around us quickly came back to us as we woke up. Michael was lying underneath me, still knocked out from whatever had just happened. I shook my head as the nausea ceased, proceeding to stand up as best I could with the help from my staff. I coughed as a horrible smell that I couldn’t exactly explain, all I knew was that this wasn’t fresh air. My sight slowly came back but the sight before me wasn’t pleasant. No...not again…

In front of me laid a casket, one that contained a human body. My heart started racing as my mind found out what had happened. I kneeled down, averting my eyes from the casket down to Michael who was starting to come to. I started to shake him slightly as he let out a small groan of protest. “You need to wake up Michael, now.” I whispered harshly as his eyes fluttered open and he sat up.

He held a hand to his head, “Ugh, what happened last night? Did you drug me Rob?” he questioned jokingly. I grabbed him underneath his arm and tried to yank him up onto his feet, quickly regretting the decision as I felt the wound on the right side of my stomach open. I clenched my teeth as I felt the blood seep out onto the bandages. Well I know this isn’t a normal dream then.

“Please stand up Michael, there is something you need to see.” I said through clenched teeth as I worked through the pain, trying to put it at the back of my mind. He looked up at me as I held his arm up and nodded his head.

As he stood up I pointed to the casket in front of us without a second word as his eyes widened in surprise. “What the… “ he whispered astonished as he turned to the left to try and find an indication of who died as I blocked his view.

“Michael?!” a voice cried out from behind us. Michaels eyes widened in recognition of the voice, I quickly grabbed his chin and looked him in the eyes.

“Don’t look Michael, it is only a trick.” I said sternly as I made him look at the casket as I turned around to face the creature who had called his name. I walked directly behind Michael and took a defensive position with my staff held out. “Who. Are. You.” I demanded with a tone of anger in my voice.

The creatures in front of me were clearly human in appearance, but for all that I knew this could all be a trick. “What did you do to Michael?!” A lady in the front row screamed as she stood up. I glared down at her.

“Robert, that sounds like my mom. Is it her?” I heard Michael whisper behind me.

“Don’t be fooled by their voice nor appearance Michael they are not your family.” I quickly exclaimed in anger.

A man in the front row stood up and walked up to me with a look of pure anger in his eyes and tried to punch me, his fist went straight through me. I smiled as I realized although they could see us they were unable to touch us. I allowed myself to calm down and take a calmer stance, although not allowing my guard to drop fully.

I felt Michael place his hand on my shoulder as he now looked over the crowd with sorrowful eyes. I shook my head in pity. “Look on Michael, for this is the final sight I saw of Earth during my own funeral those many years ago. The pain, sorrow, and regret that filled the hearts and minds of those who loved me without a second thought. Remember this feeling well Michael, this is the same sorrow that many families in Equus will face if we fail.” I said as I gestured to the crowd of his family and friends.

His mother looked up to him and said, “Michael? Is...is that really you?” she asked solemnly as Michael looked on the verge of tears.

I latched onto Michael’s shoulder, “Whether or not they are real Michael, say what you need.” I told him as he nodded, stepping down to stand in front of his mother.

For just a moment it seemed like he had stopped breathing but he quickly gathered himself and spoke. Strangely enough...he was smiling.

“It’s so nice to see you guys!” He said as he hugged her.

“I’ve been to a new world...it’s incredible! I dearly wish I could always see you guys too but...I can’t. I’ve always dreamed of seeing a new world and meeting life beyond our own. I’ve found a dream, not to mention Robert. He says that we’ll never be able to return...though he said that before. Don’t worry about us. We’ll both be fine.” In all honesty I expected his smile to fade at any given second but it didn’t...if anything it grew, though with that said he had only been gone a short while. I could only hope he wouldn’t squander his opportunity.

“I don’t know how I’m here with...me over there but I’m fine. I fell into one of those things like Robert did and ended up in the same place. You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen! Pegasi, hell, even dragons! You name it! Who knows maybe you all could see it too one day. In fact, starting from today, I’m going to create a book full of all the new creatures and cultures and everything else about the world and if I see you guys again I’ll show you all.”

There was almost something remarkable at how diverse everyone’s reactions were. It varied from simply shock to sadness, and from disbelief to excitement.

I walked over to a nearby tree and placed my staff down next to it, leaning into the tree as I watched Michael speak to his family. I saw a person standing up from the crowd, looking at me as she made her way over. Her look was one of suspicion, although I didn’t recognize her a glint in her eye made it look as if she recognized me.

She proceeded to walk over to me faster before stopping in front of me. I looked at her suspiciously, “What do you want foul creature?” I hissed. She was taken aback by my tone towards her.

“I just...you reminded me of someone close to me.” she responded. She went to say something but then closed her mouth.

“If you wish to ask me something, then ask it. You don’t get many chances to ask the dead of what lies beyond.” I joked as she cocked her eyebrow. “I stood in front of my own casket in this same place thirteen years ago, although for this world it may have only been a year ago. I watched in horror as my family and friends listened to my final words in silent tears and broken hearts. The day I lost everything was January 24th, 2014.”

A look of shock spread across her face as she stumbled backwards before running back to the crowd where she was sitting. She said something that I couldn’t hear but from the reactions of the crowd I could tell it was something about me as three people in the crowd stood up looking at me in shock. They quickly exited their rows and rushed over to me. I hastily got into a defensive position.

We had both forgotten that we were unable to harm one another in that instant as the same woman from before stopped in front of the staff as the guy pulled her back. “Don’t come any closer you creatures!” I growled at them.

“Are you...are you Robert?!” The woman from before exclaimed. My eyes widened at the mention of my name but I widened my guard.

“Who the hell are you and why do you know my name?!” I yelled at them. They looked at me with shock at the words I spoke, evidently hurt in ways I couldn’t know at the time.

The guy stepped forward and approached me as I backed away from him, feeling a branch poke into one of my wounds, causing me to wince in pain as I dodged away from it. “Do you not recognize your own family?” He asked cautiously as I glared daggers into him.

I swiped at him with my staff, thinking it would go through him but to my surprise the strike actually hit him. You could hear the staff crack against the side of his head. “HOW DARE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT CALLING YOURSELF MY FAMILY! I made peace with them years ago when I found my new family!” I yelled in anger as they looked at me with surprise.

“These past twelve years I have scoured Equus in search of a way home to no avail and now you try to play these games with me Grimoire Dusk?! SHOW YOURSELF YOU FUCKING COWARD!” I screamed into the air, frightening the people in front of me. “SHOW YOURSELF!!!” I screamed even louder, my face turning red in pure unadulterated anger.

I slammed my fist into the tree, cracking it where I punched it. There were tears of anger streaming down my face as I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I smacked the hand away and turned towards who did it, it was my mom. She proceeded to hug me as the sudden realization came over me, if this really was Grimoire Dusks doing, I would have been able to dispel it already and take back control.

“Robert...please calm down…” She whispered through tears. I struggled to but eventually I was able to bring my arms up and push her away looking away from her as I shut my eyes tightly.

“No...I can’t do this...after I’ve finally made peace with you all...after I told my daughter that I would never relapse into that same depression again.” I shook my head as tears welled up behind my eyes again, this time tears of sadness.

I slowly looked up to her as the tears came out as I finally recognized their faces, faces I had long since forgotten now given visage again. I looked over to Michael who was standing next to his parents and brother, still speaking to them. “After thirteen long years of traveling the world, doing things I was always told impossible for the entirety of my life; I finally have my own purpose.”

I looked at each of my family members in their eyes as memories came flooding back. I shook my head, “Whereas you all have only missed me a year, I have missed you thirteen. I have my own family to return to now, a daughter who needs me and now a brother who needs my guidance in this new world.”

“I will be honest, if ever given the chance to return to Earth forever I would turn it down.” I looked at my mom who looked saddened by my words. I lifted her chin up and smiled at her. “I want you to know mom, your granddaughter is an amazing girl.” she smiled at it as she put her hand to mine.

“I’m sure she is honey, she has you as a father after all.” her tears were flowing in full now as I let go of her and walked over to my dad.

“I now realize why you had been so harsh on me when I was young. It wasn’t for arbitrary reasons as to cause hatred to rise in my gut but to harden me for the world after I left your protection. Nowadays I could barely care for your yelling at me, especially after a dragon roared at me. Nothing can beat that earsplitting sound.” I laughed as I tried to hug him only to go through him. I took a step back and concentrated on him, and went in for another hug. This time I felt my arms wrap around him and pat him on the back and him vice-versa.

I pulled away, “ When Alisa or Steven have your grandchildren, you had best tell them about me. I might come back over the divide and haunt ya if you don’t.” I smiled at him as he laughed.

“I will Robbie.” He beamed back at me, trying to hide the tears welling up behind his glasses.

I walked over to Steven and glared at him before punching him in the face. He reeled back and punched me back. We glared at each other for a little longer before laughing. “You sure pack a wallop now Bubby!”

I put a hand to the back of my head and chuckled, “Well after fighting what I’ve had to fight I’d be surprised if I didn’t! I honestly wish I could give you one of the Drakon scales I have.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a yellow-green scale the size of my palm, presenting it to Steven. “Broke my ankle during that fight, it was my fifth to worst fight I had ever been in. My worst fight would have to be when I came across a group of hydra’s, only reason I am still alive after that one is because of your niece. Feisty lil dragon she is.”

“Sound’s like you have had quite the adventure this past year eh?” He asked as I shook my head.

“It’s been thirteen years for me, only a year for you guys.” I told him as he raised his eyebrow a bit as I shook my head and gestured a hand down my body. “In a year I wouldn’t have gotten this tall, have the hair I do now, and I wouldn’t be saying I am 30 years old.” He nodded his head as he accepted it. I pulled him into a hug and whispered, “I probably won’t see y’all again for quite some time or at all before I die. Please take care brother, and goodbye.” I pulled away from him and walked over to my sister.

Before I could say anything she slapped me as hard as she could with tears in her eyes. I smiled at this as I put a hand to my cheek, “I suppose I deserved that.” I joked as she hugged me tight and started bawling.

“We thought you were dead!” she sobbed into my chest as I put a hand on the back of her head and rubbed her puffy hair.

“And I cannot blame you for that Alisa as it has been a year since my death here on Earth. The truth is that you will never see your little brother ever again.” I said as she looked up at me with scared eyes as I looked back down at her with a calm expression. “But I want you to know that he did love you and still continues to do so. Sometimes he would stay awake through the night staring up to the starry sky thinking of you all, hoping you were all okay. That he would dream of the days he spent with each and every one of you.”

“Even though he had lost the image of your faces he still remembered your names and the love you carried for him.” I lifted her chin up. “Remember him and he shall always remember you. Love you Alisa.” I said as I pulled her into a hug as she continued to cry. The rest of my family gathered around me and hugged as tight as they could. I looked over to Michael who was doing the same with his family now.

I allowed myself to fade through them as they continued to hug and walk over to the tree and pick up my staff. When they realized I had left I whistled to get their attention as they grouped together.

I went into a deep bow and held it there for a while. “I do not know the next time in which we may see each other, or if we shall ever see each other ever again.” I stood up straight now with a dead serious look on my face now, “A storm is coming to Equus once more and I do not know if I shall survive nor do I know if Michael shall survive.” They went to object but I shook my head, “I have a family to protect now, just as Dad has a family to protect. Even if she is not my daughter by blood I will see to it that she lives on to see the future of Equus after this storm has passed.”

“I wish for you not to weep nor to rejoice but to keep us in fond memories and remember the love we shared. You knew you could not protect me forever but for the years you had, I thank you. I am sorry for all the harm I have caused and all the sorrow I have reaped for it was not something you should have to bear. Whether you live at peace now that you know I am alive or sulk in misery that you had missed out on seeing me grow up is all your choice.”

“We will miss each and everyone of you dearly but hopefully one day we shall be able to see each other again.” I felt a presence appear behind me, I turned slightly and saw a night sky billowing over my shoulder. “This is goodbye Mom, Dad, Alisa, and Steven. May you find happiness in the days to come.” I said with a sad smile as I faded from view but not from the world.

I looked over to Michael who was oblivious to us as I stood there with Luna at my side. “Was it you?” I asked as she shook her head.

“No, twas not us.”

“What was it then?”

“We do not know but it seems to be friendly to thee humans.” she replied as she smiled at me.

I shook my head, “Even so, I can’t shake the sinking feeling that this was nothing more than a coincidence. You remember this same scene from thirteen years ago correct? I was unable to interact with anyone and none could see me.” I reminded her as she looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Art thou suggesting there be something that wishes to test its spells upon humans?” she asked as I nodded.

“Think about it, if this were just a single spell I wouldn’t have woken up in horrible pain like I did the first time. I doubt I will wake up in the same pain as last time as Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy saw us as we went into the spell. I will get nothing more than the initial pain of the spell but we shall see.” I said as she nodded her head. I whistled at Michael.

“It’s time to go Michael, you won’t be seeing them again for a long time so please make these final words count.” I said to him as he nodded in confirmation.

“We have to go now everyone...I will miss all of you and I won’t forget you guys. This isn’t a final goodbye and I mean it. Don’t feel sorry for me. I love you all dearly but I’m also excited to see the world that lies ahead of me and I want to see it...I need to see it. Farewell for now everyone.” He glanced back at me and I motioned for him to hurry up.

“Would it be weird to ask for a viking funeral?” I wasn’t even sure if that needed a response, nonetheless I heard him casually slip it in as he finished up.

“I hope you can all come see it one day and I hope to see you all in the future. Farewell everyone!” He cast one last look back at everyone with a smile, though only now I noticed the early formation of a few tears. He raced to catch up to me, the signs of sadness gone as quickly as they appeared.

“I’m going on an adventure!” And he was back again. It truly baffled me how he could maintain such high hopes and joy. An enigma in his own right. Sometimes I felt an amount of sadness thinking that he would act just like me one day, others I envied him, though I still could never quite understand him. I’m not even sure if he understood himself at times.

He was brought away from the Earthern realm and back into the realm of Equus as we faded into darkness with a singular light shining from below the three of us. Me and Luna looked at him with a sad expression as his smile faded into a flat expression. “I guess that you wish to travel Michael?” I asked as he nodded his head lightly.

“One day I would but for now we have a long lost evil to deal with don’t we?” he reminded me as I smirked and gave a light chuckle.

“I suppose you’re right, when this is all over explore enough for the two of us alright?” I said as he looked at me a little stunned at my words. “Let’s go home Luna, the world can’t wait forever for us.” I joked as she nodded, proceeding to charge up her horn in a midnight blue glow. I felt the shocking sensation rise throughout my body as her magic reached my body and dispelled us from the dream world.

Arc 1: Chapter 6 Part 1 - Losing Family

Those who live for family can’t help but to die a little with each family members passing.

June 21st, 2027 12:41 A.M.

Baltimare, Equestria

I didn’t stop running as I got into Baltimare as I ran with Michael in my arms, limp as a dead dog in them. My tears were starting to blur my vision as my body burned and my breath was heavier than anytime before in my life. I kept running down the streets, taking the turns at the signs that led towards the Golden Hooves Hospital in central Baltimare. I didn’t stop for anything even the carriages that were still on the streets at this time of day.

The few creatures that were on the sidewalks stood aside against the buildings as I blurred past them. Eventually I could hardly see where I was going but the large cross on the front of the hospital was clearly visible even though it was heavily blurred. I wiped my eyes on my shoulder as I ran into the entrance of the hospital and towards the emergency room. “HELP! PLEASE!” I exclaimed with what little breath I had as I ran into the room.

It took one glance from the nurse to know exactly how bad it was as she started yelling to get help, I ignored her as I sat Michael down on one of the empty stretchers. I couldn’t speak as I tried to regain my breath as I cried over him as his breathing had completely stopped now. I put my hand over his heart but I felt nothing, not a single beat as I held it there. I looked back as several doctors rushed over and retrieved him and the stretcher, pushing him down the hallway towards an operating room.

I felt another doctor trying to pull me away as I tried to follow him. I can’t remember what I had yelled as they rolled my little brother away from me, but I knew the exact feeling I had felt. I eventually broke free of the doctors grasp only to be tackled by two others, I strained to try and get away from them and chase after my brother before I felt a sharp pain in my leg. I still tried to struggle but found myself slowly getting sleepier and sleepier as I lifted my arm one last time towards the door they had taken Michael through. “No...please...don’t take him away…” I managed to cry out as I finally blacked out.

Arc 1: Epilogue - Forsaken Hope

Epilogue - Forsaken Hope

August 14th, 2027 5:00 P.M.

Canterlot, Equestria

The capital of Equestria, Canterlot. A beautiful city that welcomed all species to visit, it is a home to high society of Equestria and those of noble blood. At least until recently this city was that. Now it was a fortress with soldiers stationed at every street corner and every storefront and home boarded up or now garrisoned by several different units within the solar and lunar guard. Along the sides of streets, barriers and blockades had been erected to slow any advances made within canterlot. At strategic points of the city mini-supply bases were created to do repairs to weapons and armor while also doubling as a medical area to help take care of would be wounded.

Yet all the preparations were still incomplete as far as I could see as I looked down at the city from a room provided to me and my daughter in the canterlot castle. Those who were to be a part of my squad in the coming war were also placed in the guest rooms of the Canterlot castle, including the lunar and solar guard that was to accompany us. As I watched the city, sprawled out below me under the balcony, I couldn’t help but feel nervous not because I was going into the enemy's territory, no it was because my daughter the one I care so much for and love as such was going with me. The one thing I can’t live without anymore was going to be fighting alongside me in greater danger than ever before and I don’t honestly know if I can defend her.

I’ve gotten into countless fights and I’ve seen her defend herself and maim many creatures to the point they’re unrecognizable and yet I still feared for her safety. In fact she is a lot stronger than I am and her inborn instincts will cause her to defend what she desires, what her natural greed deems her own. A dragon's greed extends beyond just treasures and belongings although I want to believe it is more than greed but I don’t know how I could explain it or even make myself believe it is more than that.

I look back to my daughter and wonder, where would she be without me? Or better yet where would I be without her? Perhaps that question is better left unanswered especially with how everything played out at certain points of our life together. A small time passed and she noticed me staring at her. Although no words had been spoken she somehow knew exactly how to comfort me, seeming to know what I had been thinking and what weighed heavily on my heart. She had walked over and hugged me tight, wrapping her wings around us. I brought my arms up and returned the embrace as I put my head into her shoulder trying to think of what to say before she broke the silence.

“I’ll be okay Dad, you know that.”

“But it doesn’t make me worry any less, you’re my daughter. My only family, my only daughter. The one thing I cherish over anything else in this world.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“What about Michael, Dad?”

“He’s a different kind of family Faelen, you are my daughter I chose you explicitly you bear my last name and I’ve been there to watch you grow from a sweet young dragon into a beautiful dragoness.”

She pulled away from me, although her scales were a deep maroon I could still feel the heat from her blush radiate from her. I motioned her to bend down and as she did so I planted a kiss on her forehead. “You will always be my daughter Faelen, and when the day comes or if it comes when you marry the creature of your dreams, I will be there for it. Although I will make sure they know not to hurt you.” I chuckled and gave her a wink. She rolled her eyes as she stood back up and walked over to an armor stand near the corner of the room.

She continued to look over the armor supplied to her by the princesses while I turned to my own set of armor. Although I had insisted that my standard armor was more than enough, they chose to ignore me and have a custom set made. Whereas most of my squads armor was made in the design of the personal guards armor of Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Twilight, mine was unique in the fact it was a un-affiliated design as I held no allegiance to any of the princesses let alone to Equestria.

To the world I was known by many names and many titles, but primarily I was known as the Traveller. A creature with no home, one that wandered that seemed to have no real goal but to hunt bounties that plagued a town. Once the bounties were gone, I disappeared without a trace. That one mysterious name had traveled far and wide and without my knowledge even to Equestria. Stories began to crop up here and there about me some to fear me and some to love me but my description remained the same, a mysterious creature that wore strange armor covered by a black woolen cloak.

This armor was directly from one of those stories, this story was a tale that rivaled Nightmare Moon. I suppose it suited me in reality. The base leather was a dark gray accented by silver. On the left breast was a glowing silver star that carried the source of magic for the armor, luckily for me it was a harmless magic that allowed the armor to be more flexible while keeping its strength. On the back of the cuirass in the upper right corner was a depiction of the me from the story wearing the armor before me but I was much larger, the nails on my hands were sharpened to a deadly point and my hood covered my face and then some, glowing eyes peered out from the shade of the hood. Covering the trimming of the accent of the armor were tiny black symbols that I recognized as runes used to provide magic to those without the ability to cast magic. The hoods trim though had a quote from the story, but in an old language not known to me. It said “Fear the Traveller”. My normal cloak only covered the right side of my body but was tossed up as the right arm was cast out with sword in hand ready to strike.

The actual armor simulated it almost perfectly and the cloak that it had was a black dark enough to hide anything moving through the night. The inside of the armor had a minimal amount of fur in order to keep me warm with the coming nights I’d spend awake along with the coming fall and winter months. This armor had to of cost a fortune to make not only due to its magical properties but because it was made explicitly for me by the armorer of the Princesses themselves.

Once I put on this armor, the first time I will shed another's blood in this armor it won’t be for my own gain. It will be to defend not only Equestria but all of Equus. Whereas my normal leather armor was tainted with the blood of so many creatures that were both good and bad. So many sins have been committed in this armor that I will never be able to rid myself of nor will Faelen be able to rid herself of.

My mood had fallen as I recalled what the story called me, The Traveller wasn’t an ordinary creature, it was the grim reaper himself given form outside of the realm of Tartarus. The Traveller murdered a village of over sixty creatures in the story and to be honest it didn’t differ much from what really happened. The amount had increased as the story had been told but in reality it was a village of thirty-six creatures. Ten Gryphons, eighteen Changelings, and eight Minotaurs.

It wasn’t a job I took pleasure in but it also wasn’t one that I had taken alone but luckily it was a year before I had adopted Faelen so she never had to witness the deaths of that day. The offerer of the bounty had brought together multiple bounty hunters or heroes as he took to calling us. It was Pneumbra the Minotaur, Vus the Pegasus, Taenth the Dragon and lastly, me. The reason we were called heroes by the Earth pony who had hired us wasn’t to boost our confidence but because of why he wanted us to eliminate this village. The others they took it on blindly while I asked questions and because I asked questions was the reason why the bounty took a turn for the worse.

I remember standing over the mound of Changelings and Gryphons as I watched Pneumbra and Taenth take care of the minotaurs while Vus had died on the initial attack by a magical shredding rune implanted around the outskirts of the village. Had I not asked anything, I believe Pneumbra and Taenth would likely still be alive today and willing to answer my call to arms I sent out to the lands of Equus. When the last minotaur was killed by Taenth ramming her arm through the minotaurs chest and ripping out his spine in the process, I felt a strange presence surround the village. Taenth and Pneumbra didn’t notice it as they went to regroup with me, my eyes went wide as I realized what was happening. I jumped down the pile of bodies and started running away from the town as fast as I could, both Taenth and Pneumbra doing the same. It was too late. In an instance we were surrounded by a sea of crimson that expanded as far as the eye could see, while I could feel the magic in the air casting an illusion spell the other two could not.

Although it wasn’t as many as they thought it was, it was still far overwhelmed by them. The one that lead them was the one who hired us, he told us it was nothing personal that he was just tying up loose ends primarily because I had been sticking my nose where it didn’t belong. This battle, was where the story came from and I can bet the one who had told it was one of the few that survived. Our enemies this time were regular Earth ponies and Pegasi but that was our mistake, we took them lightly. It was also their mistake that they took me lightly.

In the end I stood over the body of the Earth pony who had hired us with my boot on throat, my sword cast to the right as blood dripped from it. Blood had covered a good portion of my body enough to make me look demonic in the light of the blood red moon caused from the illusion. My hood was on over my head and I held my hand in front of me, each finger separated as I held something in my palm. It was one of the crimson soldiers hearts that I had cut out and now I stood over their leader thinking of ways to make him suffer.

In that sea of death that surrounded me I heard a scream then something rapidly retreating from the area. I ignored it as I felt their leader squirm to try and reach for a weapon just out of his reach. “I have travelled to hell tonight, and now you will as well.” those were the final words I spoke that night as I brought the heart high above my head and brought it down as hard as I could into his skull, crushing it almost instantly.

As the final part of that memory played I was brought back to the present as someone knocked on the door to our room. I opened the door and looked down at the two ponies who had knocked on the door, they were dressed in formal attire.

“We were ordered to retrieve you and the dragoness for dinner.” one spoke elegantly but with caution trying not to strike any nerves with me.

“Thank you, Faelen let's go get some food can’t plan on an empty stomach can we?” I asked her, she turned around and smiled at me before walking over.

“You’re going in this sir and madam?” the pony asked again as we both nodded. “I don’t believe armor is exactly-”

“I’m a bounty hunter sir, I don’t own any formal clothes.” I shrugged as the pony rolled his eyes.

“Does the dragoness at least?”

“Nope only this normal clothing, no need for anything formal it would get destroyed within the hour I wore it.” she chuckled.

The pony was dumbfounded but was brought back as the pony behind him cleared her throat. He shook his head and sighed, “Follow me then.”

The walk to the dining hall was a relatively quiet one save the sound of hooves, and feet shuffling along the carpet that was placed throughout the castle. When we arrived at the dining hall, who was there instantly put me on edge and put my mind into overdrive as I pulled out my sword with Faelen taking a defensive stance behind me. Sitting to the left of Celestia was Queen Chrysalis and to the left of her a face I thought I had seen the last of the night I saved Michael from the hive. Queen Nephilis.

As she made eye contact with me she screamed at the top of her lungs and dove behind the cover of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, causing everybody in the room except for the princesses, Chrysalis, and Discord to stare at us nervously.

“What are the changelings doing here Princess Celestia, let alone how is Queen Nephilis ALIVE?!”

Princess Celestia and Luna were now giving me an odd look as if I had gone crazy. “They’re here as allies in this Robert, it is only fitting we show them the same kindness we are showing you all. As for how Queen Nephilis is still alive, I can’t say I have any idea what you’re talking about.” Celestia stated as she waved a hoof at the cowering changeling behind her. Queen Chrysalis smiled as she looked at me with hunger.

“The anger, the hatred, the loathing. What brings these feelings to you human, is it the sight of changelings or simply Nephilis?”

“These feelings Queen Chrysalis come from a history between me and her, and I thought I had ended that history 2 months ago. Why don’t you ask her yourself? Ask her why she should cower away from me? Ask her why I will do everything in my-” I felt Faelen place a hand on my shoulder pulling me out of my rage as I looked around the room as the others wore varying degrees of scared and concerned faces.

“Thank you Faelen.” I whispered back to her before returning my attention to her. “She obviously hasn’t told you what she’s done to me let alone to Michael or Mistress Thyxia. She hasn’t told you anything of the hell she’s put me through or the deeds I committed the day that I killed her.”

Chrysalis’ smile faded to a frown as she looked down at the other Queen who was now wishing for me to go away. “So you are the cause of her rather odd behavior.” she looked up at me. “Even though you have a history with her know that her previous actions do not align with the changeling races objectives. Especially now, I would not be here seeking the help of Equestria if I didn’t need to, I understand that hatred and anger you feel. Even after my attempts at invading and controlling Canterlot, I was still accepted by the Princesses of Equestria to come here to negotiate a treaty and gain a powerful ally in this war.”

I looked down at my sword, “You understand how I feel Queen Chrysalis? But do you actually understand?”

“I believe I do human.”

“So you understand why I would love nothing more than to kill her over and over again?”

Her eye twitched after I said that showing annoyance. “I won’t go as far as that, as I have no clue what she has done to deserve that kind of hatred.”

I looked up at her and started walking towards them, all eyes were on me now but mine were concentrated on a certain amber changeling. I stopped next to both of them and sheathed my sword, holding a hand out to the now begging queen.

“You will never understand the anger, sadness, or suffering she put me through.” As I put my hand on her head I saw Queen Chrysalis tense up but Princess Celestia put her hoof up and shook her head. “Put Mistress Thyxia through, that she put Michael through than Queen Chrysalis.” I slid my hand along her mane then kept doing it as her crying faded as she looked up at me like a lost child. “I am angry, angrier than I have ever been before but time and time again I have been angry and in that anger I find an answer. Zachary or rather Zeke forgave me for not being able to save him from you, Nephilis, but he also forgave you in the end. It’s why he was able to finally find peace and move on, he understood I didn’t need his protection anymore. Thyxia wouldn’t have wanted me to do what I did to you that night, nor did Michael even though you tortured him within an inch of his life.”

She looked confused and distraught as I continued to speak. “Perhaps...it's time I forgave you as well Nephilis more importantly ask your forgiveness for the way I attacked you that night. I should have shown you mercy, I should have let you go with a warning. I’ll tell you something though, you aren’t the first one I’ve been merciless towards, and by far not the last, but you are the first I can wholeheartedly apologize to.”

“Although you will never be able to trust me fully, at least place trust in the princesses that I am an ally to all living creatures not under Grimoire Dusk’s control. I will commit deeds in this war that others cannot bear if need be in the name of Equus.” I grabbed her front right hoof as I felt her try to jerk away from me but I held on tight as I stood up. “I will bear your hatred Nephilis, I will bear the burden of the sin I committed.” She charged her horn with a fire spell causing the others in the room to go on the alert.

“NO NEPHILIS!” Queen Chrysalis screamed. It was too late as the room was filled with a vibrant light surrounding both me and Queen Nephilis, she had created an eruption of green flame around us as I continued to hold her hoof tight. She was screaming in fear with tears streaming down her face as she shot bolt after bolt at me, scorching my armor and skin but doing nothing more.

I will bear this pain I thought as I watched the struggling changeling desperately try to escape from me. I will bear your wrath. My wrath. I pulled her closer to me as I wrapped my arms around her head and placed her against my chest. I will defend you all, even if it kills me. The bolts of fire magic had come to a halt as I did so while she cried furiously into my chest but the fire on my armor had not faded while the wall was starting to dwindle.

Even if it calls for me to lose my humanity. Those in the room were all looking at the both of us scared out of their wits, even the princesses and Chrysalis. Most of my armor had been burnt to a crisp while other parts remained relatively unscathed from the volley. I looked at Queen Chrysalis with a frown, “Queen Chrysalis I have a request to add to this treaty if you would hear it.”

She was brought out of her stupor as I spoke. “How did you survive that?!” she exclaimed as she pointed a hoof at me.

I looked down at the changeling who was sniffling now as she allowed me to hug her. “It isn’t that I survived Queen Chrysalis it's that she survived. Perhaps you don’t see the damage done to her own body and mana pool from expending that amount of magic in one fowl swoop.” She directed her attention to Nephilis, her hair had been burnt up to the middle of her neck and there were scorch marks littering her own body. Her chitin that had been a vibrant amber color was now a splotchy mixture of amber and dull yellow.

“This is what I had expected to happen and lo and behold it did. This makes it easier to make the request.” I looked her in the eyes and let go of Nephilis before kneeling onto a knee. “Queen Chrysalis, I request that you place Queen Nephilis under my command.” I heard her stomp her hoof nearly cracking the chair beneath her.

“Never! Why would I agree to a request like that?! Especially after you blatantly stated that you were the one who murdered her!”

I looked over to Nephilis who was equally confused. “Her power will be needed, most of those on my squad save for two know my real self thus can’t work with me on certain operations that will require certain mindsets. Queen Nephilis however, she knows more about me than I care to admit she dissected a part of my mind and knows things about me that no one on the face of this planet or Earth know.” Queen Chrysalis glared at Nephilis in clear disgust. I put up my arm to protect her from Chrysalis.

The seeds of distrust have been planted I thought.“This is one of the many acts she has committed not only on the soil of the Badlands but in various places in Equestria. I offer a chance at redeeming herself in a way that will benefit us all.”

“I see.” Chrysalis stated as she put a hoof to her chin thinking on the matter no doubt.

“Would you rather her be at your side where she could plot to kill you or her be at my side furthering our efforts to end this war as quickly as possible?”

I watched as fear flashed ever so briefly across her eyes as she looked up to us, “How do you expect her to obey you if she fears you so much already?”

I smiled, “She may fear me, she may hate me, but out of everything she will trust me. Even if it is slow she will learn to trust me, her life is already in my hands at this point, it has been since I walked through those doors.”

She looked a bit impressed, “So that rage was an act?”

“Yes and no, I told you that in my anger I can find an answer at first the rage was real believe me, everyone here wasn’t taken aback by me yelling but how the very feeling in the air changed.” I pointed out as she nodded.

“That is true. From this point until this war is over Queen Nephilis shall reject her royal status and control of her hive will come under me. You are a queen no longer Nephilis, you will follow every order that...” she pointed her hoof at me trying to recall my name.

“The Traveller.” I stated flatly as I heard someone in the back of the room gasp at the mention of the name.

“You shall follow every order the Traveller should give you no matter how small or how large the task. If you should disobey him, the punishment will be up to him. However if you attempt to harm him, unless you were ordered to by him, he will burn you alive until there is nothing left but smoldering ash. Do you agree to these terms Traveller? Nephilis?” she asked.

Nephilis stood up and went to object but I shot her a look over my shoulder, it’s the best you’re going to get Nephilis trust me, don’t try to disagree. I thought to her, although she didn’t want to look me in the eyes the message got across clearly. “I-I agree to these terms my Queen.” she knelt down on her forelegs.

“I also agree to these terms Queen Chrysalis.” I bowed to her as I saw her charge her horn with a binding magic. She had let it connect with Nephilis but I side-stepped and negated the magic.

“I thought you agreed to the terms?!”

“Magic is harmful to humans, if I allowed you to bind me in such a way I could potentially die at least with the current state of my armor now. Let me use something else to hold the binding, Queen Chrysalis.” I pulled out the wolf pendant that Michael had given me years ago.

“What significance is this?” she asked bluntly.

“It was a gift from Michael, the one she nearly killed. The one I killed her in turn for. There are few possessions that I’d risk my life for and this is one of them, bind this so that if either of us should break the terms it will be destroyed and Nephilis killed as ordered.”

She agreed to this with a smile as she cast the binding spell again, the wolf pendant burned bright before the fire imploded into pendant causing the ruby eyes to glow as if on fire. I stowed away the now bound pendant before turning to Nephilis. “Nephilis.” she looked up at me hesitantly. “I am your leader now, and thus your ally. Show me the demon that nearly killed my brother, that’s the Nephilis we’re going to need tomorrow night. We need yo-”

The room grew cold and the air still as I stopped mid-sentence feeling a chill go down my spine, one that like I had never felt before. You could hear the breathing of everybody in the room as the torches in the room went out forcing the magic users in the room to create light to see. I felt an evil presence approaching the doors to the dining hall and with it the chill got worse and worse. This isn’t a chill, what is this? I thought rapidly as I tried to find an answer to the question. I looked over to Luna who was now standing ready to attack, her eyes scanned everything in the room and everyone as well creating a plan no doubt if it was the worst.

I drew my sword as the princesses charged their horns with magic before creating a blade of magic near themselves. Queen Chrysalis had created a blade made of green flames. Nephilis was no longer scared, she was now the changeling I had been attacked by two months ago. Her eyes were cold and calculating, ready to fight to the death you could tell she had forgotten about me. Discord stood on the ground with a peculiar looking set of armor and sword that was easily half his body size. That must be his armor from the Shadow War. I thought absentmindedly as I watched the element bearers take cover behind all of us in the corner of the dining hall. Faelen had flown immediately to me curling around me as if sensing the intent to kill coming from the other side of the doors. I drew my sword and readied myself for the worst.

Moments passed and nothing happened, slowly the evil presence had faded from the castle and eventually disappeared altogether at least to the point no one in the room could sense it. Right as we started to relax again the doors slammed open as wounded guard missing a front foreleg and an ear with a bloody gash running from the ear down to the torn off appendage. “The shield...the shield has fallen.” he managed to sputter out before falling to the ground as he finally died from blood loss.

“I-i-is he dead?” I heard Fluttershy start to cry as I glared back at all of them before pointing to Nephilis and Faelen then to the door. They took the order as it came and left the room with me following closely behind.

“Where are you going?!” Twilight screamed after us.

I stopped and half-turned to address her with a scowl that bore no remorse. “Our peace has been cut short and The Traveller walks once more to the beat of the drums calling his name.”

“You really are the Traveller? The one who killed that village for nothing?” Pinkie Pie asked as if she waited for a hopeful answer.

Her facts were distorted as the story had made them, perhaps it was better they didn’t understand the truth. I looked into her eyes as I spoke, “That I am Pinkie Pie, that’s why this is my war as much as it is yours. This is the Demons War.” the air stood still as I turned away from the ones I had called friends for so long but now they would hardly consider me an acquaintance.

“It’s better you stay away from us, us humans, we can never escape our fate. Our lust for blood, to see others writhe in pain for our amusement. No matter how much we try we will never escape our true nature. We are demons and we always will be.” With those final words I continued to the tower to don the armor that would make my name feared for generations to come.